the squamscott blog

Who Knew Shopping Could Be Philanthropic?

2009-02-05T11:39:00.007-05:00

Introducing the new Squamscott Community Commons Pendant . . .

The Commons' vision for a community center and YMCA has long been inspiring community members to offer their support. From architects to environmentalists calling to offer their expertise, to local residents interested in hosting a house party, community members are just plain excited about this project. Now, jewelers and artists Lisa Cochran, of Lily Designs in Exeter, and Laurie Farrell, of Keith O'Connor Pottery Beads, have collaborated to design and produce a necklace featuring the Squamscott Community Commons logo.

"I can't wait until the new community center and YMCA is open," said Lisa Cochran. "Creating a unique piece of jewelry to benefit the project is a way I can share my excitement and offer my support."

The porcelain pendant, handcrafted by Laurie Farrell, is finished with a hand-died silk cord. All profits will be donated to Squamscott Community Commons to benefit the campaign to build a Seacoast community center and YMCA. The necklace retails for $28.

"It feels good to give a gift and get a gift, knowing that there's meaning behind it," said Lisa. "Not all of us can write a big check, but we can buy a pendant and support this great cause."

Limited quantities will be available at Water Street Books and at the Squamscott Community Commons office at 56 Linden Street in Exeter. Please call 778-4722 or email for more information.

RiverWoods Auction Raises $50,000 for Squamscott Community Commons

2008-11-03T14:04:00.006-05:00

A record-breaking crowd of nearly 400 friends, supporters and volunteers gathered at the RiverWoods Auction on October 4th. The event raised $50,000 in support of Squamscott Community Commons -- the largest amount yet raised in RiverWoods' many year history of hosting auctions for area nonprofits.

Ever the gracious host, RiverWoods delighted everyone with a festive atmosphere, delicious food and a wealth of items for viewing and bidding. The spirit of community and philanthropy were palpable as friends and neighbors gathered to talk about The Commons and the future community center. "A lot of it has to do with the fact that it benefits something that touches everyone in the community from young to old," said Laura Sckaal, a volunteer for The Commons. "It's more than just a building; it's something that's going to change the emotional landscape of the community."

Guests bid on items from a Bill Childs pen and ink drawing, to a Sunday River ski vacation and a shirt signed by Celtics forward Brian Scalabrine, with several items selling in the thousands of dollars. "The outflow of support is tremendous," said Robin Drunsic, Executive Director of The Commons. "The Commons is working to fill a great need in the community. We owe so much to RiverWoods and everyone who attended this event for helping us bring a community center to the Seacoast."

"I think this is one of the better parties I've seen in Exeter," said Sal Guidice, RiverWoods resident and event guest. "The other thing we found very delightful is the number of friends from around town who are here supporting this effort, because this is terribly important to our community to have this (community center)."

Squamscott Community Commons Welcomes New Board Members

2008-08-20T09:46:00.001-04:00

Squamscott Community Commons welcomes Thom Kraus, Tim Phoenix and Richard (Dick) Ingram to its Board of Directors. Thom Kraus is President of the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce and has served on various boards and advisory committees, including the United Way of Niagara, NY. Tim Phoenix is founding Vice President, Managing Director and general law practitioner at Hoefle, Phoenix & Gormley, P.A. in Portsmouth. He has been actively engaged with local nonprofits and is a former board member of the Seacoast Family YMCA in Portsmouth. Dick Ingram is Executive Director of The Housing Partnership and Chair of the Board of Directors of SeaCare Health Services in Exeter. He has extensive experience leading nonprofits, including the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Seacoast. Dick has served on various nonprofit boards throughout New Hampshire.

Celebrating Good Times

2008-07-11T19:27:00.013-04:00

On July 1st, nearly 100 donors and volunteers gathered at the beautifully refurbished Exeter Inn to celebrated the purchase of the Exeter Area Junior High School property. From top, left to right: Patrick Spearman, Carter Siegel (Board Secretary and Past Chair) and Liz Thompson; Doug Nelson, Steve Leonard and project architect, Joel Bargmann; John Haederle chats with Executive Director, Robin Drunsic and Communications Team member, Cathleen Toomey; Board members Fred Doane and Davis Farmer.

Celebrating Good Times

2008-07-11T19:14:00.010-04:00

Squamscott Community Commons Board of Directors, pictured from left to right: Kathy Crompton (SeaCare Health Services), Peggy Small-Porter (Richie MacFarland Children’s Center), Karen Desrosiers (Exeter Center for Creative Arts), Karen Moyer (Rockingham Community Action), Davis Farmer (Board Chair), Pam Cameron, Cara Siegel, Bob Greene (Treasurer), Carter Siegel (Secretary) and Fred Doane. Not pictured are: Don Briseldon, Dick Ingram, Thom Kraus , Rob McGregor (Southern District YMCA/Camp Lincoln), Wendy Monroe (Great Bay Kids’ Company), Tim Phoenix, Nancy Pierce, Julie Quinn, Paula Ruggles.

Donors and Supporters Gather to Celebrate Land Purchase

2008-07-11T18:58:00.003-04:00

On July 1st, nearly 100 donors and volunteers for Squamscott Community Commons gathered at the beautifully refurbished Exeter Inn to celebrate the acquisition of the Exeter AREA Junior High School property. The land purchase represents a milestone in the organization’s progress to build a community center for Seacoast NH. The center will house six nonprofit agencies, including a full-service YMCA facility.

Squamscott Community Commons was born nearly ten years ago as the brainchild of several area nonprofit agencies. Realizing the need to expand their outreach to families, youth and seniors throughout the region, they conceived the idea of creating a community-oriented facility, serving as their home and allowing them to work together to deliver important and much-needed services to the community. Affordable childcare, health and wellness programs, creative arts classes, walking trails and opportunities for education about the environment and the Exeter River Watershed – these are just of few of the services that will be available at The Commons. The high-performance facility will be sustainably built to LEED certification standards. “After ten years of great ideas, ten years of vision, ten years of good hard work . . . we stand here together with the most tangible proof yet that this vision is real and realizable,” said Farmer, as he congratulated the project’s supporters on their land purchase achievement.

Squamscott Community Commons continues to make strides toward the development and construction of the community center that is so eagerly anticipated by the community. Just a few days ago, on the site of the old junior high building, a boy named Lucas stopped one of The Commons’ staff members to ask, “What are you doing here?” She explained that Squamscott Community Commons was working hard to build a community center and YMCA right over where the empty school building sat. “Wow!” said Lucas, “That will really change my life!”

Indeed, Lucas. Indeed.

Proud New Landowners!

2008-07-11T18:30:00.008-04:00

On June 30th, Squamscott Community Commons became the owners of the Exeter Area Junior High School property. This 10 acre parcel, located on Linden Street in Exeter will be the site of a new regional community center providing social, health, recreational, cultural and educational opportunities for the community. The Commons will raise the funds to construct the 80,000 square foot intergenerational center, to house six nonprofit agencies including a YMCA facility. The center will be a vital community resource, offering a multitude of services by helping families and individuals develop their fullest potential in mind, body and spirit. Participating agencies include Exeter Center for Creative Arts, Great Bay Kids' Company, Richie MacFarland Children's Center, Rockingham Community Action, SeaCare Health Services and Southern District YMCA/Camp Lincoln.

SQUAMSCOTT COMMUNITY COMMONS TO PURCHASE FORMER JUNIOR HIGH BUILDING

2008-06-06T12:54:00.004-04:00

EXETER, NH: A major milestone has been reached by Squamscott Community Commons (The Commons). On June 30 The Commons will receive title to the Exeter AREA Junior High building (old high school “Annex”) from the Exeter Region Cooperative School District.

Squamscott Community Commons is a multi-tenant non-profit “green” community center to be built on Linden Street in Exeter, New Hampshire. The Commons will house a full-facility YMCA and agencies that provide programs and services in health and wellness, arts, culture, nutrition, childcare and recreation, and will function as a community focal point for residents of all ages and economic levels throughout the seacoast region. The participating agencies include Exeter Center for Creative Arts (ECCA), Great Bay Kids Company, Richie McFarland Children’s Center, Rockingham Community Action, SeaCare Health Services, and Southern District/YMCA Camp Lincoln.

With this chapter of the project completed, Carol Walker Aten has announced that she will be moving to a new position with The Commons as a member of the Advisory Council and leaving her post as Executive Director. Davis Farmer, Chair of the Board of Directors remarked, “Carol’s contributions have been enormous: the full magnitude of her achievements and dedication will be appreciated not only as the project moves into its building phase, but also well into the future.”

Since Carol joined The Commons in January 2005, her accomplishments include building the organizational infrastructure with a new community board, committee volunteers and professional staff; establishing the website; completing a successful six-town vote to acquire the property; securing the seed funding; completing the conceptual and design development of the facility; and acquiring the municipal and state regulatory permits needed for construction. “Working together,” Davis continued, “we have made very real progress in this first-of-its-kind effort and the foundations that have been laid, in very large part by Carol and her staff, have positioned us to make this community center a reality.”

