Those
Celebrating Birthdays are: February 16, Margaret Snedeker;
February 17, Jim Schroth, Sue Derosier, Craig Paggi; February 18,
Ray Lammott, Barbara Clark, Arthur Harnden, Patty Houle; February
19, Carl Anderson, Ronald Vien; February 20, Fred Hast II, Chris
Johnson, Amy Thompson; February 21, Staci Bousquet, Robert Bousquet,
Gail O’Keefe, Ann Strand; February 22, Dan Dunne. A Very Happy
Birthday to One and All!
Happy Birthday to Bill
Plummer, who will celebrate his “60th” on February 20th.
PYBA is pleased to announce that softball and baseball signups for
children aged 4-18 will be held at the Community Center as follows:
Wednesday, March 2 from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm; Saturday, March 5 from
9:00 am - 2:00 pm; and Wednesday, March 9 from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm.
Players in the PYBA program for the first time should bring a copy
of their birth certificates. The cost is $50 per player with a $125
family cap.
The Pittsfield Area Senior
Center will be holding Bingo, beginning at 10:00 am, on Tuesday,
February 22nd. Also, the same day, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
you can get Free Volunteer Income Tax Preparation assistance, but
you must call the Center at 435-8482 for an appointment.
On
Thursday, February 24th, if enough interest is shown, there will be
a trip to the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. For more
information call 435-8582 or come to the Senior Center and look
through brochures.
SALTY DOG POTTERY VACATION
WORKSHOPS Clay workshops for children will be offered each day at
Salty Dog Pottery during February School Vacation. For
information and registration call or email: Teresa Taylor
435-6014
[email protected] Salty Dog Pottery Barnstead, NH
Read-Meet-Talk Book Group for the Grown-ups meets next on
February 10th, 7:00 pm at Josiah Carpenter Library. We will
discuss Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love, and pick up Nicholas
Sparks’ Safe Haven.
Come join The
Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce as we enjoy our monthly
Business After Hours. The event will be held at Lifetime Tax and
Accounting on Friday, February 18th from 6 pm to 8pm. This event is
located at 261 Sheep Davis Road, Suite 6, Concord NH. There will be
light refreshments served. A tour will be given to all that
participate in this event. This is a networking opportunity for
your business, so remember to bring your business cards.
Everyone is welcome to come. If you are not a member and are
interested in becoming one, this is a great opportunity to learn
what The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce is involved in and
how it could benefit your business. Find out more
information about this and upcoming events at
www.pittsfieldchamber.org.
Take
Precautions To Ensure A Safe Heating Season Submitted by: Lt.
Nicholas Abell, Pittsfield Fire Department
Code Enforcement/Public
Education Bureau
Pittsfield Fire Rescue would like to remind
citizens to take precautions to ensure a safe heating season and
prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide is an odorless,
tasteless, colorless gas that is given off by gas furnaces, oil
furnaces, gas water heaters, wood, kerosene, cars, propane stoves
and portable generators.
You should have these appliance cleaned
annually, and kept in good operating condition. Purchasing a Carbon
Monoxide detector can decrease your exposure to this deadly gas.
Snow load on roofs in another concern. As winter storms seem to be
hitting the area, on an average of every three days, snow totals
keep accumulating. Heavy snow loads on low slope or flat roofs pose
a greater risk of collapse.
Cleaning a roof can be very
challenging and dangerous you may need to contact an experienced
person to do this.
Doors and windows may be your way out in the
event of an emergency. However, if they are blocked by
snow and ice, it may be impossible to get out. Keep at a
minimum, the width of the door or window free and clear of snow and
ice.
For more information and a snow load calculator, please
visit our website at
fire.pittsfield-nh.com
School
Lunch Menus February 21 - 25, 2011
PES Monday
- Chicken
Patty on a bun, veggie, fruit, milk. Tuesday - Chicken noodle
bake, veggie, fruit, milk. Wednesday - Ravioli, veggie, fruit,
milk. Thursday - Chicken fajita, tortilla, lettuce, salsa,
fruit, milk. Friday - Pizza, veggie, fruit, milk.
PMHS
Monday - BBQ Pork on roll, green beans, fruit, milk. Tuesday -
Chicken wraps, cheese, veggies, fruit, milk. Wednesday - Pizza,
corn, baked dessert, milk. Thursday - Grilled cheese, tomato
soup, veggies, fruit, milk. Friday - Cold sandwich, soup, chips,
fruit, milk.
Letter
To The Editor
Citizens of Pittsfield: The Selectboard urges
you to VOTE NO on the repeal of zoning for the Town of Pittsfield.
Zoning makes an important contribution to the well being of our
Town. It is the goal of zoning to protect the health and safety of
the community and to PROTECT PROPERTY VALUES. Zoning allows people
to know what they can build or do, and what they can expect to be
built or done next door. Very few people would like to have a rock
crushing plant located next to their apartment building... or a
topless donut shop on the route that many of our school children
take to school. Zoning provides a reasonable assurance that
incompatible uses will not be located in close proximity to one
another, while also ensuring that each of those uses is allowed
somewhere.
