Hopkinton News : Contoocook

Contoocook Carry returns Sept. 27

Goffstown Editor — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:33:00 GMT

The coldest months of winter may still be far away, but Hopkinton residents are already looking to help community members by using their legs, paddles and bikes.

For the seventh consecutive year, locals will take part in the Contoocook Carry triathlon on Sunday, Sept. 27.

The event is a 2-mile run, a kayak route down the Contoocook River and a 14-mile bicycle ride through the town.

Proceeds will benefit the town’s fuel assistance program again this year. Last year the event raised about $14,000 through donations and race fees.

“This year will probably be worse than last year economy-wise,” said event organizer Mary Congoran. “It’s one of the events that brings together families, athletes and people just coming out for the cause.”

Following the event, which usually takes competitors about two hours to complete, many racers return to Hopkinton

High School to receive prizes donated by residents.

Many competitors perform the race in teams, often dressing up in costumes to match their team names.

Congoran said volunteers in town also have contributed by helping prepare crates of wood for the wood bank, supplies that in the past have been almost completely used by the end of the winter.

“It just feels good for people to do something good for others with their own hands and their own bodies,” said Congoran. “I’m really proud of our community in whatever amount they give. It’s about the money, but it’s also about seeing how many people are willing to come out and help.”

The race begins rain or shine at 1:30 p.m. at the high school, and race day registration runs from 11:45 a.m. until 1:15 p.m.

Pre-registration information can be found at www.hopkinton-nh.gov under the Contoocook Carry link in the Resident Quick Links section.

Due to the difficult economic times, Congoran said it’s difficult to set expectations for what she hopes to raise this year. Regardless of the total amount raised, Congoran said she is always surprised by the amount of participation.

“These envelopes come in, and you can just tell people wished they could give more,” said Congoran. “But the point is they took the time. They took the time because they are saying that they want to do whatever they can to help.”

Search called off for missing kayaker

Goffstown Editor — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:54:00 GMT

BY JASON SCHREIBER

The Coast Guard called off its search on Sunday, March 1, for a missing kayaker, one day after his boat was found near an island off the Maine coast.

More than 200 rescue personnel spent the weekend searching the waters off the Maine and New Hampshire coasts in hopes of finding 59-year-old Hamilton “Toby” Wood of Contoocook.

After covering 400 square miles and finding only Wood’s kayak near Boon Island -- several miles northeast of the route he had taken -- the Coast Guard decided to suspend the search at 9:45 a.m. on March 1.

Wood’s family was at the Coast Guard station in New Castle when the announcement was made.

“They were disappointed we were unable to find him, but understand our decision and are appreciative of everyone’s search efforts,” said Chief Petty Officer John Roberts, the officer in charge of Station Portsmouth Harbor.

Roberts said the search couldn’t continue indefinitely and that a “difficult decision was made.”

Friends and family held out hope that he might be found, but that hope turned to grief as the search continued with no sign of Wood.

“He was a wonderful man, a wonderful father and a great outdoorsman,” said Amy Metcalf, a longtime friend, neighbor and business partner.

Wood went missing Friday, Feb. 27. while returning from a kayaking trip to the Isles of Shoals.

Metcalf described Wood as a highly experienced kayaker who had made the trip to the Isles of Shoals many times before, even during the winter.

At one point the Coast Guard had checked on him during the trip when someone who saw him head out in the kayak was concerned that the seas were too rough. The Coast Guard offered to bring him back to shore, but said Wood declined and decided to make the trip alone.

Wood had lunch on Smuttynose Island on Friday, Feb. 27, and notified the Coast Guard around 3 p.m. that day that he was on his way back to Odiorne Point in Rye, which is where he had parked his Subaru Outback.

When the Coast Guard had not heard from Wood by 5:15 p.m., it became concerned and quickly organized the search with crews from Station Portsmouth Harbor, Air Station Cape Cod and the Coast Guard Cutter Reliance. Coast Guard units and the Maine and New Hampshire Marine Patrols performed air and surface searches of the waters and coastline from Rye to Kennebunkport, Maine.

