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Pittsfield NH News

April 20, 2016

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



 

REMINDER

 

The Pittsfield Area Senior Center on Thursday, April 21, from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM is having their annual Meals on Wheels (MOW) bake sale fundraiser so no senior goes hungry. There will be a number of baked goods, including cookies, brownies, breads, and pies. So come on in and purchase the delicious locally made products while at the same time supporting the senior meal programs. The center is located on 74 Main St. Pittsfield, NH it is in the same building as the Pittsfield Community Center. If you have any questions please call at 435-8482. Donations for the fundraiser are welcomed.

 


 

The Pittsfield Post Office is now accepting passport applications. Hours aer 8-11 AM and 1-3 PM, Monday through Friday.

 


 

Top VA Health Care Official Announces Initiatives And Progress Made To Improve Access To Care

New Initiatives Chart Roadmap to Access-to-Care Improvements

Submitted Via Merrill Vaughan

 

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) top health care official today announced progress and new steps VA is taking to improve Veterans access to health care. Dr. David J. Shulkin, Under Secretary for Health, announced the measures during a briefing to a group of more than 100 journalists attending the Association of Health Care Journalists’ conference April 8 in Cleveland, Ohio.

 

“We are working to rebuild the trust of the American public and more importantly the trust of the Veterans whom we are proud to serve,” said Dr. Shulkin. “We are taking action and are seeing the results. We are serious about our work to improve access to health care for our nation’s Veterans. We want them to know that this is a new VA.”

 

During the briefing, Dr Shulkin‎ discussed a new initiative, MyVA Access. MyVA Access represents a major shift for VA by putting Veterans more in control of how they receive their health care. It is a top priority for VA’s Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

 

MyVA Access is a declaration from VHA employees to the Veterans they care for; it is a call to action and the reaffirmation of the core mission to provide quality care to Veterans, and to offer that care as soon as possible to Veterans how and where they desire to receive that care. The initiative ensures that the entire VA health care system is engaged in the transformation of VA into a Veteran-centered service organization, incorporating aspirational goals such as same day access to mental health and primary care services for Veterans when it is medically necessary. At present, 34 VA facilities offer same-day appointments, and as a practicing physician, Dr. Shulkin currently sees Veterans needing same-day appointments at the VA Medical Center in Manhattan. VA is hoping to be able to offer same day appointments when it is medically necessary at all of its medical centers by the end of 2016.

 

In addition, Dr. Shulkin introduced a new smart phone app called the Veteran Appointment Request App. This app allows Veterans to view, schedule and cancel primary care and mental health appointments as well as track the status of the appointment request and review upcoming appointments. It is currently available in 10 locations and has received positive feedback from the vast majority of Veterans using the app. VA expects to make the app available to all Veterans by early 2017.

 

Other efforts underway include a website enhancement that will allow Veterans to check wait times in real time where ever they live – this includes new and existing patients and a new, easy-to-use scheduling software program. The new program is being piloted in 10 sites and is expected to reduce scheduling errors and enhance VA’s ability to measure and track supply, demand and usage.

 

MyVA Access is part of MyVA, introduced in 2014 by VA Secretary Robert McDonald following one of the most challenging times in the history of VA. MyVA is centered around the needs of Veterans by putting them first in everything VA does. Since that time, VA has made significant progress in addition to the new initiatives announced by Dr. Shulkin.

 

Among the health care progress made:

Nationally, VA completed more than 57.36 million appointments from March 1, 2015 through February 29, 2016. This represents an increase of 1.6 million more appointments than were completed during the same time period in 2014/2015.

 

VHA and Choice contractors created over 3 million authorizations for Veterans to receive care in the private sector from February 1, 2015 through January 31, 2016.  This represents a 12 percent increase in authorizations when compared to the same period in 2014/2015. 

 

From FY 2014 to FY 2015, Community Care appointments increased approximately 20 percent from 17.7 million in FY 2014 to 21.3 million in FY 2015.

 

VA completed 96.46 percent of appointments in February 2016 within 30 days of clinically indicated or Veteran’s preferred date.

 

In FY 2015, VA activated 2.2 million square feet of space for clinical, mental health, long-term care, and associated support facilities to care for Veterans.

 

VA held two Access Stand Downs, focusing on patients with the most urgent health care needs first. During a nationwide Access Stand Down that took place on February 27, the one-day event resulted in VA reviewing the records of more than 80,000 Veterans to get those waiting for urgent care off wait lists; 93 percent of Veterans waiting for urgent care were contacted, with many receiving earlier appointments.

