Celebrating Birthdays are: December 22, Al MacLellan; December
24, Jocob Robbins; December 25, Jeff Riel, Brittany Reed; December
26, Brigette Tibbetts, Christopher Ward; December 28, Hannah
Marston, Karmen Bean, Sonya Butterworth. A Very Happy Birthday To
One and All!
Celebrating Anniversaries are: December
25, Jim & Martha Bryant.
Congratulations!
Candlelight Christmas Eve
Join us for a wonderful traditional
candlelight service this Friday night, Christmas Eve, 7 pm at the
First Congregational Church, 24 Main St., Pittsfield. The program
includes beautiful music by the Chancel Choir and the JuBellation
Handbell Choir, scripture lessons and the story of the first
Christmas. Bring the whole family for a lovely evening service.
Letter
To The Editor
To the good citizens of Barnstead, Chichester,
Epsom, and Pittsfield: On December 9th, the BCEP Solid Waste
Facility personnel held their public hearing on their budget.
The biggest point of contention was a 4% wage increase for the
workers. Although everyone agreed this indeed is a very well
run operation and there is no doubt that because of the dedication
and positive work ethic the personnel at this facility have
exhibited, the tax burden to each town has not increased in 12
years, it was not an easy vote. The increase passed without
any additional tax burden to the towns. The cost of the BCEP
operation comes down to $35.86 per person, per year. I kidded
Rick Belanger we should send our kids here. He looked at me
funny. I meant for an education.
Anyway, it’s great to sit
at the table with the four towns selectmen their BCEP
representatives. The issues facing all our towns are the same:
trying to keep good, experienced, dedicated, and loyal help, without
increasing the tax burden.
A job well done by the committee, the
management, and the workers who get it done. I learned from my
time at General Electric in Hooksett, you have to be number one or
number two to be successful. The BCEP operation is number one.
On a different note Rick asked me something like what’s up with my
different name. Obviously, he missed an earlier letter. He
recommended I put it in again. My father’s name is Henry Schroth (German). My mother’s name was Eva Piermarocchi
(Italian). My mother died when I was 14. I still miss
her. I heard from a Swiss who understood Italian that Piermarocchi means “first rock.”
I use it to honor my mother and
my heritage.
Dan Schroth Piermarocchi Pittsfield
From
The Superintendent’s Desk Submitted By John J. Freeman,
Ph.D., Superintendent Of Schools SAU #51
Our school’s
curriculum – or what we teach and expect students to learn – lies at
the heart of the educational experience. Work on our
curriculum also lies at the heart of our current high school
redesign project. This work is significantly supported by our
School Improvement Grant (SIG), our three-year funding to improve
our students’ achievement levels at Pittsfield Middle High School.
The 1990s are sometimes thought of as the time when the standards
movement in education began. At this time, educators, policy
makers, business leaders, and citizens in the general public came to
believe that schools needed to more explicitly define learning
expectations for students. Prior to this time, it was not
uncommon for teachers to make their own curriculum selections based
on personal strengths or interests. It was also not uncommon
for teachers to simply march through a textbook cover-to-cover at a
dizzying pace.
Of
course, these practices caused some problems. The result was
often a patchwork of learning for students in which learners
experienced gaps where topics or skills were not addressed and other
topics or skills were addressed multiple times. Often,
students just didn’t get it, but no time or resources were allocated
to supporting students who struggled. I recall a story that
was told in the large school district where I taught in the 1970s.
The district was home to many apartment
complexes and it was not uncommon for students to change schools
several times within the district during the course of their formal
schooling. And so, with individual teachers making curriculum
decisions in an unsystematic manner, parents were reporting that
elementary school children were learning about dinosaurs, for
example, for several consecutive years when they moved from school
to school while other important science topics were missed
altogether.
