Area Luminaries Brighten CATA’s Poetry Out Loud Competition

DOVER—
It started with a glow. By 8 a.m. on Monday, January 11, Cocheco Arts and Technology Academy’s (CATA) common room was aglow with twinkling lights and in readiness for the all-day Poetry Out Loud event. By the glow of hundreds upon hundreds of tiny lights, CATA’s students took to the microphone one by one to recite a poem or lyric in a decidedly coffee house fashion. Following every ten students (give or take), science chair Brett Fletcher would get everybody up and moving to stave off restlessness and nerves, oftentimes causing a great deal of hilarity in the process. This morning event was a warm-up for the afternoon’s more serious competition, and it served its purpose well.
By noon, the entire CATA population had migrated to Dover Municipal Building Auditorium for the official Poetry Out Loud competition, featuring fifteen of CATA’s students: Tommy Haas, Emily Hayes, Anastasia Holt, Michelle Johnson, Holly Gabrielle King, Charlotte Lewis, Tasha McCartney, Hiromi Mizu, Joshua Mudgett, Damien Naugle, Colin Nollet, Kael Randall, Melissa Stevens, Tori Trudeau and Chloe White. Their task was to recite and interpret two poems by known poets while being scored based on the official Poetry Out Loud regulations.
A panel of prestigious judges met them there, including Dover Public Library Head Librarian Cathy Beaudoin, Dover Police Chief Anthony Colarusso, former N.H. Poet Laureate Marie Harris, educator-writer-traveler Ralph Montgomery, Dover’s Mayor Scott Myers, Dover Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kirt Schuman, actor Michael Walsh, State Representative, Strafford County Commissioner and Rochester School Board Chair Bob Watson, and beat poet Beau Williams. In addition, there were scoring judges Don Cichon and Christine Luthi, and accuracy judges Megan Karas and Meghan Samson.
The winner of CATA’s 2010 Poetry Out Loud competition, sponsored by River Run Bookstore of Portsmouth, is senior Melissa Stevens, who will be attending Gordon College in the fall. She will go on to the regional semi-final competition early on Monday, March 8 at Southern N.H. University. The alternate (second place) is Anastasia Holt, a junior. They both received certificates of award, and both are offered a $15,000 renewable scholarship from New England College and up to $10,000 from Southern New Hampshire University.
English teacher Beth Allard spearheaded the entire Poetry Out Loud event, as she has for the past few years. Without her commitment to connecting CATA’s students with this and other incredible opportunities (including a recent collaboration with the Children’s Museum for a book reading featuring original works by CATA students), it likely wouldn’t have taken place. We are so grateful for her continued motivation in making Dover part of CATA’s classroom system. We also wish to acknowledge Cynthia Dubois, Rodger Martin and Catherine O’Brien of the N.H. State Council on the Arts, as well as Frost Place in Franconia, for awarding scholarships to teachers to attend the conference on Poetry and Teaching, which Mrs. Allard was able to attend on a full scholarship for two years, and a partial scholarship another year.
Photo caption: CATA Director Christy Cloutier Holmes awards Melissa Stevens the winning certificate. (Courtesy photo)

Sipp Wins PCA Geography Bee – Eager for Qualifying Test

DOVER—
John Sipp, an eighth-grade student at Portsmouth Christian Academy won the school-level competition of the National Geography Bee on Jan. 21 and a chance at a $25,000 college scholarship. The school-level Bee, at which students answered oral questions on geography, was the first round in the 22nd annual National Geographic Bee.
The kickoff for this year’s Bee was the week of Nov. 9, with thousands of schools around the United States and in the five U.S. territories participating. The school winners, including John Sipp, will now take a written test; up to 100 of the top scorers in each state will be eligible to compete in their state Bee April 9, 2010.
The National Geographic Society will provide an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for state champions and teacher-escorts to participate in the Bee national championship rounds in May 2010. The first-place national winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship, a lifetime membership in the Society, and a trip to the Galápagos Islands, courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic. To find out more about the National Geographic Bee, log on to: www.nationalgeographic.com/geographicbee.
Portsmouth Christian Academy is located at 20 Seaborne Drive, Dover, N.H. PCA offers a challenging academic curriculum from preschool through high school along with competitive athletic programs and other stimulating extra-curricular activities.
Photo caption: Brian Bell (center), Head of School at Portsmouth Christian Academy, congratulates eighth-grader John Sipp (left), who won the school-level competition of the National Geography Bee on Jan. 21. Sipp’s younger brother, fifth-grader Riley Sipp (right), took second place. (Courtesy photo)

Historic Mechanism Sings Like New!

