NewHampshire.com Communities

Music School’s Annual Christmas Folk Concert, Dec. 12

AskLisa — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:51:00 GMT

CONCORD, NH – In what has become a favorite tradition, the Concord Community Music School invites you to usher in the holiday season with its annual Christmas Folk Concert featuring David Surette, Susie Burke and Kent Allyn. The concert is scheduled for 7:30 pm, Saturday, Dec 12, in the Music School’s Recital Hall at 23 Wall Street in Concord.

The concert includes new, and often humorous, renditions of traditional holiday tunes. Burke and Surette perform regularly throughout New England and have toured nationally. They have more than half a dozen CDs between them and have collected numerous awards.

Surette’s technique on guitar, banjo and other instruments is “impeccable, and his touch and phrasing are immediately recognizable,” according to Acoustic Guitar. Burke “possesses one of the finest, purest ballad sopranos heard in folk music today,” reported The Boston Globe. Allyn, called “everyone’s favorite sideman,” has played piano, bass and guitar in numerous recordings and with a host of performing artists from around the country.

Surette and Allyn are members of the Concord Community Music School faculty. This year’s folk department concerts are sponsored by Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc.

Get your tickets soon, as this performance frequently sells out. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, and may be bought at the door or in advance at the Music School. For more information, call (603) 228-1196 or visit www.ccmusicschool.org.

About the Artists:

Warmth, vitality, and spontaneity mark the performances of Susie Burke and David Surette, and have earned them a reputation as one of the finest acts on the lively New England folk scene. Susie’s beautiful, complex voice and David’s graceful, nimble-fingered string playing combine with extraordinary results on their own blend of contemporary, traditional, and original folk and acoustic music. Together since 1988, Susie and David have built a steady following for their music, a following that is continuing to grow with the release of their When the Small Birds Sweetly Sing CD in 2008. Recipients of Individual Artist Fellowship awards from the NH State Council on the Arts, Susie and David are also on the Council's Touring Arts roster. Between their solo and duo projects, they have released eight albums since 1990 on the Madrina Music label, to positive response from both critics and audiences. Together, they bring skill, taste, feeling, and pure enjoyment to their music, and are bringing their music to an ever-widening circle of listeners.

Kent Allyn is widely considered to be everyone’s favorite sideman by both audiences and performers. In addition to his work with Susie and David, his long list of recording and performing credits includes Ben Baldwin & the Big Note, Cosy Sheridan, Brooks Williams, and The Night Heron Consort, to name just a few. Kent is on the faculty of the Music School and also teaches at Berwick Academy in South Berwick, Maine.

BOD Man's Hottest Bod Contest Heats Up with New Hampshire man in the lead

AskLisa — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:46:00 GMT

Nashua resident Chad McCue is competing in a national competition, sponsored by popular men's fragrance BOD Man, to prove he has the "Hottest Bod in the World." Chad beat out thousands of other hopefuls to make the competition's "Hot 96." Now he and the other 95 guys will duke it out by trying to win as many duels as possible on http://www.hottestbodintheworld.com. If Chad wins his duel, he advances to the next round; if he loses, he's out.

More about the contest:

New York, NY – November 24, 2009 - Parfums de Coeur, creators of the hit men's fragrance BOD Man®, and online agency dotbox have announced the top 96 contestants for their Hottest Bod in the World online competition. The top three finalists will be announced December 15, 2009 and the winner in early January, 2010.

The "Hot 96" contestants from throughout the U.S. will compete in five knockout elimination rounds between now and December 15, 2009 for a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Hollywood, $10,000 in cash and a chance to show off their hot bod on one of the biggest billboards in Hollywood. Fans drive the contest, deciding the outcome of every individual duel with their votes. And, from December 15 - 23, 2009, it’s down to the final three, with popular voting determining who’s the absolute hottest.

The competition celebrates the launch of the newest BOD Man® fragrance - BODY HEAT SEXY x 2 cologne spray. Since it began in October, thousands of hard-bodied men have entered seeking fame, fortune and thousands of fans. The "Hot 96" contestants were chosen after fans cast more than 100,000 votes at http://www.hottestbodintheworld.com.

For the next several weeks, these guys will compete in bracket-style rounds, similar to the format for the NCAA Tournament. Contestants who win a duel will move on to the next round. Losers are out.

The top three of the "Hot 96" will win a free trip to Hollywood and a visit to the Playboy Mansion. But only one hottie will win $10,000 cash AND the title of Hottest Bod in the World (as voted on by fans) and featured on a giant billboard just above the posh, soon-to-be-opened W Hollywood Residences at Hollywood & Vine.

Fans can go to http://www.HottestBodintheWorld.com to vote on the top three hottest bods and find hotties in their area using the site's Heat Map.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway Announces the Return of the ACT Invitational in 2010

AskLisa — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:44:00 GMT

LOUDON, N.H. (November 25, 2009) - The American Canadian Tour (ACT) and New Hampshire Motor Speedway have reached an agreement for the Second Annual ACT Invitational to take place at the only superspeedway in the Northeast on Saturday, September 18, 2010.

"The overwhelming success of the inaugural ACT Invitational this past September made it an easy decision to have the short track stars of our region return again next September," said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway. "I really appreciate NASCAR's Mike Helton and his team for working with us again this year to add the Invitational to an already jam-packed schedule."

