Jul312010

Operator Drives Blind on 93

By Jacklynn Weeks | July 31, 2010 | Posted in Around Town, Fire & Police Logs | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

Police Log for 07/15/10 – 07/21/10

During this week of police logs, Londonderry Police assisted New Hampshire State Police on more than one occasion. The first happened on July 17, at about 9:09 AM, NHSP asked Londonderry officers to check a royal blue pick up truck. According to the log, the “operator is driving with his eyes closed.”

Londonderry Police also assisted State Police earlier in the morning on July 17. At about 12:52 AM, officers helped NHSP with a “Felony Stop and provided backup for their subsequent on-scene investigation.” Prior to the stop, the Carroll Police Department put out a BOLO on a green, 1999 Saab 93. The vehicle had reportedly left the Twin Mountain area, traveling to Derry, with two males and one female inside. Carroll Police were requesting “a stop and hold, the subjects in the vehicle threatened someone with a loaded glock.”

After following a car straddling two lanes, Sergeant Adam Dyer stopped a motor vehicle on Nashua Road about about 1:35 AM on July 18. Assisted by Officer Nicholas Pinardi, Dyer made two arrests that night. The passenger was arrested first, cooperated with police, and was charged with underage drinking. The driver, however, began fighting with the officers, using techniques that are common to ground fighting and Mixed Martial Arts. After a long struggle, in which officers were fighting with the young man on the ground, hitting him with a baton, and threatening the use of pepper spray, the young man was taken into custody. To read the full story about this arrest, go to Londonderry Police Fight “Martial Artist” During Arrest.

Each week, Londonderry Hometown Online News will publish the police logs for your review. We will also pick the most interesting of the stories. If there are any that you found interesting or funny and think they should be in the top three, feel free to contact us.

While we also create original stories from information in the police log and other sources, we offer you nearly the entire Londonderry police blotter! At times we remove small pieces of information like phone numbers or obscene language. When other media outlets only provide their “Selections” from the log, if you select “read more” you select what interests you in Londonderry.

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By Jacklynn Weeks | Posted in Around Town, Fire & Police Logs | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)
Jul312010

Annual Balloon Festival is Back!

By admin | July 31, 2010 | Posted in Minutes from Home | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

60 minutes from home, Londonderry New HampshireA weekend of sights, sounds and all the colors of the rainbow right in the middle of summer! Even more dramatic since this event is set on the banks of the Suncook River. It is not unusual for the pilots to take a morning dip in the still waters of the river at sunrise. Believe it or not passengers are happy to join them in this morning dunk in the river! Taking off at sunrise, since the air is still at that time, these hot air balloons often drift over the river. Dropping as close as they can to the water, the natural wicker baskets often “go under” for a moment. Clearly a demonstration of the skill these pilots have in controlling the lighter than air aircraft.

Like Old Home Day in Londonderry, this Balloon Festival brings visitors from all over New England to this small town. It is a great event for the entire family plus the local companies and organizations depend on visitors for revenue from this event. The Balloon Festival includes rides, food, hot air balloon rides, helicopter rides around the Pittsfield area, fireworks and of course the launching of the hot air balloons which occurs Friday evening, Saturday morning, Saturday evening, and Sunday morning most years (weather permitting). Wind plays a major factor in deciding if the hot air balloons will be allowed to launch. Even the smallest amount of wind can ground the balloons. Whether to launch the Hot Air Balloons or not is sometimes decided minutes before the scheduled launch of the balloons.

Dates and Times:
Friday – August 6, 2010: 4:00pm – 11:00pm
Saturday – August 7, 2010: 5:30am – 11:00pm
Sunday – August 8, 2010: 5:30am – 10:00am

Location:
Drake Field Pittsfield New Hampshire

Fees:
Entrance: FREE ($5.00 suggested donation)
Parking: FREE
Shuttles between parking lots and field: $1/Person (Each Ride)
Food, Beverages, Carnival Amusements, Helicopter Rides, & Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides all have separate charges.

Rules:
No smoking, no pets (due to food being served). Bags, coolers, backpacks and other containers except for childcare and medical needs are not allowed. No cans, glass, alcohol, skateboards, bikes or weapons are allowed. All bags subject to inspection.

