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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to this Week-in-Review Edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Making news this week. The Governor makes a pitch for RAISING the high school drop out rate. The state does battle against Meth-amphetamine use, Don't throw away those Highway Tokens just yet, and remembering the 20th anniversary of the Challenger explosion. Here to talk about all this and more from the State House in Concord: Kevin Landrigan from the Telegraph and Norma Love from the Associated Press. And, here with me in Durham, James Pindell from PoliticsNH.com. Welcome to all of you. |
| Governor Dropout vo Return to index of stories... |
We begin with the Governor's Push to Raise the High School Drop Out Age from 16 to 18. Governor Lynch went before the Senate Education Committee this week to pitch his plan. But, it's clear Not all educators are on board. Greenberg and others Applaud the goal --Money, as is the case so often, is one of the big sticking issues. Q KEVIN/NORMA: Greenberg among those arguing the state UNDERFUNDS schools and that the money should come FIRST. Q Sen Dick Green -- who opposed similiar calls in the past -- SUPPORTS this measure. WHY? Q 10 Senators sponsored legislation a mix of Dem and Rep. How much LEGISLATIVE support does this have? Q This spring the Governor plans a statewide summit on the issue Q Another Measure affecting teens debated this week. A bill to LOWER the drinking age for the military to 18 was REJECTED in committee. The argument: Not fair to send 18 to 21 year olds off to war -- but not let them drink alcohol. Does this have any real SUPPORT -- or dead on arrival? ** those against argue it would increase alcohol-related accidents. |
| Meth Hearing Return to index of stories... |
NH's growing problem involving Meth-amphetamine Abuse brought 3 new bills to the Legislature. The measures hope to stop the spread of the drug before it becomes as widespread as it is in elsewhere. Hearings were held on Wednesday. Q KEVIN/NORMA: What do the Measures before lawmakers hope to do and is there BROAD support? Q METH called state's fastest growing drug problem. Certainly getting a lot of press and we're hearing about more busts. Q JAMES: This was another one of the priorities the Governor mentioned in his State of the State. |
| LCHIP Return to index of stories... |
LCHIP back in the news again. Supporters of the program which protects and preserves open space and historic structures were back before lawmakers looking for money. Now that the state has a budget surplus, LCHIP supporters are hoping the House Finance committee will look favorably on their request for 7-and-a-half million dollars over the next 2 years. The conservation program is currently funded at 1-point-5 million dollars. Q KEVIN/NORMA: Any chance this request for supplemental funding will be GRANTED?? Q Some lawmakers seem annoyed that LCHIP has come back looking for more money just 6 months or so into the budget cycle. Q JAMES: There's been talk of new TAXES to raise money. One suggestion was A tax on Beverage containers. Some have suggested anyone voting for new taxes -- might not be back next election?? Q It's a popular program -- everyone supports concept - PAYING for it always the tricking part??? ** Governor spoke of his disapointment with the funding of the Program -- but we didn't hear him ask for the 10-million he initiatlly suggested? Q In last 2 budget cycles.funding for LCHIP slashed. Not likely it will get back to its funding high of 12 million. |
| Hicks Nomination Return to index of stories... |
NH has a new Supreme Court Justice. Judge Gary Hicks was unanimously approved by the Executive Council on Thursday. The Manchester Judge will replace retiring justice Joseph Nadeau. Q KEVIN/NORMA: What can we expect from Hicks. Q JAMES: Yet another appointment by Gov Lynch that sails thru the Executive Council. He seems to be doing well on that front? |
| President Bush Visit Return to index of stories... |
On the Presidential watch: There's been talk of a possible NH visit by George Bush --sometime in early February. Q James: What are you hearing on that front. And any speculation as to the REASON for a trip here? ** President was here last February.pushing for social security reform at Pease. Q As for possible successors: Ma Gov Mitt Romney, Sen Majority Leader Bill Frist -- any NH visits on tap?? |
| Rep. Bass Return to index of stories... |
Next Week, Republicans Elect a new House Majority Leader to replace Tom Delay. New Hampshire Congressman Charlie Bass -- putting his money on John Shadegg of Arizona -- a conservative he says will clean up Congress. Bass getting a lot of press about his pick. Q JAMES: Is he betting on an underdog -- and could that hurt him??? His colleague Jeb Bradley endorsing Roy Blunt of MO. We'll be WATCHING. |
| Tokens Update Return to index of stories... |
