Pittsfield NH News

Pittsfield Youth Baseball Assoc. (PYBA) is having a mandatory coaches meeting for ANY person wishing to coach a baseball/softball team for the 2009 season. Any potential coach will fill out a criminal background form to be completed by PYBA.

If you are not at this mandatory meeting, you will not be allowed to coach for PYBA for the 2009 season.

The meeting will be held on January 11, 2009 at the Pittsfield Community Center at 4:00 P.M.
 

Come join the Business After Hours event held at the Pittsfield Police Department on Main Street, Wednesday November 19th, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This is a Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce event that allows business members and non members to interact with one another, as well as learn about the services provided by each business. There are chances to win door prizes and light refreshments will be provided by the Pittsfield PD. This is a great opportunity for non members to speak directly to Chamber Members and find out the benefits of joining The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce.
 

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church will hold its 2008 Holiday Fair on Saturday, Nov. 22nd from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Main St., Pittsfield. Proceeds from the fair will benefit the work of the church.

The Fair will include a wide variety of opportunities to assist you in preparing for Thanksgiving and Christmas including: wreaths, cemetery and table arrangements all handcrafted from fresh greens; tables with new-to-you treasures; children’s items, jewelry, books, baked goods, an upscale silent auction, featuring items ideal for holiday giving, and a raffle with a first prize of a deluxe turkey dinner basket, second prize a $75 gas card, and third prize, a $25 Shaw’s grocery card.

And to satisfy your immediate hunger, there will be a snack bar featuring robust luncheon fare of delicious chili, homemade soups and chowder, and St. Stephen’s famous grilled hot dogs with toasted rolls. All available to eat in or take away.

Along with St. Stephen’s, one other church and the senior center in town will be holding fairs that day, so plan to join us for a fun-filled day of food, fellowship and shopping in Pittsfield.
 

Reminder  - The Annual Holiday Fair is Nov 22 from 9AM to 2PM at Pittsfield High School. If anyone is interested in setting up a table or would like more info please contact Jay Darrah at 435-5272.

Reminder - The Pittsfield Park & Recreation Department Co-Ed Basketball league is still actively looking for volunteer coaches. If you are interested in coaching please contact Jay Darrah at 435-5272.

Reminder  - The Annual Basketball Alumni Games will be played at Pittsfield High School on Friday Nov 28th. The girls will play at 5PM, the boys will play at 6PM, and the odd vs even game will start at 7PM.
 

The Pittsfield Police Department is hosting an Open House, Wednesday, November 19, 3-5 PM. Visitors are invited to tour the police department, meet the staff and have a chance to win a door prize gift basket. Refreshments provided.
 

Celebrating Birthdays are: November 19, Allison Quigley; November 20, Mark Selesnick; November 22, Joan Riel, Paul Richardson, Kim Trudeau, Andrew Ward; November 24, Russell Kimball, Christine Paquin.
 

Ryan Prescott, of Fairview Road, a senior at St. Joseph’s College in Standish, Maine, won the 2008 Great Northeast Athletic Conference Men’s 8K Cross Country Championship on November 1, 2008, held at the St. Joseph’s course. Prescott broke the course record, which he set earlier this year, by 48 seconds with a time of 26:53 to win the meet for the second consecutive year.

Prescott was also named 2008 GNAC Men’s Cross Country Runner of the Year. The GNAC is a conference of 13 colleges.
 

Reminder

The annual Christmas Fair, sponsored by the Women of the First Congregational Church, Main Street, Pittsfield, will be held this Saturday, November 22nd, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A great assortment of handmade, items of all kinds, baked goods, gourmet gifts and the popular corn chowder are among the things being offered.
 

Pittsfield Area Senior Center
What Our Volunteers Do!

