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Suncook Valley Sun Historical Archive

(note: we are NOT affiliated with the Suncook Valley Sun Newspaper.

Pittsfield NH News

May 27, 2015

The Suncook Valley Sun News Archive is Maintained by Modern Concepts. We are NOT affliated in any way with the Suncook Valley Sun Newspaper.

The Pittsfield Old Home Day Community Fair 9:00am to 3:00pm, Car Show 9:00am to noon, and Parade (1:00pm) will be held on  July 11th . Do you belong to a community organization that would like to have a FREE space in Dustin Park for the community fair?  Crafters or businesses can also reserve space in the park for $10.00. Interested? Call Leslie Vogt at 435-7993.

The Old Home Day Theme is “Summer of Suess, Dr. Seuss That Is”  If you are planning to create a float for the parade please call Louie Houle at 435-6938.  Parade floats are a fun way to promote your business or community organization!

The Pittsfield Area Senior Center is having a presentation on the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).  The program provides additional nutritious USDA foods to people at least 60 years of age who qualify. 

If you or someone you know may benefit or are eligible for this program, then come to the demonstration on Tuesday, June 2 at 10:30 AM at the Pittsfield Area Senior Center, located on 74 Main St. in Pittsfield, NH.

For more information or to RSVP, please call 435-8482.

University of New Hampshire Announces May 2015 Graduates

The following students graduated from the University of New Hampshire during the Commencement Ceremony held Saturday, May 16, 2015 in Durham, N.H. Students who received the honor of Summa Cum Laude graduated with a GPA of 3.7-4.0; students who received the honor of Magna Cum Laude graduated with a GPA of 3.50-3.69; and students who received the honor of Cum Laude graduated with a GPA of 3.2-3.49.

Joseph Rogers of Center Barnstead earning a BSIT in Information Technology Cum Laude

Marc Salas of Center Barnstead earning a BSEE in Electrical Engineering

Christopher Allen of Epsom earning a MS in Civil Engineering

Jake Gomes of Epsom earning a BA in Political Science

Matthew Dlubac of Epsom earning a BSIT in Information Technology Summa Cum Laude

Steven Giguere of Epsom earning a BSCENG in Computer Engineering Magna Cum Laude

Cameron Graaskamp of Gilmanton earning a BS in Biochem, Molec & Cell Bio Summa Cum Laude

Jennifer Manu of Gilmanton earning a BS in Health Management & Policy

Kyle McAdam of Gilmanton earning a BS in Envirn Conservation & Sustain

Ewen MacKinnon of Chichester earning a BSCIVE in Civil Engineering Cum Laude

Hannah David of Chichester earning a BA in Political Science

Stephen Cote of Chichester earning a BS in Bus Adm: Management Cum Laude

Allison Wilkins of Northwood earning a BA in Psychology Summa Cum Laude

Brandon Marshall of Northwood earning a BS in Neuroscience Cum Laude

Christine Theriault of Northwood earning a MS in Nursing

Joseph Suchomski of Northwood earning a BS in Biomed Sci:Med & Vet Sci

Joseph Jarvis of Northwood earning a BSPHYS in Physics

Kala Frye of Northwood earning a BS in Neuroscience Summa Cum Laude

Katherine Decker of Northwood earning a BA in Psychology Summa Cum Laude

Sarah Wilkins of Northwood earning a MS in CSD: Early Child Intervention

Bryce Paradise of Pittsfield earning a BA in Cmn:Business Applications

Craig Paggi of Pittsfield earning a BSME in Mechanical Engineering Summa Cum Laude

Franklin Bongiovanni of Pittsfield earning a BSEE in Electrical Engineering

Justin Gilman of Pittsfield earning a BSPHYS in Physics Magna Cum Laude

The University of New Hampshire, founded in 1866, is a world-class public research university with the feel of a New England liberal arts college. A land, sea, and space-grant university, UNH is the state’s flagship public institution, enrolling 13,000 undergraduate and 2,500 graduate students.

43rd Annual Laconia Academy Graduation

The 43rd Annual Graduation of Laconia Academy, the Adult Evening High School Diploma Program, will be held on Friday, June 5, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium at Laconia High School. Randy L. Pierce, Founder and President, 2020 Vision Quest will be the commencement speaker.  The public is invited to attend the Laconia Academy Graduation.

