Salem Observer

Tree lighting set for Nov. 5

2009-11-19T19:48:00Z

WINDHAM – Windham Parks and Recreation has set the annual tree-lighting festivities for Saturday, Dec. 5. Santa will arrive to the Town Hall area by fire truck escorted by the Salem High marching band and color guard. He will be located in the cable studio for free photos. The Windham Community Band will play from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The Boy Scouts will have their bonfire, and the Girl Scouts will have crafts in the upstairs of Town Hall. The day will end with the Windham Middle School and High School chorus groups leading holiday songs as the trees on the town common are lit.

Daisy Troop 12310 host the annual mitten tree this year. Bring donations of mittens, gloves, hats, scarves and any outerwear accessories. The first-graders will also be collecting can goods, paper products, baby formula, laundry detergent and money for the Windham Shepherd’s Pantry.

The Windham Presbyterian Church annual spaghetti supper from 4 to 6 p.m.

Pelham fund needs support

2009-11-19T19:45:00Z

PELHAM – The Pelham Good Neighbor Fund committee is asking for your financial support to help individuals and families during Christmas with food, clothing and toys for the children.

There are so many families in Pelham who are going to need help this year because of the tough economic times that have resulted in loss of jobs along with the high cost of food and energy.

The committee is asking individuals, families, businesses, organizations, schools, civic and church groups to be as generous as possible. They are in need of people who would like to sponsor a child or family for Christmas.

If you need help during the holidays, call Jean Robarge at 635-3363, Gerty Sousa at 401-4065, Nancy Vachon at 521-4045 or Bonnie Ward at 635-8537. Call no later than Friday, Dec. 6; your call will be handled in strict confidence.

Volunteers will be accepting donations of food and money on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12 and 13, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Pelham Plaza in front of Hannaford Supermarket.

If you would like to make a credit card donation online, visit the Web site at http://www.pelhamgoodneighborfund.org. There is also a container for food donations at the food pantry located behind St. Patrick’s Church and inside Hannaford Supermarket.

If you would like to make a donation of a turkey or other food items, call Jim Roche at 893-1713 or Frank Sullivan at 204-5299. The committee also uses the money collected during this drive to provide financial assistance 52 weeks a year for food, heating oil, electricity, rent and other household expenses. Make your check payable to: The Pelham Good Neighbor Fund, P.O. Box 953, Pelham, NH 03076.

Annual ‘trot’ now a tradition

2009-11-19T19:40:00Z

BY DARRELL HALEN
WINDHAM – Louise Peltz and her family and friends have used a variety of ways to promote the Windham Turkey Trot – placing fliers in stores and on mailboxes, sending out press releases, contacting churches, notifying TV stations and web sites, putting up banners, and more.

Their multi-faceted outreach has also included using Facebook, the social media phenomenon.

Three years ago, Peltz’s daughter, Danielle, then a college freshman coming home for Thanksgiving, started a Facebook account to get word out about the event, which raises money for the Shepherd’s Food Pantry.

Since then, using Facebook has been an instrumental way for her family to promote the fundraiser – particularly among students – which drew a record 812 participants last year.

“I definitely saw a surge in the number of young people participating in the turkey trot once this got started because it’s a place for them to come and see their friends,” said Louise, who coordinates the event every year. “It’s been remarkable because most kids do not want to get out of bed at 8 o’clock in the morning to go to a turkey trot. But now it’s sort of like the thing to not miss.”

The trot, which will be held at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26, consists of a 3-mile and a 5-mile course that run through the Peltz’s Blossom Road neighborhood.

Although organizers estimate that typically about 30 percent of the participants are runners, participants also include walkers, bicyclists, roller bladers, stroller-pushers, wheelchair-users and wagonpullers.

“You can be a runner and run a race on Thanksgiving (and) your entire family can participate, too,” said Louise.

“You can go run, and your little kid can be on their bike with your husband or wife walking (with) them. Your mother, your family, your cousins that have come in, the extended family, can come. Everyone can do this which is what really sets it apart.”

To take part in the fun, participants pay a monetary donation of their choice, and all the money raised goes to benefit the pantry. To date, the trot has raised more than $40,000. The trot will be held regardless of weather conditions. The first 400 participants to arrive will each receive a long-sleeve T-shirt, compliments of Rockingham Orthopaedics.

The event is an unofficial race, but a kitchen clock on a step ladder in front of the Peltzs’ home serves as a timer. The miles are marked and competitive runners are encouraged to wear their watch.

