Denise Davis of Goldsboro, North Carolina, has returned home after spending
ten days with her mother, Margaret Chagnon, at her home on Manchester Street
and visiting her brothers, David and Gary and their families. While here, on
February 21st. she was guest of honor at a surprise 50th Birthday
party with family and a few friends.
Staci Coogan of Loudon
was named to the Castleton State College, Castleton, VT, Dean’s List for the
Fall 2008 semester. To qualify for this academic honor, the student must
maintain full-time status and a semester grade point average of 3.5 Staci is
a biology major.
Celebrating Birthdays are: March 4, Michael
Bender; March 5, Keriann Lank; March 6, Eric Tiede; March 8, Tim Pethic;
March 9 Crystal Blodgett, Stan Bailey.
A very happy Birthday to one and
all.
Best Wishes to John and Judith Dunne who celebrate
their Wedding Anniversary today, March 4th.
Letter
I am writing this letter in response to Susan Willoughby. John
Lenaerts resigned 7/29/08 and the Board decided to not advertise the
position until 8/31/08.
After advertising in the newspaper the Board
decided that they did not receive enough applications and to continue their
search until 9/30/08 and advertise on Channel 24 and the website in addition
to the newspaper.
On 9/30 the Board decided to interview each applicant
on 10/21/08.
On 12/09/08 Fred Hast was appointed the Board after
complaints and concerns from a citizen that the position had to be filled by
RSA. Fred was sworn in on 12/16/08.
There was plenty of opportunity for
any citizen to apply for the position and only 4 took the opportunity to do
so.
Would appreciate your vote on March 10th.
Fred Hast
Mission Trip To Honduras
Once a year, usually in January, John Feeny of
Kaime, Road, Chichester and his brother, Bill of Waltham, Mass., join a
nondenominational group, “Vision International Missions” out of Manchester,
New Hampshire for a trip to Honduras. This mission makes ten trips annually,
This was John’s 11th year and Bill’s 13th. They were among a group of ten,
basically from the Plymouth and Ashland area. They worked with a Honduran
dentist, an American nurse (who made the trip with the group) and a female
Honduran doctor, assisting in both fields. (John mainly does extractions).
However, before a clinic begins, some preaching is involved and occasionally
an evening church service is held.
This year, between dentistry and
medicine, 1100 patients were cared for in eight different villages. John
will tell you, :It is a rewarding experience that everyone should take part
in at least once in his/her life!”
Letter
Dear Pittsfield Voters:
On March 10th there is a crucial
crossroads decision to be made.
You will be voting on Planning Board
members.
I strongly urge you to support Jim Pritchard.
For 6 years
Pritchard has worked tirelessly to develop a legal based, all inclusive,
change to Pittsfield’s vague and somewhat arbitrary zoning ordinance. This
change sites precedence and specific law statutes that govern zoning do’s
and don'ts.
All too often, for far too many years zoning decisions have
been inconsistent and, in some cases, unlawful.
This has left petitioners
bewildered, not knowing what ordinance provision(s) really applied to their
situation(s).
How can we expect our tax base to improve if
prospective new businesses steer clear of our town, due to the current
zoning ordinance confusion?
Vote for Jim Pritchard’s proposed ordinance
changes. Ballot Article Six.
Jim Pritchard is a person of conviction.
Knowledge and integrity. He will always make decisions based on law and
fairness.
Current Planning Board members want you to vote on having board
members appointed not chosen by you.
Vote to continue election of
Planning Board members.
Please put Jim Pritchard on Pittsfield’s Planning
Board and send a clear message to the town government that we, as citizens,
expect more from those who are representing us.
Let’s end influence by
developers and the good old Boy’s Network.
Sincerely,
Ted Mitchell
Letter
Homeowners Of Pittsfield:
According to their minutes, the
majority of members of the Planning Board agreed to change the Zoning Table
of Uses for our town. I know they did this with good intentions, however,
they failed to consider the negative ramifications to homeowners. Their plan
allows auto repair/body shops, “high-density cluster developments,” and
“manufactured housing parks,” to name a few changes, in suburban and rural
zones BY RIGHT. Just imagine, your neighbor decides to move, sells their
home and land, and the person who purchases it puts in an auto repair shop
OR the field or wooded area across the road is sold to a developer, who
builds a “cluster development” or establishes a “manufactured housing park.”