Another issue that the standards movement sought to
address was the acceptance of the failure of many students to learn
what was being taught. The desire to identify essential
learning for all students, accompanied by the expectation that all
students would achieve learning in an articulated, organized
curriculum, strengthened. Greater rigor and a higher level of
success for all students was seen to be important to the future of
our students and our nation.
So, throughout the 1990s, most
states identified learning standards (New Hampshire in 1995) that
articulated learning expectations for all students. While this
seems like a simple step to take, it was not free from problems.
For example, disagreement occurred over what should be considered a
standard for learning; this was especially true of the social
studies standards. And, some of the standards lists were so
long that teachers could not possibly address all standards
effectively, given the time and resources available in most
communities. In fact, one researcher estimated that it would
take as many as twenty-two years of schooling to address all
standards on the books! However, the standards did provide strong
guidance to schools in organizing the curriculum in a sequential,
logical manner. And, it certainly did help address the
problems associated with student movement from school to school,
repetition and gaps in learning experiences, and rigor.
Because
the state standards were not mandates, schools were not required to
adopt and teach to the standards. However, the states then
added a powerful incentive to adopt the standards: large-scale
standardized testing. The current New Hampshire version of
this testing is the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP)
and includes annual tests for students in grades three through eight
and grade eleven.
Our school’s poor performance on the NECAP was
the criterion used to qualify our school for our SIG, and so our
attention naturally turns to the NECAP results and the New Hampshire
Curriculum Standards that form the basis for the annual testing.
A fundamental step in this process is assurance that our school
curriculum is aligned with the state standards. This is a
process currently underway at PMHS.
Principal Bob Bickford is
taking the lead in our teachers’ work to review and align our
curriculum to ensure that our students’ learning meets or exceeds
the established standards. This project is further supported
through the involvement of two highly qualified consultants who work
directly with our teachers: Literacy Curriculum Consultant
Linda Kirszenbaum (who has worked with our PES teachers for many
years) and Math Curriculum Consultant Rob Lukasiak (who has worked
with many New Hampshire high schools over the years).
Coordinating our literacy work is our district Literacy Coordinator
Chris Teague.
Our
curriculum alignment work involves an involved process that includes
the study of the state standards, matching with what we currently
teach, and adjustment to our local Pittsfield curriculum where
needed. This represents a critical step by defining what our
students should know and should be able to do when they leave each
grade and when they graduate from PMHS. We are very pleased to
have our SIG provide us with the opportunity for this critical work
to support our students’ learning and success beyond their PMHS
years.
Several other strategies are also
being developed to ensure that all students will be successful with
the standards. These include frequent assessments of learning
with appropriate adjustments for both individuals and groups as well
as the development of early warning systems and interventions to
support students who may have difficulties in their learning.
Students’ best interests are served when we pay close attention to
how they’re doing and then quickly provide support when needed for
long-term successful learning.
Yes, our curriculum lies at the
heart of our students’ learning experiences; thankfully, our SIG is
providing support for developing an aligned, more rigorous
curriculum for all our students.
2010
Christmas Tree Lighting and Children’s Store
On Saturday,
December 4th, The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce kicked off
the Holiday Season by sponsoring the annual Children’s Store and
Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration.
The day started with the
P.E.S. PTO sponsored Breakfast with Santa. Many families
enjoyed the pancake and sausage feast. The First
Congregational Church hosted a craft fair during the day too.
The
much anticipated, Children’s Store was held at the P.E.S. Gym from 9
– noon. The Store is for “kids only” to purchase new or
“nearly” new items mostly priced at .50 each. Thanks to the
tremendous help of over 65 volunteers (acting as elves, gift
wrappers, or crowd control), close to 200 kids were able to shop for
their families.
We are constantly collecting items for The Store
all year long. We desperately need GIFT BAGS. Please keep us
in mind when you are doing your “after Christmas” shopping and
cleaning out!