Hang on to those leftover highway tokens. They could still have some value. The state -- looking at a Refund program for those obsolete tokens no longer accepted at NH tollbooths as of January 1st. The turnpikes now only accept Cash or E-Z pass electronic payments. It seems there's a lot of political support for refunding those still holding leftover tokens. But -- there's still a few catches. Q NORMA/KEVIN: The Executive Council has been dealing with the TOKEN issue? What's the LATEST? Q What are the options being tossed around? Will it take an ACT of the Legislature to get these REFUNDS going?? A-G Ayotte says need state law to empower Trans Cmsr. Sen Gatsas working on a bill? Q Any sense as to WHEN we might see REFUNDS? Q Really No way of knowing how many tokens would get turned in?? STAY TUNED. million dollars. |
| Shuttle/McAuliffe vo Return to index of stories... |
We can't end the program without mentioning that it was 20 years ago on Saturday, the space shuttle Challenger exploded, killing all on board including the First "teacher" in space Concord's Christa McAuliffe. The tragedy hit NH hard. Few can forget watching in horror as the shuttle blew apart on that fateful day in 19-86. Later, President Reagan spoke to a stunned nation -- hailing the Challenger crew as heroes. Christa McAuliffe not only taught history -- she made history. Her Memory is also entwined with living memorials such as the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium in Concord. Q This was such a watershed moment - Do you remember what you were doing when the Challenger exploded? Q Do you remember the days after the diaster - and NH's reaction? BETH: On this anniversary -- Christa's family said they were moved to know so many people across the country still keep Christa and the Challenger crew in their thoughts and prayers. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
We'll end on that Poignant note. My thanks to Kevin Landrigan and Norma Love at the State House in Concord and James Pindell here in Durham. Thank you for watching. I'm Beth Carroll. I'll see you next time. |
| drinking age Return to index of stories... |
in Committee. bywpor CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire lawmakers are saying no to a proposal to lower the legal drinking age for members of the military on active duty. The bill to reduce the legal drinking age to 18 for members of the armed forces was rejected this week by the House Judiciary Committee. The committee voted to recommend that the full House kill the bill. Portsmouth Democrat Jim Splaine -- a sponsor of the bill -- says it's not fair to send 18-to-21-year-olds to war, but then deny them from drinking an alcoholic beverage. But those speaking against the bill said lowering the drinking age would lead to an increase in alcohol-related accidents among young people. AP-NY-01-27-06 0633EST |
| drop out Return to index of stories... |
-- may be in for some \\For Immediate Release: Contact: Pamela Walsh Tuesday, January 24, 2005 271-2121 491-7124 Gov. Lynch Urges Senate Education Committee to Support Legislation to Lower NH Dropout Rate CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today urged the Senate Education Committee to support legislation, SB 268, to increase New Hampshire's compulsory attendance age from 16 to 18, as part of an overall statewide effort to lower New Hampshire's high school dropout rate. "For our state to compete and our children to succeed, more of them must graduate from high school. Last year an estimated 2,300 of our students dropped out of high school. We must make it clear to our young people that we are not going to give up on them, or let them give up on themselves," Gov. Lynch said. "That is why I ask you to support this legislation and change the law to require our children to stay in school until age 18. We make our state's goal a high school diploma for every child," he said. New Hampshire's compulsory attendance age was set at 16 in 1903. "We must recognize the educational laws of the early 20th century don't meet the demands of the 21st century," Gov. Lynch said. The state pays a high cost for high school dropouts, and so do dropouts. Nearly 80 percent of prisoners in America are high school dropouts. Dropouts are twice as likely to be on welfare. Rates of teen pregnancy, substance abuse and crime are significantly higher among dropouts. Adults between the ages of 25 and 34 who dropped out of high school earn significantly less than high school graduates of the same age. "Increasing the compulsory attendance age to 18 is a critical first step in an overall strategy to cut our dropout rate," Gov. Lynch said. "First, it sends an important message to our students that it is not okay for them to drop out. Second, changing the law issues a challenge to parents, schools, communities to work together to make sure our young people not only go to school, but also want to stay in school," Gov. Lynch said. In addition to the bipartisan sponsors of the bill, many people and organizations have offered their support for this initiative, including business leaders, law enforcement and educators. Changing the law is only one part of the effort, Gov. Lynch said. Gov. Lynch is working with the Department of Education to host a statewide summit to develop strategies to keep young people in school. "We must think creatively about ways to keep young people in school and to motivate them to learn. And we must be flexible with the options with offer young people. A traditional classroom setting may not work for every at-risk student," Gov. Lynch said. There are