These changes WILL reduce the value of YOUR property if this happens in the
vicinity of your home.
To protect the value of your home vote NO on
Articles 2, 3, 4 and 5.
These articles are recommended by the board (even
though they admit to typographical errors within the table.) These articles
are, however, NOT in the best interest of the homeowner. These changes in
zone usage WILL LOWER the VALUE of YOUR PROPERTY, and could be DISRUPTIVE to
your neighborhood. Vote NO on Articles 2, 3, 4, and 5!
It is vital to our
town that zoning terms and definitions are clear and follow state
guidelines. It is important that there are no “loop holes” allowing
individuals or businesses, and their lawyers to manipulate regulations to
meet their needs with little regard to the town or your neighborhood. To
clarify Pittsfield’s confusing regulations and inconsistent decisions by the
board vote YES on Article 6.
EJ Legg
School Lunch Menus
March 9-13, 2008
CHICHESTER
Monday
- Pancakes,
sausage links, applesauce, orange wedge, milk.
Tuesday - Meatball sub,
French fries, apple, milk.
Wednesday - Spaghetti with meatsauce, garlic
bread, green beans, diced pears, milk.
Thursday - Steak & cheese on
roll, potato salad or veggie, brownie, milk.
Friday - Cheese pizza,
veggie sticks with dip, sliced peaches, milk.
EPSOM
Monday
- Hot dog
with roll, fries, pickles, fruit, milk or yogurt tray, chicken salad.
Tuesday - Sloppy Joe, buttered noodles, veg., fruit, milk or yogurt tray,
tuna salad.
Wednesday - BLT wraps, pretzels, celery sticks, fruit, milk
or yogurt tray, Caesar salad.
Thursday - Cheeseburger, rice, rolls,
veg., fruit, milk or yogurt tray, egg salad.
Friday - Homemade cheese
pizza, carrot sticks, fresh fruit, milk or yogurt tray, cheese salad.
PMHS
Monday
- Pizza, corn, fruit, milk.
Tuesday
- Grilled cheese,
tomato soup, veggies, fruit, milk.
Wednesday - Pasta salad, bread,
fruit, milk.
Thursday - Chicken, veggies, fruit, milk.
Friday - BLT,
soup, veggies, fruit, milk.
PES
Monday
- Turkey sandwich, salad,
fruit, milk.
Tuesday - Shepherd’s pie, mashed potatoes, corn, fruit,
milk.
Wednesday - Ravioli, veggie, fruit, milk.
Thursday - Popcorn
chicken, veggie, fruit, milk.
Friday - Pizza, fruit, milk.
Pittsfield Police Department Arrest Log
2/8/09-2/21/09
On February 8, 2009, Barbara McNair, 49, of Catamount Road, Pittsfield, was
charged with Criminal Mischief and given a court date to appear in Concord
District Court on 3/6/09.
On February 8, 2009, John McNair, 53, of
Catamount Road, Pittsfield, was charged with Simple Assault and given a
court date to appear in Concord District Court on 3/6/09.
On February 10,
2009, Nevin Drew, 20, of Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, NH, was arrested
on a Bench Warrant and was given a court date to appear in Concord District
Court on 3/26/09.
On February 14, 2009, Robert Bubacz, 27, of Depot
Street, Pittsfield, was arrested on a Warrant and given a court date to
appear in Concord District Court on 2/14/09.
On February 14, 2009, Keith
Scribner, 47, of Chestnut Street, Pittsfield, was charged with DWI and was
given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 3/6/09.
On
February 16, 2009, Francis LeBlanc, 24, of Main Street, Pittsfield, was
charged with Operating with a Suspended Registration and given a court date
to appear in Concord District Court on 3/17/09.
On February 19, 2009,
Stephen Hopkins, 33, of Parade Hill Road, Center Barnstead, NH, was charged
with Negligent Driving and given a court date to appear in Concord District
Court on
On February 19, 2009, Judith Masse, 27, of Bridge Street,
Pittsfield, was charged with Disorderly Conduct and given a court date to
appear in Concord District Court on 3/20/09.
Respectfully Submitted,
Chief Robert Wharem
Meet Officer Richard Wiltshire Of The Pittsfield Police Department
Officer Wiltshire has been in law enforcement for six years and a proud
member of the Army National Guard for ten years.