Hot Air Balloon Launch Schedule:
Friday: 5:00 – 6:00 pm Afternoon Hot Air Balloon Liftoff
Saturday: 5:30 – 6:00 am Dawn Hot Air Balloon Liftoff
Saturday: 5:00 – 6:00 pm Afternoon Hot Air Balloon Liftoff
Saturday: 8:30 pm Night Glow (Hot Air Balloons Light Up On Ground, No Launch)
Sunday: 5:30 – 6:00 am Dawn Farewell Mass Ascension Balloon Liftoff

Also this year, a Blues Brothers Tribute Concert featuring Soulhouse 7 will begin at 7 PM Friday evening. Live music will also be played on the main stage beginning at 3 PM Saturday. Kites Over NE Giant Kite Fly will run from 10 AM until 2 PM Saturday. Don’t miss the amazing fireworks show Saturday night!

For a complete schedule, click here. To find out more about the Pittsfield Balloon Rally, visit this website.

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By admin | Posted in Minutes from Home | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)
Jul312010

Henry Nordase, 49 Missing with urgent medical needs

By Cynthia Caron | July 31, 2010 | Posted in Alert | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Henry Nodarse, is 49 years old and he went missing after his appointment Thursday morning, July 29th, at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Center on Nashua Street in Boston, Ma. His wife, family and friends are very worried and ask the public to please help look for Henry.

Henry is in rehab due to a traumatic brain injury and a stroke that he recently suffered. It’s possible he could be confused or disoriented.
Described as 6′ 2″ tall and weights 220 pounds, with hazel eyes and brown hair.
Last seen wearing a gray T-shirt, black shorts, and white sneakers.

If seen, please immediately call 911 or the detectives working on his case at 617-343-4248.

Please note. While Henry is missing in the Boston area, I felt it important to post in case anyone is working or traveling in the Boston area to please keep a look out for Henry.

www.lostnmissing.com LostNMissing, Inc. is a state and federally recognized 501c(3) Non-Profit charitable organization to assist the families of missing. We strive to help prevent loved ones from going missing and to bring awareness of those who are, by providing support to families while educating others. We work with various law enforcement agencies across the country, on behalf of families of missing, and help to bring awareness via community workshops, media, internet and social networking for missing loved ones. We never charge a fee for our services.

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By Cynthia Caron | Posted in Alert | Tagged , , | Comments (0)
Jul312010

Qpon

By EJ Lee | July 31, 2010 | Posted in Columns | Tagged , | Comments (0)

This week we’re going to do something a bit new.  I was asked to review a short film made by Daniel Dayclan, a local high-schooler!  He is premiering his film this Thursday (the 5th) at 7pm and again at 8:30 pm on the Londonderry Commons.

As anybody who’s ever had to make a group video for some High School project knows, it’s more difficult than you’d think to make a decent movie.  Therefore I was very impressed by the quality of Daniel’s movie.  The story is simple but effective:  Joey Gambini finds a “Qpon” book at the bus station and takes it to his friends and suggests they use it to go out for discounted burgers.  But the trio is intercepted by Bad Guys, who demand that they hand over the book.  Much fighting follows.  Simple but fun, and with a few more twists that I don’t want to spoil for you.  Joey is played by Daniel himself, with his friends Vinny, played by Nick Shilling, and Tony Bazongas, played by Dave Roberts.

The fight scenes are one of the great strengths of this film.  They are expertly edited with lots of jumping around and different shots to keep the scenes moving and the viewer on edge.  It’s obvious that a lot of work went into both choreographing the fighting, and planning the shots in order to make the scenes flow.

Another thing that really stood out to me was the sound effects.  A lot of people don’t realize that every sound they hear in a movie, from the opening of a door to an explosion, are all added in during post-production.  Great care was taken here to do the same, which really enhances the professional quality of this film.  Sound effects are extremely important to any film, and in this one they make it much more fun to watch.

In addition to sound quality, the video itself was also made with great care.  The scenes are all shot extremely well; a product of what must have been rigorous pre-planning and story-boarding.  The locations are local and well chosen.  The climax set at sunset on the top of the West Field hills looks as good as any final scene in any action film you’ve seen in theaters recently.  Daniel, who also edited in addition to directing and starring in the film, enhances the colors of the fight scenes in post-production, giving them a vibrant and almost fantastical quality.

