Thanks to the wonderful men of the Fire Department

To the editor:
We would like to take this time to write a thank you to the wonderful men of the Berlin Fire Department. On Friday October 23, a fire broke out in a garage/ workshop that separates our property with that of Dave Rodriguez. The response time and professionalism of Gary, Pat, Jason, and Richard that day was unbelievable. The building was in a very difficult spot to access, but that didn't slow them down. Although there was considerable damage to the building and items inside we know that it could have been much worse had it not been for this wonderful team. Furthermore, I would like to add that the fire department as well as the police department, has their work cut out for them and witnessing first hand a fast paced situation like this, I would like to strongly caution those who like to "visit" these incidents. Stay out of the way of the hoses, trucks, officers, and firefighters. Crowding, gawking and trespassing is not what those experiencing a loss need to see. Have a heart and keep the drive-bys to a minimum.
Again Thank you guys.....
Renee & Mike Stewart and Dave Rodriguez

Renee & Mike Stewart and Dave Rodriguez

Berlin, N.H.

Class of 2013 sends a big thank you

To the editor:
BHS Freshman Class would like to send a big thank you to friends and family of the Berlin community for once again coming together for an awesome BHS Homecoming weekend. Whether you offered your time to chaperone the class while float construction or a local business donating a supply, we thank you!
Thank you to Brookfield Power Plant for allowing us to use your facility for float building. MS Martin & Son Trucking for the use of their truck and Carl Cote for driving our float and helping us to clean up the trailer.
We would especially like to thank our BHS Backers and our school sports programs for all the "behind" the scenes work and efforts to make Homecoming one of the best events at school.
We are looking forward to next year.
"Look out" upper classmates, we are planning for some new noise makers for the pep rally !
With much appreciation!

BHS Freshman Class of 2013

Thanks for supporting AVCF fundraiser

To the editor:
We would like to thank all of the people who came out to enjoy the hayride on Oct. 10. You helped us raise around $4,000, all the funds staying local. Thanks to our loyal volunteers: Casey Dowland, Rachelle Gilcris, Lynn and Dan Cotnoir, Claire Brasseur, Larry Gently, Nancy Fernandez, Jason Beaulieu,Shawna Hammond, Linda Combs, Bobby Platt, Jimmy Andrews, Brian Welsh, Frankie Edmonson, Lou Desmond, Vinnie Donato, Matt Carter, Spenser Bilodeau, Blake Donato, Chuckie, Dan and Celina Davenport, Mike Dugas, Brad Wilson, Crystal Berwick, Sean Brady, Michelle Domino, Bill Dunley, Nairi M., Angel Whitehouse, Nate Kibby, Steve Gohlke, Tyler Paine, Michelle Lutz, Roberta Peters, Nancy Loring, Trisha Fortier, Rick Demers,Dave and Ann Lutz, Mike Dupont, Gail Paradis, Rich Dailey, Kathy Corrigan, Crystal Lutz, Richard Lutz, Tonya, Roger Cloutier, Chuck Palmer, Doug Young, Smitty, The Glover Boys, Reagan, Diana Beckwith, Hollie Dube, Bonnie Lowry, Karen Payeur, Joele Losier, Hope Supry, Dave Rosati and family, Kelsey Peters, Dick Guay, Ray and Ann Bergeron, Rick and Barb Gohlke.
We also would like to apologize for the lack of a motorcycle show, due to unforeseen circumstances. If we have forgotten to mention anyone's name, we apologize. Thanks and hope to see you again next year.

AVCF Staff

Mime Rajmund Klechot thrilled his audience

To the editor:
I am writing to thank Mr. Rajmund Klechot and Mr. Benjamin Mayerson (Mr. Klechot's business partner) for the recent benefit performance at St. Barnabas. Mr. Klechot is a world-renowned silent actor, who thrilled the gathered audience! Many of us were on the edges of our seats as he captivated us with his performance. Mr. Klechot is available to offer his performance for other organizations in the area. I commend this opportunity to you. He has performed throughout the world, and we are blessed to have him here in the North Country! For more information, you can contact me at St. Barnabas - 752-3504.
Sincerely, and with thanks,
The Rev. Fran Gardner
Rector, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Berlin

Fran Gardner, Rector

Berlin, N.H.

