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COMMUNITY VOICES Some Firsts THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021 Page 10 Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

Guilty Verdict. Former Sen. Woodburn Convicted Of Domestic Violence. Page 2 A2

2 The Record Thursday, May 20, 2021 Former Sen. Woodburn Convicted Of Domestic Violence

BY ROBERT BLECHL Staff Writer

LANCASTER — After three days of witness testimony followed by four hours of jury delib- erations on Thursday, a Coos Superior Court jury found ex-state Sen. Jeff Woodburn guilty of domestic violence. The verdict followed closing arguments, during which Donna Brown, defense attorney for Woodburn, argued that Emily Jacobs, the victim and his former fiancee, conspired with a mutual friend to develop a list of incidents that Woodburn, who had wanted to leave her, com- mitted against Jacobs as part of a plot against Woodburn to scare him and get back at him. The problem with that argument, said Assis- tant New Hampshire Attorneys General Geof- frey Ward and Joshua Speicher, is it isn’t true, there’s no evidence to support it, and Wood- burn’s own words recorded by Jacobs and his own entries in a journal left behind at her house admit that he is guilty of the charged conduct.

Cyan After spending most of Thursday afternoon deliberating, the jury weighed a total of nine Class A misdemeanor counts against the one- Magenta time New Hampshire Senate Democratic mi- nority leader and delivered a mixed verdict, with findings of guilty on four of the charges and findings of not guilty on five charges. Yellow Black Woodburn, 55, of Whitefield, was found guilty of one charge of domestic violence sim- ple assault and one charge of simple assault for biting the left hand of Jacobs, 38, of Jefferson, Former state Sen. Jeff Woodburn, a Democrat from Whitefield, beside his attorney, Donna Brown, was found guilty by a Coos Supe- on Dec. 15, 2017, and causing bodily injury and rior Court jury on Thursday of one count each of domestic violence simple assault and simple assault and two counts of criminal bruising. mischief. (Photo by Robert Blechl) He was also found guilty of a charge of crim- inal mischief for kicking and breaking the door could salvage the relationship, argued Brown. her house door. es, Ward said Woodburn’s account of a “tug-of- of her clothes dryer on Aug. 10, 2017, and found But Jacobs, who had wanted to continue the “‘He kept abusing,’” said Ward. “Those are war” in a stopped car between himself and Ja- guilty of a second charge of criminal mischief relationship, instead “gathered evidence and al- Emily’s words. And that’s why you have over- cobs for Woodburn’s phone in 2017, which led for kicking in and damaging the locked door to lies” in an attempt to make a list of things Wood- whelming evidence in this case, because he did to the verdict of guilty for biting Jacobs’ hand, is her home on Dec. 24, 2017. burn had done to her to try to scare him with the not stop. She documented it not because she had not credible, or is Woodburn’s claim that Jacobs He was found not guilty of two counts of threat of ruining his reputation, said Brown. an agenda to stop him from leaving her - there’s “kidnapped” and assaulted him to drive him simple assault that had charged Woodburn with “Who’s controlling who here?” said Brown. no evidence of that. She did it because she didn’t back to her home in Jefferson in June 2018, or causing unprivileged physical contact to Jacobs Their counselor, Paul Donahue, a trial witness know what else to do … If the things you say his lack of memory when asked about particular by throwing a cup of water in her face and then on Wednesday for the defense, concluded that happened actually happened, that doesn’t make moments at the time of his charged conduct. throwing the empty cup at her face on Aug. 10, the relationship was troubled and both needed you a liar. It means you’re telling the truth.” “Once again, at a critical moment, his mind 2017; and striking her in the stomach with his to get out, which angered Jacobs, said Brown. In her statements to Donahue, Ward said, goes blank,” said Ward. “He only has no memo- hand on Dec. 24, 2017. “Jeff on the stand said, ‘I knew I had to leave, “Emily reported abuse and said she was afraid ry when he commits a crime.” He was also found not guilty of one count of but knew there would be consequences, knew of the defendant’s temper.” In pointing out what he called the “ridicu- domestic violence simple assault and one count there would be allegations or charges,’” she said. During the trial, the defense referred to the lousness” of the defense’s arguments, Ward used of simple assault that charged him with biting Brown said to get away from the relationship, acts of criminal mischief as accidents, but Wood- words that made Jacobs and her supporters in her on her right forearm, resulting in bodily in- Woodburn had to retreat to his family house in burn’s own words, such as in a journal entry in the courtroom laugh a few times, such as when jury and bruising in June of 2018. Whitefield, which Jacobs viewed as a threat. which he wrote “I became enraged and kicked he said Woodburn doesn’t remember the circum- The jury delivered a verdict of not guilty on Brown also argued that Jacobs at one time the door in,” admit that they were no accidents, stances of the bite on her forearm in June 2018, the charge of criminal trespass that prosecutors entered the family house to assault Woodburn. and the accident argument is only showing up while she was driving a car and “didn’t pull said occurred on Dec. 24, 2017, after Woodburn Jacobs was not charged with any crimes in the just now, at trial, he said. over quickly enough,” but remembers having to kicked in the door to her home and entered or case. “Emily did not bring the charges,” Ward told leave the car by jumping from it and becoming remained in the home after Jacobs told him to Ward painted a different picture, one that the jury. “She does not have that power … In a “Bruce Willis Hollywood action hero” and leave. shows a man who cared most about his career, the defendant’s journal, he admits to a number of walking back to Whitefield. Closing Arguments and pointed to evidence that includes photo- acts, he confesses. Photographs and video cor- “If it happened, don’t you think it would have Woodburn, who argued self-defense, began graphs of the bite marks, Woodburn’s journal roborate what Emily told you … The defendant made it into the journal?” Ward asked jurors. to feel trapped in the relationship, which began entries in which he admits has a temper and at told Art McGrath [the mutual friend, of Guild- He also said Woodburn was asking the defense in 2015 and led to an engagement in 2017, and times can’t control it, texts and emails, record- hall] that he had done each and every one of to believe Jacobs was just as strong or stronger eventually suggested counseling for both him- ings in which he acknowledges the acts, and a these things he was charged with.” than he and said, “Emily, I had to bite you to get self and Jacobs in early 2018 to see how they video that Jacobs took of Woodburn kicking in Noting the difference between their two siz- See Woodburn, Page 4 A3

Thursday, May 20, 2021 The Record 3 News Briefs

Lancaster Fairgrounds with the capacity to accommodate big crowds. ond but asked about how the board can ensure that anyone not However, it is also symbolic. It is a place that unites the region wearing a mask has been vaccinated. To Host Vaccine Clinic across state lines, van Bergen-Buteau said “I don’t think we should police it,” said St. John. “I think we “We were excited they thought of the Lancaster Fair Grounds. should trust people. We know who comes to these meetings.” LANCASTER — Get a shot, get a ticket. For me, as a homegrown Lancaster native, I thought that was re- Cook and Hart said the current policy is masks for everyone in The North Country Health Consortium, in partnership with the ally exciting because the Lancaster Fair has always been a collab- any district building. states of Vermont and New Hampshire, is offering people free orative effort between New Hampshire and Vermont agencies,” St. John said that is board policy and the board can change it. Lancaster Fair tickets in exchange for getting vaccinated at a one- she said. “So I do like the symbolism of having it at the Lancaster “This is a facility [the SAU 84 administrative office] that is not day, single-dose Johnson & Johnson clinic at the Lancaster Fair Fair Grounds because it is a location where our communities on occupied by students and that mitigates the concerns Dr. Hart said Grounds on Friday. It runs from noon to 6 p.m. both sides of the river have come together.” about inequities, about students seeing teachers without masks After getting a jab, participants will be handed a free-admission Fair tickets are an appropriate incentive, she noted. and older students without masks,” he said. “I think we have a coupon to the fair, scheduled for Sept. 2-6. As vaccination rates have increased, cities and towns across moral responsibility to move back to normal as fast as we can, Appointments for the clinic can be made online at vaccines. both states have resumed planning for large-scale community reasonably, responsibly and safely. It’s not as if some crackpot nh.gov or healthvermont.gov/myvaccine or by phone at 211 or events like fairs, festivals, concerts and celebrations. think tank came up with this. It’s the CDC.” (603) 271-5980 in N.H. or (855) 722-7878 in Vt. Said van Bergen-Buteau, “Folks are really looking forward to Cook said the district has done so well up to this point in the Walk-ins will be accepted but reservations are strongly recom- these kinds of community events, and vaccination definitely helps school year. mended. make it that much safer.” “We have four weeks left, we have an immense amount of The clinic is open to those ages 18 and older. Plans are to vacci- important functions going on, we have seniors that are trying to nate up to 800 New Hampshire and Vermont residents. School Board Keeps Current Masking: graduate in a process that is close to normal as possible,” he said. Kristen van Bergen-Buteau, Director of Public Health Pro- “My concern is do we jeopardize or potentially jeopardize those grams for the North Country Health Consortium, said higher vac- One Board Member Dissents functions by loosening things now or do we try to ride out the rest cination rates will allow communities to safely resume events like of the year and readdress this starting July 1.” the Lancaster Fair. LITTLETON — Although he agreed with keeping masking Because the CDC is saying that those who are vaccinated don’t “We’ve been talking a lot about how the shot in the arm is like through the end of the school year in June for students and teach- have to wear masks or socially distance indoors or outdoors, St. our shot to get back to something resembling normal,” she said. ers in school buildings, one school board member, citing a recent John said he doesn’t see how his motion for school board meet- It will also protect the local workforce as the economy re- relaxing in federal guidelines, sought to lift masking for board ings would jeopardize anything. opens, and the region’s restaurants, hotels and attractions serve meetings and the campus outdoors. “I’m not a virologist, so I’ll take their word for it,” he said. large numbers of out-of-area visitors. But most school board members and the Lakeway Elementary School board member Larry Blaisdell pointed to the recent Cyan “We’re on the cusp or our summer season. There’s a lot of busi- School principal said not so fast, resulting in some sharp differ- high numbers of positive cases in Littleton. nesses that rely heavily on tourism traffic. And we have heard ences of opinion and three unsuccessful motions made by Matt St. (Active Littleton cases are now four or fewer, although just a Magenta about the importance of bringing that economic driver back full John, the newest board member elected in March. month ago, on April 16, they were at 51, the highest at any given force,” she said. “At the same time, we’ve heard locally from During the COVID-19 update at Monday’s board meeting, Lit- time during the pandemic.) workers about wanting to feel safe. One of the things I’m really tleton School District SAU 84 Superintendent William Hart rec- “We’ve been hit pretty hard,” said Blaisdell. “I also think about