Thirty-six teams from all six New England states, Quebec, and Ontario took part in the inaugural ACT Invitational during the SYLVANIA 300 weekend this past September. One of the largest Saturday crowds in the 19-year history of the speedway was treated to an action packed tripleheader of racing featuring the American Canadian Tour Late Models, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

"We really thought things went great at New Hampshire Motor Speedway during the first ACT Invitational last season," said Tom Curley, president of ACT. "I would expect things to be even more fun for our teams and fans in 2010. We will add some laps to the event, and are discussing the possibility of allowing a tire change during the event. We will also add some positions to the starting field."

Teams were qualified for the first Invitational by winning ACT and ACT Castrol Series events in the United States, Quebec, and Ontario. Additional teams qualified through special events such as the Oxford Plains Speedway TD BANK 250 in Oxford, Maine, and the Vermont Governor's Cup at Thunder Road Speedbowl in Barre, Vt. Individual track champions from ACT affiliated tracks were also invited to attend the inaugural Invitational.

"We plan to change some of the qualifying procedures as we continue to make this one of the most unique and exciting short track events in the country," said Curley.

"It is no secret that New Hampshire Motor Speedway is my very favorite track of all time," said 2009 ACT Champion, Brian Hoar from Williston, Vt. "I can't tell you how happy I am that we are going back."

Race fans from throughout the short tracks of the Northeast will now need to circle the weekend of September 17-19, 2010. The first of the qualifying events for the 2010 ACT Invitational will be held just down the road from New Hampshire Motor Speedway at the Lee USA Speedway in Lee, N.H. Over 50 teams are expected to try and capture the first invitation at the opening 150-lap event on Sunday, April 18, 2010.

To purchase tickets for the New Hampshire Motor Speedway LENOX Industrial Tools 301 and SYLVANIA 300 weekends, please call our Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931 or visit the speedway online at http://www.nhms.com.

December Bach’s Lunch Celebrates the Season of Light

AskLisa — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:42:00 GMT

CONCORD, NH – The Bach’s Lunch Series, running from November through June, offers free, informal lunch-hour lectures the first Thursday of every month and a related concert the following Thursday in the Music School’s Recital Hall, 23 Wall St., downtown Concord. On December 3^rd, Hannah Schramm Murray, a member of the Music School’s voice faculty, will present a lecture entitled “American Christmas Traditions in Song.” The following Thursday, December 10^th, Jane Berlin Pauley, Peggo Horstmann Hodes, and Hannah Schramm Murray, members of the voice faculty, who perform together as Trillium, will present “In Dulci Jubilo,” celebrating the season of light. Both the lecture and concert begin at 12:10 p.m. and end by 12:50 p.m.

On Dec. 3^rd, Ms. Murray will take the audience on a tour of the great musical Christmas traditions of the United States. This lecture will explore Christmas music from several American regions and traditions, including music from Appalachia, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and the Southern gospel tradition. Audience members will discover the roots of this music and where it is headed, as well as foster a new appreciation for the great tapestry of American traditions. The vocal ensemble Trillium will present works of Praetorius, Rutter, and many others during a mostly a cappella concert on December 10^th.

The Bach’s Lunch Series received a 2007 Best of NH Award from New Hampshire Magazine, named as an Editor's Pick - “best place to bring a brown-bag lunch.” The Bach’s Lunch Series is sponsored by The Duprey Companies and The Timothy and Abigail B. Walker Lecture Fund. Call 603-228-1196 for information, or visit the website http://www.ccmusicschool.org.

About the Artists:

Hannah Schramm Murray, soprano, received her master’s in music from Westminster Choir College. Additional studies include Connecticut College (B.A.), the Royal Academy of Music in London, and Middlebury College’s Deutsch fur Sängerin program. Mrs. Murray has been a member of the voice faculty at CCMS since 2000, and is currently a music faculty member at St. Paul’s School. She has also taught at Endicott College, Boston Conservatory outreach program, and the Community Music School of Springfield. Mrs. Murray has performed throughout the Northeastern United States, been a soloist for the Nashua Symphony, and the Paul Madore Chorale, Trinity United Methodist Church in Springfield, and The Opera Circle. Mrs. Murray is an active member of NATS.

Jane Berlin-Pauley, soprano, received her bachelor of music in performance from Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts and her master’s degree from the New England Conservatory of Music. She pursued further studies at Westminster Choir College, Manhattan School of Music, Aspen Opera Theater Center and the Tanglewood Music Center. Her opera and concert engagements include Rutgers Summerfest, New England Lyric Operetta, Dartmouth Handel Society, Longwood Opera and Opera D’amore. Her teachers include Susan Clickner, Bruce Kolb, Cynthia Hoffman and William Sharp.

Peggo Horstmann Hodes, soprano, holds master’s degrees in Elementary Education from Lesley College and Vocal Pedagogy from the New England Conservatory. Peggo has been soloist with the Boston Civic Symphony, New Hampshire Symphony, the Granite State Symphony, the Concord Chorale and the Musicians of Wall Street. In recital, she has premiered works written for her by William Fletcher and Thomas Oboe Lee. Horstmann Hodes is a founding member of femme m’amie, the seven-woman a cappella ensemble, which has recorded two highly acclaimed CDs. She is also half of the duo Peggo & Paul, the New Hampshire recording artists who have gained an international reputation for their original family recordings, two of which won Parents’ Choice Awards. Horstmann Hodes teaches a workshop called Vibrant Voice, which combines creative singing and writing to free the voice and soul. She has led workshops in Hawaii, California, New York, Maine, and New Hampshire. At the Music School, she is a member of the voice faculty and leads the vocal ensemble Karitas.