Exeter resident Robin Drunsic has been promoted from Director of Finance, a position she has held since August 2006, to Executive Director. Robin brings to The Commons a strong academic background in business management, a keen entrepreneurial spirit, and the experience of working in the development office of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, one of the most highly visible and successful fundraising organizations in New England. Prior to moving to Exeter, Robin and her husband operated a successful 70-seat café in Vermont for which Robin was responsible for all aspects of business administration. Robin holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of New Hampshire as well as an M.B.A. from Simmons College School of Management.

A private celebration is scheduled for July 1 at the newly-renovated Exeter Inn to honor the hundreds of volunteers and major contributors who have brought The Commons from vision to reality. For more information, please contact Carol Aten at carol@squamscott.org or 603-778-4722.

Enjoy Irish Folk Music, Stories and Laughter with Makem & Spain Brothers

2008-04-17T13:56:00.004-04:00

The Award Winning Makem and Spain Brothers will be performing a 2nd annual concert to benefit the Exeter Center for Creative Arts. Enjoy Irish folk music, stories, and laughter -- it's a night of fun for the whole family! The Makem and Spain Brothers perform around the world and continue a long history of traditional Irish folk music passed down through generations. The NY Chronicle has called them the “definitive Irish folk singers of their generation.”

Saturday June 7, 2008, 7:00pm, at the Winnacunnet High School Auditorium, 1 Alumni Drive, Hampton, NH. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets please contact ECCA at (603) 778-8441, via email at ecca@rcn.com, or at http://www.exeterarts.net/.

Making the Seacoast Cleaner, Healthier, Better

2008-04-15T16:14:00.010-04:00

Local community members and students from Seacoast School of Technology and Phillips Exeter Academy gathered on April 8th for Squamscott Community Common's first Little River Clean-Up. The day opened with an informal presentation by Pete Richardson, of the Exeter River Local Advisory Committee and Conservation Commission, introducing students to the unique ecosystem of the Exeter River Watershed and its interrelationship with the Little River. The Exeter River connects the Little River to the Great Bay, the Piscataqua River and, eventually, the Gulf of Maine. "They are all interconnected to the Little River in Exeter," he said. "All this stuff gets transported down the river . . . today we'll discover how human behavior impacts our water bodies." Volunteers teamed up to remove trash and minor brush from the banks from the banks of the river and the walking trails. Students from Seacoast School of Technology's digital communications class documented the project and intend to produce a documentary to raise awareness. Romeo's Pizza and Squamscott Beverages generously donated pizza and soda for a post-clean-up lunch. "This was a great project," said Kate Donald, Sustainability Coordinator at The Commons. "All the students were interested in learning about the Little River. They worked hard, and it's made a big difference already. We will definitely plan to host more clean-ups in the future."

Golf Tournament to Benefit Richie MacFarland Children's Center

2008-04-10T17:14:00.004-04:00

There's a reason why golfers keep coming back to this tourney year after year . . . join in the fun!

16th Annual Benefit Golf Tourney
The Ledges Golf Club, York Maine
Thursday June 5, 2008
Shotgun Start at noon followed by Dinner & Auction at 6pm
Cost: $150

Visit Richie MacFarland online for more information, to register or to sponsor this event.

Great Bay Kids' Company Children's Art Show

2008-04-10T17:09:00.015-04:00

Celebrate the "Week of the Young Child" at Great Bay Kids' Company. Great Bay Kids' will be hosting a display and silent auction of artwork produced by their children.

Thursday April 17th, 2008
6:30-7:30pm
3 Simons Lane, Newmarket

For more information or directions, please call 772-9830.

RIVERWOODS ANNOUNCES THE COMMONS AS THEIR NEW CHARITABLE PARTNER

2008-03-11T15:18:00.004-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Cathleen Toomey
(603) 658-1587
Or Carol Aten (603)778-4722

RIVERWOODS ANNOUNCES
NEW CHARITABLE PARTNER FOR ANNUAL AUCTION

March, 2008 --- RiverWoods of Exeter (www.riverwoodsrc.org), the Seacoast’s premier retirement community, announced this month that it has selected a new non-profit partner for its’ annual gala auction, the “RiverWoods Event”. The recipient this year is Squamscott Community Commons (www.squamscott.org), a non-profit organization creating a community center on site of the former Exeter Area Junior High School on Linden Street.

Last year, RiverWoods supported Seacoast Hospice, and raised a total of $111,000 over three years for that organization, through their annual gala auctions, which are open to the public and feature many unique and creative items. Over the years, RiverWoods has helped to provide funding for the New Teen Outlook Center; Brickyard Pond and Planet Playground, among other causes.

“Squamscott Community Commons is creating something that is near and dear to our mission,” says Justine Vogel, Chief Executive Officer of RiverWoods. “They are building community -- creating a space for intergenerational connections. This matches with our residents’ volunteer work for so many non-profit agencies within the Seacoast.”

The Commons will serve as a central location, housing under one roof many non-profits that currently are scattered throughout the community. The advantages of the central building means that non-profits can operate more efficiently, and families and community residents can make use of the many different resources, from the child care center, aquatic and recreation center, art center and social service agencies.

“RiverWoods understands and shares our mission of community building,” says Carol Walker Aten, Executive Director of Squamscott Community Commons. “We are thrilled to be partnering with a non-profit organization that has such a strong history of philanthropy in the area. It will be a very exciting event”.

The gala auction will be held at the Woods campus at RiverWoods on Saturday, October 4, 2008. For tickets and volunteer opportunities, please contact Penny Teodorczyk at 603-658-3031.

The RiverWoods Event Planning Team gathers to discuss their upcoming auction benefit for Squamscott Community Commons. From left to right:

Meagan Bernier, Kathleen LaFave, Ruth Manghue, Pat Favreau, Cathleen Toomey, Lisa Stevens, Penny Teodorczyk (Chair of the RiverWoods Event Committee), Bill Shutt, Lisa Burk-McCoy, Lynn Wronkowski, Connie Freiermuth, and Patty Lovejoy. Photo by Carol Walker Aten (also a member of the committee).

Exeter AREA Jr. High School History & Memories

2008-02-12T08:48:00.001-05:00

Now in print and available for sale! 136 pages, illustrated history of "30 years of living and learning on Linden Street" Exeter, NH 1967-1998.

"As a little kid, I always thought that the green thing in front of the school was a water slide. I couldn't wait to go to EAJHS and have a water slide in front of my school!" - Jocelyn Collier

"The fond memories I have of EAJHS will never fade... from acting in Julius Caesar (badly), to suffering my first crush (unrequited), to enduring my first and only detention (deserved.) I will remain forever grateful to the teachers and staff there for their early guidance, for their encouragement, and for their 'reality checks' along the way." - Dan Brown

$15 each, +$5 shipping.
All profits go to The EAJHS Fund.
Make checks payable to "Squamscott Community Commons" and mail to Jeff Hillier, 3 Glendale Road, North Hampton, NH 03862. Questions? 603-964-5074 or j.hillier3@comcast.net

Eat Your Winter Greens!

2008-02-05T08:56:00.000-05:00

Winter Farmers' Market

Come visit our Squamscott Community Commons table on Saturday, February 9, 10am - 2pm, at the Exeter Congregational Church, 21 Front Street, Exeter, NH.

14 farmers & food producers will be selling vegetables, meat, dairy, beverages, breads and pies, and a lot more! Best parking is across the street in the municipal lot. Brought to you by the folks with cabin fever at Seacoast Eat Local!

The Commons Prepares for Community Center Construction

2008-01-17T14:35:00.000-05:00

Hires Construction Representative to Oversee Project

Steve Leonard of Owners Construction Representatives & Consultants, LLC, will represent The Commons during the construction of the new community center. The Greenland, NH based business will provide analysis and strategic planning during the next several months. Harvey Construction, of Bedford NH, has been retained for the construction of the facility. OCRC will be in charge of coordination and oversight throughout the construction phase.

“We are excited to have someone with Steve’s expertise on board to review our design and development work, and to bridge the gap between planning and construction,” says Carol Aten, Executive Director at Squamscott Community Commons. “Steve’s input will ensure that our plans are on track as we move onward to construction and the eventual opening of the facility.”

The Commons community center will be built at the site of the old Junior High School on Linden Street in Exeter. The facility will house five local nonprofit agencies and a YMCA within a sustainably built “green” building. The agencies provide programming and services to residents throughout the seacoast region.

The Commons Wows Exeter Conservation Commission

2008-01-14T20:52:00.000-05:00

In a rare move, Commission unanimously agrees

to write a letter of support for community center project

Squamscott Community Commons presented details of our final wetlands application to the Exeter Conservation Commission on January 8th. The Commission was impressed by The Commons’ leadership in the restoration of the Little River. All members indicated their full support of the project. Brendan Quigley, of Gove Environmental Services of Exeter, assisted The Commons in developing its wetlands improvement plan. Says Quigley, “The primary goal of this project is to improve what’s already there . . . a redevelopment like this is a good opportunity because there are a number of areas where improvement is needed.” The Commons proposes removing a 40 foot section of an existing parking lot closest to the Little River. The material will be used to raise a proposed school bus road out of the 100 year floodplain. The result is an increased natural buffer between the parking lot and the river, and a safer road. “By far the biggest positive impact will be created from the comprehensive storm water management controls that are part of the design. Water quality and wildlife habitat will be improved,” commented Quigley. “Another value is increased public access for recreation and aesthetic purposes. I’m hard pressed to think of another private project that offers this opportunity.”