Police and fire departments from New Castle and Rye; and Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Wells, York and Kittery, Maine, joined in the search by scanning the shoreline.

The Coast Guard praised the tireless efforts of the searchers who endured rough and frigid conditions.

“I am obviously saddened we did not rescue Mr. Wood, but I am grateful for the tremendous coordinated effort with our local first responders,” said Capt. Jim McPherson, commander of Coast Guard Sector Northern New England.

The decision to end the search brought little closure for those who knew Wood.

A father of two boys, Wood was a social worker at Warren Street Family Counseling Associates Inc. in Concord. Metcalf, a psychiatric nurse practitioner at the agency, called Wood a “tremendous therapist.”

Wood often worked in schools, was active in the community and enjoyed coaching youth sports.

“Toby was full of life and energy. People loved him very much,” said Metcalf, who remained with Wood’s family throughout the search.

Hopkinton State Fair begins August 28

Bow Editor — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:37:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

CONTOOCOOK – Whether making the trip for the demolition derby, agricultural displays or simply a sausage sandwich, visitors from all over come to take in the sights, sounds and smells of the annual Hopkinton State Fair.

The fair, which runs annually on Labor Day weekend, will be opening for its 93rd year beginning Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Hopkinton Fairgrounds.

According to Hopkinton State Fair President Debbie Curtis, planning for the five-day event begins not too long after it ends each year.

“It’s a seasonal fair, but it’s definitely a year-round process,” said Curtis. “As we get into August, things really pick up. There’s a lot of prep in getting the grounds ready, scheduling the events, setting up ticket sales and things like that.”

At the Country Porch Stage there will be daily shows, including free bicycle and skateboard demonstrations, with high-flying athletes performing a variety of tricks.

Visitors will get to be a part of Ron Diamond’s show, as the hypnotist and magician will put on three shows each day, with the night performance giving some members of the audience a chance to be put under hypnosis.

Many of the regular aspects of the fair remain the same, including the agricultural competitions and one of the fan favorites, the demolition derby, which will take place on Saturday and Sunday, with seating beginning at 5:30 p.m.

In addition to those annual events, there will also be some new shows for fair-goers to take in.

On Thursday and Friday, Aug. 28 and 29, there will be a motocross bike competition for the first time at the fair, and any riders are welcome to take part in the course.

Fair organizers have been busy preparing the motocross track, hauling in dirt to make the jumps for the riders.

Curtis said it is important for the Hopkinton community to bring in the large crowds into town each year. “It’s very important and it’s great being able to offer it to visitors,” said Curtis. “It is important that we keep agriculture in our families to understand where things come from and what it brings.”

In addition to all of the shows and exhibits, there is also a variety of food and rides to take in.

According to Curtis, the biggest key to the fair’s success is being able to keep guests of all ages entertained.

“There’s a little bit of everything. It’s very important to have variety,” said Curtis. “Everyone has their own reason for coming to the fair, so you have to provide something for everyone. You have to have a mixture of it all.”

For more information and a complete schedule of the Hopkinton State Fair’s events, visit www.hsfair.org.

Contoocook candlemaker lights the way for world peace

Bow Editor — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:52:00 GMT

BY KRISTEN SENZ

As Pope Benedict XVI lit a prayer candle at Ground Zero in Manhattan, Martin Marklin felt a sense of peace and solidarity, but he was also keeping an eye on the candle’s performance. That’s because his family-run business, Marklin Candles, was selected to make the handcrafted wax pillar – with a red, blue and gold inlay of the Pontiff’s Coat of Arms – that burned as Pope Benedict prayed for peace on Sunday, April 20.

“We are a family that believes very much in peace,” said Marklin, as he prepared the Papal candle to be shipped to New York.