Thanks for blankets for sheltered animals

To the editor:
The love for animals and the urge to help the community has brought these women together. Charlene Thompson who ie a member of the Community Services Center and employee of Top Furniture noticed an abundance of discontinued fabric squares. When thinking of a way to recycle them, a thought of animals immediately came to mind. A search within the community brought us to a lady named Diane Steckelburg. Diane graciously donated her time to assemble the squares and sewed them together into variety of size blankets for sheltered animals. Diane also passed along a name and a number of a lady named "Rusty" Gray a connection to the local North woods Animal Shelter. Rusty was very thankful to receive the blankets and encourages other community members to open their hearts or ideas to be creative and support some homeless four legged friends. Together we can show these animals what unconditional love is suppose to feel like "Warm and Cozy"
A special thank you to Diane for all her time spent on quilting these blankets and to Top Furniture for donating the fabric to make this project possible. For donations of any kind or to adopt a new fury family member please contact Rusty at the North Woods Animal Shelter at 370-2772. There are so many lives out there you can touch when you give a little of yourself. Whether it be your time, money, or simply open your heart and door to adopt one these wonderful furry friends. Its amazing the unconditional love you receive in return.
Sincerely

Charlene Thompson and Friends

Berlin

'Water everywhere and not a drop to drink'

To the editor:
This article, for any concerned citizens of any community USA, is a hypothetical scenario that could happen within your realm. This is a hypothetical account of how a region was robbed of it's most valuable natural resource. Any similarities to events, entities, and circumstances ( past or present ) is purely coincidental.
Suppose that you are now living (struggling) in a region that was once a vibrant manufacturing-based area where prosperity was obtainable...you know....the American Dream. The main employer in the region provided excellent wages and opportunities for anybody willing to apply for employment. Yes, times were good. Much was taken for granted during this era. The sense of entitlement became entrenched. All were fat and happy....there was no need to decipher the devil in the upcoming details. Then, the arrival of third world economies, terrorism, stock market crashes, corporate greed (here and abroad) surfaced...and a new economy emerged. A global realignment of wealth and work expectations emerged. Bang!
Now there are several game changers in play and this hypothetical region (maybe yours) is suffering and cannot sustain the way of life it has been accustomed to. To make matters worse, the region's largest employer has been beset by global economic competition woes and also a series of unscrupulous owners who have raped and pillaged this facility to the point where the entity is in total demise, bankrupt, and closed. People are unemployed and the region requires massive assistance from the state and federal level to survive....everyone is on their knees begging....no dignity left for the workforce and the region's citizens....the community, a region comprised of confused beggars and politicians willing to take any crumbs that fall from any savior's table. Then, along comes a “savior.” “Beware of strangers bearing gifts.”
The “savior” is well-heeled and adept at what they do best...”carpetbagging”. They realized that this region has a “gold mine” pertaining to the hydroelectric generating facilities that are included within the entity that they are going to benevolently save. The employee union and government officials (at local levels) are charmed and believe that good times are here again. Rumors persist that higher placed government officials are in collusion with this new savior while at least one other entity (one that has already spent “good faith” dollars to keep the facility from being destroyed by mother nature and wants to make an honest attempt at making this facility a world class operation ) is being railroaded. The company that has already ponied-up “good-faith” money to the tune of several million dollars is a company that has a core business of exactly what this community's facility is all about....and is wiling to make a serious commitment.....and so forth. However, the other company apparently made the right connections and got it done. Unfortunately, they are an energy company and financial conglomerate much akin to the honest folks on “Wall St.” with little or no real interest in revitalizing the core industry...only selling off assets that are immediately marketable. And so it goes....no big surprise....the hydroelectric facilities are immediately spun of, others assets are sold, and the death knell for the local industry was sounded...but not all heard the toll....at first anyway..the core industry's energy costs are now out of control...and the cost containment of these energy costs are paramount to ensure a chance of survival. To add insult to injury, this new “savior” figured out quite easily how to avoid paying taxes and contractual fees on these facilities. Taxes and other financial obligation were based on generation revenue to a great degree you see....so guess what...they just set up shell corporations and changed the name of this new energy entity (several times), they could just claim none or little profits and not have any payments to the region under this form of covenant...sweet! You see, if you sell electricity to yourself at no profit...you claim no profit....then you are free to sell it once again to the open market at a tidy profit...for a while...until a few sleepers in the region awake and take notice. Then, the company just pays up...and fast....without a fight....what a good neighbor. This type of graft occurred to a different and greater degree within the region depending upon what type of arrangement existed within each of the several generating facilities location. The best part is that this company is foreign owned.....so all that easy money goes abroad...while ripping off the region in which the gold is mined. Sweet! Hey, Mike Wallace from “60 Minutes”.....here is a good one for ya.
Now comes the challenge and it is a David vs. Goliath situation to say the least. It would be so nice and easy if this region existed within the borders of Saudi Arabia or Venezuela. For you see, these countries got tired of being raped by the American oil companies and just picked up the phone one day and told the greedy oil companies “ you do not own these facilities within our border anymore....they have now been nationalized.... .but if you want to manage and run these facilities under our rules...and for a contracted price....we will allow this...otherwise....get out of town completely.... from now own....we keep the lion's share of this resource that is on our land.” Unfortunately, our federal government would not allow a municipality or state to enact this type of action. However, there may be several other beneficial avenues that could be explored.
Reverting back now to this hypothetical community: Possibly it's elected politicians might consider undertaking the challenge which would be far greater than scrutinizing line-item city department budgets (this is and always will be important...but possibly mere pocket change compared to what is being stolen regarding foreign ownership and profits from this region's existing gold mine). There is water everywhere and not a drop to drink.....what a precious resource to waste in an economic desert! Surely an agenda to explore how to recoup revenues pertaining to what is being stolen from this community can become a priority. Oh yes, it might cost a fortune in legal fees. This community may balk at such a massive and expensive undertaking....but what would be the potential rewards for this community be in the future? Possibly the ability to have manufacturing industries knocking at it's door because of feasible energy costs? Possibly uncovering other devious methods that have been utilized to skirt payments by this foreign carpetbagger that result in recouping more that is potentially owed? Possibly seeking assistance from state and federal government agencies to see what really transpired and what now can be done? The economic situation in this country has hit critical mass and the upheaval and ramifications are about begin to play out via the masses. This hypothetical community could set a precedent regarding this situation and be one the first to take down the “America for Sale” sign.....others will follow...and the politicians will get it.
The politicians within this hypothetical community / region would be remiss to ignore this elephant in the room any longer. Elephants are large and formidable creatures.....very intimidating and always up to the challenge. However, they can be consumed entirely as can all other creatures....one bite at a time.
Regarding this hypothetical scenario of how a community was deceived, raped, and deprived of possible future economic opportunities: Water everywhere and not a drop to drink....could this happen here? We think not.....Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Tom Boutin

