REMINDER
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 Wednesday, March 4 (5:30 p.m. – 8:00
p.m.), Saturday, March 7 (9:00 am – 12:00 p.m.), and Tuesday, March
10 (5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.). 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 Jesse MacGlashing at 724-7528.
Letter
Dear Pittsfield Voters,
I am running for one of two open seats on the Pittsfield Planning
Board. Please help me with your vote on March 10.
In my previous two letters to The Sun, I explained why I am running.
The board had a good track record of protecting fairness and town
taxpayers under the leadership of first Ted Mitchell and now Clayton
Wood; I am running to keep the board on this same track.
While out visiting voters door to door recently, a resident in
Winsunvale complained to me that the school’s proposed biomass
heating plant will be conspicuous, potentially devaluing the
properties in this beautiful residential neighborhood. In addition
I found that many residents of Wildwood Drive are concerned about a
recent decision of the zoning board to allow farm animals in this
dense residential neighborhood. Although these areas are “not in my
backyard,” I certainly understand the residents’ concerns. As a
taxpayer and resident of Pittsfield, I am also concerned about how
these issues might adversely affect property values and consequently
Pittsfield’s tax rate over the long run, and other voters should be
as well.
12 years ago, I was part of a group of abutters and residents who
had to hire an attorney to make our concerns known before the
planning board. Things have changed for the better since then, but
they could relapse quickly. I am running to help prevent bad
planning that destroys property values and raises taxes and to keep
the planning board moving forward.
Please help me with your vote on March 10.
Thank you,
Daren Nielsen
Letter
Hello Pittsfield Voters,
My name is Belinda Nielsen, and most of you know me from working at
Rite Aid, but what you may not know is that my husband, Daren
Nielsen, is running for the planning board. He is a dedicated and
hard working person who will work for the residents of Pittsfield.
He graduated from UNH with a master’s degree in Mechanical
Engineering and would like a chance to be an advocate for the town
on the planning board. Daren is a fair and honest man who would do
the right thing for the residents of Pittsfield. Please give him a
chance and vote for him on March 10 and you will not be
disappointed.
Thank you,
Belinda Nielsen
Josiah Carpenter Library March Calendar Of Events
• Preschool Story Hour Thursdays Story time with Mrs. Grainger
includes snack & craft. March themes will focus on lions and lambs,
kites and the color green, all in anticipation of Spring! March 12,
19, 26 @ 10:00-11:00 in the Children’s room
• Maker Program New projects will include scrapbooking, mixed media
art and shamrocks, of course! Tuesdays March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
@ 3:30 – 4:30
• Eager Readers Young reader’s book club ages K-5th grade will read
books together; write reviews; have fun with book reports Thursdays
March 12 & 26 @ 4:00- 5:00 pm
• Josiah Teen Book Worms Discussing “If I Stay,” by Gayle Foremen
Thursday March 5th between 7-8:30 pm at the library
• Library Board of Trustees Meeting Tuesday, March 17th @ 7 pm
• Chris Schadler, M.S., M. A. Wild Canid Ecologist, Thursday, March
19th, 7 pm Pittsfield Middle High School Auditorium
As a representative of Project Coyote, Chris has delivered lively
and informative talks about her research and knowledge of the wolf
and the eastern coyote at many libraries in New Hampshire. She has a
Masters in Conservation Biology and currently working on a book
entitled “Becoming Wolf: The Eastern Coyote in New England”. Her
first hand experience comes from living on a New Hampshire farm
raising sheep and training border collies. Chris will discuss how
she avoided predation as well as the discussing the ecology and
behavior of the coyote and its relationship to the eastern wolf.
• Paul Winalski, New Hampshire Astronomical Society, Tuesday March
24th 7 pm Pittsfield Middle High School
Expert Sky Watch leader will talk about the library telescope and
how to use it. He will tell us when the key planets and stars are in
season. Anyone interested in learning more about the night sky, the
stars, black holes, white dwarfs or our fantastical galaxy should
attend. A new astronomy club is in the making.
• Pittsfield Writer’s Circle Thursday, March 26 @ 7 pm Come to the
library for the writing prompt
• Read Meet & Talk Tuesday March 24th Join us for an exciting
discussion of “Caleb’s Crossing” by Geraldine Brooks at the
Pittsfield Senior Center @ 10:30- Noon. Stay for a leisurely lunch
served by the Community Action Program!
Letter
To the voting citizens of Pittsfield,
I am writing this letter to support Clayton Wood and Daren Nielsen
for Planning Board. From what I have seen at meetings, Clayton Wood
with Jim Pritchard and others have done a great job in the last two
years and have been fair and courteous.
I’ve been attending many board and committee meetings over the last
year to see what was happening and what were the problems.