A company that specializes in custom-made, hand-decorated liturgical candles, Marklin also made the 62-inch tall Paschal candle used during the Pope’s outdoor Mass at Yankee Stadium on April 20. That candle required the extra engineering of a special wick and a wind-resistant chimney to shield the flame, Marklin said.

Although contributing one of his candles to such a large-scale Papal event was an honor, Marklin said, seeing the Pope light a Marklin candle at Ground Zero held special significance for his family.

“My mother and father-in-law were in the Empire State Building when it happened,” he said of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. “So we have a personal connection there.”

Marklin’s wife, Christine, who helps run the candle business, said her father was working in the Empire State Building and her mother had just stepped out for a cup of coffee when the attacks occurred.

“There’s going to be a silent power and a quiet intensity to the World Trade Center, in terms of calling people to think about peace in today’s times,” said Martin Marklin.

The manufacturing process at Marklin Candle is more typical of a century ago. It relies on “The Mark of the Human Hands,” the company’s trademark, to furnish a truly handcrafted candle. Workers at the Marklin production facility and retail showroom in Contoocook hand-dip the candles using 51 percent beeswax, a specification that was once required for all liturgical candles. An artist then uses an Exacto knife to carve intricate, custom designs on the candles. Hot colored wax is poured into the grooves and adorned with genuine silver or 24-carat gold leaf.

“By infusing hot molten wax into the candle, we’ve developed a unique inlayed wax process,” said Marklin, who started his company 23 years ago in the basement of his parents’ St. Louis home.

Marklin, who also made candles for a visit by Pope John Paul II to the U.S. in 1995, said he believes his company’s “liturgical awareness” and dedication to fine craftsmanship have led to its selection for the Papal events over his six U.S. competitors, some of which are based in New York. Having grown out of a childhood curiosity about the decorated candles Marklin saw in church around Easter, Marklin Candles has now branched into retail sales, making custom commemorative funeral and birth candles.

The company also has produced smaller versions of the Pope Benedict’s papal candle for those who couldn’t make the trip to see him in person.

“There’s a sense that perhaps these people who can’t get there can experience union with him through these candles,” said Marklin. “It’s a way of doing a virtual pilgrimage.”

Science museum opens

Bow Editor — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:46:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

It may not yet be apple season, but visitors will soon be returning to Contoocook’s Gould Hill Orchard as the Little Nature Museum will be opening for the season.

The museum, run completely by volunteers, gives visitors a chance to learn about science with a hands-on focus.

“We started with a bunch of collections, and that can be pretty boring,” said Little Nature Museum Director Sandra Martin. “I like to remove things from the collections and have something to engage the visitor, instead of just reading the label.”

Although the museum is closed from the end of fall to the beginning of spring, Martin keeps busy planning the season’s programs.

One thing Martin hopes to improve for this season is to get more visitors to visit the museum before late summer.

“What I’d love to have is more visitors come earlier in the season. They all come during the apple-picking season, and they don’t get the most out of their visit,” Martin said. “That type of individual one-on-one experience is more likely to happen earlier in the season.”

Martin became interested in science while at the Museum of Science in Boston, where she learned to convey her passion for the subject.

“The Museum of Science is what got me inspired, and it was a hands-on experience. It got me to want to go into the field of science, and to start my own nature center,” she said. “The hands-on experience that I’ve had stayed with me all my life.”

Hopkinton’s Little Nature Museum may be smaller than some of the other area museums, but Martin said she would put the experience at her venue up against any other in the state.

“There aren’t too many places where you can get the experience that you can get here,” she said. “I don’t like the idea of having a one-size-fits-all museum.”

The status of Gould Hill Orchard is somewhat up in the air, Martin said she hopes the Rotary’s plan to sell shares could lead to one of the busiest summers the museum has seen.

