2022 Newsletter

From our President, Benjamin Dexter

Happy summer everyone, I hope you and your family are starting the season healthy and well. I also hope you're enjoying some well deserved time with good company once again.

The last two years have been a boatload more than I was expecting. Challenging pandemic practices, dicey discussions, and abbreviated availability were quite surprising for our little community group while caring for the ponderous pond.

These challenges have been dwarfed by the commitment of our community to serving and caring for our lake. Our board has been continuing conversations throughout the offseason to address current issues and prepare for future improvements. Our Treasurer, Nathan Karol, has been putting in the diligent work to improve our digital resources and membership tools, making steps, like paying your dues, easier than ever.  Our community has been financially supporting our lake host and weed watcher programs through grants from the Harrisville Community Fund and the Harrisville Conservation Commission. And you, our members, have been incredibly generous in your donations to our association and Lake Host Program.

These are some of a few of the great moments that reflected the value we see in our organization and the lake. These and many of the efforts you make big and small get me excited to try a few new things for Silver Lake in the next year.

This summer I plan to get a little more comfortable on one water ski, get a little more practice docking a sailboat, and get a few more miles of bike riding around our towns. I'll also be taking over ownership of the Lake Host program, trying to fill the large shoes, sandals, flippers, and crocs of my predecessors. You should get to know our lake hosts if you haven't already. They could credibly compete against almost any member for the most passion and support of Silver Lake.

I hope you'll join us in trying out some new things this year as well. Maybe it will be on the lake or something with the association. It doesn't take much to have a big impact and a passion for the lake can take you a long way.

See you on the water and remember, before diving in, check your pockets for your wallet, phone, and keys.

Ben Dexter

Membership Dues Online Payments Now Available

All membership invoices have been mailed to members. If you have not received your invoice, please let us know by sending an email to slakenh@gmail.com.

Pay your dues online! Visit our website to pay your membership dues online or make a donation to the Silver Lake Association. 

Officers and Board Members 2023

Treasurer: Nathan Karol

Secretary: Jillian Miner

Directors

Pam Banks

Colleen Barry

Jeffrey Miller

Julia Pakradooni

How to Help Preserve and Protect Our Community

• CONTACT SOMEONE from your Lake Association if you have questions or see problems around the Lake. We want to hear from you and assist if we can.

• STONEY BEACH BOAT RAMP is for boats only. It is not safe to swim in that area. The two sets of stairs are the only way swimmers should enter the water. If you see people using other areas to get in and to swim, and you feel comfortable doing so, please let them know that we are trying to prevent erosion as well as keep them safe, and would appreciate their cooperation. It would be nice if you could pull some weeds while you are there, too!

• POWERING ON/OFF BOAT TRAILERS is not against the law, but it can create a berm much like a reef under the water that has the potential to damage propellers. Please contact the association if you see this happening so we can address the issue with the boat owner.

• WEED WATCHING Even if you are not a weed watch volunteer, you can keep an eye out around your own shoreline for unusual weeds or algae blooms and let our weed watchers know if you see anything suspicious.

• NEVER PUT ANYTHING INTO THE LAKE THAT DIDN’T COME OUT OF THE LAKE.

• LOON HARASSMENT can lead to jail time and/or a fine of up to $1000 Stay away!

• BE A VOLUNTEER: Please continue to support your lake association through annual dues, donations and volunteerism. Check out our committees and, if possible, select one that interests you and join our mission to preserve Silver Lake into the future.

NH Lakes Association

NH LAKES is the only statewide, member-supported nonprofit organization working to inspire the responsible care and use of all New Hampshire’s 1,000 lakes to keep them healthy for the benefit of current and future generations.

There are a number of free and recorded webinars held regularly to help educate on keeping our lakes clean and healthy.
Check out what they have to offer. 

Through NH LAKES advocacy program, they give lakes a voice in the New Hampshire State House. This program provides information on laws and policies under discussion in New Hampshire and organizes efforts to help protect the lakes we love. Keep up to date with new laws and public discussions with the link below. 

ADVOCACY

Reminder to all who enjoy time on Silver Lake in Harrisville/Nelson.

In addition to following the NH Boating Rules, Silver Lake has two boating rules special to this body of water.

1. On Saturday's and Sunday's, year round, the speed limit of motorboats shall be no greater than headway speed at all times EXCEPT between the hours of 12pm and 6pm. 

