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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Richard Ager sitting in for Allison McNair. Welcome to NH Outlook. |
| Intro Joshua Moment Return to index of stories... |
A little over a year ago, two friends were driving on a dark, icy, New Hampshire road. When the car skidded off the road, killing the passenger, dozens of lives were shattered. But in an unusual case, the young man behind the wheel did not spend a lot of time in jail. Instead, he's telling his story to young men and women all over the Granite State. In a few minutes we'll hear about the impact of alternative sentencing. But first, Allison McNair brings us the story about love, loss, grief, forgiveness and "Joshua Moments." |
| Joshua Moment Return to index of stories... |
SOT 4:11:22 My name is Jim Dozois. And I killed my best friend. … -- TRACK JIM DOZOIS HAS TOLD THIS STORY TO THOUSANDS OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. TONIGHT, HE'S SPEAKING AT NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE. HE'S COME BACK TO THE VERY CAMPUS WHERE HE AND HIS BEST FRIEND, JOSH HALL, MET. -- transition nat go to nat of memorial place - doug and patty walking? -- TRACK SOMETIMES JOSH'S PARENTS - DOUG AND PATTY - COME HERE - TO THE AUDOBON SANCTUARY IN DEERING. JOSHUA LOVED NATURE. AND THIS IS A PLACE WHERE HE USED TO SPEND TIME. NEAR THE WATER'S EDGE, THERE'S A GRANITE BENCH - LEFT BY DOUG'S COWORKERS, IN MEMORY OF JOSH. -- sot Pattie: "It's…it's very peaceful. And we…we had brought his ashes out here. -We did that a year ago. -- TRACK JOSH LOVED THE OUTDOORS. HE'D GO HUNTING WITH HIS DAD, AND HE LOVED TO FISH TOO. AT AN EARLY AGE , JOSH BEGAN READING AND LEARNING ABOUT BIRDS. -- Doug 1:06:44if there was a flicker over there on that ree or a woodpecker he would go over…and pluck it from that tree and bring it to you. I don't know how he could do it but we were always amazed by it -- SOT Jim **4:12:00 :01 my best friend Joshua Hall is dead because I wasn't aware of the powers one has behind the wheel of the car… -- TRACK JIM WAS DRIVING THE NIGHT JOSH DIED. AFTER THE TWO VISITED A FRIEND THEY STOPPED TO HAVE A DRINK. THEN THEY HEADED HOME. JIM DOESN'T REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED, BUT HE'S BEEN TOLD THE CAR WENT OFF THE ROAD AND STRUCK A TELEPHONE POLL. ---- SOT JIM 4:19;50 it wasn't until I reached over and held him with my own hands that I could tell that he was already gone - crying 4:20:19 -- TRACK AFTER THE ACCIDENT, JIM WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AND THEN TO THE MERRIMACK COUNTY JAIL. -- NAT FROM VIDEO HEARING -- TRACK THE FOLLOWING MONDAY, JIM AND PUBLIC DEFENDER JACKIE COLBURN WENT BEFORE THE CONCORD DISTRICT COURT VIA VIDEO HOOKUP. JACKIE SAYS JIM WAS BARELY ABLE TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE HEARING AND AT ONE POINT, HE COLLAPSED. -- MORE NAT FROM HEARING Track IN THE COURTROOM THAT DAY - DOUG AND PATTY HALL. -- SOT doug 3:07:44 we forgave Jim from the moment that the accident happened. BUTT BITE 3:07:55 patty and I had spoken and we had said that we would look through Josh's eyes that we were gonna try to base every decision that we made in the manner that we thought he would make that decision. BUTT BITE Jim was a person that Josh had loved and he was a friend he was a good person he didn't do this with malice, he didn't do this premeditatedly he made a tragic tragic error in judgment and that's all it was. And Josh would have forgiven him. Josh did forgive him. 3:0849 -- TRACK ALTHOUGH JIM'S BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVEL WAS NOT OVER THE LEGAL LIMIT HE FACED SERIOUS CHARGES AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. -- sot Jackie Colburn 3;25:11 It's not unusual, in fact it's pretty commonplace for people in Jim's situation being charged and convicted of negligent homicide to spend years in prison. 3:25:21 -- BUT JIM'S SENTENCE WAS DIFFERENT. IN ADDITION TO PUTTING IN HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE, JIM WAS REQUIRED TO VISIT 16 SCHOOLS. HE WOULD TELL STUDENTS HOW JOSH DIED - IN HOPES OF PREVENTING OTHER TRAGEDIES. -- NAT OF TALK -- DOUG AND PATTY HAVE BEEN IN THE AUDIENCE WHEN JIM GIVES HIS TALKS. DOUG SPEAKS TO THE STUDENTS TOO. BOTH HE AND PATTY HOPE IT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE. -- SOT PATTY 2:06:43One of the things we want is kids to be aware that it can happen to anybody and if we can impact someone's life and just prevent another child from being killed then we've done something 2:07:00 -- TRACK THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT THE TELLING OF JIM AND JOSHUA'S STORY HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE. -- SOT -- TRACK IT'S BEEN A YEAR AND NINE MONTHS SINCE JOSH DIED. ON ANY GIVEN DAY, AT ANY TIME, THOUGHTS OF JOSH CAN