ROCHESTER—
The most spectacular show at the Rochester Opera House is back in production. The severely damaged auditorium floor raising and leveling mechanism is again ready to take center stage, thanks to the dedication and technical expertise of George Allen, son Don, and the Oasis Alignment Services team, led by Regional Manager Bruce Littlefield. The historic mechanism, invented and incorporated into the Rochester Opera House/City Hall building by George Gilman Adams in 1908, is the only one of its kind remaining today.
During restoration in 1996 Mayor Harvey Bernier called upon OASIS founder, engineer and inventor, George Allen, to attempt the monumental restoration of the quirky mechanism, left for decades, frozen in the up position. Allen led his volunteer OASIS team, including Bruce Littlefield, in unlocking the forgotten secrets and in exacting a historically accurate repair. Why did George Allen take on such a daunting task that, in the end, required sixty hours per week and three years to complete? “It was a labor of love”, explained Mr. Allen.
As it sometimes happens, history repeats itself. The historic moveable auditorium floor mechanism, sustained seemingly irreparable damage in October 2007. Broken gears, twisted rods and compromised bearings…déjà vu, but a lot worse this time.
George Allen and son, Don, assessed the extensive damage at great length. They concluded that a historically accurate mechanism repair would demand complete removal and off site testing. Such a plan would be cost prohibitive. The idea of losing the ingenious system born in architect George Gilman Adams’ imagination was unthinkable, but the show must go on. The Allens devised alternative fixes including hydraulics or several small motors to lift and lower the floor in lieu of the original mechanism.
At some point during this tortuous process, Don Allen reported the astounding news that a portable magnaflux testing system could be brought on site to determine damage, which meant that an historically accurate fix was possible! George Allen and his skilled and dedicated team produced the first miracle repair during restoration. Without question, only OASIS, intimately familiar with every gear, rod, screw and intricacy of the hundred-year-old mechanism, would be trusted to produce a second miracle. But would they accept the challenge?
The answer from Regional Manager Bruce Littlefield, delivered with fervent emotion, “I could not imagine letting the last moveable floor of its kind die, especially with all the work the volunteers had put into the renovations of this historically valuable treasure, here in our own town. I knew it would take a lot of work, but I had the team that could fix it right!”
And, indeed, it did take a lot of work and the team did fix it right…so right that the old mechanism sings like new.
On Sept. 8, 2009 the OASIS team began the laborious job of disassembling damaged gears, bearings and rods. Team member Jay Jordan, fascinated by the hundred year old, yet well engineered mechanism, said of the laborious effort, “It was a miserable pleasure to work on.” Working in an extremely small crawlspace under the floor undoubtedly required ingenuity, evidenced by the employment of one quite unconventional tool…the skateboard. Both Jay Jordan and Jeff Copp, in turn and lying prone, rode the skateboard down a twelve inch board to reach damaged gear #7, tucked in at the farthest point of entry. Once retrieved, the gear rode the skateboard back. The team then loaded the priceless cargo into their van for transport to their Oasis shop for repair.
The team returned to the Rochester Opera House during the week of Sept. 28, 2009 to install the century-old, but good-as-new gears, rods and bearings. The far from state-of-the-art original motor and stop/start switch, treasures not to be tossed aside, were painstakingly restored and returned on Jan. 4, 2010 to, again, assume their unique role…to power “The Last Moving Floor in Action.”
On Jan. 6, 2010, Bruce Littlefield and Anthony Ejarque flipped the switch that begins the forty-five minute floor leveling process. The century-old mechanism whipped into action. “I’ve never seen it run this smoothly,” said Ejarque.
A historically accurate repair of a one-hundred-year-old, one-of-a-kind-mechanism unquestionably required an extra measure of expertise, creativity, patience and commitment. Adding special care at every step of the way, the OASIS team toiled many long hours through a grueling process from beginning to end. The community of Rochester is fortunate to posses this historic, cultural, educational and economic treasure and we are grateful for the Herculean efforts of Oasis Alignment Services, who, by their efforts, ensured that the “Last Moving Floor in Action” at the Rochester Opera House is preserved for the generations.
Photo caption: Jay Jordan was one of the people working on the massive renovation project at Rochester Opera House. (Courtesy photo)

C’est si bon!