NH Department of Safety Chap 400: SAF-C 402.71

2. Ski Crafts are prohibited from operating on Silver Lake Harrisville/ Nelson, NH State Lake RSA 270-74. Ski Crafts are 13ft or less, capable of exceeding 20 mph and carry no more than two individuals.

REEL IN AND RECYCLE

Just as a reminder, this unusual container wired to a tree at the Stoney Beach boat ramp is for recycling old fishing line. It is another innovation provided to us free by NH Lakes, and is a great way to protect our loons as well as other marine life and water fowl from getting entangled and hurt. We actually have a recycling center to send it to, so please, take the time to use it.

Did you KNOW?!


 

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is reminding all persons operating a motorboat on New Hampshire public waters that is registered in another state (other than New Hampshire) of a new requirement to purchase and display a New Hampshire aquatic invasive species decal from NHDES. The new law (RSA 487:43) went into effect on July 1, 2019.

Decals can be purchased online for $20 each. You can purchase decals online at NHDES Invasive Species webpage, by clicking on the link for the boater decal, or at the Out-of-State Boater Decal Purchase Page.

The decal must be displayed within 3 inches of a boat's valid registration decal. Decals should be placed on the port side of the vessel. Decals expire on December 31 each year. Proceeds from the decal program will be used for the prevention and management of invasive aquatic species in New Hampshire.

For more information, please contact Amy Smagula at amy.p.smagula@des.nh.gov or (603) 271-2248.

Lake Host Program Report 2022

From: Pam Banks, Co- Coordinator, Lake Host Program

The Lake Host program continued for the summer of 2021.Our paid Lake hosts were Thom Romanello and Ryan Fallon

Our volunteers were Perry Banks, Volunteer Lake Host; Pam Banks, Volunteer Lake host and administrator; Ben Dexter, President and Lake host volunteer.
Our association earned a grant from NH LAKES of $2,300 for our lake host program for the summer of 2021. 

In 2021 we inspected 1079 boats.  Arriving inspections totaled 619. Departing boats totaled 454.   The total motorboats were 497.  Non motorboats were 576 boats.  Boats from NH totaled 424. MA-16; ME-1; VT-6; CT-5, NY-1

Our volunteer match program from 2021 is as follows:

Ben Dexter:  890.56

Pam Banks: 1736.65

Perry Banks:  86.08

Todd Chamberlain:  13.60

Total Volunteer Match:  $2,727

Respectfully, Pam Banks

Summer 2022
For this Summer of 2022, we welcome Kristen as our newest lake host. She has quite the love for the lakes of NH and the loon calls that were absent during her time living in Colorado.
NH LAKES provided us with a grant of $1,750. We've also received grants from the Harrisville Community Fund and Harrisville Conservation Commission that will expand our coverage to all day Fridays. We are so thankful for their support and hope you will give back and support the HCF and HCC organizations in the town. So far, this year we've inspected 381 boats. Nearly 60% of our boaters are regular visitors to Silver Lake, many of them almost exclusively so. We're excited to have Fridays included in our inspection days and look forward to learning more about the volume of visitors we'll have on weekdays. 

To lend direct financial support to the Lake Host Program there is a link on the NH Lakes website to direct funds specifically to Silver Lake.  The Link is https://nhlakes.z2systems.com/np/clients/nhlakes/survey.jsp?surveyId=15&. Make sure to select “Silver Lake Association of Chesham and Nelson” when making your donations.

Consider volunteering as a Lake Host yourself to help keep our beautiful lake clean and clear of invasive species for many generations to come!

You can let us know if you're interested in volunteering or a paid position, this year or in future years, by completing this form at NH Lakes. 

Weed Watch Report

The Silver Lake Weed Watchers conducted three inspections during the summer of 2021 and found no evidence of any invasive species. We ask that all homeowners to be familiar with their waterfront and let us know if you see any changes or something new you do not recognize. You are our first line of defense.  You can call or text and we will have someone come right out to check on it. We are able to contact NH DES and get an answer the same day about what we find. If we do have a problem, the sooner we find it the better.

The main threats to the lake are variable and Eurasian milfoil, fanwort, curly leaf pondweed, hydrilla, and water chestnut. Zebra mussels and Asian clams are also a threat. Detailed information is available at www.des.nh.gov

We would also like to remind everyone to Clean, Drain, and Dry their boat before placing it in the lake. A lot of us have guests who bring their own kayaks when they visit. Please remind them to do the same.