“This year is going to be different. We’re trying to get a number of organizations to have different set ups for our Naturefest (in the fall). I hope by that time, the Rotary will be in the process of selling shares,” said Martin. “The number of visitors may surpass anything we’ve had in the past, maybe just out of curiosity.”

Until new programs begin, children can learn all about archeology on Saturday, April 19, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., when the Hopkinton Library hosts “Dig into the Past: The Mystery of the Sites.”

Sheila Charles, historic and archaeological research consultant and Strawbery Banke archeologist, will present a hands-on children’s program.

In addition, the museum is taking part in “Discover Wild New Hampshire,” at Fish and Game on Hazen Drive, Concord, on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, visit www.littlenaturemuseum.org or call 746-6121.

Buy a share in the farm

Bow Editor — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 21:10:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

Though the apple trees of Gould Hill Orchard are surrounded by snow, interest in purchasing 58 acres of the Contoocook property is finally heating up.

The Hopkinton Rotary Club has put together a proposal to purchase the land and will hold a public informational meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 29, at Hopkinton Town Hall to share their plan for preserving the property.

Rotarian Jim Zeppieri has been working with Howard Moffett of Concord’s Orr and Reno law firm to find a way to raise money to purchase the land, which is currently listed by LandVest for $2.2 million.

After the town couldn’t come up with a plan to purchase the land, Gould Hill Orchard owner Erick Leadbeater still hasn’t received interest from any potential buyers.

Although the Rotary Club is sponsoring the effort to purchase the farm, no direct funding from the club is being sought. The money would be raised by selling $1,000 shares to residents across the state.

Purchasing a share in the orchard would entitle the buyer to one vote in the cooperative, and shareholders would be responsible for electing a board of directors. The board of directors would hire a professional to manage the day-to-day operations.

“The orchard is one of the crown jewels of the town and we need to preserve it. It’s been a family tradition to go there and I hate to see that lost,” said Zeppieri.

“Our plan has been very well received so far, and we also have some non-Rotarians volunteering and helping with it.”

Moffett, the lawyer Zeppieri is teaming up with on the project, worked previously on a similar effort involving the Canterbury Community Market.

“I’ve never done anything exactly like this. I’ve done some big projects, but nothing this ambitious. The fact that he’s done this before means I’m getting a lot of good advice on how to proceed,” said Zeppieri. “It’s the aspect of coming together as a community to preserve something.

By being a shareholder you have a long-term stake in it. You get to give input on how it’ll be run in the future. It’s more compelling than just giving a donation.”

Zeppieri said there is a possibility the final sales price could be “substantially lower,” and that he has been consulting with Leadbeater to learn more about the orchard.

Leadbeater said he is excited to have interest in the property stirred up.

“I don’t know much about it yet. Hopefully, I can get to the meeting and talk to the framers of this. I’m encouraged that there is some interest,” he said. “I look forward to talking to folks more about it.”

Although the process will be complicated, Zeppieri is looking forward to pushing forward with the effort.

“We’re having discussions with the Leadbeater family and trying to figure out as much as we can,” he said. “If we go the cooperative route and try to purchase it, it will be a challenging fundraising effort.”

In the spirit

Bow Editor — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 21:14:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

No, low-flying planes, those are not runway lights you are heading toward. They are the winners of the first Hopkinton and Contoocook holiday lighting contest.

Twelve entries between the two towns vied for the first-ever crown, and the Recreation Department named three homes the winners.

Having decorated their house yearly, Brenda and Alain Breault were looking to simply add some more for the 2007 holiday season.

“There was really just throwing more and more each year, just always trying to add more. I have no time for themes. It’s just very festive,” said Brenda Breault. “We’ve been in town for four years, and we’re really trying to get into more community things. It was great being part of the community.”

Mary and Ken Wilkens were also recognized for their taste in design, having a traditional setup that includes a large number of lights and a Santa on a rock in the yard.

“I knew there were a couple really good houses with lots of lights, but not everyone was signed up,” said Mary Wilkens. “I thought it was great. Justin (La Vigne) called me in the morning and was telling me. I had just woken up and was laughing the whole time.”