Following the state land and planning statutes (RSAs) is not
optional. Violating the law invites lawsuits.
Daniel J. Greene wrote in the February 25 Suncook Valley Sun that
the current board under the chairmanship of Clayton Wood has done
more harm than good. In short, he also said that Mr. Wood and Mr.
Pritchard beat on the other members and dictate under the guise of
RSA. THIS IS NOT TRUE. It is only since last November that the
board started to have problems and separation.
The last meeting Clayton put my lot-merger application first, and it
passed. Then the disruption got real bad with Bill Miskoe and Larry
Konopka attacking Jim Pritchard on his minutes for almost 2 hours
until Pat Heffernan told them to stop squabbling like children. The
board approved the minutes, and Clayton called the meeting closed.
So me and my wife would like voting citizens to vote in Clayton Wood
and Daren Nielsen to the Planning board.
Thank you,
Pat and Paul Nickerson
Letter To The Editor
“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I
say?” Luke 6:46
In biblical times a name represented ones character. God often
changed the name of His people in order to set them apart for
Himself. For instance, upon making a covenant with Abram (exalted
father) God changed his name to Abraham (father of a multitude).
Let’s take a closer look at what’s in a name, particularly as it
relates to our Creator.
God first identifies Himself to Moses when asked, “When I come to
the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has
sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall
I say to them?” “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM
(Yahweh) has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:13-14), declaring Himself
as eternal, unchanging, uncreated and self-existent. His
identification as the God of your father’s also signified that He
was no new God but rather the ever present Deliverer of Israel who
wanted to have a relationship with His people.
When instructing Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, God said, “I
am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God
Almighty, but by My name LORD I was not known to them. After
delivering them from Egypt and leading them into the wilderness He
gave them the Ten Commandments, not because they were able to keep
the Law but rather to show them their need for a Savior (Romans
3:28).
Jesus Christ is Lord! He has supreme authority over all Creation,
which was created through Him and for Him (Philippians 2:11), all to
the glory of God (Colossians 1:20). “He has risen from the dead, and
He is Lord!
In His Service,
Linda Small
Letter To The Editor
To the Citizens of Pittsfield,
I sat on the Planning Board last year representing the Select Board.
I have read a few articles recently in The Suncook Valley Sun which
concern me.
I will let you know that I resigned off the Planning Board last
November for good reasons and feel that it is better off not
explaining. I will tell you the Planning Board, all of last year,
was not a productive board for the taxpayers of Pittsfield.
For this reason, I would encourage you to vote and support Daniel
Greene and Bill Miskoe for the two open seats on the Planning Board.
Thank you,
Eric Nilsson
Pittsfield Players Warm Up Your Spring With The Wedding
Comedy Of The Year!
Mike Hobson and his team have been dedicatedly working on tickling
your funny bone with this Spring’s comedy, Dearly Beloved.
Remember the good times you had last year during the Players’ Spring
hit Dearly Departed? Well, we’re back to bring you Dearly Beloved.
What’s in store for you this year? Well, take a set of beautiful
twins, played by Kali Mara, and stage the hokiest wedding this side
of Texas. With an over-indulging pastor (‘cause what Southern comedy
doesn’t have one?), a truly tense mother of the groom, two grown
adults acting like a couple of love-struck teenagers and some deep
dark secrets among sisters, and you’re going to leave the theatre
knowing who puts the FUN in dysfunctional.
With an all star cast and some new favorites, Honey Raye Futrelle
played by Gerri Casey; Twink Futrelle by Cindi Bell; Frankie
Futrelle Dubberly by Kate Mara; Tina Jo & Gina Jo Dubberly by Kali
Mara; Dub Dubberly, Ernie Bass; Justin Waverly, Daren Brooks; Geneva
Musgrave, Carole Neveux; John Curtis Buntner, Mike Towle; Patsy
Price, Nella Hobson; Wiley Hicks, John Chinn; Nelda Lightfoot, Alex
Keyes - set your calendars to funny on March 20, 21, 22, 27 & 28.
Tickets are available by calling 435-8852.
Congratulations To The Newly Trained Facilitators With
Pittsfield Listens!
Pittsfield community members joined for a day of practice and skill
building at the Facilitating for Public Engagement Training on
Monday February 23rd, hosted by Pittsfield Listens and NH Listens.
Thank you to everyone who participated! We appreciate your energy
and interest, and look forward to having you as part of our
facilitator network.
Pittsfield Listens stands for roundtables, not podiums. We seek to
bring people together for productive conversations that lead to
informed community solutions. The process we use for community
dialogues offers a way for everyone’s unique perspective and
experience to contribute to decisions and changes that affect the
Pittsfield community. Pittsfield Listens is a civic engagement
project of the Pittsfield Youth Workshop. To learn more, visit
Pittsfieldlistens.org
Letter To The Editor
I’ve listened to the digital recordings of each and every planning
board meeting this year. I find Mr. Greene’s conclusions about the
current planning board to be astounding. I’m concerned that someone
who chooses to give such an inaccurate assessment of the proceedings
would seek election to that board.