Over the last 43 years, 1,275 Lakes Region residents have returned to school at night to earn their high school diploma.  Nineteen high school diplomas will be awarded on June 5th.   Many of the graduates are unemployed and need their high school diploma to get a job, earn a pay increase or job promotion.  Some graduates returned to Laconia Academy to increase their own sense of self-esteem and personal self-worth.  Other graduates enrolled in the program will enter new career fields, find a better job, or will have the opportunity to be hired now that they have their high school diploma.

Five, June 2015 Laconia Academy Graduates are going on to post-secondary education. Two graduates will be entering the military service.

Pittsfield Players Present Suitehearts

The Pittsfield Players will stage the hilarious comedy Suitehearts at The Scenic Theatre on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 4, 5, 6 and 7. Written by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore, the play focuses on a young couple from Pennsylvania who check into a posh New York hotel to fill their weekend with bliss, only to have it filled with strangers. All shows are at 7:30 pm, except for the matinee on Sunday, June 7, which will be at 2 pm. Tickets, which are $12 per person, are available through the Players’ website, www.pittsfieldplayers.com through TicketLeap, or call the theater at 435-8852 to reserve tickets. This show is rated PG13.

Timothy, played by Dan Scheys (last seen on stage as Billis is South Pacific) and his wife Elizabeth, played by Cassidy Kearns (often working backstage but seldom on stage), have inadvertently booked the same honeymoon suite as Frankie and Wanda ( veteran Players Ernie Bass and Kat Abdelwahid), an older couple from New Jersey. Thrown into the mix is a sometimes confused but always hilarious bellhop, played by Jack Miller.  After they scuffle over the accommodations, no one is where or with whom they should be. Filled with sight gags and one liners, this play broke house records in New Jersey Dinner Theater and wowed audiences in Manchester, NH. During the course of the play, Timothy grows into a man, Elizabeth learns about trust, Frankie learns to respect women and Wanda learns to respect herself.

Tickets are going fast so be sure to reserve your tickets now for this great Pittsfield Players’ show.

Statement From Secretary Of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald

Submitted Via Merrill Vaughan,Chaplain

American Legion Peterson-Cram Post 75 Pittsfield

WASHINGTON, DC— Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald made the following statement regarding the construction of the Denver Replacement Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado:

“The delays and costs overruns that have plagued the Denver Replacement Medical Center campus are inexcusable – on that, we all agree.

And, on behalf of Veterans, I want to work with Congress in productive ways to repair mistakes made years ago by VA officials.

But the truth of the matter is without immediate Congressional action prior to returning home for the Memorial Day holiday recess, construction on the Denver Replacement Medical Center in Aurora will shut down Sunday, grinding to a halt as Kiewit Turner demobilizes its team of contractors and sub-contractors.

The Deputy and I have been discussing the pending deadline with Congress for months.  The Congressional authorizing committees held a field hearing in Colorado on the issue.  The Congressional representatives from Colorado have been actively engaged in the Senate and the House to find a solution.  They have worked with the VA, the Congressional authorizing committees, and Congressional leadership to facilitate conversations and proposals, convey a sense of urgency on behalf of veterans, and act as good stewards for the American taxpayer. 

Despite all of this work, the Congressional leadership has not acted on reasonable offers.  In fact, as late as Monday, I asked Congressional leadership to work with VA to find a way to continue construction and prevent this shutdown.  Specifically, I asked that we increase authorization for the project an additional $200 million beyond the current cap of $800 million and that VA be allowed to repurpose and reallocate our FY 2015 funds.

I have provided multiple proposals to the Congressional authorizing committee as to how we can complete this campus for Veterans.  The options were rejected and the result has been inaction.  Our Veterans deserve better than that.  I have presented a plan.  Congress has not proposed a counter plan.  I am open to reviewing any proposal that would better serve the Veterans of Colorado and the American taxpayers.  If Congressional leaders choose not to support VA’s proposals, or choose to offer feasible solutions of their own, then they will be punishing Colorado Veterans today for past VA errors. 

Let me be clear. Inaction by Congress will punish the nearly 400,000 Colorado Veterans and families that Aurora will serve – as well as taxpayers across the Nation.

This shutdown can be avoided. I am confident that Congress can yet act in the best interest of Veterans and their families and work with VA to finish Aurora.

I strongly urge Congress to stand for Veterans this week and act now to prevent a shutdown of the Denver Replacement Medical Center in Aurora. We at VA remain committed to work with Congress on this and many other challenges and opportunities as we transform VA into the Veteran-centric, customer-service oriented organization Veterans have earned and deserve.”

