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Colebrook’s Largest Circulated Weekly Newspaper
The Colebrook Chronicle
COVERING THE TOWNS OF THE UPPER CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2015
603-246-8998
VOL. 15, NO. 33
Planned For Ocean State Job Lot Plaza:
Dollar Tree Store Is Coming To Northumberland
By Donna Jordan
Work began this week on a
vacant store site on the northern
end of the Ocean State Job Lot
plaza in Northumberland. The
renovation work is underway by
Cirees, Inc., of Braintree, Mass.,
who is gutting the site for a new
Dollar Tree store, which is anticipated to be opened by early summer.
Dollar Tree—considered a
leading player in discount variety stores—recently received the
approval of the Northumberland
Selectmen and met with the
planning board on Feb. 4. A site
plan hearing will need to be
scheduled for the Northumberland Planning Board, but it is
anticipated that the hearing will
run through easily since the site
is already approved for commercial use, and there will be no
changes to the footprint of the
building.
Dollar Tree can be found in 48
states plus Canada; it is third
behind Dollar General (which is
already located in Northumberland) and Family Dollar (which
(Continued on page 2)
The Balsams Resort project’s key developer, Les Otten, addresses the County Commissioners and County
Delegation in the Captain’s Quarters at the hotel site yesterday. He was joined by others on the team as
well as DRED Commissioner Jeff Rose. Charles Jordan photo.
Otten Tells Delegation Balsams
Will Be Ready To Open In 2016
By Donna Jordan
Yesterday afternoon, Dept. of
Resources and Economic Development Commissioner Jeff Rose
introduced a meeting at which
Balsams planner Les Otten and
his team provided an update on
the rebuilding of the resort to the
Coos County Commissioners and
the Coos County Delegation. The
meeting took place in the former
Captain’s Quarters, a house near
the Balsams hotel that had once
been occupied by former hotel
manager Warren Pearson and
his family.
The northern retail space of the Ocean State Job Lot plaza will soon
be the new home of Dollar Tree, which is looking to open as early as
June. Charles Jordan photo.
(Continued on page 2)
First Colebrook Bank To Change
Name To Granite Bank In March
On March 16, First Colebrook
Bank is changing its name to
Granite Bank. “Only our name
will change,” said Loyd W. Dollins, President and CEO, in a
press release issued on Monday.
“Who we are won’t change at all.
We’ll still be the same local, New
Hampshire-owned community
bank you have trusted for 125
years. You’ll see the same
friendly faces and experience the
same excellent products and services.”
(Continued on page 3)
This mega-truck called Disrespect thrilled the crowd with this stunt
at Speedway 51 in Groveton on Saturday, Feb. 21 during Vermonster
4x4’s Snowbog III. For more, see page 7. Samantha McMann photo.
David Grey Acquitted In
Grave Ransacking Case
Following a four-day trial last
week, David Grey of Colebrook
was found not guilty of charges
that he ransacked the grave of
former Colebrook businessman
Eddie Nash last May.
Grey is one of four people who
have been charged in the bizarre
case. He was charged with interfering with a cemetery; conspiracy; criminal mischief; and abuse
(Continued on page 3)
Bank President and CEO Loyd W. Dollins in a television commercial that started airing statewide this
week explaining that First Colebrook Bank will become Granite Bank on March 16.
Page 2
The Colebrook Chronicle
Friday, February 27, 2015
Dollar Tree
(Continued from page 1)
recently expanded its store in
Colebrook).
The Planning Board was first
presented with the plans for
Dollar Tree at its Feb. 4 meeting
when Frank Bourque, representing Cirees, explained that his
company will be leasing the
vacant spot to Dollar Tree—a
company that Ocean State Job
Lot typically works with at other
sites. Bourque told the selectmen that his company plans to
spend a considerable amount of
money at the site to prepare it for
Dollar Tree. He said his company
is currently working with Dollar
Tree at other sites. He plans to
submit a building permit to the
town next week.
Bourque said the company is
currently
demolishing
and
removing material from the
building, and plans to replace the
roofing on the vacant portion of
the building. Partition walls will
be removed, a new exit door will
be installed on the back side of
the building, and old coolers will
be removed. The storefront knee
wall and automatic doors will
also be removed. Some interior
walls will be demolished right
down to the studs. New insulation and wallboard will be
installed, as well as a new sprinkler system. A new HVAC system, new electrical, and new
entrance doors. The old rest
rooms will be moved from the
southwest corner of the building
and new rest rooms will be
installed near the northwest corner.
Dollar Tree will provide all
new flooring for the 9,000 square
feet of retail space. Dollar Tree
will apply for a separate building
permit to fit out the interior
space for its needs—utilizing
9,000 square feet for retail space
and an additional 4,000 square
feet for storage.
Dollar Tree has already
signed the lease agreement with
Ocean State Job Lot and plans to
open in June or July, once renovations are completed.
Balsams
(Continued from page 1)
Rose began by saying, “We’re
here today to talk about an
opportunity before us that is as
grand as this location itself, and
it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore this grand location,” adding, “The County
Commissioners and Delegation
are going to play an important
part” in that redevelopment.
Rose said that county officials
are “key stakeholders in the project.”
Rose reminded those at the
meeting that it was about one
year ago that Otten’s vision for
the property was first revealed
to the public. “This is a unique
moment in time,” said Rose. “It’s
a time where we have the opportunity to forge forward with
something that is on a scale that
will make this not just a jewel for
Looking perhaps like the North Country’s own version of DisneyLand, the future of the Balsams Resort properties in Dixville Notch will be
receiving a $143 makeover–and that’s just phase one, as shown above. The new construction includes restaurants, an adventure center, lodges,
a spa, a marketplace, a gondola to the ski area, a bandstand, a great lawn and much more, making it potentially the largest attraction in
the Northeast year-round.
the North Country, but has the
potential to be a world-class,
year-round destination like it
has never been before. Within
state government, we are working every day to try to push this
as fast as possible.”
Otten told the roomful of
County officials that, though he
lives in Maine just over the New
Hampshire border, coming into
Coos County is a part of his
everyday life. “Living 13 miles
from the New Hampshire border, I do most of my grocery
shopping in Berlin, and I’ve seen
many of you over the last 40
years,” he said. “I’m not from
here, but I share the same values.”
Otten presented the Commissioners and Delegation with the
most up-to-date plans for the
rebuilding of the hotel and the
expansion of the ski area. “It is
2015, and times have changed
dramatically. Unfortunately, the
economic needs of the property
have not been met over the past
years. There is a moment in time
that this is the last chance to
save the ship before it sinks
down. We need to get a shovel in
the ground this June,” he said.
“We’ve been quiet since last
year; one reason is we didn’t
want to give anything away that
we couldn’t accomplish. In the
last 10 months, we’ve been able
to file all the necessary permits.
Little things—like acquiring the
phone company so that we can
not have telephone lines all over
the property; working with DOT
to try to bury a line to get water
for the resort. All of that had to
come together. In addition, we
needed a marketable plan that
the public would like. No one is
going to spend $143 million on
something that isn’t going to
work. Hopefully everything will
come together in June. The
financing will be completed, the
planning will be completed—
we’re quietly going to go about
our business to create a project
that will take it forward,” he
said.
The proposal includes rehabilitating the Hampshire House,
tearing down parts of the original Dix House that are not salvageable, and building a new
connector between the two
buildings. Also to be constructed
is a new Wilderness Lodge,
which will include a convention
center. From that center complex there will be a gondola over
to land that will be acquired
from Bayroot—that land will be
the new, expanded ski slopes,
creating the largest ski area in
New England. “It will rival any
skiing in the United States,”
said Otten, describing the plans
as “a city out here on a small
postage stamp of land.” He said
the resort will include skiing,
four-wheeling, snowmobiling,
bicycling, hiking, fishing, yoga,
a 500-seat conference center, a
theater, music at the bandstand.
He added that one of the biggest
Dave Norden of the Balsams Resort development team explains the
expansion plans of the Wilderness Ski Area to a roomful of Coos
County Delegates and the County Commissioners yesterday at the
hotel site. Charles Jordan photo.
assets for the region is the airport in Milan, where Air Force
2 has been able to land. “When
the Brown Paper Company was
going through its expansion, the
FAA put a whole bunch of money
into that airport,” he said. “This
is one of the biggest assets here.
We will be able to utilize it.
We’ve already talked about creating full service there. Both
Senators Ayotte and Shaheen
are looking into subsidies to put
into that airport. This property
is filled with hidden gems of
assets,” he said.
(Continued on page 5)
A former grocery store which has been vacant for many years at the Ocean State Job Lot plaza in
Northumberland is undergoing renovations to make way for the Dollar Tree store, which is expected to
open in June. The plaza will once again be filled with tenants. Charles Jordan photo.
Friday, February 27, 2015
The Colebrook Chronicle
Page 3
The new logo for the Granite Bank–formerly First Colebrook Bank–will soon be appearing on signs,
brochures and other materials. Courtesy photo.