For more on The Commons’ wetlands improvement plan, go to www. squamscott.org.

Kate Donald Joins Squamscott Staff!

2007-11-26T08:21:00.000-05:00

Kate Donald is the new Sustainability Coordinator for the Commons. She will be launching a new environmental committee for the Commons, as well as coordinating grants, communication and partnerships that support the sustainable aspects of the new community center. An organic farmer during the warmer months of the year, Kate grows vegetables at Willow Pond Community Farm in Brentwood where she runs a Community Supported Agriculture program. She moved to the Seacoast four years ago, and lives in Exeter with her husband Jeff. Prior to farming, Kate spent five years working for environmental nonprofits in New York City, developing community gardens and urban agriculture programs. She holds a BS in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, and a Certificate in Ecological Horticulture from the University of California at Santa Cruz. A “local food” advocate, Kate is an active member of Slow Food Seacoast and Seacoast Eat Local, and serves on the board of the Seacoast Growers’ Association.

Holiday Shopping at ECCA November 17 & 18!

2007-11-10T07:34:00.000-05:00

Thought you’d all like to hear about a exciting fundraiser (think holiday shopping!) put on by ECCA (Exeter Center for the Creative Arts).

Next Saturday and Sunday (11/17 & 18) they’ll be hosting a Holiday Fine Arts Fair at their space in the old high school (use same entrance as Musical Arts). Art by both program participants AND local professional artist will be for sale.

A great way to support ECCA and local artists! Together, we’re helping promote and sustain quality nonprofit organizations…no need to wait until the building is built! Let’s start now!

2007-10-30T13:41:00.000-04:00

School Board Approves The Commons' Wetland Mitigation Proposal

Squamscott staff and architect Joel Bargmann (BH+A) led a walk of the proposed site for The Commons community center. The site walk was requested by the Exeter Plannning Board following the September 25th hearing. All who participated were delighted with the plans and applauded Squamscott's efforts to minimize impact on both abutters and the environment. Discussion focused primarily on the proposed perimeter road which will provide bus access to the Seacoast School of Technology (SST), which was approved by the Cooperative School Board at their October 9th meeting. As the road will pass through an area that has suffered substantial damage from recent floods, The Commons is proposing exchanging fill from the back of the existing school parking lot (directly behind the Annex building) in order to elevate the road out of the flood plain. The exchange will result in a loss of nine parking spaces. The subsequent reconfiguration of the lot will abate storm water run-off to the river, which has suffered severe ecosystem damage during the past several decades. All who attended the walk were very much in favor of the proposal, viewing it as a win-win situation for both SST and the local environment. Other focuses included drainage, lot line adjustments and screening for abutters. Those in attendance included Town Planner, Sylvia Von Aulock; Conservation Commission Chair, Don Clement; Planning Board members Anthony Zwaan and Lang Plumer; Exeter selectman Bill Campbell; and several abutters and Exeter residents.

ECCA's Holiday Fine Arts Fair

2007-10-26T13:18:00.000-04:00

The Exeter Center for Creative Arts presents the first annual Holiday Fine Arts Fair featuring the work of local artists. Pottery, paintings, fine fiber arts, jewelry and much more.

Saturday November 17 10-5
Sunday November 18 11-4,

30 Linden Street, Exeter, NH.
For directions or more information please call 603-778-8441.

[Photo by Trey Farmer]

Help the Environment AND Unclutter Your Mailbox

2007-10-09T13:29:00.000-04:00

Did you know that the production and disposal of direct mail alone consumes more energy than 3 million cars? Each year, 8 million trees are consumed in the production of paper catalogs . . . and deforestation contributes to 20-25% of all carbon pollution causing climate changes. Here's an easy way to help the environment AND unclutter your mailbox. Simply go to http://www.catalogchoice.org/ and set up an account that allows you choose which catalogs you'd no longer like to receive in the mail. The mission of Catalog Choice is to improve the efficiency of catalog distribution by reducing the number of repeat and unsolicited mailings, and to promote the adoption of sustainable industry best practices. Catalog Choice is sponsored by the Ecology Center and endorsed by the National Wildlife Federation and the Natural Resources Defense Council. Funding for Catalog Choice is provided by the Overbrook Foundation, the Merck Family Fund and the Kendeda Fund.

Makem & Spain Brothers Rescheduled for October 6th

2007-10-01T13:28:00.000-04:00

Enjoy irish folk music, stories, and laughter with the Makem & Spain Brothers, voted the Seacoast's Best Folk Group (2007). Saturday October 6th at 7pm at the Exeter Area High School, 315 Epping Rd. in Exeter. Guaranteed to delight the whole family! Proceeds benefit the Exeter Center for Creative Arts. Tickets are $25. For more information or to purchase tickets call (603) 778-8441.

Water Quality Conditions and Vulnerability Analysis of Little River

2007-08-13T07:59:00.000-04:00

By Don Clement, Chair, Exeter Conservation Commission

The Exeter Conservation Commission participates in the New Hampshire Volunteer River Assessment Program (VRAP). This entails conducting water quality sampling of the local river and streams throughout the summer months. Exeter has been collecting data since 2000 at five sites on the Exeter River and one site on the Little River. Concerned with poor quality results we expanded our monitoring to 2 other sites on the Little River starting in 2006.

Measurements are taken for the following: Dissolved Oxygen, Turbidity, pH, Specific Conductance, water and air temperature. Historically the worst results have occurred in the Little River.

From 2000 to 2005 each of the sites were sampled on the same day. In summary the Little River measured the worst results 70% of the time for turbidity, 60% of the time for Dissolved Oxygen and 80% of the time for specific conductance.

For the most part with few exceptions the tests met the State of NH Class B Surface Water Quality Standards. Parameter failures were noted during this period at the Little River Gilman Park location.

All of the following data is from the Little River Gilman Park site.

Chemical Parameters

Dissolved Oxygen

Concentration (milligrams per liter) and saturation (percent); mg/l and %.

Class B NH Surface Water Quality Standard is 5mg/l and 75% minimum average.

The presence of dissolved oxygen is vital to organisms, fish and amphibians.

Failure to meet the 5 mg/l has been noted in 21% of the tests and failure to meet 75% minimum noted in 57% of the tests. The historic low for mg/l was

4.73 and the low for % was 56.3.

Turbidity

Measurement of the amount of suspended material in the water. The Class B NH Surface Water Quality Standard shall not exceed more than 10 NTU. Higher turbidity increases water temperature, which also in turn reduces the concentration of dissolved oxygen. Failure to meet this standard has been noted in 14% of the tests. The historic high for turbidity was 14.2 NTU.

Specific Conductance

The numerical expression of the ability of water to carry an electrical current and a measurement of charged particles in the water. High conductance readings may indicate pollution from road salting, septic systems and/or urban runoff. There is no Class B NH Surface Water Quality Standard. However any reading higher than 201 indicates a moderate impact to the waters. Readings of greater than 200 were recorded 28% of the time. The historic high for conductivity was 256.7.

The measurement of acidity in the water. The Class B NH Surface Water Quality Standard is between 6.5 and 8.0. All tests were within the standard.

Observations

In a recent draft report by NH Department of Environmental Services, the Little River ranks as one of the most vulnerable systems in the Exeter River Watershed. Most of the river's issues are due to the high density development with little shoreland protection starting downstream of Colcord's Pond. Another report indicates that this section of the river has aggraded due to increased sediments washing into the river and constricting channel widths.

Recommendations

Minimize the amount of impervious surface in the watershed

Increase riparian stream buffers

Maintain dense overhead canopy

Lessen impact to adjacent wetlands

Utilize Best Management Practices for drainage

St. Vincent de Paul Society Food Pantry to Relocate

2007-07-23T08:50:00.001-04:00

The St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVdP) has decided to relocate its community food pantry operation to the Fort Rock Farm on Newfields Road in Exeter, as part of the planned construction of a new St. Michael’s Parish campus on the site. This location will give the food pantry room for a much needed expansion while keeping their operation accessible. The parishioners of St. Michael’s, local churches and the United Way will continue to support the organization. “While Squamscott Community Commons will be a great community facility,” said Cleo Castonguay, President of the Exeter Conference, “our membership felt that we could best serve our clients in the area by going to the new St. Michael campus. We hope that our advocacy program can still have some presence in the Commons, to better assist our clients and to network with the participating agencies”

Carol Aten, Executive Director of Squamscott Community Commons, reflected on the change in plans. “Our volunteers have long believed that the needs of our community often are hidden. We had hoped that by bringing the food pantry into the community center, we could elevate the visibility of both the services they provide and the opportunities available for our community members to volunteer, contribute and make a difference. It remains our goal to provide a single, convenient location at which residents can access a variety of community support services, in a way that also provides a reduced cost, collaborative environment for the nonprofit agencies themselves. While we are sorry to lose the food pantry as an agency tenant, we agree that this decision is in their best interest.” The St. Vincent de Paul Society continues to be a supporter of the Commons and is interested in exploring the possibility of alternative programming and presence on the Squamscott’s Linden Street site. Details are being discussed and might include a community drop-off location for donations, as well as an auxiliary office location. As with all aspects of this project, Squamscott Community Commons will develop a plan that prioritizes the community’s needs and supports the services provided by all of its participating nonprofit agencies.

