Those Celebrating Birthdays are: March 8, Tim Pethic; March 9,
Crystal Blodgett, Stan Bailey; March 11, Evan Ward; March 12, Brett
Tiede; March 13, Lindsey Catalano, Shannon Brown.
A Very Happy Birthday To One and All!
Play Ball! Pittsfield Youth Sports would like to announce softball
and baseball signups for girls and boys aged 4-18. Signups will be
held in the Pittsfield Community Center on Tuesday, March 6 (5:30 pm
– 8:00 pm), Saturday, March 10 (9:00 am – 2:00 pm), and Thursday,
March 15 (5:30 pm – 8:00 pm). If your child is new to the program,
please bring a copy of his/her birth certificate to signups. If you
have questions, please contact Glenn Amnott at 435-7905.
School Lunch Menus
March 12 - 16, 2012
PES
Monday
Shepherd’s Pie
Ground beef and gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet corn, wheat dinner
roll, fresh Mac apple
Tuesday
New England
Homemade chicken n’ biscuits, peas and carrots, mashed potatoes,
pears
Wednesday
Mamma Mia
Lazy lasagna with homemade Italian meat sauce, garlic roll, mixed
veggies, orange wedges
Thursday
Doggin It
Hot dog on a bun, roasted potato wedges, green beans, peaches
Friday
Pot o’ Gold Pizza
Leprechaun cheese pizza, or chef’s topping, Emerald Isle tossed
salad, wearin o’ the green jello
PMHS
Monday
Hot Diggity Dog
Hot dogs in a wheat bun, oven fries, mixed veggies, orange wedges
Tuesday
BBQ Bonanza
BBQ pulled pork, dirty rice, warm corn bread, homemade coleslaw,
peaches and cream
Wednesday
Chicken Mania
Chicken parmesan pasta marinara, garlic bread, green beans, fruit
cocktail
Thursday
Blue Plate Special
Shepherd’s Pie with ground beef, sweet corn and mashed potatoes,
wheat rolls, cinnamon apple slices
Friday
St. Patrick’s Day
Emerald Isle turkey stew, roasted potato wedges, root vegetable
medley, wheat dinner roll, wearin o’ the green jello
Letter
Dear Pittsfield voter:
As a member of the current Planning Board, but not speaking for the
board, I am writing to clearly state my opinion on Amendment #3. I
think it is just plain wrong! We are elected to represent the voters
and not make decisions based on what we darn well please. In spite
of this, the Planning Board is again trying to ram this amendment
through – for the third time. I have attended all of the public
hearings and not one person showed up in favor of this Article. Yet,
when the voters and citizens who would be impacted by this Article
spoke up, they were completely over-ruled.
With regard to a letter in The Suncook Valley Sun on 2/22/12,
I plan to keep my word and maintain my opposition to Amendment #3.
If anyone would like to speak with me about this I can be reached at
435-8535 or my cell, 608-6139.
Respectfully,
Pat Heffernan
Letter
To the Citizens of Pittsfield:
Please join me in supporting Erica Anthony for the Town
Clerk/Tax Collector position. I have had the pleasure of knowing
Erica "forever". We have gone to school together, worked together
and volunteered together.
Erica is an extremely dedicated, smart, honest, hardworking person.
She’s worked in customer service for over 20 years and was always
courteous and professional. She is very organized and detail
oriented. She always puts the customer first and would take whatever
steps necessary to deliver great service.
Her commitment to our community is proven by her volunteer work. She
is the past President and treasurer of the PES PTO, treasurer of the
Booster Club, a member on the Board of Directors of Blueberry
Express Daycare, and a member of the Community Advisory Board.
With her past work experience and her terrific community
involvement, Erica is the perfect choice for the Town Clerk/Tax
Collector position. She will work hard for our community.
Please vote for Erica Anthony on Tuesday, March 13th.
Sincerely,
Andi Riel
Pittsfield
Mills of Manchester, New Hampshire and Manchester, England
On March 20, 2012 at 1:00 pm the Pittsfield Area Senior Center will
host a NH Humanities To Go presentation, The Mills of Manchester,
New Hampshire and Manchester, England. The program will compare
industrialization and the lives of workers in northwest England with
New England. The comparison of the forms industrialization took and
the different experiences of workers in the two countries shed light
on the era of industrialization during the second half of the 19th
century, particularly at the Amoskeag Mill in Manchester, NH.