hopeful for is that our local employers will see this as an opportu- ommended that the district, for the next month until school lets other people’s peace of mind. There are people who won’t come Yellow Black nity for their staff to be vaccinated.” out, maintain current policies in schools in regard to masking and here if we’re not wearing masks. While I agree we need to get Friday’s walk-through clinic offers a way to protect front-line social distancing. back to normal as fast as we can, I think we can tough it out for workers quickly and effectively. Since the beginning of the school year in September 2020, any- six more weeks. I had my second shot seven weeks ago and still “We’re offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and that one entering a school building is required to wear a mask. wear a mask. There’s still a lot we don’t know about this disease. means it’s a single shot, and by June 4 people will be considered Recently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention I would feel much more comfortable playing it safe for the mem- fully vaccinated right in time for the summer season to get start- relaxed mask-wearing guidelines for those who have been fully bers here, for the people who come into these meetings, for the ed,” she said. vaccinated, as most North Country teachers have. schools. There’s no reason we can’t discuss this in two weeks.” The clinic will serve a close-knit community that spans the “The last time we met we saw the loosening of state and na- St. John said his recommendation is not to lose masks in border and includes two of the most rural areas of the Twin State tional restrictions and we took a look at what we should do for schools but to adopt CDC guidance for school board meetings. region: Coos County in New Hampshire and Essex County in Ver- the rest of the year,” said Hart. “I think the full consensus of the “People are scared and confused because leaders have been mont. administrative team and our nursing staff was we have a month scaring and confusing them,” he said. “No one is saying let’s in- Friday’s clinic should speed along vaccinations in Essex Coun- left and we should stay the course. To try to do anything different troduce risk. What we are saying is the CDC says there isn’t risk. ty, which currently has Vermont’s lowest vaccination rate at is way too complicated and could be a morale issue, especially In the end, his motion failed 3-2, with Cook, Blaisdell and 53.7% with at least one dose. for students who see all of the adults, for example, not having to school board member Ann Wiggett voting against it and St. John Meanwhile, approximately 40% of Coos County residents are have the mask requirement. It would be a negative impact. We’ve and Antonucci voting in favor. fully vaccinated, the third-highest rate among New Hampshire’s started to identify some of our older students who have been vac- His second motion was to lift mask-wearing for anyone out- 10 counties, according to the CDC. The number of partial vacci- cinated, but you’d then have some students not having to mask doors on school grounds, be it for students, parents, teachers, vac- nations was not available. and others having to mask. We’ve been in this together for the last cinated or not. “The vaccination rates have been pretty good here in the North year or so and we figured for the last 30 days we should stick with “Long before the CDC’s announcement on Thursday about Country,” van Bergen-Buteau said. “Coos County is one of the the course. My recommendation is to stay the course.” masking and distance for vaccinated individuals indoors and out, best in terms of vaccination rates.” School board chairman Greg Cook said, “I believe the CDC they’ve been consistently clear about the limited risk of outdoors Explaining why, she pointed to strong partnerships between had a recommendation yesterday for schools to complete the masking,” he said. EMS providers, hospitals, and federally qualified health care cen- school year with their procedures and processes in place.” LES Principal Crystal Martin, however, asked if that motion ters to distribute vaccines in Coos and northern Grafton County. Compared to higher numbers last month, LES is reporting zero comes with distancing recommendations because distancing is “When I look at the clinics that we have helped to facilitate and students with the virus and zero staff members and one staff mem- the most difficult thing to monitor on a playground. the work that [the North Country Health Consortium] has done, ber in quarantine. “The complication for me is in most instances kids can main- we’re well over 23,000 vaccines delivered across our region,” Daisy Bronson Middle School/Littleton High School is report- tain distance, except for when it’s free reign on the playground,” she said. “And that doesn’t take into account anything that was ing zero students with the virus and two in quarantine and zero See News Briefs, Page 10 done at the fixed sites that were operated by the New Hampshire staff members either with the virus or in quarantine, said Hart. National Guard, or commercial retail pharmacies. So we are ap- St. John made his first motion, which was to adopt CDC guid- proaching a point of saturation, but we’re not done yet by any ance and allow vaccinated people to not have to wear masks at stretch. There are still folks out there that are eligible for a vaccine Littleton School Board meetings. ON THE COVER: The Lancaster Board of Selectmen and have not yet taken one up.” “I think there’s no logical reason to deny the science of that meets on Monday, May 17. The decision to hold the vaccination clinic at the Lancaster Fair recommendation that came out on Thursday,” he said. Grounds was a practical decision. It is a large, outdoor facility School board member Erica Antonucci gave the motion a sec- A4

4 The Record Thursday, May 20, 2021 block or restrain Woodburn from leaving her, had on one occasion Jacobs thanked the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domes- Woodburn brandished a knife. tic and Sexual Violence, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Continued from Page 2 No defense evidence of a knife was presented at trial. office, and domestic violence expert and New York-based attor- Jacobs testified that Woodburn had talked about running for the ney Jennifer Friedman. the phone away from your freakish superhuman strength.” governor’s office and presented her with a contract on how she She described the past several years, how she feels after the At other moments, Ward was direct in narrating the incidents, was to behave in public (that he signed and she didn’t), with one verdict, and how she plans to move forward. prompting Jacobs on one occasion to leave the courtroom in tears. provision that she was not to criticize him in public. “I feel that justice has been served,” said Jacobs. “It’s a relief During his testimony, Woodburn said he had been drinking al- Post-Trial Perspectives that this three-year process has come to a positive conclusion. I cohol at the time of at least some of the incidents as way to help After the trial, attorneys and parties on both sides weighed in went from being considered an ‘alleged victim’ to a survivor. Al- him deal with the stress of the relationship. on the mixed verdict. though the delays in setting this case down for trial have been “The defendant will say that she tried to prevent him from leav- “Today, justice was served, and as a survivor of domestic vi- challenging, I have gained strength and confidence over the course ing her,” said Ward. “The evidence for that is she tried to prevent olence, I was believed,” Jacobs said in a statement. “I am grate- of the past three years. This verdict, rendered by a jury from this him from driving drunk so he didn’t kill himself or someone else.” ful to the jury for convicting the defendant of domestic violence, community, is humbling and gratifying. I am very grateful for the During testimony, Woodburn admitted to mocking Jacobs after holding him accountable for his acts of violence against me. support of the North Country. she accused him of hitting her in the stomach, but denied hitting “Many victims of domestic violence do not come forward out “Domestic violence is a crisis in this country and state, and her. of fear of retaliation or that they will not be believed,” she said. is more prevalent than people realize,” said Jacobs. “With this “We get a glimpse of who this defendant is,” said Ward. “I, too, had that fear, especially in light of the political position trial behind me, I look forward to the opportunity to advocate for “Drunk, angry, and just downright mean.” and influence held by the defendant. I hope that this verdict will continued improvements to the system on behalf of all survivors.” In a notice of self-defense filed in September 2018, Brown ar- encourage others to report allegations of abuse, and that we will The prosecutor offered a statement. gued that evidence at trial will show that Jacobs, in her attempts to see a day when all perpetrators are held accountable.” “I certainly respect the jury’s verdict,” Ward said outside the courthouse. “I’m not going to speculate on why the verdict was what it was, but clearly finding the defendant guilty of domestic violence, assault, and the property crimes that we charged, we feel it is a fair and just verdict in this case.” Defense counsel and the defendant offered theirs. Women’s Wellness “We feel the verdict reflects that the jury believed Jeff,” Brown said outside the courthouse. Services at Weeks Woodburn said, “I just wanted to tell my side of the story and I & had the chance to do that.” In a statement issued a few hours later, Woodburn said, “It’s Cyan QA Medical Center gratifying to be believed by the jury - convicted for what I admit- ted to and not guilty for five other charges - but more important to Magenta BY JULIE HOHMEISTER, be heard. The process has revealed much - and will reveal more. APRN, WHNP-C I’ve lost much as a result of this, but I have gained so much more.” When asked Thursday about the likelihood of an appeal, Brown When should I get my fi rst women’s you have a healthy lifestyle can help you 52yrs. There are treatments to help you said, “It’s obviously something that we will consider.” Yellow Black On the last day of witness testimony, Brown had sought to in- health check-up? have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy get through this time. Give our women’s clude evidence of the physical blocking behavior that Jacobs ad- baby. health experts a call to set up an The start of women’s health care such mitted to on several occasions involving Woodburn, evidence that appointment to go over your symptoms as the fi rst pap begins at age 21, but I know there are lots of di΍ erent she said points to aggression on Jacobs’ part. and review treatment options. if a woman is involved in a sexual options for birth control, but I just The judge, in agreeing with prosecutors, denied that request, relationship, then screening should don’t have an idea of what method I feel like I keep gaining weight no saying that the specific cases Brown cited in case law for her mo- tion to include the evidence don’t apply to the Woodburn case. be done for sexually transmitted would be best for me. matter how hard I try to lose. What Ward argued that none of the incidents Woodburn was charged infections yearly or as often as is causing this? Birth control options include both short with involve Jacobs trying to stop him from leaving. necessary. If you are using birth control, term and long-term choices. Make an Weight gain is often frustrating for Presenting such evidence would create unfair prejudice and it is recommended that you to have a appointment to review your family women, especially at times of change confuse and mislead the jury, said the judge. check-up yearly to evaluate your blood planning goals and have a health history like menopause. Some health problems In late 2018, attorneys on both sides agreed to transfer the case pressure and other health measures to from district court, where misdemeanor cases are normally heard, done to determine which methods can cause this, but it can also be about be sure the method you have chosen is to superior court, with the end result of having it tried before a would o΍ er you the best e΍ ectiveness the balance in your body’s hormones, working well and not causing problems. jury. and even improve your health. Some your diet and your physical activity. After Thursday’s jury verdict, the judge met with attorneys to I am planning on getting pregnant types of birth control can reduce certain Make an appointment for a review of set a sentencing hearing for Woodburn that was tentatively sched- soon, what should I be thinking types of cancers as well as help your your wellness goals and the best way to uled for July 13. about to get ready? menstrual cycles. achieve this today! Each of the four misdemeanor charges that Woodburn is con- victed of carry a jail sentence of up to 12 months at the Coos You should check with your provider I am having symptoms like hot Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner County House of Corrections sentence in West Stewartstown. about immunizations you might need fl ashes, insomnia and some mood Julie Hohmeister, MS, APRN has After his arrest in August 2018, Woodburn, who had been seek- and go over your pre-conceptual health changes. Is this menopause? appointments available in Littleton and ing a fourth term in the Senate, won the 2018 Democratic primary that includes what a healthy diet and in Whitefi eld NH. Most women have some symptoms of that following month, but was defeated in the November general weight is during pregnancy and whether election by Franconia Republican David Starr, who received 54 menopause even before they stop their Call (603) 788-5095 for your any medications you take should be percent of the vote to Woodburn’s 45 percent. periods. The average age for these is 48- appointment today. changed prior to pregnancy. Making sure

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Thursday, May 20, 2021 The Record 5

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6 The Record Thursday, May 20, 2021 Creatives & COVID Creatives & COVID is where members of the local arts industry discuss the pandemic, its impacts, and how they have adjusted. The answers here shed light on how musicians, performers, and visual artists in the North Country made it through a year when the arts industry — which depends upon bringing people together — was shut down by COVID-19.