 

VA increased its total clinical work (direct patient care) by 10 percent over the last two years as measured by private sector standards (relative value units). This increase translates to roughly 20 million additional provider hours of care for our Veterans.

 

VA is also working to increase clinical staff, add space and locations in areas where demand is increasing and extending clinic hours into nights and weekends, all of which have helped increase access to care even as demand for services increases.

 

VA is addressing critical components necessary for the delivery of a seamless community care experience by consolidating all purchased care programs into one Veterans Choice Program (New VCP). The New VCP will clarify eligibility requirements, strengthen VA’s high-performing network, streamline clinical and administrative processes, and implement a care coordination model across the continuum of care.

 

VHA offers an extensive community provider network of over 257,000 providers through the PC3/Choice Programs and more are joining each month.

 

VA Telehealth services are critical to expanding access to VA care in more than 45 clinical areas.

 

In FY2015, 12 percent of all Veterans enrolled for VA care received Telehealth based care. This includes 2.14 million telehealth visits, touching 677,000 Veterans.

 


 

VA Announces Future Site Of The VA National Archives

VA will have a home for the Department’s history in Dayton, OH

Submitted Via Merrill Vaughan

 

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced that the Dayton VA Medical Center has been officially selected as the site for the National Department of Veterans Affairs Archives.  Secretary Robert A. McDonald made the announcement this morning speaking to a group of Dayton-area leaders.

 

“I believe that history is incredibly important to VA.  We’re all about keeping the promises of the past to the Veterans of the present and the future,” said Secretary McDonald. “With the necessary capital improvements, I can announce today that the Dayton Headquarters and Club House buildings will serve as a fitting home for VA’s National Archives and we look forward to working with community leaders to make the archive a reality and to improve the lives of Veterans. “ Dayton has a long history of service to our nation’s Veterans and is home to one of the original United States Veterans’ facilities. The Ohio community has been caring for our nation’s Veterans since the Civil War era when it housed a branch of the A National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, a predecessor to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

 

The Department of Veterans Affairs and its predecessor agencies have generated archival records and artifacts from the time before the Revolutionary War. Many of these historic materials are stored at the Washington-area facilities of the National Archives and Records Administration along with records from other federal agencies. VA is one of the largest federal agencies and it owns more historic buildings than any other civilian federal agency.  Many of its historical documents, photographs, artifacts, and other materials are spread across the country in its 150 facilities under conditions that do not meet federal curation standards. The VA Archive at Dayton will enable VA to organize and protect its important heritage and eventually share VA’s rich history with the public.

 


 

Update On Phase Three Of The Floral Park Cemetery Fence Fund

Submitted By Carole Richardson

 

The fence company has been contacted and phase three of the project is scheduled for the second or third week of May – just in time for Memorial Day!!

 

Thanks again for all your positive comments and generous donations.  This has all been done without asking for any taxpayer funds!   I continue to collect funds for the project and am still in need of monetary donations.

 

Paul at Jitters has offered yet another chance to support this project - please save the date – Thursday, May 5th from 4:30-8:00 p.m. at Jitters – an all-you can eat Italian buffet for $10.95, which will include your beverage, lasagna, stuffed shells, manicotti, shepherd’s pie, potato salad, mixed vegetables, biscuits and assorted desserts.  Come join the fun (we sure had a great crowd at the March event) and support the continuation of the fence on High Street.  Thank you.

 


 

Selectman’s Update

Submitted By Carl Anderson

Selectboard meeting update 4/12/16

 

Among the topics taken up at the meeting, the subject of Pittsfield police patrolling in Barnstead was discussed. Along with the Sheriffs Dept, the Town of Pittsfield is accepting some patrol shifts to help cover Barnstead until a permanent solution is settled on. We are making sure that our own coverage is adequate before sending details over to keep Barnstead covered as well. We’re glad to be of help to our neighbors and it cannot be stressed enough that they are paying us at a rate that is financially a sound decision, does not put us into overtime situations in either town, and is a temporary solution to their immediate need.

 

Apparently there is some misunderstanding with the food pantry that was discussed. The Board certainly doesn’t consider them a ‘detriment.’ Quite the opposite in fact, and it is not out of choice that they must vacate the town hall basement, but rather the fire code requirements for public access that we cannot meet in that location. We continue to look for a solution.