If anyone is interested in becoming a weed watcher please let me know. We are always looking for volunteers.

I would like to thank Pam and Perry Banks, Todd Chamberlain, John Croteau, Sara Wilson, Mary Beth Mollica, Scott and Mackenzie Mason, Julia Pakradooni, Eleanor Drury, Doz Delori and Ted Braun. I appreciate all of your help protecting this beautiful lake. I hope everyone has a great summer. Call me any time. I am at the lake almost every weekend.

Dennis Fallon, Chairman

163 Breed Pond Rd, Nelson
Lake 603-827-3570 
H 603-465-3591
C 603-546-5902 

dennisfallon163@gmail.com

Loon Protection Report

2021 was a disappointing year.  Our pair nested in Sucker Brook and on June 14th, 2 healthy chicks hatched.  Unfortunately a few days later the chicks disappeared.  One could speculate that they were a victim to predation, which most likely is the case.

This year the loons chose Blueberry Island (one of their most popular nesting sites) as their nesting site.  The female (I say female, although both male and female share incubation, as research suggests females tend to spend more time than males on the nest towards the end of the nesting period) was found sitting on the nest and all appeared well.  However shortly after, the pair abandoned the nest.  After close inspection, just 1 egg was found submerged in the water…the nest had failed.  Nest failure is not uncommon for loons, because of this, the pair may re-nest up to 3 times in the same year.  However their willingness to re-nest may vary, and in our case the pair have not re-nested yet.  The non-viable egg was collected to give to the Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) to be weighed, measured and analyzed for embryo development.   The result of this necropsy will be available to the federal and state wildlife agency to be archived for future research.

Adult loons provide a very high level of parental care to their chicks until they are ready to fledge in the fall (typically around 12 weeks). Because of this, loons have only 1 brood of chicks per year. They typically lay 2 eggs, but can lay only 1 egg and in some cases may lay up to 3.  The average loon pair in New Hampshire successfully raises just one chick to fledgling age every 2 years.  The last year a chick fledged on Silver Lake was 2020.  Although we may be disappointed with this slow rate of production, we must remember the long life span of a loon. The oldest loon in New Hampshire is over 30 years old!  This means that although they reproduce at a slow rate they have a potential to produce many chicks over their lifetime.  This is why keeping our adults loons healthy is imperative to the overall viability of the loon population.

Annual Loon Census

The annual Loon Census in Saturday July 16th from 8:00-9:00.  If anyone is interested in counting loons (this includes our loons and any visiting loons as well) the census forms are available on the LPC website and submitted electronically.  I will also have some available at our cottage.  If anyone would like to join me I will be leaving our dock at 8:00 am.

Respectfully Submitted,
Colleen Barry

Save a Loon—Turn in Your Lead Fishing Tackle!
Lead poisoning resulting from the ingestion of lead fishing tackle is by far the largest known killer of adult loons in the state and has been responsible for over 40% of documented adult loon mortalities in New Hampshire since 1989. Lead sinkers and lead-headed jigs weighing one ounce or less (the sizes most often ingested by loons) have been illegal for sale and freshwater use in New Hampshire since 2016. Help us protect the loons on Silver Lake by cleaning out your tackle box and bringing any lead tackle that you have to a designated disposal site or Buyback participating retailer. The tackle will be transferred to the Loon Preservation Committee for proper disposal. If you’d prefer to get cash for your old lead, you can participate in the Loon Preservation Committee’s Lead Tackle Buyback program. As part of this program, you can turn in lead tackle at participating retail locations, where you will receive a $10 merchandise voucher to that location. LPC will award $100 to the person who submits the largest amount of tackle at each participating shop and $50 to the runner-up. Visit Loon.org/loonsafe for program details.
Closest Disposal Site: Dublin Transfer Station
Closest Participating Retailer: Rocky's Ace Hardware, New London

Volunteer Lake Assessment Program (VLAP) Report – 2022

Great job sampling in 2021! Record rainfall amounts did not seem to negatively impact water quality with the exception of decreased water clarity (transparency) in August. The decreased clarity may be related to flushing of wetland systems rich in dissolved organic matter that impart a tea, or brown, color to the water. We will continue to measure the relationship between water color and clarity in the future. Lake quality remains representative of oligotrophic, or high quality, conditions. Lake pH levels have improved in recent years, although the record rainfall amounts in 2021 resulted in moderately acidic conditions, historical data indicate recovery of surface waters from impacts of acid rain.

