July 2 - Public pressure forces State Park plan revision

Commissioner George Bald stated today that because of "substantial public feedback," he has withdrawn the draft of the Ten-Year Strategic plan in which Wadleigh State Park and 26 others were considered for an "Alternative Management Strategy."

Bald stated, "There was an impression in this draft plan that a potential strategy would be to divest ourselves of properties. This was never the intent of this methodology." He said that a revised draft plan, available for public comment in August, would make that clear.

Meanwhile, public comment remains open until July 27. (See the June 30 story directly below.)

June 30 - Public comment about State Parks extended

The public comment deadline about the "Alternative Management Strategy" proposed by NH Division of Parks & Recreation for Wadleigh State Park, and others, has been extended to July 27. Make your concerns known by fax (603-271-3553), e-mail (johanna.lyons@dred.state.nh.us), or mail (P.O. Box 1856, Concord, NH 03302).

State Representative Ricia McMahon asks that you send a copy to her at     msricia@yahoo.com or PO Box 95, N Sutton NH, 03260.

For more information, see the original story below.

June 30 - Hannaford beef recalled

Hannaford spokesman Mike Norton said that its stores may have received beef included in last week's recall of 380,000 pounds of beef by Colorado-based JBS Swift Beef that might be contaminated with E. coli. He said that Hannaford will provide a refund or replacement to customers who have JBS Swift beef in their freezers with sell-by dates from April 28 to June 6.

More at Seacoastonline.com

June 30 - Mount Sunapee Resort wants 175 acre expansion

The Union Leader reported today that Mount Sunapee Resort operators again are asking the state to expand their lease area by 175 acres for new trails, a new lift and lodge. 

Their previous Master Development Plan had the same request, but Gov. Lynch did not support it because he felt it was linked to the operators' plan to build condos, a hotel and townhouses on 230 acres of adjacent private land, resulting in private profit from public land. The developers wanted to amend their lease to  allow the expansion, and filed suit against the Governor. It was dismissed two months ago by Judge Diane Nicolosi who said that the lease was clear and could be amended only with approval by the governor and Executive Council.

NH DRED and the Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission is asking for public comment at an open hearing scheduled for Tue., July 14, 6 pm at the Sunapee Lodge. The Mount Sunapee Advisory Committee will be at the hearing. 

Hard copies of the new Five-Year Master Development Plan and Environmental Management Plan should be available at town offices in Newbury, Goshen, New London, Sunapee, Newport, Bradford and Sutton. Also, it can be downloaded here.

June 28 - Mascoma Lake warning lifted

NH DES has lifted warnings from five of the six lakes and ponds cited earlier for high levels of cyanobacteria. Willand Pond, in Dover and Somersworth, remains under watch. 

June 25 -  Local meeting tonight about Wadleigh S.P.

Steve Enroth, president of the North Sutton Improvement Society, has announced a special meeting tonight, 6:30 pm at the North Sutton church,  about the "Alternative Management Strategy" proposed by NH Division of Parks & Recreation for Wadleigh State Park. (See story below.) 

Representative Ricia McMahon will "give the background to the plan and answer questions concerning possible future actions by Sutton to preserve the park and protect Kezar Lake."

Today, Representative McMahon told Sunacom, "I attended the parks public meeting in Peterborough on Tuesday evening this week. This evening I will give an update on what I learned and specifically have a discussion regarding Wadleigh State Park. There is a rich history between the North Sutton Improvement Society, Town of Sutton, Friends of Wadleigh State Park and the State Park System and we will explore the avenues and the options."

June 19 - Raw cookie dough warning

NH health officials have issued a warning this afternoon to not eat raw Nestle Toll House Cookie dough because of possible E. coli contamination. Nestle has voluntarily recalled all varieties of prepackaged Toll House cookie dough, but thousands of packages may be in consumers' homes.

"E. coli is a bacteria that produces a toxin that is potentially deadly to people, especially young children and seniors," said Dr. Jose Montero, Director of Public Health at DHHS. Though it has not been confirmed yet that this product is the cause of this outbreak, if you have eaten anyof this product raw, you should be on alert for possible symptoms which  include fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Most people recover within 10 days but a small percentage of people become extremely ill to the point of being fatal.

Typically, cooking the product as directed will kill the bacteria, however, consumers should discard the recalled cookie dough since the bacteria can get on their hands and distributed to other surfaces.

June 18 - Wadleigh State Park and 26 others in peril?

