Salem Observer : Salem

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

Salem Editor — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:29:00 GMT

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

Salem Editor — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:40:00 GMT

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

Salem Editor — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:30:00 GMT

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.”

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

Salem Editor — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:12:00 GMT

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

Salem Editor — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:50:00 GMT

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 …

Salem Editor — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:44:00 GMT

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

Salem Editor — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:42:00 GMT

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

Salem Editor — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:39:00 GMT

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

Salem Editor — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:31:00 GMT

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

Salem Editor — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:38:00 GMT

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.”

Defending champ Central edges top-ranked Salem

Salem Editor — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:36:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

Peter Lally knows from experience what the Salem girls soccer team went through at Stellos Stadium.

Lally’s No. 4 Manchester Central Little Green knocked off the No. 1-ranked Blue Devils in the Class L semifinals on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2-1, earning a shot at winning a second consecutive state title.

“I’ve certainly been in Salem’s position before. I’ve been a top seed and been knocked out, been undefeated and knocked out,” said Lally. “It’s not fun.”

All of the scoring in the game came within a span of 3 minutes, 28 seconds in the second half, beginning with a connection between two Hooksett players.

Deven McKiernan put a ball on net that bounced off Salem goaltender Sarah Snyder, and Lindsay Johnson put the rebound in while falling to the turf with 25:18 left to play. The Blue Devils responded when Cassandra Chase took a perfectly placed through-ball from Tayllar Righini and capitalized with a wide-open goal at the 22:03 mark to even the score.

A mere 13 seconds later, while Salem’s fans celebrated the equalizer, the Little Green came storming back when Hooksett’s Sarah Velasquez took advantage of a failed clear by the SHS backfield, finding the back of the net to again give her team the lead. Johnson earned the assist after putting the ball into the middle of the box.

“We let down after we scored, and that’s uncharacteristic of us,” said Salem mentor Kendrick Whittle. “I thought we were in the driver’s seat, but that’s what Central does to you. They were just a little bit tougher than us.”

The Blue Devils couldn’t muster many more scoring threats, though Chase did fire twice while closely guarded; the junior sent one high and the other into the side of the net.

As the final seconds wound down, Salem defender Avery Neusch lofted a free kick off the crossbar, but an infraction was whistled on the Blue Devils, and time expired just seconds later.

Both teams had similar runs into the semifinal meeting. Each won a preliminaryround game, 1-0, before surviving quarterfinal-round tilts on penalty kicks.

Salem graduates Neusch, Kristine Gosson, Elizabeth Morin, Sarah Raye, Amanda Vaudreuil, Katherine Donovan and Snyder from this year’s team, but the Blue Devils return several key players. Lally said his team’s grit has been the biggest factor in reaching the Class L championship, which is scheduled for the campus of Southern New Hampshire University on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m.

“We’re not the biggest team, but sometimes they play big,” said Lally. “Our program is as good as any team in the state. The Little Green is still around. I think the ‘little’ part of that is appropriate.”

Salem High School responds to challenge, beats Timberlane in finals

Salem Editor — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:31:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

For the time being at least, the only sure things in life remain death, taxes and, of course, Salem High School’s domination of New Hampshire boys volleyball.

The undefeated Blue Devils won a sixth consecutive Division-I state championship following a 3-1 victory against Timberlane on Friday, Oct. 30, at Pinkerton Academy.

Despite being a team that had lost just 14 games during a 111-match winning streak, complacency was never an issue entering the contest with the Owls.

Indeed, Salem dominated during the first game. Following a powerful Jason Kinney kill, the score was 16-1. The Blue Devils won the game, 25- 5, and head coach EJ Perry said he witnessed a level of play he had never seen.

“That (game) was by far the best any of my teams have ever played,” said Perry. “Some people were doubting us, saying that we were beatable, and I told them we had to go out there and show that it wasn’t the case.”

After Salem won the second game, 25-20, the Owls erased a late three-point deficit to win game three, 25-23.

Following Salem’s high energy level during the first game, some Blue Devils said the closer second and third games were a result of the adrenaline wearing off.

“We did come down a little, but the second we lost (game three), we bounced right back,” said Daniel Tiner. And how. The Blue Devils rolled in game four, 25-10, to secure the title.