Wiltshire joined the
Pittsfield Police Department because he wanted to serve the community and
protect and help people.
Officer Wiltshire is married and enjoys hockey
and motorcycles.
The Pittsfield Police Department is proud to have
Officer Wiltshire as a member of the team that is helping to make the
Pittsfield Police a stronger department.
Letter
I am writing to ask Pittsfield voters to vote NO on Town Meeting
Articles 2, 3, 4, and 5, which are Zoning Revisions from the Planning Board;
to vote YES on Article 6, which is a citizen-petitioned Zoning revision; and
to vote for Jim Pritchard for Planning Board. I served several years on the
Zoning Board, and one year as its Chair before I retired. I noticed that
people don’t like the restrictions of rules, but those same people, when
threatened, want protection. The Planning Board’s proposal eliminates zoning
protections that we take for granted. It would allow, in the Rural and
Suburban districts, residential housing development on driveways, with
multi-family apartments, and with about 3 dwelling units/acre - almost the
same as the Urban district. The Planning Board’s proposal, would, in my
opinion, be a disaster to the town. Several times, Jim appeared before the
Zoning Board, on behalf of himself or others. He was always fully prepared
and knowledgeable, and the citizen proposal, which mostly he wrote, is well
thought out. I am certain that Jim, if elected, would be fair,
understanding, and compassionate and would, above all, work within the law.
The citizen proposal, if adopted, would let people do legally more than they
can now but with necessary protections that neighbors expect. This is
Pittsfield’s most important election since I moved here 12 years ago. Jim is
the most qualified candidate for Planning Board that I have ever seen. I
strongly urge you to forget personal insults that you may have heard about
Jim. Please vote what is best for the town - and for yourself. Jim Pritchard
for Planning Board, YES on Article 6.
Bob Lincoln
Pittsfield
Letter
Dear Pittsfield Voters,
Before you vote on the Planning Board’s
warrant article which changes the current Zoning Ordinance, please become
familiar with the current ordinance and what the Planning Board has
recommended for changes. The best way to do this is to obtain a copy
of the current ordinance and a copy of the proposed changes. Look
closely at the “table of uses” or “use table” and Articles 2, 3, 4 and 5.
After attending Planning Board meetings and hearings on this subject, I
believe the proposed changes are not in the best interests of ”the town” of
Pittsfield and all residents. Some who advocated and voted for these
changes are not in support of laws and rules in general, going so far as to
attempt to abolish our Zoning Board.
My husband and I have lived
in Pittsfield for 17 years and have always been supportive of responsible
land use and development, Economic and otherwise; while promoting the “small
business” or “in home” occupation, something the current zoning ordinance
allows for.
The differing points of view on this subject come down
to the “Free State” philosophy, taking the “Live Free or Die” motto
verbatim. These views do not promote healthy community living, where
everyone’s rights are considered.
Thank you and please vote NO on the
Planning Board Warrant Article to change our Zoning Ordinances!
Donna
Keeley
Letter
Please Vote NO For SB2
Apparently “No,” only means “No,”
when someone is attempting to revisit the Town Manager form of government
and not when it comes to changing from Town Meeting format to SB2.
I
believe there is a huge misconception that SB2 curtails taxes and keeps
small town schools from increasing their budgets while maintaining a quality
of education for our children.
This year, for example, the default budget
for the Pittsfield School district would have been over $315,000 more than
the proposed budget. An uninformed voter, brainwashed into thinking a vote
for the default budget reflects positively on the taxpayer’s wallet, would
have increased our tax rate by over $1 per thousand. This, coupled with the
lost revenue from the state, could have sent our tax rate soaring.
In
Pittsfield we elect a School Board and appoint a Budget Committee to create
and review a budget before being presented to the townspeople. These people
should be trusted. Countless hours are spent modifying budgets, finding and
applying cuts and coming up with a bottom line that both serves our children
and respects our ability to pay.
If there are differences, I welcome the
opportunity to compromise with my neighbor in a Town Meeting format to bring
about a result that we all can live with.
Dan Schroth, one of
the petitioners of the article up for vote, admitted at the SB2 Public
Hearing that he doesn’t care whether or not SB2 passes; he even suggested
that SB2 may NOT be the right choice. Dan believes it’s worth a gamble. I
believe the education of our children shouldn’t be determined by “rolling
the dice.”