Squamscott’s proposed 80,000 square foot facility is currently under design with architect Joel Bargmann, AIA, LEED of Bargmann, Hendrie + Archetype of Boston, MA. Harvey Construction of Bedford, NH has been retained as the construction manager. Participating agencies include Exeter Center for Creative Arts (ECCA), Great Bay Kids Company, Richie McFarland Children’s Center, Rockingham Community Action, SeaCare Health Services, and Southern District/YMCA Camp Lincoln. The integrated and sustainable green design of the new community center will enhance the tenant agencies’ capacity and reduce their long-term operating costs. Through independent and cooperative effort, the agencies will be able to maximize the quality and efficiency of the programs and services offered to regional community residents. For details, go online at www.squamscott.org.

We are Plugged in with Unitil!

2007-07-18T20:54:00.000-04:00

Click on the image to read the good news!

New Faces on the Squamscott Board Team

2007-07-18T20:39:00.000-04:00

Welcome to our newest Board members, Stacey Kimberley Rogers, Paula Ruggles and Robin Baskerville. A Portsmouth resident, Stacey is the owner of Club Canine Dog Wash & Day Spa, and has over twenty years of business and non profit experience. Paula, of Hampton, brings 18 years of facilities and operations experience and is currently the Manager of Administrative and Facility Services at Unitil Corporation. She will be joining our Facilities Committee. Robin was the treasurer, and Stacey was the President, of the NHSPCA Board of Trustees during its successful multi-million dollar building campaign. Robin is a partner at Brookshire LLC. Robin has been appointed SCC Treasurer and will be working with the Finance Committee. Their combined non profit, business and fundraising experience will be put to work at Squamscott Community Commons!

POSTPONED: Makem & Spain Brothers concert in Exeter Saturday August 11

2007-07-02T10:30:00.001-04:00

*NEWSFLASH* In light of the recent passing of Tommy Makem - this concert has been postponed. If anyone has any questions or would like ECCA to call them directly when we have the new date scheduled, they can call ECCA at 778-8441.

Enjoy a night of Irish Folk music, stories, and laughter with the Makem & Spain Brothers, the Spotlight Best of the Seacoast Awards 2007 Best Folk Group winner. Fun for the whole family. The concert is to benefit the Exeter Center for Creative Arts, a non-profit art center located in Exeter, NH, dedicated to providing high-quality fine arts education to learners of all ages and abilities. Saturday August 11, 2007, 7:00pm, at the Exeter Area High School Auditorium, 315 Epping Road, Exeter. Tickets are $25 each. For more information or to purchase tickets please contact ECCA at (603) 778-8441 or via email at ecca@rcn.com. Tickets can also be purchased at: Celtic Crossing, Congress Street, Portsmouth; O’Donnell’s Imports, Route 1, Hampton; and Trends, Water Street, Exeter.

Thanks for the Memories!

2007-06-25T13:42:00.000-04:00

Over 135 guests came from as far away as Florida and Maryland to reconnect with old friends and visit their alma mater one last time at the Exeter AREA Junior High School (1967-1998) Reunion and Farewell Celebration. Wayne Barrows was the Master of Ceremony, and Ben Clapp and his wife of 2Clapps DJ Service, served as the disc jockey providing music of the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Former Junior High student, now Exeter Town Manager, Russ Dean said a few words too. Many classmates from the first 8th grade to "graduate" in 1968 were there to reminisce. Another couple who had met in French class and went on their separate ways, recently reunited and are dating now! Retired teachers embraced their fully-grown students and caught up on the missing years between.

Tours of the old school were had, walking down the empty corridors and looking for old homerooms. All agreed that the school was made up of its people - the teachers and the students - and those memories and experiences far overshadow the future demolition of the old school. Former Vice-Principal, Jeff Hillier was on hand with retired history teacher, Peter Smith, to capture as many memories from the staff and students on hand. Those memories will be published at the end of this year in a special illustrated book (order form available on the Squamscott website.)

Local sponsors for the evening included: Dunkin Donuts, Greenland, The Party People, Exeter, The Green Bean on the Water, Exeter, Conner Bottling Works, Newfields, SAU16 School District, and Wal-Mart of Epping.

Reunite with your Exeter AREA Junior High Friends & Faculty!

2007-05-31T17:09:00.000-04:00

Exeter Area Junior High School Reunion

Saturday, June 23^rd, 7-9pm

Spread the word! Squamscott Community Commons is hosting a reunion event in the old "Cafetorium" in honor of the years of service the Exeter AREA Junior High School building has provided to our community. Enjoy music, dancing and refreshments provided by area restaurants. Tickets are $5 and are available at the door. Many thanks to our SST students who designed the invitation and promotional signage for this event: Emme Brown, Entina Boungnavong, Katelyn Jones, Drew Neville, Matt Coffey, Bob Bailey (SST teacher), Heather Hill.

EAJS: History & Memories
Prompted by the impending “departure” of their old building, several Exeter AREA Jr. High retired teachers are writing a history of the school. Last fall they began searching old records and newspapers for information about the 30 year period (1967-1998) when the area’s 6th, 7th, and 8th graders attended the yellow brick building on Linden Street.

Expected to be ready for the Holidays (nice gift!), the book will track not only the school’s history but also be filled with pictures and memories supplied by students. Squamscott Community Commons helped create a alumni survey on the SCC website which has been very popular with the students.

The June 23 Reunion at EAJHS, sponsored by SCC, will be yet another way for students to provide information for the book. It is expected that book orders will first be taken at the Reunion.

Many local businesses with EAJHS connections have been asked for modest contributions to offset publications costs. With that assistance, the book should cost no more than $10 per copy. The book, still lacking a title, will be published right here in Exeter by Publishing Works, Inc.

EAJHS educators involved in the project include:

Thomas Meehan, Florence Condran, Charlotte Taylor, Peter Smith, Lin Roy, Eileen Cunniffe, Bob Graves, Dana Wyman, Donna Cronin, Anne McLaughlin, Sia Corroon McKenna, Kenneth Berry, Jane Chisholm, Jeff Hillier and Blanche Bailey.

‘Da Vinci Code’ Author Donates One Million Dollars (to us!)

2007-05-10T22:16:00.000-04:00

EXETER, NH: Bestselling author Dan Brown and his wife Blythe have contributed $1,000,000 towards the creation of Squamscott Community Commons, a multi-tenant non-profit “green” community center to be built in Exeter, New Hampshire. The Commons will house a full-facility YMCA and agencies that provide programs and services in health and wellness, arts, culture, nutrition, childcare and recreation, and will function as a crossroads for residents of all ages and economic levels throughout the Squamscott region.

“Having grown up in Exeter, I’m excited about the prospect of this important new addition to our community,” said Brown. “Squamscott Community Commons will create a model of collaboration that will have far reaching social value for the Seacoast area. The Common’s impact on public health and wellness will span every economic and social boundary. Blythe and I hope that the community can make this valuable project a reality.”

Carter W. Siegel, Squamscott Community Commons Board Chair commented on the importance that the literary couple’s support has meant to the organization: “The generous donation made by the Browns has empowered The Commons to build a solid framework on which to move the project forward. Our organization cannot only purchase the property needed, but also retain the staff, architect, builder and professional consulting required. With this gift, the seacoast community will benefit from having a professionally run organization that will ensure that the vision for this community center is achieved. I am honored to be associated with such a dedicated group and humbled by the confidence that the Browns have shown through their tremendous display of support.”

The proposed 80,000 square foot facility is currently under design with architect Joel Bargmann, AIA, LEED of Bargmann, Hendrie + Archetype of Boston, MA. Harvey Construction of Bedford, NH has been retained as the construction manager. Participating agencies include Exeter Center for Creative Arts (ECCA), Great Bay Kids Company, Richie McFarland Children’s Center, Rockingham Community Action, St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry, SeaCare Health Services, and Southern District/YMCA Camp Lincoln. The integrated and sustainable green design of the new community center will enhance the tenant agencies’ capacity and reduce their long-term operating costs. Through independent and cooperative effort, the agencies will be able to maximize the quality and efficiency of the programs and services offered to regional community residents. Projected completion of the project is mid-2009.

Big Plans! Big News! May 10th Event

2007-05-01T20:11:00.000-04:00

Squamscott Community Commons Designs Unveiled!

Join us on Thursday May 10 at 7pm at the Thomas Meehan Performing Arts Center at the Cooperative Middle School in Stratham.

Joel Bargmann, AIA, LEED, of Bargmann, Hendrie + Archetype, Barbra Batshakom of The Green Roundtable and team will be presenting the conceptual designs and sustainable energy options for our new 80,000+/- square foot community center. There will also be a special announcement regarding an exciting development in the project. PLEASE pass this to all of your friends in the seacoast! It’s a great opportunity to learn about the project. This presentation is free to the public. For further information, contact Loretta at loretta@squamscott.org or 603-778-4722.

Lisa Burk-McCoy Joins Squamscott Staff!