Gigunda’s Charmin Restrooms competing for AdWeek’s Promotion of the Decade

AskLisa — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:39:00 GMT

Vote today to send Gigunda and Charmin over the top!

In December, the editors at Adweek Media will select the best marketing, media and agency performances of the decade, covering 2000 through 2009, across 33 categories. These will be their choices for the people, companies, brands, products and creative work that most influenced the industry and came to define the era.

But first, the editors are looking for the readers’ choices. They have narrowed each category to a handful of top candidates.

Gigunda Group's Charmin NYC Restroom Experience program has been nominated for the Promotion of the Decade!

Help Gigunda win a Reader’s Choice award and VOTE TODAY to keep Charmin in the lead to win the category. Click the link below or paste the url into your browser to vote for Gigunda and Charmin!

http://www.bestofthe2000s.com/brand3.html

Choose "Charmin's restrooms in Times Square" and click "Vote."

About Gigunda
Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, Gigunda Group is an innovative experiential marketing agency prides itself on being idea instigators and insight experts. Gigunda has activated experiential programs such as the groundbreaking Charmin Red Cross of Restrooms campaign in New York City and Tide Loads of Hope. In addition to P&G, Gigunda’s client roster includes brands such as Sony, Yahoo, Activision, Kellogg’s, Nike, GlaxoSmithKline, Mars Snackfood and Stanley.

Last year, Promo Magazine named them the most creative agency in the United States. The company has won more than 60 industry awards since 2007 and was honored with the prestigious P&G Family Care Inspiration Award in 2006.

Frost Heaves returns with holiday hilarity, Dec. 11-12

AskLisa — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:34:00 GMT

Peterborough, NH – Frost Heaves, chosen as the Best Granite State Variety Show by the editors of New Hampshire Magazine, returns to the Peterborough Players theatre with an all-new show on December 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m.

"We're holding the show on the anniversary of the Great Ice Storm of 2008 just to show we're not superstitious," said Fred Marple, unofficial spokesman for the town. "Knock on wood." (Marple also noted that he would be bringing his chain saw and enough beans to feed everyone, just in case.)

Frost Heaves, the most under-appreciated town in New Hampshire, is the creation of humorist Ken Sheldon. "It's a town, it's a variety show, it's an excuse for not getting a real job," says Sheldon. This time out, the Frost Heaves Players will revisit the ice storm, eavesdrop on Santa during his OSHA compliance review and present Extreme Makeover: Christmas Tree Edition. Life's Little Mystery Theatre, a regular feature, will answer the question, "Why does the whole string go out when one Christmas bulb blows?" Fred Marple will give the latest news from Frost Heaves--including the story of the missing Christmas carolers--and audience favorites The Speed Bumps band will play Christmas singalongs and classic hits. At each performance, the band and cast create a "Song on the Spot" based on audience suggestions.

Attendees have acclaimed Frost Heaves as "a hit," "incredible," and "so much more professional than I thought it would be." Performances are Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, general admission, and are available at the door, at the Toadstool and Steeles in Peterborough, at Rousseau's music in Jaffrey, online at http://www.frostheaves.com, or by calling 603-525-3391. A special group discount is available at frostheaves.com. Visit http://www.frostheaves.com to see video clips from previous shows.

Cardinals secure another gridiron title behind group from Bedford

Bedford Editor — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:18:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY Once an inexperienced pack, this group of Jaguars became strong, fast and dangerous. Bishop Guertin’s football team won its fifth Division II title in six years led by a large group Bedford residents. Many have played together since their days in the town’s youth program. “They're athletic, and they’re really just a special group of players,” said Guertin head coach Tony Johnson. “They came in from a great program, and they were ready to go...(read more)

Lurgio students to ‘Pay It Forward’

Bedford Editor — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:14:00 GMT

BY KATHY REMILLARD Anthropologist Margaret Mead once wrote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful people can change the world.” Students at Ross J. Lurgio Middle School will see if that’s true this year as they embark on a new community service project. It’s called “Pay It Forward,” and it’s loosely based on the Hollywood movie of the same name. The premise is simple: Students will go out into the community and perform an act of kindness for three...(read more)

Supporting veterans’ families

Bedford Editor — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:11:00 GMT

BY CHELSEY POLLOCK When last year’s ice storm hit New Hampshire, Pam Williams spent 13 days without power and her basement filled with a foot and a half of water, destroying precious antiques and food reserves. All this happened just weeks after Williams’ daughter, Jessica, was deployed for a yearlong tour in Iraq, leaving her two young children in their grandmother’s care. That’s when Williams got a visit from Suki Carey, the woman she calls her “angel.” Carey...(read more)

Turkey raffle nets big results

Bedford Editor — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:08:00 GMT

BY KATHY REMILLARD Students at Peter Woodbury Elementary School had an extra incentive to participate in a recent school fundraiser. The school sponsored a turkey raffle to raise money for its ongoing schoolyard improvement project, and while the top three ticket sellers received a $25 gift certificate to Hart’s Turkey Farm, the students who sold the winning tickets got a chance to smash a cream pie into the faces of staff members who volunteered for the job. “The kids get so excited...(read more)

Bedford residents voice cemetery grief

Bedford Editor — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:05:00 GMT

BY DARRELL HALEN Since Morgan Elizabeth Jones died six years ago, her young daughter has left special items at her grave in Old Bedford Cemetery – holiday figurines, letters, even a “Happy Birthday” balloon. It’s helped a young girl keep a connection to her late mother. But she won’t be allowed to leave any more mementos if new rules and regulations written by the town’s cemetery trustees are put into effect. Those new rules, including restrictions on leaving items...(read more)