The program will be presented by Sandra S. LeBeau, Ph.D., University
of Pittsburgh; M.A.T., Yale. Ms. LeBeau taught English history at
Trenton State College; teaching in Lancaster, England added to her
specialty in Victorian and labor history.
Please call the Senior Center at 435-8482 if you would like to come
to the noon luncheon of soup and salad bar, scalloped potatoes, and
pudding.
The Senior Center received a grant from the NH Humanities Council to
present The Mills of Manchester. The Humanities Council nurtures the
joy of learning and inspires community engagement by bringing life
enhancing ideas to the people of NH. Join us for coffee,
refreshments and a lively discussion.
Letter
My fellow Pittsfield residents:
I ask you to consider voting for Larry Konopka for a seat on The
Board of Selectmen. The first time I met Larry was during the 2006
Town Elections and I was impressed with the knowledge of small town
politics that he was able to pass on to me, since I was new here.
During the ice storm of 2006, Larry was out making sure that
residents were able to use generators, made sure they could leave
their homes if need be and was at the emergency shelter that was set
up. Even though he has his own business, he unselfishly gives up his
time when it comes to actions for the people of Pittsfield.
No matter what the job is, Mr. Konopka gives 100% of his time and
effort, not for any one person or group, but for all of us, the
people of Pittsfield. A vote for Mr. Konopka is a vote for
Pittsfield. I hope to see you at the Town Election this year and
that you help Larry Konopka receive the votes he so richly deserves.
Sincerely,
Merrill A. Vaughan
Letter
Dear Pittsfield residents:
The requirement of Class V frontage in town subdivision rules is
good town planning that shows foresight and benefits all the town’s
taxpayers. Economically, it shows foresight because it is a way to
ensure that public works, fire departments, police departments, and
school buses do not ultimately have to respond to emergencies or
other needs on Class VI roads that may not be properly maintained.
Pittsfield’s fire chief testified at a December 15, 2011 PB meeting
that all fire/medical emergencies required their response, no
choice. If the road is not maintained, damage may be done to
vehicles, and the response time is severely hampered. Any unplanned
cost related to such emergency response is borne by all Pittsfield
taxpayers.
Our Planning Board has a responsibility to plan in the interest of
all the taxpayers in the town. They must plan with respect to future
financial/capital reserve needs of the public works/fire/police of
the town because our taxes pay these costs. It is poor planning to
allow growth that presents unplanned costs to the town in this way.
Instead, the cost of properly developing a subdivision with at least
Class V standards should always be borne by the developer of the
property.
Amendment #3 requires that subdivisions have frontage on Class V
roads or better. By voting "yes" to this amendment, we vote for the
possibility that foresight and good planning may keep taxes as low
as possible.
Planning Board members Clayton Wood and Ted Mitchell, have shown
they have this foresight and we should re-elect them both.
Susan Willoughby
Letter
Hello residents of Pittsfield:
Our basketball season has come to an end for the season.
There are a few people I would like to thank. If it wasn’t for them,
we wouldn’t have basketball in Pittsfield. First I would like to
thank the parents for making sure the players made it to practice,
and games. I would also like to thank the school and staff for all
they do for the kids and all the high school and middle school kids
who go out of their way to help the kids who play park-rec
basketball. I would like to thank the referees. I would also like to
thank Joel Chagnon from Bell Brothers for donating a cable so we
could get the score board fixed.
All the Pittsfield teams did well in the tournaments; 3-4 grade boys
placed second, 5-6 grade boys placed second. 5-6 grade girls took
first place.
Great job coaches for all the time you spent helping these kids. I
want to thank the athletic department for letting us use their gym
for our games this season. I heard a lot of very positive things
about the high school gym from the other towns.
Thanks again,
Darrell Wages
Pittsfield Park-Rec
Basketball Rep
Letter
I write to support Erica Anthony for Town Clerk/Tax Collector. Erica
is an educated, thoughtful individual possessing a first rate
intellect, and abilities. She has the good common sense of a fine
mother, and as a lifelong Pittsfield resident, is very involved in
the community. Erica graduated with a BA from Wheaton College, and
worked in the finance and accounting department at the Weaving
Company for 20 years. I know her to be of the highest character, and
have yet to meet a person who doesn’t like her, and think very
highly of her, and her abilities. The position of Town Clerk/Tax
Collector requires a variety of detailed oriented skills, both
financial, and customer service in nature. Erica has the education,
work experience, disposition and life experience to maintain, and
exceed the high level of service, and responsiveness we have all
come to expect from Liz’s office. I urge your support and Vote for
Erica Anthony for Pittsfield Town Clerk and Tax Collector.