Berlin

Desiree Corbeil fundraiser a success

To the editor:
We would like to thank the community for coming together with such love and support for the recent fundraiser held at the White Mountain Chalet on behalf of Desiree Corbeil.
First and foremost, all our dear friends and relatives who generously gave of their special time to plan, organize, approach businesses for donations and set up the entire benefit dance and silent auction. Thank you to: Marcella, Kristine, Lise, Nancy, Claire, Kelly, Heather, Marian, Jill , Ashley and Anne. With all of your perseverance and determination the event could not have had a better outcome. We are grateful and you will forever hold a special place in our hearts. A special thank you to Paul Houle for the time & coordination of getting all the bands together and contributing band equipment for this special event. The event couldn’t of been done so gracefully without all your effort and talent. Also thank you to Paul D., Elvis and Jody for all your help with the equipment.
We would like to acknowledge and thank the following businesses who contributed towards the silent auction and /or individual donations: 7th St. Graphics; Altitude Sports; Androscoggin Country Club; Aubuchon Hardware; Bowling Ctr/Big Scoop; Brown St. Furniture; Caron Building Ctr; Cheryl's Nails; Crabby Jacks; Creative Threads; David Lee Mountain; Deckers Garage; Dr. Krysman; Dunkin Donuts; Flowers by Reagan; Gills Flower Shop; Gorham Hardware; Gorham House Florist; Gosselins Hot Tubs; Great North Woods Container Service; Greetings Jewelers; Hair by Dena; Hair Improvements; Hair Zone; IGA; Inner Glimpse; Jay’s Quick Lube; Jen’s Hair Care; Kaiboo; Libby’s Bistro; Mane Relections; Marian's Massage; Mary’s Pizza; Maureens; Middle Earth; Milan Luncheonette; Morin’s Shoe; Mt Madison Motel; Nickie's; North Country Dental; North Woods Rafting; Northland Dairy Bar; Pat’s Auto Sales; Pilgram Furniture; Qiznos; Renee's Creation; Route 12V; Royalty Athletic Club; Rudy’s Market; Rumorz; Saladinos; Scoggins; Sinibaldis/Millyard; Skinplicity; T&C Motor Inn; The Beauty Room; Top Furniture; Tractor Supply; Walmart; Yokohama.
If there are any businesses that we have forgotten to mention, our apologies.
Desiree is home and doing great! Her transplant was a gift that we will forever cherish. Organ donation gave our daughter a second chance at life and we would urge everyone to seriously give thought to organ donation and passing on the gift of life. The love and support that you have all shown us in these challenging times will never be forgotten. God Bless You All!

