DerryNews.com, Derry, New Hampshire--News

Accused deadbeat dad arrested after standoff

Fri, 09 May 2008 06:21:00 EDT

LONDONDERRY — A 43-year-old man had to be sprayed with pepper spray at his Windsor Boulevard home to end a six hour standoff on Tuesday afternoon.
Richard Berube refused to cooperate with Londonderry police and members of the Southern New Hampshire Special Operations Unit and was found with a gas mask over his face hiding in the attic of his 31 Windsor Avenue home around 6 p.m.

Six years after Duane Besso bought eight acres of land on West Road, his feud with Londonderry officials rages unabated and the house he built remains ... Vacant

Fri, 09 May 2008 06:20:00 EDT

LONDONDERRY — Duane Besso says he's just a guy who wants to live in a house he built with his own two hands.
Londonderry officials says the house and its septic system were illegally built and are too close to a protected wetland area.

Sports roundup: Estes powers big Astros win

Fri, 09 May 2008 05:22:00 EDT

Boys Lacrosse
Brian Estes scored four goals to lead Pinkerton to a 19-5 drubbing of Nashua North. Bobby Dattilo hat a hat trick while Pete Mazzola, Tom Auger and Nolin Murphy each had two goals and six others each had a single goal

Tragedy strikes Derry family again Route 28 crash claims the life of father of 4

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:16:00 EDT

DERRY — More than 1,000 family members and friends of Esau "Ace" Stanley Jr. went to the family's Derry home to mourn the loss of the man who died in a car accident only a couple miles from the family's home last week.

Your Libraries: A new Frost book in a novel format

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:15:00 EDT

While a biography is the story of a person's life from someone else's point of view, biographical fiction purports to take us into the mind of the subject and to view life from his or her point of view.

Crowning achievement

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:15:00 EDT

DERRY — With confetti flying and plenty of hugs, Natalie Shaw was crowned Miss New Hampshire on Saturday night, May 3.
Shaw, of Manchester, was crowned by last year's title holder, Rachel Barker. She came out on top from a field of 22 contestants in the 62nd competition, held at Pinkerton Academy's Stockbridge Theatre.

Caregivers will help elderly keep cool this summer

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:14:00 EDT

DERRY — A local organization will be able to reach out and help more people stay cool and healthy this summer.
Community Caregivers of Greater Derry received a donation from Project CoolAir to purchase air conditioners for elderly in the area.

Postal workers food drive set for May 10

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:14:00 EDT

Area postal workers want to help stamp out hunger again this year.
The National Association of Letter Carriers hosts its annual "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive on Saturday, May 10 in the Greater Derry area. Letter carriers in more than 10,000 cities and towns across America are expected to participate in the drive.

Girls just wanna have fun

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:13:00 EDT

Julie Huss: She's not just fiddlin' around

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:13:00 EDT

If I am beginning to sound a bit like a broken record, I apologize, but here goes: I am often amazed at the number of talented people I am lucky enough to cross paths with in this line of work.
Almost every day, I meet someone new having a wonderful story to tell, or a talent to share with our readers. And it's this variety of people I meet that makes this job so enjoyable.

Rec department offers Waterville trip

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:13:00 EDT

The Derry Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring an overnight bus trip to Waterville Valley, Aug. 21-22. With a stop at Tilton Diner, a narrated cruise on Golden Pond, a wine and cheese reception at the Valley Inn, dinner at the Diamond's Edge Restaurant, the musical "Forever Plaid" at the Papermill Theatre, a buffet breakfast, a trip to the Fairbanks Museum, and shopping in Littleton, there is sure to be something for everyone.

DMC staff to walk in Breast Cancer 3-Day

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:12:00 EDT

DERRY — Thirteen staff members from Derry Medical Center will be participating in the Boston Breast Cancer 3-Day walk as part of a national effort to raise money for breast cancer research.
Julie McGinnis, a physician assistant at the medical center, has participated in the walk in the past.

Hopfgarten won't seek re-election in the fall New job has caused longtime rep to miss 87 percent of votes this session

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:11:00 EDT

DERRY — Republican state Rep. Paul Hopfgarten of Derry said he does not plan to run for re-election this fall after having missed the last two months of service in Concord.
With little more than a month before this year's session ends, Hopfgarten has voted in 13 percent of the legislative votes so far this year.