Thank you, Denise Morin Ed Vien Fred Hast
Fred Okrent Art Morse Pittsfield Selectboard
Letter
Let me introduce myself. My wife Jane and I reside in
Pittsfield, NH. We have 4 adult children and 6 grandchildren.
After I graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1975, I went into
the U.S. Navy, where I served for two years. I also served in
the U.S. Naval Reserves for 8 years. From there, I attended
Laconia Vocational Technical College, where I graduated with an
Associates Degree.
I served as a member of the Pittsfield
Planning Board for 9 years. I also Chaired the Housing
Standards Agency, where I worked to regulate the needs of all the
rentals within Pittsfield. In that role, I was considerate of
the needs of both the landlords and the tenants. My experience
as a member of the Central New Hampshire Regional Planning
Commission also qualifies me as an informed citizen who understands
the needs of Pittsfield and the region.
I am a sportsman and a
conservationist. Protecting the rights of all sportsmen and
nature is important to me.
Vote for me as your Selectman in
Pittsfield and I will work to keep our town budget level. Now
is the time to press in and do the right things in Pittsfield.
Gerard A. LeDuc Pittsfield Selectman
Letter
Once again, our nation’s veterans’ benefits are on the chopping
block, using us as an excuse to bring down the deficit. To
freeze the VA healthcare funding is ludicrous at best. Even
more so, since we are involved in an active war on more than one
front.
This can only be defeated if every veteran, surviving
family member and friends of veterans, were to read this, and notify
their representatives in Congress to not vote on this issue.
Let us not use the healthcare or reduce the compensation that our
veterans are receiving as pawns in the budget battle.
Merrill
Vaughan,
Vice Commander American Legion Peterson-Cram Post
75 Pittsfield, NH
Legion
Opposes Proposal To Cut VA Spending
Submitted By Merrill A.
Vaughan Vice Commander American Legion Peterson-Cram Post
75 Pittsfield, NH 03263
Responding to a proposal by Rep.
Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) to freeze VA health-care spending and cut
veterans disability payments to help reduce federal spending,
American Legion National Commander Jimmie L. Foster said his
organization steadfastly opposes the initiative.
“It is absurd to
suggest such a thing when we are fighting two wars and creating more
veterans every day who have served their country honorably and have
already earned their benefits,” Foster said.
The plan, which
proposes to cut a total of $400 billion in federal spending, is
derived from an Oct. 28 report from the Heritage Foundation that
projects $2.5 billion in savings from a freeze on VA health-care
spending increases, and $1.9 billion in savings from scrapping
disability payments for veterans already receiving Social Security
Disability Income (SSDI).
Peter Gaytan, executive director of
The American Legion’s office in Washington, said “Congress must find
other ways to reduce federal spending that don’t affect veterans
benefits and health care.
“The need for high-quality veterans
health care certainly isn’t decreasing, so the VA budget shouldn’t,
either. Congress needs to stay focused on providing an adequate
budget to care for those who have made sacrifices in Iraq,
Afghanistan or in previous wars.”
Tim Tetz, Legislative Director
of The American Legion, said the idea of taking SSDI away from
veterans receiving disability payments “has been floated before and
thankfully defeated every time.
“Why would anyone want to take
away disability benefits veterans have already paid for, simply
because they have earned additional benefits through their honorable
service in the military?”
The American Legion has consistently
opposed any attempts by Congress to reduce or eliminate veterans
benefits. It considers such benefits as earned and has urged the
federal government to find other methods to reduce its expanding
budget.
The Legion stands by the sentiments expressed long ago by
George Washington: “The willingness with which our young people are
likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be
directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier
wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”
“Of all the
items in our federal budget that could be drastically cut, or
dispensed with altogether, why would a member of Congress think it
might be a good idea to take benefits away from those people who
protect the very freedoms they operate under?” Foster said.
Foster said he agreed that Congress needs to take decisive action in
reducing the federal budget, “but we must be mindful of the
sacrifices borne by the men and women who have served and sacrificed
in America’s armed forces.”
Pittsfield Resident Earns A Spot On The Dean’s List At Saint Leo
University
Michael J. Adams, son of Steve and Lea Adams of
Pittsfield, NH, was named to the Dean’s List at Saint Leo University
for the fall semester. Adams is a Biology major at Saint Leo
University.
The Dean’s List is published at the end of the fall,
spring and summer semesters. Students who have earned at least
12 credits with a term grade point average of 3.65 or higher are
recognized on the Dean’s List, which is announced at the conclusion
of each semester.
“One of our core values at Saint Leo
University is excellence, and we are delighted to see these students
work so hard to achieve so much and aspire to live out our values,”
said Maribeth Durst, Ph.D., vice president of academic affairs.
The values of excellence, community, respect, personal development,
responsible stewardship, and integrity are central to academic life
at this leading Catholic teaching university.
Letter
Dear Citizens: I have known Gerard LeDuc for 20 years.
Although we have not always agreed on issues, he
will have my vote in March. Gerard’s honesty,
gift in listening to others point of view and open
mindedness are qualities to be respected and
admired.