More than three hours prior to game time, the Salem bus pulled up and the team walked through the hallways of Pinkerton Academy, reacquainting themselves with the building Perry called his second home.

“We got here so early, and we were on fire right when we came out,” said Tiner, a senior who collected 20 kills, 14 service points and four aces. “We were so amped, and they couldn’t handle us.”

Kinney recorded 21 kills to complement his 10 blocks. Justin O’Brien managed 13 service points, and Chris Barnes delivered his second-highest career total when he dished out 53 assists.

Those seniors, along with Matthew Les, Patrick Sheehy, Jared Scali, Kevin Delfosse, Kyle Ruffen, Joseph Trovato and Chris DeMarco, depart with perfect records.

And next season’s boys volleyball landscape figures to change slightly in other ways, too.

Perry said he hopes at least three more teams join Division I, maybe even squads from Massachusetts. Further, the Blue Devils won’t begin their title defense until spring 2011, when volleyball becomes a spring sport.

“When you’re on a roll, you always want to play. I wish we could play tomorrow,” said Perry. “The level of play has climbed, and we want it to continue to do so. As long as they work hard in the offseason, we will reload.”

While Timberlane proved a worthy adversary, head coach John Dube said his team’s slow start set the tone for what became another link in the never-broken chain of wins for Salem.

“Any team is beatable, but that’s not a team you can play down against,” said Dube. “Once they smell blood, forget it.”

SNHU locked down, Derry man arrested

Salem Editor — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:20:00 GMT

BY DERRICK PERKINS

A self-described “amateur comedian” charged with a threat that locked down Southern New Hampshire University for about an hour on Wednesday, Oct. 28, is headed back to New Hampshire Hospital to await trial, say prosecutors.

Shawn DeCoste, 31, of Derry was arraigned on criminal threatening and disorderly conduct charges Oct. 29 in Salem District Court via a televised feed from Rockingham County jail.

DeCoste’s Oct. 28 arrest was prompted by a telephone call between the accused and Linda Richelson, director of SNHU’s Salem center, about 4 p.m.

Informed he was being expelled, DeCoste, a graduate student, allegedly said, “I am going to make you regret your decision for the rest of your life,” according to the arrest affidavit and criminal complaint.

The conversation prompted university officials to close the 19 Keewaydin Drive campus for about an hour as police cleared and secured the building. Police arrested DeCoste at his 109 Franklin St. home about 7:45 p.m.

In court yesterday, prosecutor Robert Prince said DeCoste was on conditional release from the state hospital and officials there want him returned.

Opened in 1842, the Concord- based state hospital is publicly funded and provides psychiatric and neurological care. Police didn’t know why DeCoste is a patient of the state hospital, and officials there did not respond to requests for information.

Capt. Shawn Patten of the Salem Police Department would not elaborate on what DeCoste allegedly told Richelson, but said the nature of the threat was “against her health and well-being.”

In his arrest warrant affidavit, Officer Daniel J. Nelson wrote, “I concluded that Richelson was in fact fearful of harm from DeCoste. The threats made by DeCoste had in fact caused great alarm and concern for the safety of both the school and the persons within.”

DeCoste was charged with resisting arrest after a struggle with Derry and Salem police during which he claimed “diplomatic immunity,” police said.

DeCoste was held overnight at a county jail on a $25,000 cash bail, police said. During his arraignment, DeCoste told the court he has lived alone for the past four years and was an amateur comedian.

“I don’t get paid, but I keep a busy schedule,” he said.

On his MySpace profile, DeCoste has posted several videos of his stand-up routine and says he is a 2009 graduate of Hesser College.

He describes himself as “nice and serious” and a “certified genius like Einstein.”

The court decided DeCoste should continue to be held on $25,000 cash bail, but will be returned to the state hospital, Patten said. The court set his trial date for Nov. 23.

Salem falls in overtime of quarterfi nals after breathtaking battle

Salem Editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:17:00 GMT

BY JERRY LIPTAK

Salem High’s field hockey team took its fans on a wild roller coaster ride in Class L’s quarterfinal playoff round. But the hosts from Exeter High abruptly stopped the locals’ fun.

Two teams that entered the postseason with identical 10-3- 1 records needed overtime to decide a winner, and Exeter’s Emalyn Loh scored midway through the 15-minute extra period to give the Blue Hawks a 2-1 victory on Sunday, Oct. 25.