Wadleigh State Park (bordering Kezar Lake in Sutton), Bradford Pines (Bradford) and Gardner Memorial Wayside (Wilmot) are Lake Sunapee area properties the NH Division of Parks & Recreation has slated for "Alternative Management Strategy." Twenty four other state parks join our three in that category in the agency's current "(June 8, 2009) Draft for Public Review and Comment"  "Strategic and Capital Improvement Plan" (pdf download).

According to the report, NH has the only state park system in the nation that is entirely self-funded. 

"The Division will be accepting public comment until July 8, 2009 via fax (603-271-3553), e-mail (johanna.lyons@dred.state.nh.us), or mail (P.O. Box 1856, Concord, NH 03302)."

More on Sunacom. 

An elevated cyanobacteria cell concentration has been measured in Mascoma Lake. The state standard of 50% or greater of total cells from the bloom were identified as cyanobacteria Anabaena circinalis. 

NHDES advises lake users to avoid contact with the water in areas of  elevated cyanobacteria cell conditions, typically where the water has a surface scum or blue-green flecks. DES also advises pet owners to keep their pets out of those areas. 

The current bloom is variable with some lake portions free of scum sightings while other areas have small blue-green clumps in the water.  Recent sightings report congregations of the blue-green clumps on the lake’s east edge.

This warning is not based on a toxin evaluation and is intended as a precautionary measure for short term exposure. 

Today's warning remains in effect until additional samples reveal cyanobacteria levels have diminished.

Lake Sunapee region towns are blossoming with farmers' markets this weekend. Newbury's market coordinator, Steve Russell, said that the Newbury Farmers & Artisans Market will begin their third year tomorrow afternoon, adjacent to the library, just south of the intersection of routes 103 and 103a. 

Steve and Sue Russell are established potters and display their work alongside other artisans who hand-craft furniture, purses, quilts and jewelry. Local small farms and cottage industries are represented by baskets of freshly harvested vegetables, home-made bread, pastry, jam, cookies and fudge, sweet berries, herbs, plants, flowers and maple products. Local dairies are offering raw milk, free-range eggs, artisan cheeses, goat milk soap and lotions... and much more.

The market is open every Friday, 3 to 6 pm through Sep. 11.

More - on Sunacom. Other NH Farmer's Market Association markets in our area.

by Gayle Hedrington

All wines produced by family owned and operated Silver Mountain Winery are  sulphate-free. Owners Steve and Cindy Miner buy apples, raspberries, black cherries and honey from New England farmers and use only fresh fruit for their wines. Visitors are welcome for tours and tastings Thursday through Saturday, 10am-5pm, and Sundays 11am-4pm.

More on Sunacom

UPDATED June 8: Photos and important info on sample collecting 

Nine residents living near Mascoma Lake have confirmed cases of ALS ("Lou Gehrig's Disease"), making it the highest concentration of the disease in the state. Three of the people live on the north shore and have contracted the disease within a recent six-month period.

Dartmouth-Hitchcock researchers say strong evidence suggests that cyanobacteria organisms that form a blue-green or pea-green scum on lakes, ponds and rivers release harmful toxins that can trigger ALS development in people who are genetically predisposed to it. One of the toxins, microcystine, causes liver cancer and liver failure in humans and animals. 

Jody Connor, a limnologist with NH Dept. of Environmental Services, said that  people should heed the state's warnings as well as recognize blooms themselves. If you see scum on a lake's surface, even if it's only in one area, avoid swimming and keep pets out of the water. Photograph the bloom or collect a water sample (see the update before you do that), and call the hotline at 419-9229.

More at the Union Leader

June 5 - Croydon resident in serious accident

Sunacom columnist Gayle Hedrington reported this evening, "Mark Archambault of Fletcher Road in Croydon Flat was in a serious motorcycle accident on Friday morning approximately 7:30 a.m. in front of Jiffy Mart on North Main St. in Newport. He was transfered to Dartmouth by DART.  He was hit head-on by an oncoming car and Mark was not wearing a helmut."

June 5 - They're he-e-e-re again!

According to the NH Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Lyme disease is increasing in our state, while West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis have been decreasing, "but still a risk."  DHHS is strongly urging NH residents to take steps to prevent these illnesses. 

Lyme disease and babesiosis are caused by bites by infected blacklegged (or deer) ticks that get it by biting infected animals. West Nile virus (WNV) and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) are transmitted by bites by infected mosquitoes that got it by biting infected birds.