The soon-to-be Granite Bank in Colebrook in this photo taken last
summer when the First Colebrook Bank marked its 125th anniversary
serving the region under one name or another since 1889. Charles
Jordan photo.
Granite Bank
(Continued from page 1)
The adoption of the Granite
Bank name is merely a name
change, the bank wants the community to know, and is not the
result of any form of change in
ownership or management. The
original Granite Bank was sold
many years ago and the Granite
Bank name became inactive.
First Colebrook Bank was able
to acquire the rights to the name.
In its official statement made
this week, the bank said that
with the name change, itwill
continue to make loans to small
businesses. The North Country
bank has expanded in recent
years to markets including
Amherst, Concord and Portsmouth. “The name Granite Bank
better reflects our statewide
presence,” explained Dollins.
“The name change will have
minimal impact on customers
and no effect on staffing. Online
banking will continue to function
just as it does today. Mobile
Banking will be added for customer convenience, and we look
forward to unveiling our
enhanced website in midMarch.”
Bank signage will be replaced
along with brochures and marketing materials on or around
March 16. It is not necessary for
customers to take any action as
their existing checks and debit
cards will continue to work as
they always have. Customers can
simply
substitute
“Granitebank.com”
for
“Firstcolebrookbank.com” in an
employee’s
email
address,
although email sent to a First
Colebrook Bank address will be
forwarded initially.
“From small business loans to
mortgages to checking accounts,
Granite Bank will continue
working hard to be your first
choice when it comes to personal
attention. We are proud to serve
the banking needs of local families and small businesses across
the Granite State,” concluded
Dollins. He told the Chronicle
that the “moose” will continue to
be an important part of the
bank’s image.
The First Colebrook Bank was
the result of a merger between
the Colebrook National Bank
(1888) and Colebrook Guaranty
Savings Bank (1889). These two
banks, originally established at
the corner of Main and Bridge
Streets (in the building now occupied by the Le Rendez-Vous Bakery) moved to the current
location next to the town library
in 1966. It was in 1975 that the
two banks merged and created
the First Colebrook Bank. In the
bank’s 125-year history, it has
only been 40 years that it was
known as the First Colebrook
Bank.
The First Colebrook Bank Board of Directors announced this week that on March 16 the bank’s name
will change to Granite Bank, reflecting what the directors feel is an opportunity to grow in the New
England market. Courtesy photo.
Police, Fire, EMS Reports
Grave Case
(Continued from page 1)
of a corpse. The jury’s finding in
Coos County Superior Court was
that there was no evidence linking Grey to the gravesite desecration.
Grey had been charged with
going to the Colebrook Village
Cemetery on May 11 along with
Nash’s daughter, Melanie Nash,
and with Michael Day, where the
group is accused of digging up
the grave, smashing open the
vault and casket, and searching
through the remains of Eddie
Nash looking for what Melanie
Nash claimed was the “real will.”
Police said Melanie Nash
claimed she was shorted in her
share of the inheritance after her
father died in 2004, and went in
search of the will, which she
believed was buried with her
father. Melanie Nash faces trial
next month. Nash reportedly
told police they did not find the
will. When she and Day were
arrested and charged, they
reported to police that Grey was
involved as well.
A fourth person in the case,
Ginette Dowse, 71, of Clarksville
and Beecher Falls, Vt., and
charged her with conspiracy to
commit interference with a cemetery. She is accused of driving
Nash and Day to the cemetery
on the night that Eddie Nash’s
grave was disturbed. Police had
received information on a “suspicious vehicle” on the night of
May 11 and the subsequent
investigation led them to Dowse.
Michael Day, who has already
pleaded guilty in the case, had
testified that he partnered with
David Grey to dig up the grave
last year.
PGROVETON AMBULANCE
During the week of Monday,
Feb. 16 through Sunday, Feb.
22,
Groveton
Ambulance
responded to four medical calls
in Groveton Village, three medical calls in the town of North
Stratford, one medical call in
Stark, and a fire standby in
Maidstone, Vt. In the same
period, Groveton Ambulance
transferred one patient from
Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook to DartmouthHitchcock Medical Center in
Lebanon, and one patient from
Weeks Medical Center in Lancaster to The Morrison nursing
home in Whitefield.
Groveton Ambulance also
provided medical coverage for
the Vermonster 4×4 Snowbog III
event at Speedway 51 in
Groveton on Saturday, Feb. 21.
45TH PARALLEL EMS
Ed Laverty, CPA, presented
training on Trauma for 45th
Parallel EMS and area fire
departments. The training was
timely as the 45th and Pittsburg, Beecher Falls, and Colebrook fire departments work
together when responding to
snowmobile collisions during the
winter season.
The following is the ambulance call activity report for the
period from Feb. 15-21:
On Feb. 15, at 7 a.m., the
department responded to Pittsburg for a medical emergency.
The patient was transported to
UCVH. At 9:16 a.m., the department responded to Colebrook for
snowmobile
collision.
The
patient refused transport. At
11:56 a.m., the department
responded to Pittsburg for a
snowmobile
collision.
One
patient was transported to
DHMC by air ambulance and
one patient was transported to
UCVH.
On Feb. 16, at 5:17 p.m., the
department responded to Pittsburg for a medical emergency.
The patient was transported to
UCVH.
On Feb. 17, at 3:41 a.m., the
department responded to Colebrook for a medical emergency.
The patient refused transport.
At 9:07 a.m., the department
responded to Colebrook for a
medical emergency. The patient
was transported to UCVH.
On Feb. 18, at 10:38 a.m., the
department responded to UCVH
for an interfacility transfer to
Weeks Medical Center. The
patient was transported to
WMC. At 11:40 a.m., the department responded to Weeks Medical Center for an interfacility
transfer to UCVH. The patient
was transported to UCVH.
On Feb. 19, at 8:10 a.m., the
department responded to Colebrook for a motor vehicle collision. Three patients refused
transport. At 10:37 a.m., the
department
responded
to
Beecher Falls, Vt., for a medical
emergency. The ambulance was
canceled while en route. At
12:53 a.m., the department
responded to Colebrook for a lift
assist. There was no patient
transport. At 6:39 p.m., the
department responded to Colebrook for a lift assist. The
patient refused transport. At
8:18 p.m., the department
responded to Colebrook for a
medical emergency. The patient
was transported to UCVH.
On Feb. 20, at 5:19 a.m., the
department responded to Colebrook for a lift assist. The patient
was transported to UCVH. At
10:23 a.m., the department
responded to Colebrook for a
medical emergency. The patient
was transported to UCVH. At
11:43 a.m., the department
responded to Columbia for a
medical emergency. The patient
was transported to UCVH. At
7:12 p.m., the department
responded to Androscoggin Valley Hospital for an interfacility
transfer to DHMC. The patient
was transported to DHMC.
On Feb. 21, at 10:50 a.m., the
department responded to Colebrook for a medical emergency.
The patient was transported to
UCVH. At 2:28 p.m., the department responded to Colebrook for
a medical emergency.
The
patient refused transport. At
3:20 p.m., the department
responded to UCVH for an interfacility transfer to DHMC. The
patient was transported to
DHMC. At 6:13 p.m., the department responded to Columbia for
a medical emergency.
The
patient was transported to
UCVH. At 7:53 p.m., the department responded to Pittsburg for
a snowmobile collision. The
ambulance was canceled while
en route.
Read The Chronicle
Online For Free At
www.colebrookchronicle.com
Page 4
The Staying Power Of Groveton
Back about 25 years ago Groveton was a popular
place to shop. Everyone went to Ames Department
Store. In the same plaza was Brooks Discount and
a busy grocery store. The State Liquor Store moved
in also.
Meanwhile up in the village the S&W Market was
where most folks in town shopped.
Then one by one stores disappeared. The S&W
Market changed and for a while the future of
Groveton’s downtown shopping looked in question.
Brooks Discount left town, but things didn’t look
too bad as it gave the popular Ames store a chance
to expand, giving it a place to showcase Christmas
and gardening items. Next the plaza’s grocery store
left and for a while that corner of the complex was
dark. A chain came in called Cheapo Depot and that
gave people hope, but soon that store was also gone.
The ship looked just about sunk when the Ames
chain went bankrupt and one of the most popular
spots in the North Country became vacant for what
seemed like way too long.
Then slowly things started to come back. Ocean
State Job Lot came to town and cars were once
again beginning to fill the southern end of the
parking lot. A family brought new life to the grocery
store in the village at about the same time John
Nugent brought his enterprise south and moved
into the empty former Emerson Hardware store.
Everyone was surprised when the rapidly expanding Dollar General chain brightened up the north
end of town with what has proved to be a popular
shopping stop for travelers along Route 3.
And now comes word that the north end of
Northumberland shopping plaza will soon boast a
Dollar Tree store.