There are signs all over town for Bill Miskoe claiming Experience
and Common Sense. Having listened to every word from the planning
board members and their audience all year, I know that Mr. Miskoe’s
experience involves the absence of common sense (to the point of
being irrational) with a completely unpredictable voting record
(including changing his previous votes).
Last November, the planning board was hijacked by the political
machinations of the board of selectmen, town administrator, Carol
Dodge, Dan Greene, others on the outside, and Bill Miskoe on the
inside. Now, both Mr. Greene (who calls operating within the law
‘under the guise of RSA’) and Mr. Miskoe (who’s primary contribution
has been persistent belligerence) are running for election based on
common sense??? What kind of campaign platform is that for a town
board as important as the planning board??
With voting day quickly approaching, there is obviously not enough
time for voters to listen to digital recordings. Perhaps there is
time for some to read the planning board minutes, which do provide a
very accurate account of the meetings.
Considering where the board is at this juncture, I will be voting
for Clayton Wood and Daren Nielsen. As one who listened to
recordings all year, I find Mr. Roland Carter to be a formidable
candidate and one who would receive my vote in future elections.
This Planning Board vote is extremely important and I urge all
residents to research the facts and vote on March 10.
God Bless Our Troops,
Rachel Wood
Letter
Dear Pittsfield Citizens and Voters,
I am writing asking that you vote with me and many others on March
10 to elect Dan Greene to the Pittsfield Planning board.
Dan has the experience on the planning board, and he has spent time
at the recent meetings to know and understand what is going on!
He is for the citizens of the town, he has no personal agenda and he
is asking to be on the board to support what is right for the town,
not the so called minorities on the board! I feel that
Dan Greene and Roland Carter will be the best choices for the
Pittsfield Planning Board. Both have the knowledge and the town’s
best interests at heart!
The Zoning board also has 4 people who are running for two
positions. I can say for certain that Pat Heffernan,
Jeffery Swain and Paul Metcalf Sr. all have the knowledge and the
education and what is best for the town’s needs and interests at
heart! Again none of these men have a personal agenda,
they are for the town and the citizens as a whole!
Our town does not need people serving on these boards who have a
personal agenda, or who are putting themselves forward to support
one or two people! These boards should be filled with people who
have the best interest for the town and citizenry of the town!
This is why I feel that the men who are listed above would be the
best people for the positions that are open on these boards!
Thank you for taking some time reading my request.
Sincerely,
Carole Dodge
Letter
Dear Citizens and voters of Pittsfield,
It’s almost time to vote, and Town Meeting is almost here too.
In the past few years, voter turnout has been low and so has Town
Meeting attendance! Do your part and let your vote
count!
As is customary, just before the election is when we get the most
misinformation! First of all the planning board has
Rules of Procedure to follow then and now. Impact fees are always
an important tool for the planning board to use. They were used on
Baily Park then and Stage Coach Station now!
As far as the chairman of the planning board goes, is he really
protecting the Town’s interest? Is he doing all that he
can do to keep unnecessary cost down? Well just recently
he tried to get the applicant who is a taxpayer to foot the bill for
his mistake! So now the town is going to pay for the
chairman’s mistake! Good way to set an example Mr. Woods!
I think this chairman has done enough damage for this board to deal
with. What do you think as a taxpayer and a voter?
Please take time out to vote and let your voice be heard and count!
My name is Dan Greene and I am running for Pittsfield Planning
Board.
Sincerely,
Daniel J. Greene
Letter
Dear Pittsfield Voters,
Please join me in endorsing, and voting for Clayton Wood and Daren
Nielsen for the two open Planning Board positions on March 10, 2015.
As a taxpayer I am concerned about our town’s financial interests
and the taxpayer’s fiscal responsibilities.
Over the past few years Clayton Wood has responsibly chaired the
Planning Board, abiding by state laws and regulations to protect the
taxpayer against developers who renege on their promises. Daren
Nielsen is passionate about upholding the freedoms associated with
land ownership, but not at the expense of abutters or others,
including taxpayers, who may be adversely affected by substandard
development.
Both Clayton and Daren promise to protect the rights of property
owners and you the taxpayer. Our town, we the taxpayers, can no
longer afford to simply rubberstamp subdivisions and developments
without consideration to the overall quality and costs that the town
may incur in the near or long term.
Clayton and Daren will work for you !
