VOLUME 34, NUMBER 20 OCTOBER 15, 2009 FREE THE WEEKLY NEWS & LIFESTYLE JOURNAL OF MT. WASHINGTON VALLEY A Dog’s Dream: Socialization is important for human development, and because it’s important for dogs, too, the first dog park in Conway is about to open right behind the Conway Area Humane Society … A2 Win-Win Weekend: Columbus Day weekend in the Valley proved to be a valuable one all the way around. … A 15 Kennett High Eagles’ Scores: Kennett High sports teams are hoping to qualify for playoff berths and the results of every game count BIG TIME now … A 10 A SALMON PRESS PUBLICATION • (603) 447-6336 • PUBLISHED IN CONWAY, NH Page Two A park is born, thanks to the generosity and time of volunteers A breed of its own: new dog park finds a home in Conway By Rachael Brown Contributing Writer ocialization is important for human development: It’s impor- tant for dogs, too. Here in the United States, there are more Sthan 600 dog parks where humans and dogs can socialize, gather and, most importantly, where dogs can run free. The first dog park opened up in 1979 in California and the first of its kind is about to open in Conway, right behind the Conway Area Humane Society. Steve Boulter, a member of the Humane Society’s board of directors says, “Dog parks have several benefits: dogs that run free are healthier, happier and can socialize with other dogs.” Boulter should know — he is one of the main organizers of the dog park and is pleased because his dog, Billy, will bene- fit too. How the park came to be About a year and half ago Boulter says he adopted a rambunctious dog named Billy. There was nowhere in the Mount Washington Valley where Billy could top to bottom: Dog park volunteers include run off-leash, so Boulter took Billy to a (left to right): Steve Boulter, Sean McHugh, dog park in Portsmouth. Boulter says he Drew Smith, Andy Orsini, Wayne Karl and has visited many dog parks, but the Dave Norton (not pictured). Portsmouth park was an inspiration. “Billy thrived off-leash; it was a sight to This fire hydrant, found at the dump, thanks behold,” says Boulter. to Jason’s eagle eye, marks the entrance to When Boulter returned to the Valley, the park. he started talking with Virginia Moore, The first engraved stone honoring Lilly, the executive director of the Conway Area dog owned by Jason Stretch of Importech Humane Society, and Anita Burroughs, Auto Repairs. another board member about the possi- (Rachael Brown/Mountain Ear Photos) bility of a park. “We talked about what we could do. and drainage is important. Finances were a problem, but we wanted “We chose this land because it is dry,” to give back to the community and help says Boulter. He also explains that when the Humane Society,” he says. They did- the trees were cut down, the wood chips n’t have to look far. Right in the were saved and spread throughout the Humane Society’s backyard is 26 wood- park. The wood chips make for a ed acres. The board members decided to soft cushion for the dogs’ paws. parcel off one acre for the first dog park Fencing is important, too. The — which will include a puppy park — in organizers chose horse fenc- the Mt. Washington Valley. ing. “We installed a no- Built by volunteers climb horse fence for toads and chip- dawn to dusk. Financial obstacles were met by the around the park so if munks, so there are A lifetime membership is $500. huge volunteer effort. “The place was a the dogs run into it plenty of rocks in Members receive a gold tag in the shape mess when we began. The brush was so [the fencing] they the new park. of a bone and the member’s name is thick you couldn’t walk through,” says won’t get hurt,” Golden Retrievers etched in the stones that border the Boulter. Boulter explains. like to run, so there is entrance. Owners must be present with The volunteers began. Glen Builders Light and trees play an space. Hound Dogs like to sniff their dogs and dogs must have proper donated the loam, Jason Stretch, owner important role, too. “In summer there is and Short Haired Pointers like open immunizations. of Importech, donated a T-Rex backhoe beautiful filtered light; it’s not hot and in space and to be able to run in one line. Will they come? to help move rocks and do some grad- the winter the remaining trees help keep This park is designed around the As with any business, getting the ing. Arthur’s Memorials donated granite the snow out,” he adds. Conway Area Humane Society’s mission word out is important. Boulter says they benches. Lowe’s donated picnic benches, The park must be clean. Thanks to a to strengthen the animal human bond. plan to