Zach Johnsen Ethan Paulini

Zach Johnsen is a self-employed, multidisci- I was able to secure a small business loan Ethan Paulini, 40, is the producing artistic Did COVID provide or create opportuni-

Cyan plinary artist and designer working in both the last year that ultimately helped me open BABA director for the Weathervane Theatre in White- ties for The Weathervane to grow or change commercial and fine art world living and operat- YAGA, an art-centric gift shop, in Littleton this field, N.H., and associate artistic director of as an arts organization? ing out of Littleton. April. Off-Broadway’s Out of the Box Theatrics in New Absolutely. We have a resident company of Magenta In the past year he opened Baba Yaga (www. Beyond arts, how did COVID change you York City. artists who became empowered to feel confident babayagaville.com), a unique retail store located and your family? He is also a freelance director and actor, and in trial and error. We were navigating uncharted on Main Street in downtown Littleton. COVID threw a wrench into everything. The founder and CEO of #ethancoaches, a nation- territories so people were more apt to try some- When the pandemic hit what did you have school year was basically a wash. No one was wide acting and career coaching studio with thing they hadn’t tried before and for the most Yellow Black booked, planned or scheduled for the year visiting anyone. Holidays were canceled and ev- over 300 clients from all disciplines in the enter- part the results were very successful. As we ahead? eryone was afraid and in isolation. My experience tainment industry. He divides his time between march towards normalcy, things that had previ- I am a self-employed graphic artist operating as was really no different. Whitefield and NYC. ously seemed challenging will seem much more a sole proprietor. My line of work consists of logo Will any COVID changes be permanent? When the pandemic hit, what did The achievable with relaxed circumstances. design, custom illustration, sign making and mural In my line of work as a solitary studio hermit, Weathervane Theatre have booked, planned Beyond arts, how did COVID change you painting. no. or scheduled for the year ahead? and your family? I had scheduled 2 big mural jobs that unfor- Regarding my retail store, I’ve designed the We were gearing up to open our 55th Season It slowed me down and gave me perspective tunately fell through once Covid hit and budgets space for ease of movement and to accommodate of award-winning alternating repertory theatre. on how to place realistic expectations on myself constricted. socially-distant activity should an outbreak of any While we stayed the course as long as possible, and my work. I think it also made me a stronger How did COVID impact you artistically and sort re-emerge. we did end up pivoting to a hybrid season and and more communicative collaborator. financially? Now that we’re approaching a time when postponed our 2020 titles to 2021. Will any COVID changes be permanent? Financially, I took a big hit because, in regards (hopefully) restrictions will be eased and the How did COVID impact The Weathervane Yes, we will retain many safety protocols. In to my lost mural jobs, I had already done the de- arts sector will return, what are your plans? Do artistically and financially? addition, we will offer livestream options for pa- sign phase for the projects. I unfortunately not only you have anything booked or scheduled? Artistically there were silver linings as it trons across the globe. This increases the aware- lost the painting gigs, but also was not compensat- Now that I’ve opened a bonafide art retail space, helped our incredible staff of resident artists to ness of our organization. We will also keep the ed for design of the murals either. I plan to use it to host events, show local and na- really gain confidence in expanding their skills Picnic with Patchwork program. Artistically, the pandemic took the wind out of tional art and generally be a hub for a younger, and pivoting to meet any challenge. Financial- Now that we’re approaching a time when all my creative endeavors. For the first 3-6 months, more alternative scene of artists and creators. I ly we took an 80 percent reduction in normal (hopefully) restrictions will be eased and I just felt kind of deflated and uninspired. think artists are hungry for interaction after work- earned income from ticket sales and had to sig- the arts sector will return, what are your How did you adjust? ing away in a vacuum for the last year and are nificantly reduce planned staffing and produc- plans? Does The Weathervane have anything As a self-employed artist, I am used to the winds eager to show off what they’ve been working on. tion to be able to pull through the most difficult booked or scheduled? of change. That is the independent creator’s strong This summer, I plan to host a number of art events months of the pandemic. We open June 26, following all protocols. We suit; adaptability. I put my nose down, contact- and pop-ups, especially during Littleton’s First Fri- How did The Weathervane adjust? will present 11 MainStage shows through Oc- ed any and all prospective clients for work, filed days, which start June 4th. We created an incredibly exciting hybrid sea- tober 10. We will also have a series of special for unemployment, and filed for a small business COVID influenced art: Yes or no? son with lots of streaming content featuring both events, our patchwork programming and more. loan in case it got really bad. And during the time No. our intern companies, as well our professional Something for everyone. I didn’t have work coming in, I created work for For you, what will be the moment when Actors Equity company. We also created a very COVID influenced art: Yes or no? myself. I have had an online store for many many you’ll say “OK, it’s over?” popular program called Picnic With Patchwork Other than shows that live in the here and years and I concentrated on creating and selling art How about right NOW? I feel like we as a where we built an outdoor stage and welcomed now, no there will be no COVID specific pro- through that avenue. country have gotten this thing under control and patrons to bring blankets, a picnic lunch and en- gramming. Did COVID provide or create opportunities that has always been the original goal … to flat- joy the show at a safe social distance outside. In For you, what will be the moment when for you to grow or change as an artist? ten the curve … not overrun our hospitals and the fall we were the first company in the US to you’ll say “OK, it’s over?” Covid did open up the door to federal money healthcare system. It looks like Covid is going to be approved by Actors Equity, the actors union, Just like in theatre, things don’t tend to be that normally wouldn’t be available to me. Free- be with us for a while but if we can manage it, to be approved for an in-person season. We pre- over, but rather evolved. For me, I am ready to lancers aren’t generally able to file for unemploy- which I feel like we have done, then I consider sented 3 successful productions and got national continue the work safely and I look forward to ment either and that changed also. that a victory. attention for our safe return to work. an incredible season 56 and beyond. A7

Thursday, May 20, 2021 The Record 7

Joe Cimino Jason Tors

Joseph Cimino, 65, of Franconia is a did! Jason Tors, 46, is a North Country based the cultural commission. Throughout this past bassist, music producer and radio show host The show now airs locally on The Outlaw graphic designer, artist, musician and own- year I have been feeling a groundswell of arts (Mojo Marketplace Radio). He is a found- 93.7 And it’s steaming all over the country er of The Loading Dock, a live performance and artists in Littleton and got inspired to plan ing member of the Wicked Smart Horn Band on mojorecordingstudio.com. We are cur- venue in Littleton. In addition, he is a mem- and advocate for a townwide celebration of the and runs Mojo Music Studio with his son, rently looking for sponsors to advertise on ber of the Littleton Cultural Arts Commission, arts with Littleton First Friday Arts happening Anthony. the show. New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, and this summer. In conjunction with the cultural When the pandemic hit what did you Beyond arts, how did COVID change Richardson Memorial Library Board of Trust- commission I hope to set the stage for a spon- have booked, planned or scheduled for you and your family? ees. taneous burst of arts & culture on First Friday the year ahead? Well in a way it brought my family closer, A father and husband, he is also a non-profit (6/4, 7/2, 8/6) When it hit we lost approximately 25 we learned how to slow down and create a consultant, web site manager for Screwgun Re- Beyond arts, how did COVID change you jobs with The Wicked Smart Horn Band and peaceful family life together to get through cords, and snowboard instructor with Adaptive and your family?