 

The Franklin Street parking lot’s use by the Pittsfield Players was considered, and approved on a temporary basis until we come up with a final disposition of it- subject to their taking on the responsibility for safety during use.

 

John Freeman came in to update us on exploring tuitioning students to, and from, other schools, from the School Board’s perspective. The Selectboard expressed its conviction that any and all cost saving possibilities should at the very least be up for discussion and consideration due to the very real need to rein in our tax burden.

 

A little less time was used for real estate liquidation this week- most importantly 85 Catamount St. is being placed in a realtor’s hands right away. A step in the right direction, with a long way to go.

 


 

Cabaret For A Cure

April 23, 2016

He’s at it again! Come see what’s up at the Cabaret for a Cure, Saturday, April 23 at 7:30 PM. Don’t say you weren’t warned!

 

The Pittsfield Players once again give up the stage to performers raising awareness of cancer and helping to raise money for those fighting the battle. We honor those lives touched by cancer and we join in memory of those no longer with us. With song we will raise you up and remind you that you never walk alone.

 

Some great performances, both touching and upbeat, are planned with raffles throughout the evening to persuade you to loosen the purse strings for The American Cancer Society and The Lend Me A Hand Fund of the Payson Center of Concord Hospital, benefiting those who are undergoing chemo treatment.

 

Come join us for a night of songs of hope. Tickets may be reserved through the Pittsfield Players box office (603) 435-8852; Forget-Me-Not Flowers and Gifts, Main Street, Pittsfield or at the door the night of the performance. Doors open at 6:30 pm for rush seating and the show starts at 7:30 pm at the Scenic Theatre, 6 Depot Street, Pittsfield, NH on Saturday, April 23, 2016.

 


 

Big Honeybee Problem

Submitted By Lauren Martin

 

Lauren Martin is a senior at Pittsfield Middle High School in Pittsfield. Lauren is earning a Biology credit based on research and experiments with the bee population through the Extended Learning Opportunity Program and amateur beekeeper Kate Dockham.

 

This article is the first in a series of five that will focus on how to combat this problem locally. Resources used, shared by request.

 

Honeybees are popular pollinators, for their ability to move pollen from one plant to the next and make honey from it. You might not know by watching the bees visiting your garden, but they are in a crisis. Beekeeper’s domestic hives and native bee populations alike have been taking hits to their population numbers.

 

Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) was a term created in 2006, when declines first caught attention, and is still used today. In the USDA’s article “Honey Bee Health and Colony Collapse Disorder,” it’s mentioned that in 2006 the die off rate was 30-60% of bees in the United States (USDA). This was the highest that losses had ever been in history, and researchers began trying to assess the cause for a solution. Today we are still impacted by CCD- in New Hampshire the rate of loss between 2014 and 2015 was 39.9% which is twice as high as it should be (ThinkProgress).

 

Originally, it was entirely unclear why hives were left bare, but suspects have begun to appear. Varroa mites, parasites that feed on honeybees, were visible in the remains of some hives and tops the list. However, CCD is more than just the final cause of death, and includes a web of factors. The Survey of Honeybee Losses names several illnesses and diseases to be among the causes. Decreased nutrition, climate change, a limited gene pool, and the stress of shipping to pollinate crops are all things that make surviving inevitable illnesses and mites much more difficult for bees to cope with. But even with this knowledge, protecting the hives is easier said than done, as the annual population continues to decline more each year.

 

With so much at stake, beekeepers have high interests in preserving their populations. European honeybees, or Apis mellifera, are the most relied upon pollinators in the agricultural industry today. Thousands of them pollinate crops like almonds, fruits, beans, and onions- even vegetables like broccoli.  Farmers rely on commercial beekeepers and their honey bees to pollinate their crops. The Survey of Honeybee Losses in the United States reports that, “...honey bee pollination services to U.S. agriculture has been estimated to be greater than 14 million dollars” (Engelsdorp). That’s a lot of money to be resting on bee’s lives.

 

With so much at stake, beekeepers have high interests in preserving their populations, but annual losses continue to exceed the yearly expectation. This forces beekeepers to move on if they want to continue turning any kind of profit. Few people supporting could eventually cause the downfall of bee populations at a large scale, making hives more difficult to sustain and queens more difficult to get access two. Lessened bee availability would affect local farmers and beekeepers, and possibly remove important food staples from produce aisles altogether. Eventually, CCD impact on the the garden-visiting bees could cause local ecosystems to become unbalanced.