I also write to urge your Vote for Bill Miskoe for Planning Board.
Common Sense and Experience are the hallmarks of Bill Miskoe. Few
people in Pittsfield are more competent, or experienced than Bill on
most subjects, let alone Planning Board governance. He is honest,
diligent, forthright, and for the past 8 years put forth a yeoman’s
effort in doing the voluminous and tedious work required by the
position. Bill is a public servant in the truest and best sense of
the words and it would be a big mistake, huge, to not return Bill
Miskoe to the Planning Board. Please Vote for Bill Miskoe for
Pittsfield Planning Board.
Sincerely,
Lester Firstenberger
Letter To The Editor
To the good citizens of Pittsfield:
I support a vote for Linda Small and Larry Konopka for the office of
Selectmen.
First and most important, they know why, as an elected official, you
never use the position to help a friend; because you will soon use
the position to go after someone you don’t like.
Second, I think they have the experience and desire to try and
stabilize our tax rate at $30.66 per thousand; no higher.
As far as the Planning Board’s proposal; throwing away more land
rights and getting nothing in return. Why do they bother taking an
oath to the NH Constitution if they are unwilling to use it?
Dan Schroth Piermarocchi
Letter
To the voters of Pittsfield:
The Board of Selectmen has proposed, once again, that they appoint
the members of the Planning Board rather than have us elect them.
This was voted down in the recent past, and I am not sure why the
Selectmen have not understood what "no" means. I personally like to
have a say in who represents me and ask you to join me in voting
"no" to this proposition.
The Planning Board has done a terrific job of clarifying the problem
of subdivisions. Some folks want to be able to develop their
properties on roads currently classified as Class VI. These are
roads which do not allow access for emergency vehicles, and which
are presently not serviced by the town. If we permit developers to
subdivide on these roads, we the taxpayers will eventually have to
absorb the costs of upgrading to allow for emergency access and
plowing in winter. Amendment #3 requires that subdivisions have
frontage on Class V roads or better. I would urge you to join me in
voting "yes" to this amendment, thus keeping our taxes as low as
possible. I also urge you to vote "yes" to the other two amendments,
which concern parking regulations and making the powers of the
Zoning Board of adjustment conform to state law.
The members of the Planning Board have shown they are able to work
together in a civil manner, and they have come up with long-overdue
amendments. Two of these members, Clayton Wood and Ted Mitchell,
have stuck their necks out for us in this election year, and they
deserve our votes. Please join me in re-electing Clayton Wood and
Ted Mitchell to the Planning Board.
Betsy Cadbury
Letter
Pittsfield’s Unsung Heroes
Citizen of Pittsfield:
It is that time of the year for me to show my appreciation to all of
those "Unsung Heroes" who make Pittsfield a better place to live for
all of us. It isn’t a perfect place (yet), but things do keep
getting better.
Firstly, think of our Police Department. For me, every time I needed
their help they were there - courteous, helpful and prompt. The same
goes for our Fire Department, our Ambulance service and our active
Senior Center.
Then too, there are individuals who my family and I have found
helpful and responsive to our needs and the needs of our neighbors.
One in particular is Larry Konopka. As most of us know, Larry has
been an active selectman for our community. He is again seeking that
important office. Larry has our vote. He has our vote for many
reasons, but here are just a few of what I feel are the important
ones.
He did serve for four years as a selectman and with that a full
seven years on our planning board. As if that alone wasn’t enough to
give him a broad overview of our community needs, he was also the
Deputy Health Officer, the Deputy Welfare Director, as well as the
Deputy Building and Code Officer. He still serves as the Deputy
Health Officer as well as the Deputy Welfare Director. With all of
this in-depth and broad background he could be referred to as "Mr.
Pittsfield."
So, with all this said, thanks for taking your time to read this.
Please be sure to get out and vote for your "unsung heroes" here in
Pittsfield on March 13. See you at the town hall.
Tom Adamson
Citizen of Pittsfield
Letter To The Editor
The Planning Board has been running well with Ted Mitchell as Chair
and Clayton Woods as Vice-Chair. The Board has been working
cohesively together and has accomplished quite a bit. Being Chair is
no easy job. I have not always personally agreed with everything the
Planning Board has done, but overall they have done a good job and
both Ted and Clayton deserve your vote.