all of our live sound work. We also closed these uncertain times. Sports Partners of the North Country. COVID made me less inclined to deal with Cyan Mojo Music Studio to the public for record- Will any COVID changes be perma- When the pandemic hit what did The bullshit. My feeling now is that life is too short ing sessions. 2019 was our busiest year to nent? Loading Dock have booked, planned or to beat around the bush. As a family, we are date, with 2020 planned to be even bigger It has left a permanent scar on the music scheduled for the year ahead? rock solid, we give each other lots of space. Magenta than that, only to have that all fall by the business. Time will tell what changes will The Loading Dock had a full schedule of My son is now driving and eager to explore, wayside. be here to stay. weekly shows booked and scheduled through at times frustrated with being trapped in the How did COVID impact you artistical- Now that we’re approaching a time May 2020. Everything got cancelled. North Country. I have developed a habit of ly and financially? when (hopefully) restrictions will be eased How did COVID impact you artistically walking twice a day, it clears my mind, gives Yellow Black Artistically it was devastating, it was also and the arts sector will return, what are and financially? me time to be in the woods with my dogs and mentally and physically draining. After all, your plans? Do you have anything booked The Loading Dock needed to close for pub- listen to music, podcasts or just think about it’s what I’ve done all my life. or scheduled? lic events, financially the bottom dropped out things I need to do. Financially it was traumatic. We lost 100 Between the studio and the band, we have and we were left with little or no income. More Will any COVID changes be permanent? percent of our income. some sessions and gigs booked on the hori- valuable at the time was having a safe space I will continue to wear a mask in crowded How did you adjust? zon. But we are still getting cancellations. outside my home where I could go and get places. I really don’t see that changing for me Well, we never did adjust. We are hoping As of right now, we do not have a date when back in touch with my artistic practice. Use of personally any time soon. I will continue to a year later now that we would be able to get we will be back open for in-person sessions The Loading Dock extended to a small group walk my dogs twice a day. back to our work and passion, but it’s just and what the fate of our gigs booked will be. of local musicians and artists that continued to Now that we’re approaching a time when not happening yet. COVID influenced art: Yes or no? use The Loading Dock for art and music and (hopefully) restrictions will be eased and the Did COVID provide or create oppor- Yes. Music is the voice of the people. It even that shut down as the pandemic got worse arts sector will return, what are your plans? tunities for you to grow or change as an always has been that way. From World War going into the fall and winter. Artistically I am Do you or The Loading Dock have anything artist? II to today, you can see how these unfortu- thankful to have a space that I can use to work booked or scheduled? It’s given us time to assess our business nate circumstances changed music. Artists in and for the short term it outweighs the finan- We have some tentative dates for the end of and create a business plan for when we re- will always write about the world around cial burden. summer, indoor shows at the loading dock but open the studio and get back on the road them and what affects them. Lots of great How did The Loading Dock adjust? I am waiting for NH venue guidelines to relax. with the band. art and music has been made during this We didn’t adjust. The primary focus of the The First Friday Arts in Littleton will be excit- We also started an in-house radio show/ pandemic. loading dock was never about purely financial ing, response has been amazing so far. We are podcast. We are highlighting local music For you, what will be the moment when gain. If we wanted to make $ we would sell partnering with the WMCC writers festival and and giving facts about music history. It’s a you’ll say “OK, it’s over?” alcohol. Our interest was in the social capital, will be hosting a live stream event on 5/14. It variety show. That’s a good question. We all can only the community and cultural connectedness and will be hybrid, some video submissions with I was in the studio one day and I said “We pray and stay strong and healthy. This too building the foundation of a strong arts scene in-person performances. have to do something with all this gear and shall pass. You can’t quarantine love. in Littleton. Much of our activities went online, COVID influenced art: Yes or no? I want to help my fellow musicians” So we we chose not to venture into live streaming Yes. Art is influenced by everything and vice events, going into an extended hibernation felt versa. I firmly believe that art got better under like the right thing to do. the pressure cooker that was COVID. The iso- WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU. Are you an art- Did COVID provide or create opportuni- lation and dedication to personal craft is sure ties for you to grow or change as an artist? to result in some amazing things that we hav- ist, musician, performer, or creative who wants This past year has been more about getting en’t seen yet. I know I got a few things up my through this time and diving deeper into per- sleeve. to talk about their COVID experience? Contact us sonal work and artistic expression. The pan- For you, what will be the moment when at [email protected] and include the demic has sharpened the contrast of what our you’ll say “OK, it’s over?” role should be in the community. Currently a The day I stop seeing discarded masks in word “Creative” in the subject line lot of that work is going towards planning out- public places. door shows with Littleton Main Street Inc. and A8

8 The Record Thursday, May 20, 2021 Cyan Magenta Your Community Health Partner Since 1975 ABOVE: Dick Hamilton speaks with Gov. Chris Sununu on May 12, 2021. BELOW: Dick Hamilton’s bench looks out over Profile Lake to where the Old Man of the Mountain Hamilton Honored Yellow Black once sat, high up on Cannon Cliff. (Photo by Katherine Fiegenbaum). ™‹–Š ‡Ž‡Ǧ ‡ƒŽ–Š For Work On Old  Ǩ Man Memorial tive Councilor Joe Kenney, rep- BY KATHERINE FIEGENBAUM resentatives of New Hampshire’s Staff Writer ACHS = Integrated Health Care congressional delegation and longtime friend and State Rep- Dick Hamilton, the driving Primary Care resentative Dennis Thompson, force behind the Old Man of the R-Stewartstown. Behavioral Health Mountain Memorial and trail- “We cannot thank you EliminatesEliminates high blazing tourism advocate for the enough,” said Sununu, who add- Dental & Oral Health White Mountains, was honored ed that Hamilton was “always heatingheating bills.bills. on Wednesday in Franconia ‡†‹ ƒ–‹‘ƒƒ‰‡‡– willing to step up and go the extra Up ttoo * Notch. $ mile.” ‡Ž‡ǦŠ‡ƒŽ–Š‡”˜‹ ‡• 2500 Hamilton, head of White IInstantnstant RRebateebate The ceremony, held in the Old Mountain Attractions for 35 years Man of the Mountain Memorial’s ACHS accepts most major insurances, TThehe Classic EEdgedge is the perperfectffeect ccombinationombination and past president of the Old Man of pperformanceerformance and valuevalue Profile Plaza under cloudy skies, of the Mountain Legacy Fund, Medicare & Medicaid, and was attended by Hamilton him- spearheaded a memorial for the ‘ơ‡”•ƒ•Ž‹†‹‰ˆ‡‡• ƒŽ‡ • Easy ttoo operateoperate and easy ttoo mainmaintaintain self as well as around 75 of his New Hampshire icon which fell • EPEPA-Certified,PAA-Certified, clean-burclean-burningning family, friends, local leaders and ˆ‘”’ƒ–‹‡–•™Š‘“—ƒŽ‹ˆ›Ǥ from Cannon Cliff a little over • SStainlesstainless modelsmodels available,available, ask about state park staff. 18 years ago. He raised hundreds Call our NEW PATIENT Hotline our TTitaniumitanium SSerieseries Hamilton’s son Trevor said of thousands in private funds and toll-free at 1.866.201.5076. that on days like Wednesday worked tirelessly to ensure locals when the cliffside was hidden by APPALACHIAN and tourists would continue to clouds, his dad would say “the visit the historic site. Ammonoosuc SUPPLY Old Man must be up there smok- St. Johnsbury, Vt. • 802-748-4513 OutdoorOutdoorrW WWoWoodood FurnaceFurnace A bench dedicated to Hamilton Community Health Services ing his pipe.” *Instant rebate of $2,500 off of select in-stock Central Boiler was unveiled in a ceremony on Littleton • Franconia • Warren • Whitefield • Woodsville outdoor furnace models, available at participating dealers The granite bench, which only. Savings shown is on an E-Classic 1450 model. See CentralBoiler.comCentralBoilerr..com Wednesday that included remarks dealer for details. 16-3011 603.444.2464 • www.ammonoosuc.org from Gov. Chris Sununu, Execu- See Hamilton, Page 9 A9

Thursday, May 20, 2021 The Record 9 clouds cleared. June 12, 2011, additions and improvements Hamilton Hamilton spent much of his life working in were completed last September. The site is in Continued from Page 8 and around Franconia Notch State Park, driv- the process of being turned over to the state. ing through every day and saying good morn- Hamilton’s bench lies just past the memo- overlooks Profile Lake towards the former ing and good evening to the national natural rial plaza on the way to a fishing platform on home of the Old Man on Cannon Cliff, reads landmark. the shore of Profile Lake. “Richard ‘Dick’ Hamilton: the Old Man’s best “The Old Man wanted to be here for this … Brian Fowler, current president of the Old friend and the driving force behind the memo- he’s all broken up about it,” Thompson joked Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund, said rial.” to Hamilton. Wednesday that the memorial was a “home The bench was installed on Tuesday by In the memorial plaza stand seven stain- run” of an idea. Thompson, who runs Northern New England less-steel “profilers” that, when viewed from Fowler said that on summer weekends over Field Services which constructed the Old Man the correct angle, replicate a perfect profile of 1,500 people a day visit the free attraction and Memorial Plaza, and others, in spite of hail the former rock face against the cliffside. The many are touched by the evocative space. that fell on the Notch. project was largely been paid for through the “And for all those years, Dick’s been right “Dick has done an awful lot of work for an sales of 1,100 granite “pavers” which are set here,” said Fowler. awful lot of years on this,” said Thompson. in the plaza with engraved names and mes- Future planned improvements to the site in- Following the ceremony, Hamilton and sages. clude a fish ladder between the trout pond and Thompson sat together on the bench, looking While the plaza was initially dedicated on Profile Lake as well as more “paver” stones. up at the New Hampshire landmark as the Cyan CARPET • RUGS • WOOD TILE & STONE • VINYL Magenta COUNTERTOPS Stunning 7,000 Sq. Ft. Showroom HELP Shades • Blinds Commercial/Residential • Expert Installation WANTED Draperies • Valances Free Design Consultation Floor Yellow Black Upholstery Covering Installers Area Rugs • Pillows $20-$30/hr Home Decor Fabrics www.detailsinteriorfashions.com 2190 Main St., Bethlehem, NH • Phone: 603-869-5880 Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5; Sat 9-3 • www.thefloorworks.com 106 Main Street • Littleton, NH • 603-444-7444