Thank you,
Paula Belliveau
Letter
Dear Citizens of Pittsfield,
I am writing to ask that you join me in voting for Dan Greene and
Roland Carter, Sr. They are running to fill the two open positions
on the Planning Board.
I believe they will bring a clear and discerning voice to this
position.
Vote to support Dan Greene and Roland Carter, Sr.
Thank you for your time, see you at the polls.
Larry Konopka
What’s Up At PYW?
Submitted By Paula Martel, PYW Program Director
World Affairs Council International (WACI) visits The Pittsfield
Youth Workshop (PYW) for third time in the last 2 1/2 years, twice
in the last 6 months!
The Mission of the New Hampshire Chapter of the WACI is to promote
the widest possible understanding of world affairs among the
citizens of New Hampshire.
Our first visit from WACI was in July 2012 with a nice group from
Mexico who were able to speak English fluently. I was not sure what
to expect from them or what they expected from me. If I remember
correctly, they were really interested in learning how to get youth
and keep youth coming to afterschool programs. What were we offering
to the youth in Pittsfield and how did we sustain funding? I
believed at that time this was a one time thing, I was wrong
In August 2014 it was a great pleasure to have a group of eight
Algerians visit to learn more about our knowledge and insights on
the Pittsfield Teen Mentor Program and the work we are doing at PYW.
They seemed very intrigued to hear about youth mentoring youth.
Something they said they had not learned or heard about in the time
they spent in the US.
On February 10, 2015 we had the delight of meeting four amazing
people from Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan lies in the north of the central
Asian republics and is bounded by Russia in the north and China in
the east. Kazakhstan obtained its independence from the collapsing
Soviet Union in 1991. I realize they came to learn from us but I
have also learned from them! No matter where you come from it is
clear that there is always going to be a group of people trying to
better youth. It gets easier and easier to communicate and to
clarify all they want to learn, even if it was with an interpreter!
This was my second time working with the interpreters who really
helped make the conversation start and flow much easier than the
first time I spoke with the Algerians. The group was joined by Jeff
Martel, the founder of the Pittsfield Teen Mentor Program and
part-time employee of the PYW. It was great to have his
professional insight and experience with the programs. He had some
amazing and emotional stories to share with the group.
The conversation started with a brief explanation about the program,
including its mission, how it started, who the program is for, and
how the youth get involved. They also had many questions about
program rules and guidelines, training for the youth and how the
program is funded - along with examples of what works, what needed
to change and how the program evolves with the changing times. They
had many great questions and comments about both the Mentor Program
and PYW. One of the gentlemen said, “This is a great program and
sounds very successful, thanks for taking time to share with us.”
When the time came for them to leave they took a few pictures of the
drop-in center and all of us as a group. They also presented Jeff
with a traditional takiya/kepesh, a round little cloth cap
head-dress. They explained that a female head-dress is very big and
heavy, “Too big to bring on the plane!” They brought me a magnet and
a small Kazakhstan calendar, very thoughtful gifts!
Tim Horgan, Associate Director for the World Affairs Council of New
Hampshire, participated in a Pittsfield visit for the first time
this year. When I asked Tim why, he said, “After hearing so many
positive comments from the visitors in the past, he too wanted to
visit, and hear more about the programs that are being run in
Pittsfield NH.
“PYW and the Mentor Program may be small programs in a small town,
but we are certainly making a difference in the world!”
Application Period Now Open for 2015 Globe Gear Giveaway
Globe, DuPont Protection Technologies, and NVFC partnering to give
away 52 sets of turnouts
Globe, DuPont Protection Technologies, and the National Volunteer
Fire Council (NVFC) are partnering to help resource-constrained fire
departments obtain needed turnout gear. The application period for
the 2015 Globe Gear Giveaway program is now open, and eligible
departments can apply for four sets of CLASSIX® turnout gear for
their members. Thirteen department awards will be made, for a total
of 52 sets of gear.
“We are very pleased to be partnering with Globe and DuPont
Protection Technologies on this outstanding program to help better
equip and prepare local volunteer fire departments,” said NVFC
Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. “Many volunteer departments are
struggling to provide adequate protection to their firefighters, and
this program has a significant impact on assisting those most in
need. We thank Globe and DuPont Protection Technologies for giving
back so generously to those who serve.”
“At Globe, firefighter safety is not just our business – it’s our
passion,” said Rob Freese, Globe Manufacturing Company Senior VP of
Marketing. “We’re grateful for the service provided by volunteer
firefighters across the country and glad that we can improve their
safety and performance with the most advanced turnout gear.”
“DuPont is proud to be working together with Globe to support the
NVFC again this year on this much needed gear donation program. With
our strong commitment to help protect our protectors, we want to
help ensure that they have the right gear to focus on their job and
their communities. Working with Globe we can make the best for the
best – 100% of Globe’s turnout gear is made with DuPont™ Nomex® and
Kevlar® fibers providing proven protection and top performance,”
said Lisa Roessler, North American Marketing Manager, DuPont
Protection Technologies.
