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Pittsfield NH News

October 3, 2018

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



    

Celebrating a Birthday  this week is: August 12,  Cameron Quigley. Happy Birthday!

 


 

Celebrating an Anniversary this week are: August 13, Merrill and Diane Vaughan. Happy Anniversary!

 


 

Please Join Our

Masonic Open House

Corinthian Lodge #82

Free & Accepted Masons

 Saturday, October 20

9:00 – 3:00

5 Park Street, Pittsfield

 

Have you ever wanted to know about Freemasonry or had a family member who was part of the fraternity?  Come and visit us to learn more – all are welcome!

 


 

Our Next Generation Of Farmers

Submitted By Carole Soule

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Farmer Carole Soule with Jeff Jordan's donkey, Fionna.

 

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Fionna the donkey and Abby, a bottle-fed lamb, from Jeff Jordan's flock with Author, Carole Soule.

 

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Jeff Jordan of Chichester was a good friend and a fellow farmer. It seemed like one day he was helping me load lambs into our trailer, and the next he was diagnosed with cancer. He died a few weeks later at age 66.

 

Jeff worked his entire life to build a quality flock of sheep. He was a hog expert, too. Jeff would judge for both species at the Deerfield Fair. You might have walked through the “Jeff Jordan Sheep Barn” at the Hopkinton Fair; so-named in honor of his faithful support of 4H and the Fair. Jeff was a good man, a talented herdsman and skilled shearer, and now he's gone.

 

Losing a man like Jeff is extra painful for us New Hampshire farmers. Our numbers are small and getting smaller; most of us are over 55 and not getting any younger. How can we replenish our diminishing ranks with new farmers? Certainly not by promising them riches. It's a truism that the way to make a million dollars in farming is to start with $10 million... a grim joke. 

 

Farming is not glamorous, but it's necessary if we want to eat. For people like me, it's the only way to live – as a fully participating, hands-on producer - carrying on an age-old tradition and working under the sky with no boss except Mother Nature. 

 

To recruit young farmers, each year in early October, Learning Networks Foundation (the nonprofit aspect of Miles Smith Farm) hosts FARM DAY.  Our 2018 FARM DAY takes place on Saturday, October 6th from 10 am to 3 pm. That's when young and old can get up-close and personal with our farm animals. Visitors get to pet a rabbit, brush a heifer, take a hayride, and even ride a cow!

 

This year we'll also have two friendly lambs and a donkey named Eleanor; winsome creatures that we bought from Jeff Jordan's estate. In addition to visiting the animals at FARM DAY, there will be three workshops – one on raising goats, another on vegetable and herb gardening, and a third on training yoked cattle to pull heavy loads...my special joy. 

 

Yes, we mourn Jeff's passing but let's also celebrate his life and protect his legacy by inviting young people to come and learn about agriculture. We're raising cattle and hogs at Miles Smith Farm, but we're also cultivating our next generation of farmers!

 

Find out more about FARM DAY on our website at https://www.milessmithfarm.com/farm-day-2018.html

 

Carole Soule is co-owner of Miles Smith Farm, in Loudon, N.H. She can be reached at [email protected].

 


 

Letter To The Editor

Vote for Education

 

When we talk with people about how NH pays for education they grimace, roll their eyes, and use strong language to describe their property tax bill.  No one says NH is efficient, impactful or “we do a great job supporting the education of all our students!”

 

The current statewide funding formula for adequate education aid was established in 2008, with updates in 2011 and 2015.  During the 2018 session the NH legislature reviewed the current funding formula and decided further consideration and possible adjustments would be worthy during the 2019 session (remember just about everyone in NH makes ugly faces when thinking about education funding so yes, it’s time to explore an adjustment).

 

The current funding formula has a statewide education property tax (SWEPT) as it’s foundation. Given that approximately 25% of NH’s population live in towns with a bit under 50% of the state’s property value, and that NH allows towns with high property value to keep all their SWEPT revenue within their own town, this reliance on a statewide education property tax forces the NH legislature to find money for public education from other sources of taxation and revenue.  (No wonder education funding is strained, and taxpayers are grumpy!)