Steve and Linda Shepard were also winners of the contest, which recreation director Justin La Vigne brought to town from his former position in Virginia. La Vigne said he hopes the program is something that will grow each year.

Judges based their decisions on the wow factor, creativity/ originality, layout and design, and best holiday spirit.

The six judges took a two-hour drive around town before proclaiming the three winners.

The three homes have a sign on their lawn saying they won the contest, and La Vigne said he hopes those in town will get out to see the other homes.

“

Justin did a great job. It allows people to be a part of the community,” said Breault, who now has something to shoot for next year. “We’re going to add more and make it more festive. We have a goal set now – try to get in first or runner up again next year.”

Local artist and veterinarian team up to enhance waiting room

Bow Editor — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 13:48:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

Guests to the Apple Tree Animal Hospital in Contoocook, pet or owner, will now have something to look at while waiting to be called into Robert Furness’ office.

Eileen Ketcham, one of the doctor’s regular visitors of the human variety, walked into the newly redone waiting room and had some advice for Furness.

“Eileen walked in and said that it would look good with a mural, and she was a muralist. I said to her, ‘You’ve got a job,’” said Furness.

So Ketcham went to work, painting a mural on each side of the Apple Tree waiting room, and after spending a few hours an afternoon two to three days a week, she finished the mural with about 90 hours under her belt.

The result was a mural with a spring and summer theme on one side, and an autumn theme on the other side, with lifelike animals painted throughout the landscape.

Ketcham went to school for industrial design, with some influence from her family.

“I didn’t go to school for art because my father didn’t want me to be a starving artist,” she said with a laugh. “I enjoy the creativity and making something that people will enjoy. It’s peaceful and calm, and hopefully people won’t mind waiting now.”

In addition to her artistic ventures, Ketcham also has a love for animals, which is why she has been taking her animals to Apple Tree for about 20 years.

She breeds Labrador retrievers and also owns a horse.

The reaction to the mural so far has been flattering for Ketcahm.

“I have really loved it. Maybe if my family said those kind of things when I was making dinner I would cook a little more,” she joked. “It’s been a heartwarming experience. I really like when people appreciate the work that I’ve done. It’s a relaxing hobby.”

The process begins when Ketcham formulates the basic idea of the mural and then looks at photographs of the animals she wants to paint into the scene.

She adapts the photos she sees to the lighting and shadows of what will be in the mural.

Ketcham said the most difficult part was the waterfall and also one of the birds, because she had never painted one before. After the first bird came out well, however, she said she felt a lot better.

Furness was impressed with the finished product, and was glad to steer away from typical office decorum.

“It seemed like it would be more interesting than just pictures,” he said. “I couldn’t have asked for better. Hopefully, it will make for a better experience for my patients.”

With one mural already in the building, Furness hopes Ketcham will break out the paint brushes again.

“I’m kind of hoping she can come into my office and paint me a Caribbean scene,” joked Furness. “That way, every day I come to work I could feel like I’m on vacation.”

Contoocook Carry scheduled for Sept. 23

Bow Editor — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 21:17:00 GMT

First hosted in 2002, the Contoocook Carry (formerly the Carr-Shumway) Triathlon and Walk returns Sunday, Sept. 23, to offer athletes, families and the occasional four-legged participants a chance to run, paddle, bike or walk to support the community.

“Please come out to the walk or race on Sept. 23 to show your support for Human Services, and its director, Marilyn Bresaw,” said Mary Congoran, event organizer. “Many of us, at any moment, can find ourselves on the fringes of being able to keep up with necessities for our children, our loved ones or ourselves. Please help our towns offer much needed assistance in fuel, food, medicine, shelter and counseling to those increasing numbers of deserving individuals.”

Teams can be of any size. Creativity in names, decoration, costume (optional), and general spirit is appreciated.