The Globe Gear Giveaway program launched in 2012 to celebrate
Globe’s 125th anniversary. As the world’s largest and most trusted
manufacturer of structural firesuits in the world, Globe wanted to
give back to the fire service and enhance the safety and readiness
of our nation’s first responders. To date, the program has provided
247 sets of new turnout gear to 43 departments in need to help them
improve the safety and protection of their firefighters. All Globe
gear is made with DuPont™ Nomex® and Kevlar® fibers, providing
proven protection and top performance.
To be eligible to apply for four sets of Globe gear, departments
must meet the following requirements:
• be all-volunteer or mostly-volunteer (over 50%)
• serve a population of 25,000 or less
• be located in the U.S. or Canada and legally organized under
state/province law
• demonstrate a need for the gear
• department or person applying must be a member of the NVFC
View full criteria at
www.nvfc.org/globe-gear-donation.
Globe is helping departments meet the membership criteria by
providing the first 200 non-members to apply with a complimentary
NVFC Department Membership. To take advantage of this offer,
applicants can select that they are not a member when asked on the
application form. Once the 200 memberships are reached, the form
will be updated to reflect this.
Learn more and apply for Globe gear today at
www.nvfc.org/globe-gear-donation. The
deadline to apply is June 1, 2015. Winners will be announced monthly
between July and December.
About Globe
Firefighters need to be prepared to perform at their
peak, on every call. That’s why Globe delivers the most advanced,
best-fitting, and longest lasting protection by listening to our
customers, creating breakthrough designs, and applying the
engineering skills of the nation’s most trusted turnout gear
manufacturer. Globe turnout gear is designed to protect you, move
with you, and improve your performance. It’s athletic gear for
firefighters. Learn more at
www.globeturnoutgear.com.
About DuPont Protection Technologies
DuPont Protection Technologies (NYSE: DD) has been
bringing world-class science and engineering to the global
marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and
services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with
customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find
solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food
for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and
protecting life and the environment. For additional information
about DuPont Protection Technologies and its commitment to inclusive
innovation, please visit
http://www.dupont.com.
About the NVFC
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the
leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests
of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as
the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides
invaluable tools, resources, programs, and advocacy for first
responders across the nation. Learn more at
www.nvfc.org
Pittsfield Fire Department Service News
January 2015
During the month of January 57 calls for emergency service were
received. Fire and EMS personnel responded to: 27 Medical
emergencies, 5 Motor Vehicle collisions, 2 Building Fires, 2 Chimney
Fires, 1 Gas leak, 2 Carbon Monoxide incidents, 1 Power line down, 5
Fire Alarm activations, 5
Service calls and 6 Good intent calls.7 of the calls were
overlapping calls. 3 Mutual aid responses were provided to other
communities and 9 were received from other communities.
Training topics for the month of January were: CO Emergencies in
EMS, Ladder training and Rescue Throw Rope training.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the Fire
Department or to learn more about the Department please stop by the
station, call 435-6807 or visit us at
fire.pittsfield-nh.com.
SAFETY REMINDER: Keep your home exhaust vents clear of snow and
ice.
Statement from Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald on
Oscar Win for HBO Documentary Highlighting Life-Saving Work of
Veterans Crisis Line
Submitted Via Merrill Vaughan,Chaplain
American Legion Peterson-Cram Post 75
Pittsfield
Washington – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald issued
the following statement on the Oscar win for the HBO documentary
CRISIS HOTLINE: VETERANS PRESS 1.
“We are pleased that this film has highlighted the challenges our
Veterans can face and the work of our dedicated Veterans Crisis Line
staff to save lives and get Veterans into care,” said VA Secretary
Robert McDonald. “We are hopeful that this documentary will help
raise awareness of this important issue with the American public.
Our Veterans in crisis need to know that there is hope and asking
for help makes them stronger.”
Letter
To the Voters of Pittsfield,
We had the privilege of meeting Daren Nielsen when he visited our
home recently. He is running for one of the two open seats on the
Planning Board.
Mr. Nielsen has attended many meetings of the Planning Board and is
more than willing to learn the complexities of zoning and planning.
Daren is a New Hampshire native and he and his wife, Belinda have
been members of our community for at least ten years. He is a great
listener and admits he does not have all the answers but feels that
the most important part of being a Planning Board member is being a
good listener, and assuring that everyone is treated fairly.
It was also refreshing to learn that Mr. Nielson has no hidden
agenda, but he supports adopting subdivision regulations that
protect taxpayers, abutters and others who may be negatively
impacted by development proposals that come before the Board.