 


 

School Rumors

Submitted By John J. Freeman, Ph.D.

Superintendent of Schools

 

From time to time, unfounded rumors circulate around town about what is or isn’t happening in or about our schools.  One of the most persistent of these rumors is that our high school is not accredited, which seems to be reborn every couple of years (FYI, PMHS was first accredited in 1955; its most recent review was successfully completed in 2011; we’re next due for review in 2021).

 

The latest rumor holds that the high school will be closing and that high school students will be sent to school in one or more of our neighboring towns.  While I am happy to answer any questions about our schools, I don’t typically respond to unfounded rumors. However, with this current rumor, I’ve heard concerns from our students and staff members about their futures, as both groups are strongly loyal to our school and our community.

 

This one may have gotten its life from a question asked at the February 3 Pittsfield Budget Committee Hearing.  One of the attendees wondered if a cost savings could be realized by the closing of the high school and the tuitioning of our students to another high school.  The Concord Monitor then published a front-page story that suggested this option was being given serious consideration.

 

Our Pittsfield School Board has continually expressed its support for our schools and the exciting opportunities that are being provided to our students at PMHS.  However, because this issue was raised, the Board requested that I research the impact such a decision might have.  Though not yet completed, my findings to this point indicate clearly that such action would be more expensive than continuing to educate our students in town.

 

Our Board did not hear from the public on this matter either during the Annual School District Meeting in March nor during subsequent School Board Meetings.  Since the rumor has persisted, the Board invites Pittsfield citizens who would like to address the Board on this issue to speak at the usual public input segment of the Board meeting on Thursday, May 19.  The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. and is held at PMHS in the Media Center (library).

 


 

American Legion Loudon Post 88 News

Submitted By Shawn Jones

Commander, American Legion Post 88

 

In April we will have the new year’s slate of officers installed. All officers who served last year have agreed to serve another year. The only changes are that eventually Dave Zarges will be taking over as the Boy Scout Charter Organizer Representative for the Post. Dave will be the liaison between the Legion and Troop 247 including the Pack. Your Commander is currently serving in this position. I think Dave will better be able to the post and scouts in this vital program our post sponsors. Mike Hartt has agreed to serve as our Americanism and Child & Youth Officer. Mike will be working with on implementing and continuing some of our former traditional post sponsored programs such as the Oratorical Program, Boys State and fund raising efforts to assist the children of veterans. Look for more information and photographs from the April 20th meeting in a future edition.

 

Our new post in coming along well. We had our gas griddle from the former post moved and installed in the kitchen. I’ve stopped in at the post and I’ve seen the progress that Gregory Colarusso has been making inside. Perhaps you’ve noticed some slight improvements to the outside of the building including new lights and an upgraded electrical meter. Since we are converting the building over to electric heat from the former hot air furnace the electrical system needed to be upgraded.

 

We will be finalizing our Memorial Day Parade plans at the May meeting. This year we will be forming the parade up behind Jean Lee’s house on South Village Rd., across from our old building site. There is ample space for parking and room for the parade participants to line up. The grave markers and small flags are in, our new flag pole for the American flag came in and Dave Zarges has assembled it. He also reports the new flag covers have been completed. These hand made covers will protect and keep clean our flags when not in use. Thank you to Amy Zarges for making them. At this time we will be out on May 14th replacing flags in the town’s cemeteries. We’ll be looking for help from the Girls Scouts and Boy Scouts to assist us with honoring our fallen heroes.

 

Our current membership stands at 95.89%. We have had three members so far this year that have reported to our highest Commander and one that has not renewed making it difficult for us to make 100 percent for the year.

 

Myself and Larry Hemphill are your post delegates this year and will be traveling to Lincoln on May 20th and 21st for our 98th Annual Convention. More details on the convention to follow.

 

This concludes my report, look for another article and pictures after the installation meeting on April 20th at 1900 hrs.

 


Obituaries


 

Jeanne Watson

Jeanne Watson of Pittsfield, NH, born November 27, 1925 peacefully passed away on April 7th 2016. Jeanne is survived by her husband Charles “Charlie” Watson of Pittsfield, NH, and their children and families.

 

Formal obituary and arrangements will be noticed and handled by Tom Petit of Petit and Still Oaks Funeral Home later this Spring.

 


 


 

 











 

 

 

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