As the first real year of the third millennium began, it seemed, like any other year, full of promise.

By the end of the year, it seemed as if the disasters expected in 2000 had merely been delayed.

From state-imposed injustices as the unfair Education Funding schemes, to a late snowstorm that shut down the Seacoast for three days, to the horrifying events of September 11 it was a year of troubles.

And through it all, the Seacoast survived, and strived to make the area a better place for all for generations to come.

This then is a brief summary of the many events covered in the pages of the Atlantic News for the Year 2001.

The New Year started out with promise, as The Old Salt restaurant began preparations to move inland from its former site at Hampton Beach (which fell victim to a fire in 1999) to an equally important spot in the center of Downtown Hampton at the historic Lamie's Tavern.

SAU 21 Superintendent John Bourgoin toyed with the idea of admitting Fremont students into the already crowded halls of Winnacunnet High School. While the proposed two-year contract could have brought as much as $1.5 million to the school district, current students and parents vigorously opposed the measure. A petition was drawn up to prevent the fifty proposed Fremont freshmen from entering Winnacunnet. Fremont had previously sent students to Epping, Sanford and Pinkerton Academy, but due to the state's ongoing educational funding crisis and other lawsuits, new school construction and expansion projects are virtually at a standstill, and there was no room for the incoming Freshmen. Winnacunnet, which has had to resort to modular classrooms to accommodate its present students is in a similar situation. Ultimately, the school board voted no to permitting the Fremont students to attend school at WHS.

Hampton School District Facilities Manager Al Jackson departed after 13 years of supervising the district's three buildings, moving on the Erie County Ohio where he would manage 26 of that school district's buildings.

Plans were underway at the Hampton Airfield to enlarge the small part-time museum with the addition of a 24,000 square foot Quonset-style hut offered by the Vermont National Guard, which would be large enough to park the vintage DC-3 in, with room to spare. $450,000 was required to dismantle, transport and erect the structure. Unfortunately, not enough funds could be collected for that project to be executed.

Parking was an issue in Hampton, as Jason Duffy of High Street pointed out that numerous cars remain for infinitely long periods of time in the town's public parking areas behind the 7-Eleven. He proposed a $10 parking sticker fee to try and root out these space-wasting cars.

In Seabrook, the sparks flew between the Selectmen and Fire Chief Paul Janvrin, who was seeking a raise retroactive to his attainment of the post in March 2000. The Seabrook Police relieved a Federal grant to upgrade their communications systems due to their proximity to Massachusetts.

More hints as to the whereabouts of Hampton's town clock were revealed.

John Dowd of North Hampton was made chairman of the New Hampshire Republican State Committee.

Preparing for the future, Hampton Falls put together plans to ask the town for over ten million dollars to build a new school.

Memories Studio in Rye returned to its former place of business. The new building is a virtual duplicate of the old structure which burned to the ground in a fire the year before.

Friendly's restaurant in Hampton closed its doors, marking a trend in Downtown Hampton. However, by the end of the year, the building would see new life as a funeral parlor.

Rockingham Superior Court Judge Richard Galway ruled that New Hampshire's current statewide property tax method was unconstitutional, much to the delight of the many Donor towns who are part of the Portsmouth Coalition. Furthermore, he ordered the state to return the $884 million collected and spent since the start of the flawed education funding scheme in 1999. However, it was appealed to the State Supreme Court.

In a Hampton Selectman's meeting, it was noted that the Town Tax Assessor Robert Estey was a member of the State Education Tax Panel.

The school board focused on the enrichment program at Hampton Academy Junior High School as they tried to figure out a good way to get the program to benefit all students rather than a few.

Hampton's PTA presented the school board with $12,000 raised through the wrapping paper fund raiser.

The North Hampton Planning Board chose not to recommend a warrant article which would increase the wetland setback to 100 feet. While a setback would help salt marshes and ground water, it would hinder further construction as 38% of the town is considered wetland.

Hampton Historian John M. Holman and Assistant Library Director Bill Teschek presented two albums containing the history of the Hampton Fire Department to Hampton Fire Chief Hank Lipe.

Talk of the return of rail service to the Seacoast picked up. With the return of the Boston to Portland rail line, with local stops in Dover, Durham and Exeter, consideration was being given to a possible rail service that would have stops in Portsmouth, Hampton, Seabrook, and possibly Salisbury Mass before eventually reaching Boston's North Station.

With 43 warrant articles in hand, Hampton prepared for deliberations in February. Among the items under consideration are the construction of a new police facility, which had been put on hold by an Exeter resident's lawsuit challenging the 2/3 - 3/5 vote law.Also under consideration was a change in the town's government.

North Hampton prepared for its deliberations. Among items of note were increased funding for the North Hampton Forever Committees, improvements and expansion of town office space, and the replacement of the town's 32 year old pumper truck, which was the first diesel fire truck in service in New Hampshire.

North Hampton's eighth grade class held a penny sale to raise funds for their trip to Washington DC.

The curtain was slowly closing on the final chapter of the historic Hampton Playhouse saga, as developers began to demolish the famed summer theater in the name of progress.

Winnacunnet High School Coach Jack Ford was honored as the 2001 recipient of the Walter A. Smith Memorial Coaches' Award.

In Hampton, the proposed charter was hotly debated. Under it, Hampton's five member Board of Selectmen would be expanded to nine to form a town council/town manager form of government. Commission member Fred Rice read glowingly from the Majority report which recommended the change as the town, now the 17th largest in the state, was facing more and more city sized issues. Commission members Mary-Louise Woolsey and Arthur Moody presented their own minority report which soundly rejected the plan.

The master plan for Hampton Beach continued to take shape as planners sought more input on an overall vision to guide the development of the Beach for the next ten to fifty years.

An overhead projector left on in a music room sparked a fire at the Seabrook Elementary School which destroyed the contents of the room and caused smoke damage in a large portion of the school. Fortunately, the fire was doused before any further damage was done.

While no major changes were made to the 23 North Hampton Warrant Articles, the 100 foot wetland setback petition was debated.

Hampton Falls sent all four of its warrant articles to the voters without any changes. The construction of a new school was dropped, as the school board wished to focus on purchasing the land for the future structure to be built on.

While snow did fall on the Seacoast, the winter was remarkably mild in January and February.

SAU 21 students celebrated the 100th day of the 2000-2001 school year.

Hampton Selectman Bonnie Searle would take up a few hours discussing how the selectmen's minutes were recorded. For much of the year, she would insist that the minutes were being "dumbed down" or redone, and would insist on keeping word for word records of the meetings. The other selectmen countered that the current system was adequate, and the meetings were recorded and shown on Channel 22 some fourteen times a week. Searle would also regularly be the sole dissenting vote throughout the year.

The Paper Factory was among the first of several long-time stores to close its doors at the North Hampton Factory Outlet as new owners began to lay the groundwork for major reconstruction of the mall which has remained half empty for much of the time.

The HAJH eighth grade went off to Environmental Camp. A 'historic' teacher contract for SAU 21 educators was crafted, where the teachers opted for more pay and would assume all health insurance costs. It was to be the first in the nation to eliminate benefits. While approved by the Teacher's Union, a vocal group of educators vigorously opposed the measure as it went before the voters of SAU 21 towns.

North Hampton born Major-General Henry Dearborn's 250th birthday was noted.

Reginald F. Jacques, owner of the popular Little Jack's Seafood restaurant on North Beach in Hampton died suddenly. For the first time in 27 years, the restaurant would stand vacant for the summer season.

Arrangements were finalized for the Higgins Family, owners of the Old Salt to purchase Lamie's Tavern in downtown Hampton.

290 of 306 aptly-named Penguin Plungers' braved the cold and bad weather to take a dip at Hampton Beach to raise more than $143,000 for the Special Olympics of New Hampshire.

North Hampton agreed to take part in an EPA storm water study as a 'before' town. The 'after' town of Chicopee Massachusetts is the 'after' town, with no room for any more new development, and spends 2.6 million a year to treat storm runoff.