We need Mr. Nielsen on the Planning Board to continue the good work
that has been accomplished over the past number of years. Please
join us in voting for Daren Nielsen and Clayton Wood. We have been
very fortunate to have Mr. Wood representing our interests on the
Planning Board and Mr. Nielsen will be a positive, articulate
addition to the Planning Board.
Paul and Carole Richardson
Letter
To the Pittsfield Voters:
I am Bill Miskoe - Candidate for re-election to the Planning Board.
For qualifications, I offer that I am a Licensed Civil Engineer and
formerly a Land Surveyor. I am familiar with the sorts of things the
Planning Board deals with.
Experience includes membership on the board since 2003, plus many
more years as a construction engineer.
I am seeking re-election because I believe that Zoning and the
Planning Board process which implements it, are essential to
orderly, beneficial development in town, and to the preservation of
property values.
Pittsfield is a small town, largely rural, and it deserves a Zoning
Ordinance which respects that reality, along with the rights of
property owners in town.
The Planning Board is responsible for maintaining and improving the
Zoning Ordinance, and I am concerned about how this is being done.
We need Zoning which is not overly complex, nor excessively
legalistic and expensive to comply with. Enforcement should not
become a big expense for the taxpayers.
I don’t think it should be necessary to hire a lawyer and an
architect in order to replace a door knob.
So I stand for Zoning and regulation that is easy to understand and
comply with, but which respects owners’ rights while preserving
property values.
If this is what you want, please vote for me.
Thank You.
Bill Miskoe
Letter
To Pittsfield citizens,
My name is Linda Freese and I am doing a write-in campaign for
school board on March 10th. I moved here 15 years ago with my
husband GEF so that we could be nearer to his family business, Globe
Mfg. Co., and his mother, Florence.
Why am I running for school board you might ask? Well, I don’t have
an agenda, I don’t have an axe to grind, and for that matter, I
don’t have any kids in the school system. I just want to give back
to the community.
I love the direction the school is going and it excites me to think,
with your vote, I could be a positive voice on the school board.
Please consider writing me in for School Board
Thank you
Linda A Freese
Letter
Dear Pittsfield Voters,
I am writing in response to Daren Nielsen’s recent letter in The
Suncook Sun. My response is created from the perspective of close
and personal observation of the planning board.
I would like to address several points with the first being that the
Bailey Park situation has been resolved by the board. Any new
building permits have been discontinued until the owner defines some
open space covenants.
The second point is in regard to Chair Clayton Wood. Although he is
Chair, he is not solely responsible for new rules regarding town
roads. The entire board is holding any further road development to
our own town specs.
Last, but not least, is in direct response to Mr. Nielsen’s
statement, “Since November, the planning board has rejected the
forward progress that minority board members Clayton Wood and Jim
Pritchard are trying to make happen.”
This is inaccurate and unfortunately we have had to spend a portion
of our sessions trying to correct the meeting minutes that have been
written by Jim Pritchard.
Outside of that, we have in fact passed new rules of procedures and
have submitted new amendments for town approval.
Thank you,
Pat Heffernan
Letter To The Editor
To the voters of Pittsfield
My name is Jeffrey Swain. Most of you only know me as “the other
fella” running for zoning board. I’m currently an alternate on the
zoning board and have been for a few months. Before that I attended
every meeting for six months until I was ready to jump in.
So as I dont have many followers and not many people know who I am,
I understand I may not get elected. This will not be the end for me.
I have fallen in love giving my time to better the town of
Pittsfield. You will see my name on the ballot again and you will
surely see me at the meetings.
I will see you at candidates night and ask for your vote on March
10th
Sincerly Jeffrey D Swain
Young Blood ,
Old Time Values
Letter
To the voters of Pittsfield:
My name is Susan Willoughby. I live on Eaton Road and I urge voters
to vote for Daren Nielsen and Clayton Wood for Pittsfield Planning
Board.
I am a civil/environmental engineer who worked with Daren and a
group of abutters and Pittsfield citizens concerned with a major
subdivision here in Pittsfield about 12 years ago. At that time,
they had to independently form a coalition of sorts and hire a
lawyer to see that the abutters’ interests and the town’s interests
were taken into consideration because the planning board majority
did not properly review or take into considerations of substandard
development, specifically densely sited septic systems and building
on steep slopes.
Daren impressed me with his understanding of the town’s need for
good planning, and voters can be sure that, with Daren’s experience
in working very hard to ensure the abutters interests were heard, he
will treat all people appearing before the board with respect. The
board under Clayton Wood has done a good job protecting abutters and
the town’s best interest, and Clayton and Daren will work well
together to continue these policies. On March 10, please vote for
Daren Nielsen and Clayton Wood for planning board.
