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Wood Shavings
The Journal of Crown Point and our Neighborhood
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Archives
Crown Point News
| April 21, 2008
Cahill Construction Receives Award for Crown Point Kitchen!
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Cabinetry in Pitch Black Milk Paint and stained maple create a stunning contrast in Cahill's Crown Point kitchen
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Christopher Cahill Construction was recently honored with a Cornerstone Award for Cahills' own Crown Point kitchen. The space is warm and inviting with Crown Point cabinetry in contrasting finishes, authentic timberframe details and modern stainless steel appliances.
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Presented annually by the Home Builders & Remodelers Assocation of New Hampshire, Cornerstone Awards are coveted awards that recognize excellence in all areas of the building industry.
Cahill took home the Silver award in the category of New Kitchens under $35,000 for his Crown Point kitchen in Sugar Hill, New Hampshire.
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Chris Cahill proudly displays the Cornerstone Award he and his company received for his beautiful Crown Point kitchen
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Cahill worked directly with Crown Point designer John Napsey to design a modern space without compromising the rustic feel of his post and beam home.
"John's experience was invaluable," said Cahill. "His attention to detail helped the project go smoothly."
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Cahill chose a bold Pitch Black Milk Paint finish for the base cabinetry, creating a stunning contrast against Maple upper cabinetry finished in Burnt Umber.
Red Dragon granite countertops tie the two finishes together, completing the look.
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True lite muntins are a nice touch, adding visual interest to this run of cabinetry
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Stainless steel appliances are fully integrated on the range wall, and a dropped baking center increases functionality
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Other design details include a dropped baking station below the window, true lite muntin doors, and beautiful maple crown moulding.
"I was very impressed with the entire process," said Cahill. "Each piece fit together like a puzzle, and the cabinetry just speaks for itself."
Congratulations to Chris and crew, from all of us here at Crown Point!
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| March 27, 2008
Crown Point Kitchen featured in Kitchens & Baths Magazine!
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The newest issue of Kitchens & Baths Magazine includes a six-page article featuring an impressive Crown Point kitchen
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The featured Crown Point kitchen, with cabinetry in Quartersawn Oak, makes great use of every inch of this "real-size" kitchen
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A beautiful Arts & Crafts Crown Point kitchen is featured in the latest issue of Kitchens & Baths Magazine! With six pages of photographs, plus commentary from Crown Point designer Lois Horan, readers learn how to achieve an impressive Arts & Crafts look while making the most of a small space.
Lois listened carefully to the client's needs, adding stylish Craftsman details to handsome, highly functional Quartersawn Oak cabinetry. "I wanted to create a beautiful kitchen using every last inch for added storage," said Lois. "Now that its finished, everything has its place, and the family couldn't be happier with their kitchen."
Click here to read the full online article "Waste Not, Want Not"
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Design details such as custom routing, antique glass, and square pegging give the kitchen a true Arts & Crafts feel.
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The custom range hood is paneled to match the Craftsman door style, and Quartersawn Oak appliance panels conceal dishwasher drawers
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An intricately designed dog gate adds character and provides a cozy retreat for the family's pair of dachshunds, Max and Maya.
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The family even found space for a custom dog den, perfect for their two dachshunds
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To ensure a place for everything, Lois incorporated several storage solutions. For example, extra deep drawers and roll out can storage in the banquette were essential in keeping the family organized.
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The banquette provides the family with a casual dining nook
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The printed article entitled "Waste Not, Want Not" can be found in Issue Number 2, 2008 of Kitchens and Baths, a Woman's Day Special Interest Publication.
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| January 11, 2008
Oregon Architect Christian Gladu Pens New Book, Highlights Crown Point Cabinetry!