The festivities moved to Dustin Park later in the
afternoon. Bruce and Stacy Locke provided horse and wagon
rides, the Joyce Family provided Holiday music, the Fire Department
delivered Santa via fire truck and he posed for free photos with all
the kids. Bob Legg took the photos and then they were posted on the
town website and could be downloaded. PYW sponsored the annual
Gingerbread House Display and Raffle and hot soups and chili could
be picked up inside too. Free hot cocoa, cookies, popcorn and
candy canes were provided (thanks to members of the Park St. Baptist
Church, Women of Rotary, CHF, 4-H Club, So. Pittsfield Com. Club,
the Police Department and American Legion).
Many thanks to the
Pittsfield Youth Workshop and the Park St. Baptist Church for
allowing people to come inside and warm up. PYW housed the
pictures with Santa, the Gingerbread House display, face painting,
hot food items and decorated wreath contest. The Park St.
Baptist Church housed the cookies, cocoa and popcorn. Thanks
to all the helpers in the kitchen and to those that helped pass out
the treats too.
A decorated wreath contest was held and winner by
popular vote was (#5) Marjorie White. She won a Holiday Gift
Basket donated by Carolyn Allhiser of Northway Bank.
The
Blue/Gold Star Mothers joined the celebration, providing stars with
military member’s names to be added to the Tree. Thank you to Lea
Adams for organizing this wonderful tribute. The local brownie
and girl scout troops (thanks Danielle) led everyone in singing many
carols.
At 6 pm, we counted down and the Tree was lit. Many
thanks to the “official” tree lighting and decorating committee:
Louie Houle, Bill Provencal, Ed Vien, Dave Hartley, Mark Wallace,
Chris Ward, Lea and Steve Adams and Fuzz Freese for stringing and
testing all the lights. The Tree and Park look very festive –
THANK YOU!
This annual event takes many, many volunteers
from local groups, churches, town departments, family and friends.
Thank you to ALL who helped to make it a great day. To learn more
about the Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce, please visit our
website at
www.pittsfieldchamber.org or to volunteer to help next year-
call Andi Riel at 435-6346.
Happy New Year to all!
Dorcas
Guild
The Dorcas Guild of the First Congregational Church in
Pittsfield met December 14th with sixteen members attending.
President Peggy Jacobs called the meeting to order. It opened
with devotions by Evelyn Richardson, who read from a Celtic Book,
which gave instructions for making a “Spirit Pouch” and also
included suggestions for filling the pouch once it was completed.
She also read “Evening Prayer” following which, all joined in the
Lord’s Prayer.
Next came the bountiful Pot Luck Christmas Party
with a great array of delicious foods and desserts, no duplicates,
and thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The secretary and treasurer each
gave their reports. The food basket brought by Joan Riel was
taken by Sally Lewis and will go next to Bev Moore. The
traveling apron brought by Nancy White went to Evelyn Richard and
goes next to Peggy Jacobs. The mystery package, brought by
Shirley Bleckmann was won by Reny Boyd.
The nominating committee
brought in a slate of officers for election. Unanimously voted
were Nella Hobson, president; Kathy Bergeron, vice president; Joan
Riel, secretary; and Reny Boyd, treasurer.
Program ideas for the
year 2011 were put out for discussion and one was chosen for each
month. After all the business was taken care of, a gift
exchange and social time was enjoyed by all.
The next meeting
will be held on January 11th with Corine Miller and Elaine Coffey as
hostesses. This will be the annual “Birthday Party for all”.
No gifts - just fun. Members are asked to bring a book for
exchange.
Obituaries
Barry
J. Clattenburg
Barry J. Clattenburg, 59, of Concord NH passed
away Monday, December 13, 2010 at Concord Hospital, after a long
struggle with diabetes. He is survived by his daughter, Samantha
Clattenburg, two granddaughters Jessica and Jacqueline, two
brothers, Bruce Clattenburg and wife Pat, and Mark Clattenburg and
wife Cheryl, and many nieces and nephews.
He was raised in
Pittsfield, the son of Warren J. and Marjorie H. (Sherburne)
Clattenburg. Barry attended Berkley College of Music in Boston.