The walk is less than 2 miles, and new this year will be the beginnings of a town social. Bring a snack for the table, chat with friends and enjoy Woody Roberts play between 2 and 3:30 p.m.

Volunteers and neighbors from the schools, Girl Scouts, the Rotary, police, rescue and recreation departments will all be assisting with the event.

Participants are also asked to bring a nonperishable item for the food pantry.

Pre-registration for the triathalon is by Sept. 18.

Triathlon day, Sept. 23

• Noon to 1:15 p.m. – registration for race and sign in for walk at Hopkinton High (rain or shine)
• 1:30 p.m. – race start
• 1:35 p.m. – walkers start
• 2 to 3:30 p.m. – town social with Woody Roberts performing
• 3:45 to 4 p.m. – last racers in and ending awards for participants

For more information, visit www.hopkinton-nh.gov/Pages/HopkintonNH_Recreation/.

If you have any questions, e-mail tcongoran@hotmail.com or call Mary at 529-2692.

Air pair – Contoocook couple owns, pilots hot air balloon

Bow Editor — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 21:37:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

If you happen to see a large object landing softly on the ground in your backyard, don’t panic.

It may just be Ben Cochran and his guests dropping in for a visit.

Cochran and his wife, Carla, take patrons on hot air balloon flights around the Hopkinton and Contoocook area every weekend, and upon landing, the pilot, crew and passengers get the chance to make some new friends and even share a toast.

The Serenity Seeker takes off, weather permitting, at either sunrise or sunset to give the passengers a unique view of New Hampshire. However, what comes up must come down, and that’s where the friendly neighbors come in.

“We’re always trespassing when we land. Every flight we end up trespassing somewhere, so without good landowner relations it wouldn’t be possible to do this,” said Ben Cochran. “We meet so many people in landowners and passengers; it’s such an added bonus to a great experience. We are very fortunate to have landowners who let us land.”

When the Serenity Seeker touches down in an unknowing homeowner’s property, the Cochrans take part in a tradition that has been taking place since the 1700s in France.

As the curious owner comes out of his or her house, Cochran has a bottle of champagne prepared to offer as a sign of thanks.

Ben Cochran assisted in a balloon launch in 1984 and was hooked from there on. Ben’s wife sees her husband’s business and hobby as a healthy obsession.

“It’s a stress reliever for him, and really it’s like an addiction,” said Carla Cochran. “He gets anxious when he hasn’t flown in awhile.”

When told of his wife’s thoughts, Ben laughs, but certainly doesn’t dispute the accusation.

“I suppose that’s true. It’s just something that I absolutely love. Every time I can get a flight in, it sets me up for a week of feeling pretty good,” said Cochran. “The main thing is the ability to get away from it all a little bit.”

The balloon floats through the air and gives a feeling different than flying in an airplane for passengers.

“It’s an experience like none other,” said Carla Cochran. “You get to be up there and be part of the wind, floating gently with no turbulence. You also get to fly close to the ground and see things that you never could otherwise.”

Ben Cochran said he has only had to land a flight due to a frightened passenger two times since he earned his commercial license in 1991. Some battle anxiety, but most overcome those feelings after only a few minutes.

“Most often, we run into people who have a question about the height. A lot of people express that fear,” he said. “In a balloon it’s a completely different sensation, and most everybody after five minutes of flight releases their grip on the side of the basket and enjoys it. There’s something very comforting about it.”

The experience of running a hot air balloon business has also brought the couple closer together over the years, according to Ben Cochran.

“She’s been so great in being the crew chief from day one, and she got her private license to fly the balloon,” he said. “She wanted to understand what I was going through while flying, and to understand the workings of a balloon, which really made her that much better of a crew chief.”

Carla Cochran said she married into the hobby of hot air balloon flying, but she now has embraced it, and she and her husband are going to continue to take off in the Serenity Seeker and come back down a few hours later – maybe in your backyard.