Gerard has served on the Planning Board for many
years, including as Chairman. In sitting alongside Gerard on
the Planning Board, I found him to be as asset to the town. I
feel Gerard will work as hard on the Selectboard and therefore, be a
great asset in that role as well. I ask that you join me in
supporting Gerard LeDuc for a three year term.
Larry Konopka
Pittsfield
Letter
Dear Citizens of Pittsfield: I have known Gerard for a long time
and find him to have integrity. He has always tried to help
this Town by working on several citizen boards and has run for
office many times. I feel, that considering the people
running, Gerard may be the best of them. His only interest is
what is best for the Town.
He is an honest person, you can talk
with him and even if he doesn’t agree, he will listen. He will
consider all sides and try to reach the best decision for the Town.
I am going to vote for him and hope you will too.
William N.
Chagnon Pittsfield, NH
Letter
Dear Pittsfield friends, neighbors and residents: Thank you to
the Pittsfield Board of Selectman and to others for speaking out and
taking a stand against the repeal of the Pittsfield Zoning
Ordinance. Repealing the Pittsfield Zoning Ordinance is not
the way to lower property taxes and create a better quality of life
for our townspeople!
I agree that Pittsfield has high property taxes
that are causing hardships. Repealing the
Zoning Ordinance will not only cause more hardship
for our town, it will create an uninviting
environment for people to live and work, lower
property values and ultimately, increase our
property tax bills!
There is nothing in our current or proposed Zoning Ordinance
that prohibits or discourages small business or business in general
in Pittsfield. There are many people running successful small
businesses in Pittsfield. There is a process and while it may
not be perfect, the process works!
Please vote NO on the repeal
of the Zoning Ordinance!
Thank you, Donna Keeley
Family
Movie Night!
The Josiah Carpenter Library will be showing Ramona
and Beezus (2010), rated G, 103 minutes, beginning at 7:00 pm
Friday, February 18th, 2011!
This is the 20th Century Fox 2010
release of director Elizabeth Allen’s adaptation of the popular
children’s books by Beverly Cleary. The movie stars Joey King
as Ramona Quimby, Selena Gomez as big sister Beezus, and
Bridget Moynahan and John Corbett co-star as Mom and Dad Quimby.
Made possible by a generous grant from the Sanderson
Fund, Family Movie Night is a new program at Josiah
Carpenter Library. Josiah Carpenter Library
has purchased an MPLC Umbrella License to provide
copyright coverage to allow the public showing of
movies. Movies will now be shown
regularly on our quarterly Family Movie Night event,
and in conjunction with our Josiah Book Worms Teen
Book Group, and our Read-Meet-Talk Book Group for
Grown-ups.
Audio video equipment to provide for public viewing, has been
purchased through the Sanderson Fund Grant. This equipment
will be used for movies, and other special programs and guest
speakers.
What I
Have Learned At The Pittsfield Budget Committee Work Sessions,
Part 4
Submitted By: Carole Richardson
In my last three
articles I reviewed town employee contracts and agreements. This
article will review school administrators and teacher contracts.
The specifics of the master agreement can be found at the following
website: nh.gov/pelrb.
The Master Agreement of the Education
Association of Pittsfield effective August 23, 2010 includes a
17-step and track salary schedule starting at $28,947 (Step 0) with
a BA through $54,478 (Step 17) with a MA+30. Teachers receive
2 days each for professional and personal leave, 3 days emergency
leave and 15 days sick leave per school year. They are
eligible to receive course and workshop reimbursement, have access
to any dental plan offered by NHMA Trust at their own expense, and
the district pays for a $40,000 term life insurance policy.
They have various options for health insurance depending on their
date of hire, and the district’s cost of premiums for any of these
plans have a maximum (cap) as follows:
Single: $9,410 2
Person: $17,785 Family: $24,010
The employee pays 5% of
the cost. If an employee chooses not to take health insurance
they receive a $1,000 stipend.
Various stipends for additional
duties are also paid to teachers, which are over and above their
annual salary.
The Superintendent currently has a three-year
contract, which ends June 30, 2011. This contract includes the
following: • Current salary of $109,140. • 30 days vacation,
18 days sick, 3 emergency days, 2 personal days, bereavement and
professional leave annually. • 2-person dental plan and a $24,549
family health insurance plan, which 100% of the costs are born by
the district. • $3,000 per year contribution toward a tax
sheltered annuity. • $40,000 life insurance policy. • Mileage
reimbursement up to $300 annually. • Professional association
dues and fees and conference reimbursement. The K-6 and Middle
High School Principals have one-year contracts, which end June 30,
2011. Theses contracts include the following: • Current
salaries of $78,183 for K-6 Principal and $85,000 for Middle High
School Principal. • 95% Blue Cross/Blue Shield JW with Managed
Care Rider-employee co-pay is 5%. District will pay employee
$2,000 for not using district health carrier. • 30 days vacation,
18 sick days, 3 emergency days and 2 personal leave days annually.