Sincerely,

Ted Braun, VLAP volunteer

This full report along with its data summary, historical charts, and sampling data is available on our website. Direct Link (Water Quality Monitoring – Silver Lake Association of Chesham & Nelson (slakenh.org))

Recreation and Safety Report
Official NH Boating Safety Course Online

As you may have seen, a new "No Wake" buoy has been placed by the southwestern entrance to Blueberry Island. This has been set by the NH Marine Patrol to help remind people to take it slow going around the island. While the loons haven't nested on the island in a couple of years, it's important to produce no wake near the shoreline to reduce erosion and damage to property.

· SATURDAY AND SUNDAY SPEED LIMIT: The speed of motorboats shall be no greater than headway speed at all times except between the hours of 12:00 Noon and 6 pm (NH Dept. of Safety Chapter 400:SAF-C 402.71).

· HEADWAY SPEED is 6 mph or the slowest speed at which you can still maintain steering, and this applies when within 150 feet of shore, swimmers, and other vessels (especially fishing boats with lines in the water) except when starting water skiers.

· RIGHT OF WAY: Motorboats must grant the right of way to all watercraft including canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and sailboats, and to swimmers.

· DIVERS: Boats must maintain a distance of 150’ from divers at all times...the diver-down flag is a red rectangle with a white diagonal stripe.

· SAFE BOATER EDUCATION CERTIFICATE is required for all operators of boats powered by more than 25hp. Driver must be 16 or older and must carry the certificate on his person while operating. Under 16 may operate if accompanied by a person 18 years or older who has the Certificate. To find out how to obtain your Certificate, click on http://www.boat-ed.com/newhampshire/

· COAST GUARD APPROVED TYPE 1, 2, OR 3 LIFE JACKETS must be carried for all passengers and crew and must be worn by all children 12 and under when riding in any kind of watercraft. NOTE: A paddleboard is considered a watercraft.

· JET SKI CRAFT are prohibited from operating on Silver Lake. NH State Law RSA 270:74

· VIOLATORS OF BOATING RULES AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO FINES. · IT WOULD BE A COURTEOUS PRACTICE to respect the privacy of homeowners and maintain a 50’ distance between you and the shore while paddling or motoring.

Burn Permits Required

A seasonal fire permit is issued annually and is required if you plan to have a small controlled fire on your property such as a camp or cooking fire 2 to 4 feet in diameter. It must be contained within a ring of fire-resistive material or in a portable fireplace. Any person violating the permit law and who recklessly kindles a fire that causes damage to property or woodlands could incur fines of up to $2000, one year in jail, and become liable for those damages as well as the cost of battling the fire. When the weather is very dry, “no-burning” notices will be posted at the fire house.

Please contact the following for more information and to obtain this free permit:
Wayne Derosia, Fire Chief 603-827-3076
David O’Neil 603-827-3497

Silver Lake Watershed Best Practices

1. Pump your septic every 1 – 3 years. Check your leach field for soft, wet areas and replace faulty systems. To safeguard your system, do not let grease go down the drain, do not use additives because the natural bacteria is enough, and do not allow tree roots to grow into your leach field. Also try to avoid parking on top of your leach field.

2. Do not allow gray water to drain onto the ground close enough to leach into the Lake. If this is happening on your property, you need to make some changes.

3. Instead of a disposal, compost your garbage in an area away from the Lake.

4. Report any sudden increase in aquatic algae or plant growth to the proper officials.

5. Conserve water whenever possible.

6. Do not flush toxic or bulky materials down the drain, including prescription drugs.

7. Do not run laundry or dish washing cycles unless you have a full load. 

8. An energy-efficient dishwasher uses about 4 gals of water and 1 kWh of energy per load as compared to 27 gals and 2.5 kWh when washing 12 place settings by hand!!

9. Do not use soap or detergents containing phosphates.

10. Do not wash boats, pets, or cars near the Lake where soap can run into the water.

11. Keep land clearing to a minimum.

12. Roads and paths leading to the Lake should be curved to reduce erosion. If you have problem areas of erosion or washout, install a water bar, or small trench, across the path to divert the water away from the lake.