Bridging past, present and future Pinkerton Alumni Affairs Department keeps track of 16,000 grads

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:11:00 EDT

DERRY — When Richard Drowne was asked what Pinkerton Academy meant to him, the words he penned in 1964 for the book "Pinkerton Academy" by Carl Forsaith could have echoed sentiments from many who graduated from the Derry school and hoped to stay in touch through its history, traditions and friendships.

Market Basket seeks expansion of Londonderry store

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:04:00 EDT

LONDONDERRY — Officials from the Market Basket supermarket will appear before the Planning Board on Wednesday, May 7, for a public hearing on their plans to put a 17,732-square-foot expansion on their Londonderry store.

Derry man involved in fatal Mass. crash

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:01:00 EDT

Methuen, Mass. — Massachusetts state police are investigating an accident where a 47-year-old Derry man struck and killed a woman walking on the highway Sunday morning.
Raymond Cerri was traveling north on Interstate 495 in his 1997 GMC Sierra pickup truck near Exit 46 when he hit 27-year-old Brandi Sullivan-Feole of Haverhill, Mass., who was pronounced dead at the scene. Cerri was uninjured in the crash, according to a police press release. The right travel lane of I-495 north was closed for a few hours while police investigated the crash.

Superior firepower Londonderry's bats and arms the reason for a 10-1 start

Wed, 07 May 2008 05:39:00 EDT

Asked for the biggest weakness he's seen from his team, Londonderry softball coach Wayne MacDougall had to think for a second before arriving at an answer.
"We need to work on our outfield a little bit," he said.

Derry derby reels in fishing fun

Wed, 07 May 2008 05:37:00 EDT

DERRY — Emily Wright approached the table with her slimy catch in hand. The 13-year-old hoped this fish would really measure up to be a winner.
Emily joined many local youth anglers on Saturday morning, May 3, at the annual Derry Lions Club fishing derby at Hood Pond.

Chief: Police communications system is outdated

Tue, 06 May 2008 12:42:00 EDT

LONDONDERRY — Police Chief Joe Ryan told the Town Council on May 5 that the department's 13-year-old communications system is outdated and frequently goes down necessitating the need for emergency backup.

Senate likely to nix death penalty expansion

Fri, 02 May 2008 07:00:00 EDT

CONCORD — A proposal to expand the state's death penalty law to make killing Family Court judges and court security officers a capital offense will likely be nixed by its sponsors because of a last-minute change to the bill.

Inner strength

Fri, 02 May 2008 07:00:00 EDT

Students of the Month

Fri, 02 May 2008 07:00:00 EDT

PA grads in top three for lottery fame

Fri, 02 May 2008 07:00:00 EDT

DERRY — Two long-time friends joined together by music in middle and high school are now continuing their talents and are in the running to be "stars."
For Pinkerton graduates Mat Turner and Aaron Denny, Class of '93 and '94, respectively, it's a chance to continue their love of music and earn fame through the Internet as fans are invited to go online (http://nhlotterystar.com) and cast votes.

Pinkerton club honored at state event

Fri, 02 May 2008 07:00:00 EDT

DERRY — Young leaders at Pinkerton Academy were honored for their club's growth and their community service.
Twenty members of the Pinkerton Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) recently returned from the annual spring conference held in Bartlett, NH.

Horse show benefits Caregivers

Fri, 02 May 2008 07:00:00 EDT

CHESTER — Area horse enthusiasts will gather Sunday, May 4, for a chance to compete in many types of riding events while helping out a local volunteer organization.
The seventh annual Spring Fling Horse Show is set for Sunday at the Senator Bell Horse Farm, Route 102 in Chester. The equine event benefits Community Caregivers of Greater Derry, an organization that provides volunteers to visit area elderly and disabled people and assist them with shopping, transportation to medical appointments, light chores, and home repair and maintenance.

Hazardous waste day May 31

Fri, 02 May 2008 07:00:00 EDT

DERRY — Residents looking for a way to safely get rid of that old motor oil, gasoline, pesticides and other household waste will have an opportunity on Saturday, May 31.
Derry will be holding a househould hazardous waste disposal day from 9 a.m. to noon at the West Running Brook School.

Papal pilgrimage brings sense of renewal

Fri, 02 May 2008 07:00:00 EDT

Editor's note: The following account of the Mass said by Pope Benedict in New York City earlier this month originally appeared on the blog site (http://afriarslife.blogspot.com) of the Rev. Thomas Washburn, formerly an associate pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Derry.