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10 The Record Thursday, May 20, 2021 lems outside of a work, home or clinical setting. News Briefs For more info visit lrvcnh.org/coffee/ COMMUNITY VOICES Continued from Page 3 “Let’s say I know somebody who is having a tough time. I can [go to the website], sign myself she said. “If there are some groups that are able up, get two gift cards, go into the coffee shop, Some Firsts to manage it and some groups that aren’t, I’m and try and sit them down quietly and have a going to have a significant management issue conversation,” said Querrard. Have you ever thought to your- no concerts, no in-person parent out there. Like the sixth grade advocated, they The fundraiser was started by his wife, Ab- self, after reading a really good teacher conferences, no field trips admittedly are not good at distancing and they igail, the president of the Post 3041 Auxiliary. book or watching an awesome to chaperone, no teacher appre- value mixing with people over going mask-free. It marks the post’s first large-scale event in movie, “wow, I wish I could expe- ciation lunches to fill in for. As a That would be my concern. I almost guarantee I over a year, since before the pandemic. rience that again for the first time?” result, I’ve felt eerily disconnected cannot keep K-3 for sure social distanced.” She said approximately 50 participants were I know I have. After a long year from my kids’ schools this year. St. John’s motion failed after no school board expected. The walk will begin at the post, pro- (plus some) of pandemic life, this This past weekend, sitting there member gave it a second. ceed to Veterans Park, and then return. There spring it feels like we are getting a watching my daughter and the oth- “I’m prepared to go 0 for 3,” he said. will be an outdoor cookout afterward. chance to do just that: experience er kids sing and dance, surrounded He made a motion that sought to authorize Asked why she chose LRVC as the fundrais- some of the small things in life, and (again, at a distance) by friends and Hart to immediately change district policy on ing recipient, Abigail said it was an important all the joys that accompany them, neighbors and other parents, I felt masking only if the CDC and New Hampshire for what feels like the first time. BY AMY LAWTON like things were finally starting to effort. McKEEVER Department of Health and Human Services up- “Personally, from what I’ve seen just being [at Spring is always a time of re- get back to normal. date their policy for masking at schools. the post], it affects more people than you real- birth and new beginnings, as the We even had our first “masks Cook suggested amending the language to al- ize,” she said. world around us slowly warms up from the optional” staff meeting at school the other day. low Hart to make any changes, in consultation Querrard agreed. cold winter months. This past week, it has There is still a strict mask policy in place when with school administrators, only where he feels Some veterans, he said, will internalize their finally felt like spring around here: the trees students are in the building, but as we are all they are warranted and not because the CDC problems and “tough it out,” partly out of a com- are beginning to green, my hosta leaves are adults and all vaccinated, we stayed six feet recommends it, unless it’s a mandate from the bination of pride and shame. He said the Buddy unfurling, and peas, lettuce and radishes are apart and took our masks off during the after state governor. Coffee Check was intended to break through poking their friendly faces up through the soil school meeting. Seeing people’s faces, their St. John said that would take the teeth out of those emotional barriers and remove the nega- in my garden. smiles – after so many months of just seeing it. tive stigma often associated with mental health This spring, more so than most, it feels par- eyes - there just aren’t words for it. “I think this is insane,” he said. “We are say- care. ticularly true that life is beginning to wake up, All of these firsts – its like I’m experiencing ing the five of us, with no molecular science “You have veterans who go in the military. and not just in the garden. My husband and I them, again, for the first time. A hug, a school Cyan background, are making a pronouncement that They feel like they’re tough and they can handle are fully vaccinated, and our son just got his function, sharing a smile with my fabulous we have some sort of risk-abating authority all the stresses because they go places no one first shot. Many of my friends and their kids colleagues – these aren’t big, momentous Magenta over the CDC … I think this pandemic has had else wants to go to. Then they come back and are in the same boat, and it is finally starting events. But after more than a year of pandemic a negative impact on our kids. I think we have they feel alone,” Querrard said. “This is a way to to feel okay to do some of the things that we living, I find myself appreciating the very little a responsibility when we are given the leeway reach out to them and try to prevent them from haven’t done in many, many months. things. by the authorities to make these decisions … We actually doing harm to themselves.” A good friend came over last weekend. Ear- Last weekend my daughter even had a

Yellow Black don’t want to be as reckless as the CDC - I think The Buddy Coffee Check program is intend- lier in the day we had exchanged text messag- friend over. I texted her mom, asking how she that sends the wrong message to our community ed to deliver a message to veterans: You are not es about being fully vaccinated (finally!) and felt about the girls playing inside and telling and kids about risk, risk mitigation, and about alone. how exciting it was. That evening, after her her our vaccination status (these are the funny, living in fear.” Through conversation, it is hoped, veterans kids piled out of the car and ran off with my very honest conversations we’ve learned how St. John’s motion failed after not receiving a will realize there are other veterans processing kids towards the outdoor movie screen we had to have during this crazy time), and when her second. the same thoughts and emotions. set up, my friend and I hugged. It was the first mom replied that all the adults in their bubble Cook said as the pandemic improves with It’s a problem Querrard has seen firsthand. time I had hugged a non-family member in ... were vaccinated, so it was fine with her if the masking and social distancing, the hope is to “I was in the medical field in the military, so I don’t even know how long. Long enough so girls played inside without masks, I was so get school board meetings back up at the high I knew a lot of veterans who committed suicide that it felt noteworthy, and I paused to appreci- happy for the kids, that things are starting to school and move away from Zoom meetings and while they were in the service,” said Querrard, ate it in a way I would not have done pre-pan- feel normal and safe again. get back to normal, in-person meetings. a Navy veteran. “As a brotherhood and a sister- demic, when hugs were something I might Happy spring, for the garden and the trees hood, when you lose people you take it person- have taken for granted. We hugged for a bit and for us, too. ally.” longer than we normally would have, each of Amy McKeever lives in Easton with her Lancaster To Host Veteran The Buddy Coffee Check can bridge gaps in us kind of laughing in recognition of the mo- family, where she spends as much time as Suicide Awareness Walk the North Country, where rural distance allows ment. It felt good to be hanging on to someone possible outside. It’s gotten so that when she mental health problems to hide in plain sight. so tightly. says, “I’m going to take the dog for a walk,” Twenty-two. Coos County has the highest percentage of Last weekend we attended Lafayette Re- everyone in the house knows that really she is That’s how many U.S. military veterans com- veterans and the lowest population density in gional’s performance of Alice in Wonderland. the one who needs the walk. Amy is the librar- mit suicide each day, according to the federal New Hampshire. It was outside at the Dow, and folks were so- ian at the Monroe Consolidated School, and Veterans Administration. “There’s always a concern that up here, be- cially distanced and still masked, but it was sometimes loses sleep over kids not having ad- “We’ve lost a lot of people,” said Denis Quer- cause we’re spread apart, [veterans] have a ten- the first school function that we have been equate access to books. rard, commander of VFW Post 3041 in Lancast- dency to isolate themselves better,” said Quer- able to attend this entire year. There have been er. rard. “But I do know of veterans up here who A local effort aims to help. have had suicidal ideations. I think that it’s just Littleton Rotary Club is back on, fully virtual, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 VFW Post 3041 on Saturday will host a veter- as prevalent as it is in Concord, it’s just less no- p.m. on Thursday, May 27. ans suicide awareness walk. The date, time and ticeable.” Auction On, Virtually “It’s a live stream being put on by Phlume distance are meant to be symbolic. The 2.2. mile Some of those veterans reached out and got Media and Chad Fillion and we’ve got every- walk will kick off at 2:22 on May 22. the help they needed. Others just needed to talk. LITTLETON - For more than half a centu- thing right on his site,” Littleton Rotarian and Funds raised will go towards the Lake Region Either way, they made it through. ry, the Littleton Rotary Club has held a yearly club board member Chad Stearns said Tuesday. Veterans Coalition (LRVC), a regional effort to Said Querrard, “At the VFW you’ll talk to fund-raising event to help the next generation The Littleton Rotary Scholarship Auction, combat veteran suicide. It was formed as part of somebody, they’ll tell you they’re feeling down, - those graduating high school seniors about to which will be broadcast from the Secured Net- the VA’s Together With Veterans Rural Suicide and you’ll talk to them about things. Basically, enter college. work Services building in the Littleton Industri- Prevention program. you just talk through it. Then they go back home Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, though, al Park, can be accessed at www.littletonnhrota- The LRVC is currently promoting a “Buddy and you see them the next day. That’s a good its annual auction had to be entirely canceled in ry.org. (which directs to https://stream.phlume. Check Coffee” program. It provides veterans thing.” 2020. with free coffee, allowing them to talk out prob- This year, the scholarship event and auction See News Briefs, Page 11 A11

Thursday, May 20, 2021 The Record 11 State Investigating “Significant” Landfill Leachate Spill

box 401 filled with leachate and over-topped.” the stormwater detention pond to the leachate Natural Resources Committee. BY ROBERT BLECHL Leachate flowed over the ground surface into containment system and excavating subsoils “It’s not so much what happened, it’s that Staff Writer the forebay of a stormwater detention pond, he and sludges from the bottom of the pond, said there was this Senate hearing and five or six said. Wimsatt. Casella people talked about everything other “We would describe that as a significant re- The landfill stage has a master supervisory “There will be further work to evaluate the than what just happened,” said Adam Finkel, lease of leachate,” said Michael Wimsatt, di- control and data acquisition system electronic nature of the release and the extent of any releas- a Whitefield and Forest Lake resident and en- rector of the New Hampshire Department of unit (SCADA) that collects and transmits elec- es into the ground,” he said. “We’re not aware of vironmental health sciences professor at the Environmental Services Waste Management trical signals to various electronic control units any direct impacts to surface water, but again, University of Michigan and a former director Division. “We were notified more or less in re- at the NCES site, he said. we’re still in the beginning of our investigation of health standards programs at the U.S. Occu- al-time when the folks at NCES discovered this. “Radio communication from the master SCA- stages.” pational Safety and Health Administration. “To We are doing an investigation to understand DA control unit and the subordinate State IV With the investigation ongoing, it was unde- lobby against a bill and to talk about over and what the magnitude was.” Phase II control unit was under repair because termined Friday if the incident will constitute over about the safeguards and the fail-safes and Leachate results mostly from rain and precip- the control signal had been lost,” wrote Gay. a violation of NCES’s permit from the state to the track record and then to get caught two days itation entering and passing through a landfill, “There was discussion between our SCADA operate the landfill. later not mentioning that a week before there but also from the decomposition of some organ- controls vendor and our electrician on the nec- The incident drew reactions from opponents was this big incident is disturbing.” ic materials and from other liquids that are land- essary repairs, components were ordered, and a to the proposed Casella landfill beside Forest As a former federal health official, Finkel said filled, and it contains the materials, pollutants replacement of parts occurred on Tuesday April Lake State Park in Dalton, among them mem- there is a concept called “near misses.” and chemicals, some toxic and carcinogenic, 27. After the parts were replaced, it was deter- bers of the North Country Alliance for Balanced “The terrible tragedies don’t happen that of- from the materials it has percolated through. mined that the new parts had not resolved the Change. ten, and if you’re a good company, if you’re As they investigate the extent of the leach- communication error and therefore the issue was “All systems, no matter how well designed, trying your best, you learn more from the small ate spill in Bethlehem, DES officials visited the not resolved. The electrician inadvertently left will fail at some point in their life cycle,” said incidents, but also from the things that almost landfill site this week. the controls system in ‘automatic’ mode and left Dalton resident and NCABC board member happened, because that tells you that sometimes In an incident report that the company submit- the site. NCES was not aware of this situation. Erik Johnson. “Any system failure at a landfill the company is really on top of things and they ted to DES on May 7, Casella engineer John Gay On the morning of May 1 when the incident be- means the impact can last forever in the environ- don’t let bad things happen,” he said. cited equipment and human errors as the cause gan, Stage IV Phase II control unit was not able ment and the surrounding community.” “But it also, more often than not, tells you of the spill that lasted off and on for nearly 48 Cyan to receive a pump inhibit signal.” NCABAC board member Gary Ghioto said, that things are failing, things are breaking down, hours, from the morning of May 1 to the morn- Remediation measures include managing all “Leachate is a nasty byproduct of industrial and they grab them before it gets worse,” said