school districts across the state that already have or are developing successful initiatives to reduce high school dropouts. Gov. Lynch's visits to a number of these programs this past spring led to the development of this legislation. As a state, New Hampshire is making targeted investments in local dropout prevention programs through grants from the Workforce Opportunity Council and the Department of Education, federal grants, and the state's New Dropout Recovery and Oversight Council. If approved by the legislature, the compulsory attendance age would be increased effective the 2008-2009 school year. That will allow the legislature, Gov. Lynch said, to consider during the next cycle whether New Hampshire needs to re-target its dropout prevention investments, or make some additional targeted investments. The sponsors of the legislation are Sen. Dick Green, Sen. Iris Estabrook, Sen. John Gallus, Sen. Sylvia Larsen, Sen. Maggie Hassan, Sen. Bob Odell, Sen. Lou D'Allesandro, Sen. Andy Martel, Sen. Joe Foster, Sen. David Gottesman, and Representatives Ken Weyler, Rep. Jim Craig, Rep. Steve L'Heureux and Rep. Clare Synder. # # # Pamela Walsh Communications Director Office of Gov. John Lynch |
| Tonight at 7:30 Return to index of stories... |
Monday on New Hampshire Outlook: Join us Monday at 7:30 only on New Hampshire Public Television. =============================== Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook: Join us tonight at 7:30 only on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| Tax Exempt UNH Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - Some business owners are getting behind a bill to make the state's public colleges and universities pay taxes on exempt properties used for non-education-related purposes. Durham hotel owner Paul Berton says he recently lost a bid to the University of New Hampshire's New England Hotel Center. He says the center would not have been able to undercut him or other area hotels if it was forced to pay property taxes. CONCORD, N.H. - A Durham hotel owner told a legislative panel he lost a recent bid when the University of New Hampshire's New England Center Hotel could offer rooms for less to a Massachusetts company with business in Dover. Paul Berton said the New England Center would not have been able to undercut him or other area hotels if it was forced to pay property taxes. Berton was one of two Durham businessmen yesterday backing a bill to make the state's public colleges and universities pay property tax on any tax-exempt property used for non-education-related purposes that compete with local businesses. The bill is part of a larger trend to examine the tax-free status of nonprofit groups that use municipal services. State lawmakers and local officials told the House Municipal and County Government Committee about the economic impact schools have on their communities. Plymouth State Representative Deb Naro says local tax payers are forced to pick up Plymouth State's tab. T.15 :51 For example, the University System, has a 41% documented impact on the local Plymouth Police Department. Yet they refuse to acknowledge that impact and pay nothing. It's a wide gap between what they use and what they pay. Naro says House Bill 1679 is designed to recoup some of those costs. The measure would require on-campus businesses- the companies that run food service, the book store, and the Taco Bell in the student union- to pay property taxes. Under state law those businesses are exempt because they are located on university land which is exempt from paying property taxes. The University System opposes the bill because it says if those businesses began paying property taxes than they would want to rework contracts- costing the system millions. But a number of Durham business owners, like Paul Berton, are not worried about potential hardships to the University System. T.11 5:20 as the owner of Hotel New Hampshire, I have to compete daily with a tax-exempt hotel. That tax-exempt hotel is the New England Center on the Durham campus. Berton says so-called 'Main Street' businesses like his struggle to match the prices that on-campus business can offer. T.11 8:01 the director of hospitality services told me this in a private conversation that he could offer a $39 stay at the New England Center if he had to. Folks, all of us have trouble staying in our homes for $39 a night. if the playing field was level. If that New England Center was paying a property tax, they wouldn't be able to offer a $39 night, as I am not. Berton's testimony clearly alarmed some committee members. But University System Vice Chancellor Ed MacKay told lawmakers schools are not engaging in direct competition with area businesses. He also reminded House members the schools already compensate communities. Last year alone, schools made more than four million dollars in payments for local municipal services. MacKay considers the bill misguided because it attempts to tax those businesses that are central to the University System's mission. He says it may sound funny to say but Taco Bell is essential, but it is. T.16 13:40 they are providing food to our faculty, students and staff. It's important for us, in positioning ourselves in the market, it's what's students demand and expect. MacKay