An Independent Weekly Newspaper


Hudson~Litchfield News


Volume 20 Number 48 June 11, 2010 20 Pages Eighth Annual Bronco ‘Belly Bustin’ Chili Fiesta 9/11 Memorial Will Have a Home in Hudson


by Doug Robinson Thanks to the combined efforts and hard


work of the volunteers of the 9/11 Memorial Committee, Benson Park Committee, and the Hudson Board of Selectmen, the 9/11 committee has received permission from the NHDOT to locate and erect the 9/11 Memorial on land at Benson Park. For the past several months, volunteers from the Hudson Highway Department, Hudson Police Department, Hudson Firefighters, civilians, and Hudson Selectman Roger Coutu have met to discuss the framework necessary to create a memorial within the town’s limits to honor those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks of nearly 10 years ago. According to Captain Dave Morin of the Hudson Fire Department, “the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is stepping up its efforts to give away debris from the ruined World Trade Center. The pieces of steel are


being donated to towns who wish to create memorials for those who have lost their lives,” continuing to state that “the vision for this Memorial is for everybody to be recognized equally. Not only did many police, fire, and civilians only lose their lives in the attack on the twin towers in New York City, other Americans, as well as citizens from around the world, innocently lost their lives when another plane crashed in the fields of Virginia and another plane crashed into the Pentagon.” Several weeks ago, members of the 9/11 committee visited the Port Authority in New York City to view the steel from the Twin Towers that has been stored and is being offered to communities across the United States who wish to honor those who perished during the 9/11 attack. According to the Port


continued to page 4- 9/11 Memorial


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Jazz Band begins their rendition of the tune “Hot Hot Hot”


submitted by Allyson Jutras, AHS Friends of Music


Despite a threatening forecast, the New Hampshire State Chili Championship was held under hot and sunny skies on Saturday, June 5, at the Hills House in Hudson. Under administration of International Chili Society rules and regulations, over 25 chili cooks competed for the right to represent New Hampshire in the World Championship Chili Cook-off. This annual event is sponsored by the Alvirne High School (AHS) Friends of Music, with proceeds benefiting students in the Alvirne music program. Gallons of delicious chili and salsas were consumed by event-goers, while the younger set enjoyed carnival-style games and face painting. The live entertainment was a particular draw for the crowds with performances by Alvirne’s own


B Naturals, the world-renowned Alvirne Jazz Band, Figure 8, Mike McAdams Guitar Army, and Smoke House Lightning. Local crafters selling their wares and raffles, organized by the Friends of Music Scholarship committee in partnership with AHS music students, rounded out the offerings for the day. The final results of the chili competition:


People’s Choice – David Daigle; Best Booth and Showmanship – Don Ouellette; First Place Salsa – Mike Kropp; First Place Chili Verde – Mike Freedman; and First Place Youth – Kaitlyn Hennessy. The chili of Ghon Eckley, Smolderin’ Mess, won him bragging rights, as well as the chance to represent New Hampshire in the World Championship Chili Cook-off this October in Manchester.


Soon, these two visitors, along with thousands of other who visit Benson Park, will be passing the newly erected 9/11 Memorial near the entrance to Benson Park


An example of steel for the 9/11 Memorial


CHS Student Council Chosen as Honor Council


FOM members man the concessions booth Local cooks from Top Hat Chili


Chess to be Available as Playground Activity


by Lynne Ober “It’s not about Kings, Queens, and Rooks,


but rather quadrants and coordinates, thinking strategically and foreseeing consequences,” wrote Wendy Fisher in her article about the educational value of chess.


An education study about the value of chess, published in 2000, found that students who received chess instruction scored significantly higher on all measures of academic achievement, including math, spatial analysis, and non-verbal reasoning ability. Learning chess teaches many useful skills. Chess is about lines and angles, weighing options, plotting strategy, and making decisions. Since 2000, America’s Foundation for Chess (AF4C) has been working with second- and third-grade students and their teachers to promote the use of chess as an educational tool and many schools have responded, including Griffin Memorial School. “There are chess boards and men at GMS,” said Matt Rafferty, a Boy Scout who is working on his Eagle project. The game of chess has become a tool to increase higher-level thinking skills, advance math and reading skills, build self-confidence, and have lots of fun. Additional research continues to show a strong correlation between learning to play chess and academic achievement. Toward that end, Rafferty will build large-sized


chess pieces that will sit on a gigantic chess board at GMS. When his project is completed, students will be able to play chess outside or inside.


“I’m really excited about this project. Mr.


Johnson helped me make the patterns that we will use. I need to raise approximately $550


Matt Rafferty stands with one of the rooks from the chess game that he will make and donate to the students of GMS


dollars to fund the materials for the project,” said Rafferty. He held his first fund-raiser at Litchfield’s Memorial Day service, where he and his friends cooked delicious fried dough for attendees.


Campbell High School Student Council, left side: Cameron Branco, Hannah Gomez, Ashley Gannon, Justin Prindle, Peyton Jorgenson, Courtney Gannon, Brendan O’Brien. Kneeling and sitting: Kyle Mun, Becca Arnone, Kristen Hrubowchak, Stephanie Loeb, Garrett Bryant. Right side, back row: Scott Dyer, Andrew Lepine, John Cialek. Second row: Jordan Billings, Marisa Chacos, Ashley Prindle, Mr. McDonough


submitted by Shawn P. McDonough The Campbell High School Student Council


was chosen as a 2010 Honor Council by the New Hampshire Association of Student Councils. In order to receive this honor, members of the Student Council submitted a portfolio that included service, fundraising,


spirit, and governmental activities, and pictures for the 2009-2010 academic year. The Campbell Student Council received this distinguished award at the New Hampshire State House on Friday, May 14, and was given a gold plate to add to their Honor Council plaque.


staff photo by Lynne Ober


courtesy photos by Allyson Jutras courtesy photo courtesy photo staff photo by Doug Robinson


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