Fred Hast is running for Selectman. Over the years, I have been on
many Boards and Committees with Fred and we do not always agree
either, but he has lots of knowledge and the best interest of the
Town at heart. I am voting for Fred and hope you will too.
Many thanks to Liz Hast for the fine job she has done as Town
Clerk/Tax Collector all these years. We are losing a good dedicated
person as she steps down.
Please remember to Vote Yes on Amendment 3. We need to make sure we
do not have excessive road costs that increase our taxes.
Respectfully submitted,
Helen Schoppmeyer
Letter
In last week’s Sun, Mr. Fitzgerald wrote, "I have requested
documentation (public information) from the Planning Board for the
last eight weeks. They have continuously denied having any records,
which they used in compiling this amendment [no. 3]. At last night’s
Select Board meeting they finally admitted these records exist. ...
How can anyone trust these people who have continuously lied to the
public?"
On January 30, the Planning Board gave Mr. Fitzgerald a blizzard of
information under Right-to-Know. The board also gave Mr. Fitzgerald
all attorney-client-privileged information that the board used in
compiling Amendment 3. The Local Government Center said that the
board did not have to give Mr. Fitzgerald this privileged
information.
The Right-to-Know information included tax maps and tax cards
proving that Amendment 3 will not diminish property values on Class
VI highways. Compare the excess acreages of Map R19, Lot 6 (a
currently subdividable Class VI property) to Map R29, Lot 1-3 (a
currently unsubdividable Class VI property). The excess acreages
have exactly equal value per acre.
Because the information did not show what Mr. Fitzgerald wanted, he
demanded that the Selectmen hold a hearing to remove an elected
Planning Board member from office; otherwise, he said, he will sue
the town. Following his demand, the Selectmen discussed notice
requirements for the removal hearing.
Mr. Fitzgerald’s complaint is not a he-said, she-said dispute. The
Planning Board’s answers to Mr. Fitzgerald are available for public
inspection at the Town Hall. Learn the truth about Mr. Fitzgerald’s
complaint and how the Selectmen are using it to try to destroy and
control your elected Planning Board.
Jim Pritchard
Tilton School Names MacMorran Scholars
James Heffernan ’14 of Pittsfield, N.H., and Claire Cortese ’12 of
Pittsfield, N.H., were named MacMorran Scholars at Tilton School for
the Second Semester. To be a MacMorran Scholar, students must
achieve high and scholarly effort honor roll status, have no
unexcused absences and show excellence in citizenship.
MacMorran Scholars are named in honor of John F. MacMorran, who was
Head of School from 1971-1982 and an educational leader committed to
academic excellence. Tilton developed the program to recognize the
excellent scholarship and effort of Tilton students who achieve at
the highest level at the School.
Tilton School is an independent, coeducational, boarding and day
school in Tilton, N.H., serving students in grades 9 through 12 and
post-graduates. Tilton’s curricular model stresses the acquisition
of skills, knowledge and understanding in five areas: communication,
critical thinking, community, creativity and character. Tilton
School believes in the power of each student’s individual potential
for lifelong personal success and service.
Letter
To the citizens of Pittsfield:
I am writing in support of Erica Anthony for Town Clerk/Tax
Collector. Working with Erica on several committees I have always
found her to be hardworking, honest and caring. All of which will
serve her well in the position of Town Clerk/Tax Collector.
Erica’s work experience as a customer service representative affords
her with the necessary skills to perform the job as Town Clerk/Tax
Collector. Erica will bring the highest level of service and
professionalism to the customers of the town offices.
Erica’s involvement in numerous committees and organizations in town
shows her commitment to the improvement of Pittsfield. She will
bring this same dedication to the Town Offices.
Please vote for Erica Anthony for Town Clerk/Tax Collector.
Respectfully Submitted,
Stephanie Lamere
Letter
Dear Pittsfield voters:
The Pittsfield Planning Board proposes three zoning ordinance
amendments, which we respectfully ask you to approve, March 13th:
• Amendment 1: Parking Regulations.
Last year you approved the reduction of parking requirements for
downtown businesses. However, no way existed to implement the
reduction fairly and consistently. This amendment defines a
reduction, based on the floor area that the business uses. The
Planning Board decided on this method because it has a direct
relation to taxes that the business owner pays.