Second chance for Route 101

Bedford Editor — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:00:00 GMT

BY HOLLY DAVIS Supporters of widening Route 101 got good news on Wednesday, Nov. 18, as the project was tentatively added back into the state’s 10-Year Transportation Improvement plan. The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Intermodal Transportation added several additional projects to the plan, which it will finalize on Dec. 9. The final presentation to Gov. John Lynch takes place on Dec. 15. Bedford officials see this as a step in the right direction. “Personally, I’m very...(read more)

Screamin’ Eagles finally ousted in Connecticut

Goffstown Editor — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:56:00 GMT

The Goffstown Screamin’ Eagles’ perfect season ended in the American Youth Football New England Regional championship game on Saturday, Nov. 21, in Meriden CT. The sixthgrade state champs were outsized and outmatched by the Bridgeport Chargers, 25-12. Even in defeat, the team refused to succumb without a fight, battling back from an 18-0 deficit with two fourthquarter scores. The defense prevented this game from becoming a blowout. Zack Comeau led the squad with 12 tackles. Connor Bourque...(read more)

Goffstown junior high team earns shutout and second straight championship

Goffstown Editor — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:53:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY The Goffstown Screamin’ Eagles junior high school varsity football team has enjoyed its share of blowouts, but the Division 2 title game wasn’t one of them. Mark Hurley didn’t mind. “If you are just running away with the game, I guess it’s fun, but it doesn’t mean as much,” said the Goffstown head coach. “To win a smashmouth kind of game like that – where both sides really have to execute – is fantastic.” The Eagles...(read more)

Boat business dispute sails away from owner

Goffstown Editor — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:49:00 GMT

BY DAN O’BRIEN The battle over an illegally operated Danis Park Road boat business has sailed in a favorable direction for concerned neighbors. After an unusual urging by the Board of Selectmen, the Zoning Board of Adjustment reversed an earlier decision Nov. 10 saying property owner Scott Buckland could not operate a boat repair business at his residence. The Zoning Board voted Aug. 4 to allow the business to operate after Buckland said his late father-in-law, Aiden Roy, who previously owned...(read more)

Weare asphalt plant proposal denied

Goffstown Editor — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:45:00 GMT

BY DAN O’BRIEN

The Weare Planning Board denied an application Wednesday, Nov. 18, for a controversial asphalt production facility on River Road, but the abrupt decision had even opponents of the project puzzled.

The meeting only lasted five minutes, and the board did not allow public input.

Mt. William Inc. owner, Chris Bolton, proposed to construct a 4-ton to 6-ton hot mix asphalt production facility on the property of his current sand and gravel plant at 1225 River Road. The idea brought a huge amount of opposition from the community, with 51 neighbors hiring Concord-based attorney Jed Callen to represent them.

About 150 people attended a public hearing on the issue Sept. 30, and about half that number was present at the Nov. 18 meeting.

Planning Board Chairman Craig Francisco said after the meeting that the board made its unanimous decision to deny Mt. William Inc.’s proposal after consulting with the town’s counsel, Bill Drescher, but would not disclose the reasoning behind Drescher’s opinion. A document of the opinion has been sealed from public view, and Francisco said he would not comment further.

Bolton indicated he might appeal the Planning Board’s decision to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

At issue was whether construction of an asphalt mixing plant, which would typically be allowed in an industrial zone, could be built at the Mt. William Inc. property, which lies in a commercial zone.

Bolton had argued the original facility was grandfathered past current zoning regulations.

Callen has continuously argued the town’s zoning ordinances prohibited the Planning Board from even accepting Bolton’s plan from the start of the application process because its proposed use was not allowed in the zone, which raises the question of how his application got so far along.

“It’s elementary. It should have been blatantly obvious,” Callen said after the meeting. “It’s inconceivable to me that he didn’t realize it … and that nobody raised it to him.”

Bolton’s brother, Frank Bolton, is a member of the Planning Board and has removed himself from handling the Mt. William Inc. application. Naomi Bolton, the town administrator and town planner, is Chris Bolton’s sister-inlaw, and her husband works at Mt. William Inc.

Chris Bolton tried to speak publicly at the Planning Board meeting, which is typically allowed, but the board members prohibited him from doing so after not allowing public input. Bolton had tried to ask a question about whether his proposal could be considered as an accessory use.

Callen said he didn’t understand why the Planning Board decided to hold a meeting, which was specifically for discussing the Mt. William proposal, when it could have submitted a letter to Bolton and abutters denying the application based on the counsel’s opinion.

“I’m happy with the outcome,” Callen said. “I expected the board’s response by sending a letter. Then we wouldn’t have had to give up our evening.”

Callen added that he spent many hours in preparation of the meeting, of which the cost will have to be passed on to the residents who hired him.

“We’ll take this as far as it has to go,” said Eric Rineheimer, an outspoken resident who lives adjacent to the site. “It’s not an appropriate use for that location.”

Neighbors say the site is a p rotected natural area and raised concerns about air and water pollution, increased truck traffic, a decrease in property values and safety issues due to an increased amount of hazardous materials.

Bolton left the meeting shortly after it ended and could not be reached for comment.

Treatment fund started for K-9 with cancer

Goffstown Editor — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:42:00 GMT

BY KATHY REMILLARD

When Weare police Sgt. Joe Kelley met up with his partner, Mica, on Saturday, Nov. 14, he knew something wasn’t right.