Concert Celebrates America

With toe-tapping Sousa marches, a salute to our Armed Forces and many other national favorites, all ages will certainly enjoy “Here’s to America,” a patriotic concert, Friday, June 5, 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 24 Main Street, Pittsfield. 

It will feature the church’s Chancel Choir and JuBellation Handbell Choir and UNH’s own Inextinguishable Brass Quintet. You will even have a chance to join in on a few special songs. Light refreshments will be served during intermission.

Join us for this delightful event – an evening of magnificent marches, medleys and patriotic music honoring our marvelous country. Parking and wheelchair accessibility at rear entrance. More information at: www.pittsfieldcc.org or 435-7471. God Bless America!

Letter To The Editor

The Pittsfield Beautification Committee would like to thank Millican’s Nursery for their generous donation of 2 beautiful Degroot’s Spire evergreens that were planted at the War Memorials in Dustin Park on Main Street.   They really help frame the monuments. 

Pardon the look of our “work in progress” as we re-engineer and replant the gardens at the Aranosian Lot, which is located next to Jack’s Pizza. You can help support this effort at our next fundraiser which will be the Town Wide Yard Sale on June 6 and 7.   Nancy and John Barto have generously offered their yard to host our tables.  The address where you can find us is 515 Dowboro Rd and we will be set up from 8 am to 2 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

Please come and support us and discover some real bargains!  As always, thank you for your support.

Carol Lambert

Secretary 

Pittsfield Beautification Committee

The Show Must Go On

The show must go on, and it will, when the Pittsfield Historical Society joins forces with the Pittsfield Players for its program, Wednesday, June 10, 7 PM at the Scenic Theatre.

Maye Hart and Meggin Dail of the Pittsfield Players Board of Directors will give a history of the Pittsfield Players, including the many transformations the group has undergone.  They will also revisit the origins of the community theatre which has changed (and stayed the same) through the years - from chilly nights at the Odd Fellows Hall to restoring the Scenic Theatre; how this group has stayed alive and thrived for over 45 years.

They’ll also tell some behind-the-scenes stories that you won’t want to miss. Ever wanted to know what goes on back stage? Meggin and Maye will spill some secrets the audiences weren’t meant to know…and there may be some guest appearances as well. Don’t miss this program about a wonderful performing group who has been a vital part of the Pittsfield community.

VA Launches Campaign To Increase Veterans’ Economic Potential

Submitted Via Merrill Vaughan,Chaplain

American Legion Peterson-Cram Post 75 Pittsfield

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald, with leaders from national and local Veterans service organizations, corporate employers and government agencies, announced the launch of the Veterans Economic Communities Initiative, an effort focused in a total of 50 U.S. cities to promote economic success for Veterans.

The initiative is part of MyVA, which is dedicated to making Veterans the center of all we do.

“The best way to get things done for Veterans is to involve partners from both the public and private sectors – national to local,” said McDonald.  “If history has shown us anything, it’s that all you have to do is give Veterans an opportunity and they will go beyond anything you could ever envision.  Community leaders understand the purpose of MyVA and will find innovative ways to support it.”

The goal of the VECI is to increase education and employment opportunities for America’s Veterans by bringing together local and national employers to coordinate services for Veterans, Servicemembers and military families.

With the sacred commitment of making customer service for Veterans the focal point, VA will look to communities around the country to help make the VA the best federal agency.

“MyVA will work State by state, community by community, person by person,” said McDonald.  “We want to expand our reach and collaboration in communities where Veterans live.” 

The Veterans Economic Communities Initiative launch event was hosted in Dallas. Secretary McDonald and Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings provided remarks, during the event. Campaign partners also participated in panel discussions on public-private partnerships.  

Representatives from major corporations such as Hilton and TriWest joined Secretary McDonald in pledging their commitment to furthering Veteran economic opportunities.

The Veterans Economic Communities Initiative includes a VA Economic Liaison in each community who will expand and encourage collaboration among private and public organizations that offer resources related to education, training and employment. Through strategic partnerships, and by offering Veterans innovative forms of learning and employment opportunities, these communities will help Veterans gain competitive career skills and knowledge in locally in-demand fields.  

Campaign partners include the departments of Defense and Labor, the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in addition to regional and national nonprofits, businesses and educators. The first 25 communities were chosen based on local Veteran unemployment rates, Veteran population and the projected increase in Veteran population.