• Amendment 2: Powers of the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Amendment 2 complies with state law.
• Amendment 3: Define frontage for subdivision as Class V or better
highway frontage.
Class V or better highways are dirt or paved roads that the town or
state maintains. The Planning Board proposes restricting subdivision
on roads not maintained by town or state (Class VI highways and
private roads) because development on those roads stretches town
services, endangers town personnel and equipment, complicates town
planning, and ultimately raises taxes. For these reasons, most other
towns require frontage on Class V or better highways in order to
subdivide.
Pre-existing lots will remain buildable. Subdivision on Class VI
roads will be allowed if, the owner does necessary road improvements
or gets a variance from having to make road improvements.
These requirements for Class VI subdivision are reasonable and
responsible. State law doesn’t give property owners on Class VI
roads a "right" to subdivide without road improvements. Individuals
knew, before purchasing the property that it was on a Class VI
highway. They knew the limitations, and the property’s price
reflected those limitations.
Amendment 1, 2, and 3 are necessary to plan and manage Pittsfield’s
future, in a fair, tax-conscious way.
Please vote for these amendments on March 13.
Sincerely,
Ted Mitchell, Chair
Pittsfield Planning Board
The Pittsfield JV Boys Basketball team participated in the 11th
Annual JV Boys Basketball Tournament sponsored by the Pittsfield
Police Association this past weekend. The boys had victories over
Woodsville, and Gorham but fell short in the Championship to
Littleton 45-43.
Letter
This year’s Planning Board election has five candidates: Of the
five, the incumbents Ted Mitchell and Clayton Wood deserve to be
reelected.
Ted Mitchell and Clayton Wood currently serve as chair and
vice-chair of the Planning Board, respectively. Under their
leadership, the PB has proposed zoning amendments that are logical,
clear, compliant with the spirit of state planning statutes, and
consider the impact development will have on the taxpayers in the
future. Most importantly, they aim for tax fairness by considering
the cost effect of all services which will be imposed on the
taxpayer as a result of development.
These two gentlemen have shown the ability to follow planning
practices commonly recognized as "sound," while also using the
counsel and advice from outside experts with greater land-use
knowledge--sources such as the Central NH Regional Planning
Commission.
The fact is, many of the previous planning boards have resisted
following "tried and true", commonly accepted planning practices.
The result has been an increased stress on town services, which are
ultimately provided by, and paid for, by the taxpayers.
These misguided PB practices, over the years, have yielded an
alarmingly-high tax rate. A rate which is now among the highest (if
not the highest) in the state. It should be clear that this unique,
high-tax status has Not been achieved because of good
planning practices in the past.
I strongly urge all concerned taxpayers to please consider
maintaining the continuity of the current Planning Board, and to
give "lower taxes through good planning" a chance to succeed.
Please vote for Mitchell and Wood and for zoning amendments 1, 2,
and 3 (ballot articles 2, 3, and 4) that the Planning Board is
proposing.
Thank you,
Daren Nielsen
Pittsfield Time Capsule 2062
On March 15, 2012, The Pittsfield Historical Society will be
presenting a brief history of time capsules and creating one of
their own. Community members are asked to bring small items of
archeological interest to contribute to our 12"x11"x9" waterproof,
fireproof, time capsule to be locked and stored for the next fifty
years.
Historians suggest that items which describe the daily lives of the
people who created them greatly increase the value of the time
capsule. They might include items relative to time, technology,
money, photography, personal items, etc. Be creative. What will
interest the community of 2062?
Come and see what others bring.
Please call Mark Wallace at 435-8622 if you have any questions.
Letter
Please support all of the Planning Board’s proposed amendments on
this year’s ballot and vote for both me and Ted Mitchell so we can
continue our efforts to work on a positive growth plan for
Pittsfield.
The focus of our activity this year was on the amendments to the
Zoning Ordinance that the voters passed on Ballot Day. Our
discussions lasted for over 6 months on just the 3 proposed
amendments for this year’s ballot! The Select Board’s own
representative has voted for all three amendments to be on the
ballot at least three times – twice after public hearings! His
comment on record: the frontage problem must be corrected now to
support the subdivision regulations. Now he claims that the Planning
Board is out of control. Who is holding him accountable?