Groveton/Northumberland has a history of continually bouncing back just when everyone else
seems to think the final nail has been driven into
the town. Yes, losing the mill has been a blow the
town still is grappling with. But these retail additions show that there’s plenty of life in the old town
yet. Just yesterday WMUR noted a survey showing
that Groveton has the greatest number of people
living in it born here in New Hampshire, 77.7
percent. Groveton sets a good example–it’s a place
where people don’t give up on themselves.
Charles J. Jordan
Editor: Charles J. Jordan; Publisher: Donna Jordan
Reporter/Photographer: Angela Wheeler
Reporter/Photographer: Samantha McMann
Canadian Correspondent: Corey Bellam
Sports Photographer: Tina McKenzie
Colebrook Office Manager/Video Editor: Thomas Jordan
The Colebrook Chronicle
Friday, February 27, 2015
Tom and Edie Gwinn of Brunswick, Vt., supplied this photo of All Saints Anglican Church in Hereford,
Que., taken in 1965 on the occasion of the church’s 100th anniversary. This year the venerable church,
which is within sight of the U.S. border at Canaan, is marking its sesquicentennial. Bud Hulse tells us
that records show that the church was built largely by one Aaron Workman. It is still active, with the Rev.
Rose Howe the current Vicar.
Business
Ryan Day
RYAN DAY JOINS
BUCK RUB REALTY
Ryan Day has joined Buck
Rub Realty and is a licensed real
estate agent in the state of New
Hampshire.
Ryan and his wife relocated
to Pittsburg from Portsmouth,
where Ryan had been pursuing
a career in real estate. Ryan
grew up coming to Pittsburg as
a boy and developed a strong love
for the North Country. He
decided to take the experience he
had gained with buyers and sellers in the Seacoast and combine
it with the passion he felt for the
Great North Woods. Ryan felt
that northern New Hampshire
would be a unique and rare location to pursue real estate
because of all that its property
has to offer.
A press release issued this
week states, “Ryan is currently
offering services as an experienced ‘Buyer and Seller Agent’
for anyone who is interested in
purchasing a home, camp, land
or commercial business in northern New Hampshire. Please stop
by the office located behind the
Buck Rub Pub or feel free to call
with any of your real estate
needs. Ryan looks forward to
assisting you in selling or buying
a property here in the North
Country.”
Education
FINALISTS FOR SAU 36
SUPERINTENDENT POST
White Mountains Regional
School
Board
(WMRSD)
announced this week finalists
for the position of Superintendent of Schools for SAU 36. The
current search began in September, 2014 with the school board
appointment of a 12-member
Superintendent Search Committee, who, over the past five
months, engaged in a variety of
activities designed to identify
and select finalists, e.g., posting
advertisements, conducting a
community survey, screening
and interviewing applicants and
conducting on-site visits. The
committee concluded their work
Feb. 6, recommending three
qualified candidates to the
school board: Marion Anastasia,
Eric Chase and Pierre Couture:
Marion Anastasia, of Waterford, Vt., is the principal of East
Montpelier Elementary School,
Montpelier, Vermont. Prior to
assuming this position, she was
a principal in the St. Johnsbury
School District, St. Johnsbury,
Vt. She received her Certificate
of Advanced Graduate Studies
(CAGS) degree from Southern
New Hampshire University in
2006 and Doctor of Education
from the University of Vermont
in 2009. Dr. Anastasia began
her career in education as an
elementary school special education teacher in St. Johnsbury,
remaining in the district as she
assumed various roles in special
education, reading and student
assessment.
Eric Chase, of Plymouth is
the principal of the Newfound
Memorial Middle School, Bristol. He completed work at Plymouth State University in 2008,
receiving his Certificate of
Advanced Graduate Studies
(CAGS) degree. He served in
Auburn-Candia-Hooksett, SAU
15, as assistant principal for
Auburn Village School and
director of music for 16 years at
Hooksett. He acts as Title I
Project Manager for the Newfound Area School District, SAU
4, responsible for writing and
managing the grant. For two
months during SY 2012-2013, he
(Continued on page 5)
Friday, February 27, 2015
Balsams
(Continued from page 2)
The Chronicle asked Otten
if he felt the huge wind turbines
so close to the ski area would
have a detrimental impact on
the visual appeal tourists have
historically sought during a Dixville Notch vacation. Otten said
that his feelings are that wind
is a green power, and “anything
green is better than brown.” His
preference is that everyone
would live off the grid, but that
wind power is an acceptable way
of creating energy. With the
expanded ski area, the windmills will be located through the
middle of the new ski resort. He
also said that the turbines are
not visible from the hotel itself.
The last piece of financing,
said Otten, now lies with the
passage of SB30 (see the story
in the Chronicle on Feb. 20).
That bill, if passed, would provide a state bond worth $28
million, which would be the
basis of a loan that a bank in
Massachusetts has guaranteed—based on the bond’s
approval. “This bond is unique
for northern New Hampshire.
This part of the state has lost 14
percent of the jobs, road traffic
is down 30 percent, rooms and
meals taxes are down. Everything has declined since the
resort closed,” said Otten. “This
project is worth about a billion
dollars over the next 10 years to
the North Country. It will generate taxes that are not currently in the local economy, and
employment at the end of our
first phase is 1,700; another 300
would be getting beneficial jobs.
We think it can be done.” The
investors are looking to open the
resort for summer activities in
July 2016 and winter activities
a year later. “We’re confident we
can get it done. It feels more real
now than it has in past 17 or 18
months,” said Otten. “If we can
work together over the next four
months, I think this can happen.
It’s my risk. I took a bunch of
money, put it on the table, and
tried to see where it could get us.
If we get there, we get there. I
know these things can get done,
but at the end of the day it has
to be an everybody effort,” he
urged.
State Rep. Larry Rappaport
asked when the investors would
start selling real estate for the
condominiums that would be
available on the property. Otten
responded that it should take
place in about 120 days. “Right
now, we are trying to get people
on the list to have priority to
choose, because there won’t be
that much real estate for sale.”
The condos are not an additional
construction that would take
place on the property—they are
actually a part of the Hampshire
House and the Wilderness Lake
Lodge. Those who would purchase early would receive a
number of additional benefits as
“founders” of the resort. He said
the developers would not overdevelop the site.
The developers are also working with the N.H. Dept. of Transportation to take over the road
that goes into the resort—which
is currently a state road. “The
The Colebrook Chronicle
state asked us to take the road—
we said we will take it, but give
it to us in reasonable condition,”
said Otten. “Just make it a good
one rod road, not falling apart,
and we’ll take over long-term
maintenance and ownership. I
think that was a fair offer.”
Commissioner Tom Brady
asked Otten what was needed
from them, and Otten answered
that SB30—a bill to provide the
bond to the resort owners—
needs to be passed. “Or else we
will have to go back to the drawing board,” he said. Commissioner Rose added, “You as the
County leaders and Delegation,
we need you to have your voices
heard. They need to recognize
this is something that we
embrace.” Otten asked for a
letter of support signed by the
Commissioners, the Delegation
and the County Planning Board.
“I support this project because
we are talking about jobs for
Coos County, higher paying jobs
and some really good positions,”
said Commissioner Brady. “It’s
not that we are looking for a
better future for Coos County,
we are looking for a future.
Executive Councilor Joe Kenney, who was also at the presentation, suggested that the
developers need to make their
presentation to Commissioners
and Delegates in the rest of the
state, noting that only about
seven percent of the population
is in Coos County. “As you’re
packaging this to the other 93
percent of the legislators, you’re
going to have to package it as a
statewide project.” Commissioner Rose agreed, saying, “I
think you’re spot on. We wanted
to start here first, but we will be
moving out to have some key
conversations in the senate.
When the development team
releases their economic benefits
study, it will have the statewide
impacts and benefits. New
Hampshire can be the ski mecca
of the northeast,” he said. Otten
added, “There are some key
points in that report, like $5-6
million in revenue to the general
fund, plus another million in
transfer taxes on an annual
basis, and going down the road,
the state will pick up $25-30
million in revenue.”
In his concluding remarks,
Otten said that he has never
worked with a group of officials,
government—local or county-who have been more interested
in seeing a project moving forward. “Telephone calls are
returned, there’s no second
agendas, we have a strong sense
everyone is on board with this,”
he said, expressing his appreciation for the support the project
has received. All of the material
presented yesterday is now
available on a new website that
went online during the meeting,
at www.thebalsamsresort.com.
Education
(Continued from page 4)
assumed the role of interim
superintendent for the district.
Pierre Couture, of Jefferson
is the superintendent of schools
for SAU 35, serving the towns of
Bethlehem, Easton, Franconia,
Sugar Hill, Lisbon, Lyman, and
Landaff. He earned a Certificate
of Advanced Graduate Studies
(CAGS) degree from Plymouth
State University in 2011. Prior
to becoming a superintendent,
he served as an assistant principal and principal in SAU 58,
Northumberland.
Couture
began his career in education as
a precision machining teacher
for 13 years at Milford High
School, Milford. He currently
serves on a number of advisory
boards in the North Country.