• $3,000 per year contribution toward a tax sheltered annuity. •
$40,000 life insurance policy. • $300 mileage reimbursement. •
Conference reimbursement.
The K-12 Director of Student Services
has a one-year contract, which ends June 30, 2011. This
contract includes the following: • Current salary of $89,553.
• 95% Blue Cross/Blue Shield JW with Managed Care Rider-employee
co-pay is 5%. District will pay employee $2,000 for not using
district health carrier. • 30 days vacation, 18 days sick days,
11 paid holidays, 3 emergency days and 2 personal leave days
annually. • $3,000 course/workshop reimbursement. • $40,000
life insurance policy. • Mileage reimbursement. • Professional
association membership reimbursement.
The Pre K-12 Coordinator of
Student Services has a one-year contract, which ends June 30, 2011.
This contract includes the following: • Current salary of
$72,646. • 95% Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance-employee
co-pay is 5%. District will pay employee $2,000 for not using
district health carrier. • 20 days vacation, 18 days sick days, 3
emergency days and 2 personal leave days annually. • $1,500
course/workshop reimbursement. • $40,000 life insurance policy.
• Mileage reimbursement. •Professional association membership
reimbursement.
The district also contributes to the NH Retirement
System for these administrators and employees covered under the
master agreement.
Letter
Dear Pittsfield Residents: Regarding the concept of abolishing
zoning in Pittsfield, it is important to keep in mind that zoning
provides order and predictability in land use. Most reasonable
businesses shopping for a community to build in seek predictability.
They too, want to know that if they invest in a business, the
surrounding commercially zoned property will remain commercial -
businesses do not want to face unpredictable conditions that
could cost them money in court, or cause them to have to move their
business elsewhere. Economic development for the future
depends on solid reasonable land use planning.
It is common sense
that predictability in land use regulations benefits private
homeowners as well. Most homeowners wish to have their
neighboring properties remain residential. Especially if they
have children.
A vote for reasonable future planning please!
Susan Willoughby
Monthly
Business After Hours Submitted By: Michele Beauregard
The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce held
their monthly Business After Hours. The event
was sponsored by ESL Distributing, located on 16
Main Street in Pittsfield. They provided a
warm and welcoming event for all Chamber Members to
meet and interact with one another.
Refreshments and snacks were put out for
everyone to enjoy. A tour of the facility was given by Eric
LaRoche the owner of ESL Distributing. Eric started this
business over 10 years ago working from his home. He expanded
and moved into his barn, within 6 months he needed bigger
office space.
He decided to move his business to Pittsfield and
within 6 months needed even bigger office
space. He then purchased his business location
on Main Street.
ESL
Distributing, LLC offers Wireless Emergency Call Systems, Resident
Security Systems, and Wireless Networking solutions to customers in
the Senior Living Industry. They provide their products to a wide
range of customers throughout New England.
They are the
Authorized distributors of Motorola WLAN (wireless local area
network) and VoWLAN (voice over wireless network) in our area. They
are also the authorized Philips Lifeline Solution provider for New
England.
ESL Distributing, LLC strives to provide their
customers with State of the Art wireless solutions backed by
knowledge and courteous staff. Their products improve the
efficiency of staff members through the use of mobile wireless
devices to improve communications between staff members.
The
Members all enjoyed their time during The Greater Pittsfield Chamber
of Commerce Business After Hours. Each Member was able to
interact with one another and had the opportunity to learn about the
individual businesses and the services they offer. For more
information about The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce, please
visit www.pittsfieldchamber.org.
I love hearing about successful
business owners and how they started. Eric LaRoche of ESL
Distributing is a prime example of a person having a dream and
following that dream until it is complete! He is a successful
business owner who is still passionate about the service and
products he offers. We would like to send out a special Thank
You to ESL Distributing for offering the space for such a wonderful
event.
New VA
Support Line Provides Important Assistance to Caregivers
Submitted By Merrill A. Vaughan Vice Commander American
Legion Peterson-Cram Post 75 Pittsfield, NH 03263
The
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is increasing its support to
caregivers with a new, toll-free telephone line for the caregivers
of Veterans of all eras.
“The families and loved ones who care
for severely injured Veterans deserve the highest level of support,”
said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “At VA, we
consider them important partners in our efforts to care for and
rehabilitate our nation’s heroes.”
The National Caregiver Support
Line -- 1-855-260-3274 -- will serve as the primary resource and
referral center to assist caregivers, Veterans and others seeking
caregiver information.
The line unofficially started Feb.
1, and in its first week logged nearly 600 calls, including 134
referrals to local VA caregiver support coordinators and 233 calls
from caregivers themselves.
“VA has been providing support for
the caregivers of Veterans for more than seven decades,” Shinseki
added. “We already have more than two dozen successful programs,
policies and services that support the caregivers of Veterans of all
ages.”
The support line will provide information regarding new
caregiver benefits, referrals to local caregiver support
coordinators as well as emotional support to those concerned with
their ability to provide care to loved ones who are Veterans.