The plaque of the Bailey Building was installed.

Frances Brown of Seabrook was named a Melvin Jones Fellow, the highest honor a Lions club member could receive.

After the decision of Judge Galway that the state's form of taxation was unconstitutional, many communities debates whether to send funds earmarked for education to the state, or have them held in escrow awaiting a showdown in the state supreme court.Hampton opted to send their money to escrow, even as they debated whether to continue sending funding to the Portsmouth Coalition which is leading the fight against the taxation scheme.

ACT ONE began preparations for its summer theater at the Winnacunnet Community Auditorium even as the old Hampton Playhouse was pulled down.

The Winnacunnet High School board approved the change of the In-School Suspension policy to keep habitual offenders on suspension on Saturday, so that their studies would not be interrupted. The change would take affect on March 10.

The Seacoast Art Association was informed they had to move out of the North Hampton Factory Outlet Mall.

Paul C. Snyder Jr. a writer for the Atlantic News, passed away.

A patriotic party at the Lane Library celebrated President's Day.

After a period of spring-like weather, New England found itself buried under a thick layer of snow as winter returned with a vengeance. On the Seacoast, over two feet of the white stuff fell for several days, causing schools and other activities to be canceled for an unprecedented three days in a row. As the snow piled up from the initial storm and one that followed, so did reports of roofs collapsing in even harder hit areas of Massachusetts. For example, in Greenland a snow blower was raised to the school's roof to remove over four feet of snow that had collected there. Soon seeing people shoveling off roofs became a common sight, and reports of depleted snow removal budgets were equally common.

The WHS School board considered introducing a smaller learning community concept.

Seabrook appealed to town voters to approve the town budget. Over the past four years, only one budget has passed, forcing the town to use an inadequate 'default' budget. The possibility was also raised that Seabrook might have to purchase its first stop light at the Poland Spring facility now under construction. All the other stop lights in town are owned and maintained by the state.

Maria Miles of Salisbury Massachusetts was honored when the new local visitors center was named after her.

Plans were in the works to repair the sea wall south of Great Boar's Head in Hampton. By summer, a new railing would be in place along parts of the beach.

The Seabrook Lions donated a special magnification device called the Clearview 317 to the Seabrook Library. The device helps people with macular degeneration to read.

Hampton and North Hampton's efforts to get high-speed cable access to the internet were put on hold yet again. At about the same time, many of the hot 'dotcomÕ internet businesses would begin failing. By November, economic analysts would announce that the Recession forecast by President Bush had begun in March.

Coaches and students from France visited WHS to learn more about basketball.

It was announced that Seniors Appreciation Days at Hampton Beach in September would be canceled for 2001. Ironically, the International Fireworks Competition which had been scheduled for that week, and had effectively replaced the Seniors Appreciation Days was also canceled. Sadly, funds for the Senior Appreciation Days had been rechanneled to other things, including a Master Sandsculptors Competition.

The vote got out on March 13, despite messy weather.

The "Historic" SAU 21 teacher contract of pay rather than benefits was defeated when Seabrook voters chose not to accept it. The other SAU 21 towns (Hampton, Hampton Falls, North Hampton and South Hampton) approved it, but without Seabrook's approval, it did not pass.

Hampton voters decided to stick with the town's current form of government, rather than revising the charter. The police department failed to garner the 3/5 vote required for additional funding for the construction of a new station. The town's $17,262,984 operating budget was approved, as was the fire department's pumper truck and aerial ladder truck, and improvements for Station 2. Warrant articles to build a disaster resistant community and flood mitigation projects passed as well. The proposed second polling place in Hampton failed.

In North Hampton, Jennifer Landman gained a seat on the Board of Selectmen, defeating John Anthony Simmons Sr, and Judy Day took the three year seat on the Planning Board, and Joseph A. Arena Jr. took a two year seat on the planning board. Voters approved funds for the purchase of conservation lands and easements, and the $3,059,715 town operating budget was approved.

In Seabrook, Oliver Carter defeated four contenders and retained his seat on the Board of Selectmen. For the first time in several years the proposed $14,550,738 town budget was approved. The position of Fire Chief was changed from that of an elected official to an appointed one. The fire chief's request for a retroactive pay raise, and a "Flashy the Fire Dog" robot were soundly defeated. The Seabrook Housing Authority was forgiven the repayment of a $250,000 promissory note. $30,000 was approved to establish Seabrook's own cable television channel to broadcast town meetings.

In Hampton Falls, opponents to the purchase of the Starvish property, on which it is hoped a new school would be built, circulated soil tests with findings of the presence of arsenic and beryllium highlighted. While these opponents maintained this showed the land polluted, and unfit for a school, the school board countered that these levels were well within acceptable standards. In any case, the purchase of the land was defeated by a vote of 492-291.

The passenger rail study continued down the line, stopping in Hampton to hear the public's view on it, which remained positive.

Hampton Firefighter David Lang and Lt. Rusty Bridle were praised by selectmen for their long years of work and contributions to the community.

It was suggested that the USS Hampton (SSN 767) might pay a visit to the Seacoast in the summer. No such visit would take place.

WHS students performed West Side Story. Auditions were underway for ACT ONE.

William "Skip" Sullivan was named Chairman of the Hampton Board of Selectmen. James Workman was voted in as Vice-Chairman. Bonnie Searle abstained from the vote.

Hampton's Fire Chief Hank Lipe approached the Selectmen for the execution a memorandum of understanding with the Hampton Beach Village District voters. At the time, there are technically two fire departments in Hampton, the Hampton Beach Fire Department, and the Hampton Fire Department. The former is stationed on Ashworth Avenue to provide a prompt response to put out a fire at the beach before it spreads. The agreement was the another step in officially unifying the two departments.

The new Hampton School Board convened, composed of Sandra Nickerson (who had succeeded in her reelection bid) Carol Hollingworth, Chris Singleton, John Woodburn and the newly elected Ken Stiles, who replaced the outgoing Irene McCain. Singleton was selected as the board's new chairman, and Hollingworth was made vice-chairman.

Friction between Seabrook fire chief Janvrin and the Seabrook Selectmen continued. Noting Janvrin had been absent from a number of meetings, the selectmen voted to suspend the fire chief for one day without pay. Not surprisingly, Janvrin appeared a half hour after the vote was taken, and the motion was rescinded, although the fire chief's professionalism was questioned after he tossed his monthly report on the table, and attempted to depart. Questions of "backroom dealing" were raised as the subject of a thermal imaging camera on loan from a company was raised. Such items have to be put out to bid. To add to the problem, the company in question, Bullard Co. out of Kingston could not be located.

The town of Greenland got a new ambulance for its Volunteer Fire Department after several years of bitter debate on the subject. The alternative was to contract out with the City of Portsmouth's fire department, a move championed by the former Fire Chief Tim Collins, who is also a Deputy Chief on the Portsmouth Fire Department. Former North Hampton Police Chief Michael Maloney who moved across the border to become Greenland's Police Chief asked for funds to be put towards a new police station. This motion was passed, as was a unique scheme to use land slated for the expansion of the town cemetery as a soccer field until the cemetery needed more room.

SAU 21 offered seniors the opportunity to maintain their walking routines in the Centre School and HAJH gyms, which will be open to them at set times.

The State Supreme Court overturned the Rockingham Superior Court's ruling that the state's education funding scheme was unconstitutional. At a meeting of the Hampton Board of Selectmen, Hampton's state representatives assured the town that a solution to the education funding dilemma remained a top priority.

The desperately needed dredging of Seabrook Harbor came to a temporary halt, much to the dismay of fishermen.

The Hampton Falls First Baptist Church held a dedication service for its newly built sanctuary, which can hold 500 people-twice as many as the old house of worship.

With Seabrook voters rejecting the SAU 21 Teachers contract, it was back to the drawing board. When the prospect of holding special town meetings to pass such a new contract were raised, the Seabrook School Board Member Blanche Bragg suggested "Kick us out {of SAU 21} and let us run our own show."