 

Pittsfield, Epsom, and Allenstown, plus all the towns of NH Senate District 17, are fortunate to have engaged, thoughtful, and intelligent candidates. As you prepare to vote, please consider each candidate’s position on equitable education funding and the impact the candidate may have on all of NH’s children.  Vote for candidates that will be flexible, engaged and ensure that NH meets its constitutional obligation for statewide public education.

 

Harry and Leslie Vogt

Pittsfield

 


 

Suncook Valley Supports Equity In Education Group Update

 

On September 18th a group of Pittsfield citizens working together as Suncook Valley Supports Equity in Education sent the following letter to:

 

Gubernatorial, NH Senate District 17 and NH House of Representatives Districts 21 and 29 Candidates:

 

A group of Pittsfield citizens has been working together to increase our understanding of how the State of New Hampshire funds and distributes Adequate Education Aid.  We have been sharing what we learn with our friends and neighbors. Leading up to the November election we would like to be able to share candidate position statements concerning adequate education aid.

 

By October 8, 2018 we are hoping you will send us a written statement that addresses the following questions.

 

• What will you do to make sure that New Hampshire updates its adequacy grants to realistic levels? 

 

• What will you do to make school property tax rates fair and equal across the state?

 

• As an immediate measure, would you support a moratorium on cuts to stabilization aid?  Would you support restoring the amount that has been cut since 2015? 

 

• If you are in favor of a constitutional amendment on school funding, what would such an amendment say?

 

We fully understand, and expect, that your position will evolve and change during the 2019 legislative session, but we believe your current thoughts will be of interest to voters as they consider their candidate selections.  We plan to publish the statements we receive in the weekly newspaper The Suncook Valley Sun during the final three weeks of October.  The gubernatorial, NH state senate and NH house of representatives’ statements will be published together.  We will also post your statements on the Facebook page Suncook Valley Supports Equity in Education.  Our purpose is to provide information, so we will not be endorsing candidates.

 

Thank you for stepping forward as a candidate in New Hampshire’s 2018 election.

 


 

Josiah Carpenter Library October News

 

The nip of cold is in the air, and you may think that all the ticks are dead.  Not true, I have friend who was bitten by a tick in December!  On Tuesday October 9th at 1:00 pm Carolyn Fredette from the NH Division of Public Health will offer a Tick Talk at the Pittsfield Senior Center.  Come and learn about the signs and symptoms of tick-borne diseases, how to prevent bites, and proper tick removal and disposal.  This will be a wonderful opportunity to talk to an expert.

 

On Monday October 8th at 2:00 pm the Chichester-Epsom-Pittsfield Libraries Memory Café will enjoy a reading of The Devil and Daniel Webster by Stephen Vincent Benet.  Local caregivers and folks living with memory loss are invited to come and enjoy a classic uncanny short story set right here in New Hampshire!  Refreshments will be served.  

 

Story Hour for babies, preschoolers, families and caregivers meets on Thursday at 10:00am; come and celebrate Fall and fairy tales.  The Adventures Club (kindergarten thru 3rd grade) that meets on Tuesday at 3:30 pm will be creating puppets and a puppet show to perform in late October. Exploring circuits will be the focus of Creating Adventures (3rd thru 6th grade) which meets on Wednesday at 2:00pm.  We are looking forward to having fun with families at Parks and Recreation’s Harvestfest on Saturday October 20th, we hope to see at the town pool!

 

The Teen Book Worms will gather on Tuesday October 9th at 6:30pm; they will enjoy a light supper and discuss Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard.  The Pittsfield Writer’s Circle will meet at the library on Tuesday the 23rd at 5:00pm.  The adult book club will meet to discuss Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout at 10:30 am on Tuesday October 23rd at the Pittsfield Senior Center.  Come, and join on some lively conversation.