The
National Caregiver Support Line will be open Monday through Friday,
8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Eastern time; and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
Eastern time. Licensed VA social workers and health
technicians will staff the support line.
Local caregiver support
coordinators are available to assist Veterans and their caregivers
to understand and apply for VA’s many caregiver benefits. VA
also features a Web page,
www.caregiver.va.gov, with general information on other
caregiver support programs available through VA and the community.
Access to the National Caregiver Support Line was also identified as
a significant need in a November 2010 study on caregivers of
Veterans published by the National Alliance for Caregiving.
For
an opportunity to get to know a few of today’s remarkable caregivers
of Veterans, go to
http://www.youtube.com/user/veteranshealthadmin#p/u/0/XRmAwZHYRFE.
Letter
To The Editor
Thank you John Lenarts for your letter titled
“Dogpatch?” in the February 8, 2011 Concord Monitor. No
thanks.
John could you please tell me, out of the 27 communities
that don’t have a zoning ordinance, which ones are a “dogpatch?”
Here, I’ll list them for you. Pittsburg, Dixville, Clarkville,
Stewardstown, Wentworth’s Location, Millsfield, Errol, Odell, Stark,
Cambridge, Killkenny, Success, Dalton, Bean’s Purchase, Chatham,
Tamworth, Haverhill, Woodstock, Warren, Ellsworth, Orford,
Wentworth, Rumney, Canaan, Alexandria, Grafton, and Lempster.
You
had better be careful calling them a “dogpatch.” You remind me
of George W. Bush telling everyone Iraq has weapons of mass
destruction.
John, where is your evidence?
I have
worked with the Planning Board for 3 long years trying to improve
our zoning ordinance. It’s not possible. I know of many
people who desperately need to open a business from their home.
In many cases, it is their only chance to keep their homes because
of the excessive property taxes and lack of employment. Just
so you know, Pittsfield lost 165 jobs between 2000 and 2005.
Imagine what was lost between 2005 and 2010. These people need
relief now!
Some of my biggest supporters are citizens who went
through the Zoning and Planning Board, and who would not wish this
process on their worst enemy. What a waste.
The Planning
and Zoning Boards, if they fall, will probably fall on their own
sword.
Dan Schroth Piermarocchi
Letter
Frontage - Part 1
Article 4 revises ALL Zoning Ordinance
definitions. Buried within 87 definitions is the most
important in terms of Successful town expansion, Frontage.
Remember, the 2010 frontage petition was defeated by only 32 votes,
after certain Planning Board members (Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Schroth)
advised waiting until this year. And, prior to last year,
frontage definitions that included Class VI roads were defeated by
voters.
Here’s the Buried frontage definition: The length
of the lot parallel to a public street or a non-interstate highway
categorized as Class I, Class II, Class V or Class VI pursuant to
RSA 229, as amended, or parallel to a private road built to town
standards as set forth in the subdivision regulations.
1)The
issue of Class V vs. Class VI, which Planning Board members
requested we wait until this year to vote on, has been privately
decided for us and buried among 87 other definitions. 2)Legal
counsel suggested the addition of private roads, with no questions
asked, and no planning board vote, ‘voila’, definition modified.
If the majority of voters truly favor frontage on Class VI roads,
fine. I’m of the opinion that we’ve yet to have a true vote on
that issue. But private roads? Really? Who’s ever
voted on that? Some planning board members will actually tell
you the town’s subdivision regulations cover frontage on private
roads. This is absurd! Our subdivision regulations Do
Not cover frontage on private roads.
Burying this definition as
written, demonstrates why Pittsfield residents are considering the
elimination of zoning.
God Bless Our Troops, Rachel Wood
Pittsfield
Letter
“Are you in favor of revising section 101.5 of the Housing Standard
Ordinance to designate the Chief inspector shall be the Town’s
Building Inspector,” Submitted by Petition. Majority vote
required.
In support of the Warrant Article to place all
inspections in the Building Inspector’s job description please
review the following: • The Building Inspector should be
responsible for all Housing and Building Inspections. He is
certified by the ICC (which the State requires) and has the
experience and training to perform this job adequately. • With
today’s economy why should we the taxpayers pay for two inspectors
when one is more than capable? • The Town Building Inspector is
available on a schedule and by phone so that the public knows when
to reach him to discuss any issues. •The Building Inspector is
ultimately looking out for Public Safety and has done a wonderful
job Communicating with residents. • With Codes, Code Books and
Laws being revised every year, having this work performed by the
Building Inspector’s Office makes sense. • The Building Inspector
works for the Town as an employee. He answers directly to the
Select Board. He is insured by the Town and has a Town car.
These are only a few reasons to “Vote For” the warrant article to
place all inspections in the hands of the Building Dept.
Please
help us support this warrant article. Vote Yes
Hank
Fitzgerald Pittsfield
Letter
To The Editor
Dear Pittsfield Citizen: Please take a moment
to view the following summary of the 2010 Budget items. Police
Department: budget $835,000; actual expended 859,000.
Ambulance and Fire: budget $574,000; actual expended $589,000.
Highway Department: budget $766,000; actual expended $742,000.