13. Maintain a buffer zone of natural vegetation along the shore and reduce lawn area by planting shrubs and/or trees to minimize erosion…avoid altering the shoreline.

14. Do not use fertilizer, burn brush, or dump leaf or grass clippings in or near the Lake.

15. Do not urinate or defecate in the Lake and do not allow pets to do so either.

16. Do not feed ducks or other aquatic wildlife.

17. Follow appropriate sand dumping/beach construction regulations.

18. Remove hitch-hiking plants from boats and trailers.

19. If you don’t have a motor boat, please consider going online to take the free boater education course anyway. Even if you don’t take the exam to obtain the safe boater certificate, the information can be very useful.

20. Do not use powerful outboard motors in shallow areas.

21. Use a low pollution marine engine to reduce the amount of gas released into the water, and avoid spilling gasoline in your boat to keep toxic gas components out of the Lake.

22. Eliminate unnecessary idling and limit engine operation at full throttle.

23. Prepare engines properly for winter storage and follow engine manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.

Visit the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) website. 

LakeSmart Book Download (2021)

NH Lakes LakeSmart Program 

If you're interested in learning more about invasive plants that may be around the Mondanock area, check out this handy guide from the Dublin Garden Club. 

Local Contacts
Things have changed, and so have open offices, hours and availability at our favorite local stops. 

Harrisville Selectmen’s Office 603-827-3431
Andrea Hodson (Chair), Kathleen Scott and Pegg Monahan selectboard@harrisvillenh.org
https://harrisvillenh.org/emergency-contacts/hours-of-operation/

Harrisville Town Clerk, Cathy Lovas 603-827-5546
Harrisville Tax Collector, Jeannine Dunne 603-827-5546, Ext.24
Harrisville Police Department, Zach Byam, Officer in Charge 603-827-2903
Harrisville Fire Department, Chief Wayne Derosia 603-827-3412
Harrisville Recycling Center, Randy Tarr, Jr 603-827-2920 Fri. 10am-5pm, Sat. 8am-5pm
Harrisville Public Library 7 Canal Street, Susan Weaver, Director 603-827-2918 sweaver@harrisville.lib.nh.us http://harrisvillepubliclibrary.blogspot.com/

Olivia Rodham Memorial Library 1 Nelson Common Road, Nelson, Kris Finnegan, Librarian 847-3214...Monday and Saturday 10am-1pm...Tues.& Wed 3-7pm...Thurs.1-5pm

kofinnegan@harrisville.lib.nh.us. July 10,17,24,31...4pm...Summer Reading Program Nelson

Selectmen’s Office 7 Nelson Common Road 603-847-0047  http://www.townofnelson.org/town-selectmen/
Maury Collins, David Upton (Chair) and Gary Robinson
Administrative Assistant, Edie Drinkwater execadmin@nelsonnh.us

Selectmen meet every other Wed. at 3pm...please call in advance to place an item on the agenda Nelson Town Clerk/Tax Collector...Julia Lennon...847-9043...townclerk@nelsonnh.us Nelson Fire Department...Chief Jason Walter...847-9045
Burn Permits are now available online through the Division of Forests and Lands at nhdfl.org

Nelson Police Department...7 Nelson Common Road...Chief Richard Pratt...355-2000
Aldworth Manor 184 Aldworth Manor Rd, Harrisville 603-903-7547
The Harrisville General Store 29 Church Street 603-827-3138
Harrisville Designs 4 Mill Alley 603-827-3996
Brown House Bakery 613 Chesham Rd., Harrisville 603-827-3100...Friday-Sunday 8am-2pm. Cheryl Moschan will sell baked goods, breakfast items, lunch specials, soups, sandwiches and homemade bread. Auntie M's Cafe is open again if you'd like to sit a while. Follow them on facebook for the daily specials. Some light catering also.
Grand Monadnock Maple Farm...149 Breed Rd. Maple syrup, maple candy, maple cream, wedding favors, custom packaged syrup...email info@monadnockmaple.com for an appointment.
Community Church of Harrisville & Chesham...827-3733...13 Canal Street...10am Sunday ...Pastor Traceymay Kalvaitis
Chapel by the Lake Methodist Church...529 Granite Lake Rd., Munsonville Sundays 11am...chapelbythelakeumc@gmail.com...847-9999
Nelson Congregational Church...Sundays 9:30am...Pastor Dawn Garrett-Larsen...847-3280

Celebrations and Remembrances 

Jonathan and Jillian Miner welcomed their son Lucas on October 4th, 2021. Big sister Louisa (four years old) is excited to be playing with him in Silver Lake, this year and for many more to come! 