The three finalists have been
invited to participate in three
events that will take place during the week of March 2-7. These
events include: 1) School Visits
on March 3-5; 2) Meet and Greet
Reception, Presentations, and
Small Group Meetings on Friday, March 6 from 5-8:30 p.m.;
and 3) Board Interviews (Saturday, March 7).
All community and staff
members are invited to attend
the Friday, March 6th event
from 5-8:30 p.m. This event will
include a Meet and Greet Reception from 5-6 p.m. in the high
school cafeteria where community and staff members may
informally meet the candidates
and enjoy a reception catered by
our high school’s culinary and
hospitality students. This event
will also include brief Presentations from each of the candidates
and the opportunity to ask questions from 6-7 in the auditorium.
Finally, this event will include
Small Group Meetings from 78:30 p.m., where candidates will
rotate among three different
community member groups
(community/business members,
parents/students, district staff)
to answer additional questions
and engage in a dialogue.
ASENATH BROOKS
NAMED TO DEAN’S LIST
Asenath Brooks of Colebrook
has been named to the Dean's
List at Paul Smith’s College for
the Fall 2014 semester. Brooks,
who is majoring in environmental sciences, earned a semester
average of 3.3 or higher to
receive this distinction. Brooks
was also named an Adirondack
Scholar, having achieved a
cumulative average of at least
3.8.
Paul Smith's College, which
was founded in 1946, is the only
bachelor's degree-granting institution of higher education in the
Adirondacks.
JACOB BARKER
NAMED TO DEAN’S LIST
Jacob P. Barker of Lancaster
has been selected for inclusion
on the Dean’s List for academic
achievement during the Spring
2014 semester at St. Lawrence
University.
Barker is a member of the
class of 2015 and is majoring in
economics.
To be eligible for the Dean’s
List, a student must have completed at least four courses and
have an academic average of 3.6
based on a 4.0 scale for the
semester.
Founded in 1856, St. Lawrence University is a private,
independent liberal arts institution of about 2,500 students
located in Canton, N.Y.
Page 5
Page 6
The Colebrook Chronicle
Friday, February 27, 2015
Education
The students at Stewartstown Community School were treated to a half day of Winter Carnival activities
last Friday, Feb. 20. The days events included several games stationed throughout the school like bowling
in the hallways, ring toss in the library, and tug-of-war in the multi-purpose room. Angela Wheeler photo.
The Colebrook Kindergarten class is studying Laura Numeroff's circle stories and decided to take If You
Give a Moose a Muffin to the next level by visiting the blue moose at the North Country Chamber of
Commerce office. Courtesy photo.
After visiting the blue moose, Colebrook Kindergarten students made muffins and smoothies in the
classroom. Much to their surprise, the scrumptious treats were delivered by a moose on the loose at
Colebrook Elementary School. Courtesy photo.
Friday, February 27, 2015
The Colebrook Chronicle
Page 7
North Country Photo Album
Snowbog III Big Draw At Speedway 51
Photos by Samantha McMann
Something On Your Mind?
You Can Email Your
During Vermonster 4x4's Snowbog III, mega-truck Disrespect takes off from the starting line for his timed
drag while two other trucks wait their turn. Groveton Ambulance-in the background provided medical
coverage for the event.
Left photo: This competitor in the snowmobile obstacle course caught some air on the tabletop jump. Right
photo: Some of the many spectators that enjoyed Snowbog III on Saturday.
Left photo: Mega-truck No Mercy really impressed the crowd with his freestyle routine. Right photo: Jeremy
Longto in the Mechanical Bull mega-truck salutes the crowd after his freestyle performance.
A crowd of spectators gathered on turn two of Speedway 51 to watch these vintage snowmobiles battle it
out.
Letters To The Editor To
[email protected]
Page 8
The Colebrook Chronicle
Friday, February 27, 2015
Community News
CRAG “SYNCHRONICITY”
EXHIBIT OPENS FEB. 27
The public is invited to attend
the opening reception for CRAG’s
(Connecticut River Artisans
Group) latest show, “Synchronicity.” This show features works by
local artists, photographers and
multi-medium artists.
A reception tonight, Friday,
Feb. 27, from 5-7 p.m. at Fiddleheads, 110 Main St. in Colebrook, will celebrate this latest
journey into artistic expression.
This exhibition highlights the
many talents and creative ways
our artists interpret interesting
themes like this one. The receptions are casual and offer complimentary wine and refreshments
as well as a chance to see the new
exhibit, meet local artists and
learn how each uniquely
expresses their interpretation of
the current theme. It’s an enjoyable evening of art, conversation
and fun.
This reception is being sponsored by Linda Lomasney.
In a press release this week,
organizers noted, “The CRAG
group deeply appreciates the
support of the local community
and those of our sponsors. If you
are an artist or artisan (of any
medium) and would like more
information about CRAG, visit
our website at www.connecticut
riverartisans.org.”
For more information about
exhibits and schedules and how
to sponsor an exhibit, contact
Bette Guerin at bette@fiddle
headsusa.com or call 237-9302.
COLEBROOK
CRIBBAGE COHORTS
Eight Colebrook Cribbage
Cohort members were present at
the Colebrook Country Club for
tournament number 17. Those
members with at least 12 points
were eligible to receive points. A
total of four received points from
this tournament.
First place: Annie Laughton
with 17 game points, eight wins,
spread of 98.
Second place: Stanley Mullins
with 15 game points, six wins,
spread of 82.
Left photo: This past Saturday, Feb. 21 was the 11th Annual Austin’s Ride for Cystic Fibrosis held at the Colebrook Country Club. The event
was hosted by the Northern New England Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Colebrook Ski-Bees. This year’s event raised
about $7,000 for the CF Foundation. Pictured are Austin Wanner on his sled he got at last year’s ride and his father Scott standing beside
him at the Country Club shortly after arriving from the 35-mile ride. Right photo: Several members of Austin’s family made the trip from the
Hampton Falls area to participate in the day's events. Sitting in the front row are Austin’s grandparents Barbara and Ron Wanner. Standing
in the back from the left are Sam Primpas, Alex, Susan, Austin, Scott and Justin Wanner, and Anna Williamson. Angela Wheeler photos.
Third place: Dennis Lunn
with 14 game points, six wins,
spread of 90.
Fourth place: Ralph Haynes
with 12 game points, six wins,
spread of 01.
All cribbage players are welcome to join the fun. If you have
any questions, contact Louise
Streeter at 237-8602 or Annie
Laughton at 237-4034. Games
start at 6:30 p.m.
PROGRAM ON DISASTER
PREPAREDNESS
Groveton Ambulance Corps
will present a one hour familiarization program on Community
Disaster Preparedness in the
meeting room of the Northumberland Police Dept. at 10 Station Square, Groveton. The
public is invited. This program is
designed for everyday citizens.
The program will be presented on Thursday, March 26,
at 6 p.m. and will be repeated on
Sunday, March 29, at 2 p.m.
At Canaan Seniors celebrating February birthdays are, from the left,
Luceinne Jalbert, Germaine Turgeon, Jean-Nil Dube, Claudette
Marquis and Suzanne Wheeler. Courtesy photo.
For more information, call
James D. Macdonald, AEMT, at
Groveton Ambulance, 636-1057.
COOS COUNTY
NURSING HOSPITAL
The North Country Resident
Council met this week. They
discussed their finances and Resident Rights Numbers 17 and 18.
The Memorial Fund was discussed. This fund comes from
donations in memory of individuals. The money is not part of the
Resident Council funds and is
used to purchase more expensive
items which residents can use
and enjoy. The drawing date for
the 50/50 Raffle has been
extended to March 2. The proceeds will go to a local food pantry. Anyone who wishes to
purchase tickets may see Julia
Ball or any activity staff member. Members discussed an interest in participating in Senior Aid
New Hampshire (SANH) conference calls in the future. Members
discussed sending out the schol-
arship application letters to the
area schools. The February activity calendar was discussed and
members discussed future activities.
We had three musical guests
come to entertain us this week.
Aaron Swift sang country music
songs on Monday. He played
guitar, banjo and piano. Ellen
Sipe played familiar tunes on the
piano on Wednesday and on Friday Big Ed Chester played guitar
and sang for residents.
Mardi Gras was celebrated
with a cocktail party. The family
room was decorated with purple,
green and gold and residents
wore pretty masks. Everyone
enjoyed their favorite beverages
while listening to lively music
and munching on shrimp cocktail
and confetti cookies.
In the
Special Care Unit (SCU) played
a Mardi Gras word game.
Chinese New Year was celebrated this week, too. The room
was decorated with Chinese lanterns, pretty fans and other Chi-
nese
decorations.
Chinese
horoscopes were posted for all
and everyone had a fun time
trying to use chopsticks, reading
their horoscopes and fortunes
from their fortune cookies. SCU
residents made a Chinese dragon
and learned the history of the
Chinese New Year.