ing of May 3, at the landfill’s Stage IV, Phase II. Magenta stormwater in the detention pond as wastewater landfills, a polluting soup of chemicals, garbage Finkel. “I wouldn’t call this a ‘near miss.’ This The stage’s sump pumped leachate to the on- to be taken to a municipal wastewater treatment and other wastes that rainwater percolates out of was an incident. Even it turns out no harm was site storage Tank A while Tank A was at capac- facility as well as removing the sediment under- what’s dumped in that mountain of trash over in done, to not know about something for 48 hours ity, wrote Gay. lying an area of the pond, said Gay. Bethlehem next to the Ammonoosuc River. Can is worrisome for a company that says, essen- “The pump did not receive an ‘inhibit’ signal Measures to reduce or prevent a reoccurrence you imagine a 154,000-gallon spill of that stuff tially, it doesn’t matter if [a landfill] is next to Yellow Black from the system control and resulted in inter- include ensuring that any vendor who has per- next to your favorite state park. Like Forest Lake a lake because we’re on top of the situation and mittent pumping after tank storage were STET formed site maintenance checks in with NCES State Park?” nothing’s going to get out. But you never know full,” he said. “The continued pumping from staff before leaving the landfill facility, he said. On May 10, House Bill 177, which seeks to what could have happened 200 feet from a state Stage IV Phase II resulted in leaching flowing to Soon after the spill discovery, NCES took prohibit the siting of any new landfill withing park with the same incident, if it happened five a former valve box ‘401’ that is no longer in ser- a number of remediation measures, including two miles of any state park, went to a hearing years from now in Dalton. It’s not supposed to vice. Over this period and intermittently, valve pumping off much of the release discharged to before the New Hampshire Senate Energy and happen.”

Littleton, Monroe, Lisbon, Landaff, Lyman, it donations and really make it an experience.” early 2000s. News Briefs Bethlehem, Twin Mountain, Franconia, Easton, Although previous auctions had involved Before that, it was done through the radio and Continued from Page 10 Sugar Hill, Dalton, and Whitefield. hundreds of items, next week’s event will have was known as the radio auction. “We have a few different schools, and we’ve 12 live items to auction off, some of them new. “The goal is to have a live event in person com/littletonrotary/). given scholarships to people from the North “It gives everybody a chance to participate next year,” said Stearns. “Our goal is to even- Details can be found at and event registration Country Charter Academy,” said Stearns. “We and donate to such a great cause,” he said. tually get back to doing that, but we are at the done through the web site. try to go by service area rather than school so Items include a deluxe spa package at the tail end of the pandemic right now and certainly The auction will be similar to how Copper we can hit as many people as we can. They are Omni Mt. Washington Resort as well as an in- don’t want to chance anything. Let’s get over the Cannon Camp held its fund-raising event and need-based scholarships because we want to ternational-themed five- or six-course dinner pandemic and get back to normalcy. But right how Affordable Housing, Education and Devel- provide as much help as we can.” with drinks put on by Rotarians in costume (past now, we are looking forward to a great event, an opment Inc. (AHEAD) conducted their annual The fund-raising event and auction is specifi- dinners included Russian, Hawaiian, and New interactive event, that includes a [web site] chat meeting, said Stearns. cally run by the Littleton Rotary Club’s Charita- Orleans themes). feature where people can put in their bids.” Before last year, the auction had been held ble Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organiza- In addition, donations without receiving auc- People who can’t attend virtually can still par- for several years at the Mountain View Grand tion that can accept donations. tion items will also be accepted. ticipate and can use PayPal to make a donation, in Whitefield. “Even though the event was cancelled last “We are doing Shares of the Future,” said said Stearns. “It’s a late April-early May event, so last year year because of the pandemic, the Littleton Ro- Stearns. “They are straight donations to help out at that time we had to make the conscientious tary Club Charitable Fund was still able to give with these scholarships, and are tax-deductible Officer Inadvertently decision to cancel it for the year,” said Stearns. out close to $40,000 in scholarships to local se- and $50 apiece …Obviously, seniors are still “Luckily, we have had very good good years and niors last year, from previous endowments and graduating and still needing assistance going Breathes benefactors who left us some money for rainy healthy reserves,” said Stearns. into their first year of college.” In Suspected Fentanyl days, and 2020 was a rainy day. We were still That amount has been constant the last few Scholarships can be for a community college, able to fund scholarships for seniors in our ser- years and is the target for 2021, he said. Harvard, or anywhere in between, and they cov- vice area, which is fantastic.” A Northumberland police officer had a close “We’ve had some great years, and then the er all different areas of study, he said. call with a dangerous narcotic Sunday night That service area includes schools in SAUs pandemic hit,” said Stearns. “This next step for Prior to being held physically at Mountain 84, 35 and 36 and encompasses the towns of the live event will give us the opportunity to elic- View Grand, the annual event went online in the See News Briefs, Page 14 A12

12 The Record Thursday, May 20, 2021 Bethlehem Cares Group Grows Obituaries To date, there is a total of 15 donors, including Cares committee members considered advancing BY ROBERT BLECHL one business, Drummond’s Ski Shop, who have the initiative on their own through the creation of Staff Writer contributed a current total of about $3,000 toward a nonprofit organization but decided the better op- the Bethlehem Cares fund. tion instead was to set up a trust fund through the Just two months after forming, a philanthropic “It’s fantastic and it’s a nice little stash,” she said. town, with the guideline that the committee of no group in Bethlehem has helped its first resident in “We have had three applications come in and one of more than eight members would include at least one need and now has north of a dozen donors. them is still in the works.” selectman and the town welfare/direct assistance di- Bethlehem Cares was formed by town residents For one application, the committee, which meets rector. as a direct assistance program to help neighbors once a month, needs to get more information before Donors can send contributions by check or di- with an unexpected financial need that falls outside deciding whether or not to approve it. rectly through the electronic PayPal link set up on of the Bethlehem Food Pantry or municipal welfare Arthur A. Joy Jr. “We will make a determination at our next meet- the group’s website at www.bethlehemcares.org. Arthur A. Joy Jr., 88, of Arthur’s Drive, Bath, office. ing,” said Hibberd. “We couldn’t act on that one be- “All we want to do is help people and be caring,” N.H., died at his home on Saturday, May 15, “It’s going great,” April Hibberd, Bethlehem cause there wasn’t a specific need identified.” said Hibberd. “We want to inspire other community 2021, with his family by his side. Cares committee member and administrator, said Applicants, who must be Bethlehem residents, members to do this, whether it’s officially through Arthur was born in New Durham, N.H., on Tuesday. “We have awarded one grant so far, for are asked to identify a specific need and not an this type of mechanism or even just knowing that June 27, 1932, to Arthur A. and Elsie (Cilley) $800 to help a veteran purchase a vehicle so he has overall need. their neighbor needs help.” Joy. He graduated from Spaulding High School transportation.” Bethlehem Cares does not give any money di- The Bethlehem Cares mission is “to assist Beth- in Rochester, N.H., in 1950. Following high The group began as an avenue for residents to rectly to applicants but pays for the need by giving lehem residents in times of unexpected financial school, he enlisted in the US Army and served help others in some way during the COVID-19 the money directly to a service vendor or product need” and the vision is “to use donations from our in Korea. Upon his discharge in California, he pandemic and evolved from there. supplier. caring community to help our friends, neighbors purchased a car and drove across the country. “It’s awesome,” said Hibberd. “There are so The intent is to offer one-time assistance. and strangers who need financial assistance due to Back at home, he met Ann Nihan, who was his many people who have a need that isn’t solved Hibberd thanked community members for step- unforeseen expenses. In doing so, we seek to in- sister’s college roommate. On June 27, 1955, through welfare and this really makes a difference ping up to the plate. spire kindness and compassion that will energize his 23rd birthday, they were married at St. Jo- for them.” “We appreciate the communi- people to pay it forward through their own compas- seph Catholic Church, Woodsville, N.H.

Cyan ty, and there are some very car- sion-driven actions to increase unity and connection Arthur worked as an installer with New En- ing people, which is nice to see in in our community.” gland Telephone and Telegraph while also oper- this time,” she said. “It’s been a Other ways are also considered to grow the fund. ating the family farm, the Mt. Gardner Farm, in Magenta very hard year for everybody and “We hope to do some fund-raising at some Bath. For over 45 years, he served as the volun- it’s nice to see the caring for peo- point,” said Hibberd. “We haven’t planned one yet teer Chief of Police in Bath. DINING ple within your own community. and figured we’d wait and see how the first few Arthur was a man of impeccable character As it was forming, Bethlehem months go.” and was a great storyteller. During the late 1960s Yellow Black through the early 1980s, he was a successful snowmachine racer, winning the Lancaster Grand Prix three times, as well as being entertainment& guide victorious in multiple world class races. An avid hunter, he hosted dozens of guests in New York at CALL 603.444.7141 their hunting camp. He was predeceased by his Topic of the Town son, John C. Joy on June 14, FAMILY RESTAURANT 1989; three brothers, Sam, Earl, and Robert Joy; and three sis- BREAKFAST • LUNCH Gift “Where People Never Leave ters, MaryAlice Eastman, Nellie DINNER Certificates Hungry” Available Twitchell, and an infant sister ★ Every Day is Senior Discount Day 60+ 10% who died at birth. ★ Specials at Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Survivors include his wife of ~ NOW OPEN WITH RESTRICTIONS ~ over 65 years, Ann Joy of Bath; THURS-SAT 7AM-7PM • SUN 7AM-1PM • CLOSED MON-WED two daughters, Maryann Joy of Quechee, Vt., and Roxanne Joy www.thetopicofthetown.com GOLF COURSES NOW OPEN! Tee times for the Donald Ross-designed 18-hole Mount Washington Course Copeland and husband Brian of 30Sun. MAIN6am-noon ST., • Mon.-Tue.-Thu.-Sat. LITTLETON, 6am-2pm NH, • 603-444-6721 Wed. & Fri. 6am-8pm and 9-hole Mount Pleasant Course now available. Keene, N.H.; a son, Arthur A. Spring rates in effect through June 13th. “Butch” Joy III and wife Nancy of Newbury, Vt.; eight grandchil- DRIVING RANGE MEMBERSHIPS dren and eight great-grandchil- Advertise Hone your driving skills all season long on our well-appointed Driving Range with multiple yardage markers, all natural tee boxes and over 11,000 sq. ft. of hitting surface. dren; nieces, nephews, and cous- Single: $200; Couple $300; Family: $400 (includes children under 23 living at home) ins; and a host of dear friends. Here There will be no calling hours. MILITARY & FIRST RESPONDERS SPECIAL Memorial contributions may Special savings for our active and retired military, plus first responders with valid ID. be made to the police charity of CALL: one’s choice. Visit brettonwoods.com for details and additional offers! For more information or to of- (603) Rates & schedules subject to change. Restrictions may apply on all offers. fer an online condolence, please 444.7141 Rte 302, Bretton Woods, NH visit www.rickerfh.com (603) 278-GOLF [4653] Ricker Funeral Home & Cre- brettonwoods.com mation Care of Woodsville is in charge of arrangements A13A1