Through Facebook, the Peltz family has sent out invitations, provided information about the event, uploaded photos of past trots and provided links to newspaper stories about the fundraiser. They also have the ability to upload videos, too. The event’s Facebook group has 282 members.

“Once people come to the trot, they usually keep coming,” reads a section about the event’s background.

“Everyone has a great time; friends and neighbors chat while strolling around the neighborhood, returning college students enjoy a mini reunion with friends, younger children like biking among the excitement, and we always see a few competitive runners.”

To date, more than 200 people have indicated they’re coming.

“A favorite event of mine!” one of the participants wrote online. “I hope I never miss it.”

The first trot, which drew about 50 people, was held in 1995. Organizers tout it as a fun way to burn off a few calories and raise money for a good cause before the holiday feasting begins.

“It’s a way for people to reconnect with their friends and their family,” said Louise’s husband, Claude. “It’s a way to build up your appetite before you gorge yourself on grandma’s turkey. It’s a nice way to get the blood flowing and get outside and get some fresh air. It’s a reunion with people you haven’t seen since you’ve gone to school or you haven’t seen in the past year. It’s a nice way to catch up.”

Lights Off: Decision delayed about lighting Griffin Park

2009-11-19T19:35:00Z

BY DERRICK PERKINS
After a heated two-hour discussion, selectmen tabled a plan to install lighting at Griffin Park until Nov. 23.

Windham Baseball Softball League has raised $137,922 to illuminate the parking lot, center walkway and a Little League baseball field with 19 light poles. If completed, the lights would allow the league to schedule night games at Zimmer Field from May until October. The cost to the town would be about $20 per threehour game for electricity.

Selectman Charles McMahon, who also is president of the league, pitched the idea to the board on Nov. 9, but was met with opposition from homeowners, School Board and Recreation Committee members.

Elizabeth Bandioli, a resident of nearby Squire Armour Road, questioned whether opening the park at night – currently closed dusk to dawn – would increase existing parking problems along Range Road. She criticized selectmen for rushing the project ahead without seeking feedback from the entire town.

“We should be able to look at this and discuss it as a community,” Bandioli said. “Why would you not plan accordingly with what you want to do before you ask for a vote. Once (the lights) are in place there are no controls there.” Bandioli wasn’t the only resident who took the proposal to task. Neighbor Michael Jeffers said he isn’t against night games, but said lit ballfields would be a better fit at the new high school or elsewhere in town.

School Board Vice Chairman Michael Hatem echoed Jeffers, calling on selectmen, recreation officials and town athletic leagues to discuss as a group lighting one or more fields at local schools rather than Griffin Park.

“It seems to me that we have a joint board and talk about implementing a master plan,” he said. “I would appreciate some attempt to work together ... and sit down and see what the most effective way of doing this is.” Ralph Valentine, a Recreation Committee member, criticized the league for going to the board without first consulting his committee. The town is moving too fast and residents are being left out of the loop, he said. The proposal garnered some support. Lighting Griffin Park would cut down on vandalism and make it easier for officers to patrol after hours, said Police Chief Gerald Lewis.

“I am a proponent of lights. I think we need more lights in more places,” he said. “The lighting that is being proposed, I am in favor of it.”

Rather than vote on the lights, selectmen sent it to the Recreation Committee for review at their Nov. 19 meeting. Selectmen then plan to revisit the issue at their Nov. 23 meeting.

Season of Giving: Communities gear up to help those in need

2009-11-19T19:29:00Z

BY SUZANNE D’AMATO
To those of us who live in the Granite State, it’s no surprise that small-town folks have big hearts. With the holiday season almost here, the familiar requests for monetary donations and drives for items of all kinds are being made.

The following are just a few examples of how generous donations of money, time and items from the kindness of strangers will touch the lives of friends and neighbors in need in our communities and provide them with some of the basic necessities of life, such as food, shelter, warmth and companionship.

If some say it takes a village to raise a child, many Salem residents know it takes a small army of volunteers from many organizations to make the Salem Christmas Fund an annual success.

The fund was started in 1974 by the town of Salem to coordinate the efforts of various charities to ensure that individuals and families in need who meet specific income guidelines are served equitably.

“The fund’s purpose is simple: to help people have a nice Christmas,” said Alan Phair, who has been involved with the fund for about 10 years and currently is the fund’s chairman.

The organization receives requests for assistance from local churches, schools, the town’s human services office, and other sources.

“We are sensitive to the fact that people are proud and don’t necessarily want to ask for help. Only a few fund volunteers know who will be receiving our help,” said Phair, who is proud that no one who meets the fund’s eligibility requirements ever has been denied assistance.