The Pittsfield Area Senior Center has lots of Volunteer opportunities. Volunteers lead our programs, assemble newsletters, deliver newsletters, wash dish towels from our kitchen, drive in carpools, bake, donate to our holiday fair, as well as other events throughout the year. They participate on our planning committee, set up and prepare for delivery of Meals on Wheels, and daily congregate dinning. We are a busy bunch and have lots of fun. This is also considered a wonderful ministry opportunity or calling. COMMUNITY ACTION provides a Volunteer Appreciation Day every summer.  Those volunteers who log 50 hours or more are invited to attend. Call Lynne at 435-8482. Come to think of it - we are in need of a volunteer to wash the dish towels once a week for us!  Interested?  Give me a call.

Letter

To The Residents of Pittsfield and surrounding towns:
All the volunteers and family of the Neighbor to Neighbor Project in Pittsfield would like to thank the following businesses  for donating items or gift certificates to go into a raffle: Parker’s Restaurant, Dominick’s, The Circle Restaurant, Northeast Landscaping, Village Pizza, Clark’s Grain Store, and Mattress Maker.

All the proceeds from the raffle will go toward  building supplies and costs.
 

Suncook Valley Soccer Club

SVSC Jacks Pizza - U12 Boy
Front Row: Brandon Jones, Anthony Rojek, Alex Reid, Jesse Slater.

Back Row: Noah Manteau, Jovanni Antonelli-Hernandez, Will St. George, Xenthios Cyr, Cam Quigley, Brandon Marcotte, Gabe Anthony.

SVSC Town Pizza – U10 Boys
Front Row: Gavin Knight, Cam Darrah, Kegan Vincent, Kyle Stockman.

Back Row: Gabe Anthony, Xenthios Cyr, Jack Tobin, Noah MacGlashing.

SVSC U12 Girls
Front row: Brooke Vien.

Middle row: Gretchen Hilton, Jordon Samaluk, Alison Wolfe, Morgan Corliss.

Back row: Sonya Beckham, Courtney Philbrick, Star Chagnon, Jessica Massey, Gabby Bartlett, Madison Slater, Madison Johnson, Katelyn Hunt.

Missing from photo: Josie Towle.

The Suncook Valley Soccer Club wrapped up its inaugural season with three teams winning end of season tournaments. The SVSC - Jacks Pizza U12 Boys team won the U12 Boys Bob Gray memorial Tournament, the SVSC - Town Pizza U10 Boys team won the U10 Boys Bob Gray Memorial Tournament, and the SVSC U12 Girls team won the U12 Girls Bob Gray Memorial Tournament.

The SVSC had 12 teams, from U6 to U12, with over 100 youth players participating. The U6, U7, & U8 teams all played and practiced at the Common. The U10 & U12 teams practiced and played at Drake Field.

The SVSC would like to thank all our sponsors, Pittsfield Middle High School, and everyone who helped make our first year as a club a success.

PMHS Honor Roll

Gr. 12
High Honors
Deena Hallock, Kristine Scott, Kelli Webber.

Honors
Monica Bento, Amanda Caron, Donna Grant, Vuk Mirasevic, Kenneth Piaseczny, Juanita Smith, Michael Tuttle, Nicholas Tuttle, Mercedes Valdez.

Gr. 11
Highest Honors
Paige Corliss, Victoria Duquette, Kara Gingras, Irene Vogt.

Grade 11
High Honors
Michael Adams, Allison LaFlamme, Shannon Racicot, Joseph Suchomski, Matthew Tuttle.

Honors
Trevor Cate, Liam Etchells, Kurt Fisher, Samantha Gage, Justin Hodgdon, Joas Lucas, Brendon Ward.

Grade 10
Highest Honors
Craig Paggi.

High Honors
Delina Lawrence.

Honors
Brian Ward.

Grade 9
Highest Honors
Colleen Corliss, Robert LeBel, Emily Tyler, Kelsey Wrye.

High Honors
Taylor Gosse, Trevelyn Gosse, Sebastian Manteau, Kayleen Rojek, Adriaunna Towle, Jennifer Tyrell.

Honors
Jared LaCrois, Nicholas Peno.

Grade 8
Highest Honors
Emily Buchanan.