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Christian Gladu's latest book "Small Bungalows" gives tips on building the modern American bungalow in homes under 1,800 square feet
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Christian Gladu, owner of The Bungalow Company in Bend, Oregon, recently published a beautifully illustrated book detailing the classic bungalow as it fits into today's lifestyle. Entitled "Small Bungalows," Gladu outlines the distinctive details of the modern bungalow, then provides several plans that scale down the look for homes under 1,800 square feet.
A New Hampshire native, Gladu has worked with Crown Point Cabinetry for several years. "Crown Point really gets the details," says Gladu. "From a distance, they use the architectural cues of the homes I design and create beautiful period style cabinetry with an unparalleled level of craftsmanship."
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This stunning home in Bethesda, Maryland is a great example of Gladu's modern bungalow
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Gladu illustrates the attributes of the modern bungalow with photographs of a beautifully constructed home in Bethesda, Maryland. Designed by Gladu and built by Arts and Crafts Builders, this home smartly incorporates modern amenities while staying true to the distinctive detail and craftsmanship of the classic bungalow style home.
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A Steeple white finish, period style details and modern stainless steel appliances create an ideal kitchen space in this Bethesda Bungalow
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Crown Point Cabinetry Designer John Napsey worked with Brian Maury to design custom cabinetry for this new Craftsman home. Speckled gray and white stone countertops tie together the Steeple white cabinetry and integrated stainless steel appliances. A small island offers casual seating, an additional work area, and a second sink.
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Original bungalow built-ins were the inspiration for this informal breakfast banquette
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In true bungalow fashion, a cozy breakfast nook is tucked in the far corner. Drawing inspiration from traditional bungalow built ins, Crown Point designed this one to include a beadboard back, integrated storage beneath the seats and a handcrafted cherry table.
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Flanked by cherry bookcases, this fieldstone fireplace provides a place for family to come together
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In the original bungalow style homes, the fireplace was the "heart of the home." The same is true in this modern bungalow. Crown Point cherry bookcases flank the fieldstone fireplace, creating the perfect place to gather with family and friends.
Christian Gladu has an obvious passion for Arts & Crafts Architecture. In addition to "Small Bungalows," Gladu has written "Bungalow Plans" and also co-wrote "The New Bungalow." With these books, he has shared that knowledge, creating a wonderful starting point for those looking to build a bungalow style home with a beautiful Crown Point kitchen.
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| December 17, 2007
Crown Point Gives New Clothes to Local Families in Need!
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Crown Pointers Mark Belaire, Berta Stowell, Lillian Harford and Tricia Paquette load up the car with new clothing to be distributed to local families in need
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Every holiday season, Crown Point participates in Greater Claremont CARES, a local giving program that distributes new clothing to those in need. This year, we received thirty specific requests for warm clothing items.
Thirty Crown Point volunteers each drew one name and then volunteered their time to shop for the new clothes. Each volunteer was given $30 from Crown Point's Charity Fund to fulfill their wish list.
"It's great to know that we can help someone in our area have a better Christmas," said Crown Point employee Berta Stowell. "We're happy to help!"
Clothing on the wish list included warm pants for an eleven-year-old girl, pants and shirts for an eight-year-old boy and cozy turtlenecks for a two-year-old girl.
This is our 5th year participating in the Holiday Giving Program and we look forward to helping more families next year!
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| November 9, 2007
New Handcrafted Sign Marks the Home of Crown Point!
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Crown Pointers handcrafted this Bungalow style sign that now welcomes guests to our facility
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Upon moving into our new facility on River Road, Crown Point President Brian Stowell knew we'd need a sign that would convey the beauty and craftsmanship of our cabinetry. He also wanted something welcoming, with classic elements and an architectural feel.
Brian and Fred Puksta, our Product Designer, got to work experimenting with various styles and materials. After several revisions, the design that reflected these goals was a Bungalow style sign with a stone base, two large columns and a shingled roof above.
Using genuine materials, such as stone, Western Red Cedar and copper flashing, Crown Pointers began handcrafting the sign in the cabinet shop early this spring.