EEE is a serious disease with a high mortality rate for those who contract the more potenet form. Symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, and sore throat. A stiff neck is a symptom of the severe form of the disease, which can lead to seizures and coma. Symptoms usually occur 4 to 10 days after being bitten.

More at Sunacom

Eighty seven parking spaces will be added to the Park 'n Ride lot at I-89 exit 12 in New London, by the end of this month, according to an NHDOT release. The car-pooling facility also serves Dartmouth Coach, with bus routes between the Upper Valley and Boston.

More at SunapeeNews

June 3 - Contaminated fish advisory in 7 states

New Hampshire and six other states issued an advisory, this morning, about eating large (more than 25 inches) bluefish and striped bass caught in coastal waters and estuaries. According to state officials, these fish contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) "at levels of potential concern." 

According to the advisory, the fish should not be eaten by pregnant women, women of childbearing age, nursing mothers and children under the age of six. Everyone else should not eat more than one meal per month of these fish.

More on Sunacom.

May 26 - Local residents honored at Colby-Sawyer

Colby-Sawyer College honored area residents at recent commencement ceremonies. Award winners included (from left in photo) Barry Caravan, of Newbury, recipient of the 
Gown Award for community service; Laura Alexander, of Elkins, recipient of the Jack Jensen Award for Excellence in Teaching; Colby-Sawyer Trustee Winton Black and College President Thomas Galligan; Richard and Avone Thielen, of Sunapee, received the Susan Colgate Cleveland Medal for extraordinary service; and the Town Award for service to the college and community was received by Dan Snyder of New London. (Photo by Katie Dow)

New Hampshire has one of the highest rates of UV-induced skin cancer in the country, and it's rising. To help reduce that rate, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention designated the Friday before Memorial Day as "Don’t Fry Day."

An easy way to remember sun safety awareness is to Slip! Slop! Slap!...and Wrap — slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen that's SPF 15 or higher, slap on a hat, and wrap-on sunglasses. The best way to detect skin cancer early is to examine your skin regularly and recognize changes in moles and skin growths.

More

More at the Union Leader.

May 21 - Free activities in hard times

Sunacom columnist Gayle Hedrington was looking for fun and educational things to do with her grandson recently, and discovered lots of opportunities. "Money is tight, but that does not mean you need to stop exploring, learning, or having fun. There are plenty of free events for every lifestyle."

More on Sunacom.

May 21 - "The Granite Landscape" opens at The Fells

Juried exhibition and sale of photographs depicting New Hampshire's uniquely beautiful landscape by celebrated New Hampshire photographers (including Sunacom publisher Ken Schuster) opens tomorrow at The Fells. Wine and cheese reception with Banks Gallery curator Ron Brown is free from 5 to 7 pm.

The Show continues through June 21, when the Main House opens. At that time, the exhibit will be included with admission.

May 18 - Newbury resident helps control Lake Sunapee milfoil

During the summer, Pat's Peak ski racing coach and former US Ski Team member, Deb Flanders, of Newbury, is a Lake Host at Lake Sunapee. "The most rewarding part of the job is stopping an invasive plant from entering the lake, Flanders said. Sunapee has two small sites of milfoil: George's Mill and Sunapee Harbor."

According to the New Hampshire Lakes Association, there were 55,924 boat inspections and 224 "saves" when exotic plants were found and removed before a boat entered the water.

More at the Union Leader.

May 11 - Rainbow Garage - 32 years in Newbury

Rich Smith celebrates 32 years as Rainbow Garage owner today, and yesterday was his 58th birthday. When you see a flatbed tow truck around here, most likely it's from Rainbow Garage, in Newbury. 

Rich said, "I remember when I borrowed money for my first tank of gas, and the banker told me I was in the second highest rated business to fail in. I asked him what was first and he said the food business, like restaurants. I asked him why he lent me the money and he said cause I had good collateral."

Rich said that he started working on cars in gas stations in Melrose, Mass., when he was 12 years old, but he had been coming up to Newbury since he was 10. His family still owns a camp in Blodgetts Landing. "My dad and I used to own the Loft Gift Shop where we sold novelties items, rented boats and boat slips in what is now the Town Gazebo. Scott Hill and Will Hurley were two of my first employees. I have been here a long time."