High Honors
Sage Anthony, Travis Guest, Katelyn McLennan, Alyssa Moody, Janice Negron, Justin Quigley, Jillian Towle, Aaron Vien, Thomas Williams

Honors
Anthony Bova, Jennifer Cantara, Macy Chagnon, Ashleigh Garland, Seth Gosse, Cassidy Kearns, Lyndsey Milton.

Grade 7
Highest Honors
Jacey Darrah, Stefani Gauthier.

High Honors
Gabrielle Bachelder, Danielle Borgeois, Daren Brooks, Ebonie Burritt, Katlyn Gonzalez, Katrina Haynes,Nathaniel Jackson, Montana Miller, Alexis Miller, Alexander Pellitier, Kate Small, Tiffany Summerford, Emily Williams.

Honors
Philip Gordon, Jossie Rowell.

Amenico Opens  60,000 Sq. Ft. Facility In Pittsfield

Pittsfield - American Energy Independence Company, LLC (AMENICO), the capitol region’s newest alternative energy company has completed the purchase of a new headquarters in Pittsfield, NH.  AMENICO’s new home is in the heart of downtown Pittsfield home of the former Suncook tannery building.  “It’s fitting that we are setting up shop in an old 19th century mill building and tannery,” explains CEO Tony Giunta.  “This historic NH mill building with its state-of-the-art new technology of yesteryear will now provide alternative, renewable, carbon neutral technologies for 21st century businesses, homeowners, and communities.”

AMENICO has concentrated its efforts on refining waste vegetable oils into usable, renewable, carbon neutral fuels. “We collect used vegetable oil from well over 150 local food establishments, put it through an advanced filtration process, and then blend the oil to create a new and clean form of combustible energy,” explains CEO Giunta. The plant will be fully operational by December 1st, 2008. AMENICO will also sell specially enhanced products including vegetable oil multi fuel boilers so businesses can squeeze the most out of their energy dollars.  Crest Capital has joined the effort, providing low-interest business loans to companies interested in pursuing this clean, carbon neutral and less expensive heating alternative.  The loan options include tips on how to reduce taxes for investing in alternative energy; cutting expenses even further (go to www.Amenico.com for a link to a Crest Capital loan application).

In this time of “Lean and Green Government” the State of New Hampshire has also taken notice of AMENICO’s progress.  Tony Giunta, along with Company partners Sarandis Karathanasis, and George Panagakis were all recently recognized by The Governor and Executive Council with special Citations for their creative efforts.  It reads:

“Be it hereby known that I, John H. Lynch, Governor of the State of New Hampshire, along with the Executive Council, join with our fellow citizens in extending our sincerest thanks to Tony Giunta and George Panagakis of AMENICO in recognition of your commitment to New Hampshire’s environment through your work to conserve natural resources, lower fuel prices, reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil, and lower carbon emissions.  AMENICO refines collected cooking oils and puts them to use locally where they are distributed in the community as alternative fuels for transportation, heat, and electrical production.  The State of New Hampshire is fortunate to have a company like yours in our State.  On behalf of the citizens of New Hampshire, we commend you for your commitment to your state and your community, and wish you all the best in the future.”

“Our company, with the support of state leaders, is blazing a new trail in alternative energy.  The Governor and Executive Council is clearly impressed.  I’ve never been so excited about the important work Amenico and our growing list of businesses joining our program is doing for the environment, our state, and our country” said Karathanasis.
For more information on AMENICO’s products and services, and for ways to join the effort, log onto our website, www.Amenico.com.