Communities participating in the Veterans Economic Communities Initiative include:

Atlanta, Georgia; El Paso, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; New York, New York; San Antonio, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; Honolulu, Hawaii; Los Angeles, California; Norfolk, Virginia; San Diego, California; Cincinnati, Ohio; Houston, Texas; Louisville, Kentucky; Phoenix, Arizona; Seattle, Washington; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Jacksonville, Florida; Miami, Florida; Richmond, Virginia; St. Louis, Missouri; Dallas, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri; Nashville, Tennessee; Riverside, California; Washington, DC

Under the Veterans Economic Communities Initiative, communities will develop scalable, sustainable models over the next two years that include:

Resources and education for employers on hiring and supporting Veterans.

Employment summits to connect talented job seekers with local employers who have immediate hiring needs.

Policy academies where experts generate ideas, form partnerships and make policy recommendations that will help lower the unemployment rate and increase economic opportunities among Veterans and their families.

Learning or resource hubs to help connect Veterans to economic opportunities including entrepreneurship, credentialing and skills building.

Loudon American Legion Post 88 News

Submitted In Comradeship By Shawn Jones, Commander

Greetings from Loudon Post 88:

Memorial Day is fast approaching as I write this. I sure hope mother nature is good to us and we have a strong showing of support from the townspeople.  I would like to thank Joe Piroso for helping me on Friday night to put some flags out. I also need to thank some of our local Girl Scouts for helping this year to put flags on the graves of veterans at the Mount Hope and Moore Cemeteries. This year we found two new veteran’s headstones that did not have a flag or holder.

On Saturday evening Dave and Cub Scout Asher Zarges helped me with placing flags on some of the smaller cemeteries in town. We were able to replace or add a total of eight new markers that where either missing or worn out in various cemeteries. If we missed anyone’s grave please bring it to my attention so that I can correct the oversight.

We put out over 300 flags each year on a volunteer basis and we do our best to make sure every veteran receives a new flag.

The 97th Annual Department Convention will be held at the Radisson’s Hotel Armory meeting location in Manchester on June 26, 27 & 28. This is open to all members of the Legion. It’s great time to see old friends or make new ones, as well as to learn some new things.  Only elected delegates will be allowed to vote at the convention for new Department Officers and Constitution and By-Law changes. This should be an exciting convention this year with, Senator Kelly Ayotte and Commandant-Margaret “Peggy” Labrecque of the NH Veteran’s Home being two of the featured guest speakers on Saturday. For more information visit: http://www.legionnh.org/

The NH Department of the American Legion has a part-time job opening for a qualified veteran. The main duty of this position is administrative support to the Dept. Adjutant and Executive Assistant. For more information please contact Lisa Beale for an application at 603-856-8951 or emailto:[email protected]

One last note. Our current membership percentage is at 89.47%. I have mailed out a total of 8 post cards to members encouraging them to renew for this season. I’m saddened to say that we did not make 100 percent membership by May 1st this year. I somehow feel I have let members down by not doing enough to get them to renew or encourage eligible members of our armed forces to join our post. I hope I can do a better job at this in the year to come. Our post has a long history in town and I would hate to see our doors close. As they say “Membership is everyone’s business,” so please, continue to try and recruit new veterans you encounter to join or renew there membership with our post.

Our next meeting will be held on June 17th at 1900 hours at “Charlie’s Barn.” We look forward to seeing you there.

Letter

Dear Voters, Taxpayers, and Residents of Pittsfield,

In the May 13 SUN article “Pittsfield Continues To Improve!”, Mr. Nilsson discloses “an exciting new facelift and upgrade” for the town website and states that “Unfortunately, the website committee was not able to achieve the level of progress sought, so we have contracted with a company...” In other words,  we had to spend town money to replace the website committee. This sounds like a great reason, if it were only true.

The former website committee told the selectmen that we always were – and still are - capable of upgrading the website according to the ‘level of progress sought.’  Unfortunately, your selectmen never really could define their specific needs or problems with the website that Pittsfield proudly displayed for many years. In fact, we can not find a single citizen that can understand the selectmen’s decision.

During the 2 weeks leading up to the hostile takeover of the website, it was clear that the selectmen’s minds were made up to gain control all along. See the minutes of the April 21, 2015 selectmen meeting. The thought of spending your tax dollars was not even a factor in the discussion. It was only Selectmen Nick Hayes that really discussed the problem and supported the website committee approach.

We wholeheartedly disagree with Mr. Nilsson’s reasoning behind spending precious tax dollars on a website upgrade that could have been handled free of charge. And we certainly do not feel that their statement, “The Board of Selectmen certainly appreciate their (website committee) efforts” is genuine,  As it was never brought up during their meetings, but only after the resignations hit the fan. The BOS are not acting like it’s your money they are spending.