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Crown Pointer's Lee Lamott and Bud Morse prepare the rooftop for cedar shakes
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Once the warmer weather arrived, a local mason built the stone base with granite caps. Now the sign was ready for Crown Pointers to complete the construction and installation.
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Lee Lamott installs the columns
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Ornamental details such as copper flashing, Craftsman brackets, fish scale shingles and cedar shakes created a stunning period style look.
The center of the sign, made of solid Western Red Cedar, weighs 200 lbs and is held in place by custom designed stainless steel hinges.
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Lee Lamott secures the sign to the hinges as other Crown Pointers Matt McElreavy, Randy Fullam and Joseph LaFountain hold the sign in place.
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The new sign is a wonderful representation of the craftsmanship and attention to detail that are the hallmarks of our Crown Point Crew. The next time you're in our neighborhood, come on by and let our beautiful new sign welcome you to our cabinetmaking facility!
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| October 23, 2007
Crown Point Joins Bensonwood for Habitat Project!
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The finished Habitat home sits on a hill, complete with landscaping and a deck overlooking the backyard
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Earller this year, Tedd Benson of Bensonwood Homes, contacted Crown Point Cabinetry with a request. Tedd was serving as Project Steward of a Habitat for Humanity home nearby, and was looking for local support. We readily agreed to join the project and Tedd went on to describe the family we would be helping.
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Tedd Benson and Crown Point President Brian Stowell go over details on site
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A local couple and their eight children were living in a three bedroom mobile home with only one bathroom. These tight living conditions were brought to the attention of the local Habitat for Humanity chapter. Upon hearing about the family's living situation, Habitat teamed up with Bensonwood and immediately began making arrangements to build an affordable home with enough space for the entire family.
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“Both Tedd and I can relate to the family's living situation; I grew up in a family of 9 and Tedd in a family of 11. We wanted to help out in any way we could," said Crown Point President, Brian Stowell.
The plan was to build a 2,100 square foot walkout ranch with five bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
It all came together over a period of just eight days when the house went from foundation to completion! Five hundred volunteers and more than 50 local and national businesses generously donated time, labor and materials to complete the home.
Crown Point chose to help in the best way we know how; by contributing beautiful cherry custom kitchen cabinetry!
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Cherry cabinetry is the perfect complement to the warmth of the beams above
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After the completion of the home, a dedication ceremony was held. More than 100 visitors and volunteers toured the home and then gathered together to recognize those who contributed to the project's success.
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A carving above the front door represents the family and pays homage to all of those who came together to build the home
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The homeowners are very grateful for their new home. Like all homeowners, they made a down payment, and will pay a monthly no-interest mortgage, taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. The family put in a great deal of volunteer hours working on their own home and will also volunteer on a future Habitat project.
Crown Point is proud to have been part of this project. To see a few other examples of our employees’ commitment to their community, please click here, here or here.
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| August 31, 2007
Ryan Erisman Receives Crown Point Scholarship!
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Ryan Erisman receives a Crown Point Cabinetry Scholarship, presented by Charity Committee member, Stacey Cheeney
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Crown Point was recently honored to present a Crown Point Cabinetry Scholarship to local High School graduate, Ryan Erisman. The employee funded scholarship was established to aid a student pursuing further education in the area of home construction. A check in the amount of $1,000 will go toward Ryan's first year in Keene State College's Architecture program this fall.
Ryan stood out among the applicants due to his demonstrated commitment to education and the community. In his four years at Stevens High School, Ryan maintained a rank of 15th in his class, took several honors courses and made the High Honor Roll all four years. In addition to his studies, he played soccer, basketball and track, and received the male Athletic Award his senior year.
Ryan believes his greatest accomplishment was achieving Eagle Scout, the highest advancement rank in the Boy Scouts of America.
As an Eagle Scout, Ryan completed an ambitious project which impressed the Crown Point Charity Committee. With help from his grandfather, father and fellow scouts, Ryan designed and built a foot bridge across a ravine in nearby Charlestown, NH.