In short, this is a very well made film, especially for a group of high schoolers.  I’d suggest that you go to the premier to see it for yourself!  It’s on Thursday, August 5th at 7pm and again at 8:30 pm on the Londonderry Commons.  Free DVDs will be available at the screening to anybody who wants one, and there will even be free pizza provided by the local Pizza World restaurant!  So come out to support the cast and crew, and enjoy a fun night!

My Londonderry NH net rating, 4 apples.

Visit the “Qpon” website to view the trailer!

(As you can see, we’ve changed the Rating icon from seeds to apples, because lots of people were getting confused about whether I rate films out of 4 or 5.  It’s out of 4, and hopefully that will be more clear with this new icon, which was created by Andy Lee!)

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By EJ Lee | Posted in Columns | Tagged , | Comments (0)
Jul302010

Forestry Responds to Forest Fire on Forest Street

By Jacklynn Weeks | July 30, 2010 | Posted in Around Town, Fire & Police Logs | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Due to quick action by both residents and firefighters, a fire on Forest Street in Londonderry was extinguished before any real harm could be done. The call came in at about 12:48 PM yesterday afternoon, Thursday July 29th, reporting the brush fire. A passerby had noticed smoke in the area, called a neighbor, who then called the resident. The resident’s son ran out and began spraying the area with a garden hose while she called the Fire Department. Londonderry Fire responded immediately, along with Derry Fire, as the fire was reported to be on the town line.

While en route, responders were told that the fire was very close to some propane tanks, as well as the houses in the area. When firefighters arrived, they found a 50 by 100 foot area of burning brush and woods. They were able to extinguish the fire by 1:19 PM, just moments before it would have reached the propane tank. According to Londonderry Fire Inspector Brian Johnson, the fire came within a foot of the propane tank and within inches of a neighbor’s shed before it was extinguished.

Firefighters did have some difficulty ensuring the fire would remain out due to the recent dry weather and thickly wooded location. Londonderry Fire remained on scene until just after 2 PM, doing an extensive overhaul of the area. The overhaul included digging down about one foot and soaking the debris with water.

Brian Johnson believes the fire may have been smoldering for a few days before catching. He also believes that it may have been caused by kids playing in the woods or the careless discard of a burning material. He warns residents that the fire danger has been very high lately, and that the lack of rain has caused everything to be dry. He asks that everyone be aware of kids playing in the woods, and to always extinguish cigarettes or other burning substances completely.

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By Jacklynn Weeks | Posted in Around Town, Fire & Police Logs | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)
Jul302010

African Puppy Scam, Details Revealed

By Jacklynn Weeks | July 30, 2010 | Posted in Alert, Around Town | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

Just about two months ago, Londonderry Hometown Online News received an email asking for help. Two Yorkie puppies needed a new home due to a move the family was making. The family was unable to take the dogs with them, and, wanting a good home for their precious pooches, asked us to publish an ad for the dogs. The family was also willing to provide us with a credit card number in which the fee for the ad could be charged to.

Following a run of successful stories that found homes for dogs we thought why not.  Our assumption was it must be another Londonderry family in need.

FREE TO GOOD HOME,2 YORKIE PUPPIES RE-HOMING, AKC REG, CONTACT THE OWNER VIA EMAIL FOR MORE DETAILS AT: name_removed@gmail.com

We emailed back to ask if photos were available, the were sent within moments of asking.

“I suspect this is a scam. I contacted the owner only to find out that the “puppies” are in Africa and if I send them money, they’ll ship them to me. Be wary,” said the commenter.  The commenter also thought it was a valid opportunity to help.  She was disappointed finding out it was clearly a scam.

After sending an email thanking the reader, we requested a copy of the email she had received from the Yorkies’ “owner.” We also emailed the owner to see what response we would receive. Both the email we received, and the reader’s email, were identical, both asked for money, and both stated the family was on a “missionary trip to West Africa.”  A email from our news address went unanswered, it was clear they knew we were on to them.

Immediately after we received the comment alerting us to the scam, we removed the story from the site. Through further contact with the reader, it was brought to our attention that there were several suspicions to the story. “A few things that gave me a pause what his claim to their ages and size,” wrote the reader. “The one with the raised ears is no way 14 weeks old, nor are they that size. The ears wouldn’t be standing up at that age, and also the gray coming in on the chest wouldn’t be occurring that early. That same one is said to be a male, but has a barrette in it’s hair. Strange. Also, if they’re only 14 weeks old, and can’t be released from their mother until 8 weeks, am I to believe that within 6 weeks, they’ve traveled to Africa, set up their mission, and have determined that it’s too hot.”

