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 Preshow Return to index of stories... |
Next on New Hampshire Outlook. We talk with the state's revenue commissioner about New Hampshire's current financial picture and what the future forecast looks like While a sale is pending on the mill in Troy, Berlin begins to prepare a plan for economic recovery. AND. we spend some time at home with author-artist Tomie DePaola. |
| Headlines Return to index of stories... |
Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. I'm Allison McNair. |
| DCYS-Bortner-staff Return to index of stories... |
The head of the state's child protection agency says her agency is understaffed and overworked. Division for Children, Youth and Families Director Nancy Rollins told a reporter for Foster's Daily Democrat that under-staffing delayed investigation of the abuse that led to the 1999 beating death of Kassidy Bortner. The girl's mother's boyfriend was convicted of second degree murder last month. D-C-Y-F recieved an anonymous report the toddler was bing abused nine days before Kassidy's death. But the agency took five days to follow up on the tip, and never successfully made contact with a member of the household. Rollins said her 208 person staff would have to grow by another 156 to meet accreditation standards. |
| Jury Duty e-mails Return to index of stories... |
If you get an e-mail summoning you to jury duty, it's not legitimate. Superior Court Chief Justice Walter Murphy is asking the Attorney General's office to investigate reports of such e-mails. They ask for personal information, answers to questionnaires and threaten court imposed sanctions if the e-mails go unanswered. Chief Justice Murphy says the court system would never contact a potential juror by e-mail and if you get such an e-mail you shouldn't respond. Instead, you're asked to notify either the court system or the Attorney General's office. |
| legislature Return to index of stories... |
The New Hampshire Legislature took action on a number of bills today. The House of Representatives voted down a proposal that would have banned smoking in all New Hampshire restaurants. The House also voted to give young fathers who are putting up their children for adoption the same rights as young mothers. That bill also mandated that young parents putting children up for adoption should be informed about available counseling. And Senate Democrats have now proposed their own redistricting plan. The Republicans have already submitted their own proposal, which would rearrange some state Senate and congressional boundaries. |
| Intro Arnold Return to index of stories... |
Next week, Governor Jeanne Shaheen will give her state of the state address. The downturn in the economy is certain to be part of her speech. Recently the governor called on all state departements to cut spending by 1- percent. Commissioner of Revenue Stan Arnold puts the state financial picture in perspective. |
| Nuclear Pills Return to index of stories... |
New Hampshire State Officials are meeting tomorrow to review the state's policy on stockpiling anti-radiation pills. The decision comes after Public health officials in Massachusetts announced they will stockpile potassium iodide pills for their residents who live near nuclear plants in New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts. The Department of Public Health previously thought the risk of a nuclear accident was remote, but changed its position after the September terrorist attacks. Potassium iodide, if taken shortly after exposure to radiation, blocks the intake of radioactive iodine, providing some protection. |
| Nuclear Sub Return to index of stories... |
The U-S-S Alexandria arrived at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on Thursday. The Los Angeles-class nuclear submarine is in for for maintenance and system upgrades. Shipyard officials aren't saying how long the sub will be in the area. New security precautions adopted after September 11th keep them from releasing advance notice of the submarine movements. |
| Business Outlook Return to index of stories... |
Stocks ended Thursday's session mixed as investors continued to take some profits following last week's rally. |
| Wall Street Stocks Return to index of stories... |
The Dow ended down 26 points at ten-thousand-67. The tech-weighted Nasdaq ended up a modest two points. And The S&P 500 edged up nearly a point and a-half to close at eleven-56. |
| NH Stocks Return to index of stories... |
Here's a look at stocks of interest to New Hampshire investors. Brookstone was up a dollar- nineteen. Fisher Scientific rose a dollar- thirty. Oxford Health Plans jumped two- sixty- one. Shares of State Street were up eighty- three cents. And Teradyne ended the day down sixty- eight cents. |
| Job Training Return to index of stories... |
In business, getting the latest tools is only half the cost to compete. The other half? Training employees to use them. Thursday, Governor Shaheen announced a program to help local businesses do just that. The new "Job Training Program for Economic Growth" will grant up to $1 million dollars a year to train employees in the state's technical colleges. Participating employers will have to develop a training plan to apply for the grants, and cover at least 50 percent of the total cost. Small businesses will be given priority. |
| Berlin Return to index of stories... |
The company that helped redevelop the former Pease Air Force Base is now working to help the battered Berlin-Gorham area. The Androscoggin Valley Economic Recovery Corporation has hired R-K-G Associates of Durham to prepare an economic recovery plan for the valley that has been hit hard by the closing of pulp and paper mills. R-K-G has been working in economic development since 1981 |