Welfare Department: budget $108,000; actual expended $93,000.
Waste Water Treatment Plant: budget $338,000; actual expended
$302,000. Remaining Town Budgets: budget $1,080,000; actual
expended $1,041,000. Capital Outlay: budget $283,000; actual
expended $299,000.
I would like to personally thank George Bachelder
(Superintendent of Public Works), Diane O’Callaghan
(Welfare Director), and Ron Vien (Superintendent of
WWTP) for a job well done. While the Board of
Selectmen worked hard at keeping the budgets level,
our road to financial recovery begins with living
within our means and, in turn, Department Heads
spending within their budgets.
Linda Small Pittsfield
Letter
On Saturday, February 5th I attended our town budget meeting, I
must say it was an experience. I met a room full of truly concerned
citizens trying to look out for the best interests of our town and a
budget committee doing the best job they can within restraints set
by Federal and State Government. During the School Superintendent’s
presentation he was asked about the future of Drakes Field
Summer Recreation Program. He responded that thanks to
private donations, the Summer Program will continue this year at
approximately the same funded level it did last year. THIS IS NOT
TRUE!
As of this date, about 1/3 of the funding has been
obtained. Without the other 2/3rds, the Program will not run
in the same capacity as it has in the past. As one of many
concerned individuals, I encourage you all to Support Pittsfield’s
Youth and help save the Summer Program!
Operating since
1918, this is a unique Educational Program promoting
Team Work, Self Esteem, Good Citizenship and Social Skills while
also educating them in areas such as Water Safety, Marine Biology,
National/Local History, Cultural Arts, Small Business and
Health/Nutrition. This Program has given children a chance to do
more than “run the streets” during summer break and they are better
because of it!
I have learned over the past several years, that
if you intend to make a change you have to work hard to make it
happen. Lets make it happen!
If you are interested in making a
contribution, a bank account has opened at Citizens Bank here in
Pittsfield. Checks can be made out to “Supporting Pittsfield’s
Youth.” Once full funding is obtained for the Summer Program,
it will also be used to help other cut Programs such as volleyball.
Working together we can save these Programs within our Community!
Heather M. Brown Concerned Parent and Dedicated Citizen
Letter
Good People of Pittsfield: My name is Heather M. Brown and I am
running for SelectWoman. I’m a mother of 2 beautiful girls and have
been a resident of Pittsfield my whole life. I have seen many
changes happen within our Community, some of those changes have been
good while others have not.
For the past several years I have
been working very hard to obtain positive opportunities for
Pittsfield. My most recent accomplishment being the procurement of
funding for the implementation of a new “Home Based” Early Head
Start Program located here in Pittsfield in conjunction with the
Belknap/Merrimack County Community Action Program.
I have had the
opportunity to work at the State and National level in support of
our town dealing with such issues as Taxes, Education and Advocacy
along with other areas of Community/Public interest and now I want
very much to help support you all at our local town level.
If
elected, I promise to commit to doing what is best for us no matter
what that may be. For far too long our town has been developing a
separation of the classes. This Must Stop! We are one Community.
This will never change whether you are an upper class, middle class
or lower class citizen we still need to learn to come together and
create one unified voice!
I have learned that no matter what
disagreements we may have, at the end of the day we all want the
same thing and that is to live in a Safe, Financially
Secure/Affordable Community while providing our children with the
best education we are capable of.
I’m asking all of you to
support me so I may help us create and maintain a better community
not only for us now but for future generations to come.
Thank
you, Heather M. Brown for SelectWoman
Dorcas
Guild
The Dorcas Guild of the First Congregational Church of
Pittsfield met on February 8th for their regular meeting, which was
opened by President Nella Hobson. Devotions were given by
Gailann Newton, who read “Thank You For Your Friendship” by Susan
Shutz. This was followed by a Bible reading from 1st
Corinthians 13, given by Peggy Jacobs, who then led
the group with the Lord’s Prayer.
Joan Riel gave her report of the
January meeting and read several thank you notes from towns and
organizations for generous donations made to them from the Guild at
the January “Mission Month” meeting. Fourteen cards were
signed by those attending to go to sick, shut-in, and away church
family members. Reny Boyd, Treasurer, gave her financial
report, balance on hand prior to the meeting.
The routes for the
traveling apron and food basket were set up for several members.
The mystery package, brought by Corine Miller was won by Joan Riel.
Nella Hobson had done extensive research on banners to be hung on
opposite walls in the front of the sanctuary for Easter.
Members viewed several color photos and voted to purchase a set of
two.
Joan Riel noted that three church family members responded
to the Guild’s request for additional help at the time of
collations, namely, Marilyn Thyng, Erica Anthony and Minnie Plante.
The Service Project of warm clothing will continue through February
and March. Corine Miller mentioned that she and her sister,
Carolyn Davis had picked up warm coats for the Homeless in Concord.
A CPR Training session was discussed with April
being a possible time. Also discussed was a
defibrillator for the church. The American and
Christian Flags in the sanctuary were discussed.