Letter to the Editor

Dearest Citizen:
Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17: 11-19)

We live in a land “flowing with milk and honey.” Like the nine, we oftentimes are slow to count and quick to forget our blessings. Thanksgiving is a perfect time to reflect upon the goodness of the Lord! “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;” (Psalm 92:1). Beyond providing for our physical needs, in His mercy He is faithful to heal us spiritually if we merely recognize our wretchedness and His sovereignty. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration (Jesus) and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). How thankful we truly ought to be…
 

Thanks be to God,
Linda Small
 

Pictured are Cheryl Wilkie and Cindy Sadler of Bow. Both have deep interests in the needs of youth and work in their professions to help them in a variety of ways. The Pittsfield Youth Association extends its deep appreciation to each of them for their major contributions to the Park Project on Tilton Hill
 

Pictured are Mr. and Mrs. James Thyng. Always working in the community's interest, they have made a major donation to the Pittsfield Youth Baseball Project on Tilton Hill Road. Thank you Jim and Marilyn.”
 

Fall Clean-up at Lyman Park

The fall clean up at Lyman Park on Saturday, November 1, was a cinch again this year thanks to the help of Rich Clark who brought the Keystone Management Company equipment to help us quickly dispense with all the leaves. With Rich bringing the machine that “sucks” up all the leaves and leaf blowers our clean-up time was cut in half. Those helping in the clean-up included Rich, Karla, Taylor and Kyle Clark, Harry Vogt, Keith Donovan, Cedric Dustin, Fuzz Freese, Dave McGhee, Linda and Bill Provencal, Sylvia and Mark Wallace.
 

Mr. and Mrs. Finnegan Celebrate 60th Wedding Anniversary

Clayton and Hope Finnegan celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with their family on November 9, 2008.Those attending included their daughter Paula and her husband David Dickinson, their daughter Dotty and her husband Jerry Leavitt, and their daughter Linda and her husband Tim Freese. Grand-daughter Erin and her husband Eric Capron and Grand-daughter Katie with her fiancé Chris Marshall enjoyed Clayton and Hope’s wedding album. Grandchildren who wished them well from afar included Justin Leavitt and Elliott Freese who are in Colorado, and Lindsay Freese of Orlando, Florida. Their very special anniversary gift was learning that Erin and Eric will be making them great-grandparents in April!

Paula Belliveau presents raffle item to Ben Abbott, winner of the Friends of the Josiah Carpenter Library’s Election Day Raffle.

Ruth Strickhart, Eleanor Joyce, Betty Andrews and Doug Andrews are honored for their service and dedication to the Carpenter Library.

The Friends of the Josiah Carpenter Library are pleased to announce the winner of their Election Day Raffle is Ben Abbott, a longtime Pittsfield resident who has been involved with community activities for many years.  Congratulations Ben!

Our thanks to Bill Boudreau of Northeast Landscaping, Hart’s Turkey Farm, and Duane Family Farm for their contributions to our raffle.  We are thankful to all of you who participated in this raffle, especially during these difficult economic times.

At this year’s annual meeting of The Friends, Eleanor Joyce and Ruth Strickhart were honored for their years of service at the Carpenter Library, and Betty & Doug Andrews, departing members of The Friends, were honored for their dedication and service to the Friends.  Betty served as Treasurer and was instrumental in attaining grant monies for The Friends. Over the years, Doug has donated some of his beautiful handmade furniture to the library.  They will be missed.  We wish them well in their new endeavors!

The Friends would like to welcome two new members to their group, Al MacLellan, who has so kindly stepped up and taken the office of Treasurer, and Bonnie Lockhart.  New members are always welcome!

For all of you who ordered your poinsettias through The Friends, we anticipate a delivery date of December 5, 2008.  Please look for a delivery announcement in a later issue of The Sun.

Happy Holidays to all of you, from all of us at The Friends!

Congratulations to Nicole Cantara of Pittsfield on her first deer 6 point 145 lbs. she took on Nov. 1, 2008, wile hunting with her father and brother in Pittsfield.
 

Letter To The Editor

Letter to All the Citizens of State Senate District 17 in care of the Editor:
Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving you for two more years. Please remember I am here for all of you. When the phone rings, or a letter or e-mail arrives, I don’t ask you what party you belong to, or “did you vote for me?” Come to think of it, I do ask one question: that is, “Are you a New York Yankee fan?” If the answer is “Yes,” I hang up. I am only kidding, really.