He dedicated "Eagle Bridge" to his grandfather, Ronald Erisman, who volunteers his free time to work on area camp trails. "The bridge has been something my grandfather has wanted to do for years, and he couldn't do it himself. He has been such a positive influence in my life, and I knew it would be a fun project we could do together," Ryan said.
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Ryan and his grandfather, Ronald, take a break to warm up before heading back outside to work on "Eagle Bridge" last winter
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"Eagle Bridge," designed and built by Ryan Erisman and his grandfather
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We wish Ryan the best of luck in his studies in the field of Architecture at Keene State this fall!
The Crown Point Cabinetry Charity Committee, a rotating group of employees which distributes employee donations to local charities and other causes, established the scholarship to support a high school student intending to continue his higher education in the general construction field. Other requirements included a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, a written essay and an interview with Crown Point Cabinetry Charity Committee Members.
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August 15, 2007
"Crown Point Crankers" Raise over $3,000 for Cancer Research!
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Click on each member of the Crown Point Crankers to reveal their name and role at Crown Point!
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Last year, Don Paquette and Ken Aldrich rode their mountain bikes 100 miles in the 25th Annual Prouty Bike Ride and Challenge Walk. This year, the Crown Point team grew to seven members, and even got a new name; the Crown Point Crankers! Together, the Crankers raised more than $3,000 for cancer research at Dartmouth-Hitchcock's Norris Cotton Cancer Center in Lebanon, NH!
Decked out in shirts designed by our web designer, Jeff Stowell, the Crankers departed from the Richmond Middle School in Hanover, NH at 6:00 am. Don and Ken again tackled the challenging 100-mile route through Vermont and New Hampshire with newcomers Adam Maki and Rick Deschaine. Also new to the Prouty, Don's brother Joe and sister-in-law Angie rode the 25-mile route with Don's seven year old son, Mitchell.
The 26th Annual Prouty was a huge success! With more than 3,500 participants, the event raised more than $1.6 million! The proceeds will go towards the research of cancer prevention, the funding of clinical trials, nursing education, patient support and much more at Norris Cotton Cancer Center.
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Throughout his illness, Jack's enthusiasm, energy and sense of humor were an inspiration to us all. He lost his battle with cancer in 2004, but his memory is alive in our hearts and we continue to ride in the Prouty in his honor.
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Jack Milewski smiles triumphantly after completing the 2003 Prouty Challenge Ride
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June 5, 2007
Mayor Giuliani Visits Crown Point, Praises Teamwork
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Long time Crown Point employee, Randy Fullam, shares a laugh with Mayor Giuliani on the shop floor
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Former New York City Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, toured Crown Point Cabinetry on Wednesday, May 23rd as part of his trip through New Hampshire. In a shop-wide address, Giuliani praised the Crown Point crew for their team based operation, personal responsibility and quality of work. Calling Crown Point "a private sector success story" he added "this place is what America is all about."
Giuliani's staff had contacted Brian Stowell, President of Crown Point, to inquire about setting up a tour. "We were honored and felt privileged to welcome him into our facility," said Stowell.
After a brief meet and greet with friends and family, Giuliani was led on a tour of the facility, giving him an overview of the quality and workmanship that goes into a Crown Point cabinet. Along the way, Crown Pointers stopped to illustrate their role in the cabinetmaking process and Mayor Giuliani looked on with interest, asking questions and shaking hands.
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Crown Point employee, Melissa Pond, demonstrates her knowledge and workmanship to the Mayor
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The tour concluded in the receiving area of the shop, where nearly all 125 Crown Point employees were assembled, awaiting remarks from the former mayor of New York City. Brian took a moment to properly introduce Giuliani, bringing attention to his strong leadership during the days following September 11th.
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Brian Stowell gives a brief and heartfelt introduction before Mayor Giuliani addresses the crew. Stowell told the crowd how inspired he was as he witnessed Mayor Giuliani walk through the devastation of New York City shortly after the attacks.