2007-04-15T11:14:00.000-04:00

Lisa Burk-McCoy is the new Campaign Associate for the Commons. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, with a B.A. in Comparative Literature, she worked in advertising and marketing in St. Louis, MO and Portland, ME. She ran her own marketing business in Portland and founded a health care practice with her husband, Kris, before retiring to raise children. As an Exeter resident since 1997 (along with Kris and their children, Ethan and Hannah), Lisa is a committed community volunteer, working primarily in children’s programming. She began her work with the Commons as a volunteer helping to shepherd the project through the town ballot process and lay groundwork for future fundraising. Lisa is currently working toward her 200-hour certification in Hatha Yoga and plays flute with a local celtic folk music and contradance band.

Architect hired to build new Community Center!

2007-03-27T06:01:00.000-04:00

EXETER, NH: Bargmann Hendrie+ Archetype, Inc. (BH+A) has recently been retained by Squamscott Community Commons to design and build their new facilities in Exeter, NH. This multi-tenant non - profit community center will be the home of a YMCA and agencies that offer wellness, education, health, culture, arts and childcare.

BH+A is a 50-person architecture firm in Boston, Massachusetts. BH+A's award-winning portfolio is consistently recognized for innovative, functional, cost-effective design. They provide architecture, interior design, graphic design, sustainable design and business planning services. BH+A has a 23 year history with sustainable (green) design. In addition, they have built many combined community centers that serve pre-school children as well as senior citizens. Their design philosophy is to create solutions with character that reflect optimal functional layouts, innovative use of materials, state-of-the-art operating systems and sound financial planning.

Don Briselden, chair of the Squamscott Community Center facilities committee, noted that BH+A was selected as a unanimous choice from a list of over 20 regional design firms, based on the high quality of their design track record and the excellent recommendations from fully satisfied clients.

Joel Bargmann, principal of BH+A says that “one of the strongest messages about the Community Commons is in the name itself. It is reflective of a place, not a program. Our philosophy is to create unique programs and designs that are reflective of the community where the project exists. To be able to create a place where the unique segments of the population can come together is extraordinary.” Additionally this innovative project will utilize environmentally friendly materials and resources to create a sustainable facility which will help minimize energy consumption, reduce operational costs of the building and have a positive impact on the community and surroundings.

Squamscott Community Commons Board Chair, Carter W. Siegel, adds “We are pleased to be working with BH&A because it brings a solid track-record of building design and green design experience to the project. BH&A is a leader in the field and has a superlative professional reputation. I have every confidence that our vision for the community center will be realized in its design.”

Squamscott's New Office!

2007-03-22T19:28:00.000-04:00

It's not an ordinary office trailer.... The staff of Squamscott Community Commons are completing the move into a new office trailer on the parking lot of the old high school Annex (old Junior High) in Exeter. With thanks to special arrangements with Eric Chinburg, Chinburg Builders, this nicer-than-your-average-trailer moved onto the site, in preparation for the completed purchase of the property, and construction of the new community center. Roger Wittner, of Chinburg Builders, was the go-to-guy getting the trailer moved and connected. Huge thanks, too, to Rob Prunier and team at Harvey Construction who provided the manpower to patch, plaster and paint the whole new office.

Mal Argonidizza (left), Salmon House Computer Services, was busy installing the new internet services and computer system, while the staff (pictured left to right) Minnie Sabin, Loretta Allison, and Robin Drunsic debated the correct techniques of office furniture kit assembly.

The team chose a trailer as the old school will be demolished this fall to make way for the new center, and it is in a location that allows access and oversight to the new construction site.

STILL ON DESPITE STORM! Green Community Forum, March 17th 1-4pm

2007-02-27T06:12:00.000-05:00

Squamscott Community Commons Presents a Green Community Forum Saturday, March 17^th, 1-4pm at Exeter Town Hall
Free to the Public

Squamscott Community Commons is holding its first public meeting to look at all aspects of sustainable building design and renewable energy opportunities for the new multi-tenant non-profit community center and YMCA to be built on Linden Street in Exeter. The public is invited to join volunteers and staff of the Commons at Exeter Town Hall on Saturday March 17^th 1-4pm. This interactive forum on “green” building options, will be facilitated by Barbra Batshalom, LEED, AP, Executive Director and Founder of The Green Roundtable and Joel Bargmann, LEED, Bargmann, Hendrie + Archetype, architect of the new center.

Squamscott Community Commons aspires to be a regional model for environmental and sustainable building design and operations. This sustainable non-profit facility will be designed to reduce operating costs through energy efficient design; create healthy indoor air quality through the use of green products and energy recovery systems and reduce the impact on the environment by decreasing its consumption of carbon based and non-renewable fuels. The Green Community Forum is designed to provide an educational dialogue to increase awareness and transfer “green” ideas for both public and private use in our region.

Squamscott Community Commons is constructing a multi-tenant non-profit community center that will be home to a full-facility YMCA (with gym, indoor walking track, fitness and aquatics) and non-profit agencies that provide programs and services in health, wellness, arts, culture, nutrition, childcare and recreation to the region. The integrated and sustainable green design of this centrally located facility will enhance the participating non-profits’ capacity by providing long-term stability and reducing their operating costs. This, in turn, will allow the agencies to focus on what they do best: providing effective programs and services for our wider community.

Community Summit Feedback

2007-02-07T20:58:00.000-05:00

On January 16th we held our third community summit attended by over 150 stakeholders who came together to aspire for a broad vision for the future community center. The stakeholders were comprised of a diverse group of community members including educators, business and corporate leaders, non profit staff and their boards, volunteers, politicians, funders, abutters, and municipal leaders. The event was facilitated by Joseph A. "Jay" Connor, J.D., M.B.A., Founder/CEO of The Collaboratory for Community Support and Adjunct Professor at the University of Michigan.

Honest feedback and observations from the lively participants were captured in the attached summary of the breakout sessions. There were many comments on the provocative questions that Jay posed and the breakout questions provided an opportunity to explore the “nitty-gritty” of these questions.

With the help of Jamie Batson and Cotton Cleveland of Mather Associates, the staff and board of Squamscott Community Commons will be translating all of the important feedback into our strategic planning process, starting next week.

Working Differently- Achieving Community Solutions
SQUAMSCOTT COMMUNITY COMMONS

BREAKOUT QUESTIONS Set #1

1. What is your aspiration for the Squamscott Community Commons?

a. As a physical community center?

- Aesthetically & programmatically appealing to community groups, non-profit agencies, and individuals and families of all generations, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds

- Attractive, transparent, and innovative design complementing the architectural style of the surrounding community

- A physical structure as well as surrounding outdoor space that incorporates the communities desire for the following elements:
o History of the area - through architecture, graphics, exhibits, landscape
o Community interaction – community gathering spaces, community art space, comfortable environment, promoting “people-mixing” and co-mingling of all ages and economic levels
o Flexibility in design, user-friendly, good lighting, acoustically sensitive

- Is a family-friendly center:
o bringing children and families back downtown and providing better options for parenting and intergenerational activities
o ensuring an affordable and safe area in which people feel welcomed and comfortable
o simultaneous programming to allow for a family “stop”

- Serve as an environmental role model in our community through the design of the building and outdoor spaces. Educate community members on the importance of environmental stewardship, as well as the economic and health benefits of being “green”

- Promote a healthy lifestyle through recreation facilities (pool, gym, track, fitness center) and wellness programs, including health screening (diabetes, cholesterol) and nutritional programs

- Lower rent and operating costs, shared administrative and maintenance services, inter-agency training/mentoring, and one-stop shopping, all of which lead to greater achievement of agencies missions and set an example for the community of the benefits of working together, thus, creating a more vital community

- Serve as a communications hub – with a full-service resource/information center – including a Community Board to post information about jobs, internships, volunteer opportunities, events, meetings, and announcements, as well as a “concierge” for available services outside and inside SCC

- Enhance community transportation services, ensuring accessibility to all demographics (physically/financially/by foot!)

b. As a catalyst to systems solutions?

Community Enlightenment
- Represent the heart of who we are as a community and what we value
- A place that changes and fulfills our community; bringing our best to the forefront and allowing us to be connected to something bigger
- Breed empathy and understanding; create energy and vitality
- Be the keeper of the community aspirations & visions

Connecting the Community
- Is a “home” for the community – a place to go, a place to get information, a place to meet people, a place to work together, a place to foster dialogue about important issues, a place of FIRST resort!

Drive developing solutions to Community problems
- Be a change agent in the larger community; provide holistic support
- Create a mechanism for continually addressing solutions to community issues
- A Community Think Tank

Beyond Governance
- SCC not landlord but broader role: responsive to needs of community as they change over time
- Guiding principles for SCC board include education component
- Community Service Organization concept that is focused on outcomes to programs
- Acknowledge there will be casualties while bridging gaps
- Equal representation for tenant agencies; tenants are more committed than “just” tenants

BREAKOUT QUESTIONS Set #2

What do you and/or your organization needs to change in order to “work differently?”