A “No” vote for SB2 would be appreciated.
Ross Morse
Pittsfield
Area Students Named To New England College Dean’s List
The following
area students were
on the Dean’s List
at New England
College in Henniker,
NH, for the Fall
2008 semester:
Cassandra Escabi, of Allenstown, a
sophomore.
Kimberly Hanson, of Center Barnstead, a senior.
Shannon
O’Neil, of Deerfield, a junior.
Brandon Bell, of Loudon, a senior.
Nicholas Paradie, of Loudon, a senior.
Nicholas Paradis, of Pembroke, a
senior.
Erin Webber, of Pittsfield, a junior.
Letter
Spring is in the air which means, so is the election. To me, both
are good news. Colleen Laro is running for Town Clerk/Tax Collector. Colleen
is a proud native Pittsfield woman, a true believer in the community, who I
feel will bring much devotion to our citizens. Colleen has a strong work
ethic, various levels of experience to bring to the position, a willingness
to learn and an eagerness to serve. I believe Colleen will give her best to
the Town of Pittsfield, taking on the commitment with a fresh perspective
and the dedication our community deserves. Please help me in supporting
Colleen Laro for Pittsfield Town Clerk/Tax Collector on March 10th.
Thank
You,
Larry Konopka
Citizen of Pittsfield
Letter
Dear Pittsfield Voter,
My name is Kathy Corliss and I am a
candidate for School Board. We built our home here 18 years ago and
have 3 children enrolled in Pittsfield schools.
I still believe a good
education opens the door of opportunity, and should produce well rounded,
productive citizens whether one enters the workforce or continues
educational pursuits. We need to produce students able to compete in a
global economy.
With consolidation of our SAU, and administration that
knows and understands our children and community, we have an opportunity to
focus on developing the continuity that has been missing between our two
schools. Additionally, Middle High School administrative changes have
given me hope for positive change, with leadership that not only listens,
but hears and takes into consideration, community and parental concerns.
Educated in a community similar to Pittsfield, I (thoroughly) enjoyed
participation in sports, band and chorus. My graduating class contained 45
students. I continued my studies to receive a civil engineering
degree. Having worked in both the public and private sectors, and
self-employed while our children were young, I’m familiar with the need to
be fiscally responsible and accountable.
Our children’s school and
social activities introduced us to peers and parents, and volunteer
opportunities with scouting and coaching. Experience with these
organizations has solidified my interest in seeing all youth make the
important decision and commitment, to excel in their educational, as well as
extra-curricular, pursuits.
As taxpayers we are acutely aware of
the financial burden faced with respect to educating our children. It
is my desire, that as your representative, I can work with administration,
teaching staff and parents, in returning excellence and student
accountability to our school, while balancing the burden on our long time
residents and local taxpayers. Thanks for your consideration.
Kathleen Corliss
Pittsfield Annual School District Meeting
During school district meeting,
which will be held at 7:00p.m. on Thursday March 12, 2009, in the PES
gymnasium, Pittsfield’s citizens will gather to discuss the education of our
students and vote on the school’s financial warrant articles.
The
proposed operating budget is $168,578 lower than the current school year,
but due to projected income reductions (from the State of NH, federal
government, and the school’s projection that there will not be a fund
balance at the end of the current school year) the estimated property tax
impact is 50 cents per thousand. A warrant article, if approved, to
continue saving for major building maintenance projects could add 11 cents
per thousand.
Significant cost increases reflected in the proposed budget
include $413,410 for payments such as utilities, contractual salary
increases, health insurance, the NH retirement system, special education
tuition and transportation. Major decreases include $789, 855 in
payments for debt service (the bond for Pittsfield Elementary School has
been paid!), relocation of the SAU office to PMHS, reductions in
textbooks/supplies, and the elimination of nine positions. The
personnel reductions include one half of an administrative position, 5
teachers and 3.5 support staff positions.
The Pittsfield School Board has
tried very hard to present a budget that supports the continued improvement
of student learning in Pittsfield, and minimizes the school’s impact on our
taxes.