 


 

Wanted: Historic Pittsfield Items

 

With the building of the new Pittsfield Historical Society headquarters and museum next spring, the organization is now in a position to once again accept historical ephemera and items, both large and small. We are in the planning stage of placing items into various galleries in the museum and would like to have any additional items donated as soon as possible so that they can be incorporated into our plans. 

 

We welcome any early Pittsfield items: pictures, plate and iron ware, arts and crafts items and products manufactured in Pittsfield, military and railroad artifacts, commerce and industrial ephemera and goods, and school, sports, fire department, and police memorabilia, as well as paraphernalia of various organizations. 

 

All donations will be greatly appreciated and recognition given by the Society.

 


 

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The Suncook Valley Area Lions Club had an induction ceremony Tuesday, September 26. Judy Gibson from Epsom/Chichester Lions club performed the ceremony for new member Robert Giegerich, with his sponsor Don Bergeron. For more information on becoming a Lion contact membership chair Ed Vien 435- 5052. 

 

Pittsfield Area Senior Center

 

Cat Faulkner is back at the Pittsfield Senior Center on Tuesday, October 9, at 10:30 AM. Cat is a favorite performer and she gains new fans at every show. This is a free live musical performance, where she combines the traditional jazz style with her interpretation of the American Songbook. You may be familiar with the iconic songs of that era that include, “It had to be you,” “Night and Day,” and “My Romance.” Please come, enjoy the music, and have lunch with us. Call 435-8482 to make your reservations.

 

The Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association is having a Flu Immunization Clinic at the Pittsfield Senior Center on Friday, October 19, from 10:00am-12:00pm. If you do not have an insurance card the cost will be $30.00, but it will be free if you have a card from Medicare B, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, Harvard Pilgrim, or Anthem. The center is located on 74 Main St. in Pittsfield. There are no lines so just come in.

 


Obituaries


 

Deena L. Bowman

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In loving memory of Deena L. Bowman of Rochester who passed away September 15, 2018 after declining health.

 

Born September 12, 1957, she loved to laugh, tell jokes, go for rides, cook on campfires, and eat marshmallows. 

 

She loved all animals, especially her cat, Cinnamon, and a favorite pig, named Arnold, she used to bottle-feed.  She liked fishing, holidays, gatherings, listening to music, and will be greatly missed by her boyfriend of 14 years.

 

Mark St. George & Family

 


 

Cleon V. Riel, Sr.

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PITTSFIELD- Mr. Cleon V. Riel, Sr., 92, a lifelong resident of Pittsfield, passed away unexpectedly in the New Hampshire State Veterans Home on September 24, 2018.

 

Born in Pittsfield, Cleon was the son of the late Victor and Irene (Genest) Riel.  He was raised and educated in Pittsfield and was a graduate of Pittsfield High School.  Following his graduation, Cleon enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country during World War II.

 

Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a Line Engineer with the NH Electric Co-Op, a position he held for over 40 years.  Cleon was past president of the Pittsfield Lions Club and was a longtime member of the VFW in Pittsfield.  He was a member of the Civil Defense and also taught hunter safety for several years.

 

Cleon was an avid hunter and fisherman and also enjoyed beekeeping and candlepin bowling.

 

He was predeceased by his siblings: Theresa Chagnon, Ronald Riel, Jacqueline Drew, James Riel and Edward Riel.

 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Therese (Drouin) Riel; his two children: Cleon “Kip” Riel, Jr. of Pittsfield and Lurene M. Riel of Epsom; his two grandchildren, Marissa Butterfield and Shelby Riel; his great grandson, Jason Butterfield; and his siblings, Vincent Riel of Keene, Arlene Riel of Old Orchard Beach, ME and Patricia Gagne of Cape Coral, FL.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

 

Burial took place in Floral Park Cemetery, Pittsfield on Saturday, September 29th.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Cleon’s memory may be sent to the NH Veterans Home, 139 Winter St. Tilton, NH 03276 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 166 S. River Rd. #210, Bedford, NH 03110.  To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.stilloaks.com

 


 


 

 











 

 

 

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