Although his first career in the automotive industry in the Concord
and greater Manchester area occupied his young adult life, his love
for cooking was rekindled during his employment with Shaker Village
and In a Pinch Café.
He loved music and the theater, and was
involved with the Pittsfield Community Players during the 1970s and
80s, performing such roles as, Marcellus Washburn in The Music Man,
and Uncle Max in The Sound of Music. He performed one play with The
Northwood Community players, accompanied by his daughter Samantha.
His niece Penny Sawyer, a heath care professional with Concord
Hospital, took great care to aid his lasting health issues.
A
memorial service was held on Monday, December 20th.
Donald
D. Metcalf
Donald D. Metcalf, 76, of 363 Suncook Valley Highway,
died Saturday at the Concord Hospice House.
He was born in New
Bedford MA, the son of Roger and Roxanne Metcalf. And he lived in
No. Weymouth, MA for many years moving to Pittsfield in 1981. He was
predeceased by his wife Natalie (Colarusso) Metcalf and a daughter
Debbie Ansberg. Survivors include A son Allen Metcalf,
daughters, Roxanne Lavoie, Laurie Metcalf and Jane Prescott. A
brother, Paul Metcalf of Pittsfield. His longtime companion Donna
Darte. 9 Grand children , 2 great grandchildren, and several
nieces and nephews. He was known for his sense of humor. He also
loved anything to do with airplanes, attended air shows and flew
model, remote controlled, airplanes He also loved, boating,
fishing and skeet shooting.
A
graveside service was held at the Pineground Cemetery,
Chichester. The Rev. David Stasiak, Pastor of the first
Congregational Church of Pittsfield, officiated. The Perkins &
Pollard Memorial Home assisted with arrangements.
To
sign an online guest book, log on to
www.perkinsandpollard.com
Arline
L. St. Laurent
Arline L. St. Laurent, 92, of 67 Main St. died at
home Saturday, December 18th following a brief illness.
She was
born in, Pittsfield the daughter of Curtis and Victoria Perry.
She was a longtime member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church. She was the
widow of Norman St. Laurent who died in 1988. Members of her family
include 3 sons Norman St. Laurent and his wife Nancy of Omaha, NE,
Francis St. Laurent of Boscawen and Michael St. Laurent
of Loudon .One Grandson, Brian St. Laurent and several nieces and
nephews. A prayer service was held at the Perkins & Pollard
Memorial Home on Wednesday. The Rev. John Loughnane, Pastor of Our
Lady of Lourdes officiated. Burial followed in the Floral Park
Cemetery.
Robert
A. Smith, Sr.
Now in the arms of Jesus, Robert A. Smith Sr., 73,
“Smitty” died Saturday December 18, 2010 at home after a period of
declining health. He was born and raised in Candia, the son of
Carl and Ethelda Smith. For the past 25 years, he has lived in
Alexandria. Prior to retirement, he woked as a lineman for
I.C. Reed and later for the Riverside Diner, Petro Mart, and Rhude &
Sons construction.
In his free time, Smitty enjoyed fishing,
hunting and picking blackberries. He also enjoyed the company
of his pugs and time spent playing pool.
Family members include
daughters: Kerri Lizotte of Northwood; Bobbieann Davies of
Cambridge, MD; and sons Robert “Snuff” Smith Jr.; Paul Smith and
Jimma Smith all of Cambridge, MD; 17 grandchildren, nine great
grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He also leaves his extended
family, the Rhudes of Alexandria, with whom he has lived since
1990.
A memorial service was held on December 21, 2010 at the
Emmons Funeral Home, 115 South Main St., Bristol. Committal
services were held Wednesday, December 22, at the Candia
Village Cemetery, Rte 43 Candia. In lieu of flowers, donations
may be made in his memory to the NH Veteran’s Home, Activities Fund,
139 Winter Street, Tilton, NH 03276.
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