The fund solicits donations from individuals, small businesses, corporations and community organizations – both inside and outside of Salem.

To bring some holiday cheer to the residents of Salemhaven Nursing Home and the Salem residents living at Brentwood’s Rockingham County Nursing Home, the fund provides gifts based on the residents’ individual needs, including personal-care items or vouchers for services, such as transportation to and from free hairstyling appointments. “It’s important to us that we take care of the children at Christmas time, too,” Phair said.

Each child 16 and younger receives a $75 clothing voucher. Salem High School students coordinate a fundraising dinner to buy gifts cards for the 17- and 18-year-olds. For the younger children, the fund coordinates a massive toy collection and distribution program in conjunction with the Toys for Tots program and run by Salem’s Bishop Peterson Council of the Knights of Columbus.

On the evening of Dec. 21, volunteers will gather at Rockingham Park to fill more than 200 35-gallon plastic bins with turkeys, hams, fruit and other Christmas dinner fixings, as well as personal care items and paper goods. Salem’s police and fire department personnel, on their own time, then will deliver the bins to the recipients.

“The fund certainly is the number-one charity associated with Christmas in the Salem community,” Phair said. “With so many people out of work, unfortunately, there are many people in need. The fund does so much to help.”

To make a donation, checks made payable to the “Salem Christmas Fund” may be mailed to the fund at P.O. Box 1234, Salem, NH 03079. To donate toys or ask for assistance, contact Sally Sweet, the fund’s program coordinator, at 898-5676.

Drugs lead to arrest, 350 syringes found in apartment

2009-11-19T18:40:00Z

BY DERRICK PERKINS
A local man is facing three felony drug charges after officers found a collection of narcotics and a large cache of used syringes in his apartment, police said.

Screams led officers to 39- year-old Jason Smith’s 3 Brook Road home Saturday, Nov. 14, at about 10 p.m., where they found him “extremely high on drugs,” said Salem police Capt. Shawn Patten.

“Smith answered the door profusely sweating with several syringe and scratch marks to both arms,” said officer Thomas Kench in the arrest warrant affidavit.

Smith told Kench he had ingested a gram of cocaine, according to the affidavit. While securing Smith’s apartment, Kench found, in plain sight, two “rocks” of cocaine and prescription drugs, including Endocet and lorazepam, also known as Ativan. Patten could not say how much of the prescription drugs Smith had in his possession, but said it as enough for personal use.

Endocet is a narcotic pain killer containing oxycodone and acetaminophen. Lorazepam is used to treat anxiety caused by unbalanced brain chemicals. In his affidavit, Kench said no prescription for either drug was found for Smith.

Kench also found drug paraphernalia and about 350 used syringes inside Smith’s home, according to the affidavit. Salem fire and rescue transported Smith to Parkland Medical Center in Derry. Officers took him into custody after he was cleared by doctors. It’s the second time in less than a month Salem police have encountered Smith, Patten said. On Oct. 31, officers responded to a similar call, finding Smith highly intoxicated and both himself and his apartment covered in ***, he said.

Officers also found a 5- gallon bucket filled with used syringes at the time, Patten said. Salem’s health officer, Brian Lockard, was notified of the unsanitary conditions inside the apartment, he said.

Lockard said he inspected Smith’s apartment on Nov. 3 with property owner Camille Saade. The apartment was messy, but not enough to warrant the town taking action, he said.

“The initial description was that it was very unsanitary,” Lockard said. “There were a number of areas that needed cleaning, like the bathroom and living room floors. I wouldn’t say it was unsanitary or required any kind of enforcement action.”

Lockard did request a follow-up inspection. He plans to return to Smith’s apartment sometime in about a week.

Authorities were in the process of drawing up a warrant for Smith when they were called back to his home last weekend, Patten said. Smith was held on a $10,000 cash bail before his arraignment in Salem District Court on Nov. 16. He is due back in court on Nov. 24 at 10 a.m.

Family business: football

2009-11-19T18:30:00Z

Three generations of Campbells take the mike at SHS

BY DERRICK PERKINS

It’s not love of the game that’s drawn three generations of Campbell men to the high school football broadcast booth, but a bond to each other and their hometown.

Bernard Howard Campbell was still playing slide trombone in the Salem High School band when his father, Bernard Milton Campbell, went on air as a color commentator with Mike Tuccolo in the early ’70s for public access cable. Tuccolo, a teacher and coach at the school, did the play-by-play.