Thank you,
Susan Willoughby
Letter
Dear Pittsfield residents,
I live on Shaw Road, and last fall, I arrived home one day and found
surveyor’s stakes in my front lawn. The town was planning to widen
Shaw Road and pave the road. This would take about one-third of my
front lawn in the process.
Naturally, I was alarmed. I talked to my neighbor, Daren Nielsen,
and I found him to be a wealth of knowledge about the law of local
roads. He helped me with researching deeds (along with Charlie and
Lynn Nagle) at the county registry and survey maps at the NH DOT.
The maps show that the town is trying to take land that it may have
no right to take. Without Daren’s help, I would still be
researching. I have attended Planning board meetings and see Daren
as being very compatible and beneficial to the board.
Clayton Wood helped a property owner facing a similar problem as an
abutter to the now-dead Stagecoach Station development. The
surveyor for Stagecoach Station said that a stone wall dividing the
abutter’s property from a public road was actually inside the road
and should be moved into the abutter’s land to put the stone wall in
the right place. Lots of people said that the planning board had to
accept the surveyor’s word because he was an expert and because
planning board members were not experts. Clayton Wood refused to
accept the surveyor’s word on faith. Clayton researched the law and
found that, by law, the stone wall marks the boundary; it can’t be
wrong. He enforced that law and protected the abutter’s property.
I urge voters to vote for Daren Nielsen and Clayton Wood for
Pittsfield Planning Board.
Thank you,
Tom Davidson, Sr.
Pittsfield School District Proposed Pellet Energy Project
The Pittsfield School Board is proposing to construct a biomass
energy plant on school district property to serve the heating and
domestic hot water needs of both district schools, PES and PMHS.
The Pittsfield Budget Committee voted unanimously in favor of this
project, which will be decided by the voters at the Annual School
District Meeting to be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, in
the PES gym.
The plant would be fueled by wood pellets and would serve 80% or
more of the annual need with the current oil-fired boilers at PMHS
serving 20% or less of the annual need. The oil-fired boilers and
oil tank at PES would be removed. A system of underground piping
would connect the schools with each other and the proposed plant.
The estimated total cost of this project is $970,000 while the
return on investment is 18.5 years (using the current cost figures
for both heating oil and pellets), based on the most expensive case
(without anticipated grants and incentives). However, it is
anticipated that grants and incentives would drastically lower the
cost and shorten the term required for return on investment. The
project would be funded mostly through a bond ($870,000) and also
through reserve funds ($100,000).
The School Board has initiated the project plan at this time because
he PES oil-fired boilers, original equipment installed in 1989, are
approaching the end of their serviceable lives and have begun to
require repair costs. The replacement of these boilers would cost
approximately $350,000; the new boilers would have an anticipated
life of 25-30 years. The PMHS boilers enjoy another 10-15 years of
serviceable life.
With the cost of heating oil increasing an average of 6+% per year
over the past fifteen years and the dependence on non-local
resources to address the heat and domestic hot water needs, energy
alternatives have been considered. (It is estimated that 80% of
every current heating oil dollar leaves New Hampshire; a pellet
system would keep most of these fuel expenditures in our state
economy.) Some alternatives to oil are impractical (natural gas)
and others would require a greater initial investment (wood chips).
Wood pellets represent a local, sustainable energy source for the
schools.
The new energy facility would be housed in a simple, stand-alone
building of approximately 30’ x 40’ with a stack height of
approximately 35’. The precise dimensions of the building will
depend on final decisions regarding equipment size following the
design and bidding process. The facility would be located along the
north side of the school district property, near Winant Rd., either
behind PES or near the wood shop / SAU office building. The precise
location will be determined by the Board following a thorough
analysis of the potential sites.
For more information, please see the school district
website -
http://pittsfield-nh.com/sau/ - and click
Pellet Boiler FAQ.
Choice Is Working To Improve NH Schools
By Sen. John Reagan
The power of competition is not only its ability to improve quality
and decrease price, but to do deliver these benefits to all
consumers, whether or not they shop for new choices.
Three years ago, the New Hampshire Legislature took a small but
important step to introduce competition into our state’s public
education system. The Education Tax Credit provides businesses with
tax incentives for charitable donations to school choice scholarship
organizations. These groups then award scholarships, up to $2,500
per student, to low-income families seeking alternatives to their
local public schools.
It is a small scale program of modest cost, and it is already
benefitting students across our state. Yet opponents of school
choice continue a ceaseless battle to destroy it.
Last week, the New Hampshire Senate defeated an attempt to repeal
the Education Tax Credit program. Senate Republicans stood united in
protecting the program, which is just getting off the ground, while
our Democrat colleagues voted to end school choice scholarships
going to low-income families.