Desiree Corbeil and Family

Why I support Clean Power

To the editor:
Clean Power has been surprisingly sensitive and responsive to Berlin’s needs in their operational stategy. Whether that’s due to social conscience, good business policy or both, I can’t tell. Nevertheless, they’re doing it right.
Laidlaw, on the other hand, has a poor track record, its proposal unwanted by a great many, its interest propped up by PR and shills.
So, why is PSNH taking sides, signing a contract with Laidlaw and refusing Clean Power the same, and in doing so,defying not only reason but two N.H. Statutes,laws designed to protect us, the consumers.
By law, PSNH is a non-competitive,forbidden to compete or influence other providers.Yet, its doing just that!
It also has to purchase electricity at the lowest cost and Clean Power’s offer is 5% less than going rate.
What the deal here?
Unfortunately , my psychic hotline is down and I had to rely on real information from various studies and sources, and connect the dots to uncover an explanation .
This is it- the ‘Speculation”.
First, a little background. PSNH is regulated to protect us (think Wall Street or Too Big To Fail). That’s an inconvenience to any company seeking to crush or absorb its competitors, seeking to monopolize and increase its market share. Note that our electric rates are the Nation’s sixth highest due to past ambitious “mistakes”. Remember CWIP?
The Story?
Imagine PSNH whispering in Laidlaw’s ear: ‘ We could be great dance partners, you & I. I want a biomass plant in Berlin but the law says, No,I need a back door, an understanding with you,say, a first option to buy. And for you, a sweet deal! Frankly, you know your outfit’s a little light, smoke& mirrors, fluffy.
You need investors to support your PR and to get financing. Our backing will assure viability and a measure of security-they’ll be flocking to you.
And you have another problem. Clean Power is ahead in the ISO queue. If they go in, you’re history. WE can help you there.
Together, we can make a bundle.
How ‘bout it?”
Imagine that’s the case, and the Laidlaw Thing ,a reality.
What happens?
Well, the 60MW size Thing creates a new set of problems....for us.
Transmission capacity isn’t there to move out the electricity, new or upgraded lines are required . Very expensive but that’s good ....for PSNH. You see the State guarantees a 9.75% return on capital investment meaning you pay for it all and they own it. Now, assume PSNH eventually picks up the Thing for, say, $300 million. Same return in play. Guess who pays,who keeps it?
Ah! You’re ahead of me!
But there’s more.
The Thing requires 700,000-750,000 tons of chips, our region’s capacity is 600,000 tons. Wether sawlog or veneer quality wood is utilized, or its trucked from outside to make up the difference,the price of chips will go up. Yours too! Furthermore,one method or the other, this region will experience the same landscaping skills exhibited by Dillon Logging in Success and other places. Just in time to impact our recreational and tourism opportunities.
And,more.
Higher chip prices will likely cause closure of three marginal renewable energy providers nearby, a potential loss of 80 jobs. But, hey, PSNH will be rid of those annoying competitors and add value to their portfolio. Humm!
Thinking of pesky competitors. The refusal to contract with Clean Power is a transparent attempt to delay (delays causes financing difficulties, scares investors, etc.) and remove CP from the ISO queue-the road clear for Laidlaw, and a competitor gone, didn’t even get out of the gate. Delightfully evil!
Sorry,one more.
Higher chip prices adversely impact pulp mills in Canada and Maine (Rumford, Jay,....) that rely on northern N.H. chips. Higher pulp prices are no friend to Cascade Mill and its employees.
Jobs???
Some conveniently forget that Clean Power will provide jobs and other benefits without endangering other job bases, without higher electric prices, without scarring our forests and our City, our future!
What’s going on here? Whose interests are being served?
What’s that smell?