When the elder Campbell, a 30-year veteran of the School Board, died in 1996, Bernard took his father’s seat, both behind the microphone and on the board.

“We’ve covered the ground for 40-odd years between my dad and me,” he said. “It was really neat to be with my dad and Mike. I just enjoyed it.”

Campbell has spent countless hours compiling high school football stats, yet doesn’t consider himself an avid fan of the game. Rather, broadcasting gave him time with his father and now with his son. He also savors showcasing high school athletics.

“It’s more the connection with Salem and Salem High School,” Campbell said. “When they were doing senior superlatives, I was the guy who did the most for Salem High School ... This is my home.”

Campbell’s son Bernie, a drama teacher at Laconia High School, shares his father’s Blue Devil pride. The younger Campbell doesn’t get many opportunities to come home for games, but when he does, he joins his father in the broadcast booth.

“It’s a lot of fun to work with my dad. He’s so very knowledgeable about the game,” said Bernie. “I enjoy coming down and spending time with my dad. Before I even got into broadcasting, I went to just about every game with him growing up.”

Bernie can remember his father compiling team stats late into the night on the eve of a game, collecting three thick binders documenting the program’s history. At the flip of a page, Bernard can tell you Salem has a 5-22 record against Pinkerton Academy, their rival in the recent playoff game.

Campbell’s 30 years as the voice of Salem football was honored earlier this year with an induction into the high school’s hall of fame.

It’s a testament to his dedication, said Tuccolo, who called plays from the booth with all three Campbell men before retiring in 2002.

“(Bernard) doesn’t do it for the ego or anything. He enjoys football and Salem and started this little statistical book with everything in the world in it,” he said. “The big thing working with those guys is they had a tremendous history. You get in between plays in dead spots and you had things to talk about from way back ... That continuum is very, very important.”

The Campbells want to see their family tradition continue, but time will tell. Bernie enjoys broadcasting sports, but it’s not something he cares to envision doing without his father.

“If I had the opportunity to come back to Salem and do it, I would be thrilled to do it,” he said. “It’s something I’d do for Salem every year and I might very well, but I don’t see myself getting involved with it independent of dad.”

Pelham fifth-grader dies from complications after contracting H1N1 virus

2009-11-19T18:20:00Z

BY DERRICK PERKINS

PELHAM – A local elementary school student suffering from an underlying medical condition died from complications related to the H1N1 virus Nov. 17, said state and town officials.

Officials did not release many details about the child, but Pelham resident Michael Koch identified the boy as Justin May, a fifth-grader at Pelham Elementary School and classmate of Koch’s son. May had cerebral palsy, he said.

“(My son) was telling me that when he’d see him he’d give him high-fives in the hallway,” Koch said. “He knew of him, and he was a little sad when he found out (the next) morning.”

May’s family confirmed Justin had died, but declined to comment.

Superintendent Frank Bass said the school district was saddened to learn of May’s death. The boy was responding well to treatment, and swine flu was a complicating factor, not the primary cause, he said.

District guidance counselors were mobilized at Pelham Elementary School on Nov. 18 to talk with grieving students, teachers or staff. The boy was very well liked by students and staff, Bass said.

“We had counselors present to help out, and we targeted classes the child was involved in,” he said. “Everyone rallied very strongly in support, and I was very pleased and proud of their response.”

School officials have been in touch with the family. Bass described them as doing remarkably well, considering the circumstances.

May’s death is the third related to swine flu in New Hampshire and the second since Oct. 1. The death of a 22- year-old Hillsborough County woman in August was the first in New Hampshire linked to H1N1 virus. A Sullivan County adult also died last week, according to state health officials.

All had underlying medical conditions, putting them at greater risk, said Dr. Jose Montero, the state’s public health director.

The father of three schoolaged children, Koch said May’s death did not heighten his concern about swine flu. His two older children have not been vaccinated, though his 2-year-old received the vaccine Tuesday, Nov. 17.

“(May) had an increased risk of issues,” said Koch, a biochemist. “We are certainly taking our 2-year-old to the doctor, just because he’s in that risk group of being very susceptible ... Other kids had the flu this year, whether it was H1N1 or seasonal flu, and my kids have been exposed, and we’re staying vigilant.”

May is the third schoolaged child in the community to die this year, according to Bass. Robert Duffy, 15, succumbed to cancer in October, and Christian Gualtieri, 10, died while trick-or-treating Oct. 31 when a tree fell on him.

Bob Haverty, Board of Selectman chairman, extended an offer of support from the town to the May family. While the memorial arrangements are left to the family, the town will help in any way possible, he said.