The 4-year-old Belgian Malinois was weak and sick to her stomach. When Kelley tried to feed her, she wouldn’t eat. A local vet diagnosed Mica with lymphoma the following day.

Mica will require roughly 19 weeks of treatment for the cancer, treatment that the town of Weare has no budget for.

“Cancer treatment is expensive. It could be $5,000 to $10,000, you never know,” said Kelley.

Weare is working with a default budget this year, and though the Police Department has decided to go ahead with Mica’s treatment, there is no way to pay for it.

New Boston resident and longtime supporter of the K- 9 program, Don Lyons, has started the Weare Police K-9 Relief Fund, so residents can make donations to assist with Mica’s vet bills. So far, said Kelley, response has been overwhelming.

“The K-9 program is important to me, but I had no idea how much support was out there,” said Kelley.

Kelley has received calls from New York to Nebraska, from people who saw the story online and wanted to make a donation to the fund. He said he even got a call from Weare Middle School administration, who said students were already collecting money on Mica’s behalf.

“It’s unbelievable – these kids want to give their lunch money,” Kelley said.

Kelley and Mica have been partners for three years, and Kelley is proud of Mica’s job performance. She assisted in finding a missing 4-year-old Weare boy in August 2008 and has been a part of several police investigations, both in Weare and surrounding communities.

“She’s really done some special stuff,” Kelley said.

In May, Mica won seven awards in a K-9 championship in Falmouth, Maine, and placed first in several categories.

Mica has already begun her once-weekly chemotherapy treatments. Kelley said because the regimen affects dogs differently than people, she probably won’t lose a noticeable amount of fur and may even still be able to work in between appointments.

“We’ll just take it easy and see how much she can do,” said Kelley.

Donations may be made to the Weare Police K-9 Relief Fund at any TD Bank branch.

“A lot of people have come forward to help,” said Kelley, “I’m just hoping it will be enough to save her.”

SAU 24 head resigns

Goffstown Editor — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:40:00 GMT

BY SARAH LEBRUN

Students and staff at SAU 24 will see a new face filling the position of superintendent in mid-February.

Doug White, superintendent of SAU 24, serving Henniker, Weare and Stoddard, gave the SAU board his resignation at the end of October.

White has taken the position of superintendent in the Old Rochester Regional School District in Massachusetts.

“I’ve truly loved my experience every day here, and I’ve loved my experience in New Hampshire,” said White.

White was been the superintendent at SAU 24 for two years, and prior to that, assistant superintendent for three years. He currently earns an annual salary of $109,000.

White said for the past five years, he has been living in two different worlds, and took the job to be closer to his family.

Every Sunday morning, he leaves his family home in Plymouth, Mass., and doesn’t return until Friday night. During the week, he lives in a condo in Pembroke.

“You never know when an opportunity is going to come up to be closer to your home and your family,” said White. “I’ve been able to do this with a very understanding family and great committment from both the SAU staff and in the schools.”

According to SAU 24 board Chairman Marjorie Burke, interviews are not yet taking place to fill White’s position. She also said an interim superintendent will be used when White leaves to finish out the year, and hopes to have somebody hired full time by July 1.

“While we’re very sad to see him go, we certainly wish him well in his new venture,” said Burke.

Betsey Dodge dies in crash

Goffstown Editor — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:34:00 GMT

BY KATHY REMILLARD

New Boston residents are mourning the loss of longtime resident Betsey Dodge.

Dodge, 70, died from injuries suffered in a car accident near her home on Nov. 19.

She was a lifelong resident of New Boston and taught there for more than 21 years. After she resigned from teaching in 1990 to care for her aging parents, she remained an active member of the New Boston community, focusing much of her time on the New Boston Conservation Committee, which she helped found 35 years ago.

“The Conservation Committee was her baby,” said Dodge’s brother, Willard. “It had become her life as of late.”

Burr Tupper, co-chairman of the committee, is still reeling from the news.

“I was absolutely shocked when I heard that this had happened,” said Tupper.

Tupper worked with Dodge for the past nine years and often thought of Dodge as the town’s unofficial historian. “You could never ask her something without getting a digression or story or lesson about the town,” Tupper said. “It was a pleasure to work with her.”

Tupper said that, as with many small towns, managing growth is an ongoing issue. Dodge saw it as her mission to ensure New Boston maintain its rural character, while understanding that some growth would be inevitable.

“The key thing was that she was for responsible development,” Tupper said. “There are just some pieces of land that shouldn’t be built on, but she was absolutely for fair play.”

Tupper described Dodge as “a dynamo,” someone who never shied away from a job that needed to be done. What many may not know about Betsey Dodge is that she had what her brother Willard describes as a “second family” in Ireland.

Back in the late ’50s, before she became a student at Keene State College, she was involved with the International Farm Youth Exchange, now known as the International 4- H Youth Exchange. She spent six months in both Ireland and Northern Ireland with nine different farm families, which forged relationships that continue to this day.

The Exchange “was huge back then,” said Willard Dodge, and it made a lasting impression on his sister. “To think that someone could visit there for only six months and create such a bond is unbelievable,” he added.

Over the years, Betsey Dodge kept up with the growth of these families and some have even come to the United States to visit the Dodges. She was a “passionate letter writer,” said Willard Dodge, and this allowed her to keep in touch with people over the years.

Willard Dodge is moved by the outpouring of support from these families overseas. “These people have been calling in tears since they heard about Betsey,” he said. A memorial service takes place Saturday, Nov. 28, at New Boston Central School, where Tupper will say a few words about someone he calls “a new age woman with oldfashioned ideas.”