Hampton Recreation was making plans to produce a program on Public Access Channel 22. In addition to producing listings of recreation events, it would offer interviews and sport-related events.

As snow was beginning to melt, fund raising walks of all sorts were being planned. Golfers, encouraged by the return of warm weather were seen out practicing on still snow-covered driving ranges.

North Hampton students performed "Give my regards to Broadway" at the WHS community auditorium.

More businesses were informed they had to leave the North Hampton Factory Outlet Mall to make way for construction.

New Hampshire School Funding was the topic at a special forum in Portsmouth. Most favored an income tax, and all agreed the current 'solutionÕ was intolerable.

The Commuter Rail Task Force met in Seabrook as it kept heading south. At this lightly attended meeting, task force member, and owner of C&J Trailways Bus Company Jim Jalbert scolded other members for not figuring the high cost to restore the rail service which could cost $75 to $100 million.

The Old Salt reopened for business at Lamie's Tavern on March 29.

Hampton's Spring Clean-Up was canceled after DPW Director John Hangen informed selectmen that the two-week (actually four week) removal of bulky garbage items diverts much of his staff from other vital projects. Residents can still take their refuse to the transfer station, and of course normal trash pickup continues.

The Hampton Fire Department did some reshuffling of its staff and duty descriptions. The Emergency Medical Officer position was retitled Deputy Chief - Safety/Training, and the current Deputy Chief position was retitled Deputy Chief-Operations/Command. The Fire Chief's description, last updated in 1991 would also be amended.

Hampton Selectmen voiced their concern over the continued delay in building the new Police Station. The $5 Million voted for that purpose a year ago was tied up by an Exeter resident who challenged the legality of the 2/3 vs. 3/5 vote. The current Police Station remains in service, and in dismal condition,

Federal disaster funds were sent to New Hampshire to help pay for the cleanup of the unexpected snowstorms at the start of March.

Playing fields were off limits in several towns to give them time to recover from a brutal winter.

Following New Hampshire Senator Bob Smith's (R) abortive attempt to run for the office of President, and his departure and return to the Republican Party, the wheels began to move to draft Congressman John E. Sununu (R) to run for his seat.

National Library Week was observed at local libraries.

One should take pity on Seabrook's new DPW Chief John Starkey who started work on the job in time for the massive snowstorms of March. With four out on disability, he and his staff were commended for doing a fine job in such adverse conditions.

Lincoln Akerman School put on "OZ!" at the Winnacunnet Community Auditorium.

Seabrook's Town Assessor Scott Bartlett asked Selectmen to remove mobile homes as a separate listing for tax purposes and it is an uncommon practice and the software in use could not accommodate the extra information. The Selectmen took the matter under advisement.

It was decided that the Tuck Field Baseball Diamond would named after Don Butler, a Hampton Youth Association enthusiast who passed away last year. In a rare unanimous vote, selectmen approved the naming, which was made official in May.

The 'missingÕ Hampton town clock works which raised so many questions the previous year were turned over to the town by Glenn French, who had rescued them from the ruins of the Odd Fellows Hall fire. At the same time that the old town clock was returned, the Old Salt put up their trademark rotating clock and thermometer at Lamie's.

The North Hampton School's Odyssey of the Mind team in the "Destination:ImagiNation" category took second place in the state finals, securing them a spot in the Global Finals in Knoxville Tennessee at the end of May. Fund raising for the trip began immediately.

The Hampton Rotary donated a scan converter to the cable committee following its successful televised auction on Channel 22. Plans were in the works to purchase a CD Jukebox to eliminate the need for the radio broadcast used as background music when the bulletin board is shown.

Easter egg hunts took place on the Seacoast.

Mosquito control was a hot topic across the Seacoast as fears of the spread of the mosquito-borne West Nile Virus were aired. The problem though was the lack of a unified plan across the Seacoast, because some towns spray for mosquitoes while others do not. While the virus was found in several dead birds at the end of the summer, the virus was not found in either humans or mosquitoes in New Hampshire.

Foss Manufacturing was looking to expand its facility in Hampton. 7.44 acres of wetland north of their facility would be impacted.

WHS students visited Washington DC.

New ideas surfaced for the future of Hampton Beach, as parking and traffic control were considered at a master plan meeting. A skateboard park and bike path were also suggested.

The release of fish into local ponds and streams was delayed due to the late winter weather.

A petition was presented to the Winnacunnet School Board objecting to the proposed Junior ROTC Marksmanship program. The chief concern was that the school was sending mixed messages about their zero tolerance policy on guns in schools while having a shooting range on school grounds. The shooting range would use Daisy Air Rifles rather than real guns.

In North Hampton, the Landman's request for the reimbursement of attorney fees could not be decided upon, as too many selectmen (including Jennifer Landman) had withdrawn from voting.Bob Landman had acquired the attorney after being removed from the Rockingham Planning Board by the selectmen, but he was later reinstated to the position. Selectmen noted that if Landman had waited for the matter to resolve itself he would not have had to incur the expense of an attorney.

A single-engine Cessna crashed while trying to land at the Hampton Airfield, where gusty winds had grounded other aircraft. Neither the pilot or the passenger were hurt.

Hampton Selectmen debated the merits of putting a bathroom in for the Hampton Beach parking attendants to use as part of a project to install a gated "arm" for counting purposes. Searle thought it would be a good idea to start charging for the lots earlier in the season to bring in revenue. Another bathroom on Hampton Beach raised some questions as resident Charlie Preston asked about the final location of the new bathroom on the beach to replace the "Swamp" a shoddy state-owned restroom facility located between Great Boar's Head and the Ashworth. A number of residents have objected to the various plans put forth by the state for the rest room's replacement, which in one case suggested an observation deck on the roof, or placing it on the beach itself. It was found the bids to put it on the beach were too high, so a more conservative structure was to be erected on the site of the so-called "Swamp".

It was proposed that a third kindergarten class be added at North Hampton School to accommodate the 42 students expected to attend next year.

Computer security and accountability was a concern as a parent in Exeter tried to gain access to computer records which had been deleted. Such records would indicate if students were visiting inappropriate web sites. SAU 21 began taking steps to retain such records.

Beautiful Mama Leone's opened up as the Beach slowly woke up from a long winter nap. Parking meters along the beach had already been put up, despite the piles of snow which were still melting away.

The Friends of Centennial Hall planned a set of spring fund raisers to help continue restoration of the historic building.

An open house took place in Hampton Falls to showcase the new addition and renovations of the 1877 town hall. Six new offices and a dedicated vault were added to the west side of the structure, as well as modern amenities such as air conditioning and fire alarms. Efforts were made to retain the town hall's classic look and display artifacts of note.

Bonnie Searle's continued internal correspondence to Town Manager James Barrington came under fire when Selectman Chairman "Skip" Sullivan harshly criticized her for demeaning the town manager.

With warm weather came road construction and associated problems. Along certain portions of Route 1 in Hampton, lines would have to be repainted to avoid confusion among out of towners. In Seabrook on the Route 107 widening project, work came to a halt as a forgotten gravesite from the 1800's was dug up. The grave was believed to be that of Nancy Gove, and her descendants were notified to assist in deciding on the reburial of their ancestor.

A Federal award of $1.3 million dollars was given to expand the facility and programs at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye.

Seabrook Selectmen decided to prohibit Kevin Mongeon from selling guns over the internet from his residence at Cimarron Apartments. Mongeon, who had been planning one storing up to fifty guns in his residence returned at a later meets to inform selectmen that the guns would be stored elsewhere, and requested permission to sell again. Discussion on the subject was put on hold.

The history of Hampton's Fire Department was corrected, as Lemuel Churchill Ring was recognized as Hampton's first fire chief, serving in that position in at least 1911, if not earlier in 1907 when the first pieces of fire fighting equipment were purchased and a fire department of volunteers took shape. Previously it was believed Elmer C. King was the first Fire Chief, serving from 1912 to 1914.