“Obviously, as a parent, my heart goes out to the family,” Haverty said. “I’ll be thinking of them in this tragic time. It's unthinkable."

Blue Devils blow into state fi nal after navigating choppy second half of semis

2009-11-18T20:12:00Z

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

For years, Salem has been an 18-wheeler chugging down the Division I football freeway. SHS, frequently a powerful force, often seemed poised to flatten the competition, only to watch speedy Pinkerton Academy blaze past, garnering title after title – nine total – in a 23-year span.

In fact, the Astros entered this season having won 18 of the last 20 contests with the Blue Devils. But on Sunday, Nov. 15, Salem left the past safely in the rearview mirror.

Despite Pinkerton’s best efforts to overcome a 24-7 halftime deficit, the locals threw up a roadblock in the last seven minutes of the D-I semifinal contest, and the Astros’ series dominance came to a screeching halt following a 44-28 Salem victory.

“We haven’t beaten Pinkerton twice in the same season once, and that’s what we just did,” said standout tailback Max Jacques, referring to a decisive 24-7 regular-season home win over the ’Stros on Sept. 26.

“Honestly, going into this season, I didn’t think this team had what it takes to be here, but you could tell right from the time we came together at training camp and at two-a-days this was going to be a special year.”

Pinkerton’s coach said it’s no surprise this SHS team is the one to finally dispatch his charges.

“I think one of the most deceptive things is, yes, we’ve won 18 out of 20, but very few of those games have been blowouts. We just always had them,” said Brian O’Reilly. “It was always this or always that. A couple times it was overtime, one time it was a fumble at the 1-yard line when they could have won and just didn’t. Yes, it was one-sided in the Ws and Ls, but its always been a great game.

“This is a typical Salem team. They are what they’ve always been,” added the PA mentor. “(Salem coach) Jack (Gati) has a great offense. He’s always had the power and the play-action pass, but now he’s got the speed, and that’s the one thing he’s always lacked, that ability to hit you outside. Now that he’s got it, that team is devastating, and they play great defense on top of that.”

Indeed, while the backfield trio of senior blocking back Alex Sobrado, junior speedster Jacques and sophomore force Jerickson Fedrick ran up and down the field on the visitors, amassing more than 300 years and six touchdowns combined, Salem’s defense stopped Pinkerton’s always-potent offense in the first half, then clamped down late to fend off a fourthquarter scare.

Fedrick put the hosts on the board on the first snap of the game with a 73-yard scamper to paydirt, but Salem’s offense sputtered on its second possession.

PA blocked a punt and recovered the ball at the Salem 4-yard line, setting up its only first-half score.

Junior quarterback Matt

Cannone put the Blue Devils back on top when he connected with Sobrado on a 41-yard touchdown nine minutes into the contest.

Jacques found the end zone on a 3-yard run midway through the second quarter, and Chris Saulnier added a 24-yard field goal as time expired in the first half.

Pinkerton scored on the first possession out of the locker room, but it was the defenses that carried the game into the fourth quarter.

With just under 10 minutes remaining, the Astros pulled within four points when Zach Tulley snagged a 45-yard touchdown from PA signal caller Ryan Simpson.

Though the point-after attempt was denied, the touchdown was the first of four in the next two minutes.

Jacques returned the ensuing kickoff 91 yards for a score. Pinkerton answered with a three-play touchdown drive that took less than 45 seconds. Yet Fedrick snatched momentum back for good when he broke loose on the outside and took off for 66 yards with 7:42 remaining in the duel.

Senior Darren Brown intercepted a desperation pass on third-and-long on the next PA possession, and Fedrick capped the victory by punching the ball into the end zone once more – this time from five yards out – with two minutes left.

“I told the kids this was the biggest game of the year, and it was,” said Gati. “We’re at the pinnacle, and now we have one game left.”

The program’s last football title came in 1995, when they were still competing in Division II. They fell in 2005 and 2006 to Pinkerton in the D-I title game.

On Saturday, Nov. 21, the locals look to end that drought and capture their first D-I crown when they kickoff against Nashua North, which they beat on the road, 54-33, on Oct. 17. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.

Game notes
Fedrick finished the contest with 191 yards on 18 carries, including three touchdowns. Jacques added one score and 73 yards on 17 carries, and Sobrado contributed eight carries for 37 yards and that 41-yard TD catch.

Cannone completed five of seven passes for 141 yards and a touchdown. Brown compiled 87 yards on three reception.