Mona Noyes was the winner
of the Blackout Bingo game.
Residents gathered for a stretch
session.
SCU residents reminisced and
pets, learned fun facts about
animals and enjoyed visits with
Goldie.
CANAAN SENIORS NEWS
Kirk and Cecile Worrall, Gilbert Marchesault and Pauline
Jalbert were guests of the
Canaan Seniors on Wednesday.
Debbie Brooks and Ghislaine
Charland won the 50/50 drawings. Claudette Marquis and
Lisette Fauteux won the free
meals. “Happy Birthday To You”
(Continued on page 10)
This past Saturday, Feb. 21 in Errol was the third event in the Great North Woods Vintage Snowmobile
Race Series. The day included races from 17 different classes and on March 14 the champions of each
class will be crowned in Pittsburg. Angela Wheeler photo.
Friday, February 27, 2015
The Colebrook Chronicle
Page 9
North Country Photo Album
Carriage Lane Players At Tillotson Center:
Get Ready For “Boeing-Boeing” This Weekend
Photos by Charles Jordan
The Carriage Lane Players present their production of the comedy “Boeing-Boeing” at the Tillotson Center in Colebrook this weekend, with the first show tonight at 7 p.m., the
second on Saturday at 7 p.m. and a third at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Left photo: Swinging bachelor Bernard (Tom Jordan) gets an earful from overworked maid Berthe (Catherine
Carter). Right photo: Visiting friend Robert (John Quigley) meets stewardess Gloria (Colleen Clogston), one of Bernard’s fiancees.
Left photo: Robert and Bernard desperately try to get Gabriella (Nora Gair) out of the apartment at the risk of her meeting one of Bernard’s multiple fiancees. Right photo: Berthe
is thrown to the couch in shock by the passionate emotions of Gretchen (Naomi Going).
Left photo: Gabriella is surprised to find a letter from another woman in Bernard’s apartment. Middle photo: A tense situation is barely kept in check as two of Bernard’s fiancees
meet each other for the first time. Right photo: Berthe is pushed to the brink as she is forced to keep Bernard’s secrets in order.
Page 10
The Colebrook Chronicle
Friday, February 27, 2015
Community News
(Continued from page 8)
was sung to the seniors celebrating their February birthdays,
Lucienne Jalbert, Germaine Turgeon, Jean-Nil-Dube, Claudette
Marquis and Suzanne Wheeler.
Claudette Marquis won the
birthday gift. The penny sale
was a good one, as usual. Ethel
Goodrum (2), Ghislaine Charland and Theresa Rougeou won
door prizes.
Next week’s (March 4) menu
is shepherd’s pie, coleslaw, with
bread and rice pudding for dessert. For your RSVP call Dencie
Cunningham at (802) 266-8206
before 10 a.m. on Tuesday.
SNOWBOG III THRILLS
CROWD AT SPEEDWAY 51
Saturday, Feb. 21 Joey Laquerre made good on his promise to
make Speedway 51 in Groveton
an all-season racing venue when
the speedway hosted its firstever event, Vermonster 4x4's
Snowbog III.
The stands were filled with
locals and spectators from all
over the region who were all
bundled up to enjoy a chilly day
of thrilling motor-sports events.
Several classes of vintage snowmobiles took to the track first.
Next the 4x4 trucks-outfitted
with studded tires competed in
timed drags. Many types of modern snowmobiles were then
timed on an obstacle course of
bumps, jumps, and tight turns.
Next the trucks had their turn
on the obstacle course.
The final event was the megatruck freestyle. Three trucks
competed in this exciting event
where each performed tricks and
stunts to be judged. (Check out
the Colebrook Chronicle Video
News of the Week to see some
footage of these events.)
Vermonster 4x4 owner Randy
Oakley expressed that he was
pleased with the turnout. He
reports that just under 1,000
folks attended the event from
seven different states. Oakley
said, “We see great potential
working with Joey, Speedway
51, and his crew. Jim Herbert
was an amazing help building a
trail to the event as well as
building and maintaining the
race course.” He expressed his
gratitude to Herbert and The
Groveton Trailblazers.
Oakley also reports that the
event was a National Throttle
King series qualifier, which
means the winners in the megatruck class and race-truck division all earned a spot in the
nationals to be held in South
Carolina in December 2015.
These winners were Matt Newell of Haverhill and James Wood
of Gray, Maine, Neal Gagne of
Lewiston, Maine, Jason Haber
of Ascutney, Vt., and Justin
Barbour of Springfield, Vt.
Oakley commented, “The
town of Groveton and its surrounding communities welcomed us with open arms and
made every bit of our stay a
pleasure.”
–Samantha McMann
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
ON SNODEO WEEKEND
Riders attending the New
Hampshire Snodeo on Saturday,
March 7 are invited to fuel up
with a hot breakfast and support
a good cause before they head
out onto the trails. The Child
Advocacy Center of Coos County
will serve a pancake breakfast
from 7 to 10 a.m. at the Monadnock Congregational Church in
Colebrook.
Riders will find the church
and plenty of snowmobile park-
ing off of Corridor 3A, across the
Mohawk River bridge from the
town parking lot and adjacent to
the River Edge Inn. Road travelers will find the church on
Main Street (Route 3) just south
of Lemieux Garage.
Pancakes, sausage, coffee,
milk and juice will be served for
$7 per adult and $4 for children
under 12. Area sugarers have
donated maple syrup to top
everyone’s pancakes with some
true North Country flavor.
Proceeds from the breakfast
will benefit the Child Advocacy
Center of Coos County, a member of the Granite State Children’s Alliance. Based on a
national model, Child Advocacy
Centers coordinate a team
approach to investigating and
prosecuting child abuse cases,
and providing services to child
victims.
(Continued on page 12)
Friday, February 27, 2015
The Colebrook Chronicle
Page 11
Page 12
The Colebrook Chronicle
Friday, February 27, 2015
Community News
(Continued from page 10)
CACs bring together law
enforcement, prosecutors, state
protective services, victim advocates and health professionals,
providing a safe, child-friendly
location to interview victims,
gather the investigative team
and assist in the child’s recovery. More information may be
obtained from executive director
Christine
Gadwah,
at
[email protected] or 6361999. The CAC is online at
www.cac-nh.org/coos.
THIRD IN VINTAGE RACE
SERIES HELD ERROL
The Great North Woods Vintage Race Series (GNWVRS)
held its third race in the four
race series on Saturday, Feb. 21.
In a press release, promoters
said, “A big thank you to the
Umbagog grooming team who
spent many hours plowing snow
to create an excellent track for
the competitors on race day.
Special thanks to Michael and
Lori Hall for use of their property to hold the race.”
Racers were greeted by morning temperatures in the single
digits with a slight breeze during the day to remind everyone
we are still in the middle of
winter. The track started out
very firm and hard throughout
the qualifying. Grooming was
not required until the feature
races. These changing track
conditions during the course of
On Sunday morning, the Colebrook Fire Dept. and Beecher Falls Vol. Fire Depts. worked together on a
practice burn in Colebrook on Fish Hatchery Road. Tammy Thivierge photo.
the day made each race feature
a challenge for even the most
experienced of our racers.
There were 107 race entries
competing in the seventeen divisions. Our youngest racers,
starting at age five, compete in
the 120 cc division and our top
division is the free air/fan 440cc
modified division.
The next and final race will
be on March 14 in Pittsburg on
Farr Road. This race will mark
the end of the season and all of
the points champions will be
crowned at the conclusion of the
race day.
For further information
check out the race website at
www.thegreatnorthwoodssnow
mobilerace.com.
Friday, February 27, 2015
The Colebrook Chronicle
Page 13
Around The Region
The horse and wagon rides given by Bob Harrison of Milby Meadows
Farm were a big hit during the winter fun day at the Hut in
Lennoxville, Que., last Sunday afternoon. Corey Bellam photo.
The all-girls team won the Tug-of-War again this year at the Hut,
and were proud of it. Corey Bellam photo.
While at last weekend’s “Seedy Saturday” in Sawyerville, Que., Four
-year-old Alexis Faucher from Weedon was hard at work on his
birdhouse. His tool bag included a drill, hammer, bits and just about
everything this young man would ever need. Corey Bellam photo.
LENNOXVILLE
ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Twenty-four years ago, the
town of Lennoxville, Que.,
started an event to highlight
outstanding achievements of its
citizens. This brought Lennoxville’s Outstanding Achievement
Awards to life and it has certainly become a true Lennoxville
tradition. Once a year, community members who have excelled
in the fields of art and culture,
citizenship and volunteer work,
education, sports, business development, heroism, and youth leadership are awarded certificates
to honor their work.
There is also the Donald Patrick Award that is given to a
person or group who has truly
given to the community of Lennoxville. This special award was
started in 1982 by Bishops College School in Lennoxville in
memory of Donald Patrick, a
man forever admired by the citizens of Lennoxville for his deep
involvement in the many causes
in Lennoxville.