Retired Army Lt. Col and CEO Dr. Michael Chema of Hampton Falls announced his intentions to run for John Sununu's seat if Sununu ran against Senator Bob Smith. Anticipating Sununu's eventual run, Chema would spend much of the year garnering support for his run.

Chris Coates, a former WHS student was making his mark at Keene State College where he was named Male Athlete of the Year.

In North Hampton Police Department, Detective Michael Maddocks was promoted to Sergeant, and returned to the beat. John Stokel would take Maddocks position. Longtime police secretary Jody Nordstrom retired after working for the police department for 24 years, and spending several weeks training her replacement Jessica Miehle.

Antique autos gathered at Tuck Museum for a car show and flea market as the museum geared up for summer.

The Farmers Market returned to the Seacoast.

The Don Butler Baseball Diamond at Tuck Field was dedicated.

Details for the first ever International Sand Sculpture Competition at Hampton Beach were worked out. Although some selectmen didn't want to divert police or public works personnel to the project, the project was approved.

The Seacoast United Soccer Club's newly incorporated association sought to establish if they still qualified for tax-exempt status. In the past, the tax-exempt club has given a donation to Hampton of $15,000, about half of what their actual tax bill would have been. The club's incorporation had been done to secure a loan to construct a large nine field soccer complex in Dover.

AT&T Broadband representatives put on a bad show in Hampton Falls as they gave conflicting answers to residents as to when the high-speed internet cable access might come into the town.

Seabrook selectmen requested the State Liquor Commission not renew the license for the All Star Sport Bar due to unresolved problems. At the following meeting, Dan Fowler, the bar owner, asked for a stay of the letter, promising to bend over backwards to remedy the situation. The board agreed to this.

Even with the purchase of the Starvish property voted down, the Hampton Falls School Board began work on deciding the next step for the building of a new school.

Members of the WHS marine biology class worked on helping clean up Seabrook Harbor.

As local organizations sought volunteers for spring and summer, long-time volunteers were honored as well. Dr. John Kaminski received the Jefferson Award for New Hampshire for fifteen years of providing free medical aid. The Lane Memorial Library honored its volunteers as well with a special reception.

The Seacoast Art Association relocated from the North Hampton Factory Outlet Mall to a new galley in downtown Exeter.

Winnacunnet High School and Seabrook's motions for a summary judgment were denied. A year earlier, Seabrook decided it had been charged too much for its students, and had withheld a potion of the funds it was expected to provide Winnacunnet for its students. While Seabrook town manager Russ Bailey hailed it as a victory, it was in fact a stalemate; Seabrook had to pay the funds it owed, while WHS took out a bond in the amount owed, until a solution could be decided upon by the voters in March.

Hampton chose to remain with the Portsmouth Coalition as the fight to fix New Hampshire's flawed education funding system continued.

A fire caused major damage to a seven unit apartment building at 707 Ocean Blvd. on Hampton Beach. No injuries were suffered.

The Seacoast was waking up for summer; with warm weather, visitors flocked to Hampton Beach and set up their chairs mere yards from heavy equipment working to repair winter storm damage at the beach. The annual "Rock Pick" was held at the Hampton Airfield to clear the runway of loose rocks. Fuller Gardens held its annual Mothers Day Plant Sale, and car wash fund raisers were underway.

The James House opened its doors to visitors.

The Hampton Softball League began to play again.

Of 5,000 surveys sent out by the school board on new construction at WHS, only 83 were returned.

The Hampton Selectmen were divided on how to deal with Seacoast United Soccer's non-profit status. While they praised the organization's work, it was noted they were now a "for profit" entity, and voted not only to deny this year's tax-exempt status, but also to revoke last year's tax-exempt status as well.

WHS Senior second baseman Brian Maloney was named Gatorade Player of the Year for New Hampshire.

Joint Relief, a fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation was produced and directed by Jon Rineman. The variety show attracted 300+ people to the Winnacunnet Community Auditorium, and resulted in an encore presentation.

50 North Hampton Students visited Washington D.C.

The proposed third Kindergarten class for North Hampton was approved.

After several meetings in North Hampton, no resolution was in sight for the reimbursement of the Landman's legal fees- a state which would persist for the rest of the year.

North Hampton considered purchasing a new microphone system so people could hear the meetings better.

An underground sprinkler system was installed around the North Hampton Bandstand.

Plans for the removal of asbestos in Centre and Marston schools over the summer months were laid out.

Tow trucks returned to Hampton Beach for their annual parade the weekend before Memorial Day Weekend. However, the parade hit a major snag when the drawbridge on the Neil P. Underwood Bridge got stuck in a partially open position, marooning tow trucks lined up on the Seabrook side of the river, and bottling in larger fishing boats in Hampton Harbor. The bridge eventually was put into the down position, to permit traffic to cross it for the busy Memorial Day weekend, and it was fixed within a month. This breakdown may have led to calls for a new high-rise bridge which wouldn't require a drawbridge to be incorporated into the beach's master plan.

Cinnamon Rainbows, a popular surf shop, moved to larger quarters closer to Hampton Beach when it relocated from the west side of Kennedy's to the east side.

The Winnachronicle, the Winnacunnet High School Newspaper took third place in the All New England contest for student newspapers, an competition sponsored by the New England Scholastic Press Association.

Memorial Day ceremonies were observed across the Seacoast.

Seabrook Selectmen honored Buster Wilson, a veteran of the Korean War who served in the famed 2nd Infantry Division for his efforts to get the government to give permission to allow veterans of that conflict to accept and wear the medal that the Republic of South Korea issues to American Veterans who took part in the conflict. Rules prohibit American personnel from accepting medals from foreign governments, but Wilson's efforts made the Veteran's Administration and Congress approve the acceptance of the medal in time for the 50th anniversary of the outbreak of the war.

Lock down drills were held at Winnacunnet High School and the Hampton Academy Junior High School.

Opposition to the Junior ROTC shooting range continued.

Wild animals seemed to be coming out of the woodwork with a fisher cat sighting and a coyote sighting noted in the news.

A series of severe thunderstorms swept through the area causing damage to trees and blacking out a number of homes.

A public hearing was planned to determine Hampton's role in the Portsmouth Coalition. While all would agree to remain in the coalition, many did not wish to donate further funds to the cause.

Congressman Sununu visited HAJH to talk to the students and help with the annual cookout.

HAJH student Julie Clews was named a United States National Award Winner in Science by the United States Achievement Academy. The Academy recognizes less than ten percent of all American High School Students.

Henry Boyd, a Seabrook resident and active conservationist asked the selectmen to help save his family's ancestral home, the John M. Beckman property. A Portsmouth developer may build a gated retirement community there, and would move and restore the historic building as part of the project.

Historic homes and museums opened the season as the busy Memorial Day Weekend marked the start of summer. Music returned to the Hampton Beach Sea Shell Stage.

The tall ship Pride of Baltimore II arrived in Portsmouth NH for a visit.

The Wall That Heals- Vietnam War Memorial arrived at the Pease International Tradeport at the start of June.

The Ruth Stimson Seaside Park at North Beach was dedicated on June 13.

Road construction crews took a break on Highland Ave in Hampton to make room for tourists to clog the roads. On Lafayette Road in Hampton new gas mains and telephone poles were installed as work stopped for the summer season.

Out of 51 teams competing at the Odyssey of the Mind/Destination Imagination Global Finals, the North Hampton Team took 15th place.

Seabrook announced it would impose a water ban in July. The Hampton Water Works Company noted that while water levels were better than they were last year, it has been a very dry spring.

ACT ONE offered free tickets to community members on nights which generally had a low audience turnout.

The Seacoast Art Association held their grand opening in their new gallery.

The Winnacunnet High School Class of 2001 held graduation ceremonies, as did the local Junior High Schools.