Our critics have said there is no need for a frontage definition
since there are no problems. I disagree. It is clear that the Board
has been very inconsistent over the last 20 years even with
infrequent subdivision activity. This is the same system that they
say does not need fixing! I have reviewed many Zoning Ordinances for
NH towns and can say one thing for certain – a good zoning ordinance
requires many years of work and is not the type of thing you want to
start when there are problems.
Our critics will have you believe we have singled out the citizens
who live on Class VI roads. The State has already done that and
requires the town to consider "such scattered or premature
subdivision as would necessitate the excessive expenditure of public
funds". It would have been nice to hear that concern at least once
from the current Select Board when they did everything possible to
undermine and destroy the current Planning Board.
God Bless our Country
Sincerely,
Clayton Wood
Letter
I’m writing this letter in support of Erica Anthony for Town
Clerk/Tax Collector because I believe she is the best qualified for
the job with her experience in Customer Service, which she has
worked in for 20 years.
She is very involved in town affairs. She has strong work ethics and
has shown much commitment to our town.
Thank you,
"Reny" Boyd
Election Day Raffle
The Friends of the Josiah Carpenter Library will be holding their
annual Spring Election Day Raffle. Be sure to stop by our table at
Pittsfield Town Hall on Election Day, March 13, 2012, to purchase
your raffle ticket and take a try at winning the St. Patrick’s Day
gift basket. All proceeds go to benefit the Josiah Carpenter
Library.
Thank you for supporting your library!
Letter To The Editor
I would like to offer my support to Fred Hast and Larry Konopka to
be elected to the Board of Selectmen. I have personally worked with
both of them, and even though we don’t always agree, I have a great
deal of respect for their work ethic. Both men have worked extremely
hard for the town and have the necessary experience to benefit the
Board.
I am also supporting Bill Miskoe and Jesse Pacheco for the Planning
Board. Both are fair and have their own minds, as does Pat
Heffernan.
We must defeat Article 3 and keep our property rights. We will not
be able to do this with Wood, Mitchell and Pritchard. They have a
majority, 3-2.
The Planning Board is out of control. I have a tape of the Planning
Board meeting on 1-5-12 and the language used by one member during
the meeting is unbelievable and totally unprofessional. The
Chairman, Mr. Mitchell and the Vice Chairman, Mr. Wood, allowed this
language. In addition, Mr. Mitchell changed his mind and his vote.
He went along with the people who did the swearing.
Defeat Article 3! It is the worst Article I have ever witnessed.
Bob Lincoln
Pittsfield
Letter To The Editor
Dear Taxpayer:
In doing a 2011 analysis of expenditures, there are just a couple of
things I’ll bring to your attention. I’d like to ask beforehand that
you allow for human error. While I’ve tried to be as accurate as
possible, these numbers are approximate given the data I have to
work with. I’m certain you will get the gist of my message
regardless.
First, it cost you the taxpayer approximately $47,000 (2,500 hours)
for sick compensation throughout the year. Please note the
equivalence to a full time position. Now, let’s take a closer look
at some specifics. I’ll use the police department as an example
since it is one of the larger departmental budgets. In 2011 out of a
total of approximately $506,000 salaries paid within the PD (not
including office staff), only about 53% of this expenditure went to
patrolling the streets of Pittsfield.
Patrolmen: $268,697; Sick: $15,706; Special Detail: $44,186; Holiday
and Vacation: $48,954; Other non-patrol (admin, grants, etc):
$128,496; Total: $506,039.
Next, I want to disclose to you, the taxpayer, that the Board of
Selectmen authorized payment for an exorbitant amount of accumulated
vacation to an individual leaving the employ of Pittsfield (Minutes
1/31/12), despite that our Personnel Policy clearly states only (80)
hours can be carried forward from year to year. You’ll find $10,298
encumbered for this purpose. Further discussion on this topic can be
found in the Minutes 2/21/12.
Folks, I do not believe this to be an example of good stewardship of
your tax dollars. If you agree and would like to see accountability
within your local government, please cast your vote for me on March
13th. Additionally, while voting for experience is important, so is
integrity. Be sure to know the candidates you are voting for.
In your continued service,
Linda Small
TOPS News
Submitted By Terrie Azotea
Well, it has been another great week for weight loss. We sure have
all been trying and it is showing at the scales. With the winter
months still here and the days getting longer, it is very important
to stay active and busy.