Communication
- Continually question why the organization is doing what they do
- Provide more personal transportation, greater access, information
- Change communication structures to bigger picture

Collaboration
- Be willing to share information, resources, time, weaknesses
- Work together toward a common goal; more intentional collaboration
- Work together to prioritize & implement programs to get solutions
- Rewrite job descriptions so every staff makes connections
- Co-program in education – broaden the scope
- Share a person to help all groups connect
- Expand how to cross-sell; how can we do this effectively? Legally? Confidentially?

Openness
- Change our way of thinking about priorities
- Look beyond our organization’s mission to engage the community & other services

Outcomes
- Define outcomes and concentrate on these outcomes versus niche of their program

Opportunities
- Consider ourselves as catalysts for the whole region, not just our clients
- Stay focused on programming opportunities/change mindset about sharing physical space
- Provide meeting spaces for agencies who have none
- Think about all the people that don’t fall into their structured programs
- What are we not doing that we want to be doing?

Risks
- Accept that there are risks involved in change; but remember the upside of those risks

What role could the Squamscott Community Commons play in helping our community “work differently?”

Educator
- Educate the community on the relevance & importance of community engagement
- Teach the community to approach the individual programs as a synergistic organization where the sum is greater than all of the parts

Facilitator
- Provide a framework for the agencies to communicate with each other; facilitate between the agencies; support their collaboration efforts
- Smooth out bumps/casualties between agencies along the way (mediator)
- Draw the community in; host regular community summits (Town Meetings)
- Serve as the Communications Hub for the community center; keeping public informed
- Promote community programs (in arts, health, recreation, etc.)
- Create benchmarks: review how we are doing (accountability)

Support Organization
- Cooperative governance for a voice & idea sharing & decision making process
- Help tenants by promoting a sense of shared responsibility of success of Commons
- Recognizing community needs/gaps and working with agencies on programming to fill those needs
- Provide governance & accountability; maintenance of building/grounds
- Let the SCC board become the ‘clearinghouse’ of ideas/concerns/information that affects our towns…and help the towns become better listeners
- Provide volunteer-matching
- Host Head Start – transportation issue now
- Provide a paid grant researcher/writer/grant collaborator
- Create part-time space for government agencies to collaborate

Jay Connor brings Collaboration to the Community Center

2007-01-22T06:34:00.000-05:00

On January 16th over 150 community members, educators, business leaders, non profit staff, volunteers, politicians, funders, abutters, muncipal leaders and agency staff came together to aspire for a broad vision for the future community center.

Talbot Gym was the venue, the tables set by students from Seacoast School of Technology's Marketing class-- loaned by Bob Bailey, decorated by amazing 'tree' centerpieces from Great Bay Kids Company children, and 'boxed dinners' prepared by many staff and students from Seacoast School of Technology and led by Culinary Arts guru Jim Collins. (The overnight ice storm, two hour school delay or lack of power did little to stop the amazing SST staff who pitched in to make the meals while their students were late and their computers dead!) The event was underwritten by Unitil Corp.(who was very busy that day getting the electricity back online!)

Joseph A. "Jay" Connor, J.D., M.B.A., is the Founder/CEO of The Collaboratory for Community Support and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Michigan. He has extensive leadership experience in the business, nonprofit, and public policy arenas. His major interest is in crossing the borders between these sectors. Jay has seen that in order to be effective, our emerging community leaders must be comfortable at the intersection not only of organizations and cultures, but also at the intersection of the nonprofit, business and government sectors.

Funded through a grant with the New Hampshire Center for Non Profits from the United Way of the Greater Seacoast, Jay came to Exeter to help Squamscott Community Commons obtain critical community input to help shape the center's vision: input to inform the design and programming process moving forward; clarifying the role of the Commons in the community as a permanent organization as well as a community center; and learning how the vision of how the Commons and its partners can COLLECTIVELY better serve the community.

Also making its debut was a new video detailing the Commons project, produced by Jay Childs, Exeter resident and owner of JBC Communications. The video, along with a summary of the evening's discussion, work and learnings will be available on this website soon. The next Squamscott Community Summit is tentatively scheduled for the evening of May 22. Stay tuned!

[Pictured above: Jay Connor and SCC board member Don Briselden]

A New Face for a New Year!

2006-12-23T18:37:00.000-05:00

2007 will be an extra busy year as Squamscott Community Commons staff and volunteers switch into high gear to launch the campaign to build Exeter's first community center and YMCA. And to make that happen, we have added a fourth member to our staff: Loretta Allison!

Loretta joins the team as the Community Fundraising and Development Manager full time beginning February 1. A graduate of Penn State, with a B.S. in Psychology, Loretta was most recently employed as Assistant Director of Annual Giving at Phillips Exeter Academy working on a $305 million multi-year comprehensive campaign. Prior to her work at Exeter, she was a Campaign Manager with United Way of Merrimack Valley in Haverhill, MA. Loretta brings fundraising, volunteer management, events and marketing experience that will help to make this community center a reality. Loretta resides in Portsmouth with her husband Tim and their chocolate Lab Gerry.

Loretta joins Carol Aten, Robin Drunsic, and Minnie Sabin just in time to help them move into new office space at the "Annex" at 56 Linden Street in Exeter (the building we will be demolishing!) for the new year in Room A106.

Affordable Cars for Exeter Area Citizens

2006-12-08T14:15:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 26, 2006

MEDIA CONTACT:
David Dubinsky (603) 667-6504
DavidDubinsky@BonnieCLAC.org

Bonnie CLAC (Car Loans and Counseling) and Wentworth Trust Make the Ownership of Cars More Available and Affordable for People of Low to Moderate Income in Exeter

Exeter, New Hampshire: Bonnie CLAC (Car Loans and Counseling) and Wentworth Trust announced that they have teamed up to make the ownership of cars more affordable for people of low-to-moderate income in Exeter, New Hampshire and the surrounding community. St. Michaels Parish and the Exeter Adult Education have agreed to contribute space for this invaluable service.

A New Hampshire-based nonprofit organization, Bonnie CLAC helps individuals to purchase fuel efficient, new cars and guarantees loans to gain a very low interest rate for our clients. Bonnie CLAC teaches a financial literacy course which helps individuals understand their credit and learn to manage their expenses.

"I thought that I would never get back on my feet. The bills kept piling up and suddenly I found myself without a car. Contacting Bonnie CLAC was the best thing that I have ever done! Not only did they help me to get my brand new car, they counseled me on my finances and taught me how to clean up my credit report. I am forever indebted to them!" -- Aimee, New Honda Civic DX, 2005.

“Bonnie CLAC’s program enhances and promotes community development by targeting several obstacles that financially challenged people have historically faced: transportation obstacles, credit issues, and poor financial management skills,” said Robert Chambers, president and founder, Bonnie CLAC. “As part of the car-purchasing process, Bonnie CLAC teaches our clients to become more financially stable, while also helping them understand and improve their credit scores. Many former Bonnie CLAC clients have gone on to obtain better paying jobs as a result of graduating from our program; others have moved on to make their first home purchase — a dream many once thought impossible.”

The George A. Wentworth Trust was established to address the needs of “worthy and needy women” in Exeter, Brookfield and Wakefield. “This is a perfect partnership since seventy-three percent of Bonnie CLAC’s clients are women,” said David Dubinsky, Director of Marketing. “The $20,000 grant will allow Bonnie CLAC to provide this invaluable service to our community,” said Linda Jones, Trustee, Wentworth Trust.

Bonnie CLAC has received support from the Community Development Finance Authority, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, The Women’s Fund of New Hampshire, Ocean National Bank, Northeast Credit Union and the Great Bay Foundation as well as many automobile donors and individual contributors.

About Bonnie CLAC
Bonnie CLAC (Car Loans and Counseling) is a nonprofit organization created to make the ownership of cars more available and more affordable for people of low to moderate income. Founded in 2001, Bonnie CLAC is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization. Bonnie CLAC currently has offices in Lebanon, Keene, Manchester and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It is serving clients in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. For more information, please contact Bonnie CLAC at 866-455-CLAC or www.BonnieCLAC.org.

About Wentworth Trust
The George A. Wentworth Trust was established by the will of George A. Wentworth to address the needs of “worthy and needy women” in Exeter, Brookfield and Wakefield. The trust provides support to low and moderate income women.

Looking for all Former Students, Staff from Exeter Area Junior High School!

2006-12-04T18:00:00.000-05:00

The Exeter A.R.E.A. Jr. High School was a happening place from 1967-1998.

As you may be aware, the old Jr. High Building is being sold to Squamscott Community Commons (SCC), a local non-profit group dedicated to bringing a vibrant community center, including a “Y”, to Linden St. Last March, a substantial majority of voters from the six SAU #16 towns approved the idea of selling the old EAJHS building to make way for the center.

After careful investigation, the SCC group has determined that a new building will, in the long run, be less expensive and far more satisfactory than trying to re-hab the old jr. high building. Demolition is expected to begin this summer.

Anticipating the demise of the building, several former EAJHS teachers have begun writing a book about the school – a factual history, but enlivened with lots of “color” from former students, teachers, parents, and community members. We have already met with a local publisher who is very interested in not only publishing the book but also providing lots of assistance along the way. It would be great to have the book ready for the big “reunion” planned for this summer, but a Holiday Season 2007 release might be more realistic.

