FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2011 VOL. 20 NO. 86
BERLIN, N.H.
752-
FREE
5858
Property owners get a lesson in assessment-speak BY GAIL SCOTT THE BERLIN DAILY SUN
RANDOLPH—Property owners were attentive and subdued at the Randolph town hall Wednesday as they took part in an hour-long Q and A session on how to read a property card, led by Avitar assessors Connie Jackson, of Colebrook, and Mark Stetson, of Andover. The owners present learned—as a result of a question from Auvie Kenison—that it is possible to generate a town-wide report of individual property values, similar to those formerly distributed to town property owners. Selectmen promised to look into producing such a report for Randolph residents. They also promised to hold further informational sessions on property evaluation questions. Resident Jim Meiklejohn praised the selectmen for their willingness to consider the issues, which, he said, marked a change from the attitude of previous selectmen. He said he hoped the session would be the fi rst of a
series. Selectman chairman Ted Wier said that the board was dedicated to an open administration. The session was sponsored by the Randolph selectmen, all of whom were there, in response to a rising tide of questions about Randolph’s 2009 revaluation. These queries have been prompted by the extensive research into anomalies in Randolph assessments, discovered by summer cottage owner John Mudge, who is protesting his property’s assessment and whose request for an abatement will be heard by the N.H. Board of Tax and Land Appeals on Nov. 6. In preparing his case, Mudge has discovered an astonishing array of inconsistencies in Randolph property assessments since 1994. Among other things, he is requesting a town-wide revaluation. Wier introduced the speakers Wednesday, noting that the session would be “general in nature. We will not go into detail about your individual property. This will be a trial program. If it works we will look at other
Mark Stetson and Connie Jackson, both assessors with Avitar Associates of New England, answer a question from Randolph resident Joan Rising, following a Q and A session on how to read your property card at the Randolph town hall Wednesday. The session was sponsored by the Randolph selectmen. In the background, Select chairman Ted Weir (l) talks with Selectman John Turner. (GAIL SCOTT PHOTO)
possibilities down the line.” He also pointed out that the 2009
revaluation was the fi
rst time the
see LESSON page 6
HorrorFest to shoot Internet commercial at Heritage Park BERLIN — Fans of Halloween, theatre and the community in general are actively being recruited to lend their talents, or just their persons, to a marketing effort for the RiverFire and HorrorFest. The team that organized last year’s HorrorFest, which featured a haunted attraction at the Northern Forest Heritage Park during the RiverFire, is planning to promote this year’s event with an Internet video. “I’m looking to really do something special,” said Conway Public Library is featuring the Fine Art paintings done by Andre Belanger, for the entire month of August. Belanger was nominated by Cimbria Badenhausen, Berlin Better Buildings Community Manager, to have his work displayed. The theme for the paintings is called “Studies in Color.” Belanger is standing by his two latest paintings that will also be on display. He has over 25 paintings on display and he welcomes the public to his Artist’s Reception at the Conway Public Library on August 13, from 3-5 p.m. Belanger said, “It is an honor to share “Studies of Color, Visions of New Hampshire” with you. Thank you for taking part in this creative work.” Belanger is a sculptor and a painter who has received many recognitions for his pieces and continues to work full time producing paintings and sculptors. The Conway Public Library is located on 15 East Main Street in Conway.
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organizer Chris Dubey. “Berlin could certainly use some increase in our tourism,” he said. Dubey explained that in order to produce a video capable of going “viral” on YouTube, he’ll need help from the community. The spot will feature zombies and townspeople so actors, nonactors, volunteers willing to help with makeup and sets and even spectators are welcome to take part. The shoot will be child-friendly, he said. see COMMERCIAL page 15
Benefit dance for Eillee Rose Filteau BERLIN -- Eillee Rose Filteau Wenck came into the world on June 21, 2011, a beautiful baby girl, however there was a slight problem, she came just a tad to early! Due on August 25, Heather (Filteau) Wenck, Eillee’s
mom was a bit surprised when she went into labor over two months early! But when the smoke had cleared, after being rushed to Dartmouth, and a succession of very expensive medical see BENEFIT page 9
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