Please come to Pittsfield’s annual school district meeting,
Mary Paradise, Scott Brown, Gary Colby, Leslie Vogt, Mike Wolfe
Pittsfield School Board
Pittsfield Fire and Rescue Service News
January 2009
During the month
of January, seventy-three calls for emergency assistance were received. This
is the second highest call volume on record for a single month. Fire and EMS
personnel responded to 46 medical emergencies, 11 motor vehicle accidents, 1
structure fire, 1 mutual aid stand by for a structure fire, 3 hazardous
conditions, 2 service calls, 4 good intent calls, and 5 alarm activations.
Four of the calls were simultaneous responses where all units were
responding to or operating at other emergency calls. Three mutual aid
responses were given to other communities, six mutual aid responses
(including 3 for a structure fire) were received from other communities.
One paramedic intercept was received from a neighboring department and one
was provided to another community.
Members participated in an in-house
EMS training to review and practice skills for their EMT practical exam for
re-certification. Three members have completed the exam and several
others are scheduled to take the exam. Members also attended an
in-house fire training on hose loads and an engineers drill was conducted.
FF/EMT-B Lyle Deane conducted a presentation on Emergency Medical
Situations and the OHRV Rider at the Community Center for community members.
Chief Johnson, EMT-Intermediate Kristen Ahearn and EMT-Paramedic Alyssa
MacGlashing conducted a Fire/EMS Career presentation at PMHS.
Seven code
consultations and four follow up inspections were completed.
Congratulations to Jake and Alyssa MacGlashing on the recent birth of their
daughter. Alyssa serves as a full-time paramedic for the Town of
Pittsfield.
Safety Tip: We can’t help you if we can’t find you.
Please number your house! Having a visible address on your house is
critical for emergency services to locate you as quickly as possible.
Letter
Before the holidays, short (about 300 word) articles were
submitted for consideration of publication regarding what Pittsfield was
doing or could do to support our men and women in uniform. These were not
published. I will follow up since so many of you asked for ideas on what to
do during the holidays to show we remember. One family’s children had even
planned to each forgo a present so they could “adopt” a soldier for
Christmas.
The Hero Tree was again included by our Chamber of Commerce
at the Tree Lighting. Many thanks to the Chamber for their continued
support. On December 13, there was a small gathering at Dustin Park to lay a
holiday wreath of remembrance corresponding with Wreaths Across America for
those who are serving and couldn’t be home to share our holiday festivities.
Many of us were “in the dark” then, during the black out. Thank you, Jan
Heath of Heath’s Flower Shop, for your beautiful holiday wreath donation and
continued support of our sons and daughters. Thank you to Sabra Welch who
rescued the wreath during the storms and snow clean up. Addresses of
organizations sponsoring holiday programs and card giving were submitted.
These didn’t make publication either. Mr. Ross Morse explained, “At that
time space in the paper was sparse. Once the holiday had passed I thought
the opportunity to support the troops for the holidays had as well.” One
group was given space for 2 articles one week I understand my priorities are
not always shared by others. Thank you for your explanation.
Receiving
no press didn’t mean that nothing was done. We have many from our town
serving in the armed forces. Got Freedom? Freedom isn’t Free. Let us not
forget those who protect our liberties.
Lea Adams,
Blue Star Mother
x’s 2
Letter
I’m sure there are many reasons that draw people to live in a
small town, but one of the biggest has to be the sense of community.
Our kids grow up together, and we watch out for our neighbors. In a
lot of ways we are like a large extended family. We take care of each
other. There are examples of this every day, but no better than the
generosity and concern shown during the ice storm this winter and the
aftermath of the tornado this past summer. Crisis can bring out the
best in people. So why, when important decisions need to be made that
affect our entire community would we choose to isolate ourselves in a voting
booth? We are so fortunate in Pittsfield to have the opportunity
to come together, find out first hand what the issues are, ask questions
then and there, and vote the same day. If after discussion we choose to vote
secretly, we still have that option. SB2 would eliminate this privilege,
this truly pure democratic process. I think our community - our
neighbors, regardless of age or economic status deserve better than that.
A good friend often quotes the phrase “It takes a village.” I couldn’t
agree more, and wouldn’t want it any other way. I urge you to vote no
on SB2.
Erica Anthony
Letter
To the people of Pittsfield,
To those of you who know me, know
that I do what I feel is best for our community, whether it be on fact
finding committee, various other committees in town, to include my current
committees of Master Plan, Emergency Management, and as Pittsfield
Representative to the Concord Regional CrimeLine. But I am not here today to
talk about those, even though they are important, but I come to you on the
actions of the Planning Board amendments to our upcoming Town Election.
