Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on July 29th

Dateline: Aug. 2, 2022

The new pump station at Suncook Pond (AKA Iris Pond) is now up and running. The pump station is located behind the Suncook Pond Apartments at the end of Suncook Pond Drive, which is off Library St.

Andy Anderson had the honor of cutting the ribbon.

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held at the site on July 29th. Although the pump station had gone online several months ago, it was deemed fitting and appropriate to honor the memory of the Sewer Commissioner who worked to make the project happen. That was Larry Anderson, a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, who died on April 13, 2017 at the age of 80 after a long battle with cancer. So the "birth" of the new pump station was celebrated on July 29th, Larry's birthday.

Larry J. Anderson, Sr.

The 2017 Allenstown Town Report included this dedication.

"Larry had a passion for politics and served on many town boards and committees having just as many accomplishments within our town and in his lifetime.
"He was a friend to many of us and always found a way to make us laugh with a story that he had shared with us. All who knew and worked with him will miss our friend and neighbor who dedicated himself to the Town of Allenstown, the State of New Hampshire, and as a proud veteran of the United States of America."

The event was attended by several town officials and relatives of Mr. Anderson. This included Sewer Commissioners Alan Turcotte and David Bouffard, Sewer Dept. Superintendent Jeffrey Backman and employees Russell McMahon and Kyle Gagnon, Larry's wife, Betty Anderson, Larry's son, Andy Anderson, Larry's grandson, Kyle Anderson, Selectman Sandy McKenney, Police Chief Michael Stark, and Zoning Board Vice Chairman George Lemire.

Attendees at the ceremony

Back in March 2017, Larry Anderson, then a Sewer Commissioner, was pleased to receive the approval of the voters to begin the project with $1.616 million coming from a state grant. This endeavor was designed to eliminate the sewer line that flowed from Allenstown under Suncook Pond (a potential environmental disaster) and over to Pembroke, where it joined the Pembroke sewer main that ran downhill to the Allenstown Wastewater Treatment Facility.

Much later, in June 2020, Michael Trainque of Hoyle Tanner & Associates secured bids for installing a new sewer line and pump station at Library St. At that time, Mr. Trainque reported to the selectman that DeFelice Corp. of Dracut, Mass. submitted a contract bid of $2,396,621.00 which the selectmen approved this. A grant of $1.616 million was received from the NH Clean Water Revolving Fund with the balance to come from Sewer Dept. funds.

Since then, the project incurred delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic, delays caused by the time it took to get all the homeowners to grant rights of way for the new sewer line, and the time it took to dig up Library St., install the forced main from the pump station to the forced main on Main St., and repave Library St.

At the May 2022 Sewer Commission meeting, Michael Trainque reported on the completion of the project. The final cost turned out to be lower than expected: only $2.1 million.

With the completion of the project, the dedication ceremony was scheduled.

What You Can Do

Some day soon, visit the Pump Station. One must admit that it's not one of Allenstown's top tourist locations. But pay it a visit and think about Larry and what he did for his fellow residents.

It's at the far left end of the Suncook Pond apartments, near the pond. Once you reach the Pump Station, walk up and read the bronze plaque dedicated to Larry Anderson.

Before you depart, here is a pleasant surprise. Walk toward the nearby Suncook Dam and discover a little tree-covered clearing that overlooks the falling water. A fence keeps you safe while you gaze at the view.

To the right is the calm, impounded water of Suncook Pond with maybe a duck or two paddling about. Before you stretches the dam spillway with water smoothly curling over it. To the left is the deep, rock-strewn river bed.

No truck or car noises invade the tranquil scene. No sounds of boisterous children on Glass St. distract you from the pleasantness of the place. It is like a secret hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding busy streets.

Also think about what Paul wrote to the Philippians,
"... do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." (Phil 2:4)

Maybe that applies to us too.