| Troy Mills Return to index of stories... |
And in Southwest New Hampshire, another financially troubled mill is about to be sold to a New York company. The sale could end the company's 136-year history in Troy. Knowlton Nonwoven Incorporated has offered nearly two million dollars for Troy Mills' equipment, customer lists and records, but not its buildings and property. At its peak, the company employed about 500 people. Now, just 55 work at the Troy plant. |
| Markem Return to index of stories... |
The Keene-based printing technology firm Markem, has cut 25 jobs. A similar cut last May, blamed on a weakening economy, eliminated 35 jobs. Markem has about 12 hundred employees worldwide, with about half of them in Keene. It designs, makes and sells systems, supplies and software to the packing, semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries. |
| Intro Mt. Washington Return to index of stories... |
There were a few flurries Thursday in different parts of the state. Earlier we checked in with Katie Koster at the Mount Washington Observatory for conditions there and our overnight forecast. |
| Mt. Washington Return to index of stories... |
Mount Washington Observatory\Thursday On The Summit\Freezing fog and blowing snow\High: 21\Visibility: 75 feet Overnight\North\Cloudy/chance of flurries\Lows: 25 -30 \Winds: West 5 - 10 mph Overnight\South\Partly cloudy/chance of flurries\Lows: 25 - 30 \Winds: West 5 - 10 mph Friday\North\Cloudy/chance of snow showers\Highs: 30 - 35\Winds: West 5 - 10 mph Friday\Central and South\Partly sunny/chance of flurries\Highs: 35 - 40\Winds: West 5 - 10 mph |
| Intro dePaola Return to index of stories... |
Finally tonight, we look at a New Hampshire gem. For children around the world, Tomie dePaola's picture and chapter books have long been treasured. Recently, we visited Tomie at his New London studio to learn more about the man behind the stories. |
| Tomi dePaola Return to index of stories... |
Tomie dePaola 1-1:45 "When I was only four, before I even went to school, I told everybody that when I grew up, I was going to be an artist and I was going to write stories." Narr: More than 200 children's books later, Tomie dePaola is still living that dream. Ext. of studio Narr: New London is where Tomie calls home. In this 200-year-old barn, he works on a new children's picture book. Tomie's stories are recognized worldwide. They have the trademark illustrations and simplicity that have endeared them to so many. Its been more than 50 years since Tomie discovered his love of drawing. 1-26:21 "We had an attic. I think that every child should have an attic. My parents were really wonderful. They gave me half the attic for my studio when I was nine or ten years old." Narr: In his book "The Art Lesson," Tomie recalls how his eager anticipation of art class was somewhat dampened by his first grade teacher. 1-22:42-23:30 "Literally, this woman said this: 'These are school crayons and they're school property. So don't break them, peel the paper off or wear down the points.' The other thing she said was, 'This is your one piece of paper so don't ruin it.' She had this room full of paralyzed kids afraid to use their crayons. I had just gotten these crayons that were turquoise and peach. These school crayons had red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, brown and black. Wow!." Narr: Tomie was born into an Irish-Italian family. He was blessed with many relatives, many of whom continue to live within the pages of his books. 2-1:33-1:45"My grandfather was one of five brothers. He was a butcher and he was full of it. He really had the gift of blarney. He was the best storyteller there was." Narr: In fact, he became a story. The book "Tom" is based on his Irish grandfather Tom Downey. One of the tales involves a pair of chicken feet. 2-4:47 "My grandfather taught me how to pull the tendon. And you pull the tendon and the chicken feet will contract." 2-5:06 "Of course, I scrubbed them because they were pretty smelly and I borrowed my mother's nail polish and I painted the nails bright red and I practiced over the weekend, doing this and I pulled my sleeve so just the chicken feet were hanging out. And I went to school and scared people in the school yard, including a teacher. Well that was the end of my chicken feet. At least at school." Narr: Many of Tomie's books are autobiographical. "Nana Upstairs, Nana Downstairs" was the first to be completely based on his childhood. It tells, very poignantly, about the love he felt for his great-grandmother and grandmother and the sorrow he experienced when they died. 1-12:09 "I have gotten so much mail from parents because of that book. Because of a grandparent or a great-grandparent, some older person who dies and the parents don't know how to explain death, because it's so final and so they go to look for other material and invariably get Nana Upstairs, Nana Downstairs." Narr: This illustration portrays the sadness he felt as a four-year-old trying the understand the concept of death. 