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14 The Record Thursday, May 20, 2021 “This stuff aerosolizes very, very quickly and Former Fire Chief To Plead from defense attorneys, prosecutors, victim-witness News Briefs becomes airborne and can be absorbed through Guilty For Christmas Day advocates, and a retired judge or judge with no ac- Continued from Page 11 the skin, inhaled through the noise, and even tive involvement in the case. through the eyes,” he said. “In terms of how dan- House Shooting On Dec. 25, 2019, Rainville became drunk during when he inadvertently breathed in some grains gerous it can be, if a grain the size of a grain of a Christmas dinner with friends at their Bethlehem of the drug that he found during a motor vehicle salt gets in the eye or nose, you can stop breath- home at 11 Cleos Way and was asked to leave after stop and had to self-administer the anti-overdose The former Easton fire chief accused of shooting ing. It’s very powerful. If someone encounters it 14 rounds from a handgun at the Bethlehem house he began talking about aliens and after he told his Narcan. or finds someone’s stash in a house, don’t touch hosts they had alien faces and that prints outside the The incident occurred at about 9:12 p.m. he was invited to on Christmas Day 2019, prompt- it. Call us or call someone who can take care of it ing the occupants to run for cover, will now plead home were not from dogs, but from aliens, accord- when the officer, unnamed as of Monday, made safely. It’s a dry, light powder and becomes air- ing to the affidavit for arrest. a traffic stop on Lost Nation Road. guilty to several felony and misdemeanor charges. borne very easily … A little bit of it can change If approved by the judge, Arthur Rainville, 61, He declined an offer to be driven home by his Arrested was the driver, Christoper Roy, 28, your life very quickly.” friends. of Milan, who was discovered to have a sus- faces a jail sentence of up to one year or home de- tention. As he was leaving in his pickup truck, police said pended driver’s license and was placed in cus- he threatened his two hosts with the 9-mm handgun tody and charged with several counts of reckless SAU 36 Provides Rainville, who served for five years as Easton’s fire chief, was indicted by a Grafton Superior Court he had in the truck’s console — “I have something conduct, felony second-degree assault and driv- ESSER Fund Update to show ya,” he said — and began firing the gun at ing after suspension. grand jury in February 2020 on two special class felony counts of criminal threatening with a fire- the house, forcing the two men outside to flee and Roy was transported to the Coos County WHITEFIELD — The White Mountains Re- forcing the occupants inside, including two women House of Corrections, held on preventative de- arm that carried extended terms of imprisonment, gional SAU 36 School Board heard an update a Class B felony count of reckless conduct with a and two children, to run for cover. tention, and attended a bail hearing Monday at on COVID-19 relief funding at their meeting on After his arrest in Littleton for drunken driving Coos Superior Court. deadly weapon, and a Class B felony count of crim- Thursday. inal mischief. and a hit-and-run, he told police officers he believed The passenger was released without charges. All told, the five-town cooperative school he might have been abducted by aliens. The police officer was alone when he found In New Hampshire, a special class felony count is district is expected to receive nearly $8 million punishable by a maximum state prison sentence of During Rainville’s bail hearing in January 2020, the narcotic, which was sent to the state labora- in COVID funds, according to Superintendent Assistant Grafton County Attorney Jacobson said tory and is suspected to be fentanyl. 10 to 20 years. A Class B felony carries a maximum Marion Anastasia. sentence of 3 1/2 to 7 years. Rainville “was not in a good place” mentally, had re- “By policy, the officer was in the process of They were awarded through three rounds of cently separated from his wife and lost a pet, and his inventorying the car in preparation for the arriv- In Littleton, where police said he crashed his the federal Elementary and Secondary School pickup truck after fleeing Bethlehem, Rainville friends invited him over to dinner out of kindness. al of a tow truck when the officer moved a piece Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund, and two Charlie Buttrey, his former attorney, said Rain- of paper on the driver seat,” said Northumber- was charged with Class A misdemeanor counts of rounds of the Supplemental Public School Re- aggravated drunken driving, criminal mischief, and ville had been prescribed anti-anxiety medication, land Police Chief Peter Pelletier. “A powdery sponse (SPSR). and when it combined with heavy drinking, it re-

Cyan unlawful conduct after an accident. substance was immediately aerosolized and the Some of those funds have already been ac- sulted in someone “talking about feeling weird and officer was not able to avoid exposure to it in According to his plea agreement he signed on cepted; others are pending. May 7 (the plea hearing has not yet been scheduled), being abducted by aliens and acting in a manner Magenta time. Within seconds, the officer was dizzy and SAU 36 previously received $386,946 completely out of character.” experiencing difficulty in speech and movement. Rainville will plead guilty to a total of four charges through ESSER 1 and $363,000 through SPSR 1 and will have three dismissed. After more than six months in the Grafton Coun- Alone on the stop, he suspected he had been ex- & 2, and is in the process of accepting $2.2 mil- ty House of Corrections on preventative detention, posed to a narcotic of some kind and commu- If approved, he could serve up to a year in the lion through ESSER 2, and anticipates getting Grafton County House of Corrections or home con- after the judge determined Rainville presented a

Yellow Black nicated the same to dispatch, which started a another $5 million through ESSER 3. danger to the community and victims, Rainville Lancaster police officer and an ambulance to the finement with electronic monitoring. Those funds have been — and will continue For the charge of felony reckless conduct with a made bail in July and was released on an unsecured scene.” to be — used for COVID response efforts to ad- $50,000 bond after Judge Lawrence MacLeod con- All Northumberland police officers carry deadly weapon, he agreed to a 12-month jail sen- dress wide-ranging education needs during the tence and will apply for immediate release on elec- cluded he could be released on restrictive bail condi- Narcan on their persons or in the cruiser, said pandemic. tions that will adequately ensure public safety. Pelletier. tronic monitoring, which prosecutors did not object Anastasia pointed to a “long list of allowable to. Rainville has no prior criminal history and re- “The officer self-administered Narcan in activities” for those funds including the pur- mained discipline-free at the jail, said the judge. order to try to stop being overwhelmed by the Rainville would be placed on five years proba- chase of COVID supplies (such as masks, hand tion upon release, agree to forfeit and not possess exposure he had experienced,” he said. “Help sanitizer and cleaning supplies), improvements arrived at the scene shortly after and the officer any guns, continue complying with substance abuse North Country Pride Earns to building HVAC systems, and initiatives to ad- counseling and recommendations, undergo a mental was transported to Weeks Hospital by Groveton dress COVID learning loss. Non-Profit Status EMS. He was treated and released.” health evaluation within 90 days of release, and fol- On April 22 the school board approved ES- low up with any recommended treatment. The officer returned to duty Monday morning. SER 2 expenditures including $50,000 for the It’s official. Pelletier, who has been police chief of Nor- For the first-offense DWI charge, he agreed to a study, engineering, design and construction nine-month loss of his driver’s license with a right to North Country Pride, a two-year-old organization thumberland since March 2017, said as far as administrative services for the White Moun- dedicated to diversity and equality, recently received he is aware, Sunday’s incident is the first time a suspend six of those months upon completion of the tains Regional High School generator project, impaired driver’s program by the New Hampshire its official 501C3 non-profit designation. police officer in the town had been exposed to a and approximately $250,000 for the purchase It’s a milestone moment for the LGBTQ+ group, narcotic in that fashion. Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Services, plus a $500 of 30 Promethean touch-screen monitors (for fine and $120 penalty assessment. opening the door for more fundraising opportuni- “Thank God he used his Narcan before he classroom use in all district schools) and 410 ties, and offering assurance it will survive long-term. passed out,” said Pelletier. “It was critical hav- For the felony charge of criminal mischief, he was Chromebook tablets (for grades K-4). given a sentence of 3 to 7 years in state prison, de- Although slowed by the pandemic, North Coun- ing that on him.” COVID UPDATE try Pride continues to plan events and initiatives, It doesn’t appear the drug was mishandled ferred for two years and suspended for an additional SAU 36 hosted its first student vaccination five years from release upon the condition of good and grow its network of volunteers and community and the exposure to the officer was instead inad- clinic on Friday. partners. vertent, he said. behavior and completion of required programs. Approximately 100 signed up to receive their For the misdemeanor charge of conduct after an North Country Pride expects to participate in the “The job remains very dangerous in a lot of first jab, according to SAU 36 officials, noting Littleton First Friday Arts events on June 4, July 2 different ways, but this is a risk that they take accident, he was given a 12-month HOC sentence, that participation was voluntary, parents were all of which was suspended for seven years for good and Aug. 6, and aim to hold the second annual North every day when they’re out there, and they will- notified, and vaccinations will not be required. Country Pride Ride on Sept. 12. ingly take the risk,” said Pelletier. behavior. Meanwhile the school district reported no The two felony charges of criminal threatening In addition, they are selling Pride Progress flags Northumberland officers rarely handle such confirmed cases in any of its schools (Lancast- and North Country Pride window stickers (for sug- narcotics in-house and instead keep any loose with a deadly weapon and the misdemeanor crimi- er Elementary, Whitefield Elementary or White nal mischief were dropped by Grafton County pros- gested donations of $30 per flag, $20 for two stick- powder bagged and sealed and send it to the Mountains Regional High School). ers, or $40 for both), which they hope local busi- state lab, where there is a protocol for dealing ecutors. The school board did not discuss updated In December, unable to agree on a sentence for nesses and homeowners will display. Proceeds will with it, he said. CDC recommendations on mask use, but they go towards future events. Exposure to the drug, however, is not just Rainville, prosecutors and Rainville’s defense at- are expected to raise the issue at their next meet- torney, Leonard Harden, engaged in a felony settle- Jill Kimball, a North Country Pride co-founder, dangerous to police officers, but to anyone who ing on May 27. comes across it, said Pelletier. ment conference, the objective of which is to find an alternative path to resolve criminal cases with input See News Briefs, Page 15 A15