A taste of home – Soldier keeps in touch with community

Bow Editor — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:56:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

Bonnie McEwan has greeted early risers venturing to the Cracker Barrel General Store in Hopkinton for coffee, the newspaper and pastries for nearly two years.

Then in January, she was called to serve her country as part of the U.S. Air National Guard Reserves in Iraq.

“She is a wonderful employee and a wonderful person,” said Marilyn McGuire, who owns the store with her husband, Paul. “We do miss her dearly, and I know her customers miss her bright face in the morning, but we keep in touch through e-mail.”

A special folder has been placed near the entrance of the Cracker Barrel displaying Mc-Ewan’s e-mail address and several correspondences between her, the McGuire’s and other employees and local residents.

“I talk about everything in there,” said McEwan of the e-mail folder. “Descriptions of the area, my job, the climate, homesickness …”

Still, McEwan said she is keeping busy on her second tour of duty.

She wrote in an e-mail to The Bow Times:

“I am with an Air Force Unit, an Aerial Port Flight. I am the only individual from my unit. We have 11 units combined to make up this Aerial Port. 32 people total, 24 hour coverage. Six days on, one day off, twelve hour shifts. We are working closely with the Navy to provide airlift to mainly the Marines. By providing airlift we save numerous lives by cutting down on the convoys.

“I believe in what I am doing over here and proud to serve my country.”

Back in Hopkinton Center, many appreciate her service, but also wish she were still home.

“Bonnie is surely missed, by all of us, including the customers here at the Cracker Barrel,” said Paul McGuire.

Her absence has been so noticeable, in fact, that a local group of Girl Scouts, Hopkinton Troop 2362, started asking those who bought their cookies to donate a box to send to McEwan and her fellow soldiers in Iraq.

The Girl Scouts, who are in sixth grade and have been together since kindergarten and plan to stick together through high school, last year collected more than 300 backpacks stuffed with clothes, toys and other goods and sent them to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

This year, troop leader Janet Bloom said they saw another great opportunity yo help.

“They love it and they love all the community service,” said Bloom. “We are wickedly proud of them because they’re always there for the town and always there to do service no matter what.

“They sold over 1,200 boxes of cookies, and what was great is they were able to collect over four cases of cookies and send them to Bonnie.”

McEwan said she couldn’t express her gratitude enough.

“The Girl Scouts have just been awesome in their support and not just from my home town either,” said McEwan.

“We have received enough Girl Scout cookies to share with our fellow Marines, Army and Navy counterparts. It really makes us feel appreciated and close to home.

“Smiles mean an awful lot around here,” she continued. “The support has been absolutely unbelievable.”

TIF district planned to offset taxes

Bow Editor — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 19:08:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

Selectman Peter Russell has a plan to broaden Hopkinton’s tax base and lower the burden on taxpayers by creating a Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, district in town.

Under the plan, an additional exit would be built in Contoocook between exits 6 and 7 on Interstate 89 on 300 acres off Pine Street.

According to Russell, the town owns several hundred acres of M1-zoned commercial land, which has been sitting vacant for 30 years. The TIF district, he said, would use a bond to build the exit to attract commercial warehousing to town.

Tax revenue raised from new businesses would be split 50-50 to pay off the bond and provide immediate offset to the tax burden on residential properties. The key component, said Russell, is diversifying the tax base in Hopkinton to ease the tax burden on residents each year.

“If you look at Hopkinton, we don’t have a very diversified tax base,” he said. “So for us to be able to pay less, we need to look for other sources of tax revenue.”

Two other major benefits include adding potential jobs in town and creating a business profit tax.

“It hasn’t been decided by any means, but it was my idea that if we create a TIF district that future development will pay for itself, that way the taxpayer doesn’t get burdened by the cost of infrastructure development,” said Russell.

The plan is not for the immediate future, however, but rather five to 10 years down the road as the project needs fine tuning, including the approval of the state Department of Transportation.