says the University System is in a tough spot. The bill would tax a private company that runs a food service, but it would not tax the school if it ran the same service. The irony in that, says MacKay, is that the bill would penalize the University System for making prudent, financial decisions. T.16 15:46 the reason we have Sodexho on two of our campuses is b/c some number of years ago, we made an analysis that it was more cost effective and efficient to outsource that particular service.we've decided that's the best business decision for us.we think we are acting in the way most public officials would want us to, the best business practices and the most efficient as possible. The Committee is expected to hold onto the bill until next session. For NHPR News, I'm DG. 207 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301-5003 / phone 603.22 |
| tokens Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch says he'll work with lawmakers to get a law passed to allow drivers to get a refund or credit for their old New Hampshire highway tokens. Attorney General Kelly Ayotte says the state must pass a law before it can allow drivers to redeem tokens, which the state no longer accepts at toll booths. CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch says he'll work with lawmakers to get a law passed to allow drivers to get a refund or credit for their old highway tokens. Attorney General Kelly Ayotte says that the state must pass a law before it can allow drivers to redeem tokens, which the state no longer accepts at toll booths. Ayotte says the plan to let people redeem tokens and get credit toward the E-ZPass electronic toll system can't be carried out unless lawmakers pass a bill allowing it. Senate President Ted Gatsas says he expects legislation to be proposed soon to do just that. But lawmakers and executive councilors continue to argue over whether drivers should get cash or E-ZPass credit. Some say the state should not be pushing E-ZPass by refusing to redeem tokens for cash. Gatsas says cash redemption is not practical because it would be expensive for the state to cut many small checks. |
| hicks Return to index of stories... |
CONCORD, N.H. - The Executive Council approved Judge Gary Hicks today to serve on the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Hicks will replace Justice Joseph Nadeau, who is retiring to pursue opportunities in international law. Hicks grew up in Colebrook, but now lives in Manchester. He has been a Superior Court judge since 2001. Councilor Ray Wieczorek says Hicks has a tremendous reputation in Manchester. He described Hicks as a very caring and giving person. Hicks has said his priorities on the Supreme Court would include better court security and improving the efficiency of the family court system. For Immediate Release: Contact: Pamela Walsh Thursday, January 26, 2005 271-2121 491-7124 Executive Council Confirms Gov. Lynch's Nomination of Gary Hicks to New Hampshire Supreme Court CONCORD - The Executive Council today unanimously confirmed Gov. John Lynch's nomination of Superior Court Judge Gary Hicks to serve as Associate Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Judge Hicks, a resident of Manchester and a native of Colebrook, has served as an Associate Justice of the New Hampshire Superior Court since October 2001. "Gary Hicks will make a great addition to the New Hampshire Supreme Court, and I thank the Executive Councilors for their unanimous support of his confirmation," Gov. Lynch said. "As an attorney and as a Superior Court judge, Gary Hicks has demonstrated an in-depth knowledge of the law, a keen intellect, a commitment to fairness, and compassion. "Gary Hicks will bring these same qualities to the Supreme Court, where I am confident he will continue to serve the people of New Hampshire well," Gov. Lynch said. Gov. Lynch selected Judge Hicks from candidates recommended by the Judicial Selection Commission. Gov. Lynch created the Judicial Selection Commission to ensure the most comprehensive searches possible for potential judicial candidates. Judge Hicks began his law career in 1978 at Wiggin & Nourie, after spending the summer of 1977 as a clerk to Supreme Court Justice Frank Kenison. From 1996 to his confirmation to the Court, he served as a member of the New Hampshire Judicial Council. A native of Colebrook, Hicks received a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1975 from Bucknell University and received his law degree in 1978 from Boston University, where he was managing editor of the Boston University Law Review. # # # |
| pres Return to index of stories... |
Granite Status: President could be coming to state 14 hours, 4 minutes ago THE WHITE HOUSE has begun making inquiries about a possible New Hampshire visit by President George W. Bush on or around Feb. 7. It’s not definite. Final confirmation has not been given even privately to top state Republicans. But e-mails about possible venues have been flying. The President was last here on Feb. 16, 2005, pushing for Social Security reform at the Pease International Tradeport. Previously, the President visited the state seven times during his campaign for reelection, but narrowly lost the state’s four electoral votes to John Kerry. As for potential Bush GOP successors, Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is expected in-state tomorrow, and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, next Friday. Early calls have also been made about possible stops by New York Gov. George Pataki in February and Virginia Sen. George Allen in March. —— |