The goal stunned Salem and its followers, who just as quickly realized they’d seen a memorable match – full of ups and downs, twists and turns – and cheered their hard-working but defeated Blue Devils. Loh’s goal, her second of the game, capped a contest that featured back-and-forth action, momentum swings and athletic play throughout. It was also the second straight year Exeter knocked Salem from the state tourney by one goal.

“This is one of the better teams I’ve coached,” said John Gatsas, who has worked the high school sidelines since 1986, including 17 years through 2002 with SHS. “Obviously, it was a very well-played game, but Exeter – give them credit – beat us in transition in overtime.”

The Blue Devils led until just prior to intermission following junior Meghan Bench’s goal, a deflection of a long shot off the stick of sophomore Sarah Frahm.

Gatsas, though, was concerned Exeter was too often beating his charges to the ball. After some halftime adjustments, SHS, seeded No. 5, held fourth-seeded EHS scoreless after the break, helped by its goalie, Allison Breton.

Still, spectators watched – some with eyes partially hidden behind hands, others nervously nibbling fingernails – a second half that was more like a tennis match. Heads swiveled left, then quickly right, attempting to keep up with the frantic pace on Eustis Field.

Salem nearly took the lead near the end of regulation, smartly turning an Exeter corner opportunity at one end of the field into a two-on-one chance at the other. Melissa Higgins narrowly missed solving Exeter’s steady keeper, Emily Meade, who left the net and cut down Higgins’ angle. The speedy Salem midfielder threw her stick away in frustration.

Gatsas said his team, which crushed Manchester Central Oct. 21 in the preliminary round, 6-2, was naturally disappointed by the defeat. Yet he was also quick to mention the invaluable efforts of his departing seniors – Amanda Smigliani, Taylor Buatti, Christine Cannone, Carly Federico, Chelsie Muldowney and Megan Martineau.

Gatsas said he knows strong current contributors return in 2010, including sophomores Brittney Hall and Jenna Lucas, and he praised Christine Landry and Tiffany D’Amour, who coached Woodbury School’s 44 middle school players. He expects some of those athletes to further replenish Salem’s varsity squad.

“This was a great season,” said Gatsas. “I don’t think anyone thought we’d come this far.”

Town to buy, demolish 9 Haigh Avenue homes

Salem Editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:02:00 GMT

BY DERRICK PERKINS

After two decades of flooding, Norbert Pestana was awash with relief when he learned town officials want to buy and demolish his Haigh Avenue home.

Since 1983, Pestana has watched as the home where he and his wife Helen raised their family suffered seven 100-year floods. After Mother’s Day flooding in 2006 left his basement full of water yet again, Pestana banded together with neighbors and petitioned the town to buy them out.

With help from a $1.889 million Federal Emergency Management Agency grant and $700,000 match from the state, selectmen are bringing an end to a 30-year-old problem.

Nine homes at the end of Haigh Avenue, including Pestana’s, will be purchased and demolished at no cost to the taxpayer. The state will then use the 5.4 acres as drainage for Interstate 93.

It’s a bittersweet end to a lengthy battle for Pestana, vice chairman of Salem’s Flood Mitigation Action Committee, who watched the value of his home sink with every inch of rising water.

“It’s somewhat of a relief, but it’s one of those things,” he said. “The problems that were here needed to be dealt with, but we’re saddened that we have to leave.”

Neighbor Louise Loguidice shared Pestana’s mixed emotions. Loguidice didn’t have any intention of leaving her home until after her children graduated from high school. But even then, how could she sell a house that was at times under water?

“Who would buy a home that floods every couple of years?” she asked. “Your home is worth what someone will pay for it.”

With one child still in high school, Loguidice wants to stay in Salem. Still, she supports what the town has done. Spending her golden years sandbagging her home was not Loguidice’s dream for retirement.

“Hopefully, I’ll find something on dry land I can afford,” she said.

Demolishing the homes is expected to start in the spring and officials plan to turn the land over to the state within 18 months of November.

With nine homes down, that leaves 14 more to go, said Selectman Everett McBride. He has been involved in the project since the 1987 floods. An application for another FEMA grant will be readied as the town moves ahead with the project’s first phase, he said.