Warrant Articles 2, 3, 4, and 5 have been “looked at” by the Planning Board.
I placed the two words inside quotes because all of the articles have flaws
that they even admit exist. What they hope is that the good people of
Pittsfield will not know any better and vote for them, hoping that just
because they are there they are good for us. Of this, I hope that come
Election Day you will see that both the Articles and the Planning Board are
both flawed There is one other item that will be up for election.
There
is a warrant article to have the Planning Board back to being appointed. I,
personally, cannot think of any Board (except for the Select Board) or
committee to be elected. I would wager that the Select Board has a better
pulse of the Town than any of us put together. Put the responsibility of
running the Town back with the Select Board.
I urge the good people of
Pittsfield to vote on March 17th, vote “NO” on Articles 2, 3, 4, and 5 and
to vote yes on Article 7 to return the Planning Board back to the Select
Board. Stay tuned for more letters on this year’s election Warrant
Articles...
Respectfully,
Merrill Vaughan
Pittsfield
Letter to the Editor
WARNING – DO NOT VOTE FOR ARTICLES 2,3,4 and 5
relative to changes to the Pittsfield Zoning Ordinance on this year’s
ballot. On Tuesday, March 10th, you will be asked to vote on these four
articles, which are illegal. They are illegal because during the
public hearing held on these changes they were included in one article only.
Now our Selectmen, Town Administrator and Town Attorney have decided to
separate them into four warrant articles. This is but one more attempt to
fool voters into voting for such nonsense. These articles are not clear and
are not necessary. They will only confuse voters. They are also not part of
Pittsfield’s Master Plan. We have attended all the public hearings on
changes the Planning Board wishes to make to our zoning ordinances and at
each meeting it became more apparent that the Planning Board themselves
could not explain why these changes are needed or just how they would affect
Pittsfield. Let’s send a clear message to the Planning Board that they
need to go back to the drawing board and rethink what they are trying to
accomplish. This Board is not watching out for our interests, and they
should be ashamed to bring these sweeping changes forward for a vote. If
these changes are adopted, our property values will be negatively impacted.
There is a solution to these concerns, and it would be a YES vote for the
citizen-petitioned amendment ARTICLE 6. This amendment received
well over 100 signatures and was thoughtfully and carefully explained during
a public hearing. The amendment does not include sweeping changes and
will not negatively impact our community. Please join us in voting YES
on ARTICLE 6. Thank you.
Paul and Carole Richardson
Letter
To Pittsfield Voters,
After much consideration, I have decided
not to support any changes to our Zoning Ordinance. I have found many things
wrong with our Planning Board’s proposal and that of the proposal submitted
by petition.
I do support Article 7 making the Planning Board appointed
by the Selectboard. So, I ask you to vote with me on March 10, 2009. NO on
Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and YES on Article 7.
Sincerely,
Edward L.
Vien
Letter
To The Residents And Voters Of Pittsfield:
I wanted to take
this opportunity to say thank you for letting me be your Selectman for the
past three years. As your Selectman, I have learned to keep an open mind and
to gather all the information possible before making my decisions. When
making a decision I look at how it will affect all the residents of our
town.
In the last three years, I have seen improvements made, but there
is much more work to do. I would like to continue to work on our problems
and make things better. That is the reason I have decided to run for another
three year term for Selectman. I would ask for your support and your vote on
March 10, 2009.
Sincerely,
Edward L. Vien
Letter
The Selectboard is proud to announce George Bachelder as
December’s Employee of the Month. George has been with our town over
twenty-six years and is currently our Superintendent of the Public Works
Department. George is a dedicated hard working employee who goes above and
beyond the call of duty. George is faced with all types of challenges in
which Mother Nature is the aggressor. George remains calm, strategizes,
communicates and implements the best plan of action to remedy the
situation. George is dependable, courteous, professional and respectful of
others. George is a preventative planner setting long term goals for
equipment replacement and future purchases. George has proven to be an
effective leader by setting examples for his employees, requiring essential
training, proposing responsible budgets and successful department employee
retention. With unforeseen disasters, George is quick to react, pulling
together resources that will allow him to prevail. Broken equipment, ice
storms, floods, tornado, record breaking snow storms, the safety of our
citizens are the Public Works Department’s first priority. We are very
fortunate to have such an outstanding Public Works Superintendent and we
would like to commend George for all that he has done for our town.