OVERTAKE DOUG AND PATTY HALL. DOUG CALLS THEM HIS JOSHUA MOMENTS. -- SOT DOUG 2:18:37 A Joshua a moment most time tell you about Josh and celebrate his life no I think what you're seeing is a Joshua moment it's just most of the time you can celebrate his life and enjoy the memories you have but every now and them the pain is a hole in your heart it just opens up 2:19:you have no control over it it's a real pain in the butt 2:19:44 - -- TRACK DOUG AND PATTY SAY THEY'LL CONTINUE TO VISIT THE AUDOBON SANCTUARY FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. THERE'S A LARGE TREE THERE. AND DOUG AND PATTY HAVE NAMED IT THE JOSHUA TREE. -- SOT DOUG 2:16:24 I can't tell you where it came from - it is so representative of who he was, unique in a gorgeous setting stands out from any other tree in the area not because he was my on he was special 2:15:43 -- AND ON THE GRANITE BENCH - THERE ARE THE WORDS FROM AN ENTRANCE ESSAY THAT JOSH WROTE FOR NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE. -- NO VO JUST SHOW THE WORDS 'Who knows maybe I'll return to the place where I heard a thousand songbirds in one morning.' -- |
| Intro Discussion Return to index of stories... |
As we've heard, Jim Dozois has spoken to thousands of young people about the accident that took Josh Hall's life. Those talks were a part of Jim's "alternative" sentence. Here to talk more about alternative sentencing, Merrimack County Superior Court Judge Edward Fitzgerald. Public Defender, Jackie Colburn, who represented Jim Dozois. And Assistant Merrimack County Attorney, Scott Jordan. |
| Discussion Return to index of stories... |
There was no trial - why? Did Jim spend any time in jail? Can you give us the specifics of the sentence? How unusual is Jim's sentence ? Judge Fitzgerald, how difficult was it to make the decision to go with the alternative sentence? OR- Judge Fitzgerald, What factors played into your deciding to go with this sentence Jackie, you heard from people that said no judge would go along with this alternative sentence. Why? Were you surprised at the outcome? Does this seem to be a more efffective sentence? What have you heard from people Judge Fitzgerald, I understand you went to some of the talks given by Jim. You sat as a member of the audience.Not something you had to do - why did you? Can we anticipate an increase in alternative sentencing here in NH? Compared to other states, do the NH courts hand down fewer alternative sentences? Do you see this setting any kind of precedent for future cases? In what other kinds of sentences might we see alternative sentences being handed down? |
| Intro Senior Campanions Return to index of stories... |
Finally, it's not uncommon to see young people helping the elderly. But there's a program in New Hampshire that's giving new meaning to the term "Senior Companion." Max Pearlstein introduces us to a group of volunteers who are helping the homebound- and they're all 60-years-old and over. |
| Senior Companion Return to index of stories... |
Senior Companions Story NAT T2: Marylou walking up to the door. Track One: Marylou Collins is picking up her friend Norma for some Christmas shopping. But before they can go searching for presents, Marylou checks in with Norma. Name/Title: Marylou Collins/Senior Companion SOT T2: I instantly access her condition. I know she's taken her medication, she's very good about that. But I look at her. I know when Norma is in pain. I know her face that well. Track Two: Norma and Marylou have been spending time together for the past two years as part of the Senior Companion program. It's a service that matches an individual who is homebound, like Norma, with a Senior Companion. William Dearborn is one of the program coordinators. Name/Title: William M. Dearborn/Coordinator, Senior Companion Program Bite: What seniors want Track Three: Norma lost her independence when she lost her car. But she still has places to go. Today it's out to lunch, and then shopping. Tomorrow it's a doctor's appointment. The destination may change, but the person who helps get her there is always the same . NAT T3: Marylou: "All in? Fasten your safety belt!" Name/Title: Norma Barth/Visitee SOT T2: I think of Marylou, personally, more as a friend than someone to get me where I want to go or something like that. So, I mean, it makes everything more relaxed. It works better that way. Track Four: It may seem simple enough; a weekly visit or two to exchange some words or books. But Marylou brings Norma a great deal more than this each time she knocks on her door. Family members can't always be there to care for a loved one, especially in emergencies. When Norma recently fell, she didn't call 911. She phoned Marylou. SOT T2: Marylou: I like to think my role is assisting her. We've also developed a friendship. You do, you can't help it. That person is important. You