By Chip Schrader
Book Review Editor
Peter Mayle’s latest novel, The Vintage Caper, carries on the French themes and settings he wove into literary gold with A Year in Provence in 1989. With locales stretching from Los Angeles to the French Riviera, Mayle’s eye for beauty, and the tastes of the world’s most exotic wines, this novel is easily categorized amongst the world’s finest art.
This time, the novel begins in a Los Angeles wine cellar belonging to a wine collector named Danny Roth, who lives up to his post as an entertainment lawyer with his cantankerous and materialistic personality. As he commissions the Los Angeles Times to cover his three million dollar Bordeaux collection, of which many connoisseurs might insist he only understands the monetary value, he insists this story will bring him the attention and respect amongst elites that he so desires.
Needless to say, he comes home to a vanished wine vault. Investigators find security of his cellar was shameful, the methodology of the heist ingenious (including an ambulance that enters the gated community to cart the wine out without incidence), and Roth’s lack of poise annoying. Insurance claim agent Elena Morales has neither the patience nor the expertise to wrangle with Roth’s case, so she taps an old friend, Sam Levitt, to take the case.
Levitt, an appreciator of the finest wines and women, particularly French for both, is an investigator with a past. Even with his unsavory past dealings, there is plenty of scoundrel left in him as he charges the insurance company a trip to the Bordeaux region of France where he seems to be right at home. As he networks his way into the tight knit French billionaire community with the help of the beautiful mademoiselle, Sophie, he finds that the motive for the theft and the means of retrieving of the goods would need just the relaxed morality only Levitt can achieve.
All the while Sam’s eyes wander from one pair of lovely legs to the next as he sips and dines his way through the case. But, as the case winds down and closes, that wandering eye finds attention for one woman, and Levitt’s days as a scoundrel might very well be limited, but maybe not.
The novel migrates from the west coast to Paris, and winds around to Marseilles all within 227 pages bringing the reader on a delightful whirlwind voyage. There aren’t too many major twists to make the reader guess and marvel at the ride. Instead, the novel unfolds organically and logically, but with slight turns away from predictability. The outcome is satisfying and whimsical, much like the journey that takes the reader there.
Mayle’s prose is tight, pointed and airy, like the wines and foods he describes within these pages. The novel is like a whipped desert with hints of bitter cacao to balance the sweet flavor. While the humor is subtle, this book is the kind of story that aims to make the reader smile and experience a delightful vicarious life.
Photo caption: Cover to Peter Mayle’s latest novel, The Vintage Caper. (Courtesy photo)