An estimated 200 people are expected to attend the service, which to Willard Dodge, is a fitting tribute to his sister. “She will be sorely, sorely missed by a lot of people.”

Medvil: Residents knew hike was coming

Goffstown Editor — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:30:00 GMT

BY HENRY METZ It’s never too late to cut costs. That’s the feeling of Don Morin and Noel Taylor, two friends who live in the Medvil Cooperative community of homes off Goffstown Back Road, where residents earlier this month approved a budget that will increase rents to $455 a month for association members and $660 a month for residents who are not members of the cooperative. “When we got the annual budget packet, I just felt as though the increases in there were more than what was...(read more)

New faces, same championship result for Cawley girls

Hooksett Editor — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:18:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

The Cawley Middle School girls soccer team’s run to a second consecutive Class M championship surprised a lot of people, including the squad’s coach.

Cawley eased past Litchfield by a 5-1 margin on Oct. 23 to complete an undefeated season with a mark of 11- 0-1.

“I knew we’d have a good team, but all of my starters from last year have moved on to high school,” said head coach Greg Shaw. “I don’t think the parents – or even the players this year – expected that we would win a championship.”

While most coaches take approximately 15 players, Shaw keeps roughly 25 players on his roster, and that’s been a key reason for the team’s continued success.

With a bigger group, Shaw can find more time on the pitch for his bench players, especially when his team has accumulated a large lead.

Indeed, during many games this year and last, the Hawks built insurmountable advantages, so more athletes gained match experience. In 12 games this season, the Hawks scored 60 goals; opponents managed 11.

Against Litchfield in the title tilt, leading goal-scorer Emily Crocetti, a seventhgrader, hammered home four tallies, while eighthgrader Lauren Shaw added the team’s fifth goal.

Eighth-grader Chelsea Desmaris stepped in and played in goal, though it was not her natural position, and she did her part in keeping the ball out of Cawley’s net.

In front of Desmaris, classmate Emily Duchesne and seventh-grader Inez Lee led the defense. Shaw said the defensive duo brought a great deal of leadership to the field, while Ashley Lodge and Emily Gregoire, both eighth-graders, also helped minimize scoring chances in the backfield.

The rest of the title-winning roster included eighth-graders Amber Hochstetler, Alexa Kuliga, Alex Nelson, Katie O’Neil, Nicole Pearl and Montana Roberts; seventh- graders Madison Bennett, Bethany Kosiarski, Erin Manning, Shannon Menard, Maddie Preston, Lauren Scarpetti, Amanda Soares, Sarah Thompson, Alaina Knightly and Brittnee Worth; and sixth-graders Lindsay O’Hara and Hailey Thompson.

“This was a very cohesive group that got along very well together and was willing to listen to what I was asking them to do,” said Shaw. “They wanted to repeat as champions, where a lot of people didn’t think they would.”

This was Shaw’s fourth and final season coaching at the school. He led the girls to two titles. Shaw also coached the boys squad during his first two years, and the results were similar: a semifinal appearance, then a championship in 2007.

“The fun part is when you see something that needs to be changed, and you get to watch them go out and do it and have it make a difference in the game,” said Shaw. “That’s where the most enjoyment comes for me.”

The Cawley mentor said he can’t wait to use his newfound free time to watch his children play at the high school level.

Rather than pace the sidelines, Shaw will soak in games from the bleachers. Of course, that’s a change he’ll have to work on himself.

“It was always an exhausting fall season, but I did it because I love coaching at the middle school level,” said Shaw. “The biggest difference in watching the games as a spectator is that I probably won’t yell as much.”

Dec. 6 is Christmas in Suncook Village

Hooksett Editor — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:16:00 GMT

The Pembroke Woman’s Club will host its 10th annual Christmas in Suncook Village on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. in downtown Suncook Village.

This is an all-free family event. The downtown stores will be open and there will be various activities taking place for children, including balloon artists, face painters, crafts, cookie decorating and the very popular fish pond.

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will be at the Masonic Hall. Parents should bring their cameras.

There will be entertainment on the street corners, a group of carolers from the Grace Capitol Church and the Granite State Cloggers. The ponies will be back along with the hay wagon and the horse-drawn wagons.

The Methodist Church will once again be the site for numerous performances by local talent, school choirs and dance groups.

Downstairs, the Pembroke Woman’s Club will have refreshments, coffee, hot cocoa and a place to warm up.

The performance line-up is still in the process of being finalized. The list below is what has been scheduled so far:
1 p.m. – Jocelyn Carlucci and Jill Drouin.
1:25 p.m. – Andrew Morrissey, organ and piano performance.
1:45 p.m. – Turning Point Dance, Lisa Goff, director.
2:45 p.m. – Armand Dupont School Chorus, Vivian Doane, director.
3:05 p.m. – Methodist Church Sacred Dancers.
3:30 p.m. – Jocelyn Carlucci and Jill Drouin.

Cookbook mixes history with recipes

Hooksett Editor — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:09:00 GMT

By Kathleen Bailey

Nancy Claris, library director and member of the Epsom Historical Association Cookbook Committee, doesn’t have to “sell” the book: she just has to show it.

“One woman told me, ‘I don’t need another cookbook,’” Claris recalled. “She flipped through it, and came back the next week with her money.”

“Kitchen Memories,” the book published this spring by the association, recently went into its third printing. The book is selling like the proverbial hotcakes (pages 31, 24, 23 and 118), and the six women who worked on it are talking about a sequel. From soup to Ed Nutter’s favorite dessert, there are recipes the home cook can use for the holidays -- or for a lifetime.