Salem battles top-ranked Spaulding before falling in fi ve games

2009-11-11T18:50:00Z

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

Dan Young said he believes if his Salem High School girls volleyball team had been allowed to continue to battle Spaulding for a few more hours, the score would have been deadlocked.

Unfortunately for Young and the Blue Devils, the match ended after five games.

Salem lost a back-and-forth Division I semifinalround contest, 3-2, against top-seeded Spaulding on Wednesday, Nov. 4, ending its season with a 17-4 record.

The No. 4 Blue Devils took the first game, 26-24; fell in the second, 25-18; but bounced back with a 25-21 victory in the third frame. They were one more game victory from returning to the state title match for the first time since 2007.

Defending champion Spaulding responded with a run of its own, winning game four, 25-20, and cruising in the decisive fifth frame with a 15-4 decision.

“Whoever jumped out early in the game tended to win,” said Young. “It was all about runs, and unfortunately theirs came at the end, and we weren’t able to get the chance to respond.”

Junior middle hitter Melissa Ouellet posted a team-high 13 kills to go along with nine blocks, while Sarah Scott dished out 29 assists in the middle of the offense.

Kina Wilbur-Kamien’s effort was critical from the service line; she earned 18 service points while also playing stellar defense. Senior Erica Begin managed seven kills during her final match at Salem.

“With our team, we were so all over the place that we relied on different people at different times to carry us,” said Young. “Then there were times no one carried us, and that’s when Spaulding won. I’ve never had a team where game to game so many different people led us.”

Salem graduates captains Courtney Wright, Nicole Boucher, Erica Tilton and Begin, as well as Wilbur- Kamien, Alyssa Burnham, Jess Theriault and Olivia Connors. While the loss of those players leaves holes, Young said his team remains among the elite teams because of the returning talent.

Last year the Blue Devils were eliminated in the semifinals in five games, but Young said this year was different. “When we lost a year ago, we were tired,” said Young. “We weren’t tired this year. We started the game with a missed serve, and before we knew what was going on it was 6-0. We couldn’t really get going.”

In winning fall championship, Salem routine is anything but …

2009-11-11T18:44:00Z

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

Salem High School’s cheerleaders picked themselves up off the mat … literally.

After the Blue Devil pyramid collapsed during competition the week prior to the Class L fall spirit competition, the team responded by tweaking its routine during practice.

The fruits of their hard work were a state championship; the locals scored 201 out of a possible 220 points during the event hosted by Southern New Hampshire University on Sunday, Nov. 8.

Also that day, Pelham High placed fifth in the Class I event with 145 points. Second-place Pinkerton was Salem’s closest competition, earning a score of 191.

“We had some mistakes last week, so I just pulled those out and made sure it wasn’t going to happen again,” said head coach Tracy Berube. “Our pyramid I didn’t change, but we worked hard on it all week. It was pretty exciting because we’ve never fallen like that before. We knew that it couldn’t get any worse than it did.”

It was the second season in a row the Blue Devils were victorious after the squad took first during the winter competition.

The championship team included sophomores Sarah Dascoli, Jessica Hanlon, Erika Hughes, Samantha Johnston, Alexandra Philippon and Carley Reis, as well as juniors Kelly Armstrong, Kelsey Kurto, Madison Lichtmann and Jordyn Thommasi.

Stefanie Bromander, Devin Lawlor, Emily Mahoney, Lisa Nugent and Emily Spight were the team’s seniors.

“You work you butt off all season for one performance of three minutes,” said Berube. “It’s all about having a good day, and we did.”

LaBranche subs for town manager in Salem

2009-11-11T18:42:00Z

BY DERRICK PERKINS

A familiar face has stepped into the town manager’s shoes with Jonathan Sistare now off on a temporary medical leave of absence from the post.

Former town manager and superintendent Henry LaBranche was tapped by selectmen to fill the post last week after Sistare requested the leave for an undisclosed medical reason. It’s a position LaBranche left just two years ago.

“Obviously, I was flattered that they would ask and secondly disappointed for the very reason they had to ask,” LaBranche said. “Jon’s had his fair share of health issues when he first came to the community, and you would hope that would have been the end of it. Unfortunately, it is not and we all wish him the very best.”

While Sistare could be gone for up to six months, LaBranche will stay on a month-to-month basis, said Selectman Everette McBride. “Every 30 days we’ll reassess,” he said. “Hopefully, things go very well and (Sistare) will be back in a heartbeat.”

Sistare could not be reached for comment.