1-14:50 "When I drew this picture, that's when I cried, when I was four. And I did that picture in the first edition and I almost had a nervous breakdown. I cried for almost two days because of all the pain in doing that." 1-16:00-:37 "But she is in memory, which my mother told me. When someone dies, you won't ever see them again but they'll always be there whenever you think of them. That's very consoling. But there's something about you that keeps what that's like fresh. How is that working? I think I've just been blessed with a good memory. But not a memory of facts so much as a memory of feelings. I can remember how things felt. I don't know where that comes from. That I get from outside myself." Narr: While he shies away from preaching values in his books, Tomie's readers find his stories interesting and relevant. "Oliver Button is a Sissy" tells about the teasing he endured because of his love for tap dancing. The "Strega Nona" series, a folkloric type tale, is about the importance of love and generosity. Narr: At 67, Tomie has no plans to retire. He's currently working on the fifth book in the "26 Fairmont Avenue" book series. And these illustrations will be used in a Mexican version of the story Cinderella. 2:24:00 - 2:24:20 "It's a cinderella story but there's no glass slipper, no fairy godmother and no pumpkin coach. In fact, when she comes to the fiesta she is asked 'who are you?' and she says 'just call me sienna sienta,' meaning cinderella. Narr: Tomie's childhood dream of being an artist and writer, it seems, may never end. 2:28:22-2:29:13 "Books really have been an important part of my life, they've helped answer questions, they've helped give me courage, they've helped fuel my imagination. And, I would just hope that there's one child out there that one of my books would do that to. Now I've received so many letters that I don't need that to be proven to me. It has happened. I hope it continues. I hope my legacy is leaving behind a literature and art for young people that will enrich their lives, make them laugh, make them cry. I'm very fortunate in that respect. I've never met Beatrice Potter but I certainly know who she was and I hope someone can say that about me 50 years after I'm dead." |
| Tag DePaola Return to index of stories... |
Tomie DePaola recently appeared on the Hallmark channel. He was in 26 original programs based on his stories. Stay tuned - because Tomie is exploring other options to bring his works to life on the t.v. screen. |
| What's NH Reading Return to index of stories... |
There's no question that New Hampshire has a wealth of authors and readers in the state. In a program called: "What is New Hampshire Reading," the The New Hampshire Humanities Council promotes authors and their works. A new book is discussed each month at locations throughout the state. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, you can go to www-dot-nhhc-dot-org or call 603-224-4071. |
| Intro Calendar Return to index of stories... |
If you're not in the mood to pick up a good book this weekend, there are plenty of other options available. Here is a selection of events in our weekly arts calendar. |
| Arts Calendar Return to index of stories... |
Theatre\ZT Hollandia: Quick Lime Hanover 1/10-11 603-646-2422 Music\Latin big band with Jimmy Bosch Hanover 1/12 603-646-2422 Music\Nashua Symphony 1/13 603-595-9156 Exhibit\Impressionism Transformed:The paintings of Edmund Tarbell Currier Gallery Manchester through 1/13 603-669-6144 Photo Exhibit\When You See This Remember Me Manchester Millyard Museum through 3/24 603-622-7531 Crafts\A North Country Sampler Berlin through 2/2 603-752-7202 Exhibit\Woven in Time Manchester through 2002 603-752-7202 Exhibit\ECCE Homo-paintings of Chawky Frenn Concord through 2/9 603-229-4644 |
| Next Outlook Return to index of stories... |
On the next New Hampshire Outlook - Journalists from around the state join us to put the week's headlines into perspective. From the presidential visit to the Supreme Court and education funding. We hope you'll join us. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
That's it for this edition of our program. For all of us here at New Hampshire Public Television, I'm Ally McNair. Thanks for joining us. We'll see you next time on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| founders Return to index of stories... |
Thanks to our founding sponsors who have provided major funding for the production of New Hampshire Outlook: New Hampshire Charitable Foundadtion Public Service of New Hampshire Alice J. Reen Charitable Trust Putnam Foundation Stratford Foundation |
| website Return to index of stories... |
For information on our program, and links to our guests and interviews, visit our web site at nhptv.org. You can also see and hear streaming video of our broadcasts. If you've got a story idea or comment on our program you can call us at 800-639-2721. |
| key: economy Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time:1/10/02 / 2200 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 9:12 minutes In addition to a summary of the day's top New Hampshire stories, this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, included an interview with Commissioner of Revenue Stan Arnold, who put the state financial picture in perspective. He addressed the downturn of the economy, and how Governor Jeanee Shaheen called for all state departments to cut spending by one percent. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Allison McNair NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Stan Arnold/Commissioner of Revenue |