Mrs. Eleanor (Batchelder) Fallon, age 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 10, 2022 after a year of declining health.

Eleanor was born on June 2, 1930 on Abbot Hill in Wilton, NH in the farmhouse for orchards of her maternal grandparents, George and Etta (Chandler) Badger, where she grew up with them and her large extended family of up to four generations. She was the daughter of the late Daniel and Lena (Badger) Batchelder. Her paternal grandparents George and Abbie Isabelle (Kimball) Batchelder also operated large orchards in Kimball Heights, Wilton in a homestead that had been in the family since 1805. She was active with her family in the Grange during her formative years. She attended schools in Wilton where she graduated as class valedictorian in 1948. She attended Becker Junior College in Worcester, MA where she learned bookkeeping, a profession that she practiced all her working life.

She married the late Donald J Fallon of Milford in June 1952, when she moved to Milford where she raised her three children and lived the rest of her life. They were married for 55 years until Mr. Fallon’s sudden passing in 2007. In addition to their home in Milford, they also spent summers beginning in 1960 at their cottage that they built alongside their neighbors the Ansaldos and Rebidues on Silver Lake in Nelson, NH, in a community of lifelong friends that remains in the families to this day for succeeding generations to enjoy.

Following a long tradition of community service that was central to her family, she was active in a number of civic organizations including the VFW Ladies Axillary, the St Patrick’s Rosary Altar Society and the Milford Historical Society (Treasurer). She also was active in the Milford Bloodmobile and Share Program. For many years she was a poll worker for elections in Milford.

She was an avid card player with friends and senior groups, especially cribbage. She and Don also enjoyed travel and snowmobiling. She was also a member for many years of the Birthday Club, a group of twelve women who took turns celebrating a night out away from the children one special evening every month.

Eleanor worked at the Enright Law Firm in Milford for many years prior to retirement. In earlier years she had worked for ChemServe in Milford, William Whiting in Wilton, Samuel Whiting’s textile business in Milford, and David K Whiting Co. in Wilton.

In addition to many special longtime friends, she is survived by two sons, Kevin Fallon and his husband Jesse Huang of Boston, MA and Provincetown, MA, and Dennis Fallon and his wife Elaine (Owler) Fallon of Hollis, NH; her daughter, Pamela Banks and her husband Perry Banks of Hollis, as well as four grandchildren James Banks, Rachel Banks, Daniel Fallon and Ryan Fallon. Eleanor was pre-deceased in 1972 by her brother Raymond Batchelder of Wilton and in 2017 by her sister Mildred Hirst of Sterling, MA. She is also survived by nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Thomas Henry Chabott, “Tom or Tommy” age 77 of Harrisville, NH passed away at his home with his son and wife at this side on Thursday, May 19, 2022 following a brief illness.

Tom was the son of Eli and Mary Chabott, born October 27, 1944. He grew up in Keene, NH, and was a graduate of Keene High School.

He was a well-known business man owning Chabott Coal and Oil with his brother Theodore E. Chabott, which they bought from their father and operated for 52 years. 

Tom bought his house in Harrisville in 1981 and moved there permanently in 1990 with his wife Nancy Burbank Chabott of 31 years. They had a blended family which included Tom’s son Daniel and wife Jennifer and their sons Daniel and Christopher, his daughter Jennifer Chabott and her companion Richard Rowse and their children Michele, Alorra and Alex, Nancy’s sons Scott Burbank and his sons, Kyle and Alex, Eric Burbank and wife Vicky and their son Wyatt, and John Burbank and wife Marissa and their children Antonio, Ann and Christopher as well as two great grand children.

His brother Theodore Chabott and wife Wanda, and sister Janet Lincoln survived him and sister Lorraine Johnson predeceased Tom. He was loved by many nephews and nieces.

He will be sadly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Harvey Wheeler O’Conor of Harrisville, New Hampshire and West Palm Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 25th, 2022 at the age of 81.