| Bass Return to index of stories... |
Bass endorses in House Leadership Race and choses differently than Bradley does By JAMES W. PINDELL PoliticsNH.com Jan. 24 - U.S. Rep. Charlie Bass picked sides Tuesday in the race to see who would take over as the next House Majority Leader. Bass, a leader of moderate House Republicans joined Rep. Jeff Flake , a member from the more conservative wing, to endorse Rep. John Shadegg. Shadegg is one of three Republicans said to be actively campaigning for the spot vacated by Rep. Tom Delay earlier this month. Reps. Roy Blunt and John Boehner are the others competing. By endorsing Shadegg, Bass not only gambles on a perceived underdog, but also differs from his New Hampshire House colleague Rep. Jeb Bradley who weeks ago announced that he was backing Blunt. Blunt, for all accounts is seen as a front-runner, claims he has over 117 votes, while Boehner can only claim publicly less than 50. Shadegg has about half that. Bass and Flake's unique relationship solidified and rose to prominence during the recent legal woes of Delay. In House Republican leadership since the party took control of Congress in 1994, Delay originally said he would vacate his position as Majority Leader only temporarily until indictments brought against him in Texas were dropped. But not all of these charges were dropped and on Jan. 7 he announced he would releinquish the position entirely. Bass said he felt Shadegg was the only one running that was committed to reforming the atmosphere of scandal on Capitol Hill. "John and I have spoken about the rest of this Congress being focused on those themes of reform and renewal, and it is my hope that I will be able to work with him on that goal," Bass said. But these calls for renewal today don't seem to have convinced Concord Democrat Paul Hodes who challenged Bass in 2004 and plans to again this year. "I think this is change is all about the election year," Hodes said in an interview. "Where has Charlie Bass been all these years?" Representative Bass Plays Lead Role in House GOP Leadership Reform Reported by Julie Donnelly on Wednesday, January 25, 2006. listen: Republicans in the US House of Representatives plan to hold leadership elections next week to replace indicted former majority leader Tom Delay. NH Congressman Charlie Bass will be stumping for a conservative Arizona Republican he says will clean up Congress. The second district Republican has put himself front and center in the debate on reforming ethics in the House. He and other Republicans hope cleaning house now means they won't lose control of the House come November's election. NHPR correspondent Julie Donnelly reports from Washington. » login or register to post comments | 96 reads Related news: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Bill Challenges Housing Park Coop Model Wednesday, January 18, 2006 Lynch Wants More Bipartisanship Tuesday, January 17, 2006 Smoking Ban Proposed in New Hampshire Related shows: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Heating Oil from Venezuela/Roving Mars with Filmmaker George Butler Thursday, January 19, 2006 The High Court Speak on NH’s Parental Notification Law/State of the State Address Wednesday, January 18, 2006 State of the State and a New Orleans Jazz CD see more A rough transcript follows: Congressman Charles Bass says he's endorsing Arizona Republican John Shadegg to be the next majority leader of the House of Representatives. That endorsement comes despite Bass's membership in the moderate Main Street Republican caucus and the fact that Shadegg is considered the most conservative candidate running. Congressman Bass says he's spoken to Shadegg, and is confident he'll work with moderates in the party. "what I want all moderate republicans to know is that shadegg is philosphically indistinguishable from the other candidates, but if you want real reform, he is the one of the three that best fills that requirement" The endorsement is the culmination of Bass' campaign to replace embattled House republican leader Tom Delay. Delay was indicted on corruption charges in late September - and was forced to temporarily step down from his leadership post. In November, Bass was the first congressman to publicly call for Mr. Delay to be permanently replaced. Over the holidays, New Hampshire's second district Republican teamed up with a leader from the conservative wing of the Republican party - Arizona congressman Jeff Flake. The two began circulating a petition to force new elections - then earlier this month Tom Delay said he'd step down permanently, so the party could move on. In addition, Bass and Flake are calling for reforms that include limiting or eliminating gifts and travel paid for by lobbyists. They also want to revise the budget process, to get rid of earmarks for individual members' pet projects. This could mean NH Congressmen would no longer be able to bring back extra dollars to New Hampshire - a strategy that