Neither rain nor sleet

Fri, 02 May 2008 06:35:00 EDT

Program equips Christians for ministry

Fri, 02 May 2008 06:30:00 EDT

HAMPSTEAD — The Education for Ministry program is designed to answer the complex issues of lay ministry, based on the premise that every baptized person is called to ministry.
The ministry program of theological education was developed at the School of Theology of the University of the South in Sewanne, Tenn. Today there are more than 85 Episcopal dioceses that have contractual arrangements with EFM as well as other denominations. The program is open to people of any faith and is not restricted to Episcopalians.

Hampstead Middle School Second Trimester Honor Roll

Fri, 02 May 2008 06:20:00 EDT

Grade five
High honors — Maria Aiello, Jack Bisson, Michaela Blackwell, Elizabeth Caverly, Kaila Cote, Ryan Day, Jennifer Dufresne, Kenji Dustin, Tyler Fillipone, Micaela Griffin, John Hamilton, Mikaela Hamilton, Samantha Hebeisen, Owen Howland, Erin Johnston, Sage Lacharite, Joseph Lazzaro, Devin McMahon, Brennan Morris, Brendan Mulhall, Courtney Newcomb, Nicholas Pietrocarlo, Nicholas Richard, Hannah Sessler, Daniel Tangarone, Samuel Ward, Steven Zuidema

Arts calendar

Fri, 02 May 2008 06:15:00 EDT

Theater
"My Fair Lady," at the Timberlane Performing Arts Center auditorium, May 8 through 10 at 7 p.m. and a Saturday matinee at 1 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the Timberlane box office by calling 382-6541, ext. 243, stopping by Monday through Friday, 9 a.m to 5 p.m., or at www.timberlanepac.org. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for student/seniors.

Tough luck Londonderry edged in second straight pitcher's duel

Fri, 02 May 2008 03:04:00 EDT

LONDONDERRY — In a game this close, any mistake was going to be costly.
Unfortunately for Londonderry, that mistake was a passed ball.
A 2-1 offering in the fourth inning from outstanding sophomore pitcher Jake Finnegan skipped by catcher Geoff Fisher, allowing Nashua South's Bill Ferriter to advance from second to third, then score on a sacrifice fly from Dan Feehan. It was the only run of the tightly-contested ballgame, and Londonderry lost to South 1-0. It was Finnegan's first loss of the year.

Knowledge is health for senior citizens

Fri, 02 May 2008 03:03:00 EDT

DERRY — Charlie Morton prepared to leave the annual Senior Health Fair on Tuesday, April 29, and tightly clutched a large tote bag full of useful health information and samples.
The Derry man had spent the morning wandering the fair at West Running Brook School and picking up a stack of pamphlets and brochures on subjects important to him and his health as he ages.

For Matthew Sisters honor memory of brother with school cleanup

Fri, 02 May 2008 03:01:00 EDT

CHESTER — Thirteen-year-old Jessica Newnan tugged and pulled until a clump of soggy leaves came out of the pond, firmly attached to her rake.
The Chester girl was cleaning up the pond and hoping to give the surrounding garden area a spring sprucing up, not only to make the space look nice in time for spring, but to honor the memory of her younger brother.

Sports Roundup: Estes, Currier shine in first Astros loss

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EDT

Boys Lacrosse
Brian Estes and Nick Currier each scored two goals but that wasn't enough for Pinkerton to avoid its first loss of the season. Longmeadow (Mass.) scored four times in the third period to hand the Astros a 13-7 loss. Jeff Guilherme had three assists in the loss.

Local results from the Boston Marathon

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EDT

Michael Karthas of Londonderry, along with his two sons Timothy and Mike, ran the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 21, and the younger Karthases ended up with the top two local times.
Mike, 22, was the top runner, finishing in 2:53:36, while brother Timothy, 19, finished in 3:02:21. The elder Karthas, 53, closed out the race in 4:04:33.

Your Libraries: Get caught reading!

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EDT

What do Abraham Lincoln, Batman and first lady Laura Bush all have in common? They've all been "caught reading"!
May is Get Caught Reading Month, which is part of a nationwide campaign to promote the joy of reading to people of all ages. This program was started in 1999 by former Congresswoman Pat Schroeder who is now president of the Association of American Publishers, an organization supporting the campaign. Teachers, booksellers and librarians across the country have taken part each year to help remind their communities that a love of reading can be learned early and last a lifetime. Here are just a few of the featured personalities who have been caught reading, and the books that they appear with:

School food service expected to break even

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EDT

LONDONDERRY — With rising fuel costs, the cost of bread and milk — staples of school lunches — is also rising.
Despite the price hikes, the School District is slowly coming out of the red and expects to break even by the end of the school year.