Just this week, New Hampshire’s Attorney General Michael A. Delaney, released a warning regarding a very similar story.

In the warning, he stated that “The advertisement instructs prospective buyers to wire money in advance and refers them to a money wiring service such as Western Union or Money Gram. In other cases, the scammer sends a check or money order to the victim in advance to cover shipping or insurance costs. They typically send too much money and instruct the victim to forward the overpayment by wire transfer. Of course, their method of payment turns out to be fake, which the consumer only discovers after wiring the money to the scammer. When the puppy is not delivered, the buyer discovers he/she has been scammed and all attempts to contact the seller are unsuccessful. In the latest incarnation of this scam, the dog owner claims to be a missionary serving in Africa.”

Also included in the statement was the following advice to help protect the public against future scams:

  • Wiring money is like sending cash. Never wire money or give your account information to anyone unless you are absolutely sure you want that person or company to have it. Purchases online should be made via methods that offer fraud protection.
  • Know the person with whom you are dealing and independently confirm your seller’s name, address, and telephone number. Ask for and verify references.
  • Resist pressure to “act now.” If an offer sounds too good to be true it usually is.
  • Check to make sure there are no scam alerts issued against the seller. You can search for that information on the internet, or by contacting the Federal Trade Commission or this Office at the e-mail address or websites shown below.
  • Trust your instincts. If you do not feel comfortable with the seller or with the suggested arrangements, walk away from any further dealings with that person or company.
  • If the seller wants you to use a service you have not heard of, be sure to check it out for reliability – check its website, call its customer service hotline, and read its terms of agreement and privacy policy. If you do not feel comfortable with the service, do not use it.
  • Simply because an advertisement is in a legitimate media outlet – like the local newspaper or radio station – does not guarantee that the company placing it is trustworthy.
  • You should always ask to talk with the seller’s veterinarian prior to purchasing a puppy.

If you’ve responded to “puppy scam” via email, please forward the email to the Federal Trade Commission at spam(at symbol)uce.gov and notify the Internet Fraud Complaint Center. Also, if you have doubts about the legitimacy of an advertisement, call the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau at 603-271-3641 or 1-888-468-4454. For more information on consumer fraud, visit the Bureau’s website.

Be sure to read Londonderry Hometown Online News’ original ad for the puppies, as well as the email that was sent by the Yorkies’ “owner” by clicking Read More.

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By Jacklynn Weeks | Posted in Alert, Around Town | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)
Jul302010

Fratellos Fantastic !

By Fat Phantom | July 30, 2010 | Posted in Around Town, Columns | Tagged , | Comments (7)

Phantom has been on a quest to find just the right comfort food and it appears Phantom prefers ‘Italian’ food as his comfort of choice.  Must be to that good Irish-American up-bringing that had cans labeled “Chef” something or other as true Italian food.  Is it fact or fiction that Spaghetti-O’s will last forever in that can.

After three recent visits to Italian eateries, the wonderful Caberras to the awful Olive Garden Phantom took a suggestion from a reader and made a visit to Fratellos in Manchester.  This will be our second to last stop on the Italian food tour as Mrs. Phantom has suggested other options for out next night out after we visit a spot in down town Derry another reader suggested.

Fratellos is located in the northern end of the Mill Yard in Manchester (easiest to get to off the Amoskeag Bridge exit of I-293 to Canal St. off ramp).  As with most of the businesses in the mill Fratellos was crafted into a red-brick building with exposed beams.  Located on several levels including an out-door eating area Phantom and guests were warmly welcomed and escorted to our table.  On a busy mid-week night the restaurant was hosting several large groups and families.  Busy was the outdoor seating area with several parties enjoying the warm evening air.  Fratellos might not be the place for an intimate dinner for two, but the otherwise roomy restaurant welcomes all.

Our server who promptly greeted us and took a drink order (who used no note pad the entire night for any party he served.  I love it when they can do that).  We ordered simple appetizers.  Bowls of soup and salads were delivered to our table in literally 30 seconds.  Not rushed, just simply efficient service.