The North Hampton Board of Selectmen finally decided to reimburse Jennifer Landman's legal fees. Of more pressing concern was Selectman Jack Steiner's apparent move out of North Hampton- the first of several unrelated moves that would rearrange the local political landscape over the summer.

A preliminary Master Plan for Hampton Beach was unveiled for public viewing and comments.

North Hampton applied for a Community Development Block Grant to aid economic development projects. The funds would go towards replacing and enlarging the Lamprey Brothers tanks behind Joe's Meat Shoppe on Atlantic Ave, and making improvements to protect the nearby wetlands. The tanks, originally installed in 1923, store heating oil and kerosene.

Approval was given for the demolition of the southern portion of the North Hampton Factory Outlet Mall.

Seabrook sent out revaluation notices. The town has not revalued any of its property in over a decade.

Hampton Falls sought ideas for possible uses for the town's old library.

The Hampton Beach Chamber of Commerce kicked off the summer with a beach party.

The North Hampton School, Boy Scouts and Friends of Centennial Hall held a fund raising event at the Bandstand.

Thanks to a new tax law passed by President George Bush and Congress, Americans everywhere could look forward to tax refunds by the end of summer.

North Hampton held its Old Home Days. Topping the events was the installation of a replacement cupola atop Centennial Hall.

Arlo Guthrie was slated to play for ACT ONE on Father's Day.

A Canadian-based credit card scam operation was reported in North Hampton.

The sands of Hampton Beach slowly shifted into amazing art as the First Annual Hampton Beach Sandsculpture Contest took shape next to the Sea Shell Stage.

Energy was a prime topic as California was struck by rolling blackouts due to its power deregulation. In New Hampshire, such deregulation is taking shape, along with the real possibility of the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant being auctioned off.

Hampton Resident Tom Gillick received the Distinguished Alumni Award from U-Mass Lowell.

The Singing Church opened for its 76th summer.

It was announced that the Extreme Sports Park would be built on the old Rye Airstrip on Lafayette Road. It will be a members only indoor/outdoor park with areas for skate boarding, in-line skating and BMX riding.

Concerts returned to the North Hampton Bandstand.

Flag Day (June 14, 2001) was observed in Hampton with the proper disposal of worn out American Flags, sponsored by the Hamptons' American Legion Post #35, the Hampton Fire Department and the Boy Scout Troop 177.

Police shot 55 year old Hampton resident James Bates in the leg in the course of an investigation on Drakeside Road. The man had been allegedly threatening his mother and police officers. He would be denied bail at a court hearing and sent to have a psychiatric evaluation.

Skate Jam 2001 allowed skateboard enthusiasts to show their stuff, despite periodic downpours.

Late school busses caused concern in North Hampton as parents and school board members wrestled with the dilemma.

WHS Marine Biology Teacher Cathy Silver was recognized with the New Hampshire Excellence in Education Award.

Hampton received its new pumper truck as Steve Benotti was named Acting deputy fire chief on the town department.

The 225th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence was noted. The original document itself was to be removed from display in Washington DC while its display cases were replaced and the display area made handicap accessible.

Seabrook Selectmen gave a unanimous "No" vote to Kevin Mongeon's request for a permit to sell guns over the internet.

Town Manager James Barrington passed the gavel to John Dowd who was made President of the Hampton Rotary Club.

Five SAU 21 schools received the Blue Ribbon School Achievement Award for the 1999-2000 School Year. Those schools were Centre, Marston and HAJH in Hampton; Lincoln Akerman School in Hampton Falls, and the North Hampton School.

The North Hampton Heritage Walks were given honorable mention for excellence by the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance.

The New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation quietly increased fees for all the parking meters lining the Seacoast prior to the busy Forth of July Weekend. The unannounced increase, the first since 1991, raised the cost from $1.00 per hour to $1.50 per hour, requiring more quarters to be fed into the meters. Five-dollar tokens which could purchase four hours of time in the Central Parking Lot (next to the Hampton Beach Playground) failed to materialize before the end of the summer season due to manufacturing problems, and only one change machine was available, although it was out of service much of the time at the Central Parking Lot. Parking ticket fines likewise increased.

North Hampton was forced to increase parking tickets to $30 in an effort to keep people without permits from parking in town spots leased at the beach, and the police would keep a closer eye on the situation. Previously, it was sometimes cheaper to pay the ticket than to pay the meters.

Demolition of the south end of the North Hampton Factory Outlet Mall began.

Plans were discussed for the much-needed enlargement of Winnacunnet High School.

Ralph Fatello's 'Catch A Wave For Gus surfed to a close. Fatello pledged to surf one wave a day in memory of his father Gus (also an avid surfer) to raise money for diabetes research and awareness. Amid much hoopla and media attention, he did just that on July 26, raising more than $20,000 for the American Diabetes Association, which recognized Fatello for his work.

A house and garden tour was held to raise funds for Centennial Hall restoration work.

Sanderson's field in Greenland hosted its tenth annual Ultralight Fly-In, a week-long event.

Unauthorized stop signs on several streets in Hampton were brought to the attention of Selectmen, although everyone admitted the signs were needed where they were- they were just unauthorized. At the same meeting, ACT ONE asked if temporary signs could be put up to direct patrons to Winnacunnet High School.

It was finally revealed that in addition to Home Depot, Shaws Supermarket would be moving onto the North Hampton Factory Outlet site. A Home Depot was also being built two towns over in Seabrook.

Hampton's young athletes held their own in the annual Hershey's Youth Track & Field program.

Seabrook's town Manager Russell Bailey noted that the town's tax rate might go down. He noted that the town might not get the $300,000 it 'overpaidÕ to Winnacunnet High School. Also the impending auction of shares of the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant was being closely watched. The need for a beach plan was brought up.

The Aquaculture Education Research Center (AERC) in Seabrook was active on the Seacoast, visiting local libraries whose statewide summer reading theme was 'Octopi Your Mind: Read With local fisheries being steadily depleted, aquaculture, literally the farming of the sea, may be the best option for future fishermen. AERC also began contributing an interesting semi-regular column in the pages of the Atlantic News.

It was moving day in Hampton Falls as the community gathered together to move tons of tomes from the old library building to the new one.

The construction of a new Welcome Center in Seabrook on Route 1A was a little behind schedule.

Erosion in Seabrook Harbor as always was an issue at the town could not get a permit to install more rip rap to slow down the process.

Great Bay Motorcycles was named the number one Triumph Motorcycle Dealership in the United States.

Finding solutions for the restricted quarters at Lincoln Akerman was still being explored. The school sits on 10.5 acres of land, where the recommended size is 20 acres.

The Seacoast Civic Dance Company brought home the top awards when they attended the Dance Educators of America's national convention and competition in Las Vegas.

The acute lack of change machines at the beaches remained a sore point.

A special exemption granted to James Jones Landscaping Service in August 2000 was overturned following numerous complaints from neighbors. He had been granted permission to keep a 90 day supply of loam on his Lafayette Road property. What had been stored there was described as a pile of dusty dirt with chunks of concrete.

Removal of asbestos in Hampton Schools was on schedule.

Recent WHS graduate Christina Kooyoomjian died in an auto accident on Anne's Lane which injured four other young Hampton residents.

G&G Cycles donated a 'Sea-Doo' to Salisbury and Hampton Beach lifeguards.

Katie Widen, a 19 year old Gilford native was named Miss Hampton Beach 2001.

The idea of ID Badges returned to WHS, as the board chose to pursue the matter again.

Seabrook residents rebelled at the idea of enforcing the water ban.

The Goody Cole Room reopened at Lamie's Inn.

Regal Limousine added a limo coach to its fleet, and upgraded the Blue Star Taxi service they offer in Portsmouth.

The Lynx, a Portsmouth-registered replica of an 1812 privateer, was launched in Rockport Maine.

The number of visitors to Hampton Beach was lower than last year, either due to the weather, the poor economy or due to the increase of parking meter fees, depending on whom you asked.