often garners votes. But Congressman Bass says while he wants to enact programs that benefit his constituents, the reforms may be a needed change. "if we decide as a congress that we are going to get rid of that process for everybody, including democrats and republicans, that it's more about taking steps to reduce the deficit, reduce spending, which I also support. so I think there's a tradeoff." Congressman Bass' interest in government reform has raised his national profile over the past few months. It's also raised the ire of the Democratic party in New Hampshire. The party accuses Bass of being part of the culture of corruption that swirls around Tom Delay. Party officials point to Bass' refusal to give back thousands of dollars in campaign money that he received from Delay's political action committee. And they have another gripe - they say Representative Bass has misled voters about his previous support for the former majority leader.: State Democratic Party Chair Kathy Sullivan?? "he claimed that tom delay had no ethics problems before this term. but the reality is that delay was cited twice for ethics violations, and then, after that, congressman bass voted for him to be the majority leader in congress" Bass likes to remind critics that Delay has not been convicted of any crime. Bass adds that he has been at the forefront of the movement to replace Delay as leader, and that democratic attempts to paint another picture are - quote - pathetic. "I admire their imagination, but when I voted for Delay, he had no opponent, so there was no one else to vote for" State democrats have vowed to link Congressman Bass to Republican corruption in November's election. As the demographics of the second district continue to shift, the seat is no longer a safe one for Republicans. It's also a target as the national democratic party looks for seats to go after. But Congressional Quarterly's politics editor Bob Benenson says that tactic often fails. Polls show it's hard to overcome the power of incumbency. "people hate congress in general, but they love their own congressman, and they are not likely to blame them for the ethics violations of another member, or pork barrel spending in another part of the country, so the individual member has a lot of insulation" Benenson says it would likely take a perfect storm - a string of unpopular votes, a well funded challenger with name recognition, and continuing trouble for the Republican party - to unseat Charlie Bass. But the national party is concerned about the possibility that they could lose the majority if they don't clean up the party - and quick. After all, ten months before the nineteen ninety four Republican revolution, when Bass was first elected, no one predicted that Republicans would take over the House of Representatives for the first time in forty years. For NHPR news, I'm Julie Donnelly in Washington. 207 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301-5003 / phone 603.228.8910 / fax 603.224 |
| shuttle Return to index of stories... |
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Twenty years ago on The tragedy hit NH hard. Saturday, the space shuttle Challenger blew apart, shattering NASA's image and the belief that space travel could become as routine as airplane travel. The tragedy hit New Hampshire hard, because Concord High School social studies teacher Christa McAuliffe was on board. An investigation revealed a space agency more concerned with schedules and public relations than safety and sound decisions. Three years ago, seven more astronauts were lost on the shuttle Columbia. That made many people conclude NASA had not learned the lessons of Challenger. NASA Administrator Michael Griffin says the agency did learn from the shuttle disasters and the deaths of the Apollo One crew in a 1967 launch-pad fire. He says the lessons include listening to warnings from engineers. Griffin said the tragedies remind him of the early days of flying, when scores of test pilots died in plane accidents, slowly helping to improve airplane safety. McAULIFFE'S SCHOOL Remembering McAuliffe; forgetting her death dewjhmst CONCORD, N.H. - The 20th anniversary of the Challenger disaster presents Concord with a repeating dilemma: remembering Christa McAuliffe, while trying to forget the fiery explosion that killed her and wounded the city. The city is holding no special ceremonies, though Concord High School is marking the anniversary with a small display of Challenger memorabilia. The school also is offering a new documentary on McAuliffe's life. Philip Browne teaches biology at Concord High. This year, as he has done for the previous 19 anniversaries, Browne taught a lesson on the space program, including the Challenger explosion. He also took his classes to McAuliffe's grave and the planetarium named in her honor. Browne was one of the state finalists in the teacher-in-space program. He gets emotional when asked why he continues his annual tradition. With tears in his eyes, Browne says he does not want anyone to forget the astronauts' bravery and dedication to doing something to make the world better. McAULIFFE'S FAMILY Family doing well dewjhmst CONCORD, N.H. - Christa McAuliffe's husband and children remained in Concord after the space shuttle tragedy 