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Giuliani takes time to answer questions from the Crown Point crew
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Giuliani spoke to the crew for about 20 minutes and a brief question and answer period followed. |
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The Stowell family smiles with Giuliani upon his arrival. Front row from left, Chelsea Stowell, Berta Stowell, Rudy Giuliani, Tricia (Stowell) Paquette, Crown Point founders Norm Stowell and Deanna Stowell and Crown Point President Brian Stowell. Second row from left, Jeffrey Stowell, Calvin Stowell, Craig Stowell, Don Paquette, Rick Deschaine and Greg Stowell
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March 2, 2007
Crown Point Kitchen Showcased in Yankee Barn Homes' Open House
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Crown Point Designer, Bob Davis, meets with Rod Viens, Yankee Barn Homes' Business Development Director, before the open house
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Yankee Barn Homes, a local and national post and beam home builder, recently hosted an open house unveiling its newly remodeled Gathering House in Grantham, New Hampshire. The event was a success with nearly 100 visitors stopping in to tour the beautiful three-story post and beam home complete with a stone fireplace, cathedral ceiling, wall of windows and custom kitchen by Crown Point Cabinetry!
The kitchen renovation began in June of 2006 when Crown Point signed on to update the kitchen cabinetry to better accommodate the many daily and overnight visitors that tour the show home every year. The result is an open, inviting kitchen that makes every visitor feel at home.
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Local mural artists Christina Neuser and Peter Walls stand in front of their one-of-a-kind work on the range wall, chatting with Leslie Dube and little Tommy at the Yankee Barn Homes open house.
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Yankee Barn Homes' trademark post and beam structure is highlighted on the sink wall. The wood beams contrast nicely against the white paneled ceiling and Steeple White cabinetry.
Design elements on the sink wall include an apron front sink, granite countertops, true lite muntin doors and retractable doors above the counter.
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Upper cabinetry on the range wall features true lite muntin glass doors and an open shelf with a decorative valance. These design elements combine with the beautiful hand-painted mural to create a unique and pleasant cooking space.
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January 10, 2007
Crown Point Employees Contribute to New Track & Field House!
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Members of the Crown Point Charity Committee Matt McElreavy, Cheryl Gonyea and Shirley Bly stand alongside students from the Sugar River Valley Regional Tech Center's Building Trades program. Standing to the right are David Christy, building trades teacher; Keith Raymond, owner of Claremont Glassworks; and Scott Hausler, director of Claremont Parks and Recreation Department.
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Crown Point employees recently donated $5,000 to help with the construction of a new track & field house at Monadnock Park in Claremont. The track & field house is the finishing touch on a community-wide effort to provide recreation facilities and services to the youth in our community.
The project began last year when an anonymous donation funded the construction of a quarter-mile synthetic surface running track. Construction was completed in the spring of 2006 and the track has since been used for high school track & field events and is used daily by members of the community for recreational exercise.
"The new track allows the high school track team to host meets and to have a place to practice," said Crown Point Charity Committee member, Matt McElreavy. "Now the field house will give them a place to store all of their equipment."
In addition, the track & field house will provide space for coaches' rooms and a press box. Thanks to many area contributions and donations, the project is on schedule to be completed by the end of the school year!
Labor for the building will be provided by high school students enrolled in the Building Trades II Program at the Sugar River Valley Regional Tech Center.
Related Links: Claremont Parks and Recreation Department
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A rear view of the field house facing the new track, while under construction this winter
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Detailed drawing representing three views of the track & field house
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| December 21, 2006
Crown Point Donates Cabinetry to Wounded Soldier
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US Army Staff Sergeant Eugene Simpson tests a retractable metal shelf, one of many accessibility options featured in his new custom kitchen from Crown Point Cabinetry
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Christmas came early for one injured soldier recently when he received the gift of custom cabinetry from Crown Point.