May 7 - New London's "reverse 911" system ready for emergencies

New London Town Administrator, Jesse Levine, announced today that Town emergency officials now can deliver pre-recorded messages to the entire town by phone. Levine advises residents to verify their phone numbers with town records, and "if your phone number is not in our records, you will not receive a phone call from the Town in an emergency."

More at Sunacom.

May 6 - Odell and D'Allesandro oppose capital gains tax

Last month, the NH House of Representatives passed a budget that included a new 5 percent tax on income above $5,000 derived from capital gains. 

Republican Senator Bob Odell today opposed a capital gains tax and said that it  would be "a major change in the public policy we have on taxes.” He said, “I think that will get a lot of discussion and debate if it is brought forward.”

Joining Odell in opposition to the proposed tax was Democrat Senator Lou D'Allesandro, of Manchester. He said, “If ever there was not a time for capital gains, it is now.”

New Hampshire is known for its favorable tax climate, but it does have a de facto income tax... income from interest and dividends. For residents filing as "single," taxation begins if that income exceeds $2,400.

More at the Valley News.

The H1N1 virus is transmitted mainly by contact with respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing by infected persons. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is not advising people against going about their regular business, but does advise common sense precautions when going out in public during this outbreak. (More on Sunacom)

May 5 - Wild Goose boatlaunch public hearing

NH Dept. of Environmental Services Wetlands Bureau will hold a public hearing on Fish & Game's Wild Goose boatlaunch site proposal at the Sherburne Gym, 561 Rte. 11 in Sunapee (map), May 13, 7 pm. 

More at Representative McMahon's column.

May 4 - Kearsarge HS classes cancelled - Student "probable" H1N1 

An 18-year-old Kearsarge High School student has been diagnosed as a probable H1N1 virus case. As recommended by the NH Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the school is closed today. 

According to DHHS, this is the only case in NH with a connection to Mexico, so far. The student had been visiting relatives out of State who had traveled to Mexico recently and had flu symptoms.

The patient is almost completely recovered, apparently with symptoms no different from regular flu. Initial investigation indicates that the student reported to the school nurse when symptoms presented, and then went home.

A public informational session will be tonight, 7 pm, at Kearsarge Regional High School.

Another probable H1N1 case is a 15-year-old boarding student at New Hampton School.

More at the Kearsarge HS site.

Apr. 30 - Governor's term on next year's ballot 

The NH House of Representatives voted 186 to 151 yesterday in favor of asking voters next year to decide whether to double the Governor's term from two to four years. If approved, the Constitutional Amendment allowing the change would take effect with the state's 80th Governor elected in 2012.

Apr. 29 - State opens "Swine Flu" hotline

New Hampshire now has a toll-free phone line for questions about the flu outbreak including symptoms, travel and other issues:  1-888-330-6764, 8 am to 8 pm daily.

As of 7:15 this evening, two brothers, ages 8 and 10, in Lowell, Mass., have the only confirmed cases in New England. At a news conference this morning, Governor Patrick said they became sick after a trip to Mexico, are not hospitalized and are "recovering well."

There has been one related death in the US, in Texas.

Symptoms are similar to seasonal influenza, including fever, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache, muscle ache and fatigue. Some patients have  reported diarrhea and vomiting as well.

More at the CDC and NHDHHS

Apr. 26 - Don't put your plants outside yet!

According to the National Weather Service, we might dip below freezing Wednesday night, at least in the Newbury, NH area. On the other hand, mosquitoes are already biting in Newbury ("Four big bites in one hour, today!" - Ken Schuster), and let's hope that a good freeze will reduce their numbers.  More on Sunacom.

The State of New Hampshire, Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED) needs your input about  broadband infrastructure (or lack of it) in the state in order to develop a strategy and create an action plan. Please take a moment to fill-out their questionnaire.

Check your connection speed here.

Apr. 21 - Muellers' suit against Lynch dismissed

For years, former owners (now operators) of Mount Sunapee Resort, Tim and Diane Mueller, have wanted to amend their lease allowing them to expand and  develop a condominium complex. Governor Lynch has consistently opposed their plan, saying it would result in private profit from public land. 

Late Friday, Judge Diane Nicolosi dismissed the suit saying that the lease was clear and could be amended only with approval by the governor and Executive Council.

Yesterday, some legislators discussed the state's legal costs, which they said could cost taxpayers more than $100,000. More at The Union Leader.

