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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Allison McNair. Welcome to NH Outlook. |
| Intro Berlin Economy Return to index of stories... |
President Bush says solutions to the nation's toughest problems lie in the hearts and souls of its citizens. For many, those tough problems are centered on a faltering economy. There is uncertainty about war, healthcare and livlihoods. In New Hampshire's North Country, the need for economic diversification has been the subject of public discussion since the early 70's. Discussion changed to community action when Pulp and Paper of America, the largest employer in Coos County for over 110 years, closed last August. Theresa Kennett takes us to the Berlin/Gorham area to see the changing face of NH's North Country. |
| Berlin Economy Return to index of stories... |
After months of a deafening silence, Nats of workers outside the cascade paper mill…. There is the sound of relief at the Cascade mill in Gorham for the 250 employees who have been called back. 450 people are still waiting for their call. Rolanda Duchesne at 48:53 - 49:10 I can say first hand, my husband is a PPA worker. To say that he's depressed. its very difficult for someone who is used to providing for his family to not be able to do that. Rolanda Duchesne is the wife of a displaced mill worker and she is the Executive Director of the United Way in northern NH. She has spent the last nine months helping those affected by the shut down. 49:15 -:35 It isn't just the mill workers, It is the loggers, the jobbers, the domino effect of this especially with its largest employer in a geographically isolated area had its impact all the way through and continues to. Dechesne's credits the network of agencies that make up the Concerned Community Providers for meeting the regions high demand for social services and she is thankful for the generous donations that the United Way has received to pay for food, prescriptions, and mortgages of those affected by this crisis. 56:54 - 57:08 Just two weeks ago we received a donation from a church in the southern part of the state and because of that we are saving someone's home. Who could ask for more than that. Despite the fact that Duchesne's husband has not been called back to work, she is very optimistic about the future. 49:51- 50:11 This is a very warm and giving community and we have never given up hope to say the least. This is a beautiful area to live. You look around and you can see how richly blessed we are just with looking at the mountains and everything and the people here are fantastic. Steve Griffen 01:19:28 -:30 People are proud of this city Steve Griffen is one of the founders of the Androscoggin Valley Economic Recovery Board, comprised of concerned business and community leaders from the the Berlin Gorham area. 1:19:40 -:50 People are excited that the mill has a new owner but also excited that there is a sense of renewed enthusiasm toward expanding our economy. The AVER Board was formed develop long term plans for a diversified economy. Griffen is currently working with a committee to revitalize the downtown Berlin. Steve at 1:25:05: -:13 The idea and concept is to remove the Gallus building and open that up and make it a beautiful green space with the Dead River running through it. Jump cut to 1:25:23 As you drive into Berlin you will be seeing beautiful scenery instead of the blighted buildings that are there now. The AVER Board has recently expanded its focus in order to build community within and among north country towns. Steve Griffin at 1:23:33 The key to success is regionilization Jump cut 1:23:50 - 1:24:03 And I must tell you for all of the years that I have lived here and I am a native of the area, it is incredible to see Berlin and Gorham working together. That has never happened before and its very heart warming to me. The local governing bodies of each community have bought into the need to build community and are working to engage citizens in the recovery process. Stand up. The way the city of Berlin intends to build community is to pursue grant funds to build a riverwalk along the Androscoggin River. Sylvia Poulin at 11:45 -:50 Originally that was the vision of the park and now the city has come into collaborate with the park. Sylvia Poulin owns Greetings Jewelers on main st. in Berlin and she is one of the founders of the Northern Forest Heritage Park. 8:36 -:48 A lot of people never really understood the history of the are and how multicultural is and the Heritage Park has been great at making that awareness in the community. Poulin says that in addition to being a source of community pride, the river walk will provide a walking history for visitors. 11:57 - 12:03 A lot of people drive by and don't understand what the boom piers are and don't understand the logging history. Jump cut to 12:22 -:39 So there will be intrepetive plagues along the river and it will be a nice place for people to sit and enjoy the river. It is a beautiful natural resource that has been underutilized within the community. Poulin was also one of the founders of Berlin's Main Street program. 2:12 -:24 One of the things was let's make the downtown more attractive, lets make the existing businesses better businesses and from that will come the other businesses because they see it's a thriving down town. And there is a ready and willing workforce. Griffen 1:33:12 -:32 Our labor force is beyond compare we have been blessed with a labor force that has a work ethic that is just incomparable. And the real estate market is presently undervalued so any one looking for housing can find a very good quality house for a very low price. Such was the case with Scott and Heather Gregory SOT 37:29 -:34 So how's business Scott? Business is great. Its been wonderful. The Gregories relocated to Berlin because of the low cost of living and the high quality of life. And they are very pleased with their decision. 37:38 -:49 We've been here about a month and business was a little slow at first people getting used to the new owners but the local newspapers did a few articles and business has been wonderful ever since. Mass introduction. While there is no question that mill shut down was extremely difficult for north country residents, and there is also no question that relief will come with its re-opening, this crisis has moved many citizens in Berlin, Gorham and the surrounding communities to seize opportunity from challenge. Silvia 17:57- 18:05 I think that has been the sliver lining, its gotten people to move to take part and shame on us for not having done it sooner. From the Berlin/Gorham area, I'm Theresa Kennett for NH Outlook. |