Richard Poulin

Berlin, N.H.

Opportunity is knocking at our door

To the editor:
Very basically, the City's operating budget divided by the current valuation of all property tax paying properties gives us a tax rate for the year.
The City's operating budget has to be funded. Our Budget also suffers from "budget creep" often caused by factors beyond our control. Unless we increase revenue, keeping a flat tax rate is unsustainable unless we cut services to at least offset this "budget creep".
The private homeowner cannot continue to shoulder the bulk of this budget burden with no end in sight.
Borrowing against the future is not a good solution either. We need to" increase sales". Unfortunately, the only product that we have to sell is property tax.
We have a very real opportunity right now to add significantly to our commercial / Industrial property tax base, in the form of the Clean Power Project, the Laidlaw Project, and others that may be waiting in the wings. $3 million, or more in added revenue without a significant increase in demand for services is a good thing. The added employment opportunities to be derived from these two projects is a good thing.
I don't agree with the notion that manufacturing is dead in this country, or in our City. We are known to have a hard working, multi-talented and creative work force that wants to be part of something. Berlin is the economic anchor to the entire Northern Tier of New Hampshire. Berlin always has been an industrial city... It will continue to be an industrial city... the difference will be in the products produced... Renewable Energy Production is one product in which we can take the lead and be proud of it. There are more waiting in the wings, waiting to see what we are going to do.
Paul Grenier, Mike Rozek, Bob Danderson, Bev. Ingersoll, "GET IT."
Let's help these new ventures succeed. Vote for them on Tuesday Nov. 3
Paul Cusson
Berlin .

Paul Cusson

Berlin

Why Do I Support Laidlaw?

I agree with the City Council when they say Laidlaw isn’t a “good” project for Berlin … it’s a terrific project for Berlin!
Laidlaw has bought the abandoned debris-ridden “brownfield” paper mill site; they will recycle it into one of the cleanest, state-of-the-art, green energy, biomass energy plants in the country. They will clean up our mess. In that process, they will spend over $100,000,000 to build the plant, landscape the site and rejuvenate the existing central boiler. To see what their plans look like, check the website www.homelandlaidlaw.com. Laidlaw will succeed because it has the distinct advantage of an existing high-quality boiler that can be converted at a fraction of the cost of new. That advantage is what brought Laidlaw to Berlin, and we are fortunate to have that edge. This plant, once built, will be one of the four largest tax payers in the city (they are paying $100,000 a year already), it will employ forty people with full benefits, and will spend over $20,000,000 in the North Country buying wood. Bear in mind that in the last four years, four paper mills have closed in this region. They used a total of 1,400,000 tons of wood, and not one of them closed because of a fiber shortage. Laidlaw will use 700,000 tons, half of previous usage, and no new plants have been built since the paper mills closed.
The Laidlaw site is 62 acres. They will use only a portion of it, and they want to work to bring in other businesses to create that mixed-use economy the city wants. Their waste product is heat, a great problem to have up here. They already have in place a signed agreement to supply the Cascade mill with hot water through the existing pipelines from Laidlaw to the mill. They have an agreement in terms with PSNH to sell them power. They are not asking the city to fight their battles, they are only asking the city not to fight with them.
The Council needs a balance to look at the tremendous merits of this project with a collective, open mind. Next Tuesday is a very important opportunity to achieve that balance through our votes. I enthusiastically endorse Paul Grenier for Mayor; and in my ward, I fully support Bob Danderson. In your wards, please think about the choices you have and vote to make the Council a fair and open-minded body that represents us well.
If the Council will give this project the unbiased assessment it deserves, there is no question they will support a project that is so terrific for Berlin.
Barry Kelley
Berlin, NH

Barry Kelley

Berlin