Last but not least, I want to thank my opponent, Chaz Proulx. He ran a clean, no-mud-thrown campaign. Too bad they all couldn’t have been run the same way. P.S. My home phone is (603) 895-9352.

Thanks much.
John S. “Jack” Barnes, Jr.
New Hampshire State Senator - District 17
P.O. Box 362
Raymond, NH 03077
 

One more weekend only! Elvis, also known as the Pharoah, croons about what his strange dreams could mean while Joseph is subdued by the lovely ladies of the court. The Pittsfield Players proudly present “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” for two more appearances only, November 21 and 22 at 8PM. Tickets, $15.00 are available by calling 435-8852 or via the website www.pittsfieldplayers.com and click on the “Buy Tickets” button.
 

Ladies Aid

Submitted By Joan Riel
The Ladies Aid of the First Congregational Church in Pittsfield met the afternoon of November 3rd with eight members attending.

President Freda Jones, called the meeting to order and Arlene Martin read Thanksgiving Poems from a book entitled “Thoughts For All Seasons.” Kathy Bergeron offered prayer.

The Secretary gave her report of the previous meeting followed by the Treasurer who gave her current financial report. The Annual Christmas Fair to be held on November 22nd was discussed. The members went over the usual foods they have on their food tables and prices were set. Several cards were signed to be mailed to away, sick and shut-in members of the group and friends.

Joan Riel brought her “Prayers and Squares” quilt to the meeting which had been a gift to her from Maddy Rogers. Freda Jones tied a bow on one of the untied quilt square corners and offered a prayer for Maddy, who is dealing with health issues and concerns. Kathy Bergeron then tied another corner and Sue Case offered a prayer for Nancy White who has been sick for several weeks and is also dealing with health issues.

Delicious refreshments were enjoyed - quite an assortment of pizza cups, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies and  cheese cake squares. The meeting closed with all joining in the Lord’s Prayer and reciting the Mizpah Benediction.

The next meeting will be held on December 2nd when the candy bags for the Senior Citizens will be filled.

Letter To The Editor

To The Good Citizens of Pittsfield:
Many thanks to the town employees and volunteers who made this year’s vote happen. It takes a dedicated team to do the job you did this year.

I understand there were over 1,900 votes cast. I also heard there were over 200 new voters registered on voting day alone.

This election has filled me with hope, for myself, family and country. The new voters give me hope to help make changes at the town level.

If you are a new voter and you want to make a difference, research and start learning about the four big issues that are to be voted on in March.

1. Do we vote in SB-2, to get the School Budget on the ballot, so all the voters vote on future tax increases inflicted by the school system and not have to go to their meeting.

2. Do we vote  in the Planning Board’s Proposed Zoning changes? That restores some landowner rights.

3. Do we go to Town Meeting and support the Selectmen’s level funded town budget so as not to increase our taxes?

4. Do we go to the school meeting and support the School Board in their request for more tax money in times like these? Or maybe just maybe they have seen  the handwriting on the wall that says times have changed and you had better too.

I’m begging the new voters to take on all these issues and vote in March at our local elections. You can help make a difference similar to the difference we have just witnessed on Election Day. If you need any information or motivation, call me or stop by. Remember Martin Luther King once said if you want things to go your way, you have to be involved.

Respectfully,
Dan Schroth
Pittsfield, NH

School Lunch Menus

November 24-28, 2008

PES
Monday - Mac & cheese, veggie, fruit, milk.
Tuesday - Hot dogs with beans, dessert, milk.
Wednesday - Early Release - Ham & cheese sandwich, veggie, fruit, milk.
Thursday - Thanksgiving Day
Friday - No School
Salad Bar For Grades 3-6

PMHS
Monday - Pizza, corn, fruit, milk.
Tuesday - Chicken, gravy, mixed veggies, fruit, milk.
Wednesday - Early Release - Cold Sandwiches, soup, fruit, milk, No Salad Bar.
Thursday - No School - Happy Thanksgiving
Friday - No School

EPSOM
Monday - Soft shell tacos, lettuce, tomato, cheese, fruit, milk or yogurt tray, No Salad.
Tuesday - Homemade pizza, tossed salad, fruit, milk or yogurt tray, No Salad.
Wednesday - No School - Thanksgiving Recess
Friday - No School.