With dwindling funds and low audience attendance due to a faltering economy, ACT ONE canceled "Later Life" in favor of "Of Pirates and Poets". Stephanie Voss Nugent the founder and executive director of ACT ONE expressed doubts as to whether summer theater would return next summer.

The Capital Improvement Plan Committee met in Hampton to start hearing from all departments as to their plans for the future.

Hampton Walkers celebrated a decade of taking strides along the Seacoast.

There was a close call in Downtown Hampton as a multiple-car collision behind the Hampton Hardware Store damaged the pipes of a gas meter. There were no major injuries, and the gas pipes were quickly fixed.

The State of New Hampshire lost the battle to reclaim the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, as the US Supreme Court decided it was in Maine.

Hampton Falls was hosting a series of concerts at its new bandstand through the summer.

The Seacoast saw two resignations in one week as Jack Steiner and Ralph Woekel resigned their offices. Steiner, a North Hampton Selectman had moved to Portsmouth in what was initially thought to be a temporary move. Selectmen would later decide who would replace him. Ralph Woekel, a freshman State Representative for Hampton and Hampton Falls had also moved out of the area to Fremont. As a result, a special election was held to pick a new representative for District 22.

The Children's Festival at Hampton Beach was a great success for kids of all ages.

Sidewalk Sales Days came and went in Downtown Hampton.

If one group of towns could twist the State Constitution to their petty means to create the education funding crisis, so too could the victimized 'donorÕ towns. A careful reading of that venerable document revealed that Article 10 grants New Hampshire residents the right to revolt. With Rye in the lead, this movement had been gaining some momentum as North Hampton considered whether to join such a revolt, although the manner of such an action had yet to be determined.

North Hampton considered a 'Pay as You Throw' system to decrease garbage, increase recycling, and pay for both. The matter will be put before voters in March.

Local fire departments gave neuromuscular disease 'the boot' as they raised funds to fight the disease.

With the rumor of an 'adultÕ business coming to town, North Hampton quickly got to work crafting an ordinance that would deal with such a thing.

Hot weather was putting a strain on the Seacoast's water supply, as climatologists noted the region was in the third year of drought-like conditions.

Schools prepared to welcome back students.

The Seabrook Elementary School opted to hire a second principal. Jeni Mosca will now take charge of grades pre-K through 4 while Chuck Young handles grades 5-8.

Forever Plaid marked the end of ACT ONE's summer season as questions were raised as to whether of not the summer theatre tradition would continue in Hampton.

The future of Unit 2 at Seabrook Station was considered. Although ten percent complete, most of its equipment has either been sold off or used in Unit 1.

Seabrook celebrated its Old Home Days.

An immature bald eagle bedeviled Hampton Beach goers, dive bombing them and attacking their beach balls. After roving the beaches for several weeks and becoming something of a media sensation (and eluding police) the bothersome bird was finally grounded at Salisbury Beach thanks to the cunning of Animal Control Officer Jim Lindley.who used a handful of roast beef and a tennis ball to lure it down where he could grab it. There it was finally determined it had been released from an animal hospital in North Carolina, and had flown northward. Now too tame to be let loose in the wild, it will probably live out its life in captivity.

After almost a year of work, the Little River Marsh Restoration Project was completed. The project included installing new large culverts under Route 1A (which disrupted traffic and required to temporary relocation of some fishhouses) and will provide better drainage - which in turn will reduce flooding in areas around the Little River Marsh. NH Senator Judd Gregg and North Hampton Conservation Commissioner Henry Mixter were on hand to celebrate its completion.

Hampton's capital improvement planners heard wish list requests from all comers. Among the more interesting requests was fire department request for a 21 foot boat to replace its small but well used rescue boat, as well as some new vehicles to replace aging ones. The public works department sought a high pressure water jet blower for sewer cleaning. The conservation commission sought a large amount of funds to establish a land bank. As always, the expansion of WHS was brought up. It was also noted that Hampton was past due for revaluation.

Hampton Schools Food Service Director Nancy Stiles was recognized with a flag flown over the US Capitol in her honor.

With asbestos removal almost complete at Centre and Marston, it was announced that Hampton Schools would open on time. However, concern was raised over the crumbling concrete cornice at Centre School.

Leo Pacheco approached the Hampton Selectmen with the gift of 2.5 acres of land of Fielding Lane which he desired to give the town to be used as a park. The selectmen were all in favor of accepting such a generous gift after the town council reviewed the matter to make sure all was in order.

Most SAU 21 students returned to school on August 27.

Kelly Parrott of North Hampton asked that pedestrian walkways be marked out at the intersection of Route 1 and Route 111, as well as in front of the future Home Depot and Shaws.

It was proposed that North Hampton hire a town planner to better shape the 'North Hampton Forever' vision.

With no luck in dealing with abutters, North Hampton was considering taking steps to force access to an isolated plot of town land where a communications tower would be installed.

Amid much fanfare, the new Hampton Falls Free Library was dedicated on August 25. Interestingly, the previous Library building was dedicated a hundred years earlier in August 1901.

North Hampton Selectmen supported a move to create a bicycle route that would go from North Hampton to the Pease International Tradeport.

The Kitchen at Depot Square opened up to replace Lil's Grill.

The Holly Jane Dance Center, one of the many businesses evicted from the North Hampton Factory Outlet, had found a new home in Hampton.

As the summer season drew to a close, the North Hampton Beautification Awards were given out at the final concert at the North Hampton Bandstand.

A dead crow carrying the West Nile Virus was discovered in Hampton - it was one of a handful of dead birds found at the end of summer in southern portions of the state.

Seabrook hosted its annual Great Greyhound Race.

A petition to reverse the revision of Article 11, which allowed the fire chief to be appointed rather than elected was presented to Seabrook Selectmen.

With no rain, Seabrook extended the water ban into the fall. By the end of the year, without a hurricane or significant rainfall, many shallow wells were starting to run dry.

Volunteers were gathering for the Annual New Hampshire Coastal Clean up

It was time to ditch that diet again as the Hampton Seafood Festival returned, marking the end of the summer season. The only sour note to the end of the summer event happened when three off-duty firefighters were injured as they took their award-winning booth back to the station at the end of the festival.

Outdoor music events, a favorite staple of summer likewise came to a close.

The Seacoast Academy of Music started off its first season at Drake Farm in North Hampton.

State representatives from District 25, Jeffrey Gilbert, Rogers Johnson and Walter Ruffner appeared before North Hampton Selectmen to give an accounting of the way they voted for the state property tax to fund education. It was concluded they voted for the least of several evils.

The North Hampton Selectman Seat rendered vacant by Mr. Steiner's resignation remained so as fellow selectmen could not agree on a replacement.

The New Hampshire SPCA held its annual Seaside Stroll for the Animals.

Firefighter Rusty Bridle was promoted to Captain, and John Stevens was made a Lieutenant on the Hampton Fire Department. At the same ceremony, Richard Sawyer was promoted to Lieutenant on the Police Department.

The Hobbs House was painted and maintained by the Hampton Community Issues Coalition and other volunteers on the United Way Day of Caring. The Hobbs House is currently home to the Hampton Help Center.

Stanley Olson was welcomed aboard as the new Reference Librarian at the Lane Memorial Library.

Hampton students were pleased to have their artwork used in the Coastweeks 2001 promotion, which encourages the seashore cleanup.

Irene Vatcher's home in Hampton Falls was damaged by a fire. A fund-raising effort was underway to help her rebuild.

Police chief Wrenn asked for funds to upgrade the police department's UHF communications equipment with modern VHF equipment now in use by most other municipalities. Chief Wrenn was asked to investigate the town noise ordinance, due to the increased number of complaints caused by noisy motorcycles.

Steps were taken to halt the establishment of any sexually oriented business in North Hampton.

Reconstruction on Route One went back into full gear, causing endless tie-ups as gas mains are installed and the road is completely rebuilt.

