BELLOWS FALLS — Katy Haas of South Acworth, N.H., and Mark Piepkorn of Bellows Falls, are the winners of community radio station WOOL's first audio documentary competition.
The two documentarians were presented with trophies at WOOL's popular Radioke performance on Saturday, March 26, and will receive cash awards of $50.00 each for their success in the competition. The trophies were crafted and donated by area glass artisan Chris Sherwin.
Haas, an associate at Ken Burns' Florentine Films, took first place in the 30 minute category for her production of The Acadia , the story of a couple's search for the perfect engine for their homemade boat. The audio-only piece gives a keyhole view of the surprising happenings in the workshop of a New Hampshire couple who find a one-of-a-kind solution to their hobbyist dreams.
Piepkorn, an author and veteran of the periodical publishing industry who settled in the area a few years ago, was awarded first place in the 15 minute category for his documentary, Spaceflight Analyst . Piepkorn's interview with NASA engineer Joe Hashmall, whose job it is to improve the accuracy of spacecraft travel, shows a bit of Hashmall's similar desire to improve the accuracy of his industry.
Coincidentally, both documentaries highlight the extraordinary efforts of seemingly ordinary people as they struggle to find the best solutions to the problems they encounter. In doing so, the productions cast an approving light on the charming and sometimes deceiving simplicity of human endeavors.
An interview with the documentarians and the full broadcast of their pieces will first air on Thursday, April 14, at 5 p.m., and then replay several times in April and May.
For more information about the winners, their documentaries, and the rebroadcast times, go to www.wool.fm/audiodocs.