The awards ceremony started
at 7 p.m. sharp, with Lennoxville
Borough President David Price
welcoming all to the special eve-
ning. First up was Janice
LaDuke in the Arts and Culture
category, for her Black Cat Bookstore. George Fowlis was next, in
the Citizenship and Volunteer
category, for his many acts of
volunteering at the local curling
rink, junior hockey games, and
more. Darren Bardati won the
Business Development award for
the Lennoxville Farmers Market
that is held on College St. all
summer. Heather Bowman won
the Education Award for the
Lampe Foundation, which is a
foundation dedicated to helping
students further their education
in medicine. Jeff Cheal and
Kevin Frost took the Sports
Award for the Wilson St. Softball
League. This is a softball team
made up of local youths. The
Urban Planning Award was
given to Shalimar Resturant in
Lennoxville, owned and run by
Jyoti Nigam and Lizy Carvalho.
This restaurant burned down a
while back, but it was rebuilt and
is thriving.
The famed Donald Patrick
Award was won by four hardworking men this year. Leslie
Beaulieu, Ian McGregor, Larry
Paradis and Steve Harvey were
Dakota Luce and his certificate he won for Sportsmanship during the
winter fun day. He poses with organizer Marie Letemplier. Corey
Bellam photo.
all recognized for their hard work
with the Tim Annesley Memorial
Hockey Tournament. This was
started in 1995 in honor of their
teammate’s very sudden death,
and has raised over $55,000 ever
since for local charities.
Then it was time for the Lennoxville Volunteer Firefighters
Heroism Award to be presented.
This year, it went to a very good
friend of all, a man by the name
of Eric MacKeage. Eric has been
a firefighter in Lennoxville forever. On Aug. 24, 2014, while in
bed at 2:15 a.m., Eric heard an
awful crash. He sprang out of
bed, threw on some clothes, and
headed out, First Aid bag in
hand. The crash was about 750
feet from his house and upon
arrival he found two local boys
he knew very well. Eric found a
very bad scene, with amputation
required. The boys were Jake
Nobes and Antho B. Eric took
charge, as he was the only one on
scene. He tended to the bleeding
and kept them calm all while
passing info along to 911. He saw
that the proper manpower and
equipment was en route for the
scene, all while tending severe
injuries. In everyone’s eyes, Eric
saved two lives that night. Jake
was at the ceremony to honor his
hero.
This pretty much brought the
24th Awards Ceremony to a
close, and all enjoyed a light
lunch.
–Corey Bellam
THE GLASS MAN
BILL MCCALLUM
On Saturday, a play was presented about a true Sawyerville,
Que., legend–Bill McCallum,
“The Glass Man.” The shows
were at 2 and 7:30 p.m., with a
full house both times.
Bill McCallum, who became
known in the area as the “Glass
Man,” appeared in the town of
Sawyerville in 1921 with a true
unexplainable talent. He could
push a nail through glass and
never even crack it. Glass was
like rubber to him.
The show began with Bill as
a boy sitting at the table, talking
to his mother. Later that day,
Bill was out on the rocks and
broke his leg. Having no nearby
doctor, they called a very capable
horse doctor to come and fix the
leg. Bill healed up, but one leg
ended up a lot shorter than the
other, causing him to limp badly.
He was the butt of some very
mean jokes.
After this accident, Bill
seemed to have some very different power. He could nail glass–
but he could only do this if the
“Imps” were around him. Nobody
ever saw these little critters, but
they were sure there. Bill was a
drinking man, and if he got upset
he just might nail your plate to
a table, or your bottle to a wall–
you just never knew when those
Imps came.
Bill arrived in Sawyerville to
much disbelief of his talents, but
soon was accepted by all, though
some even thought he was the
devil. He was a very talented
carver and cabinet maker. The
only thing was that strange ability of his, where he could nail
bottles to trees and poles.
Nobody could ever figure that
one out. There's still a few alive
that remember him and his
strange talent. They verify it,
too. Those Imps are sure strange
little critters.
The Eaton Corner Museum
has actual examples of his work.
A lot of people have tried to
explain how he did it, but just
can’t. It is a Sawyerville mystery
for sure, and we guess it will stay
that way.
–Corey Bellam
SEEDY SATURDAY
This past Saturday, the Sawyerville Hotel came alive with
excitement. The reason for this
all was because a local group
with the love of the soil and seeds
got together for a day filled with
informative talks and displays
ranging from organic seeds, gardening tools, honey producers
and much more to please both
young and old. The fun wasn't
only at the Sawyerville Hotel,
though. It overflowed outside,
where horse-drawn wagon rides
were given by Rainer Lowry and
helpers to all that wanted to tour
the town. There was also skating, sliding, and more. Then, up
the street at the old bank, there
was homemade basket making
demos and Christian Berard
from Patio Eaton was holding a
workshop where folks could build
their very own birdhouse. The
day included around 15 exhibitors that were displaying their
products and services for all to
see and taste. The day was a
huge success for both the exhibitors and visitors, and a day of fun
for sure.
–Corey Bellam
HUT WINTER FUN DAY
Sunday afternoon, laughter
was echoing in the air at the
Army-Navy-Air Force Unit 318
in Lennoxville–The Hut. It was
the Hut’s annual Winter Fun
Day. Every year about this time,
Pat Neil, along with her faithful
helpers, organize an afternoon of
good old family fun which
includes horse-drawn wagon
rides by Bob Harrison of Milby
Meadows Farm. Everywhere was
(Continued on page 14)
Page 14
The Colebrook Chronicle
Friday, February 27, 2015
Around The Region
A “Seedy Saturday” in Sawyerville, Que., brought all sorts with a love
of soil and seeds together for a day of talks and displays. Above, the
display by Miel Pur Delice, Inc., from Coaticook, with some of the best
honey around. Corey Bellam photo.
This week marked the 24th Lennoxville Outstanding Achievement Awards. The recipients and dignitaries,
front, from left: Lizy Carvalho, Janice LaDuke, George Fowlis, Kevin Frost, Claude Charron. Second
row, from left: David Price, Jyoti Nigam, Larry Paradis, Eric MacKeage, Darren Bardati. Back row, from
left: Leslie Beaulieu, Heather Bowman, Steve Harvey, Jeff Cheal. Corey Bellam photo.
The Sawyerville play “Beyond Belief,” the story of Bill McCallum, was presented on Feb. 21. The play
told the local legend of Bill McCallum, who had the mysterious ability to drive nails through glass bottles,
as discussed by the knitting circle above. Corey Bellam photo.
(Continued from page 13)
Mr. Robert, from the Compton region, makes hand-woven baskets.
Check out his cap–it’s made of birch bark and stitched with wooden
stitches. Corey Bellam photo.
buzzing with action, with many
games to keep all amused.
At about 2 p.m., a sweet smell
drifted through the air. It was
time for sugar on snow to be
served. This is a true sign that
spring is just around the corner,
and everyone lined up for a
sweet treat. Before very long,
chins were all sticky.
The children were busy at the
activities and the horse bells
were ringing. This, with warmer
temperatures, made it the perfect day to be out and about. The
day finished up with a tug-ofwar in about two feet of snow.
This made it very fun to watch.
The children looked like little
snowmen when they finished.
The afternoon was very well
attended and organized thanks
to Pat Neil and her helpers–another success for all involved.
–Corey Bellam
“Bill McCallum” and his mother eat breakfast, while Bill explains
his special skill. He notes that he can only put nails through bottles
when the “Imps” are around, such as the one currently hiding under
the table. Corey Bellam photo.
Friday, February 27, 2015
The Colebrook Chronicle
Obituaries
Tricia A. McGuire
TRICIA A. MCGUIRE
BLOOMFIELD, Vt.–Tricia
McGuire, 44, of Bloomfield, Vt.,
passed away at the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook on Tuesday afternoon, Feb.
24, 2015, surrounded by her loving family after a brave battle
with colon cancer. Before her
passing she was able to spend
time with her family and friends
to say the final goodbyes.
Tricia was born in Springfield,
Mass., on July 30, 1970, to Anne
(Corriveau) Mazza and Richard
Garner who have both predeceased her. She lived in Enfield,
Conn., for most of her life, but
spent a year in Leesburg, Va.,
and as of Nov. 2003, had made
her home in Bloomfield, Vt. She
was a graduate of Enfield High
School and attended Branford
Hall Career Institute where she
studied to be a Medical Assistant. While living in Vermont,
she worked at Indian Stream
Health Center in Colebrook.
Prior to ISHC, Tricia worked as
a daycare provider at Building
Blocks of Windsor in Windsor,
Conn. for many years.
Tricia was a wonderful, caring
person with a big heart. She had
a great personality and a smile
that could light up a room. She
was loved by all who knew her.
She loved the outdoors, especially in the winter months when
she could go snowmobiling in
Vermont. She loved to garden,
cook, and snuggle up with a good
book to read. She loved her TV
shows like “Criminal Minds” and
“Bones,” along with cooking
shows.