Harvey was born on December 6th, 1940 in Boston, Massachusetts to Margaret Ford O’Conor and Charles Wheeler O’Conor. He grew up with his two sisters, Patricia and Carolyn, and his brother Paul in Belmont attending Belmont Hill School as a member of the graduating class of 1958. As a boy, Harvey loved to play sports and rowed crew. Harvey attended Harvard University graduating in 1962 and went on to earn an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business in 1966.

Soon after graduating from business school Harvey was blessed with his first three sons with Charlotte O’Conor: George, Christopher and Thomas. Harvey and his family enjoyed life in McLean, Virginia. Harvey embodied the same entrepreneurial spirit as his father and found business success by buying and bringing New Hampshire based Findings Inc to prominence. Harvey lived in many places across the globe including New England, Virginia and Switzerland. Harvey’s marriage to Kristina Ryan brought three more sons into his life: Kevin, Philip and Ryan. Harvey continued his dedication to his 6 sons through his life as an avid fan of all their sports and constant supporter in all their endeavors. Harvey also loved his many dogs who are surely waiting for him. 

Harvey loved a wide-open golf course and the serenity of a crystal-clear lake. He enjoyed passing along the joys and pains of the game of golf to his sons and teaching them the art of perfectly docking his boat back at the lake house. He loved supporting his sons in their sporting feats, occasionally taking issue with the refs but always being their biggest fan. Harvey lived for creating meaningful connections with people of all walks of life including through his “Cosmo” evening cruise around Silver Lake. He made many great friends, fostering these precious relationships throughout his lifetime. Harvey was a lifelong fan of Boston’s sports teams and would always be ready with a sharp analysis of a recent Red Sox game or Tom Brady’s prowess for the Patriots.

Harvey really enjoyed the creativity of business, whether in creating new companies, turning them around or just running them well. Harvey was a member of YPO, acting as chairman of the Swiss Chapter, and he cared deeply for his Forum mates. Harveys business interests were varied and included Jewelry manufacturing in the US to retailing PC’s in Europe. He took immense pride in his business achievements and truly appreciated the many people that he employed throughout his career. Harvey enjoyed his retirement in West Palm Beach finding love later in life with his partner Diane Ousterling. Along with his childhood friend Carl Norris, he took pleasure in going out to eat great meals and enjoyed fine Italian wine.

Harvey is proudly survived by his six sons, George, Christopher, Thomas, Kevin, Philip, Ryan and his partner Diane Ousterling as well as his eight amazing grandchildren. He also leaves behind his three siblings Patricia, Carolyn and Paul as well as dearly loved brother and sister in-laws and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Paul K. Geddes, age 95, passed away peacefully at his home at American House in Keene on Friday, May 20.

Paul was born August 2, 1926 in Nashua to Charles and Jennie (Burns) Geddes. At 18 months Harold Charles and Etheyn Jewett Clark became his foster parents. Paul remained in the Clark home until he left for the US Navy, after graduating from Nashua High School. He enlisted in the Naval Reserve active duty stateside in 1944. At the end of his service he then attended the Whittemore School of Business & Economics at UNH and graduated in 1950. Paul was called back into the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1954.

Paul worked his entire career in Nashua for Sanders Associates (now part of BAE Systems) as a material controller and administrator with top secret clearance.

Paul came to Harrisville early in his life with the Clarks, who had a cottage on Silver Lake. He would go the Seaver Farm to buy ice, milk and eggs. He got to know Edgar Seaver and over the years he helped out at the farm. They became close friends and Paul cared for Edgar in his later years. When Edgar passed away in 1978, Paul inherited the Seaver Farm and land around Silver Lake. Paul managed the Silver Lake campsites for over 30 years, but as real estate taxes increased, this was no longer feasible, so in 2010 the campsites were closed and the land restored to its natural state. The land has since been protected by conservation easements.

Paul was a 66 year member of the Rising Sun Masonic Lodge in Nashua. He was chosen as Harrisville’s citizen of the year in 2019 and also received the stewardship award from the Silver Lake Land Trust that year.

Paul is predeceased by his brother William. Paul was a real character and will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

George Shattuck Austermann, 92, of Peterborough, NH died peacefully on August 24, 2021, at his residence in Peterborough, NH. 

He was born June 6, 1929, in Jaffrey, NH, son of the late George and Eleanor (Shattuck) Austermann. George was raised in Jaffrey at the Shattuck Inn and was a graduate of Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Massachusetts. He attended Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY, earning an Undergraduate Degree in Business. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. 