Respectfully Submitted by,
Denise Morin
Letter To The Editor
To The Good Citizens Of Pittsfield:
Re: Paul and
Carole Richardson’s Letter, February 25th. Suncook Valley Sun.
You claim
that by voting for James Pritchard for Planning Board will guarantee that
our Constitutional Rights will not be violated. Not True. Jim has a bad
habit of trying to stop anything. Usually it involves tramping on a property
owner’s rights.
Ask him how many
times he has been to court against the
town who is defending a property owner's rights.
The owner’s rights need
a new direction. The basic problem - wages have not gone up in 20 years.
Taxes have gone up fourfold; healthcare, fourfold; food, doubled or tripled;
energy, tripled.
Is it asking too much for our property rights back so
we can feed our family and pay our taxes?
I helped write and am voting
for the Planning Board’s Proposal. I am voting for SB2, which we hope to use
as a tool to stop our taxes from increasing. I am voting to reduce the
School Board’s Budget by $160,000 at the School District’s Meeting Thursday
night, March 12th, 7 p.m. at Pittsfield Elementary School, to keep taxes
from increasing. Care to join me?
Respectfully,
Dan Schroth
Letter
SB2 - VOTE NO
I came across an interesting analysis while
researching NH school budgets this year. A study published 9/08 by
NHpolicy.org ranked every New Hampshire town by their average cost to
educate one elementary school child per year. The state average was
$10716/child/year. Pittsfield’s per pupil cost was $10625 - BELOW THE
AVERAGE! Pittsfield's ranked better than 2/3 of all towns. I found MANY SB2
towns that spent more per student than the $10716 state average. Whether the
Pittsfield School District becomes an SB2 district or not - and I hope it
does not - the school budget is not our problem. We must lower our tax rate
by RESPONSIBLY increasing our tax base.
Please vote NO to SB2 on 3/10
and please attend the School District Meeting on Thursday March 12th.
God Bless Our Troops,
Rachel Wood
Pittsfield
Letter
I wrote to alert Pittsfield residents to the tonic brew of a major
zoning ordinance change that they will be asked to vote on next week. Lots
of bad things there, but let me describe one that is a bell ringer.
Not
mentioned in the articles you are asked to vote on, but clearly outlined in
the source document (Planning Board’s complete proposal) is an example of
how a multiplier would work in the Rural Zone. The example uses a ten acre
parcel as an example and shows that 28 units would be allowed, where
normally, ten acres (2 acre zoning) would yield three to four houses or
units.
Just imagine the density this would invite if a developer had 20,
30, or a hundred acres. Add to this that four-unit apartment buildings are
allowed and there is nothing that rules out each unit being a mobile home.
The Board has admitted that the example given is a mistake, but lacking time
they voted 4 to 3 for the revised ordinance as written.
One member, aware
of the mistake, said we can tweak it next year. NO. A developer who chooses
to pick this low-hanging fruit, can use the cited example to insist on the
density allowed and an approved subdivision would remain legal for the
foreseeable future.
An interesting aside here which I’m given license to
use by Dan Schroth’s Letter in the February 18th Sun in which he calls me a
“gang” member. I ask readers to take note that the only letters that support
Articles 2, 3, 4, and 5, and School Article 2, have been from that person.
This fact should give us some valued guidance.
Please vote NO on Articles
2, 3, 4, and 5, YES on 7 and NO on School Article 2.
John Lenaerts
Letter
Contrary to belief I am not retiring from my position as Town
Clerk/Tax Collector. I am hoping to serve another 3 year term as I have
worked too long and too hard to relinquish a position that I have been
dedicated to for nearly 27 years.
I would like to
reflect on a few of
the changes that
have come about in
the last few years.
There is a new vital
records program
called Nevrin which allows us more flexibility in
issuing births, marriages and death records. Also MAPP which is the online
motor vehicle system which puts us directly online with the state. MAPP II
will soon be instituted allowing more conveniences to our customers.