Thursday, May 20, 2021 The Record 15 One example is Cottage Hospital’s Ray of doesn’t make any friends,” he said. News Briefs Hope Geriatric Mental Health facility, a 10-bed Haverhill Select Board Although he clashed with town leaders, the Continued from Page 14 voluntary short-stay unit for adults 65-and-over final straw was a disagreement with supposed struggling with mental health concerns. Opened Postpones ATV Vote allies, he said. said the group began in 2019 as a grassroots effort in 2016, the unit addresses a regional shortage It stemmed from the Whitefield Conservation to promote equality and diversity north of the notch. in geriatric psych beds, and is often at capacity. HAVERHILL — A proposal to open Moun- Commission virtual meeting on May 5. Christie They officially incorporated in Feb. 2020 and — “The community assessment will allow us to tain Lakes Precinct roads to ATV traffic remains attended in an advisory role and, at one point, through a combination of celebration, education, see what the needs of the community are. What unresolved. addressed concerns that a proposed power line empowerment and inclusion efforts — seek the folks are having to leave the community to get. The five-member Board of Selectmen on rebuild — along an 18-mile Eversource corridor make the North Country an open and welcoming And then we can put those things in alignment,” Monday postponed a vote on the proposal be- from Northumberland to Whitefield — was a place for LGBTQ residents and visitors. she said. cause one member, Steve Robbins, was absent. “Trojan Horse” for Northern Pass, the failed Ca- “I think a lot of people think that we’re so far Growth will require workforce. They meet next on Monday, May 24. nadian hydropower transmission line that faced north, and we’re so very rural, that these things To help Cottage Hospital cope with a nation- Earlier this year Mountain Lakes Precinct vot- heavy local opposition. don’t exist up here. Of if they do, they’re in the shad- wide healthcare staffing shortage, the hospital ers narrowly approved a plan, 42-39, to allow Unlike Northern Pass, he said the rebuild was ows. And the reality is that we have a very vibrant will strengthen partnerships with educators, in Mountain Lakes residents to drive ATVs off of a necessary upgrade with a minimal visual im- LGBTQ community up here,” she said, adding, order to bolster its employee pipeline. their properties and access the existing trail sys- pact. He called the projects “apples and orang- “We’re the people who own the businesses, We’re In the coming year, Cottage Hospital is ex- tem through a series of Class V and IV roads, es.” the people who shop at the Co-op. We’re the people pected to explore a pilot program with Plymouth instead of hauling ATVs to trailheads. “I’m not an apologist for Eversource or North- who bring their neighbors food and groceries. We’re State University nursing students, continue on- The Select Board has received approximate- ern Pass, but you’ve got to be practical here. We the people who are on the nonprofits. We’re just like going work-study programs with White Moun- ly 25 to 30 public comments on the plan, and need the lights to come on around here, and this everyone else.” tains Community College and the University of will continue to accept them through their next isn’t shuttling power from Canada to Derry and A year ago, North Country Pride had intended to New England, and host high school students for meeting. down into Boston. This is fixing the local line celebrate LGBT Pride Month in June with a week- a Healthcare Careers Exploration event in July. Those in favor of the proposal said it would that has been here for [over 70] years,” he told end-long festival across Bethlehem, Franconia and McCormack said Cottage Hospital offers tui- benefit the people of Mountain Lakes, but others Whitefield ConCom members. Littleton, with a full lineup of events and entertain- tion assistance and student loan reimbursement are worried that speeding, noise, dust and other Those comments were not well received ment. programs to help employees with professional bad behavior will negatively impact safety and by some Lancaster residents, who claimed COVID put the kibosh on that. development. quality of life for Mountain Lakes residents. it showed a bias towards the Northumber- As a compromise, they staged the Pride Ride in “The workforce issues are a top priority for land-to-Whitefield rebuild project. They called September. The car parade drew around 50 vehicles us,” she said, voicing concerns shared by health- In Surprise Move, Christie on Christie to recuse himself when the proposal and followed a 15.2-mile route from Littleton Coin care facilities across the country. “It used to be returned before the Lancaster commission. Company to Rek-Lis Brewing in Bethlehem. a nursing shortage. But now it’s in all areas, all Exits Conservation Christie said he was dumbfounded. Cyan Due to the lingering effects of COVID, North levels of the organization. There are openings in Commission “It shocked the hell out of me,” he said, not- Country Pride will stage another Pride Ride and af- our facilities department, business office, nurs- ing that the complaints came from neighbors Magenta ter-party this year, but the organization hopes to re- ing staff.” and longtime acquaintances. He chalked it up visit its concept for a weekend-long festival in 2022, LANCASTER — Rob Christie, the ranking Meanwhile, Cottage Hospital will continue member of the Conservation Commission, un- to Northern Pass paranoia. “I’m not in favor of Kimball said. efforts to make healthcare more convenient. Northern Pass, I was against it for many of the Meanwhile, they continue to bring on new peo- expectedly resigned on Monday. McCormack said pre-pandemic efforts — Christie, who was in the final year of a three- reasons that other people were. But to have these Yellow Black ple. such as sharing doctors with Dartmouth-Hitch- people jump to the conclusion that a needed re- North Country Pride currently has a core group year term, cited frustration with bureaucratic red cock Medical Center and allowing people to tape and a lack of cooperation from town offi- pair of a power line is somehow a Northern Pass of about 10 volunteers led by co-chairs Kerri Har- access specialists locally — will be paired with thing … rington and Kimball. cials. COVID developments such as expanded access He said his efforts to reform municipal gov- “They were excited to work with me. We were The organization is actively seeking more volun- to telehealth. emailing back and forth, and they had sugges- teers and members for its board of directors. Those ernment, and bring the Conservation Commis- She also hopes to reconnect the hospital with sion into compliance with state law, were often tions, and everything was going fine until my interested in learning more can email northcoun- the community through various outreach ini- participation in the Whitefield [Conservation [email protected]. met with resistance and criticism. tiatives, such as a 5K road race and walkathon This week he decided: Enough was enough. Commission] meeting.” scheduled for Sept. 19. “I got tired of being the town whipping boy,” He felt his comments were benign and the New CEO Plots Course For McCormack, leading Cottage Hospital is he said. backlash was unfair. For Cottage Hospital a labor of love. Christie’s service was brief but memorable. Already discouraged, he decided to step away She joined the hospital as director of inpatient Appointed in 2019, he sought to profession- from the commission. services in 2010 and served as chief nursing of- “I’m not a tree-hugger. I’m a reasonable HAVERHILL — Holly McCormack is pre- alize the Conservation Commission. He moved ficer since 2016. aggressively to sort the commission’s finances person who thinks we are going to have water paring for life after COVID-19. During that time she has risen to statewide problems, air problems and a COVID migra- McCormack, the new CEO at Cottage Hospi- and spearheaded the creation of its first Natural prominence. She was named the Nurse Leader Resources Inventory. tion north,” he said, explaining his reasons for tal, is preparing the 35-bed critical access facil- of the Year by the New Hampshire Nurses As- serving on the ConCom. “Just when things were ity to meet the needs of Upper Valley residents Meanwhile he pushed for transparent gov- sociation in 2017 and is now the organization’s ernment. During his tenure, the Conservation starting to turn around, the public turns on me.” once the pandemic is over. president-elect. No longer a member of Lancaster’s Conser- A month after taking over the top spot, she Commission started streaming meetings online More than a decade after arriving in the Up- (through his personal Zoom account) and re- vation Commission, Christie doesn’t plan to aims to grow hospital services, address staffing per Valley, she remains passionate about rural disappear. shortages and meet local health needs — all sumed taking minutes for the first time in years. healthcare, and serving the greater Haverhill It was part of a broader effort. He and others In fact, he will continue to attend meetings of while navigating the economic challenges of ru- community. the Board of Selectmen, Budget Committee and ral healthcare. lobbied for the broadcast of all municipal meet- “When I came to Cottage Hospital 11 years ings, and backed a privately-funded live stream Conservation Commission, and support efforts To do that, she will build on what Cottage ago, I felt that immediate bond with the commu- to broadcast those meetings. Hospital already does well, she said. of the 2021 Town Meeting. nity,” she said. “Over my growth and my devel- Not coincidentally, the entire Conservation Meanwhile, he feels the Conservation Com- “We’re called the little engine that could, be- opment, meeting people and meeting the needs mission is in a better place now than when he cause we’re a small hospital and we make great Commission (except Christie) has turned over in of the community became very important to me. the past two years. Five other members served arrived. things happen,” she sad. “It’s all a testament to This hospital is very important to me. Although disappointed, he doesn’t harbor re- the hard work that happens here every day.” on the commission when he arrived, all five later “The employees at this hospital love this hos- resigned. That prompted former Selectman Leo sentment towards the remaining four members Step one, McCormack said, will be a commu- pital as much as I do. It’s wonderful to be part of the Conservation Commission, who he spoke nity assessment. Enos to claim during a Select Board meeting of that. That drives my passion for wanting this that “Rob is the cause for members leaving.” highly of. Through it, the hospital will identify unmet hospital to be successful for another 115 years. “I wish them well,” he said. “And if they call needs locally, and determine which offer a via- Christie shrugged. That’s the goal, to make sure that we stay viable “The guy who comes in and cleans house with any questions, I’ll answer them.” ble revenue stream. and relevant going forward.” A16

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