New Commander for Local Civil Air Patrol Squadron

NEW HAMPSHIRE—
Prior to a potluck Christmas and farewell party in December the Seacoast Composite Squadron of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) installed a new Commander. Col Donald C. Davidson, N.H. Wing CAP commander presided over the Change of Command ceremony in which Maj. Dominic Goupil of Kittery relinquished command and Capt. Blain Cote of South Berwick accepted command. This ceremony is an age old one where the flag of the unit is handed to the outgoing commander by the wing commander. The outgoing commander then states they are relinquishing command and returns the flag to the wing commander who then hands the unit flag to the new commander who states they accept command. Maj Goupil had served as squadron commander for the past six years.
Capt. Blain Cote, a lifelong resident of South Berwick, has been a CAP senior member since March 2007. He previously had been a CAP cadet joining the former Liberty Cadet Squadron in 1980. He was the cadet commander of the squadron from 1984-1986. He earned the Billy Mitchell Award in May of 1984. He left CAP in 1986 when he graduated high school and rejoined in 2007. He has previously been the Emergency Services Officer for Seacoast Composite Squadron which meets at the Pease ANG Base in Portsmouth in Bldg. 252.
Outside of Civil Air Patrol, Cote has been a member of the South Berwick Fire Department for 27 years and the town’s Emergency Management Director for the past 4 years. He is employed by Wilcox Industries Corp. in Newington, N.H. as a quality inspector/lead auditor. He and his wife Kathleen have five children who they hope will join CAP when they are older.
As the new Seacoast Composite Squadron commander, Capt Cote hopes to focus more resources on community service and disaster relief. He also hopes to have the squadron heavily involved in the upcoming Air Show at Pease this coming August.
Civil Air Patrol is an all volunteer auxiliary of the United States Air Force and is tasked with 90% of the inland search and rescue missions within CONUS. It’s other missions are disaster relief, aerospace education and cadet programs. CAP was credited with 51 saves in 2009. It has over 55,000 members from ages 12 to 90+, about 300 of which are members of N.H. Wing. FMI: www.gocivilairpatrol.com.
Photo caption: Col Donald C. Davidson N.H. Wing Commander, Capt Blain Cote. (Maj. Penny H. Hardy photo)

Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce Names Citizen and Business of the Year Honorees

DOVER—
The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce announces Phil and Donna Rinaldi as Citizens of the Year. Dover Rotary Club is named Non-Profit of the Year, Jewelry Creations is named Small Business of the Year and Liberty Mutual is named Mid/Large Business of the Year.
The Citizen of the Year Award, presented by Citizens Bank, recognizes individuals who have made major contributions of time and energy to the progress and betterment of the Dover community. The Business of the Year Award, presented by Public Service of New Hampshire, recognizes companies and organizations who have demonstrated leadership in the business community, have made substantial contributions to the quality of life in the greater Dover area and embody excellence, not only in their line of business, but through their daily interactions within the community. The recipients were selected from nominations submitted to a committee of Chamber, Business and Community Leaders.
The awards will be presented formally at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner, sponsored by Liberty Mutual, featuring entertainment, cocktails, dinner and the award presentation from 5:30 p.m. on the 21st. The Picker Building at One Washington Center serves as the venue for the event, marking the first time it has been held in Dover in a number of years. Tickets can be purchased online at dovernh.org or by calling 603/742-2218. Individual tickets are $55, couples for $100 and tables of eight for $400. Additionally, individuals or companies interested in being listed as a ‘friend’ of the Citizen of the Year may purchase an upgraded ticket for $250 that includes admission for two, name in the program and the opportunity to sign a commemorative picture frame for the Citizen of the Year.
Additional sponsors of the Annual Awards Dinner include, Laconia Savings Bank, The Businesses of One Washington Center, D.F. Richard Energy, Federal Savings Bank, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, Primary Residential Mortgage and Sono-Bella Spa & Salon. Support is provided by Great Mills Management, Mister Oz Graphics, Sweet Meadows Florists and Designs by You.
Citizens of the Year, Phil and Donna Rinaldi, owners of Dover Secretarial Services, were called ‘loyal and all-encompassing volunteers,’ who are usually the first to show up and the last to leave from their volunteering duties. Nominations came from friends, neighbors, community leaders and business leaders, one nomination stated “I don’t know of an organization in Dover that has not benefited from the service of Phil and Donna.”
“For over 30 years, the Rinaldis’ involvement in the community has made all of our lives a little bit better, their humility, good humor and persistence is an inspiration to us all,” commented Executive Director Kirt Schuman.
Phil was on the Chamber’s Board of Directors from 2002 through 2007, serving as chair in 2006. Donna served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors from 1998 to 2003, serving as chair in 2002.
The non-profit organization of the year, Rotary Club of Dover, has made a permanent and visible impact on all of the residents of Dover over their 86 year history. Their contributions to the community range from quiet assistance, like the shoe and boot fund and the milk and meat program for families in need, to lasting community projects like the Rotary Arts Pavilion, the summer home of the Cochecho Arts Festival.
Small Business of the Year, Jewelry Creations, owned by Linda and Joe Hagan, has been in operation for over 25 years in downtown Dover. Known for innovative marketing programs that always find a way to give back to the community, Jewelry Creations is a leader not only in the Dover business community, but is held in high-regard by the jewelry industry. The Hagans have been involved with Rotary Club of Dover, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, Cochecho Valley Humane Society, the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce, the Boy Scouts of America and UNH Athletics in many capacities during their tenure in Dover.
Liberty Mutual is the recipient of the Mid/Large Business of the Year Award. Since 1912, Liberty Mutual has committed themselves to providing broad, useful and competitively priced insurance products and services to meet their customers’ ever-changing needs.
Their delivery on this commitment is the reason they are now the 5th largest property and casualty insurance company in the United States, why they’ve earned an A.M. Best Co. ‘A’ (Excellent) financial strength rating, and why they have the breadth, depth and financial strength that you can always depend on - in the United States and around the world.
Closer to home, this Fortune 100 company has made a lasting commitment to the Dover community by establishing a home office campus on Sixth Street with three state-of-the-art office buildings. Recently, Liberty Mutual donated the land for Dover’s Liberty North End Fire Station. Liberty Mutual’s steadfast support of community events like the Dover Holiday Parade and the Cochecho Arts Festival Children’s Series makes it evident that they are proud to call Dover and the seacoast of New Hampshire, home.
Photo caption: Kathleen Lewis from Public Service of New Hampshire, Executive Director Kirt Schuman, Marion Cheney, President of Rotary Club of Dover (Courtesy photo)