Both McBride and Selectman Michael Lyons expressed confidence LaBranche will transition smoothly into the position. His experience and connections within the town will make it an easy move, said Lyons.

“Through the tests of his career, (LaBranche) has risen to every challenge,” he said. LaBranche has kept active these past two years and stayed involved in the community, notably with volunteer efforts to refurbish the town’s depot building near the intersection of Main Street and Route 28.

“I have continuing conversations with community leaders both elected and appointed and I’m not totally unfamiliar with the issues that are on the plate right now,” he said. “Having watched from a distance and through the print media, I’ve stayed in touch with at least what’s been reported as the priority issues. I think I’m sufficiently informed.”

From 1989 until 2004, LaBranche served as Salem’s superintendent. In November of 2004, he was appointed interim town manager, a position he eventually took on a full-time basis and held until his retirement three years later.

“Town manager is a daunting task because you have so many disparate interests,” he said. “It does create some challenges and obstacles as you try to meet all of those demands.”

Woodbury School program honors veterans

2009-11-11T18:39:00Z

BY DARRELL HALEN

While images of soldiers appeared on a large screen behind her, sixth-grade student Alli Kisiel spoke about the important role that veterans have played in America’s history.

“Veterans are real life heroes. They are the people who choose to answer the call of duty to protect their country and their fellow Americans,” Alli told roughly 200 people attending the Veterans Day program breakfast at Woodbury School on Friday, Nov. 6. “Day after day, they fight for what’s right, all the while putting their own lives in danger. Some soldiers are lucky enough to return home safely. But, sadly, others are not.”

Alli was one of program’s three student essayists. The breakfast is hosted annually by the school’s sixth-grade class to honor veterans for their courage and bravery in their service to the nation.

During the video presentation, which was created by music teacher John Kelly, sixth-grade chorus members sang several songs, including “America, the Beautiful” and Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to be an American.”

Gov. John Lynch called the breakfast a wonderful tradition for the Salem area and the state. He thanked the students and staff for hosting it and he thanked veterans for their service and sacrifice.

“Our veterans have fought for our nation and for our freedoms that we all get to enjoy with honor, with dignity and with courage,” said Lynch. “We should all think about what it was like for our veterans who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan or Iraq.”

“When many of our veterans entered the armed services, they were right out of high school – not much older than some of the students who are here today,” he added. “They were sent off to places they never heard of or dreamed they would be (in). Our veterans, I believe, are our true heroes here in New Hampshire.”

Other speakers during the hour-long breakfast included William Reddel, the adjutant general of the New Hampshire National Guard, and Joe Byron, the founder of Honor Flight New England, an organization that provides free transportation so that veterans can travel to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at war memorials.

The keynote speaker was World War II veteran Herman “Herk” Streitburger, 90, of Bedford. He served on a bomber that was shot down and he was held as a prisoner of war by the Germans for about a year.

Streitburger talked about the sacrifices made by men and women who served in the military and the service of those who worked in the factories making equipment for the war. And he shared how he and other veterans were thanked by strangers at airports when they traveled to visit the World War II Memorial and Arlington Cemetery.

In addition to veterans and their families, audience members included local public safety workers and elected officials. Sitting at one of the tables was the family of Edmond Lo, the Army soldier from Salem who was killed in Iraq last June while trying to disarm a roadside bomb.

JROTC cadets from Salem High School presented the colors and recognized an empty table set for one during a POW/MIA remembrance ceremony. Veterans were greeted with applause when they stood to be recognized as the song of their military branch was sung by the chorus. The school’s jazz band also entertained the audience. Student council members distributed gifts to the guests, and resident Cyndi Woodbury was recognized for her efforts in organizing the breakfasts.

“Your fight for our freedom and liberty has allowed us to have annual events such as this,” Maura Palmer, the school’s principal, told the veterans at the conclusion of the ceremony. “It’s been a privilege to stand among you this morning. God bless America and happy Veterans Day to all of you.”

Santa waives fee, but organizers are still short funds

2009-11-11T18:31:00Z

BY DERRICK PERKINS

When even Santa Claus is donating his time to keep an annual holiday parade afloat, it’s a sign of a tough economy.

In better times, Selectman Patrick Hargreaves and a team of volunteers have fundraising for Salem’s Nov. 29 parade wrapped by the end of October, but this year the big day is fast approaching and the stocking is less than half full. Organizers have just $7,000 pledged or in hand of the $15,000 needed.

So in the spirit of the holidays, Santa waived his usual appearance fee. It won’t make up for a lack of donations from the community, Hargreaves said, but every little bit helps.

