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This week's stories: (click on the headline
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Quilts
reveal their histories to experts in textiles
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By KAREN BRAYNARD
Correspondent
One man's idea in the late
1970s lives on in the historical preservation of America's quilts.
In New Hampshire, that history is still being made as the New
Hampshire Quilt Documentation Project, Phase II, embarks on its
second year of documenting the quilts in New Hampshire.
Slated to visit nine New Hampshire towns this year, the volunteers
recently spent a day documenting the quilts in and around Auburn.
Every quilt tells a story about the people who pieced them together
and about the times they lived in. According to Gerald Roy, a
project volunteer and professional quilt appraiser, people bring
in their quilts for two reasons. "Some want to know if there
is a dollar value, but most are more interested in the history
behind the quilt."
This was obviously true
for Auburn resident Kathryn Amar. Along with a couple of quilts
made by her grandmother, Amar also brought in an old scrapbook
made by her grandmother.
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STAR STORY Kathryn Amar discusses
an unfinished quilt that may have been made for a young child.
Her family history, preserved by her grandmother, tells of a
young child who fell ill and died as a toddler. Perhaps this
quilt was his. (Karen Braynard Photo)
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"The stories
in Grandma's genealogy book are amazing. I hope to learn even
more through the documentation of her quilts."
Many of the approximately 35 quilts brought in during the visit
to Auburn were made between the '30s and '50s. However, a quilt
brought in by Jean Amsden, also made by her grandmother, dated
back to the late 1890s. Roy, who was on hand to help evaluate
and appraise the quilts, said this quilt was very traditional
in the style and technique of the era.
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The New Hampshire Quilt
Documentation is a reflection of the most recent quilt revival
in the United States, which began just before the bicentennial
of the American Revolution. Since then, Americans have not only
taken an avid interest in quilting, but also in the history behind
the quilts of their ancestors.
The documenting of American quilts began with the vision of Bruce
Mann of Louisville, Ky. Mann felt that the quilts from his state
should be documented. Although he passed away in 1981, volunteers
carried his project through and Kentucky was the first state
to create a written documentation of the quilts residing there.
Other states followed the tradition and most states have now
either completed their documentation or are still in the process.
Documenting one's quilts
is a relatively easy process and is provided free of charge by
volunteers. Quilt owners bring in their quilts and the process
begins with an interview to obtain information about the current
owner of the quilt, and any known history of the quilt itself.
In addition, any recorded genealogy of the quilt maker is also
documented. Each quilt is photographed in full view and in detail.
For a small fee of $5, the owners may purchase the documentation
papers and a color photo of their quilt. However, there is no
fee to simply have the quilt added to the documentation project.
The eventual outcome from
the New Hampshire Quilt Documentation Project is to preserve
the inventory and the history of the quilts and their makers.
There will be a state data base kept in a central location, such
as a New Hampshire historical center or New England quilt museum,
for scholars and researchers to access. Further plans include
a display of antique and vintage quilts and a book about New
Hampshire's quilts.
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CRAZY QUILT Jean Amsden (right)
looks on as volunteer Pam Weeks evaluates the quilt. This particular
quilt was made in the late 1800s and is very traditional in style
and materials. The Crazy Quilt style was pieced in random patterns
and then embellished with embroidery. (Karen Braynard Photo)
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If you happen to find an old cedar chest filled with Grandma's
quilts, you can learn more about them and this project at
www.nhquiltdoc.org
COLOR="#000000".
Hooksett
Fire station may close
By GINGER KOZLOWSKI
Staff Writer
editor@hooksettbanner.com
Fewer police patrols, a closed fire station,
limited assessments, no terrorism training and little road paving
are just a few of the items being considered to reduce Hooksett's
town budget to meet the default amount set by the town's vote
on May 11.
The Hooksett Town Council met with all department heads on Wednesday,
June 2, to hear their suggestions on what might have to be cut
and argue for an increase in their specific budgets beyond the
default amount. Decisions should be made within the next few
weeks.
