Opinion
A friend remembered, a generous town thanked
To the editor:
A friend to hundreds, Charles P. "Chaz" "Charlie" Hewitt was originally from Lee, N.H., and a graduate of Oyster River High in Durham, N.H. His mother, Mae Doyle, lives in Rochester, N.H., and his father, Mark Hewitt, lives in Bangor, Maine.
Chaz was a close friend of our grandson, Kaleb Brown. They first met at a Soulfest Christian Concert at Gunstock Mountain this past summer. They shared many interests, including a love of music and playing guitar. Chaz was also a longtime friend of John Sears who graduated from Portsmouth Christian Academy with Kaleb. The three of them decided they would like to live on their own, so with another friend, Matt Hetticher, in August 2009, they moved into Kaleb's mother and father's former home at 41 Collins St., Seabrook. When the guys weren't working long hours, they would hang out at the house, playing guitar, composing music and playing video games.
Robert Brown, Kaleb's dad, hired Chaz to work at our family restaurant, Brown's Lobster Pound on Route 286 in Seabrook. Chaz was an instant hit, well-liked by coworkers and customers, and was always smiling and upbeat.
Tragedy struck in the early morning hours of Nov. 7, 2009 when a fire of unknown origin broke out at the home on 41 Collins St. and Chaz perished in the fire. He was just 20 years old. The other three plus an overnight guest, Joseph Wood, escaped the blaze. There were 300 to 400 people for calling hours at the Edgerly funeral home in Rochester, N.H., and again the next day at the funeral in Barrington, N.H. Chaz was laid to rest in the Pine Hill Cemetery in Dover, N.H. The interment was extremely emotional for everyone, as it was quite difficult to understand the enormity of it all. "Chaz," also known as "Charlie" to high school friends and family, will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
As word of the fire quickly spread throughout Seabrook Saturday morning, townspeople and others went to the site, and many called to offer their condolences. Chaz's coworkers were devastated, and through their many tears, they worked through their heartache by making plans for a benefit spaghetti dinner and raffle in his memory, in an effort to assist his family with funeral expenses, etc. Coworkers, friends and townspeople volunteered all their time and worked for two days to prepare food, which included homemade sauces and desserts, and served up the meal on Nov. 19 for over 300 people. All the food and raffle items were donated, along with cash donations from many who didn't know Chaz personally, but wanted to help out. The majority of the folks were from Seabrook, which included our present Selectmen Robert Moore and Aboul Kahn, three former selectmen, other town officials and local clergy.
Living in Seabrook my entire life, I find it incredibly humbling to see the people of this town rally together in difficult times. Most of them did not know Chaz; however, they came out because it happened in our town and they were saddened by his death and wanted to help out. Through the efforts of family, friends, loved ones and complete strangers, we were able to present Chaz's family with every cent of the donations and monies raised to cover their many expenses. However, nothing will ever make up for the great loss of an awesome person and the emptiness we all feel.
As we attempt to acknowledge and thank everyone here, if your name or organization is omitted, please know that we will never be able to thank everyone enough. We wish to thank you personally, whether here or in our hearts.
Our thanks to: the first responders, for your professionalism and your heartfelt condolences. Something you or any one of us will never forget. We know of your pain as well; Atlantic Health & Fitness; B.J.'s Club; Jamie Bradley and Honey Brown; Ollie and Shelly Carter — Common Island Cafe; Chili's Restaurant; Louise Connors; Everett Davis and family; David's Fish Market; M/M Ralph Denton; Dunkin Donuts; Andrea Eaton Paintings; Francis and Mary and Bob Finneran; Daniel J. Fitzpatrick; Four Corners Advent Church; Ramona and David Francis; Frank's Fresh Fish; Daniel J. Furden — The Colony Motel; Galley Hatch Restaurant; Shirley and Arthur Greenberg; Kathy Hill; Hutchinson Candy; IHOP of Portsmouth; Ipswich Maritime Products; Ipswich Shellfish Company; Irving Gas; Jetpack Comics; Jumpin Jacks Java; Lithia Knopp; LaQuinta Inn and Suites; Lindt Chocolate; L & W Auto Repair; Richard Maguire; Market Basket; Thomas and Joyce Markey; Charles Mobardy — Sunoco; Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank; Mary Daley Pollander; Maureen Randall-Royal and Robby Royal; Rand Memorial Church; Richdale Convenience Store; Seabrook Fire Department; Seabrook Police Department; Seabrook resident — Patriots tickets; Seacoast Harley Davidson; Seacoast Oriental Rug; Doriann Small and Family; Soulfest 2010 — New Sound, Merrimac; Dwight Souther Family; Taylor Lobster Co.; Trinity United Church; Merlene Tirone; Joan Wilson; and Paula Wood Photography.
Bruce G. and Cynthia L. Brown and family
Seabrook
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Why Labor Day?
Ah, Labor Day! The lovely bitter-sweet holiday that closes out summer's outings and school vacations. Ever wonder what the celebration is all about?
On Sept. 5, 1882, 10,000 union workers marched through the streets of New York. This first Labor Day celebration culminated in a family picnic and concert featuring speeches by union leaders, including Carpenter's Union firebrand Peter McGuire, the champion of the eight-hour workday. Twelve years later, Congress recognized the importance of the Labor Movement and adopted Labor Day as a national holiday. -
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This is not your typical Labor Day weekend.
For one thing, it's late. In most communities, the kids are already back in school. And this year, a dry summer seems to have many trees changing their colors and shedding their leaves at a faster pace than normal. -
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We want to hear from you
Letters to the editor are welcome and encouraged. Letters should be brief (not more than 500 words), factual and all are subject to editing for length and libel.
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To the editor:
I don't understand what is wrong. We have people who are on welfare. They say they are too poor, but they can afford to buy drugs and beer and gamble and even a new car. But how does our state aid really work? Do the state workers really check to see what is going on right under their noses? From where I stand, I don't see it. But the ones who are honest don't get any help at all. We have some people who are on a fixed income and they get $10 a month in food stamps. What does that buy? A pound of lunch meat, a loaf of bread and they might get a gallon of milk or two. I was told from a state worker that if I left my husband, I would get help and more in food stamps. And I told them, funny. You think that I am going to give up my husband just so I can get help from the state? No. - September 4, 2010
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