She married her soul mate
and the love of her life, Christopher McGuire, on Nov. 8, 1997.
They built a life together filled
with love and happiness that
created a wonderful little boy
named Charlie who was born on
Dec. 27, 2004. Tricia enjoyed
every minute of being a wife and
mother, and it showed by the
way she loved Chris and Charlie.
She treasured every minute she
spent with both of them. She also
loved her animals, Tigger and
Ruby (her dogs), and a stray cat
she took in and named Jack.
In addition to her husband
Chris and son Charlie of Bloomfield, Vt., she also leaves behind
two brothers, Eric and Rick Garner, and a niece Corenna Garner
all of Enfield, Conn.; her loving
in-laws, Raymond and Dorothy
McGuire who have been a blessing to Tricia, loving her and
treating her as if she was their
own daughter; and two brothersin-law, Tony and Paul, all of
Enfield, Conn.; many aunts,
uncles and cousins from both
sides of her family, as well as
many loyal and true friends from
Connecticut, Vermont and New
Hampshire who are all going to
miss her deeply. Tricia also
leaves behind Mary Green
(Mickie) of Feeding Hills, Mass.,
who was not only Tricia’s cousin,
but her best friend. Tricia always
said they should have been “sisters and not cousins.”
Calling hours will be on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, from noon
to 3 p.m. at Jenkins and Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.
Private services will occur at a
later date in Connecticut.
Expressions of sympathy in
memory of Tricia may be made
to the Northwoods Home Health
and Hospice, 120 Main St., Colebrook, NH 03576.
Condolences may be offered to
the family online by going to
www.jenkinsnewman.com.
Funeral arrangements are
under the direction of Jenkins
and Newman Funeral Home in
Colebrook.
James D. Wheeler
JAMES D. WHEELER
PITTSBURG–James
D.
Wheeler, 55, passed away on
Wednesday evening, Feb. 18,
2015, at the Upper Connecticut
Valley Hospital in Colebrook
after a battle with cancer.
Jim was born on Sept. 23,
1959, in West Stewartstown, and
he was raised in Pittsburg on the
family farm. He attended the
Pittsburg schools and was a
graduate of Pittsburg High
School in 1978.
He was very active with all
the family businesses over the
years. Jim drove school buses,
and he knew all the routes. He
took many athletic trips and
even the longer class trips.
Everyone always knew Jim could
be counted on to handle any
situation. He was as good as it
gets when it came to trimming
trees. There were many Christmas trees planted over the years,
and many to be cut, and Jim
knew all the phases of the work
that was required, and was capable of doing it all.
He enjoyed competing with
other tree growers at local fairs
and especially at the “Big E”
Eastern States Exposition in
Springfield, Mass. His entries
won many ribbons and he made
many friends with people who
came into the New Hampshire
state building. He particularly
enjoyed spending time there with
his friend, Colon Chapple.
Landscaping was another
project that Jim took a lot of
pride in, and he was very good at
that, too. He enjoyed making
snowmobile trails with his
cousin, Dennis. He later lived in
Colebrook, and became a
licensed nurse’s aid, and was a
caregiver for local elderly people
in their homes, many of whom
came to love Jim as if he was one
of their own. It was very easy to
be proud of Jim. He was his
father’s caregiver for many
years, taking him to his appointments at the VA in Manchester,
Boston or White River Junction,
checking on his dad twice a day,
seven days a week.
In his final days, Jim lived
with Pam and Ray Choquette in
Pittsburg, and they became like
family to him.
Jim is survived by his father,
Claude Wheeler, currently of
Berlin; his many cousins; and his
beloved
feline
companion,
“Titty.” He is preceded in death
by his sister, Claudia, in 1987
when she was a senior in high
(Continued on page 16)
Page 15
Page 16
The Colebrook Chronicle
Friday, February 27, 2015
Obituaries
(Continued from page 15)
school.
Jim will be privately interred
in the family lot at the Indian
Stream Cemetery in the spring.
There are no public services.
Expressions of sympathy in
memory of Jim may be made to
Jenkins and Newman Funeral
Home, 103 Main St., Colebrook,
NH 03576 to help defray final
expenses.
Condolences may be offered to
the family online by going to
www.jenkinsnewman.com.
Funeral arrangements are
under the direction of Jenkins
and Newman Funeral Home in
Colebrook.
Richard W. Fuller
RICHARD W. FULLER
LANCASTER–Richard W.
Fuller, 58, of Lancaster, passed
away at Country Village Nursing
Home, Feb. 4, 2015, after a long
period of ill health.
Richard was born Oct. 21,
1956, the son of Albert and Gloria (Henry) Fuller.
Fuller graduated from White
Mountains Regional High School
in 1974. He will best be remembered as a passionate musician
and landscaper and through his
marriage to Katie for 25 years
where they lived in North Conway and the Florida Keys. During those years Richard spent his
time playing music, enjoying
friends, laughter and living life
passionately.
Richard is survived by his
wife and mother; a son, Jessie;
five brothers, Charles Fuller of
Pawley’s Island, S.C., Albert R.
Fuller (Cheryl) of Nantucket,
Mass., Edward E. Fuller (Lynn)
of Lancaster, David B. Fuller
(Pattie) of Lancaster, Russell J
Fuller (Mary Ellen) of Colebrook;
and three grandchildren.
The family will hold a celebration of life which will be
announced at a future date.
Condolences may be sent his
wife at 192 Main St., Apt C,
Lancaster, or please go to
www.baileyfh.net for more information or to send an online condolence.
ROBERT C. GOULD
SYRACUSE, N.Y.–Robert C.
Gould, 85, of the Valley in Syracuse, N.Y. and formerly of Londonderry, died on Tuesday, Feb.
10, 2015 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center.
Born in Columbia, he was the
son of the late Melrose Arthur
and Alice Berry Gould. Bob
received his education in New
Hampshire and then entered the
Marines and served in World
War II and the Korean War. He
belonged to the Massachusetts
Carpenter’s Union, where he
worked for many years. He then
worked as a long distance driver
for Merchant Motors in Hooksett
for ten years.
Bob was a Mason for 52 year
with the Jewell Lodge 94 F&AM
in Suncook, and was a member
of American Legion Henry J.
Sweeney Post 2 in Manchester
and Valley Post 1468 in Syracuse. He enjoyed woodworking
projects, cribbage and ballroom
dancing.
Bob is survived by his wife of
29 years, Maureen Fitzgerald
Gould; children Judith Haggerman (Bruce) of Standish, Maine,
Darryl (Janet) Gould and Wayne
Gould of Hooksett; seven stepchildren; two brothers, Fred Jennings and Dale Gould; three
sisters, June Hyde Fleury, Ruth
Cole and Jean Chase; several
grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He
was predeceased by his first wife,
Irene, and by his brothers
Arthur, Holman, Sherman,
Alfred, Keith and Donald Gould.
Calling hours and funeral
arrangements were handled by
Ballweg and Lunford Funeral
Home, Inc., of Syracuse on Feb.
14, 2015.
Contributions may be made to
the Wounded Warriors Project,
PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS
66675
or
online
at
www.woundedwarriorproject.
org.
EDITH B. SWITSER
DALTON–Edith Inez (Berwick) Switser, 100, passed away
on Thursday morning, Feb. 19,
2015, at the Lafayette Center in
Franconia. She was three days
shy of turning 101.
Edith was born in Barton, Vt.,
on Feb. 22, 1914, the daughter of
William and Mary (Welch) Berwick. She was raised in the
Northeast Kingdom and was a
1931 graduate of Lyndon Institute. That same year she married Clyde Burton Switser and
for a time they resided in North
Danville and Whitefield before
finally settling in Dalton in 1941.
She was the current recipient of
the Boston Post Cane for the
town of Dalton.
Edith dedicated most of her
adult life to her community. She
loved reading, music, and taking
care of her husband and family.
She served as the Dalton Librarian for 41 years and served on
the Dalton and White Mountains
Regional School Boards. She was
a member of the Riverside
Grange, the Dalton Ladies Aid,
and a charter member of the
Dalton Historical Society. She
was a parishioner of the Dalton
Congregational Church where
she was a long-time organist and
church treasurer.
She is survived by her children, Jean Abbott and husband
Bill of Dalton and Wayne Switser
of Littleton; grandchildren Judy
Abbott, Ann Hucksoll and Nick,
Roland Abbott and Carol, Richard Abbott, Kele Grazel Kravelin, and Kimberly Soto; 14
great-grandchildren and 13
great-great-grandchildren. She
is predeceased by Clyde in 1999;
siblings E. Irene Murphy, Alice
Stone, Henry Stone, Irvin Stone
and Willey Berwick.
A memorial service will be
held Saturday, Feb. 28, at 11
a.m. at the Dalton Congregational Church. Reverend Diane
Raymond, pastor, will officiate.
Burial will be in the spring in
Cushman Cemetery, Dalton.