The running themes of the night included the rising cost of fuel
and the need for more help as Hooksett grows. Money was needed,
virtually all department heads said, to pay for the rising costs
of taking care of town business.
Police
The Hooksett Police Department has been working to fill seven
open positions, and under the default budget would only be able
to hire four new officers, said Police Chief Stephen Agrafiotis.
"Your west-side patrol is out the window," said Agrafiotis,
saying more men are needed to increase patrols.
"The only good side to this," he said, "is that
we're having trouble finding candidates."
Fuel to run the patrol cars also worries Agrafiotis. The department
is budgeted to spend $1.15 per gallon, and is currently paying
$1.59 per gallon.
Fire
The Hooksett Village Fire Station may have to close during weekdays
under the reduced budget, said Fire Chief Michael Williams. Training
for firefighters may also be eliminated.
"Hopefully we won't have a bad year with fires," said
Williams.
Part of the department's budget woes stem from overspending by
former Chief Michael Howard, said Williams.
"We're already starting with a negative number because of
the $100,000 that Howard overspent," said Williams.
Town Council Chairman Michael DiBitetto asked Williams what the
bottom line would be if forced to hold to the default figures.
Williams responded that Station 1, the Village station, would
be shut down Monday through Friday during the daytime, and he
would use a "floating" firefighter where needed for
people who are out as much as possible.
Library
Closing on Thursdays may be necessary at the Hooksett Public
Library.
"If we're forced into the $316 (thousand) we had before,
we'll have to cut services, said library trustee Mary Farwell.
Thursdays seemed the most likely day for the library to be closed,
said Farwell, though reducing hours is also under consideration.
Emergency management
Though Hooksett is obligated by the state to do terrorist training,
Harold Murray said it would be impossible to conduct under the
default budget.
Highway
"The scary line is wages," said highway department
manager Dale Hemeon.
Hooksett continues to build new roads, which need to be maintained,
and his staff is stretched thin already. He also voiced concern
about the price of gas and vehicle maintenance.
"I'm a little worried about the contract service line,"
he said. "Vehicles are getting old."
Park and recreation
Hemeon also heads the town's parks and recreation department,
which has seen a dramatic rise in the summer daycare program
called Fun In the Sun.
"Fun in the Sun scares me," said Hemeon. "One
hundred sixty signed up this year. We've never had more than
85."
Trips may have to be cut from the program to meet the budget,
said Hemeon.
Solid waste
"Fuel is a big concern," said department head Diane
Boyce.
There are 350 more stops this year, with more homes and businesses
being built all the time, adding to the department's strain.
Employees are needed not only to make garbage pickup runs, but
also to run the transfer station.
"We may have residents getting angry, waiting in line (at
the transfer station)" said Boyce, "especially on Saturdays.
"Everything continues to grow," agreed Hemeon, "but
the staff isn't getting bigger."
"Clearly, safety services require highest priority in this
process," said town council Chairman Michael DiBitetto.
"Assessing and clerk/tax collector are critical functions
of town government which are close behind and some facility and
road maintenance items may be deferred. Bottom line is that the
council will seek to use the available funds wisely and with
minimal disruption to services."
Allenstown
Selectmen say no to opening Lincoln St.
By RUSS CHOMA
Staff Writer
rchoma@yourneighborhoodnews.com
Selectmen have nixed a developer's request
to open Lincoln Street, sending the idea back to the Allenstown
Zoning Board for more consideration.
Dubbed McNamara's Landing, the condominium development is being
proposed for a 27-acre plot of land between Route 3 and Main
Street. The planners only planned one exit an improved
Bailey Avenue.
Last month, the zoning board granted an exception to the developer,
but with the stipulation that one access road was not enough.
To make it easier for emergency services to get into the proposed
development, the board told the developer to seek selectmen's
permission to open Lincoln Street.
Currently an unpaved stretch of road on a steep incline, Lincoln
Street comes to a dead end with a locked gate. Citing safety
concerns, in particular about the steepness of Lincoln Street,
neighborhood residents voiced their opposition.