| key: culture/arts Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time:1/10/02 / 2200 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 6:40 minutes In addition to a summary of the day's top New Hampshire stories, this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, included an interview with Tomie dePaoloa, an author of children's picture and chapter books who is known world-wide for his books. We interviewed him at his New London studio about the stories behind his stories. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Allison McNair NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tomie DePaola\Author and Artist NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time:1/10/02 / 2200 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 1:30 minutes In addition to a summary of the day's top New Hampshire stories, this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, included an arts' calendar giving dates of artistic and musical events taking place in the near future in the Granite State. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Allison McNair NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: |
| Tonight 10:00 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. At home with children's artist and illustrator Tomie DePaola. Tonight at 10pm only on New Hampshire outlook. |
| Laconia Bay Return to index of stories... |
A committee in Laconia says the city's public water supply is being contaminated. The citys Watershed Advisory Committee is making 30 recommendations on how the city can protect the water quality, including having volunteers join the city in sampling Paugus Bay water. A storm water runoff sampling last summer found phosphorus and gasoline byproducts are running into the bay, which is part of Lake Winnipesaukee. The group also recommended the city treat storm water before it is discharged into drainage pipes. |
| At Risk Children Return to index of stories... |
Report: State is failing children at risk DCYF shortcomings highlighted; critics say Rochester tot’s death is example of problem By JENNIFER L. SAUNDERS Democrat Staff Writer DOVER — The day Chad E. Evans was convicted of beating 21-month-old Kassidy Bortner to death, an oversight panel released its third report detailing DCYF’s need for resources to protect children like Kassidy. On Dec. 21, the three-person oversight panel expressed "heightened concern" about the performance of the New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth and Families and the Department of Health and Human Services in implementing the federal court settlement agreement in the 1991 case of Eric L. v. Morton. That same Friday, the jury in the Evans murder trial found him guilty of murder and multiple counts of assault in connection with Kassidy’s death on Nov. 9, 2000. DCYF had received an anonymous report alleging abuse against Kassidy on Oct. 31, 2000. However, the agency was never able to make direct contact with the toddler’s caregivers before her death. When asked whether this was an exception, DCYF Director Nancy Rollins said it is indicative of the struggles DCYF workers face — having too many cases and being forced to prioritize what they can complete. "I think unfortunately, at times, this does happen. Is that best practice? Absolutely not. It’s just not humanly possible to do what is expected of them and for us to get quality work," Rollins said Wednesday. Children’s Alliance of NH Public Policy Director Steve Varnum, who also serves as coordinator for the New Hampshire Child Advocacy Network, said DCYF’s untimely response in Kassidy’s case is indicative of the problems with the system. "We hope that the Legislature and the governor will look at this tragedy, look at the fact that it could have been prevented and give DCYF the resources it needs to protect kids," Varnum said. Evans, 30, and Kassidy’s mother, 19-year-old Amanda Bortner, had lived together at his Milton Road home in Rochester for about four months prior to the child’s death. During the trial, about a dozen friends, relatives and co-workers of Bortner and Evans testified to seeing bruises on Kassidy for up to three months before her death. Evans’ former wife, Tristan Evans, testified that on Oct. 31, 2000, she placed an anonymous call to DHS reporting the bruises she witnessed on Kassidy. Patricia Hocter, an assessment worker with DCYF’s Rochester field office, testified to receiving the referral from that call on Nov. 1, 2000. According to her court testimony, she made her first call to the Evans residence on Nov. 6, 2000, and, after receiving no response from Evans or Bortner, called again on the morning of Nov. 9, 2000, and left a second message requesting a return call. Kassidy’s mother, however, had already brought the toddler to the Kittery, Maine, home of her aunt. By the time DCYF made its second call, Kassidy was unconscious and within hours of death. Rollins said Wednesday that Kassidy’s death exemplifies the agency’s need for resources to meet the needs of at-risk children. When a report is made to DHS’ central intake for child abuse reporting, Rollins explained, the phone bank worker must make determinations about the credibility of the report, the information available and the immediate safety or potential risk to the child. The agency’s policy for high-risk reports requires face-to-face contact with the child and family within 24 hours. For moderate-risk cases, the policy calls for face-to-face contact within 48 hours. In a low-risk case, the policy is to either have face-to-face contact within 72 hours or at least have phone contact within that time period. In Kassidy’s case, the first call was made five days — or 120 hours — after the assessment worker received the referral. "Even if Kassidy’s case was placed in the lowest-risk category based on DCYF’s information, they still didn’t do what they should have done based on their own policies," Varnum said. DCYF was also warned of suspected child abuse shortly before the death of 3½-month-old Jeffrey D. Trudeau Jr. in Dover on Dec. 7, 2000. According to documents obtained by Foster’s Daily Democrat, a doctor reported signs of possible