September 11 - While the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon shocked the nation, so too was the Seacoast shocked as people discovered many of the unlikeliest local links to the tragedy. Local groups mobilized to help swamp New York with aid, donations and funds, even as local and state officials began the daunting task of assigning added guards to the Pease Tradeport, the Seabrook Station, bridges, and anything else that might be remotely considered a target of terrorists. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Coast Guard tightened security around that facility and on all incoming vessels. The arrival of the newly built Portsmouth-registered Lynx, a replica of an 1812 privateer was delayed a month. A flag shortage developed as people went out to show their support for the country. The Atlantic News added American Flags to its cover for the duration of this crisis, and added a special 'View from the Homefront' column for events related to the war on terrorism. As the country came together, the talk about holding a revolt in New Hampshire over the unjust education taxes died down.

Hampton Beach's Master Plan continued to develop, as wider sidewalks were proposed to reduce pedestrian congestion, more traffic lanes, and perhaps even turning Ashworth Ave into a two way street were also discussed. Another point was stewardship of the beach, which is currently not clearly defined or executed.

Seabrook Selectmen did not support changing an ordinance that would allow property owners who are not permanent residents of the town to get parking stickers or use of the town transfer station.

By the middle of September, parking meters had come down across the Seacoast Beaches, except for the stretch of Hampton Beach from Great Boar's Head to the State Park. Curiously, the rest rooms along this portion of the beach were locked up as well, even though the meters were well monitored.

The Rye Lions held their annual Auto Show. Like so many other organizations, they donated their funds to the World Trade Center Relief Fund.

Two petitions circulated around Seabrook concerning a special town meeting to be held concerning the town fire chief's status as an elected official, or as an appointed official as town voters had voted in March. One petition asked for the meeting, the other asked for no meeting to be held.

Despite the downturn of the economy, it was still hard to find people to do repair work.

Harbor Lights defeated E.F. Shea as the Hampton Mens Softball League season came to a close.

Abutters of the proposed communication tower land proposed that the tower be located on school property, where old logging roads can provide access to it. It would be considered, but either location would require a hearing.

In Hampton Falls, the town Safety Building was paid in full, as the town considered hiring another police officer to enhance coverage. The matter would eventually be put before the voters.

By the end of September, the proposed Hampton Beach Master Plan was unveiled for comment. Copies were available at the town office and library.

Home Depot in North Hampton received a variance to post 402 square feet of wall signs. 24 square feet is what is normally allowed by the town ordinance.

A request by James C. Jones for the temporary continued operation of his soil business was denied by North Hampton Selectmen. A site plan would be requested, followed by a walk of the property by Selectmen in October. In other dirty business, the ordinance on "Adult" businesses was to be discussed again.

Craig Benson, founder of Cabletron and a Republican gubernatorial candidate for New Hampshire spoke at the Hampton American Legion Hall, as the races heated up.

Plans for Elderly Housing were developing in North Hampton.

The Friends of Centennial Hall held their annual yard and bake sale.

Hampton Falls residents faced a 15.75 percent tax increase.

Former North Hampton Selectman George Lagassa of Maple Drive in North Hampton returned to the board as Jack Steiner's replacement.

One Million Dollars in Hampton's undesignated fund were earmarked for tax relief.

Seabrook's citizens wanted the town noise ordinance altered or enforced on motorcyclists. One should note that without helmet laws, New Hampshire is a popular spot for motorcyclists, and the growth of the sport in the area has been impressive.

Hampton Falls modified its false alarm ordinance to provide permission to disconnect or fine people whose alarm systems generate for too many false alarms.

"Operation Christmas Child" got underway in Hampton Falls.

Plans to enlarge Winnacunnet High School now called for a new athletic facility with options for three basketball courts and a second floor indoor track. The existing gym would be converted into classrooms.

A one hundred unit, eight to nine story 'vacation ownership' luxury complex on Hampton Beach was proposed on a site between the Atlantic Motel and Ron's Landing, just south of Great Boar's Head.

More work was banged out on North Hampton's Sexually Oriented Business Ordinance, as setbacks were reduced to theoretically allow such a business to come to town. Due to First Amendment concerns, it is illegal to ban such a business outright, but the ordinance framed has nearly eliminated any spot for such a business to go in.

Schools, businesses and volunteer groups continued to show their patriotism as America geared up to go to war against terrorism.

Local walks raised funds for a variety of causes.

October 7 - America goes to war, striking the Taliban and Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan. Either in response, or to add to the chaos of war, anthrax-tainted letters turned up at media outlets in Florida and New York City as well as Congressional Offices. Hoax letters also flooded the mail, notably some 500 letters filled with white powder went to abortion clinics including to the Women's Health Center in Greenland. Suspicious white powder was also found in Seabrook and Hampton Falls, adding to the Post September 11 hysteria. By the end of the year, many of the hoaxers were facing charges, although the person who had sent the anthrax remained at large. No cases of anthrax were reported on the Seacoast. Nonetheless, HAZMAT teams were kept busy as state officials reminded the public that an anti-terrorism plan had been formulated two years earlier. By the end of the month, most towns would be reporting with confidence that they were ready to handle any terrorist attack or any other 'large scale' emergency. New Hampshire Post Offices also seemed to be ready. Some schools, skittish about the current situation, have canceled school trips, or are carefully reviewing them.

A special primary election was held in Hampton and Hampton Falls to determine the Republican candidate to run in a November election for State Representative. Mike O'Neil won, although Hampton Selectman Bonnie Searle was extremely critical of the use of paper ballots, implying that there was something "fishy" about the election.

Fire Awareness Week was observed.

Christopher Merrill continued to criticize the Hampton Falls road agent Richard B. Merrill (no relation) stating he was not being properly supervised. Despite this, it was found that Rye and Hampton Falls have the lowest road maintenance budgets on the Seacoast.

Seabrook's Town Manager Russ Bailey stressed that the town's computer, a 1980's vintage "Mini-Mainframe" will have to be replaced by PCs because maintenance will no longer be available for the venerable antique. The new systems, hardware, software and training will cost $107,000.

Because of Seabrook's refusal to pay a portion of the money it owes Winnacunnet High School, many needed materials have not been purchased.

After many delays the construction of storage units at 180 Lafayette Road in North Hampton was approved.

As the dust rose on Route 1 reconstruction in Hampton, it was asked that motorists be cautious and courteous of the workers in the road.

Valerie K. Livingstone, the Principal at Rye Elementary School unexpectedly passed away.

Humble Pie Food Shoppe opened in North Hampton.

An unknown person or group of people put out an unauthorized survey about Seabrook Town Manager Russ Bailey, which caused quite a stir. An unsigned letter was later circulated criticizing the unknown party that had sent out the survey as the shenanigans continued.

Following the revaluation of property in Seabrook, waterfront properties saw as much as a ninety percent increase in their tax rate.

Hampton Selectmen voted to censure the outspoken Selectman Bonnie Searle due to her chronically bad behavior towards people appearing before the Board of Selectmen. At the following meeting, Searle lashed out in full fury at the selectmen, attempting to legitimize her behavior, and dubbing them the "Hampton Kangaroo Court".

The New Hampshire Association of Fire Chiefs met at Ashworth by the Sea on Hampton Beach, bringing with them an impressive line up of fire apparatus.

The "Pay as you throw" trash collection plan was brought up again in North Hampton.

SAU21 reviewed school evacuation policies.

The Maplevale Turkey Farm in Kensington, a longtime attender of the Farmer's Market, closed its doors after 38 years on the Seacoast.

The fourth annual Applefest took place in Hampton.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission stated that the Seabrook Nuclear Power Station was operating safely. It had also bolstered its defenses in case of attack.

After forty-eight years, David Chevalier of North Hampton was officially given the Purple Heart he earned during the Korean War in a special presentation by New Hampshire Senator Bob Smith.

Hampton Falls sought environmental grants to map its storm drain system and containers to collect and dispose of used oil.

A new sidewalk was put in front of the Hampton Beach Casino.

Hampton Falls came together to help repair Irene Vatcher's home, which had been damaged by fire in September.