The Wednesday Work Women will check into their
condition regarding repairs and cleaning.
A possible future project will be to
collect yarns and fabrics for the Zonta Club in Concord who collects
them for resettled refugees. Members voted to host Fellowship
Hour on March 20th. A thank you gift was voted to Nancy White
in appreciation of her exceptional work as janitor.
Refreshments
for the evening were banana splits with hostesses Peggy Jacobs and
Gailann Newton. Member brought in their favorite sauces.
The next meeting will be held March 8th with Reny Boyd and Shirley
Bleckmann as hostesses. The program will be “10 Minute
Mystery”. Members are asked to bring toiletry items for the
Food Pantry.
Letter
On March 8th, Pittsfield residents will be asked to vote for a
completely new Planning Board (5 members). I am writing to
support Bill Miskoe for a two year term. (1 seat) Bill is
currently chairman and has served on the Board since 2003. He
is a licensed professional engineer with broad experience in so many
matters that relate to the governance of our town.
Competing for
the single two year seat are Dan Schroth and Jim Pritchard.
Jim lacks the benefit of Bill’s years of service. And Dan?
He is seeking a seat on a board he’s campaigning hard to abolish.
I’m puzzled?!
Please cast a vote for Bill Miskoe for the two year
term on the Planning Board.
John Lenaerts
Letter
To The Editor
Dear Citizens of Pittsfield: I attended the
February 9th budget meeting and want to let you know that the Budget
Committee is working hard and long at representing you in the 2011
budget process. In my opinion, they realize the difficult economic
times we are in and how it is affecting our community. We
continue to see bank foreclosures, citizens out of work, and our
elderly struggling to survive on a fixed income. Out of 260
towns, Pittsfield has the third highest tax rate in NH. We
just can’t afford any more.
After sitting in the meeting until
midnight, I was so proud to witness the committee taking all these
conditions into consideration, making difficult decisions to reduce
the town budgets. I could see that it was not easy for them (I
have been in that position myself), but it had to be done. Not
only did they find it necessary to level fund, but they also
expressed many concerns with some of the departments, including the
overspending in some of the budgets. Members worked at doing
the best they could given the current circumstances.
I would like
to thank the entire Budget Committee as well as the Chairmen for
running a great meeting. I would like to encourage all
citizens to come out and be part of the Town Meeting process on March
12th. I hope you will join me in thanking the Budget Committee
for all of their hard work by supporting their budget
recommendations. Election Day is Tuesday, March 8th and the
School District Meeting is Thursday, March 10th.
Thank you,
Larry Konopka Pittsfield
Letter
Dear Pittsfield Voters: When you vote on March 8th, please
consider the following: The current Planning Board
accomplished all it did this past year because we worked as a team.
If you remember, in prior years, there was so much bickering that
the Planning Board accomplished little and was the butt of ridicule.
Don’t let it go back to that same embarrassment for Pittsfield.
Please only vote for individuals that believe in having zoning
regulations. Also, it is vital to elect individuals who can
get along with other Board members.
Thank you for listening,
Ted Mitchell Pittsfield
Letter
Dear Pittsfield Voters: I am Ted Mitchell, running for a new one
year term on the Planning Board. I am currently the Vice Chair on
the Board. In addition, I am: • An alternate on the Zoning
Board of Adjustment. • Vice Chair on the Economic Development
Committee. • A member on the Safe Routes to School Taskforce.
• A member of the PMHS Alumni Association Committee. • A
volunteer at the Pittsfield Food Pantry. • Volunteering to
re-landscape the outside of the Town Hall. Why re-elect me to the
Planning Board? • Knowledge, from having gone to two Planning
Commission conferences. • I’m levelheaded, evenhanded, and
practical. • I’m a 21 year Navy veteran (management, assigned to
intelligence commands, aviation quality assurance, and safety
programs). • I’m a 16 year employee of a large grocery chain as a
Dairy Manager. • I’m a no nonsense, logical, practical, and
creative problem solver.
If you voted for me before, please vote
for me again. If you didn’t, please consider me a good choice
for the Planning Board.
Thank you, Ted (Theodore) Mitchell
Pittsfield
Obituaries
Robert
Edmund (Danis) Carson
Robert “Bob” E. (Danis) Carson, 72, of
Sacramento, CA, died December 30, 2010, at Carmichael Care &
Rehabilitation Center in Carmichael, CA. Bob was born to Gilbert
(Jube) and Rose Danis in Pittsfield, New Hampshire December 27,
1938. Having spent eight years of his childhood first in an
orphanage, and then a Catholic boy’s home, he left school at age 16
and spent a year traveling with gypsies.
He joined the U.S. Navy
January 17, 1956 and went on to serve his country as a sniper. Bob
married Sandra Devault. In 1963 Bob moved to Riverside, CA where he
worked as a chef and rode with the Diablo motorcycle club. He became
addicted to heroin for eight years. Bob came to know Jesus Christ as
his Savior in 1971, and from that time knew that he would be set
free from his heroin addiction. The final freedom came in January,
1975.