We had a speaker this past week who was awesome. She spoke on
lifestyle changes and changes we should make. She said "Am I Hungry
or I Am Hungry… something to think about." Thoughts create beliefs
and create reaction, balancing the good with the bad; and how it
helps with weight management. Decode your feelings and ask
yourselves is this physical hunger or is it head hungry? Ask
yourself does my body need to have the food, or do I see certain
foods and my head says that I am hungry when I am really not?
Stress also plays a big factor on when we want to get something to
eat or are we just doing it because something has triggered it.
These were just some thoughts to think about this week. So, I
thought she was an awesome speaker and I got a lot out of her
speech.
At TOPS we try to have speakers every once in a while and it sure is
enjoyable. If anyone is interested in seeing what we are about, we
meet on Tuesday nights at 5:30 for weigh-in and 6:30 for our
meeting.
For information, please call Laurel Tiede at 269-8721 or Pat Smith
at 435-5333. They would love to answer any questions you might have.
Positive words to think about... A person without a sense of humor
is like a wagon without springs. It’s jolted by every pebble on the
road". (Henry Ward)
Hope everyone has a great week! See you lighter next week at the
scales!
Letter
Mr. Miskoe has reversed his position on frontage multiple times over
the years. In 2005, in an SV Sun letter, he wrote in favor of
Class V or better frontage. Then, for a few years, he reversed his
position. Then in a 2009 SV Sun letter, Mr. Miskoe once again
went back to supporting Class V or better frontage. This year, he
has reversed his position yet again. While these position reversals
are problematic, there are more concerning issues regarding events
that began a few months ago leading up to this year’s town
elections.
First of all, look at the range of dates above regarding the
frontage issue. This has been going on for over 7 years! I guarantee
you this is another record-breaking statistic for how long a town
can remain undecided about a frontage definition. And, the Planning
Board is facing the possibility of dismantlement only because of
their determination to keep their three amendments on the ballot for
a town wide vote. By the way, voters, did you know that you often
don’t know what you are voting for, who you are voting for, and
often don’t understand the implications of your vote? You can read
this in Select Board minutes.
The Board of Selectmen has had quite a year, to say the least. This
last move, however, to dismantle an autonomous planning board that
has functioned completely within their state mandated guidelines, is
quite a move. Concentrating on those running for the office of
Selectman this year, the Select Board minutes indicate that Mr.
Larry Konopka initiated this idea. Mr. Konopka’s political tactics
have been on my radar for some time, and although he will likely be
elected, he will not have my vote.
Please keep the elected 5-member Planning Board intact.
God Bless Our Troops,
Rachel Wood
Free Tax Help For
Military Personnel And Their Families
Submitted By
Merrill A. Vaughan
Commander
American Legion
Peterson-Cram Post 75
Pittsfield, NH 03263
Free tax return preparation assistance is available for eligible
military members and their spouses. The IRS and U.S. Armed Forces
participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which
provides free tax advice, tax preparation, return filing and other
tax assistance to military members and their families.
Here are five things you need to know about free military tax
assistance:
1. Armed Forces Tax Council: The Armed Forces Tax Council oversees
the operation of the military tax programs worldwide, conducting
outreach with the IRS to military personnel and their families. The
AFTC consists of tax program coordinators for the Marine Corps, Air
Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard.
2. Volunteer tax sites: Volunteer assistors at military-based VITA
sites are trained to address military-specific tax issues, such as
combat zone tax benefits and the Earned Income Tax Credit
guidelines.
3. What to bring: To receive free tax assistance, bring the
following records to your military VITA site:
• Valid photo identification
• Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents or a
Social Security number verification letter issued by the Social
Security Administration
• Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents
• Wage and earning statement(s) like Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R
• Interest and dividend statements (Forms 1099)
• A copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns, if available
• Checkbook for routing and account numbers for direct deposit
• Total amount paid for day care and day care provider’s identifying
number
• Other relevant information about income and expenses
4. Joint returns: If your filing status is Married Filing Jointly
and you wish to file your tax return electronically, both you and
your spouse should be present to sign the required forms. If it
isn’t possible for both of you to be present, a valid power of
attorney that allows tax preparation can be used to sign and file
the return.
5. Special exception: There is a special exception to using a power
of attorney for spouses in combat zones. The exception allows the
filing spouse to e-file a joint return with only a written statement
stating the other spouse is in a combat zone and unable to sign.
For more information, review IRS Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax
Guide, available on the IRS Web site at
www.irs.gov or order a free copy by calling 800-TAX-FORM
(800-829-3676).