The injured soldier, US Army Staff Sergeant Eugene Simpson, will have the cabinetry installed in his family’s new home in Dale City, Virginia. It is part of a much larger project initiated by Homes for Our Troops, a non-profit organization that builds and remodels homes to accommodate the needs of veterans severely wounded in combat.
The project began two months ago when Crown Point president, Brian Stowell, read an article about Homes for Our Troops. Stowell, whose son Craig served a six-month tour in Iraq with the Marines, knows first hand of the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women. He immediately decided to help by outfitting Simpson’s new kitchen with custom cabinetry that would help him with everyday tasks.
“For guys like Gene who have given so much,” said Stowell, “we feel it’s the least we could do.”
The kitchen was designed with details including retractable metal shelves which can be pulled down to Simpson’s eye-level. Special base cabinetry was designed to sit nine inches off the floor to enable Simpson access to the cabinetry.
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Brian Stowell opens a pantry door to give Eugene a glimpse of the shelving inside
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“It’s amazing,” said Simpson when he toured the Crown Point facility. “Look at those cabinets. You can’t ask for anything more than that.”
Simpson was injured in an explosion while deployed in Tikrit, Iraq in 2004. The blast shattered bones in his legs and feet and partially severed his spinal cord, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.
Despite all that he’s been through, Simpson maintains a positive attitude.
“I look at all that I have around me and what everyone has done to help me, and I feel blessed,” Simpson said. “This house is the major step for me. It’s going to mean everything.”
Homes for Our Troops hopes to have all renovations completed in time for Eugene and his two sons to share Christmas together in their new home.
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Crown Point President Brian Stowell; US Army Staff Sergeant Eugene Simpson; Homes For Our Troops' Director of Projects and Veteran's Affairs Kirt Rebello, and Crown Point kitchen designer Chris Zappala smile for a picture with the new cabinetry
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| December 12, 2006
Crown Point Participates in Annual Chamber Auction
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Crown Pointers Phil Chastenay (L) and Todd Scranton (R) deliver Crown Point's auction contribution to the local cable access TV station.
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On November 18th, a community auction was held by the local Chamber of Commerce. Crown Point's contribution was a custom vanity in a light cherry finish. Standing 33 inches tall, the double vanity was handcrafted from cherry and finished in Autumn Brown stain.
The auction was a huge success as phone banks were jammed with callers bidding on a variety of items donated by local businesses!
After a good deal of bidding, the vanity was sold for $600. In total, the auction raised $16,000!
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Brian Finch (L) and Jonathan Cutts (R), both students at Stevens High School, volunteered their time preparing for the auction
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November 15, 2006
Crown Point Named Corporate Friend of Norris Cotton Cancer Center
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Stacey Cheeney smiles after receiving a plaque recognizing Crown Point's contribution to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center alongside fellow Corporate Friends, Rick and Susan Hall of Imperial Printing
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The Friends of the Norris Cotton Cancer Center honored Crown Point Cabinetry with the Corporate Friend Award at its annual fall reception. The award was presented in appreciation of our sponsorship of the annual Prouty Century Bike Ride and Challenge Walk.
The Friends reception, held at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, included tours of the Cancer Center and a multimedia presentation outlining exciting new immunotherapies for ovarian cancer. This brief, yet impressive talk gave sponsors a glimpse of the leaps and bounds being made at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center due to the success of fund-raising events such as the Prouty.
The Prouty is a special event for all of us at Crown Point. A former employee, Jack Milewski, rode his bike in the Prouty for several years until he lost his own battle with cancer in 2004. In Jack's honor, two Crown Point employees, Don Paquette and Ken Aldrich, rode 100 miles in this year's Prouty. With the help of Corporate Friends, companies, organizations and individuals, the event raised $1.2 million for cancer research and treatment!
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August 18, 2006
"Crown Pointers" Ride 100 Miles For Cancer Research!