History in the Making – PCA Students Build 3-Dimensional Models

DOVER—
Freshmen students at Portsmouth Christian Academy took a hands-on approach to learning as they studied the Hebrew tabernacle – the worship sanctuary outlined in the book of Exodus in the Bible. The students crafted miniature models of the historical furniture, recorded the materials used to build their models, noted their scale, and their spiritual significance.
The tabernacle was a portable structure where the Israelites worshiped God after the Exodus. Following God’s precise instructions, craftsmen created furniture to be used for worship that was full of symbolism. PCA students created 3-dimensional models to scale to help them understand how the sacrifices, utensils, and even the structure of the tabernacle were designed to reveal the nature of God.
“When holding these objects in real life, the students begin to realize the historical significance in a more tangible way,” stated Dr. Susan Pleticha, PCA Bible Teacher. “By studying what each piece of the furniture symbolized, we understand more about God and how he relates to his people.”
Portsmouth Christian Academy is located at 20 Seaborne Drive, Dover, N.H. PCA offers a challenging academic curriculum from preschool through high school along with competitive athletic programs and other stimulating extra-curricular activities. For more information, please call 603.742.3617 or visit the school’s web site at www.pcaschool.org.
Photo caption: While studying the Hebrew tabernacle – the worship sanctuary outlined in the book of Exodus in the Bible, Portsmouth Christian Academy students crafted miniature models of historical furniture, recorded the materials used, noted their scale, and their spiritual significance. (Courtesy photo)

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Comes to the UNH Whittemore Center

DURHAM—
Join Avis Goodwin Community Health Center when the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings the spirit of outdoor adventure to the seacoast, at the UNH Whittemore Center in Durham, New Hampshire on Feb. 17th, 2010. Hot on the heels of the largest, and one of the most prestigious, mountain festivals in the world, the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour has hit the road, with stops planned in about 285 communities and 30 countries across the globe. Tickets for the event are on sale now and all proceeds benefit Avis Goodwin Community Health Center.
This year’s tour features a collection of the most inspiring and thought-provoking action, environmental, and adventure mountain films. Traveling from remote landscapes and cultures to up close and personal with adrenaline-packed action sports, the 2009/2010 World Tour is an exhilarating and provocative exploration of the mountain world.
The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is produced by Mountain Culture at The Banff Centre, and features award-winning films and audience favorites from approximately 300 films entered in the annual festival in Banff.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., films begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster, at the Whittemore Center Box Office, at the UNH Mub or at Avis Goodwin Community Health Center. Event sponsorship and advertising opportunities are still available. For tickets or information contact Renee Allen, Avis Goodwin Events Manager, 603.516.2556, rallen@agchc.org
AGCHC is the only non-profit community health center in Strafford County, New Hampshire that focuses on providing high-quality, affordable medical, dental and mental health services for all, regardless of the ability to pay. The Organization focuses on the whole person and integrates all medical disciplines in its approach to providing families with quality care. AGCHC has a proud 40 year history, serving over 8,000 patients from throughout Strafford County with first-rate care. Services include oral healthcare, mental health, primary care and prenatal care. All patients have access to specialty service providers and fees are based on the ability to pay. To learn more about AGCHC visit www.AvisGoodwinCHC.org. To learn more about BANFF visit www.banffmountainfestivals.ca.
The screenings of The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour in Canada and the USA are presented by National Geographic and The North Face; sponsored by Deuter, OR (Outdoor Research), Three Cups of Tea, Polartec, Parks Canada, and Primaloft; with support from MSR (Mountain Safety Research), Ski Fernie, Petzl, World Expeditions & Mountain Hardwear.
Photo caption: Courtesy of The Banff Centre.