20 years ago, but the city's residents built a protective cocoon around them. Steven McAuliffe typically maintains his silence on anniversaries, but this year, in a rare comment, McAuliffe said he is grateful. In an e-mail response to The Associated Press, McAuliffe said the protection allowed children Scott and Caroline to grow up normally, without undue attention, in what he called "the best of American small towns." He called it a "priceless gift" that Christa would have appreciated. Scott is 29, married and pursuing a career in marine resource management. Caroline is 26, single and working in early childhood education. McAuliffe, who has remarried, is a federal judge. He said he is moved to know so many people across the country still keep Christa and the Challenger crew in their thoughts and prayers. He said the crewmembers would be thankful for the support given their families, and would urge everyone to live life to the fullest, as they did. THE CHILDREN Young disaster witnesses reflect dewjhmst CONCORD, N.H. - Twenty years ago, Concord and its schools buzzed with excitement over Christa McAuliffe, the high school teacher who was chosen to go into space. Her son's third-grade class even went to Cape Canaveral for the launch. Ben Provencal was one of those third graders. Now, he's 28, and known as "Mr. P.", a special education assistant at Rundlett Middle School in Concord. Provencal remembers the blast, the emptiness and the reluctance long afterward for teachers and friends to talk about space travel. Now, he focuses on other aspects of the trip, such as the fun the kids had and experiences like learning rocket propulsion from a NASA scientist. He said space exploration must continue or everything the Challenger crew sacrificed would be for naught. Former classmate Zach Fried said the tragedy raised questions about trust, but didn't traumatize him and his friends for life. Fried thinks the experience may have helped them become more thoughtful people, who tend to do more socially oriented things. That is teaching, for Provencal, and, for Fried, studying how to get people involved in improving the environment. McAULIFFE'S PLANETARIUM Planetarium carries on McAuliffe's lessons dewjhmst CONCORD, N.H. - The Christa McAuliffe Planetarium in Concord was built as New Hampshire's official tribute to the teacher astronaut, but don't call it a memorial. As usual, the planetarium is not marking the anniversary of the Challenger explosion on Saturday. Instead, staffers will tell people expecting a McAuliffe tribute to come back on her birthday, September second, to share some cake. The planetarium is offering a program on the eve of the anniversary to remember the three American space crews lost in the space program. They are the crew of Apollo One, killed in a launch pad fire; Challenger; and Columbia, lost in 2003. Presenter Mal Cameron will commemorate how the astronauts lived, not how they died. Director Jeanne Gerulskis said the planetarium is dedicated to McAuliffe's goal of getting children interested in learning. She says she thinks the McAuliffe would like what they are doing in her name. --- On the Net: www.starhop.com THE DOCUMENTARY New film documents McAuliffe's life, Challenger disaster dewjhmap FRAMINGHAM, Mass. - Two filmmakers started a journey on the 15th anniversary of the space shuttle Challenger disaster and have completed it with a documentary film to mark the 20th. Renee Sotile watched the blast as a teenager in Rochester, New York, and said memories of Christa McAuliffe endured for her. She saw McAuliffe as a woman bubbling with confidence and venturing into space, which had been largely a man's world. She also saw a teacher who had students read journals of pioneer women because women didn't get enough attention in history books. Sotile and friend Mary Jo Godges had been making short films in Los Angeles when they began the McAuliffe project. The result is a 75-minute film, "Christa McAuliffe: Reach for the Stars," which is being shown for the first time this week. The film offers a portrait of McAuliffe's enthusiasm for learning. In one clip, she tells students to set a goal and reach for it - pushing themselves as far as they can. In New Hampshire, it will be shown Friday night at Saint Anselm College and at some future date at the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium. ---- On the Net: www.anselm.edu/dana/boxoffice/ www.teacher1986.com AP-NY-01-27-06 0215EST Students look back on dark day CONCORD, N.H. - One student from Christa McAuliffe's school who was in the Florida crowd the day shuttle Challenger blew up has become a teacher himself. Ben Provencal is known as "Mr. P." He's a special education assistant at a middle school in Concord, New Hampshire. Provencal was a third-grader in 1986. He remembers the emptiness he felt and says teachers and students didn't want to talk about space travel for a long time afterward. Now, he focuses on other aspects of the trip, like the fun the kids had and learning rocket propulsion from a NASA scientist. Former classmate Zach Fried says the tragedy didn't traumatize him and his friends for life. He thinks the experience may have helped them become more thoughtful people, who tend to do more socially-oriented things. |