What If You Could Save A Life?
Soon there will be an opportunity to do so by registering as a
marrow donor. You must be between 18 and 60 years old and in good
health. There is no out of pocket costs to join the National Marrow
Donor Program. Help us in the fight against leukemia, lymphoma and
other blood disorders. Registration is simple and the process
requires only a cheek swab.
Please join us on Saturday, March 10, 2012 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
at the Nippo Lake Golf Club, 88 Stagecoach Road, Barrington, NH.
For any questions call, Jennifer St. Peter of the Be The Match
Registry at 401-248-5762.
Letter
An Orwellian Tale: 2024
Please remember, the hypothetical cost to the town by Class VI
property owners is based on the assumption that these folks want to
live differently and are plotting to bankrupt Pittsfield. That is a
fallacy. Also, the reduction in tax rate is barely perceptible.
Check the records. I submit this curious tale for your
consideration:
Some townspeople decide that most people hate mowing their lawns.
They point to others who don’t mow their lawns regularly, the
infirm, the artistic, the poverty stricken and yes, the lazy. They
grouse about what an eyesore the unkempt lawns are and how much work
the beautiful lawns require. These folks get elected to town office
and begin to tackle the lawn problem. They propose a town grass
cutting service for every land owner for a small tax increase.
The vigilant town’s people vote "no new taxes" (even the ones who
hate mowing their lawns). These undaunted officials then
"restructure" their proposal to solve the lawn problem. This time
they propose a tax decrease for everyone, as well as a weekly town
grass cutting service using the most up-to-date equipment and highly
skilled personnel, in exchange for the property deeds of the town’s
people. Not to worry though, the heirs of the property owners will
receive first right of refusal when the town sells some assets in
the future to finance this bold venture.
The town’s people joyously vote for this win/win proposal. After all
what do you do with land other than mow the grass anyway? I can’t
remember if these people lived happily ever after in their nanny
town…
We Americans are collectively bankrupting our governments. It isn’t
the few Class VI property owners leading that charge.
Please vote "No" on Articles 3, 4 and 5 on March 13th.
Diane Rider
Obituaries
Marjorie Louise Small Fulton
Marjorie Louise Small Fulton of Reston Va. formerly of Raleigh, N.C.
died Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at Cameron Glen Health and Rehab
Center.
Marge was a native of Pittsfield, N.H. and was the daughter of the
late John and Florence (Arliln) Small. She had resided in Reston
since 2008 and prior to that in Raleigh since 1993. She made many
great friends at the Mount Vernon Baptist Church and was an active
participant in the activities there, which she greatly missed upon
her relocation to Virginia.
Her husband of 64 years, Donald Samuel Fulton, preceded her in
death in 2006, as did eight of her siblings. She is survived by her
daughter, Donna Fulghum and husband Graham of Reston, Va.; her son,
Gary Fulton of Middleton Ct.; three sisters Christine Avery of
Woodstock, N.H., Rachel Wade of Ocala, Fl., Nancy Anderson of Dover
N.H. and a brother Elliott Small of Greenacres, Fl.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in July at the Mount
Vernon Baptist Church, and burial will be a private service.
Richard H. Osborne
Mr. Richard H. Osborne, 83, of 10 Corrigan St., Gorham, NH, passed
away on Friday, January 27, 2012 at the St. Vincent de Paul Rehab
and Nursing Center in Berlin.
He was born in Loudon, NH, on August 13, 1928, the son of Richard C.
and Ethel (Hodgdon) Osborne and grew up in Pittsfield, NH, where he
graduated from high school.
Richard served in the US Army where he began driving trucks and
continued to drive trucks until his retirement at age 77. He enjoyed
hunting, fishing, gardening, woodworking and reading.
Members of the family include his wife Bonnie (Kilton) Osborne of
Gorham, NH; a brother, Paul E. Osborne and wife Louise of Oberlin,
Ohio; stepchildren, Amy Sturiale of Indiana, Allison Nestor of
Penn., Audrey Munn of New Hampshire, Russell N. Drew of New
Hampshire, Jennifer R. Costello and husband Scott of Eielson AFB,
AK, and Erica M. Drew and significant other Kevin Steady of Gorham,
NH; many grandchildren.
Burial will be held in the spring in the Meadowview Cemetery in
Amherst, NH.
To sign the online guestbook, please visit
www.bryantfuneralhome.net.
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