think about that person. Is this person doing this and that…Now maybe I shouldn't get so involved, but I can't help it. I know they have needs that maybe aren't being met by their families. That's my role. Name/Loc: Max Pearlstein/Hampton SOT T3: Norma and Marylou are just one of the many stories from this program. There are 72 Senior Companions in New Hampshire who help over 600 people. Even though they receive a small stipend for their work, this isn't a job. SOT T1: Dearborn: It does provide some money for our Senior Companions to pay for some basic needs, medication, food, but you can see it in their eyes. They're doing it for the love of the program and the people they visit. NAT T3: Marylou: "Are you hungry?" SOT T1: Marylou: It has been a very great program for me. I'm a widow and my children have flown the nest, gone out in the world. It filled a gap in my life…I felt empty. SOT T2: Norma: I can make her laugh. She can talk to me the same way I can talk to her. She can talk to me on a real personal level, like if there's something bothering her…and I think that's really great. That's really great. SOT T2: Marylou: I know many people in the Hampton and Portsmouth areas that are not getting this service that need it. They accost me in the hallways of apartment complexes and say: "Please take me. Please come in." But you have to separate from them. Six visitees is enough for me. SOT T2: Pearlstein: "Where would you be without the Senior Companion program?" Norma: I'd probably be begging everyone I know…So I'd probably be a lot more frustrated. A lot more. SOT T2: Marylou: When a 96-year-old man, a very good man, hugged me and said: "You have made the most difference in my life with this program than anything in past, outside of family." That was a reward for me and for the program. I didn't need anymore that day. I floated home. Track Six: In Hampton, I'm Max Pearlstein for NH Outlook. |
| Tag Senior Return to index of stories... |
Senior Companions logged over 65,000 hours of visits in New Hampshire last year. But there's many more people who could benefit from this service. For more information on the Senior Companion program, call 1-800-856-5525. |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
On the next New Hampshire Outlook - It's the year in review as journalists from around the granite state discuss the year's top stories. |
| 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 Richard Ager. Thanks for joining us. |
| 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 Foundation Public Service of New Hampshire Alice J. Reen Charitable Trust Putnam Foundation Stratford Foundation |
| Tonight 10:00 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. It's the year in review as journalists from around the granite state discuss the year's top stories. Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| WEB PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. It's the year in review as journalists from around the granite state discuss the year's top stories. Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| key: Crime Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 12/30/02 22:00 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, we begin with the story of Joshua. A little over a year ago, two friends were driving on a dark, icy, New Hampshire road. When the car skidded off the road, killing the passenger, dozens of lives were shattered. But in an unusual case, the young man behind the wheel did not spend a lot of time in jail. Instead, he's telling his story to young men and women all over the Granite State. Following Joshua Moments we spoke with Merrimack County Superior Court Judge Edward Fitzgerald, Public Defender, Jackie Colburn, who represented Jim Dozois. And Assistant Merrimack County Attorney, Scott Jordan about the impact of alternative sentencing. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Allison McNair NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Patty Hall\Joshua's Mother Doug Hall\Joshua's Father Jim Dozois\Joshua's Friend Jacalyn Colburn\NH Public Defender Judge Edward Fitzgerald\Merrimack Co Superior Court Scott Jordan\Asst Merrimack Co Atty |
| key: Health /Healthcare Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 12/30/02 22:00 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 26:46 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, wrapping up our show was a story on a program in New Hampshire that's giving new meaning to the term "Senior Companion." Max Pearlstein introduces us to a group of volunteers who are helping the homebound- and they're all 60-years-old and over. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Max Pearlstein NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Marylou Collins\Senior Companion William M. Dearborn\Coord, Senior Companion Program Norma Barth\Visitee |