Holiday-ready recipes include Opekanse, a traditional Slovak Christmas Eve dish; Betsy Bosiak’s sugar cookies; and a “Breakfast Puff For a Bunch” perfect for Christmas morning. For giving, the book contains recipes for caramel corn, fudge and even “pupcakes.”

Complete directions for a Gingerbread House can be found in a two-page spread.

The book began as a fundraiser for the association. Early on, committee members realized they wanted it to be more than just recipes. So they rounded up historic photos from the association collection and their own albums, dipped into diaries and journals of early residents, and made it their own.

Many of the recipes are pure New England, including baked beans, corn chowder and haddock. Others represent Epsom’s growing diversity, with salsas, chili and chicken soup. There are vegetarian options and the traditional oyster stew recipe of the town Masonic Lodge.

The recipe in the largest proportions, potato salad for 400, was contributed by longtime resident Betsy Bosiak and originated at the Lakes Region Correctional Facility, Laconia. While Bosiak has never done time, she found the recipe when she was drafted for a church picnic.

“I was in charge of the potato salad,” she said, “and I wondered how to make enough for all those people. One of the women on the committee’s husband worked at the correctional facility, and gave me this recipe.”

She and committee member Carole Brown laughed over the fact that the measurements were in teaspoons and tablespoons.

“Only in jail,” Brown said, “would they have time to measure 40 teaspoons of anything.”

They also giggled over an early recipe for “Bridal Bowl,” a punch for the wedding reception, which calls for 1-1/2 bottles of rum. But most of the recipes are doable, and that, in addition to the historical aspect, is why it’s selling, Brown believes.

“A woman came back to me for her second copy, and she said she likes the book because it doesn’t have a lot of exotic ingredients,” Brown said.

The book was designed by committee member Bridget Remare, and is professional and stylish, members said.

Porter, who edited the manuscript, said, “The surprise for me was the physical look, the gradations of color. When you read it on the computer, it’s not the same.” She added that her husband called the book “the most beautiful cookbook I’ve ever seen.”

Claris was worried that they wouldn’t get enough recipes -- but with 170 pages, that didn’t turn out to be an issue. In fact, she’s primed for Volume II.

“I found an applesauce cake in a magazine -- you make it in a crock pot,” she said.

The book retails for $14.95, and shipping is available. For a copy, call Bosiak at 736-4477, Brown at 736-4407 or Claris at 736-9920. Copies are also available at the Valley Artisans gift shop and Nature’s Country Store, both in Epsom.

New Red Cross shelter opens with disaster drill

Hooksett Editor — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:06:00 GMT

As the ambulances pulled up to the church hall in Allenstown the afternoon of Oct. 27, emergency medical technicians quickly unloaded injured children and wheeled a woman on a stretcher into the newly opened American Red Cross shelter. A local patrolman and a Red Cross disaster volunteer stood at the door, guiding the arrivals to the shelter registration desk.

Happily for all involved, this was a simulated disaster drill. The scenario of a tornado ripping through an Allenstown mobile home park was fictitious. The children arriving by ambulance were in fact healthy members of the Pembroke Boys and Girls Club and Boy Scout Troop 120 from Candia and Troop 270 from Pembroke. Though a simulation, this exercise was taken very seriously by all involved.

Organized by the town of Allenstown, the disaster drill brought together emergency responders (EMTs, police and firefighters) from Allenstown and surrounding towns, along with more than 40 disaster-trained volunteers from the New Hampshire chapters of the American Red Cross. Even some residents of Allenstown joined in the real-life drama as stand-ins for disaster victims.

“This was an excellent opportunity to train and coordinate with our partner agencies on a simulation of a possible large-scale disaster,” said Helen Champa, the Red Cross operations manager for the drill.

In addition to the town emergency responders, other groups involved were the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, the Disaster Behavioral Health Response Team, and the Disaster Animal Response Team.

Large signs hung in the hall at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on School Street, identifying it as a Red Cross shelter. The hall’s open space was lined with tables where Red Cross workers registered each shelter arrival, tended to simulated medical or emotional needs, and distributed food. Another table was the center for Red Cross Disaster Assessment, where the team pored over maps of “damaged” neighborhoods and blocked roads. The center of the hall was filled with cots where the “injured” could rest.

The disaster assessment team alerted the shelter staff of their simulated findings – 600 homes had been damaged by the tornado;, all communication systems were down, roads were blocked and 850 people were affected, some being disabled, emotionally distraught and non-English speakers. As each volunteer “victim” arrived at the shelter, they displayed a tag with details of their assigned condition. Some carried stuffed animals representing pets that were directed to a room of crates run by the Disaster Animal Response Team on the lower level.

During the drill, 43 volunteer victims were registered, six were reviewed at the Health Services desk, and two were “referred” to a hospital for more advanced medical care. The Disaster Behavioral Health Response Team member and a Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteer “counseled” five young people, 17 adults and two shelter staff.

The Red Cross prepared 150 meals for breakfast and 170 meals for lunch. The meals were very real and appreciated by both responders and victims during the day-long drill.

Tim Wall, director of Disaster and Emergency Services at the Red Cross Greenwich, Conn., chapter, attended the drill as a Red Cross evaluator for operation of the shelter and responsibilities of the volunteers.

“This drill went very well, with no major problems,” Wall said.

