On the Exchange this morning, Laidlaw lacky Charlie Bass said that Laidlaw is the best that Berlin can hope for. Tells you what he thinks of the North Country, doesn't it? He also said that Laidlaw connecting to the grid "will not be a problem." Wonder what drugs he's on?
I'm listening to NHPR's the Exchange talk about the North Country and it occurs to me that there is a perception gap between north and south that makes Tuckerman's look like a crack in the sidewalk. If Coos County spent on promotion half of what Charlie Bass gets to promote Laidlaw, we'd create a whole lot more than 40 jobs.
This is yet another "shareholder update" from Laidlaw trying to reassure investors that nothing is wrong. Needless to say, it doesn't mention the fact that the new city council is against the project, and it totally dismisses the challenge of getting onto the transmission system. Lets see whether the local paper includes those troubling facts.
After a week without a laptop, I'm catching up on my blogging. My apologies first to Allen Waters who definitely gets his 10 points for correctly identifying the photo of the Dead River. And Sarah, I'll also admit that I am a total novice when it comes to mountains and that it is very likely that those are some other president than Washington. I've spent 55 years being an ocean girl, never really carrying much for lakes and mountains. Then I discovered Coos County and have been smitten ever since. Anyone want to rent a nice house on the NH Seacoast?
Seriously, there is nothing more beautiful than to watch spring come in the mountains... the snow on the highest peaks, the power of the runoff on the Androscoggin, the daffodils and forsythia popping out everywhere, the streams that appear for just a few weeks. I see similar signs of renewal and rebirth around the city of Berlin. Houses repainted, stores changing hands and getting a face lift, more young families out walking and running on a Saturday morning.
Another sign of progress was the the final recommendations and recommendations being accepted by the Coos County Economic Action Plan Steering Committee on Monday. This far reaching project will ultimately shape the future of the county, and its great to see it moving forward. (In the interest of transparency, I served on the Creative and Knowledge Economy TRC)
So welcome Spring in Berlin.
Twice in the last few days I've been delighted to discover pockets of heart stopping beauty within a few blocks of our office. Here's one: 
and here''s the other:
Ten points to the first person to get both locations correct. 
Now that the snow is melting and you can see the expanse of land that is the Burgess Mill site, I thought it would be a good idea to let people see what the fuss is all about .
Here's the site today:
You can't see the actual plant that is at the heart of the controversy but this is what it looks like:
Directly across the street is this:
And its right next door to this:
So my question is. Is this really an appropriate place to put a power plant, a ton of heavy duty transmission lines, and a large wall to keep everyone out? Or should this be a mixed-use , pedestrian friendly business and recreational site. You be the judge.
It was another gorgeous day in paradise today. Started this morning with a really nice 3 + mile run up one side of the river and down the other. Past the lovely plot of land (aka the old mill site) which will, we hope, someday house a thriving mixed-use business development. Over the foot bridge always with Mtn Washington in sight. As I looked down the river, I could only wish that the one wretched tower wasn't there to mar the skyline. When WILL the town wake up the fact that THIS
is what the area has to offer. And views like this (sans smokestack)
will attract thousands of people and create hundreds more jobs that the lousy 40 that Laidlaw says it will bring. And the creative and knowledge workers that views like this will attract will result in a far more sustainable, healthy, and planet friendly place that a noisy power plant that requires hundreds of trucks burning gallons of diesel fuel every day. Citizens of Berlin, take your city back! Write letters to the Mayor, the city council, the Governor and the local papers. Tell them how you feel. We know the Carsey institute study said you were optimistic. But what did you see in your future. More trucks, more noise, more pollution and more transmission lines? Or more of what greeted me this morning – clean air, glorious water, stunning mountains and a one-of-a-kind community.
The first Folk Music Friday (sponsored by KDPaine & Partners) at St. Kieran's took place last night and it was a truly magical evening. Cosy Sheridan, TR Richie and Kent Allyn played at St Kierans, and the music was as great as the setting. Click here for photos.
The night was very much a dream come true for me, since I've known and admired Cosy for years and having her come to my new home town was truly special. She AND her mother now share my enthusiasm for Berlin.
Then this morning, the forecasted rainy day never materialized and instead I was treated to a glorious morning run, that incl
uded this:
No wonder we love it up here. Great music, great runs, great views.
Check out the new art exhibit, Art Teachers and Students that just opened at St. Kierans. The exhibition features the works of North Country master artists Andre Belanger, Michael Eastman, Fran Greenwood, O'Brien Murphy, and Roland Simard and the works of over forty of their art students. The reception offers the opportunity to view the exhibition and meet with the artists while enjoying light refreshments. This exhibition was designed to showcase North Country master artists which make their living in the arts by producing, selling and teaching art, and their selected students. Many North Country artists' first introduction to the arts was through the public school system under the late, nationally recognized Robert Hughes. Hughes' art will be recognized at the opening. Several of the master artists studied under Hughes. Art Teachers and Students features an eclectic media mix from scratchboard art, pigmented pulp paper, acrylics, oils, pen and pencil, watercolor, color pencil, and pastels, to markers. Ages of the student artists range from age 8 to the twilight years.
The exhibition will show from April 10th through May 30th.
Many of the pieces in the exhibition are available for sale following the close of the exhibition. Upcoming Exhibitions in the 2008 Art Series include The BIG ART show, from June 6 to July 25 celebrates artists who create large format pieces and who often have difficulty showing in smaller galleries, but whose work will show particularly well in the large exhibit space at the Arts Center. A Group Show in Mixed Media is scheduled from September 5 to October 17, followed by the return of the North Country Quilt Show on October 24-25, which featured over 160 quilts from throughout the region in 2006. The Art Series concludes its first year with an historic photographic exhibit entitled, Winter and Remembering Nansen Ski Jumping from November 6 to December 24. Exhibits are open for viewing during regular business hours Monday through Friday, an hour before all performing arts programs and by special arrangement. There is no admission fee but donations to support the exhibit series are most welcome and greatly appreciated.
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