Memorial contributions may
be made in her memory to the
Dalton Congregational Church,
770 Dalton Road, Dalton NH
03598 or the Dalton Public
Library, 741 Dalton Road, Dalton, NH 03598.
Arrangements are under the
direction of Bailey Funeral Home
in Lancaster. Please go to
www.baileyfh.net for more information or to send an online condolence.
vided home care and companionship.
Shirley was a former member
of the American Legion and the
VFW, Dalton Historical Society
and Gilman Senior Citizens.
Family members include a
sister, Helen Johnson of Alaska;
grandson Richard Collins of Massachusetts; granddaughter Robin
Gould of Colebrook; three greatgrandchildren, Krystal White,
Zachary White, and Brieanna
Mckeage; great-great grandchild
Gavyn Hagan; three nephews
and two nieces. She was predeceased by her husband Martin
Stefanik; a daughter, Marilyn
Koczur; two brothers, Edgar
Smith, Herbert Smith, a sisterin-law, Vera Smith and a sisterin-law, Lena Smith.
A memorial service will be
held at the Littleton Congregational Church on Sunday, March
1, at 3 p.m. Pastor W. David
Weddington will officiate. Burial
will be at a later date in Cushman Cemetery in Dalton.
Sports
FRED COWAN
CANAAN, VT.–Frederick W.
Cowan, 96, of Canaan, died
peacefully at the UCVH in Colebrook on Tuesday evening, Feb.
24, 2015, after a long period of
failing health.
As of press time, final
arrangements are pending. A
full obituary will appear soon.
For more information, please
visit
online
at
www.jenkinsnewman.com.
Funeral arrangements are
under the direction of Jenkins
and Newman Funeral Home in
Colebrook.
During the Feb. 19 game, when Groveton hosted the Littleton
Crusaders, Abbey Pelletier gets the ball into the lane and looks to the
hoop, with Tanisha Singer at the ready. The Crusader defending her
is Meagan Bircher. This game was an important one for both teams
as it determined their final NHIAA standings. The Groveton girls
won the game with a final score of 50-39 which made them the number
three seed in NHIAA division IV just behind the Colebrook Mohawk
girls who finished number two. Samantha McMann photo.
SHIRLEY STEFANIK
LITTLETON–Shirley A. Stefanik (Nichols), 88, of Cottage
Street, died Friday morning Feb.
20, 2015, at the Littleton
Regional Hospital.
Stefanik was born in Dalton
on April 17, 1926, the daughter
of Orin and Edith (Titus) Smith.
Shirley would later marry Gordon Nichols in 1946 and lived
happily in Dalton until 1984,
when Gordon lost his battle to
cancer. In 1948 they had a beautiful baby girl, Marilyn Nichols
(Koczur), who lost her battle with
Acute Leukemia in 2011. Shirley
was fortunate to find love twice
and remarried Martin Stefanik
of Franconia in 1996, where they
lived until Martin lost his battle
with cancer in 2000. Eventually
Shirley moved into the Beattie
House, in Littleton where she
lived happily for nearly five
years and was beloved by many.
During her lifetime, she was
employed at the Gilman Paper
Mill, Connors and Hoffman in
Littleton and in retirement pro-
Groveton's Daegan Lurvey being guarded by Littleton's Cooper
Paradice looking for a teammate to pass the ball to during the Feb.
19 game in Groveton. Samantha McMann photo.
Friday, February 27, 2015
The Colebrook Chronicle
Page 17
Business Directory
JP FRAMING
JEFFREY PETTIT
603-237-5039
Stewartstown, NH
Additions • Garages • Houses • Camps
Page 18
The Colebrook Chronicle
Classifieds
For Sale
Central Boiler E-Classic OUTDOOR
FURNACES. Heat your entire home
and hot water. EPA Qualified. Call
today, 1-800-295-8301. (603) 2378301. 3/27
Buying snowmobiles, ATVs and
motorcycles. Call (603) 538-6963 or
(802) 334-1603. TFN
2002 Saturn L-100: auto, air, pw, low
mileage, 109,000. Looks good, runs
great. $1,675. Glass-top table, 4
wicker chairs, $50. Tires, 2 275-5520, 65 percent good, $85. 788-4071.
3/6
2002 SkiDoo Legend 600, black,
elec. Start, reverse, excellent
condition. 5,000 miles. $1,950. 5387125. 3/6
Services
Music Lessons: Guitar, Ukulele,
Banjo, Mandolin, Bass, Dulcimer,
Friday, February 27, 2015
Call (603) 246-8998
and Voice. Children ages 5-8 for
$60/month, includes instrumental
rental. All other students, $75,
instrument rental $15. Roberta’s
Studio, (603) 331-1628. TFN
Would like to haul your junk and
unwanted vehicles. Call Rusty
Edwards. (603) 237-5676. 7/31/15
Farm Fresh
!**NORTH COUNTRY**!
**MARKETPLACE
& SALVAGE**
104 Colby Street, Colebrook
603-631-1221
Wanted
Top dollar paid for junk cars and
trucks. Also, steel, batteries,
aluminum cans. Call (603) 636-1667
days or (603) 636-1304 nights. TFN
Musicians Wanted
Musicians for an Old Thymey
Hootenanny, the second Thursday of
each month, starting February 19,
from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Be
ready to jam and share Rosen the
Beau, Shady Grove and Sugar Hill.
For more information, call Bobie at
(603) 331-1628. 3/13
http://www.marketplaceandsalvage.com/
Offering Local Produce,
Products & Salvage
Open: Tues.-Fri. 9-5
Sat. 9-12
FEBRUARY SALE
25% off all Salvage Items
TFN
For Rent
Colebrook—in-town, very nice,
heated 2 br. Apt., DSL included, with
kitchen, dining, living, washer/dryer
hookup,
carpeted.
No
pets.
References required. Call (603) 2378301. TFN
Columbia--large 4 BR, $650 per
month, and 2 BR $500 per month
plus all utilities, available March 1,
2015. References and security deposit
required. For appointment call 3405775. 2/27
Firewood
Cut, split, delivered. Jones Brook
Farm, Guildhall, Vt. (802) 328-2013.
12/31/15
Dance Classes
Step by Step School of Dance
offering beginner’s ballet, jazz, tap
and hip-hop. (Kids and adults
classes.) Individual and group classes
available. For schedules and pricing,
call (603) 237-4009 or 991-3387. 2/27
PUPPIES
Puppies for sale, registered English
Shepherd mom, English ShepherdBorder Collie dad. First shots and
worms. Ready to go March 18. $275.
Call (802) 328-4414. 3/13
HELP WANTED
–Morning Receptionist–
North Country Community
Recreation Center
Please call for more information
(603) 237-4019
33 Rec Center Road
Colebrook NH 03576
Friday, February 27, 2015
The Colebrook Chronicle
Page 19
Sports
Left photo: On Feb. 13, the Pittsburg-Canaan Yellow Jacket graduating seniors were recognized at half time during their home game against Woodsville. Pictured are Jeremiah
Zybas, Nick Remick, Ian Pfaff, Kirby Judd, Jacqueline Jameson, Devin Rodrigue, Brennan Landry and Jacob Reich. Angela Wheeler photo. Right photo: Thursday, Feb. 19
was Senior Night for Groveton High School basketball. Five Lady Eagles and one gentleman Eagle will be graduating this year. Before their final regular season home-game,
each were recognized, applauded, given gifts, and posed for photos with their families. Back row from left: Alicia Lesperance, Tanisha Singer, Breanna Mosher, Kennedy Lambert,
and Arianna Woodward. Front row: Keenen Monahan. Samantha McMann photo.
Groveton and Littleton's two tallest guys, Keenen Monahan and Logan Briggs, are both trying to grab the
rebound in the Feb. 19 game in Groveton. Samantha McMann photo.
During the Feb. 19 game when Groveton hosted Littleton, Groveton's
Tanisha Singer takes a jumper from inside the lane. Samantha
McMann photo.
This intense battle off the glass happened during the Thursday, Feb. 19, game when Groveton hosted the
Littleton Crusaders. The players shown in this photo from left are: Eagle, Gage Charron, Crusader, Logan
Briggs, Eagle, Austin Lesperance. Samantha McMann photo.
Page 20
The Colebrook Chronicle
Friday, February 27, 2015
Sports
The Colebrook Mohawk graduating seniors were recognized at their
last home game on Feb. 25 against the Pittsburg-Canaan Yellow
Jackets. Kneeling in the front, from the left: Megan Hamel, Jessa
Kennett, Lexi Lawson, Nakea Cross and Kacie Riendeau. Standing
in the back are, from left: Creed Cooney, Nathan Cass, Richard Davis,
Bryce Hicks and John Zavala. Missing from photo is Austin Steward.
Angela Wheeler photo.
February 27 & 28, 2015 at 7:00 pm & March 1 at 2:00 pm
Tillotson Center, Colebrook, NH–Tickets $15 or 4 for $50