Take a Tour on “The Trains of the UK”

DOVER—
On Tuesday, Jan. 19, the Friends of the Dover Public Library will host a lively presentation on English train transport by John Pelletier at 7 p.m. in the Library Lecture Hall.
Using graphs plus personal and historical photography, John will explore train transport and alternative mass transit in the United Kingdom from the late 19th century to today. His talk will focus on trains, trams, buses, and cycles as they were in the past, as they are now, and what options might exist for the future. Evocative photographs will show rail stations, bus stations, trains and trams, the heart of British public transportation.
John Pelletier studied at The University of Leeds, Leeds, UK during 2009. and is getting his Master’s Degree in sustainable transport planning and development, pinpointing cycling infrastructure. He has traveled around Great Britain and mainland Europe, taking pictures of train networks and other transport-related infrastructure and completed a case study on Sustrans, the Leeds velocampus bike-share program. During summer 2009, John was an assistant photography teacher and dorm head at the Putney School in Putney, Vermont. He is currently in graduate school at Plattsburgh State University. This program is free and refreshments will follow.
Photo caption: The Friends of the Dover Public Library is hosting a presentation on English train transport on Jan. 19. (Courtesy Photo)

Scam Detection/Prevention Seminar

SOMERSWORTH—
Officer Mike Sloane of the Somersworth Police Department will provide tips and suggestions on avoiding and detecting potential scams that target seniors, ranging from “winning” the lottery to “free” prescription offers to unnecessary home repairs. Lunch is provided afterward ($2 donation). The seminar takes place on Thursday, January 14th at 10:30 a.m. in the Fillion Terrace Senior Center for free. For more information or to sign up for the event, please contact Darryl in the Recreation Office at 692-9508.

Stephen King’s New Epic - Under the Dome

By Chip Schrader
Book Review Editor
Whenever Stephen King comes out with a new book, it seems Maine stops in its tracks to take notice. Never forgetting his roots in the state, his books are filled with local references, figures of speech, and scenery evocative of small town life. Upon the release of Under the Dome, before having a tour in all the major cities, King came to Bridgeton, Maine to sign books and celebrate with the community that inspired his creation of Chester’s Mill.
Chester’s Mill is a small working class town complete with old grudges, trapped citizens who never find their way out, and filthy politics. The police, town council and even clergy are bound by their own corruption and blackmail. When the town pariah, Barbie (Dale Barbara), finally decided he was finished with this place, a strange thing happened, he looked up to watch a plane fly over head, and at that moment, it spontaneously crashed with no apparent cause.
All along the town line people perished by crashing into this invisible wall, and when it came down it maimed countless people who were merely gardening on their property that ran along town lines. Even with the nation’s eye on the town, the people on the outside still had no idea what happens on the inside.
The dome became a lid for this pressure cooker. Almost immediately old factions aligned, and King referenced a scenario from Lord of the Flies where society flips to where the most animalistic personalities take control. After the dome, the police chief taps his son with sociopathic tendencies and his group of misfits to patrol the town. Needless to say, the word terrorize and brutalize is more the word.
Barbie never made it out, and has no choice but to try and help solve this dome mystery. The local journalist, the former chief’s widow, and a handful of middle school kids work together to try and find out just what this dome is before the propane for generators, and the sanity of the town runs completely empty.
Considering the overview this review provides doesn’t do justice to all of the subplots and intrigue in this book, many people are using the word “Epic” when describing King’s latest work. While it is hipper and more relevant than most epics, this word best describes this miraculous work of fiction. Only the greatest mind in American letters could conceive of a story as deep, intriguing and terrifying as this.
Many horror and science fiction writers settle on a page turner that reveals thrill after bloody thrill, and these authors often build distracting back stories to draw out the suspense. King’s writing requires neither of these tactics, even at the 1100 page count. Every citizen’s back story feeds deeply into the plot, and through most of the book, figuring out what the dome is doesn’t even matter as much as the story going on within it. The reader wants to know the situations Barbie and all of the players have gotten into, and what will come of their actions. Sometimes, the characters even surprise the reader when they do something uncharacteristic giving them all a very human color.
King’s portrayal of small town America and the middle and lower class has elevated him to what John Lennon would call “a working class hero.” Under the Dome is a devastating, poignant, funny and masterful political satire that will wedge the legendary author firmly between H.G. Wells and Mark Twain.
Photo caption: Book cover of Stephen King’s new novel "Under the Dome" (Courtesy photo)