At the June 7 meeting where they decided against opening Lincoln
Street, selectmen reiterated those same concerns. Noting there
are no sidewalks in the neighborhood, Selectman Sandra McKenney
said she was concerned about pedestrians on the steep road.
"What worries me is you'll have a lot of teenagers and elderly
driving there," she said. "They could just lose control
and slam into anyone."
Richard Uchida, an attorney representing the developer, made
the request to open Lincoln Street, but agreed his team had concluded
there were safety issues.
"I can't tell you in good faith that we would create a safe
road (by opening Lincoln Street,)" he told selectmen.
Uchida said the planners who put together the McNamara's Landing
proposal never intended to open Lincoln Street, but were now
requesting it because of the zoning board's stipulation saying
they should.
Following Uchida's presentation, board members briefly discussed
the matter, but quickly reached a consensus.
"I don't see a need to open that road," said Selectman
Peter Viar. "We don't believe it's in the interest of the
town or the residents to open the road."
The board took no vote, but agreed Lincoln Street should remain
closed with a padlock on the fence blocking the entrance. Uchida
said he would return to the zoning board and try to hammer out
another solution or a change in the stipulation.
Traffic impact minimal
The possibility remains for the road to open should the planning
board deem it necessary.
Laurie Rossio, a traffic engineer hired by the developer, told
board members that, if opened, the road would likely have minimal
impact on residents.
She estimated an open Lincoln Street would see roughly 120 cars
a day from the existing neighborhood and another 180 a day from
the new development.
Rossio said she understands that neighbors might think that 300
additional cars a day sounds like a lot, but in traffic terms
it is rather low. Even during peak hours, she said, there would
only be about one car every minute.
"It's less than (current traffic) on Notre Dame Avenue,"
she said. "It's a very typical amount."
Allenstown
Hodgson Mill at center of fee misunderstanding
By RUSS CHOMA
Staff Writer
rchoma@yourneighborhoodnews.com
A recent water main break at Allenstown's
largest employer left the company without fire coverage and firefighters
feeling shortchanged.
Originally expected to take only a day or two to repair, the
water main break last month turned into a major crisis that left
Thomas Hodgson and Sons Mill without water for several weeks.
Although the fire alarm system was still functioning, the water
shortage left the building with no sprinklers or other accessible
water supply. To remain compliant with fire codes, the company
agreed to post a fire watch, with at least one member of the
Allenstown Fire Department at the mill 24 hours a day.
Based on a warrant article approved by voters five years ago,
mill managers were told the town would charge a fee of $100 an
hour to keep the watch manned. However, town officials now say
no fee system was ever set up, and they erred in charging the
mill.
At their June 7 meeting, members of the board of selectmen met
to discuss the matter with Jeff Scott, a representative of the
mill's parent company, Kennebunk Weavers.
Scott said his company originally believed it would be able to
repair the break quickly, but the project rapidly grew in size,
taking several weeks to finally get water flowing into the 137-year
old mill building. In the meantime, he said, the company racked
up large costs paying the hourly fee.
"It may end up being more than the actual cost of parts
for the pipe repair," Scott told selectmen. "But we're
a good corporate citizen and we'll do anything we have to (to
stay in compliance with town codes.)"
Selectmen told Scott that, upon further examination of town statutes,
there is no actual provision allowing the fee to be charged.
Town officials say the confusion stems from the implementation
of a warrant article passed by almost two-thirds of voters in
1999.
The warrant enabled the department to charge fees, but Town Administrator
David Jodoin said that system was never formally implemented.
"Once this all came up, we got a copy of all the ordinance
(being referenced)," Jodoin said. "And the selectmen
went through and saw this (fee rate) had never been established."
Selectmen Peter Viar assured Scott that it was an honest mistake.
"There was no intention of malice on anyone's part,"
he said.
Arthur Houle, chairman of the board of selectmen, said the confusion
over whether the 1999 warrant had ever been formalized is understandable.