“The good news is this isn’t going on behind closed doors,” Russell said. “We want to be right up front and ahead of the curve, so everyone knows why we’re talking about this.”

Russell said there were 40 residents at a recent economic development committee meeting who provided thoughtful responses and legitimate questions, something he and the town are looking for.

By taking a proactive approach to the plan, questions can be answered and any future problems or concerns can be worked out earlier, rather than later.

“We’re not sure if it will be on this year’s warrant, but the great thing about it is that it doesn’t make any difference because we can go on with planning in preparation for 2008 (Town Meeting),” he said.

Though the location wouldn’t be ideal for retail development and because Concord doesn’t have a lot of development space remaining, Russell said he thinks Hopkinton will make a good alternative location for companies looking to add more commercial warehousing in the area.

Maintaining the rural character of town, as dictated in the master plan, is paramount to Russell’s idea.

“If we’re able to build this new exit ramp, we would be in a better position to preserve Contoocook Village by eliminating truck traffic in town,” Russell said. “And if we can accomplish removing that traffic from the village, then we’ve certainly accommodated that master plan by preserving its rural character.

“It could be a win-win situation for Hopkinton, the land owners, the tax base and the state of New Hampshire.”

John Dinapoli, business development manager for the New Hampshire Business Resource Center, has been brought in by Russell to evaluate the potential success of a TIF district in Hopkinton. If done correctly, with patience and due diligence, Dinapoli said a TIF district in Hopkinton would be an attractive location for commercial warehousing development.

“My vision and my idea is that if this community is trying to position itself for future growth and they have some land in place that they can assemble for a TIF district, and if they can get the money together that would bring in water and sewage and other infrastructure, I envision something like this being a successful venture for Hopkinton,” Dinapoli said.

He compared Hopkinton’s location to Route 101, Exit 4 in Raymond, where patience and persistence paid off in developing a TIF district. He also noted that Raymond already has a developer interested in moving into town in the immediate future.

“There isn’t a lot of open commercial-industrial land that has municipal water and gas and these guys (Hopkinton officials) have taken the appropriate steps. I think they’re doing the right thing to create good opportunities for the town. They know it’s a long haul and they are putting the proper time and resources in to make sure when they go before voters they have a well thought out and comprehensive plan to present,” said Dinapoli.

Hopkinton holiday - Residents get together for two annual tree-lighting ceremonies

Bow Editor — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 18:11:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

Sipping hot cocoa, eating cookies, carol

ing and lighting Christmas trees may be holiday traditions around the country, but in Hopkinton and Contoocook, people come together twice in one day to share the spirit of the season.

On Saturday, Dec. 2, many residents convened in Hopkinton and Contoocook Village to ring in the holidays and light up the village Christmas trees.

Merle Dustin, who has been going to the tree lighting for 17 years, including many with her husband before he passed away three years ago, said a few tree lightings have been washed out or hampered by bad weather, but the tradition has always held up.

“We’ve had blizzards and ice storms. There’s been 2 feet of snow, but this is the largest, most enthusiastic group I have ever seen,” she said. “I’m still here carrying on the tradition, and this is really wonderful.”

While the Rotary Club sponsored the tree lighting and the Hopkinton Town Band led the carolers, it was the Hopkinton Woman’s Club that provided hot cocoa and plenty of holiday treats.

“I think it’s important to provide a tradition for children growing up,” said Valarie Chittim, a member of the Hopkinton Woman’s Club. “I think the number of traditions in our society are lessening to a great degree, and I think if we can provide a tradition the children look forward to going to every year, it’s really important.”

For the woman’s club, the event also provides a chance for members to give back to the town, said club President Roxanne Benzel.

“It’s special for the woman’s club because we get to participate in a community event and interact with the community as well as we like to bake and bring all the goodies and the great food that we make,” Benzel said. “It’s great to get together with the community band and kick off the season.”