Newbury Police Chief Bob Lee has " serious concerns" over the safety of siting the facility off Route 103 and Birch Grove Road, between the Town of Newbury and the Sunapee traffic circle.

"In a Feb. 3 memo to Newbury Town Administrator Dennis Pavlicek, Lee wrote that 50 mph traffic on Route 103 and sight distances for trailers entering the road are a recipe for disaster. "The potential for a serious collision is a certainty," he said.

"Glenn Normandeau, the fourth Fish and Game director to try to get the project done, is the first one to bring it to an approved permit stage. Under the plan, a two-slip dock with 31 spaces for parked trailers and about a dozen more spaces for cars would be constructed on the state-owned site." More at the Union Leader.

Apr. 10 - Grantham teachers give up health insurance to reinstate music program

Sunacom columnist Lori McClory reports that four Grantham Village School faculty have declined their health insurance in exchange for reinstating the music program that had been cut. 

"With recognition of the sacrifice these faculty members and their families are making, the school board moved to use those funds to restore the music and instrumental programs at Grantham Village School for the coming year. Two part-time teachers will be offered their positions back as a direct result of this faculty giveback." More at Sunacom.

> Post your comments about prescription drugs in the US, etc., on The Forum.

   Area resources with on-line presence -  

Claremont’s Local News is Back! e-Ticker News of Claremont provides local Claremont news conveniently delivered to your inbox weekly, free and in full color!

Eagle Times  - Weekly newspaper covers eastern central VT and western central NH

Concord Monitor - State-wide daily newspaper based in Concord

Union Leader - State-wide daily newspaper based in Manchester

Of particular interest is the newsletter. Jeff Feingold does a terrific job of selecting business-related headlines from news organizations around the state, and sending his compilation to subscribers every day. The articles are easy reading,  always interesting, and FREE! Sign up here

Kearsarge Magazine - Regional quarterly magazine

New Hampshire Magazine - State-wide monthly magazine

- State-wide online. Started in 1995, NH.com is wide-ranging and includes a business directory, activities calendar, dining and travel articles. It is produced by The Telegraph, a daily newspaper for Nashua and the Southern Merrimack Valley Region. Network Partners include New Hampshire Magazine, New Hampshire Business Review, Parenting New Hampshire, NHEvents.com and the Cabinet Press weekly newspaper publications.

NHPTV (New Hampshire Public Television) - Streaming video

WMUR - State-wide commercial television streaming video 

National Public Radio

NHPR (New Hampshire Public Radio) -  Streaming talk

VPR (Vermont Public Radio) - Streaming talk, music and variety

WNTK - New London, NH - Commercial streaming talk radio

Official State of New Hampshire Web site

    

   Lake Sunapee area weather updates every few seconds, including current wind speed and direction graphed over five minutes...  and five-day forecast and radar map... and a Webcam of Lake Sunapee with Mt. Sunapee in the background... and today's moon phase, sunrise and sunset times.

  Of course you know you can donate just about anything to Goodwill, but did you know they will take your old computers (including hard drives) and peripherals at no charge? You can get a receipt for your donations, too. They advise you to make sure there's nothing on the drives, or at least no personal information. Closest stores to the Lake Sunapee area are:

Concord Goodwill Retail Store
204 Loudon Road, Concord, NH 03301

Laconia Goodwill Retail Store
22 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH 03246

  Today's New Hampshire air quality, and forecasts 

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   Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington uses high-impact legal actions to target government officials who sacrifice the common good to special interests.

   Open Secrets - The Capital Eye is nonpartisan, independent and nonprofit. "Celebrating our 25th anniversary in 2008, the Center for Responsive Politics is the nation's premier research group tracking money in U.S. politics and its effect on elections and public policy."

   Editor's Note  6-22-09: Apparently, Janice's websites are offline. I hope it is temporary. If you discover them to be back online, please let me know. Thanks. This is a wonderful blog by author Janice Brown. It's full of little-known facts about New Hampshire. Her site is easy and fun to read. Highly recommended! CowHampshire.com  If you're a New Hampshire native or enjoy discovering genealogy and history, you'll enjoy Janice's other site nh.searchroots.com.

   Golden Years of leisure is giving way to a new form of practical idealism: real jobs tackling real problems and making real impact. Encore.org provides free, comprehensive information that helps individuals transition to jobs in the nonprofit world and public sector. Encore careers combine personal fulfillment, social impact and continued income, enabling people to put their passion to work for the greater good. 

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