"We've had three chiefs in the interim (since it passed,)"
he said. "(Chaput) thought this was a valid document."
Making the situation stickier, many of the fire department personnel
standing watch at the mill were under the belief that the fees
had been enacted and that they would be paid a portion of the
hourly fee.
Although paid their normal hourly rate to stand duty, members
of the fire department say they also believed they would receive
an additional $30 an hour for the extra duty, similar to the
detail pay received by police officers.
Both Fire Chief Everett Chaput III and Deputy Chief Robert Martin
were unavailable for comment at press time.
Jodoin said he and the selectmen became aware of the issue when
the department approached them to find out how to collect the
money they believed they would be receiving.
Mill representative Scott told selectmen that when it was discovered
the town would not be collecting fees, the department ended the
fire watch.
"When they found out they were not getting (the $30 an hour),
they said they couldn't support it and just left," he said.
"That's when we got nervous. We want to do what we're supposed
to do (for town ordinances.)"
To prevent a reoccurrence, Jodoin said the warrant article passed
by voters is currently going through the legal process to finally
implement the fees.
"The prosecutor is going to try and revamp it and rework
it, so we can get it in," he said.
Hooksett
Head's Pond development
still hung up in court
By KAREN BRAYNARD
Correspondent
It's been two years since
residents surrounding Head's Pond submitted a petition to the
town to prevent development on wetlands in the northern part
of town. Two years later, this complicated case of zoning and
environmental issues is still in court.
A petitioned zoning amendment would have redesignated prime wetlands
and allowed for substantial development. Nearby residents wanted
further study of prime wetlands before this zoning change was
voted on by the town. The area in question is 350 acres that
includes one of New Hampshire's largest areas of undeveloped
wetlands.
Rene Smagula, the Hooksett resident who initiated the petition
and has kept it active in the court system, wants more consideration
for the wetlands.
According to Nancy Winneg, a Hooksett resident who is representing
him in court, Smagula strongly believes the impact this zoning
change and subsequent development will have on the prime wetlands
will be tremendous.
The irony is that this is not in court for further study of the
environmental impact, it's in court because the town council
felt the petitioners did not meet the requirements of RSA 675:5,
which requires two-thirds of the abutting landowners to sign
the petition.
The petitioners felt they had satisfied the state's requirement
to appeal the zoning amendment. However, the town council rejected
the petition because it believed the calculations were incorrect
and that the Allenstown residents surrounding Head's Pond should
not be included in the calculations.
Not satisfied with the town's response, Smagula appealed to Superior
Court. The court favored the town. Smagula appealed the decision
to the Supreme Court, where it was determined that the Allenstown
residents should be included and the calculations needed to once
again be ruled upon by Superior Court.
The most recent finding by Superior Court again favors the town
and Manchester Sand and Gravel, the developer. The issue in court
was actually whether Smagula's calculations could be proven incorrect
solely by reference to the tax maps. In this most recent ruling
on April 30, Presiding Justice Kathleen McGuire ordered that
they could. McGuire cites that the town provided four examples,
which if calculated correctly, drops the petitioners below their
own 20 percent calculation of 30.36, even with the Allenstown
residents in the calculation.
Smagula has since filed a motion for reconsideration to Superior
Court. The town of Hooksett and Manchester Sand and Gravel have
filed their own objections to Smagula's request. David Campbell,
attorney for Manchester Sand and Gravel, said he expects the
case will finally come to an end in the next month.
"Assuming we prevail," he said, "we will begin
fine tuning our master plan, which is to make a jewel for the
town." He is referring to their plans for not only 650 homes
to be built over the next 10 years, but also 120 acres of land
designated as a recreational area to include a golf course and
common areas, and a 20-acre pond. Manchester Sand and Gravel
also has committed to providing an easement toward an alternate
road to Route 3 which would provide long-term traffic relief
for the town.
West
serenades Jefferson
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The West High School concert band played
at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C., as part of the
World War II Memorial dedication ceremonies over Memorial Day
weekend. (Myriam Dumas Photo)
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