Matt Goodwin

Bob Legg

Bill Provencal

Clayton Wood

Dorcas Guild – May 2015

The May 12 meeting of the Dorcas Guild of the First Congregational Church of Pittsfield began with a call to order and welcome by President Nancy Fogg. To begin a time of devotions, MaryJo Powelson read “Friendship and Laughter” by Nicole Johnson from a book entitled, Laughter and Latté, edited by Terri Gibbs. All joined in “The Lord’s Prayer.”

The president thanked Diane Vaughan for stepping up to the corresponding secretary’s duties. We also had a report on some of our church members experiencing medical issues.

Minutes of the last meeting were printed on back of the agenda and were approved with one change. The treasurer’s report was accepted.

The food basket brought by Evelyn Sheehy Richard went to Nella; it was retired until September. The mystery package brought by Diane went to Corine Miller.

The topic of the new tablecloths for use at collations was brought up, and it was decided to continue the research. Nancy passed around a sign-up sheet for the Guild’s Annual Banquet next month at Jitters Café, June 9. All selections must be made by June 1. The president asked for payment in advance.

Nancy will check about any graduating high school seniors. The upcoming service and collation were discussed; all items and help were settled. May 17 is Children’s Day and a pot luck lunch is planned.

A motion was made and seconded to send a donation to Samaritan’s Purse for aid to the victims of the Nepal earthquakes.

The White Elephant packages were exchanged followed by refreshments supplied by our hostesses, Kathy Bergeron and Mary Jo. Next month is our banquet at 6 p.m. at Jitters. Wednesday work group continues each week 10 am to 2 pm.

Letter To The Editor

In the May 13 issue of the SUN, a writer mentioned, “I have to say that since Mike Williams has been on staff, the mood in the town hall is much lighter and people are much happier and cheerful!” I feel that I need to tell you about my last experience in the town administrator’s office.

On May 19, during a discussion regarding the authorization of the attorney’s investigation for removing me from the planning board, the town administrator quickly ended the conversation, ordered me out of his office and threatened to call the police and have me arrested! He ordered me to address all questions to him in writing and not talk to him in person. He even walked to his phone in order to make his point about calling the police. Is this the way that a town employee should treat a citizen as well as Town Officer?

When I moved to Pittsfield in 2005, I was told constantly that the ‘town’ did not treat everyone the same, that favoritism was prevalent and that I shouldn’t get on one of the ‘hit lists.’ By ‘town,’ they were mainly talking about the select board and planning board. Nine years ago, I decided to join the planning board to see about the unequal treatment for myself. I can report that the allegations were true and I have made ending this unacceptable behavior a mainstay in my campaigns. Unfortunately during the process, I can now announce that I have made it on one of the ‘hit lists.’

You have my promise that I will continue my efforts to prevent this unacceptable behavior on the planning board. We should all insist on the same fairness and accountability by the select board members and town administrator.

Sincerely,

Clayton Wood

Letter To The Editor

Selectman Nilsson, in his SVSun 5/13/15 letter, claims that our website ‘is undergoing an exciting new facelift and upgrade, but unfortunately change can be painful and sometimes hard to accept.’ He continues with ‘the website committee was not able to achieve the level of progress sought.’  Really?  That’s the position Mr. Nilsson has chosen regarding our town’s tried and true website?

Here are some suggestions that would NOT be painful to many (perhaps a majority) of taxpayers and voters in Pittsfield:

1. LOWER OUR TAXES.

2. While you are LOWERING OUR TAXES, let our volunteers who actually save this town money continue to provide their invaluable services.

3. While you are LOWERING OUR TAXES, treat our volunteers with the respect and support they deserve.

4. Finally, remind our Select Board that they were elected to work on behalf of the taxpayers and residents of Pittsfield, and when the Select Board does their yearly performance evaluation of  the Town Administrator (TA), they can demonstrate that the TA has displayed the following abilities: to cooperate with the governing body, department heads, employees and staff, community citizens and leaders, peer organizations and neighboring towns, districts and the County; to effectively communicate; to effectively lead employees and volunteers; to utilize good work habits as an example to employees; to coordinate full and efficient utilization of all facilities and services; to exercise management skills necessary to maximize the use of town assets and minimize the cost to the taxpayers; and annually define goals and performance objectives that the Select Board determines are necessary for the proper administration of the Town and in the attainment of the Town’s policy objectives. 

Carole Richardson