The house garden salad was fresh and cold and including a little hot-pepper none of has the guts to try.  The Sicilian Sausage Soup was divine.  Chunks of sweet sausage in a tomato based broth with spinach, rice, and a pinch of red-pepper flakes to balance it out.

What entrees did Phantom and party order, what about dessert?

Click below to follow the rest of the review and of course can you guess how many forks Phantom awarded Fratellos ??

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By Fat Phantom | Posted in Around Town, Columns | Tagged , | Comments (7)
Jul292010

Family History Day, Boston, 16 October 2010

By Heather Rojo | July 29, 2010 | Posted in Around Town | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

NEHGS and Ancestry.com announce their second Family History Day on Saturday, October 16th at the Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center Boston. If you ever wanted to visit Boston at the height of the autumn foliage season, this is the event for you!

The registration fee for this all day event is $38. You can register online.

I attended the last Family History Day in February 2010, and I was impressed with all the classes I attended, the people I met, my private consultation and the vendors. Again, Ancestry.com will be providing free large scale document scanning, and the famously talented NEHGS staff will be providing private fifteen minute consultations for just an additional $5, preregistration required.

Some of the workshops (final class schedule will be posted in September) will include topics such as:

Organizing Your Family Tree
Researching Your New England Ancestors
Finding your Family in Immigration Records
Discovering the New England Historic Genealogical Society
Getting the most out of your Ancestry.com membership

For more information see the website (also for Hotel discounts and transportation links)

http://www.ancestry.com/bostonfamilyhistoryday
Questions? Email info@familyhistoryday.com

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By Heather Rojo | Posted in Around Town | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)
Jul292010

What’s a King to Do

By Jim Loiselle | July 29, 2010 | Posted in Columns | Tagged , , , , | Comments (10)

Politricks was the sport of choice this hot summer season in the parched and dry Kingdom.

The Kings master plan and final attempt to take control of the once fair Kingdom was stopped not by the humble serfs nor by the the committee he and his King friends and the local broad sheet engineered, but by the power of a single word. A simple word ingrained in the conscience of every humble over-taxed serf in the kingdom. A word that every school-aged child in the kingdom knows. A word feared by dictators and despots the world around.

Democracy.

The latest secret backdoor plan was to take control of the spending and taxation of the lovely land. The King, his underworld allies, and the local pennysaver, had cringed over the ability of the lowly serfs to question his rule, his will, and his desires. For years the once prosperous Kingdom had been overtaxed as support for his personal spending projects had driven the kingdom to the brink of bankruptcy.

The Serfs, the little people of LondonderryQuestions are the last things the King ever wanted to answer. How dare the peasants, the little people, question his rule. But time and time again the residents of the kingdom stood up and asked the tough questions. They demanded answers and accountability. What they got were secret plans and his royal disdain for having to answer their questions in public. Most of all, he cringed when the little people actually changed his budget and reduced out of control spending. A reality he will never forgive nor forget. His seething contempt was palpable.

For years the King and his lesser successor plotted their revenge. They asked questions of candidates and placed articles in the co-opted media. So the King’s Committee, packed with cronies, then attempted to remove the people from the process. Now to silence the voices and to marginalize his critics as only he could do. But the King forgot something; the rule of law.

His new plan attempted to limit participation, to nullify voter input, and to create a de jure system where voters could be excluded by law in the process. So was hatched the limited plenum plan. Keep the public engaged in the voting process, but remove those pesky little serfs from making any changes to his will. His plan was partially successful when he persuaded the majority of serfs to throw away their democratic form of government by convincing them that pure democracy is bad and that he knows better. The results of the Committee were a foregone conclusion despite the pretense of “supposedly” open minds and the sham of public comment.

But the plan ran dead smack into the harsh reality of the supreme law of the land that time and time again have affirmed a very simple concept, one even the King can understand; one serf, one vote. The law precludes the ability of the government to artificially nullify at the polls the legal participation of the voters. A legal minimum of the plenum would thus nullify the votes of any serf who showed up that did not otherwise meet the minimum number of voters needed to meet the requirements of the plenum.

In the end the law proved mightier than the King.

What’s a King to do next?? Maybe raise an army??

To read about the other antics of the King;

Read – It’s Good to be King

And who could forget – A King Lost in the Trees

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By Jim Loiselle | Posted in Columns | Tagged , , , , | Comments (10)