Many of the leaders of SCC are long-time area residents who are most aware that EAJHS was not only an outstanding school, but also recognized throughout the state. Consequently, they want to do everything possible to perpetuate its memory. In addition to the summer reunion, they have also helped us set up a web-based survey for former students, teachers, et. al., to share experiences and memories of EAJHHS. You can try it here:
Click here to take survey

We hope that you are not only interested in remembering those times but also willing to play at least a small role by contributing to the book. Some ways you can help:

• Record your memories of some happenings on Linden St–in your class & beyond
• Get the word out and glean goodies from former student and colleagues
• Remind us about happenings in your dept., clubs, sports, special events, etc.
• Research some of the records at the SAU Office
• Dig through old copies of the Exeter News-Letter at the Exeter Historical Society
• Other ideas?

We have already been talking with many former students and their parents. Every one of them has been excited by the project and wants to contribute in some way. Our regular meetings (in old Rm. 232 at EAJHS) have included Tom Meehan, Florence Condran, Charlotte Taylor, Dana Wyman, Bob Graves, Lin Roy, Jane Chisholm, Anne McLaughlin, Eileen Cunniffe and Ken Berry.
We look forward to hearing from you!

PETER SMITH & JEFF HILLIER

Local Demographer Makes "The Daily Show"

2006-10-19T07:18:00.000-04:00

Squamscott Community Commons is big into demographics. After all, if we don't know who we are living amongst, and who our facility will serve, and what the community's needs are-- what's the point? Exeter resident, Peter Francese, is a nationally-know demographer and expert in trends. He's someone we go to for advice. And now he's made it onto "The Daily Show!"

Squamscott Commons Brings on Two New Staff Members!

2006-09-27T13:36:00.000-04:00

Squamscott Community Commons has added two new positions to support the creation of a new community center and YMCA in Exeter. Robin Drunsic has been named as Development Manager. New to the Exeter community, she joins us along with her husband Michael and two young children, Aiden and Dylan from Manchester, Vermont. Robin brings with her a strong academic background in business management, a keen entrepreneurial spirit, and the experience of working in the development office of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, one of the most highly visible and successful fundraising organizations in New England. Prior to moving to Exeter, Robin and her husband operated a successful 70-seat café for which Robin was responsible for all aspects of business administration. Robin holds a B.A. in Business Management from the University of New Hampshire as well as an M.B.A. from Simmons College.

Minnie Sabin has been named Grants Manager for the organization. She resides in Exeter, having moved here in 2005 with her husband Frank and three-year-old son Lucas. Minnie began her career in politics as a staff member for a U.S. Senator for whom she cultivated relationships with community leaders and international dignitaries. From politics, Minnie transitioned to a career in fundraising, where she felt her skills could be applied directly to benefit non-profit organizations. She has gained significant fundraising experience as a development officer for Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago as well as Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Minnie holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Washington.

(Left: Minnie Sabin, Right: Robin Drunsic)

Squamscott Community Commons to Purchase HS Annex

2006-08-09T07:18:00.000-04:00

EXETER, NH: At their Tuesday, August 8, 2006 meeting, the members of the Exeter Region Cooperative School Board voted to sell the Exeter Area High School Annex (formerly the Exeter Junior High School) on Linden Street to Squamscott Community Commons, a non-profit organization, for $440,000. Title will transfer to Squamscott Community Commons on June 30, 2007 after the terms of the purchase and sale agreement have been met.

The terms and final purchase price were negotiated through a series of meetings with representatives from both boards. (For Squamscott Community Commons: Carter Siegel, President; Mark Moeller, Don Briselden, Chris Davies, Charlie Tucker, of counsel, and Project Manager, Carol Aten. For ERCSD: Patty Lovejoy, Ray Trueman, community representative Carol Bridges, and Business Manager, Walter Pierce.)

Highlights of the agreement include: ERCSD will retain the rear parking lot to support the expansion of Seacoast School of Technology, bus access will be allowed behind the new community center, and the Drug Free Zone at the Tuck Learning Center will be expanded to include the community center parcel. Should Squamscott Community Commons cease to operate, the school district will have the right to reacquire the property.

Squamscott Community Commons plans to demolish the 1967 school building and construct a “green” multi-tenant non-profit community center that will be home to a full-facility family YMCA and agencies that provide programs and services in health, wellness, arts, culture, nutrition, childcare and recreation to the region. The new community center will be an important partner in a wider campus, The Tuck Learning Campus: Alternative Education Program, Exeter Adult Education, Great Bay eLearning Charter School, Seacoast Charter School, and Seacoast School of Technology. The concept of a community center has been endorsed through the Exeter Master Plan Visioning Sessions held in 2002:“The second highest ranked need identified (after improving the high school) was the establishment of a multi-use community center that would feature a multi-use indoor recreation space, indoor pool, and public meeting rooms.”

The agreement comes after study by the Linden Street ReUse Committee, and the successful March 2006 vote from 65% of the SAU16 voters approving the sale of the property from ERCSD to Squamscott Community Commons. With the purchase and sale agreement in hand, the staff, board of directors and volunteers of Squamscott Community Commons will commence the capital campaign to raise the estimated $13 million to create the new center.

On behalf of the community center, board president Carter Siegel remarked: “Squamscott Community Commons is excited and very proud to be collaborating with the Exeter Region Cooperative School District to bring the highest quality programs and services to our community. Together we are creating a unique and vibrant community center that will be enjoyed by generations to come.”

“This will be a great asset to the community and the SAU16 school district,” stated Greg Kann, Chair of the Exeter Region Cooperative School District board. “This project fills a long standing void. We look forward to the synergies between our educational institutions and Squamscott Community Commons.”

Carol Walker Aten, Project Manager
Squamscott Community Commons

Dr. Arthur L. Hanson
Superintendent of Schools, SAU #16

Exeter River Alewife Festival NOW Sunday June 4

2006-05-19T15:58:00.000-04:00

Join us, the alewives (it's a little fish) and their community friends at the 6th Annual Exeter River Alewife Festival, Sunday June 4th (rain day) 10am-2pm on Swasey Parkway. We'll be chatting with visitors about our community center plans, and sharing tastes of locally made Sweets Scoops frozen yogurt. Come learn about our project and hear why we care so much about alewives--they are part of our future home's ecosytem on the Little River.

More details at http://www.exeterriver.org/events.html

Change of Guard for Squamscott Community Commons

2006-05-04T11:22:00.000-04:00

EXETER, NH: Squamscott Community Commons has elected a new slate of officers and continues to build its board of directors as it readies for the capital campaign needed to build Exeter’s first community center and YMCA.

Carter Woodworth Siegel, Exeter resident was elected President of the board. A resident of Exeter since 1998 with her husband Joshua and two daughters, she has been involved in the community as a member of the Conservation Commission, the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce, religious school teacher, and is an active member of the Exeter Elementary PTO, most recently as Co-President (’05-’06). Carter is also a graduate of the Leadership Seacoast program (2005). “I am honored to be part of an incredible mission that will change the face of Exeter for future generations. Squamscott Community Commons is a group if right-minded individuals with integrity and true-grit. The vision that the Squamscott Community Commons brings to this community is bold and bright and with this group of talent, it will become a reality!”

Past-President, Donna Schlachman, was elected as Secretary. She was honored for her eight years of leadership at a special meeting of center stakeholders last month with a Linden tree to be planted on the site of the new center. Exeter resident Liz McConnell serves as Vice-President, and Brian Lortie, CPA, Lortie & Carignan, is Treasurer. The Board of Directors also includes Don J. Briselden, former Director of Facilities Management at Phillips Exeter, and Exeter resident; Pam Cameron, Director Elegant Homes Division, GMAC Carlson Real Estate and Kensington resident; Stratham resident Beth Cleary VP, Commercial Lending, Ocean National Bank; Exeter resident Chris Davies, Principal, Great Bridge Properties; East Kingston resident Davis Farmer, Co-founder, Pacific Edge Biotechnology Ltd.; Rob Roy McGregor, Executive Director, Southern District YMCA/Camp Lincoln, Kingston; Exeter resident Mark Moeller, AIA, LEED, Architect, JSA Inc.; Nancy Pierce, Principal, Seacoast School of Technology; Exeter resident Randy Raymond, Principal, Agora Planners & Associates; Exeter residents Jan Russell, Harvey K. Shepard, PhD, and Cara Siegel.

The mission of the Squamscott Community Commons is to improve the quality of community and family life by creating and maintaining an intergenerational center that provides social, health, recreational, cultural and educational opportunities for all. Squamscott Community Commons plans to construct a community center on the site of the Exeter High School Annex on Linden Street that will be home to a full-service family YMCA and agencies that provide programs and services in health, wellness, arts, culture, nutrition, childcare and recreation to the region. The integrated and sustainable design of this centrally located facility will enhance the participating agencies’ capacity and reduce their operating costs. The agencies, in turn, can focus on what they do best: provide effective programs and services for our community. The presence of a variety of nonprofit organizations in a central location will create increased awareness of and involvement in charitable organizations by the public who use the facility. Participating agencies, local businesses and health services will benefit from new partnerships and collaborative ventures that will enhance the community they serve. Squamscott Community Commons will transform the greater Exeter community. This facility will provide a central place for residents of all walks of life to come together.