Teachers unions, who recently lost a lawsuit challenging the
Education Tax Credit program at the New Hampshire Supreme Court, see
these modest scholarships as a threat. They have opposed every
attempt to inject some competition and accountability into New
Hampshire schools. But school choice doesn’t detract from
traditional public schools. In fact, it can provide real benefits to
the entire educational system.
The largest benefits, of course, go to those young students who have
the option of attending a school better suited to their unique
educational needs. Most parents may be satisfied with the public
school in their town, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for
every kid. Wealthy parents have a wide range of options, but those
options simply aren’t affordable for less well-to-do families.
The $2,500 annual scholarships offered under the Education Tax
Credit program don’t cover the entire tuition cost of a private
school, but they do bring those schools within financial reach of
more families. The scholarships are means-tested to make sure they
go to families that need the help, and they can’t go to parents of
students already enrolled in private school.
The Education Tax Credit program is still getting off the ground,
but the early results are overwhelmingly encouraging. 92% of
families receiving scholarships are happier with the schools they
have chosen for their students than their previous schools. More
than 80% of scholarship families have seen academic improvements
from their children. The first scholarship organization set up under
the program, the Network for Education Opportunity (NEO) has already
received 1,500 applications, despite offering just 143 scholarships
so far.
The subtler, but broader, benefits of school choice echo throughout
our educational system. By introducing the principles of
competition, even at this very modest level, we’re providing real
market-based feedback to our public schools for the first time in
centuries.
Monopolies are destructive to public institutions because they block
the signals that such institutions need to adapt and improve over
time. Boosting these important signals, by empowering low-income
parents to choose alternatives for their children, provides school
boards, school administrators, and other parents with better
information on where their schools can do better.
We all agree that education is essential to our childrens’ future,
and the future of our state. We often disagree on how best to
deliver that education. I’ve always believed that education is far
too important to be left to a monopoly, and the early success of New
Hampshire’s Education Tax Credit program has reinforced my
commitment to expanding school choice to Granite State students.
Sen. John Reagan (R-Deerfield) chairs the Senate Education
Committee.
Obituaries
Robert P. Plante Sr.
Robert Paul Plante Sr. 74, of Duke Lane, died February 22nd at the
Concord Hospital following a long illness.
He was born in Allenstown, the son of Phillip E. and Edith G.
(Privey) Plante. He grew up in Pittsfield and was a 1959 graduate of
Pittsfield High School.
He was a supervisor at Sprague Electric Co. for 30 years and
following his retirement, he worked for the State of NH as a
“Lottery” Representative for 17 years. He was a longtime member of
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Pittsfield and a member of the Concord
Elks Lodge. He was an Army Veteran and served with the NH National
Guard. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping at his site at Totem
Pole Park in Ossipee.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years Dorothy (Dimond) Plante of
Concord, a son Robert P. Plante Jr. and his wife Suzanne of Concord,
a daughter Diane M. Plante, of Penacook, two grandchildren, Mikaela
L. Draeger and Joshua R. Plante, two brothers, Richard Plante and
wife Mary Ellen of Pittsfield, and Kenneth Plante and wife Pamela of
Ctr. Barnstead, three sisters, Claire Magoon of Parsonville, ME,
Theodora Minery of Hillsboro, and Janice Riel of Pittsfield. He was
predeceased by two brothers, Roger and Phillip Plante. He also
leaves aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
There are no visiting hours. A Graveside Service will be scheduled
in the spring in the Mount Calvary Cemetery. Pittsfield. The Perkins
& Pollard Memorial Home is assisting with arrangements. In lieu of
flowers, donations may be made to the CRVNA Hospice Program, 30
Pillsbury St. Concord, NH 03301.
Theda Genest
Theda (Leavitt) Genest, 96, of the Merrimack County Home, died
February 5th at the home following a long illness. She was born in
Pittsfield, the daughter of Harry E and Grace E (Sargent) Leavitt
and resided there most of her life.
She retired from the former Sprague Electric Co. after 15 years of
employment.
She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Pittsfield
and the Ladies Aide Society. She also belonged to the Nighthawk Sr.
Citizens in Barnstead and the 55 Club. She was an avid sports fan
and attended many baseball and softball games.
She was the widow of Edward R. Genest, who died in 1987. Members of
her family include a daughter, Judith M Curtis, and husband Robert
of Leesburg, FL; three sons, Roger E. Genest and wife Maxine of
Barnstead; Harry L. Genest and wife Dorothy of Winder, GA and
Randolph L. Genest and wife Yvonne of Loganville, GA; eight
grandchildren, many great and great great grandchildren.
Services will be scheduled in the spring and burial will be in the
Floral Park Cemetery, Pittsfield. The Perkins & Pollard Memorial
Home, Pittsfield, is assisting with arrangements.
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