An ambulance was donated to Hampton Police to use as a crime vehicle for on-site crime investigations.

Sharleene Hurst resigned from the WHS Budget Committee citing time constraints and health problems.

North Hampton Selectmen approved revisions of the town's elderly tax exemption policies to be put on the town warrant. The current policies make it difficult for the elderly to get any tax relief.

New York Disaster Relief funds continued to be raised with haunted trails and rock band concerts on the Seacoast.

Hampton Falls signed a contract with Coastline Waste Management for curbside trash pickup.

After the failure of the 'Historic" SAU 21 teachers contract, a new, more conventional one was agreed to.

A car care center was proposed to be put in at the old North Hampton McDonalds restaurant.

Hampton Selectmen approved the Hampton Conservation Commission's request to ask for grant money for Walking Design at Island Path salt marsh restoration project.

The North Hampton Zoning Board upheld the use of a home business on Post Road, H & L Instruments, a business owned by Selectman Jennifer Landman and her husband Robert.

The water ban remained in force in Seabrook, as some shallow wells around the Seacoast began to run dry.

The Hampton Gazebo sought some more funding to finish the project.

The Winnacunnet High School Board approved the plan to enlarge the high school.

Many Christmas Fairs were held on the first Saturday in November.

An American Flag made by Marston School Students was sent to the American Stock Exchange as the Seacoast sought more ways to show support for the city.

SAU 21 solidified the policies for assaulting a member of the school staff by student or parent.

Hampton Police Chief Wrenn put forth the Hampton Police Department's proposed facility to the voters again, hoping the necessary 2/3 would approve it. Thanks to a lawsuit in Exeter concerning the 2/3 vs 3/5 voting rule the police department could not be built, and it seems that the lawsuit is on its way to the US Supreme Court.

After retroactively appointing members to the Hampton Falls Capital Improvement Planning Board, a six year $1.76 million plan was discussed for the town, ranging from road repair to computers.

Apparently for the first time since 1977, the Selectmen of Hampton and Hampton Falls walked the town boundary. According to state rules, this should be done every seven years. Of course, the walk completed prior to the 1977 walk was done in 1934, so some progress has been made. Nevertheless, some markers may have vanished as two on the Seabrook-Hampton Falls border were discovered to have been consumed by the salt marsh, and thus need to be replaced.

Due to security concerns, and their close proximity to the Seabrook Nuclear Power Station, all planes were grounded at the Hampton Airfield for the better part of a week.

Veteran's Day was observed across the Seacoast.

After the better part of the year, the fire-gutted apartment at 707 Ocean Blvd in Hampton had yet to be demolished due to a variety of reasons - and the Selectmen were looking for some answers.

In a special election, Michael O'Neil (R) defeated Pat Baker (D) for the District 22 New Hampshire State Representative Seat.

The Hampton Beach Master Plan met with approval at the planning board.

The North Hampton Planning Board approved the Jim Jones retail-wholesale landscape site plan with some stringent requirements.

The Seacoast Science Center at Odiorne Point in Rye began operation as a corporation. Previously, the New Hampshire Audubon Society had assisted the operation of the center.

Talk of a building a Science Museum and Aquarium in Dover continued to bubble up.

New Hampshire Representative John Sununu decided to run for Senator Smith's seat. Both are Republicans.

Following in the footsteps of the Landmans, Judy Day, a North Hampton planning board member asked for the reimbursement of legal fees incurred as a result of being a member of the planning board. She had been charged with trespassing (although her husband had not) as they turned around in Jim Jones parking lot. Jones, it may be noted, had issues with the planning board in regard to his business. Ultimately, the charges were dropped, but not before $5,000 of legal fees had accumulated. The Selectmen would send a letter to the Office of the Attorney General asking him to investigate all aspects of the situation.

Confusing results of the recently released New Hampshire Education Improvement Assessment Program had to be explained to all. Depending on whom you talked to, the schools either did very well, or not well at all.

Following local protests of the continued presence of parking meters on Hampton Beach up through Columbus Day Weekend, the State Parks department attempted to defend its position, explain away the poorly orchestrated meter rate hike, and blame the lack of tokens on the token manufacturer.

The sexually oriented business ordinance in North Hampton was unanimously accepted by Selectmen.

The Free Medical Clinic on Hampton Beach reopened its doors. The Hampton Rotary would donate $1,500 towards its operation.

Low ground water levels caused concern again. Seabrook considered a study to explore a desalinization plant, which would remove salt from the sea water to make it drinkable. A study of the Seacoast's water supply was also proposed by state and federal officials.

It was decided that the old Hampton Falls Free Library should be preserved, but moved to make it more accessible and useful, not to mention solving a few structural problems. The Hampton Falls Historic Society was given priority in its use, and other uses were suggested as well. In December, the Seacoast Artists Association, which had recently moved from North Hampton to Exeter expressed their interest in possibly having a spot in the old library.

As the date for the Hampton Christmas Parade drew closer, pressure to conclude work on Route 1, the parade route mounted.

In an unusual move, the Hampton Rotary named the Hampton Cable Advisory Committee as their citizens of the year.

David W. Graf of Tower Clock Repair and Restoration, Kittery Point Maine offered to repair the returned Hampton Town Clock for $32,000. Selectmen agreed the matter should be put on the back burner for the time being.

North Hampton proceeded in getting sidewalks and street lights added around town.

The Route 1 Parade route was ready for Santa Claus to enter Hampton. However, because of construction at the North Hampton Factory Outlet Mall, where the parade has started in the past, the floats had to gather at many different locations along the route. The parade was quite a patriotic event, with Uncle Sam and other patriots in attendance as well as the usual group of Christmas characters.

Tree lightings across the Seacoast took place.

A Streetcar Named Desire rolled onto the WHS Stage.

A group known as Access 1, 2, 3, with interests tied to the Americans with Disabilities Act put their sights on Kennedy's, a popular eatery on Hampton's North Beach. While the two had come to a settlement of sorts, Kennedy's could only provide handicap access if the Hampton Selectmen permitted him to use a small piece of 'no man's land' next to the restaurant which the town apparently owns. The selectmen approved the matter which will go on the warrants for voters to decide upon.

The Winnacunnet School Board refused to change policy and allow a home-schooled student take part in High School Sport Activities. The Seabrook School Board would go and change their school policy to permit home-schooled students to take part in school activities partially as a result of this dispute, since the student in question hails from Seabrook.

The Seabrook Police Department received Federal Funds for its part in adding protection to the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant.

Hampton Falls sought the second-oldest person in town after the present Boston Post Cane Holder, Ida Young passed away, and the oldest person in town turned down the honor.

The spot for deliberations was deliberated upon in Hampton as Selectman Brian Warburton suggested it be held in the selectmen's room to save the Cable Committee time and energy in setting up their equipment at the Winnacunnet Community Auditorium.

Hampton Falls began asking for site plans to be provided on computer disks.

Auto Shine Car Wash in North Hampton sought to expand.

Noted Hampton volunteer Ruth Stimson was honored by the Daughters of the American Revolution for all her hard work.

Despite the ongoing war, gas prices on the Seacoast continued to drop.

Warrant articles got top priority as the end of the year approached in Hampton. Of concern was the passage of the Warrant Article to build a new Police Facility.

Hampton got a new park as Selectmen agreed to accept the gift of Leo Pacheco of two and a half acres of land on Fielding Way to build a park in memory of his late wife Nancy Wright Pacheco.

New Hampshire Senator Smith, who has been unusually active on the Seacoast visited North Hampton, stopping by the school and local businesses and homes.

It looked like the era of donor communities might be over as an amendment to the state constitution would hold individual communities responsible for the education of their own children. Time would tell if it could pass muster.

Amtrak Rail service resumed on December 14 between Boston and Portland. Three stops are located in New Hampshire in Dover, Durham and Exeter.

It was noted that Rockingham County was among the top twenty counties in the United States to have seen the most growth in the last ten years.

And so it was at the close of 2001.