| Intro Danderson Return to index of stories... |
Joining us now the Mayor of Berlin, Bob Danderson. As mentioned in Theresa's piece- Mayor Danderson will lead a new Benson Action Team that will work on economic development, health care and other issues for the North Country and economically pinched communities in the western part of the state. Thank you for joining us. |
| Intro Barn Preserv. Return to index of stories... |
Few would argue that New Hampshire's rich history is not worth preserving. Historic landmarks may in fact be a good part of the reason why people come to this state. But according to the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance about 100 barns are disappearing from the landscape each year. They're not all falling or burning down. Many are being dismantled, restored and moved to other states. That's what a Vermont barn restoration company wants to do with a barn built in 1790 in Penacook. But when does preservation take precedence over personal property? The Concord City council is addressing that question. They've voted to take possession of the historic barn by eminent domain. The decision is not without controversy. Chip Neal has the story. |
| Barn Preservation Return to index of stories... |
We cover this evolving story about a historic barn in Penacook. There is a group of people with the Penacook Historical Society who are concerned about losing their "1790 Rolfe barn". It seems that it was sold recently to a Windsor, Vermont company that dismantles and reconstructs then restores old barns on the property of wealthy land owners. But, now these preservationists want to stop the company from proceeding with its plans. And, they want Concord to take the barn by eminent domain so it can become a part of a museum complex run by the Penacook Historical Society. The request was considered at a special City Council meeting on Monday evening the 27th. They decided to take the barn by eminent domain. We talk with the owner, a representative of the Penacook Historical Society, and hear from the Mayor of Concord and others at the Council Meeting. Jennifer Goodman Dir. NH Preservation Alliance. 224-2281 Elizabeth Hengen Penacook Historical 225-7977 |
| More Information Return to index of stories... |
For more information on our program, streaming video and links to our guests and interviews, visit our web site at nhptv.org. |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
On the next New Hampshire Outlook - We'll have the Granite State perspective on the State of the Union address. Plus a look at new efforts at school dropout prevention in the state. |
| 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 Foundation Public Service of New Hampshire Stratford Foundation |
| 2Nite Promo Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. Eminent domain and the fight to preserve a Penacook barn. That's tonight following coverage of the State of the Union Address. |
| WEB PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. We'll have the Granite State perspective on the State of the Union address. Plus a look at new efforts at school dropout prevention in the state. Tonight at 10pm. |
| 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 see and hear streaming video of our broadcasts. We want to know what's on your mind. Join our discussion forum and tell us what you're thinking. If you have a story idea or comment on our program, click the feedback button. Or, call us at 800-639-2721. |
| key: Economy / Business Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 1/28/03 22:00 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 18:00 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, we begin with tough problems centered on a faltering economy. There is uncertainty about war, healthcare and livlihoods. In New Hampshire's North Country, the need for economic diversification has been the subject of public discussion since the early 70's. Discussion changed to community action when Pulp and Paper of America, the largest employer in Coos County for over 110 years, closed last August. Theresa Kennett takes us to the Berlin/Gorham area to see the changing face of NH's North Country. Following Theresa's report we were visited by mayor Bob Danderson for a studio discussion. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Theresa Kennett NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Mitch Duschesne\Milan, Rolanda Duschesne\Milan, Jayne Dewitt\Workers Assistance Center, Ed Deblois\PACE, Local 75, Mayor Robert Danderson\Berlin |
| key:Community Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 1/28/03 22:00 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 5:30 minutes In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, we wrap up the show with a story on the Rolfe Family Barn and when does preservation take precedence over personal property? The Concord City council is addressing that question. They've voted to take possession of the historic barn by eminent domain. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Chip Neal NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Elizabeth Hengen\Penacook Historical Society, Ken Epworth\Rolfe Barn Owner, Van McLeod\Comm. NH Cultural Resources, Grace Walker\Concord Resident, Jennifer Goodman\NH Preservation Alliance, James Garvin\State Architectural Historian, Ken Epworth\Rolfe Barn Owner, Elizabeth Hengen\Penacook Historical Society, Michael Donovan\Mayor of Concord |
| Tonight 10:00 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |