Pittsfield NH News

Celebrating Birthdays are: September 10, Stephen Catalano; September 11, Lisa Fries; September 12, Kate Vogt; Anne Ruth Dunne; Heidi Hillsgrove; Christopher Lee Briggs, II; September 13, Ian Pollard, Leon Bly, Loretta Suchomski; September 15,  Jane Adams; September 16, Mary Zahn.
A Very Happy Birthday to one and all.
 

Best Wishes to John and Anne Shaver, Sr., who will celebrate their Anniversary on September 13.
 

Are We Looking For You?

We are if you were in the Class of 1959 at Pittsfield High School! It has been 50 years since some of us have seen each other.

A group is forming to plan for our big 50th Class reunion. If you would like to join this group, come to the Pittsfield Community Center on Main Street (the old Town Hall) on September 24th at 7:00 p.m. Hope to see you there.
 

Kudos this week from the Pittsfield Beautification Committee to the many places and people for the beautiful flowers and flower gardens that have enhanced our village and the outskirts of our town over the past few months. The pole flowers add “up” cheer and color.

The flags that are put out on special days are another project of the Beautification Committee. We purchased the flags, installed the holders in the ground and now assume the responsibility of displaying them. Paul and Carol Richardson are a BIG part of this activity. Volunteers are welcome to train with the Richardsons in order to assist with the flag duty in the future.
 

Are you looking for some help with managing your children’s behavior? Riverbend Parent-Child Center is offering a 12 week program called “The Incredible Years” - A program designed to empower parents, at the Pittsfield Community Center, beginning Thursday, September 11, 2008, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Please call Michelle Kolias at 226-7510 ext. 4325 to register. Child care and transportation are available.
 

The 2008 Pittsfield Middle High School Homecoming is scheduled to start on Friday, September 12th with a parade at 6pm, followed by volleyball games and the evening wraps up with a bonfire in the field by PES after the games. Please see posters around town for further information and schedule of events. This event is proudly sponsored by the PMHS Booster Club.
 

The Pittsfield Varsity Girls won their first game of the season 3-0 on September 2nd at home vs Mountonborough. Allison Laflamme, Kelley Hussey, and Colleen Corliss each scored with assists going to Colleen Corliss, Katie Alexander and Bryce Paradise.
 

School Lunch Menus
Sept. 15-19, 2008
 

CHICHESTER
Monday - Ham, egg & cheese sandwich, tater tots, apple slices with cinnamon, milk.
Tuesday - Mozzarella cheese sticks, marinara sauce, corn, pudding, milk.
Wednesday - Baked potato with broccoli & cheese sauce, bacon bits, garden salad, fresh fruit, milk.
Thursday - Chicken fajitas, salsa & sour cream, Mexican rice, chocolate chip cookie bar, milk.
Friday - Macaroni & cheese, sliced carrots, apple, milk.
 

PES
Monday (Early Release) - Tuna roll, chips, fruit, milk.
Tuesday - Mac & cheese, veggie, fruit, milk.
Wednesday - Grilled cheese sandwich, carrots & celery, ranch dressing, milk.
Thursday - Ravioli, veggie, fruit, milk.
Friday - Pizza, veggie, fruit, milk.
 

PMHS
Monday (Early Release) - Pizza, corn, fruit, milk.
Tuesday - Pasta, meatsauce, salad, bread, fruit, milk.
Wednesday - Chicken, potato, veggies, fruit, milk, baked dessert.
Thursday - Meatball subs, green beans, chips, fruit, milk.
Friday - Make your own grinders, chips, pickles, fruit, milk.

Take Steps To Help Pets!

The Concord-Merrimack County SPCA is holding their Walk for the Animals, rain or shine, at the Delta Dental field on September 21st. Registration starts at 10:00 a.m. Besides the Walk itself, the event will include K9 demonstrations, a Kid’s area complete with Scooby Doo  bouncy house, vendors, breed rescue groups, microchipping, contests, raffles, food, and fun for the whole family.

“The Walkathon is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and especially important this year as the downturn in the economy has increased the influx of pets we are caring for,” said Lin O’Bara, Director of Development at the non-profit shelter.

The SPCA is urging animal lovers to download information from their web site www.concordspca.org and start soliciting pledges for the Walk now. There will be prizes for the most pledges collected by adult and youth teams and individuals.
 

The Campbells In Concert In Loudon

The Campbells, New England’s First Family of Gospel Music, will be in concert at the Loudon Center Freewill Baptist Church on Saturday, September 20th at 7 p.m.

The Campbells are a full-time Gospel music ministry from the state of Maine. Their music legacy spans over thirty years. They travel extensively throughout the United States and Canada, and have released numerous recordings. They have appeared on both local and national television, and Gospel singing cruises.

Come enjoy this exciting evening of Southern Gospel music. There will be a Pot Luck Supper at 6 p.m.

For more information, please call Rev. Henry M. Frost at 783-4540.
 

Hundreds Of Suncook Valley Residents To Help Fight
Breast Cancer One Step At A Time

Thousands of Suncook Valley families will join together on Sunday, October 19 at the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® walk to fight breast cancer and provide hope to all people facing the disease. This inspiring event will unite the entire community to honor and celebrate breast cancer survivors, educate women about the importance of early detection and prevention, and raise money to fund lifesaving research and support programs to further the progress against this disease. The deadline for Team T Shirt Orders is September 12, 2008. For a team captain package, contact Kathi Russ, [email protected] or 738-4404.

This year, the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Concord event will be one of over 130 currently being held across the country, and one of eight being held in New Hampshire. The American Cancer Society uses the dollars raised through Making Strides events to fund breast cancer research; provide up-to-date breast cancer information; ensure all women have access to breast cancer screening and treatments, regardless of income; and provide services that improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

Some of the local American Cancer Society programs supported through Making Strides Against Breast Cancer include:

• Reach to Recovery® – The American Cancer Society links newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors to offer information, answer questions, and provide support while serving as role models for life after breast cancer.
• Look Good…Feel Better® – A program that could be described as a makeover for the soul, Look Good...Feel Better is a one-time educational session run by professional cosmetologists. Women with cancer are taught how to manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.
• 1-800-ACS-2345 – Trained cancer information specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer questions about cancer, link callers with resources in their communities and provide information on local events.
• www.cancer.org – Reliable, user-friendly site containing in-depth information on every major cancer type. Answers are provided to questions about the nature of breast cancer: causes and risk factors; the latest strategies for prevention and early detection; new diagnostic techniques; the latest treatment options and services available in your area.
• Road to Recovery® – Transportation to lifesaving medical appointments can be a challenge for someone with cancer. An American Cancer Society volunteer will drive patients to and from treatment.
“Our Greater Concord community truly supports in this event,” says Event Chair Kathy Wyle. “In 2007, our event raised over half a million dollars, which was the most raised at a community model Making Strides event in the United States!”

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer supports the American Cancer Society’s unique mission to fight cancer on four fronts: research, education, advocacy and patient services. Over time, the Society has invested more in breast cancer research than any other voluntary public health organization. Since 1972, it has funded more than $352 million in breast cancer research, resulting in some of today’s breast cancer treatments.
To make a donation to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, visit www.cancer.org/stridesonline and help the Society continue making strides and saving lives. For more information about breast cancer, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
 

Landowner Workshops Scheduled

Interested in taking better care of your woodlot? Sharpening your forestry skills? UNH Cooperative Extension and the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association are cosponsoring a series of workshops to help you. Come to one, two or all of them.

Each workshop is offered on the same day in two convenient locations so you can choose the one nearest to you. UNH Cooperative Extension Forest Resources educators and specialists, certified professional loggers, and private foresters will teach the classes. You will be outdoors for at least part of the session. Come prepared for weather.

All workshops run from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Workshop locations are the Harold S. Gilman Museum in Alton and the Bretzfelder Memorial Park in Bethlehem.

September 26
Chainsaw Safety For Weekend Woodcutters
Learn about safety equipment, chainsaw maintenance, hazard evaluation, and safe felling techniques from instructors Jeff Putnam or Spencer Laramie, experienced New Hampshire loggers and trainers for the NH Professional Logger Program.
 

October 3
Firewood >From Your Woodlot
Whether you cut your own firewood, or have a forester make those choices, this session will demystify how those choices are made. Starting with woodlot assessment and setting objectives, learn how to develop general recommendations and how to pick the trees to cut and leave.
 

October 10
Tree And Shrub Identification
We will be in the great outdoors as we identify the most common trees and shrubs. Appropriate for beginners to intermediate levels. Expect to learn over a dozen different species.
 

October 17
Selling Timber? Do It Right!
Selling timber is a once in a lifetime activity for most landowners. No single activity has such power to significantly improve or degrade your forest. Proper harvesting can provide income, improve wildlife habitat, and result in trails, better access, views, and a healthy and vigorous forests. Learn the steps to insure a successful timber sale. Topics include goals and objectives, the role of foresters and loggers, timber sale contracts, laws, and taxes. Visit an active logging job.

The cost for the September 26 chainsaw workshop is $35 per person and all other sessions are $10 per person. Each additional family member gets a $5 discount per person.

Pre-registration is required. Call Debra Anderson at 603-862-1028 to register. If you have questions about the program, call Extension Specialist Karen Bennett at 603-862-4861. Or visit http://extension.unh.edu/Forestry/Docs/CaringForYourForest.pdf to view and print a brochure.

Letter To The Editor

“In my little town I grew up believing God has his hand on us all.”

As the song goes, I do believe that God has his hand on Pittsfield. Through our little towns struggles there are bright shining stars.

Our Rotary Club and its members work in our town volunteering for many activities. Rotarians also move out and volunteer in the U.S. and worldwide.

Our police in our little town do their best to balance care and concern with their difficult job of protecting us. Smile and wave at our police if you get the chance. Let them know we appreciate them.

In my little town we have a fantastic fire department including volunteer and paid staff. Like the police, they are dedicated to the safe keeping of life and property. Please thank them.

Our town hall is run by competent staff. They work hard at their jobs to keep our town running. Our other town departments have had to be flexible, and adjust to various administration changes.

Then our little town has a hard working Board of Selectmen. Right or wrong, these elected officials have to make tough decisions. They all might not agree but I have seen the work of past members and present members. They all give more than 100% of their time and efforts.

I’m sure there are many more positive things to mention.

The last I will mention are the Pittsfield Players. I got to see them perform “Wicked Songs By Wicked People.” Wow!! I will make sure to see their next production about Joseph and his coat of many colors (Pittsfield Players title is different.)

“In my little town” there are good things going on. I hope others will share.
Denise Patterson

On July 29th the Pittsfield Histoical Society received a generous gift from Joan Allen Papazian, daughter of long-time Society supporter Kathrine Berry Offutt Allen. The pictured secretary was handed down through the family from Hannah French, wife of Abraham French, who likely built it. Mr. French was a cabinet maker who finished the inside of the Old Meetinghouse in 1789 and subsequently built the house where Scott and Arlene Brown now live on South Main Street. The house was initially occupied by Christopher Paige, the first settled minister in Pittsfield. After he was dismissed by the Congregational Church, Mr. French purchased the place for his large family.
 

The Pittsfield Police Department Now Offers Forms Online

By Meggin Dail
The following forms are now available online at the Pittsfield Town website; Application for Pistol/Revolver License, Business Update Form, Residence Alarm Form, Voluntary Statement, Request for Report Form and Vacant House Check Information Sheet.

These are the most common forms used at the Pittsfield Police Department and it is with the help of the Administrative Assistant, Deb Gauthier and the Town Website’s Creator, Designer and Editor, Matt Goodwin that you can now access these forms online.

Normally one would have to come into the Police Station in order to fill out these forms, now to expedite the paperwork process, these forms can be downloaded and filled out at your leisure, then be brought in or mailed in.

Forms like Business and Alarm Updates are especially handy to businesses because this is information that changes sometimes yearly depending on who your contact people or alarm companies are. Now you no longer need to wait for the Police Department to do their yearly mailing, you can update and make changes whenever they occur by the simple click of the mouse.

A Voluntary Statement, which is needed whenever a police report is made, can now be done in the comfort of your home rather than sitting in the lobby of the police department. The Request for Report Form should be especially handy to out of town or out of state residents who need a report for legal reasons. The form can be downloaded ahead of time and then mailed to the Police Department.

Also available, the Pistol/Revolver License Application will make the process easier and quicker for renewing your license because there is a certain timetable involved even after you submit the application. This way you can fill out the form, mail it in or drop it by and you’ll receive a call when it’s ready to be picked up.

When you are doing your itinerary for your next vacation online you can simply add the Vacant House Check Form to your list of things to do via the Internet.

The forms can be found via the town of Pittsfield’s website www.pittsfield-nh.com,   clicking on the Police Department link and scrolling to “Printable Online Forms.”

The Pittsfield Police Department is pleased to make these changes in order to serve you better and make the paper work process more efficient.

TOPS #NH 38 Pittsfield
Planning to Eat Healthier

Weekly meetings of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) provide a positive, supportive atmosphere in which tips to help members lose weight and keep it off are shared. For instance, remember that eating healthier requires planning.  Plan meals and snacks.  Make a grocery list of items based on your eating plan, and stick to the list while shopping.  Don’t go to the store hungry. Shop in the outer aisles, where the healthiest and least processed foods are usually located.  Plan to visit a TOPS meeting soon. They are held weekly on Tuesday evenings at St. Stephen’s Church on Main Street, Pittsfield, beginning at 6:30.  Then plan on joining!  Call Pat Smith at 435-5333 for more information.

Officer Michael McLaughlin Joins the Pittsfield Police Department

Officer Michael McLaughlin has joined the ranks as a part-time police officer at the Pittsfield Police Department. McLaughlin joined the Pittsfield Police Department and recently graduated the Part-Time Academy after working closely with officers through his job as the Town of Pittsfield’s Building Inspector. McLaughlin enjoys the camaraderie the Police Department provides and is an asset to the department because he already knows the town and it’s residents very well.

The Pittsfield Police Department is proud to have Officer McLaughlin as a part-time police officer.

Not a Done Deal

Major donors continue to move earth and grade the Pittsfield Youth Baseball Park at

no cost to the project. The Park is still need of contributions to be able to finish it on deadline. Do what you can.

Several people have noted the work going on at the ball field on Tilton Hill and think that there is no need for further contributions. Nothing could be further from the truth. Danny Ladd and Jim Parker have donated the work undertaken so far at no cost to Pittsfield Youth Baseball. This is preliminary to the real work that will begin within the next two months.

We need help. About $30,000 still remains to be collected. Numerous individuals have pledged money but have not yet contributed. We need that money now. We also need new donors because we are still short on funds to complete the job. Of course, we would be enormously grateful if some of the people who donated last year would consider donating again this year.

It is urgent that we provide the youth of Pittsfield with extra-curricular activities such as baseball, softball and soccer. Many of us complain about the difficulties presented by some of the teenagers in Pittsfield. We are trying to do something about this and certainly this is one way of helping. Please place this at the top of your list of things to do. Checks should be made out to Pittsfield Youth Baseball and mailed to P.O. Box 112, Pittsfield, New Hampshire 03263. For further information please call Larry Berkson at 798-3984.

Pittsfield Police Department Arrest Log

8/24/08-8/30/08

On August 24, 2008 Triana Guyette, 19, of Tilton Hill Road, Pittsfield was charged with Simple Assault and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on September 26, 2008.

On August 24, 2008, Wendie Guyette, 53, of Tilton Hill Road, Pittsfield was charged with Driving Under The Influence of Drugs/Liquor and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on October 3, 2008.

On August 24, 2008 William Morel, 37, of Main Street, Pittsfield was arrested on a Bench Warrant and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on August 25, 2008.

On August 27, 2008, Richard Marable, 32, of Carroll Street, Pittsfield was arrested on a Bench Warrant and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on August 28, 2008.

On August 30, 2008, Barbara Ingalls, 48, of Leavitt Road, Pittsfield, was charged with Possession of Controlled/Narcotic Drug and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on September 26, 2008.

On August 30, 2008, Andrew Kreydich, 25, of Manchester Street, Pittsfield, was charged with Fraud/Deceit and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on September 26, 2008.

Respectfully Submitted,
Chief Robert Wharem
 

Gov. Lynch to Speak on Childhood Education at NHTI Addresses Early Childhood Education Conference

On September 13th, 2008, NHTI’s Childhood and Family Development Center (CFDC) will host “Teaching, Learning and Practice with Quality and Joy,” a conference for early childhood professionals, teachers, students, and other interested parties. The conference will open with an address by Governor John Lynch, followed by a keynote speech by educator Susan Stacy, author of the recently published book Emergent Curriculum in Early Childhood Settings: From Theory to Practice. There will be morning and afternoon workshop sessions, with seven workshops to choose from in each session.

The cost of the conference is $55, box lunch included. Registration is from 7:30 – 8:30 am in the Student Center Rotunda at NHTI. This conference is open to the public. The conference brochure is available at www.nhti.edu/cfdc/ For  further information contact CFDC director Lisa Ranfos at 603-271-8911 or [email protected].

NHTI, Concord’s Community College, is a fully accredited, public community college serving students, businesses and the community by providing excellent academic, technical and professional education. NHTI offers 62 academic programs to more than 4,000 students. NHTI is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire.
 

Pittsfield Economic Development  Consulting Project Update

The Capital Regional Development Council, CRDC, started working for the Town of Pittsfield on April 15, 2008 under a contract to provide comprehensive economic development services.

Background

CRDC is a statewide non-profit economic development organization offering a variety of services including financing tools to assist small businesses; real estate development when the private sector is unwilling or unable to provide assistance and when the community invites CRDC to address a market void; and economic development consulting.

Site Specific Evaluations: A key component of economic development success is the availability of sites and buildings ready for redevelopment. CRDC has been working to identify strategic development sites suitable to accommodate new and expanding businesses primarily in the Route 28 corridor and on Main Street. Private land owners, developers and real estate professionals have been contacted that represent or own 8 key development sites and 5 buildings to determine if their properties are available for sale and/or development and at what terms.

Meetings have been held with nearly half of the strategic property owners. CRDC is still attempting to contact the remaining owners.  Key criteria to identify a site as strategic includes transportation access, zoning compatibility, development potential, availability, proximity to utilities and marketability. Once a complete analysis of the available sites is completed, a data base will be compiled and a marketing strategy will be crafted to expose those sites to the marketplace working closely with owners, developers and real estate professionals. The key is to recruit additional businesses to Pittsfield that provide services to the residents of the community and  a variety of good paying jobs.

Existing Business Support: In addition to the real estate research component noted above, the initial work that CRDC has done is related to supporting the existing business community. CRDC has met with key Pittsfield employers including Kentek, Rustic Crust, Globe Manufacturing, Barry Podmore, Turnaround Eclipse, and Liberty Machine to discuss CRDC’s business lending and real estate programs. Access to business capital and financial assistance for real estate expansion or renovation are key to business success and CRDC has the capacity to provide both. Most new jobs are created by existing companies so it is important to nurture these firms at the same time that an aggressive recruitment program is implemented.

CRDC is also working closely with the pending owners of the Tannery building, Amenico, LLC, the newly established sustainable energy company, to provide financing on the acquisition of the building. CRDC is also working with Amenico on recruitment of additional tenants to the building, since they do not anticipate needing the entire facility for their evolving business.

CRDC is just beginning its relationship with Pittsfield with plans for a long term successful relationship in the community. Additional work will continue.

Summer Update

As I am writing this, at summer’s end, I can smell smoke coming from a neighbor’s chimney. Winter will be here sooner rather than later. I would like to remind home owners that cleaning your chimney will reduce the chances of having a fire.  As heating costs soar, the fire service is experiencing an increase in woodstove installations. Wood creates byproduct called creosote, which lines the walls of chimneys. If not cleaned creosote will buildup in the walls of the chimney, like cholesterol in your arteries. The hot gasses from the wood stove venting through the chimney will allow the creosote to ignite, causing a chimney fire. In the past few years we have seen an increase in chimney fires, and recently we have had two homes with significant damage, and many more close calls. Please take a minute to call a professional chimney sweep to check your chimney.

When I last wrote, I mentioned our “We can’t help you, if we can’t find you “campaign. I am happy to see many residences have put numbers on their home, or replaced their old ones. By numbering your house, it will help us find you in the event of an emergency. Please visit the town website, www.pittsfield-nh.com, and look for the town ordinance on house numbering, or Click Here!

What a weird summer we have had! Rain, tornados and  high winds, all of which may force you out of your home, with little time to gather important items such as important documents, medications, and  food. Having a kit or a spot where all these items are kept will be helpful. Ask yourself; am I ready if I need to leave quickly? If you answered no or you are not sure please take some time to visit the Department of Homeland Security website on being ready, www.ready.gov.

Lastly, when was the last time you checked the batteries in your smoke detectors? Is the smoke detector still there? Smoke detector do save lives, and early notification to occupants of a home, may mean the difference between surviving and not. Take a minute to check your smoke detectors, push the button wait a few seconds, if you don’t hear the beep it’s time to change the battery.

Yours in fire safety,
Lt. Nicholas Abell
Pittsfield Fire Department

Letter To The Editor

To the person who thought, that since we had a For Sale sign on the blue GMC Sprint, in front of our building, that it would be okay to take the center caps from the Corvette rally rims:  It Was Not Okay! We would  like them returned-no questions asked. They are still our property and our prospective customers are asking “Why are they missing?”

Thank You.
Liberty Machine
Pittsfield, NH