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Don and Ken recover from their 100 mile bike ride over Mount Cube
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At 6:00 am on Saturday, July 8 th Don Paquette and Ken Aldrich unloaded their bikes, secured their helmets and embarked on a 100-mile bike ride through New Hampshire and Vermont. Don and Ken, both Crown Point employees, were participating in the 25th Annual Prouty Century Bike Ride & Challenge to benefit the Norris Cotton Cancer Center.
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Prouty participants chose from three routes throughout NH and VT, following this map to the end
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Don and Ken prepared for the journey by taking many long distance rides through hilly terrain, but neither had ever ridden a full 100 miles! In spite of this, they were able to maintain a steady pace, completing the tour in five hours and fifteen minutes!
“We allowed for a seven hour ride. We never would have thought we could do it in such a short time,” commented Ken Aldrich the day after the ride. “It was unbelievable. What a rush!”
Together, Don and Ken raised $1,730 for the cause, helping the Norris Cotton Cancer Center to reach and exceed their goal of $1 million! The money will go to the center's research groups dedicated to learning more about cancer prevention, finding effective treatments and conducting leading-edge studies.
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The Prouty holds a special place for all of us at Crown Point Cabinetry. Jack Milewski, a former Crown Point employee, rode regularly with several Crown Pointers in the past and was very passionate about riding in the Prouty. A good friend and wonderful family man, Jack lost his battle with cancer in 2004. Throughout his struggle with cancer, Jack's enthusiasm, energy and sense of humor were an inspiration to us all.
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Jack Milewski smiles triumphantly after completing the 2003 Prouty Challenge Ride
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June 26, 2006
Weathersfield Elementary Students Say Thank You!
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Weathersfield Elementary School kindergartners display clean hands alongside their new custom sized wash station, with cabinetry donated by Crown Point!
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Last year, Crown Point Cabinetry received a call from Bec Austin, kindergarten teacher at Weathersfield Elementary School in Perkinsville, Vermont. Ms. Austin and her students were in need of a wash station for their classroom and wanted to know if we could help. We have a soft spot for the town of Weathersfield, as Norm Stowell, the founder of Crown Point, served as Principal in the Weathersfield School District in the 1970s. Crown Point agreed to donate a "kindergarten height" sink base cabinet custom built to Ms. Austin's specifications. Last Wednesday, ten kindergartners visited Crown Point to see where their sink cabinet came from, and to thank the people who built it.
Crown Point President, Brian Stowell, lead the youngsters through the facility, stopping along the way to catch a glimpse of Crown Pointers hard at work. Students got the best view from an upstairs observatory where they watched Crown Pointers performing the many tasks that contribute to the cabinetmaking process.
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Brian Stowell explains the cabinetmaking process from a second floor mezzanine
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A Weathersfield kindergartner operates the soft serve machine
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The field trip's grand finale was a visit to Crown Point's soft serve ice cream machine. Students got to pull the lever themselves, dispensing their own soft serve ice cream!
The sink base cabinet is Oak, finished in Burnt Umber stain. The Farmhouse sink was donated by Vermont Soapstone and the counter top is granite, provided by NBC Solid Surfaces.
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A heartfelt, handmade Thank You sign from the Weathersfield Kindergarten class to Crown Point Employees
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May 17, 2006
Crown Point Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine Opens for the Season!
Josh Deluca crafts a perfect chocolate sugar cone as Brian Pond eagerly awaits his turn
Clients who tour the facility also take advantage of our do-it-yourself ice cream station. Smooth, creamy soft serve ice cream is a great way to top off a visit to Crown Point Cabinetry!
Crown Point employees and our visitors agree, soft serve ice cream makes the summer season last a little longer and taste a little sweeter.
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Summer may officially begin on June 21st, but the sunny season arrives in early May at Crown Point with the reopening of our soft serve ice cream machine! One of the most popular employee benefits, the high volume, commercial grade machine has satisfied the sweet tooth of many "Crown Pointers" for five summers.