Boston Comedy Festival Rocks Exeter

2006-04-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

Over 300 fans came to see the funny guys of the Boston Comedy Festival at the IOKA Theatre last night. The benefit fundraiser supported both the non-profit festival and Squamscott Community Commons. Hoots and giggles ensued as the crowd listened to Danny Hirshon, Joey Carroll, Max Dolcelli and Mike Prior.

Thanks to committee members, Pam Cameron, Jane Dodge, Dianne Weiler and Cara Siegel for tending to the details. Door prizes were furnished by Rejuvenations Massage, Seacoast Girls Night Out, The Olive Garden, Flag Hill Winery & Distillery, Lily Design Studio, Exeter Day Spa, and YMCA Camp Lincoln. Super huge thanks to the volunteers and committee members who helped sell tickets and truly brought all their friends! And lastly, kudos to the IOKA theatre and owners Roger and Karey Detzler -- who shared their historic theater for an entertaining night that was both good for fun and funds!

Comedy Festival This Friday!

2006-03-29T17:56:00.000-05:00

Tickets Available at the IOKA -- the night of the show--this Friday March 31st after 7:30pm. Show starts after 9pm!

Boston Comedy Festival Comes to The IOKA March 31st

2006-03-17T15:36:00.000-05:00

A Benefit Event at the IOKA, 55 Water Street, Exeter, NH for Squamscott Community Commons

Friday March 31 2006- 7:30pm pre-show reception & cash bar at Club Ioka. 9pm doors open.
Tickets: $25 each. This is a 21+ show featuring headliners who have been around the country, writers for Saturday Night Live and featured at Comedy Central:
Max Dolcelli, Joey Carroll & Mike Prior

www.iokaentertainment.com

www.bostoncomedyfestival.com

The Community Votes Yes!

2006-03-15T10:44:00.000-05:00

After a long, chilly day of voting and after 5,706 voters from Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields and Stratham made their choice between "yes" and "no" on the Exeter Region Cooperative School District Ballot, Warrant Article #7:

“Shall the District authorize the School Board to convey the real estate situated at 56 Linden Street, Exeter, NH (old Exeter AREA Junior High Land/Building Tax Map 82, Lot 13) to Squamscott Community Commons for use as a community center "at a sum to be determined by the School Board upon receipt of a new appraisal of the land & buildings including demolition costs to be conveyed by an appraiser chosen by the School Board & on such terms and conditions as the School Board may determine?”

65% of the Voters chose YES!

Next Steps: SCC will meet with the SAU16 administration and school board and determine the timeline and actions needed for the purchase of the property, which will happen after July 2007.

Thank You For Your Support!

SCC Plans to Demolish Annex to make way for new community center

2006-03-03T09:22:00.000-05:00

After exhaustive study by the Squamscott Community Commons Facilities Committee (Don Brieslden, Chair; Mark Moeller, Chris Davies, Fred Doane, Cleo Castonguay, Rob Roy McGregor and Paul Kirby) will be recommending to the board of SCC to completely demolish the Annex and build a new, efficient community center on the site. SCC hopes to purchase the property from the Exeter Region Cooperative School District following the successful passage of warrant article #7 on the ERCSD ballot on March 14.

At the February 9, 2006 Exeter Region Cooperative School Deliberative Session, Squamscott Community Commons offered an amendment to its original article, which passed. SCC decided to offer the amendment to alleviate concerns that the property might be worth much more and that SCC was getting an unfair "deal." The new Warrant #7 now reads:

Shall the District authorize the School Board to convey the real estate situated at 56 Linden Street, Exeter, NH (old Exeter AREA Junior High Land/Building Tax Map 82, Lot 13) to Squamscott Community Commons for use as a community center "at a sum to be determined by the School Board upon receipt of a new appraisal of the land & buildings including demolition costs to be conveyed by an appraiser chosen by the School Board & on such terms and conditions as the School Board may determine?”

Even with the amendment, SCC has gone on record to state they will still pay no less than $250,000 for the property. The new appraisal and estimates will be done through the SAU16 office after the March vote. The terms and conditions of sale will also be set by the ERCSD board after the passage of the warrant article.

SCC has spent the past year evaluating the site, building, land value, demolition costs, and renovation options. SCC had initially planned to only demolish a rear portion of the building where a new gym and indoor swimming pool would be attached as part of the new YMCA. As the facilities committee researched the cost analysis of renovating the old school versus building new, it became clear that new construction was the wiser choice. The cost to renovate the 78,000 square foot school building which sits in an R2 residential zone (abatement of hazardous waste plus renovation of the existing building for any use - office or residential or a school) was at a minimum $10 million (prior to adding a new pool or gym, calculated at a conservative $130 per square foot renovation cost to bring the building up to code, ADA access, etc.)

The renovations required to bring this tired building up to code are so extensive that there is little residual value left in retaining any part of the Annex for re use as a Community Center. The Annex was built in the 1960's using low-cost construction materials and methods, with energy efficiency not an important consideration in its design.

Retaining any or all of the present building carries with it an extensive amount of inefficiencies and operating cost liabilities; liabilities in the renovating dollar sense that it would cost more to renovate space not required, and, liabilities in the operating dollar sense in that it would cost more to maintain and operate than a new energy efficient building.

Constructing a new building provides a unique opportunity to maximize use of the latest technological advances in energy conservation to keep operating costs both minimal and affordable, and to avoid wasted interior space. It will also make it possible to orient the building in an optimal way so that parking, traffic, and the entrance are integrated into the overall site in the best manner possible, minimizing the impact of the building and its related activities upon abutters while better protecting the adjacent wetlands.

The demolition costs will be the burden of SCC, not the ERCSD. Estimates for creating a vacant lot (demolition, debris removal, hazardous waste abatement including asbestos) have ranged from $700,000 to $1,085,000.

SCC contracted for a written appraisal of the Annex property in July 2005, minus the 3 acre parking lot in the rear. In the appraisal, the demolition costs (factored at the conservative $700,000 estimate) were greater than the value of the land (which includes significant and unbuildable wetlands). The value of the property for the 10.4 acres (not including the 3 acre parking lot) was set at zero market value.

Presentations on the new Center (public welcome at *)

2006-01-06T08:29:00.000-05:00

Tue Jan 17 6:30pm: Brentwood- Swasey Central School PTO (public)*
Fri Jan 20 7:45am: Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Wed Jan 25 10am: DAR in Brentwood Fire Hall
Thu Jan 26 7pm: Great Bay Kids Co. staff & families @ School Street, Exeter
Thu Feb 2 7:30am: Kiwanis, Exeter Country Club
Mon Feb 6 7:15pm: Exeter Giving Circle
Tue Feb 7 7pm: Lions Club at the Exeter Inn (public)*
Thu Feb 9 7pm: Deliberative Session Presentation ERCSD (SAU16 registered voters)*
Mon Feb 13 6:30pm: Kensington PTO, Kensington Library (public)*
Wed Feb 15 7pm: Exeter PTO @ MSS music room
Thu Feb 16 5:30pm: SCC Hosts Exeter Area Chamber Business After Hours @ the High School/Annex "Cafetorium"
Thu Mar 9 7:30pm: Seacoast Charter School
Mon Mar 13 12:15pm: Exeter Rotary Club, Exeter Inn
Tue Mar 14: ELECTION DAY!!!!

Why “Squamscott” ?

2005-12-02T15:19:00.000-05:00

In searching for a community-based name that encompassed not just Exeter, but the region—we chose Squamscott. It doesn’t easily roll of the tongue, but it is a wonderful echo of our region’s rich and ancient past, where people have lived in this very place for at least 10,000 years. The Native American tribes of New Hampshire were most likely from the Abenaki nation, but independent of the Maine-based tribes. The name “Abenaki” and its derivatives originated from a Montagnais (Algonquin) word meaning "people of the dawn" or "easterners." In the eastern part of New Hampshire were the Pequaquaukes (or Pequakets), the Ossipees, the Minnecometts, the Piscataquas and the Squamscotts (Msquamskek). The Squamscott River begins at the Great Falls in the heart of downtown Exeter, where the fresh stream-fed waters of the Exeter River meet the tidal saltwater coming in from the Piscataqua River basin and Great Bay. 'Squamscott' (properly pronounced 'swamscott'-but not many do...) gets its name from the Squamscott Indians who called it Msquam-s-kook (or Msquamskek) translated as 'at the salmon place' or 'big water place.' Plentiful game, the marshes and lush river-fed vegetation, and an abundance of fish supported the northeast Native American Indians who were present in the region for thousands of years until English settlers displaced them in the early 1600s.

Here's Where the News Will Be!

2005-11-18T17:34:00.000-05:00

You'll find on the Squamscott Blog news of public presentations, developments and progress on the creation of our community center and YMCA and the latest updates--so stay tuned to this spot!

Coming in December: The Squamscott & YMCA Survey: We need your input!
The "Say Yes!" Petition: We need your support!

2005-10-14T16:23:00.000-04:00

In the beginning

2005-10-14T16:15:00.000-04:00

What happens when a good idea doesn't go away despite years of hard work and many volunteers? Sometimes, it succeeds!