Bob was assistant supervisor of Doxa Christian Drug Rehab
Center in Long Beach, CA. He married Judith Henderson Knoll
September 14, 1974. They made their home in Susanville, CA for 12
years.
During that time, Bob worked at Lassen County Hospital
and then Lassen County Health buildings as a maintenance man; was
head of the county mental health transportation services. He
ministered under FGBMFI at the California Correctional Center for
eight years, serving as volunteer chaplain part of that time. He was
instrumental in organizing the Susanville and Susanville Prison
chapters of FGBMFI, also Cowboys for Christ.
He served on many
different boards, attended Gospel Tabernacle, and was active in the
Four Square Church, and Susanville Calvary Chapel. His closest
friends were Mike Madigan, Doug Hackenlible and the B.T. Frost
family. Bob’s hobbies were fishing and hunting.
The last three
years Bob lived in Susanville he worked as a boy’s group home
counselor for Rightway Homes Inc., who then moved him to
Sacramento/Auburn to do a receiving home for Placer County. From
there he worked as a house parent for Koinonia Foster Care, Inc.
After that, he did the low-voltage wiring for the Hyatt on the wharf
and was on the opening team for the Nob Hill Ritz Carlton in San
Francisco. After a year of service at the Ritz Carlton, Bob joined
the Step-Ahead maintenance and construction team, putting in the
many 98 Cent Clearance Center stores in Northern California. He
retired as an assistant head of that department in 2001.
For
several years after that he was active in the Camellia Gardens
Mobile Home Park, and was Regional Manager of GSMDL. Bob also became
involved in the Native American community.
Surviving him are his
wife, Judith; children: Tina Kelly, Gene Danis, Marc Knoll and David
Knoll of Sacramento, Marcelle (Knoll) Neidert of Carson City,
Nevada, and Kathleen (Knoll) DeCamp of Santa Barbara, CA; nine
grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and a sister, Sylvia Baker
of Meredith, New Hampshire. The funeral service was on January 4,
2011, with military honors, at the North Sacramento Funeral Home,
Sacramento, CA. The interment was on January 11, 2011 at Sacramento
Valley National Cemetery, Dixon, CA, with the Patriot Guard Riders
riding Honor Guard.
Barbara
A. Carr
Barbara A. Carr, 70, of 1 Bridge St. was embraced in
Jesus’ loving arms on February 9th at the Dartmouth – Hitchcock
Medical Center, Lebanon, following a long illness. She was born in
Pittsfield, the daughter of Tancrede and Olive Bousquet, and had
lived here all her life. Anyone who knew her, loved her warmth and
kindness. She was a stay at home mom and wife. She offered her love
to others by daytime babysitting. She loved to cook, weekend rides
throughout the state and the hot air balloon rally. She was an avid
NASCAR, Celtics and Bruins fan.
She is survived by her husband of
52 years, George A. Carr of Pittsfield. 3 sons, Russell Carr of
Pittsfield, Leonard Carr of Ocean, NJ and Thomas Carr and his wife
Stacey of Pembroke. 2 granddaughters, Allyssa and Nicole
Carr. 13 brothers and sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.
Burial will be in the spring in the Floral Park Cemetery.
Donations in her memory may be made to American Diabetes
Association, NH Division, 104 Middle St. Manchester, NH 03101.To
sign an on line guest Book, log on to
perkinsandpollard.com.
Dolores
B. “Dolly” Gilman
Dolores (Brown) Gilman, only daughter of E.
Achrista and Joseph C. Brown passed away on February 7, 2011.
She
was brought up in Pittsfield and attended Pittsfield schools
graduating valedictorian in 1946. She attended UNH and then
graduated from Hesser Business College where she was school
secretary for 7 years.
Dolores ran the Knit and Needle Shop out
of her home for 10 years. She also worked at Globe Manufacturing and
was a journal clerk for the NH House of Representatives. She was a
member of the Park Street Baptist Church and sang in the choir for
many years. She also did solo singing at various functions and
weddings. She also sang in various productions of the Pittsfield
Players.
Dolores was always active in the community serving as a
member and trustee of the Pittsfield Cemetery Association. She was a
60 year member of James Farrington-Pleaides Chapter #7 OES, the
Pittsfield Historical Society, a 60 year member of the Chichester
Grange, as well as the Pomona Grange, NH State Grange and the
National Grange.
She was also a long time leader in the Victory
Workers 4-H club in Pittsfield. Dolores also volunteered at the
Pittsfield Senior Center and was a member of the Red Hat Society.
She is survived by her son, Gary Gilman and wife Nancy, and Gerald J
“Gerry” Gilman and his long time friend Kris Westerberg. Two
granddaughters, Elizabeth Gilman and Achrista Sherman, a great
granddaughter Katelyn Sherman and great grandson Kaden Sherman.
She was predeceased by Gerald I “Jake” Gilman in 1996.
Services
were held February 12, 2011 at the Park Street Baptist Church.
Burial will be in the spring in Floral Park Cemetery. Donations may
be made in her memory to the Charity of One’s Choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Emmons Funeral Home,
Bristol.
|