Local artists 'in action' this weekend

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EDT

LONDONDERRY — Local artists will once again gather at various locations around town to put their art talents into action.
The annual "Art in Action — Artists at Work" event is set for May 3 and 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Parkland kicks off employee walking program

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EDT

DERRY — Wearing sneakers with their suits and scrubs, employees at Parkland Medical Center kicked off the hospital's walking program.
Led by CEO Anne Jamieson and other members of the administrative team, a group of nurses, environmental service aides and other personnel made the first half-mile loop around the hospital on April 22.

Annual fishing derby set for May 4

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EDT

LONDONDERRY — The annual Kids Fishing Derby will be taking place on May 4 at the Londonderry Fish and Game Club.
The event, which will run from 9 a.m. to noon, has been a tradition for more than 25 years and welcomes children under the age of 14 to participate in this free event with proper adult supervision.

Chester Academy wellness unit spreads good health

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EDT

CHESTER — As part of a healthy lifestyle while attending school, students at Chester Academy are learning a lot about eating right and staying fit.
In meeting the goals of Chester Academy's Wellness Policy, the seventh-grade teaching team recently worked with guidance and health staff to create an integrated health unit, replacing the regular class schedule for four days.

Upcoming Library Events

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EDT

Chester Public Library
r The library will be closed Wednesday, May 14, and Monday, May 26.
r Summer reading sign-ups begin at the end of June.
r The library is participating in the Robert and Karin Finlay Foundation membership challenge. The library, historical society and museum that increases its membership the most between now and Oct. 31 will be awarded $25,000. Residents of Chester who don't yet have a library card are encouraged to come in and sign up.

Pet sitting service makes leaving easier

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EDT

HAMPSTEAD — Simply leave on your holiday and put your pets' care in the good hands of Dawn Somers and Terry Taylor.
The two ladies take seriously the care of pets left in their homes and dependent upon their pet-sitting attention.

Julie Huss: You don't need a Golden Ticket to see 'Willy Wonka Jr.'

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EDT

It's almost time for that imaginary river of chocolate, a sea of Oompa Loompas, and a magical Golden Ticket to take the stage at the Adams Memorial Opera House in downtown Derry.
Beginning on May 9, Kids Coop Theatre presents "Willy Wonka, Jr." in six performances at the Opera House. The show is based on the classic book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," by Roald Dahl. The Kids Coop cast is made up of 47 students actors from all over the region who take on the roles of the colorful characters traveling through Wonka's spectacular candy factory, and learning valuable lessons along the way.

Crowning moments Six locals among those vying to be Miss New Hampshire

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EDT

DERRY — Twenty-two young women take the stage this weekend and hope to be crowned the new Miss New Hampshire.
The 62nd annual Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Competition is set for May 2-3 at Pinkerton Academy's Stockbridge Theatre. The curtain goes up both nights at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are now on sale.

Price of downtown rehab continues to rise Progress being made but it comes at a cost

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EDT

DERRY — The cost to improve Derry's downtown has topped $40,000 over the past year.
The town spent $3,000 on the three roundtable discussions last fall with a Concord-based consultant and is spending almost $40,000 on a marketing plan for the downtown. But $25,000 of that cost is coming from a state Department of Transportation grant through the Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission, according to Business Development Director Beth Thompson.

A little off the top Town Council trims proposed FY '09 budget by $150K

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EDT

DERRY — Town councilors have trimmed more than $150,000 from next year's proposed budget.
Last week, the Town Council held its final budget workshop where it made its final cuts to the budget before the May 20 meeting.

Giant killers Londonderry topples Salem for first time in more than a decade

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 05:44:00 EDT

SALEM — Even though it was a milestone for him, Londonderry coach Wayne MacDougall tried to downplay the April 25 4-2 victory over two-time defending Class L champion Salem.
Although it was his first win over Salem in 12 years as head coach, MacDougall stressed that "it's only April," and that it would be much more important later in the season.

Iraq veterans monument arrives in Derry

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 05:42:00 EDT

DERRY — It stands covered from top to bottom, waiting to be unveiled.
Derry's newest veterans monument was delivered to its new home in MacGregor Park last Friday morning and now stands ready to be presented to the public during a Memorial Day celebration on May 26. Special guests will include veterans, families and government officials. Gov. John Lynch is expected to attend.