In a post-event debriefing, he complimented the disaster volunteers, while also encouraging all to continue with as much Red Cross disaster training as possible.

The role of the American Red Cross in any disaster, large or small, is to provide shelter, food, clothing, emotional support and other emergency needs to those affected by the disaster. All Red Cross assistance to disaster victims is free of charge, made possible by public donations to the Disaster Relief Fund.

There are many ways to make the holiday bright

Hooksett Editor — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:02:00 GMT

By GINGER KOZLOWSKI

The holidays are upon us, but the season can be a difficult one for many, especially in the current economy.

There are plenty of people willing to help, though, with many services offered through town, school, church and community groups.

Hooksett Hooksett has several community groups dedicated to helping others.

James Sullivan, a member of the Hooksett School Board and Hooksett Lions Club, has been active in many community efforts. The Lions, he notes, is the oldest community service organization in Hooksett, formed in 1964.

“We have recently started the Got Socks program, which has collected at this point over 700 pairs of socks,” he said. “We have and continue to collect used eyeglasses for as long as I can remember and have most likely collected over 10,000 pairs in the past 10 years. We even assist citizens with getting eye care exams.

“Though we are a small group,” said Sullivan, “we have participated in the bell-ringing program with HERC, and in the past two years contributed funds to help purchase reading books which have been included in the town’s holiday basket program for underprivileged town families.”

The Hooksett Kiwanis Foundation sponsors the Hooksett Community Food Pantry and the Kiwanis Kids Kloset. Citizens can contact either organization for assistance or to make a donation. Both fall under the Kiwanis Foundation’s 501c3 non-profit status, so donations are normally deductible as charitable contributions, said member Fred Bishop.

The Hooksett Community Food Pantry, located at the Town Offices at 35 Main St., accepts donations of food and cash, which are then used to provide food to needy families in the Hooksett area. For information about hours of operation, contact information, and making or receiving donations, call the pantry at 485-7222 or visit the Hooksett Kiwanis Web site at www.hooksettkiwanis.org, and click on the “Community Food Pantry” tab on the left hand side of the home page.

The Hooksett Kiwanis Kid’s Kloset accepts donations of gently worn used children’s clothing and provides these free of charge to needy families. The Kloset is also located at the Town Offices. For information about hours of operation and making or receiving donations, contact Kiwanis members Vivian Kotowski at 485-9579 or Irene Dion at 485-8092.

Mary Farwell is the coordinator of the Hooksett Salvation Army bell-ringing campaign.

“We ring at Shaw’s, Kmart Walmart and the state liquor stores on Route 93,” she said. “The money that we collect during this holiday season stays in Hooksett to help all year long. We help with Adopt-A-Family, Kids Kloset, the Food Pantry, scholarships for needy children for the summer Fun in the Sun program, as well as helping in many emergency situations all year long.”

She asks people to volunteer for a two-hour slot sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve day. Call Farwell at 485-5217 e-mail p.farwell@comcast.net.

Candia
In Candia, they are organizing Santa’s Giving Tree.

Tags will be available at Candia Town Hall and Post Office for people to take and purchase some or all of the items for the children or seniors on their tag. Then simply return the unwrapped gifts to the Town Hall by Dec. 14.

Rhonda Thyng said they have about 30 children and 12 seniors who benefit from the community’s generosity. If you don’t have time to shop, but want to help, gift cards and monetary donations are always needed. Those and any other kind of donations can be dropped off at the Town Hall, 74 High St., Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by calling 370-2977.

“This is a great way to make Christmas a little more special for someone,” she said.

This event is sponsored by the Candia Community Woman’s Club and Candia Welfare Department.

Candia will be caroling and lighting the town Christmas tree on Sunday, Dec. 6, in front of the Fitts Museum at 6 p.m., said Thyng, and they will have a little help from Santa. Then join everyone at the Masonic Hall for refreshments.

Don’t forget your flashlights and cameras. This is also sponsored by Candia Community Woman’s Club.

Allenstown/Pembroke
The Allenstown/Pembroke Interfaith Food Pantry distributes more than 200 Thanksgiving food baskets to needy residents. Those baskets were assembled Sunday, Nov. 21, at the Congregational Church in Pembroke. This is done on a volunteer basis, and donations come from schools, local businesses and citizens, said Pembroke Town Administrator David Jodoin.

For Christmas, he said, Pembroke is a satellite for Capital Region Holiday Food Program and about 125 food baskets are delivered. The town of Pembroke also has a giving tree where they will give out gifts for needy residents who qualify. In Allenstown, Welfare Director Diane O’Callaghan has set up a Christmas tree at Town Hall with the names of Allenstown children and what items they would like Santa Claus to bring them. Stop by Town Hall to a pick a name from the tree. For details or to make a donation, call 485-4276.

Epsom
Epsom Selectman Joanne Randall notes there are a couple local efforts to feed the hungry locally.

Randall invites all those who have no family to share with, or those families who are going through difficult times, to a free traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

It will be held upstairs at the Epsom Fire Station on Friday, Nov. 27, from noon to 1 p.m., or until food runs out.

Heidi and George Parker of Parker’s Roast Beef & Seafood, Chichester, are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner. They expect 60 families from Chichester, 60 from Pittsfield and will be reaching out to surrounding towns for a total of 160 dinners. They will offer rides to and from their restaurant as well as home delivery for shut-ins, said Randall.

She said many local stores are donated food, and that anyone who still wants to help can call Heidi at 435-5515. The town also assembles food baskets for the needy for Christmas. Those interested should contact the Epsom Welfare Department.