advertise the park. The dog park posts for fencing, concrete, the use of a donation from Brian and Kathy Ahearn, “This park was designed to enhance will be listed on the popular website: tractor and the labor to install the fenc- owners of Four Your Paws Only, the the human animal bond and to keep it www.dogparkusa.com; the dog park will ing along with the help of Wayne Karl. park will have a poop station. The sta- strong,” says Boulter. have its own website and the organizers “If it wasn’t for Wayne Karl, this tion will be emptied every day. Owners How to become a member plan to begin an ad campaign with the wouldn’t be happening,” says Boulter. will be responsible for cleaning up after Keeping the human animal bond numerous pet friendly lodging proper- Karl, an excavator, donated three days a their dogs and the area will generally be strong is a goal for the Humane Society ties in the Valley to get the word out. week to help build the park. Boulter and self-policing, says Boulter. and the community as well. Visitors will be welcomed, too — a day Karl met in Schouler Park while Karl The size of the park is vital — there The park will be open to all on a pass costs $5. was walking his dog, Dingo. must be enough room for dogs to run membership basis. A yearly membership “The dog friendly hotels will gobble What makes a good dog park? free. Lots of obstacles are key to provid- is $50; members will receive a black tag us up,” says Andy Orsini, president of It takes more than just clearing trees ing opportunities for different types of to wear around their necks and will the board of directors. The park will also and brush; there are many considera- dogs. Boulter explains that Jack Russell have unlimited access to the park, which have a Facebook page. ▲ tions in building a dog park. Dry land Terriers like to sniff rocks while looking will be open 365 days per year from On the Cover Inside Index Pumpkin People Rule! World of Wonder Arts & Entertainment.................Pages B1-5 If you’ve been wondering who the somewhat different- Educator and entrepreneur Jennifer Karnopp of Intervale As The Wheels Turn....................Pages B12 looking visitors to the Valley are, and why they’re per- develops “WOW Kits” to help parents and teachers unlock Business News.........................Pages A14-15 manently posted at a variety of local inns, shops, and the power of a child’s mind, and her company, World of Calendar......................................Pages B6-7 residences in and around Jackson, they’re just Pumpkin Wonder, has been in business since 2001. See Page A6. On the Links ................................Pages B10 People...and Pumpkin Pigs and bunnies and...well, you can see them all for yourself by taking a drive like Patti Larkin in Concert On the Rockpile.............................Page A16 our writer Donna Stuart did and keeping your eyes Arts Council of Tamworth brings the singer/songwriter Passages..........................................Page A13 peeled for the friendly orange folks along the way. See to the stage of the Barnstormers Theatre on Oct. 24. See Real Estate .....................................Page A15 Page B8. (Dick Pollock/Moat Mtn. Photography) Page B1. Sports ........................................Pages A9-11 Page A2 - The Mountain Ear, Thursday, October 15, 2009 Ear Marks Millions of dollars being spent to enhance skier experience Capital improvements under way at New Hampshire Ski Areas NORTH WOODSTOCK — Every sum- embody the look and feel of a classic New of 6,000 gallons of water per minute will Wildcat Mountain, Pinkham Notch - mer New Hampshire’s ski areas roll up their England mountain lodge. It will incorporate result in nearly double the snowmaking Among the improvements made this sum- sleeves and get to work improving their modern technology in order to be environ- capacity compared to three years ago. mer at Wildcat are additional snowmaking resorts for guests. This past summer was no mentally-friendly and meet LEED stan- Pats Peak, Henniker - Pats Peak spent pipe to enhance the snowmaking system. different with many improvements under dards. Cross country ski trails will run $500,000 this summer on improvements, The Jib Lot was moved to the Lower way across the state. Following is a list of directly from the Glen House to the Great bringing the total spent in the past five sea- Catapult Trail to improve the terrain park projects in the Granite State for the upcom- Glen Trails network of trails. sons to $5 million. Among the projects this experience and improvements were made to ing 2009-10 winter season.