Our machine dispenses frozen decadence in three different flavors; chocolate, vanilla and twist. A variety of toppings are available to dress up the frozen treats and, for the more adventurous, a milk shake mixer offers yet another way to savor this refreshing treat!
This "Crown Pointer" goes for classic vanilla
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April 6, 2006
Job Shadow Day a Success at Crown Point
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Randy Bly demonstrates the assembly of a custom cabinet
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On March 29, Crown Point welcomed several middle school students for our fourth year of participation in the Upper Valley Job Shadow Day! Six eighth graders, all from Claremont Middle School, visited our facility to learn about the many different occupations at Crown Point.
Arriving at 9:00 am, the students were greeted by Sales Manager Greg Stowell who welcomed them into our facility. Next, the students sat down with Ken Aldrich, our Safety Director who outlined the safety procedures used here at Crown Point.
Greg then lead the group on an overall tour of the facility. He began with the office personnel and progressed through sales and design. The second phase of the tour involved the actual cabinetmaking process. From the sanding of maple doors to the finishing of a milk painted wall cabinet, the students learned that each person's position plays a significant part in crafting Crown Point cabinetry.
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Stacey Cheeney gives a Claremont Middle School student an overview of her responsibilities as Public Relations Specialist.
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After a pizza break, the students met with individual "Crown Pointers" to learn about specific occupations. Participating in at least three sessions, students learned about business management, cabinet design, marketing, public relations and customer service.
Shortly after Job Shadow Day we received a flattering thank you note from one of our eighth grade visitors:
"I learned so much and had an amazing experience. Before Job Shadow Day I had the passion for architecture. This gave me a stronger feeling for it. Also, the perfection that is put into each cabinet is spectacular. I would just like to say thanks so much!"
Job Shadow Day would not have been possible without Tammy Aldrich, Crown Point's Job Shadow Day coordinator. Tammy worked in conjunction with the Upper Valley Business and Education Partnership to make the day a success! We wish this year's group of students the best of luck and look forward to next year! |
April 3, 2006
Crown Point Adds Golf Simulator to List of Employee Benefits!
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Crown Point Designer Vanessa Wall of the "Iron Maidens" golf team lines up her next shot
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New Hampshire's golf season typically runs from April to October. For the remaining five months of the year, many golf enthusiasts are left yearning for the feeling of hitting the perfect drive or sinking a 30 foot putt. Crown Point has relieved this anguish for many of their employees by installing an indoor golf simulator!
In the four months that the simulator has been installed, many "Crown Pointers" have worked to hone their games for opening day. Players bring their own clubs and use real golf balls to play a custom course projected onto a 10' by 10' screen. A sensor pad tracks the club face and measures swing speed and path, letting the player know exactly how well she is playing.
Many employees practice their swing over lunch breaks and also sign up to play evenings and weekends with co-workers or family members.
The simulator is such a hit that Crown Point employees have organized a winter golf league, playing five nights a week. The competition is heating up as we enter the playoffs. We'll keep you posted on the results!
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March 8, 2006
Crown Point Designer John Napsey Named Volunteer of the Year!
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate John Napsey, one of the many talented kitchen designers at Crown Point. He was recently named Claremont's Goodwin Community Center (GCC) Volunteer of the Year, honoring his years of involvement in the community.
John serves as a board member of the Claremont School System, the Parks and Rec Department, Goodwin Community Center and Claremont Youth Baseball. John also donates his time as a youth baseball coach every spring.
"Giving back to the community is very important to me and I'm so appreciative of Crown Point's flexibility with my volunteer schedule. They allow myself and a number of other employees to leave early so we can coach youth sports or make it to an important board meeting. Not every company is that understanding."
John's wife, Gayle, is also a youth sports coach. Over the years, John and Gayle have enjoyed watching their three children, Rebecca, Zachary and Ryan, participate in GCC activities.
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