Shaheen Cost Savings Measures Included in Health Care Reform Bill

WASHINGTON—
U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen on Dec. 21 announced that the final version of the Senate’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will include four key cost savings provisions that she authored, including measures that will help Americans access more affordable prescription drugs, prevent costly hospital readmissions, improve the coordination of care, and protect access to comparative effectiveness research so that patients and doctors can make more informed choices. Early on Dec. 21, the Senate voted to proceed to consideration of the manager’s amendment to the Senate health reform bill, which includes a number of deficit reducing measures.
“The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will make health insurance more affordable for families and businesses, reduce the deficit, and stop insurance company abuses, like denying coverage because of preexisting conditions,” said Shaheen. “More than 30 million uninsured Americans will be able to get the care they need when we enact this legislation. It is necessary we pass and enact this legislation as soon as possible so that health care costs cannot continue to bankrupt middle class families, businesses, and our nation.”
Shaheen authored measures in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will reduce costs while improving care for millions of Americans. The Shaheen measures included in the bill are:
Access to Affordable Medicines Act – increases access to lower-cost generic drugs by closing a loophole used by brand name drug companies to delay generic drugs from entering the market.
The Medicare Transitional Care Act - the Senate health care reform bill includes key provisions of legislation introduced by Shaheen and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) to reduce preventable hospital readmission of Medicare beneficiaries. In 2004, Medicare spent an estimated $17.4 billion on unnecessary re-hospitalizations. The Senate bill provides for a pilot program where a qualified transitional care clinician would ensure that appropriate follow-up care is provided during the vulnerable time after discharge from a hospital.
Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) - a concept championed by Dr. Elliot Fisher of Dartmouth, ACOs are groups of providers held responsible for the quality and cost of health care for their patients. The Shaheen provision would expand ACOs and allow them to work with private plans to align Medicare, Medicaid, and private sector strategies for improving care. This provision creates incentives for doctors to provide higher-quality care at lower costs, maximizes the effectiveness of quality improvement and reform initiatives, and helps ensure that all Americans receive high quality care, no matter how they are insured.
Comparative Effectiveness Research – compares different treatments and identifies those that are most effective. This research is an essential element of improving patient outcomes while containing costs, and it has been pioneered by renowned institutions like Dartmouth.
According to Shaheen, overall, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will stabilize the health care system. It makes health insurance more affordable, reduces the deficit, reins in health costs, stops insurance company abuses, provides choice and competition, provides tax credits to small businesses, expands access to preventive health care, extends Medicare solvency, and expands access to affordable prescription drugs. The bill will reduce the deficit by $132 billion in the first decade while expanding coverage to over 94 percent of Americans.
Also according to Shaheen, this historic legislation will stop health insurance abuses, demand greater accountability from insurance companies, and create more choice and competition for consumers. Millions of Americans will see immediate benefits from the legislation through a variety of cost reduction and care improvement measures.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has been supported by numerous business and consumer groups, including Families USA, American Cancer Society, American Medical Association, Business Roundtable and AARP.