“Usually we pay him $100, but this Santa said, ‘Don’t worry about it, it’s free. I understand what’s going on.’ That’s something I didn’t expect,” said Hargreaves. “We’re having a hard time collecting the money because of the economy.”

Local businesses that gave generously in past years haven’t returned requests for donation. Some, including Circuit City and Furniture World, have closed shop, he said.

About $3,000 has been raised so far, with another $4,000 coming from town coffers, leaving an $8,000 hole to fill, Hargreaves said.

If more donations aren’t received quickly, Hargreaves will trim this year’s festivities. When money came up short in 2008, he reached into his wallet to pay the bills. But he can’t put on a $15,000 parade with $7,000.

Even participation has taken a hit, Hargreaves said. Last year, 68 local groups and businesses joined the fanfare. That number will be closer to 30 this year, he said.

Pentucket Bank, with a branch in Salem since 2006, is one local institution still happy to take part in the parade, said President Scott Cote. Despite the economy, business is good and the bank likes to be a good neighbor, he said.

“We believe strongly in community involvement,” Cote said. “I think the economic conditions are difficult, but community banks like us are doing very well. We don’t want to stop what we do normally. It’s a good business activity and shows that we’re a good community member.”

Salem Christmas Fund also needs help Hargreaves isn’t the only local fundraiser worrying about the economy. Alan Phair, chairman of Salem’s Christmas Fund, hopes residents continue to be as generous as they have in the past to help the town’s families in need.

“I’ve always found in the past when things are difficult, people tend to help out those in need, sometimes even more so,” he said. “We shall see.” After last year’s financial collapse, the fund was about $5,000 short of reaching its $32,000 goal, Phair said. Anticipating a greater need than ever this year, the group will cast a wider net for donations than they have in the past, he said.

Hargreaves also plans to reach out to more residents and businesses than usual. Though the parade will go on this year regardless, the struggle to raise funds has him wondering if it’s worth the work to put it on again next year. Selectmen have already cut the town’s contribution out of the 2010 budget, Hargreaves said.

“It’s up in the air right now,” he said. “It’s a struggle to get through and you start to think it’s time to move on, but then you think, ‘I can’t do that because I love Christmas.’”

To donate to the parade, mail a check made out to Salem’s Holiday Parade to: P.O. Box 2360, Salem, NH 03079. To donate to the Christmas Fund, mail a check made out to Salem Christmas Fund to: P.O. Box 1234, Salem NH 03079.

After midseason switches, Salem rolls, faces champs

2009-11-04T22:38:00Z

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

Pinkerton Academy had no problem disposing of Salem during the regular season. What a difference a month makes.

The Blue Devils girls volleyball team avenged a 3-0 loss on Sept. 26 by knocking the Astros out of the Division I tournament on Saturday, Oct. 31, with a 3-1 victory to advance to the state semifinals.

Salem played its most complete match of the year, flying high and hitting hard to jump out to an early lead while grabbing the first two games by 25- 21 and 25-13 scores. Pinkerton responded in the third game, holding off a late SHS charge to win, 27-25.

But the final game of the match belonged to Salem, which won, 25-17, thanks in large part to strong play at the net by Melissa Ouellet, Erica Begin, Courtney Wright and a host of Blue Devils.

Ouellet had nine kills, Wright added eight, and Begin delivered seven for Salem, which has now reeled off eight straight victories after making midseason positional changes to address inconsistencies.

“They have come a long way,” said Pinkerton head coach Roger Konstant. “They pounded the ball at us all night long. That was the difference.”

Erica Tilton produced a season-high 17 digs, while Wright and Steph Long each tallied nine. Sarah Scott dished 30 assists in the win.

As a reward for their quarterfinal- round victory, the Blue Devils meet top-seeded Spaulding, which eased past Salem with a straight-sets victory in the regular season. The match was scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4.

Spaulding has yet to lose a game in its first two playoff matches.

Salem’s head coach, Dan Young, said his team has been playing at its highest level during its playoff run.

“That was by far the best we’ve play this year,” said Young. “They’ve been progressing, and I hope we haven’t peaked too soon. It was not a clean game, but the plays that weren’t perfect, we adjusted and were able to move on as well as we have done this year.”

Salem fell in the semifinals last year after winning the previous two state championships. Spaulding won the D-I championship last year, and Young knows his team needs a tiptop game to dethrone the champions.

“We have to prepare, and we have to play aggressive,” said Young. “They’re a hard-hitting team, so if we don’t come with a high energy level, they’ll just keep coming at us.”