While he was stationed in Springfield, MA for the Army, he met his wife Elizabeth "Betty" Dort in nearby Northampton. They married on June 26, 1954, in Keene, NH. After serving in the Army, George took a job at Dartmouth Hitchcock Hospital in Hanover, NH where he and Betty lived until purchasing their first home in Lexington, MA, just in time for the birth of their first son Karl. George was employed at Waltham Hospital when they first moved to Massachusetts until he accepted a position at Polaroid in Cambridge, MA where he traveled the country recruiting engineers to design cameras. Betty and George's Lexington home was full of love and laughter with their three sons: Karl, Richard and David. 

George retired from Polaroid after 30 years. Shortly after retirement, in 1996, George and Betty bought one of the first finished units at Long Hill Estates in Peterborough to be closer to their beautiful cottage on Silver Lake in Harrisville, NH. George and Betty spent their summers at Silver Lake where they enjoyed sailing, canoeing, skiing, picking blueberries and hosting family and friends. For many years George helped run the weekly sailboat races and continued water skiing until he was 76 years old. George's talent for working with plants was always on display at the cottage which was surrounding by his stunning natural gardens which he meticulously maintained offering visitors a colorful and welcoming display. In his later years, he and Betty enjoyed learning to play steel drums at Monadnock Island Sounds in Troy, NH. They also shared a love for travel visiting many of the states, the Virgin Islands and Germany. 

He is survived by his loving children: Karl E. Austermann and his wife Deborah of Littleton, MA; Richard Austermann and his wife Nancy of Southwick, MA; David Austermann and his wife Laureen of Sudbury, MA. His beloved grandchildren: Nicole Dumont and her husband Bryan of Ashburnham, MA; Christopher Austermann and his wife Ashley of Littleton, MA; and J.D. Killoran of St. Croix, USVI and Littleton, MA; Aric Austermann of Chicago, IL; Bryan Austermann of New York, NY; Caroline and Kellen Austermann of Sudbury, MA and his sweet great-grandchildren Clara, Reese, Joseph and Beckett, and many nieces, nephews and friends. George is also survived by his brother, Kurt of Oregon and sister-in-law, Sally of NH.

The great educator of children’s minds, Susan E. Bobbin 70, of Sullivan will be forever missed with her sudden passing on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, at her home in Sullivan.

Her parents, Ernest A. and Catherine T. (Burke) Bourke, welcomed their daughter into the world on April 27, 1951, in Nashua. Susan grew up in Milford and was a graduate of Milford High School. Her family later moved to Marlborough.

Susan was a 1973 graduate of Keene State College, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in education.

She loved her role as an educator of young minds, working with children in the 5th grade at the Cutler School in West Swanzey.

When not educating the great minds of the future, Susan enjoyed tending to her floral gardens at her home in Sullivan, where she spent the last 35 years raising her family. She also enjoyed many trips to Hampton Beach with her family; summers spent at the family cottage on Silver Lake in Harrisville; and most recently, exploring her family heritage.

Susan was a member of the N.H. Retired Teacher’s Association; and enjoyed her book club gatherings with her fellow teacher retirees from Cutler School.

Her greatest joy was the precious moments she was able to create spending time with her two grandchildren, 3-year-old Harper and 3-month-old Sienna.

She will be greatly missed by all of the children she helped along their educational journey, as well as the many members of the Cutler School community. However her passing will have a huge impact on her family: her son, Jared S. Bobbin and his wife, Jen, and their two children, Harper and Sienna; her brother, Michael Mullally of Marlborough; her nieces and nephews, Amanda Bourke, Casey Bourke and his wife, Missy, Ryan Bourke, Brittany Mullally, Bailee Mullally; and many extended members of her family.

Susan was predeceased by her parents, Ernest Bourke and Catherine T. Mullally; her husband of 32 years, Joseph G. Bobbin on Jan. 17, 2015; a brother, Robert Mullally in 2007; an aunt, Lena Burke; an uncle, John Burke; and her step-father Millard “Moe” Mullally.

Visitation and celebration of Susan’s life will be held Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court St., Keene. All those in attendance are required to wear a facemask to be safe. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Marlborough, will be held privately by the family.

Town of Harrisville 150th Celebration
Now celebrating July 22, 23 & 24 2022!
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Town-wide celebration to include:
Special church service; chicken BBQ; fireworks; and much more!