CHICHESTER
Monday - Chicken nuggets, tater tots, corn, sliced peaches, milk.
Tuesday - BBQ rib sandwich, baked chips, green beans, fruit cocktail, milk.
Wednesday - No School
Thursday - No School - Happy Thanksgiving
Friday - No School
Snacks will be offered everyday between 9:00 and 10:30.

Joseph An Unmistakable Crowd Pleaser

by Mike Hobson
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” opened at the Scenic Theatre Friday, November 14th, and was an unmistakable crowd pleaser.

The audience was quickly captivated by the foot-tapping musical numbers and catchy lyrics. Early into the first act, the audience was responding with clapping hands in time to the music. The effect was infectious for the cast, which exuded talent and spirit as the play’s momentum rose in the second act. A well deserved standing ovation was received at the end.

Originally written as a pop cantata for school performances over forty years ago, “Joseph” has endured the test of time and has something for everyone. The varied musical score, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice, moves from one musical spoof to another, from Country to Rock to Calypso to several other genres. The talented ensemble of Pittsfield Players neatly shifts gears throughout the play, singing with varied accents to fit the story line.

Directed by Jeff Gregoire, “Joseph” noticeably enchanted the audience and hits the mark of excellence for a musical production at the Scenic. Both acts are nicely packaged (no lulls here) and go by quickly. Music director A. Robert Dionne has crafted a well rehearsed and exercised piece that seems, musically, to be as complex as the many colors of Joseph’s multi-hued coat. The performance is expertly accompanied by Phil Breton on keyboard, Bob Nelsen as percussionist, and Dave Smart on bass guitar.

Thanks to the choreography talents of Gerri Casey, we are treated to an ever-changing series of clever and fun-to-watch dance steps. Watching Joseph’s brothers in chorus line wearing robes and berets is a delight. Set construction and decoration, props, lighting and sound added together to make this a marvelously fun performance.

Noah Nelsen gives a convincing performance as Joseph, the young, beloved son who falls victim to the jealousies of his brothers. His character successfully changes moods with the quickly moving music numbers that carry the story along. Regulars to the Scenic Theatre will recognize many veterans of the boards in this production, among them: Mal Cameron, Chester Fuller, Ernie Bass, Jon Martin, Todd Gregory, Travis Pitcher, Nathan Strong, Jonathan and Ron Olson, Russ Trudel, Angel Pinard, and Kate Mara, Gerri Casey, and Bea Pszonowsky.

The three narrators, Sheree Bass, Kate Nelsen, and Sarah Comtois, blend beautifully with their musical annotations, moving around the scenes to provide the thread of the story. Brian Annis-Bazylinski, as Pharaoh, delivers an Elvis interpretation that gladdens anyone who needs to smile.

On stage at various times, the children’s chorus gives charming melody to accompany the performance. The Pittsfield Players has a fine group of younger thespians growing up in its productions. In fact, the entire ensemble sings well here.

Director Gregoire and Producer Jon Martin can be proud of the work done up on stage on this opening night. Musical numbers are crisp and set changes quick, with everything moving on and off stage fluidly. The costuming, by Valerie Rydell, Kate Mara, Denise Gordon and Barbara Oliveria, is impressively varied and fun to experience. I can’t remember ever laughing at an onstage camel as I did during this show.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is a reminder of how splendidly versatile the Pittsfield Player ensemble of actors can be. My heartfelt advice to the local community is: Don’t miss this production! “Joseph” is a bring-the-whole-family kind of show and every seat in the Scenic house is good. It really does have something for everyone, and that something is fun.