abuse on Nov. 28, 2000, and DCYF caseworkers made visits to the apartment where Trudeau lived, including one visit that was made the day before his death. Trudeau’s death was subsequently ruled a homicide, with the chief medical examiner listing the cause as "fatal child abuse syndrome." No criminal charges have been filed in the case. Rollins said the agency is sorely understaffed, noting that federal mandates, including the Eric L. settlement, call for an additional 156 staff members ranging from field workers to administration. Currently, the agency has 58 assessment workers statewide with a workload of one caseworker to every 25 to 30 children. With several high-risk reports coming in to field offices on any given day, Rollins said, and with assessment workers already overburdened, "the natural human tendency is to prioritize." Rollins said multiple factors are taken into consideration when determining the level of risk for any given report, including the number of reports made, the credibility of the reporters and the age and developmental level of the child involved. Varnum said that is where the responsibility for protecting children falls on members of the public. "The real tragedy of Kassidy’s case was just how preventable it was. About a dozen people either knew or suspected she was being physically abused. Had not one but six or 12 reports been made to DCYF, this girl might not only be alive, she might be thriving in a safe, nurturing environment," Varnum said. Under New Hampshire state law, all residents are required to report even the suspicion of child abuse or face misdemeanor penalties. Maine’s Kassidy Laws, which were adopted last April, include misdemeanor penalties for individuals who do not report suspicions of abuse and felony charges against non-abusing primary caregivers who do not take action to protect their children from serious physical abuse. To report suspicions of child abuse or neglect in New Hampshire, call 894-5533. In Maine, the number to call is 452-1999. In terms of improving DCYF’s performance, Rollins said the independent oversight report details areas that have improved while also pointing out where resources are integral to future progress. "The panel found that DCYF is far from compliance in the provision of direct services to children and families," the report states, citing first the agency’s failure to meet Eric L. requirements to improve its policies and practices regarding timely and complete assessment of reports of abuse and neglect. The report goes on to identify insufficient numbers of social workers and staff as a key component to the agency’s inability to meet the requirements of the agreement. "Having watched the valiant, but slow efforts at DCYF, can only shudder for the child whose vulnerability is now, not when is in place," according to the report. "We believe you cannot begin to judge the quality of DCYF’s work until they have adequate resources to do that work," Varnum said. "This year’s legislative response to these urgent findings will go a long way to demonstrating whether New Hampshire is willing and able to make the long-term commitment necessary to develop a child protection system that truly protects children," stated the January edition of the New Hampshire Children’s Lobby Newsletter, which is a project of Child and Family Services, a not-for-profit organization. Rollins said there are ways for New Hampshire voters to help, primarily by contacting their legislators and voicing support for funding for the agency. Money invested in child protection today, she said, will save in the long term. Studies show that children who grow up in abusive homes without proper intervention and services are disproportionately represented in mental health institutions, correctional facilities and homeless shelters once they reach adulthood. "We’ve got to put the resources at the front end and we’ve really got to bolster the child protective agency," Rollins said. Rollins said she hopes the findings in the oversight report and the tragic circumstances of Kassidy’s death will prompt the state Legislature to fund DCYF at the level needed to provide adequate services to New Hampshire’s children. "It’s not at the level it needs to be. Give us the tools to do the job," Rollins said. Democrat Staff Writer Jennifer Saunders can be reached at 1-207-363-4413 or jsaunders@fosters.com |
| Berlin Appreciation Return to index of stories... |
Officials in Berlin head to Concord this month to say thanks to the organizations and individuals who have come to the city's aid. The city will hold a Berlin Appreciation Day at the Statehouse on January 23rd. Since the pulp and paper mills closed several months ago, there has been an outpouring of donations to Berlin and Gorham. |
| Wnd Monday at 10 Return to index of stories... |
Monday on New Hampshire Outlook. Who will treat YOU in an emergency? Behind the scenes of the Granite State's EMS system monday at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| Monday daytime Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. . Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| Friday web Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. Journalists from around the state join us to put the week's headlines into perspective. From the presidential visit to the Supreme Court and education funding. tonight at 10 on NH Outlook. |
| Friday daytime Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. Journalists from around the state join us to put the week's headlines into perspective. From the presidential visit to the Supreme Court and education funding. tonight at 10 on NH Outlook. |