The election process has also gone through major changes with Electionet the
electronic voter checklist and the Help America Vote Act which is a program
for persons with disabilities. All of these programs require training and
refresher courses to keep us up to date. One of the most visible changes has
been the new registration form with its new look and barcodes.
The use of
debit cards seems to be a frequently asked question and we hope to offer
this service soon. E-reg, online registrations is another possibility,
however, I still have pros and cons about it as some people just aren’t
ready to put their checking account information online, in addition to
another fee for the service. I am waiting to see if the state assesses
another $10.00 charge to registrations before I make a decision. Also, there
is a SB that will be heard next week on the possibility of having
dealerships register vehicles. If this happens the town or city where the
business is would receive the revenue. I have written in opposition to this.
Vote March 10th.
Elizabeth Hast
Tax Time Blues Cure Found
Ernie Bass strikes a pose while trying on dresses for his upcoming role in
“Love, Sex, and the I.R.S.” at the Scenic Theatre.
Having a bout of blues over your taxes? Received an audit notice? Need a
stimulus check or rebate?
Well, check out The Pittsfield Players’
upcoming production of “Love, Sex and the I.R.S.” to take your mind off your
economic situation! Written by William Van Zandt and Jane Milmore, this play
is guaranteed to give you a funny return on your investment!
This
laugh-a-minute performance, directed by John Charron and starring Ernie
Bass, Nate Strong, Kate Mara, Mike Hobson and Carole Neveux, will leave you
trying to collect yourself.
Two out-of-work male roommates struggle to
pay their New York City rent in the ‘70s. One guy figures to file their tax
return listing the couple as married to save a little money. The I.R.S.
agent appears for an audit and meets up with the two schemers, who
frantically try to deceive him. The girlfriend and mother get in on the act
with hilarious results, giving the G-man what he deserves. Rounding out the
energetic cast are Len Miller, Meghan Ireland and Steve Bissonnette.
Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., this is a great
way to poke fun at tax time! Dates are March 27, 28 at 8 p.m.; March
29 at 2 p.m.; April 3, 4 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 and available through
Ticket Leap at www.pittsfieldplayers.com or by calling the theater at 435-8852. The
theater is located at 6 Depot Street, Pittsfield.
Obituaries
Newell S.
Bugbee
Newell S. Bugbee of Reading passed on Monday, February 23, 2009, at the
Arnold House Nursing Home. He was 88 years of age.
Born in Waterville, Maine, Newell was the son of the late Lillian
(Higgins) Bugbee and Leslie U. Bugbee. Newell was a warm and caring
husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
He will be sorely missed.
During high school Newell was active in drama, school newspaper. He was
an honor student and a member of the Glee Club. He was a member of the
Camera Club and Vice President of the Senior Class.
Newell was a passionate patriot, loved the USA, and was proud of his
service to his country. During WWII, Newell proudly defended our freedom by
serving in the United States Army, 841st Ordnance Division. He was a
Staff Sergeant in the European Theatre.
Newell worked for General Motors for 40 years. He also owned Merri-Mart
in Lawrence for 5 years. Newell was an avid history buff, loved science,
gardening, and enjoyed fishing with family and friends. He was a great story
teller, and had a wonderful sense of humor.
Newell was the beloved husband of the late Katherine P. (Larracey)
Bugbee; Loving father of Laurinda Gallant and her husband George of Ashland;
Karen “Bonnie” German and her husband Manuel of Reading; Wendie Bugbee of
Pittsfield, NH,; and the late Patrick Bugbee; Dr. Darlena Blucher and Capt.
Gary Bugbee, US Army; cherished grandfather of 10; great-grandfather of 4;
Dear brother of Alta Giroux of Augusta, ME; and the late Thurl Bugbee; and
half brother of Leslie Bugbee Jr.; also survived by many loving nieces
and nephews.
A Funeral was held from the Doherty-Barile Family Funeral Home,
Reading, Saturday, February 28, 2009, followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating
Newell’s Life in St. Agnes Church, Reading.
Interment was held at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Waterville,
ME.
Please honor Newell with donations to the American Cancer Society, 30
Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.
For directions or to send a memorial condolence
www.josephdohertyfuneralhome.com
Herman A. Towle, Jr.
Herman A. Towle, Jr., 82, of Alton, died
February 25th at the Epsom Manor Health Center, following a long illness.
He was born in Loudon, the son of Herman and Elizabeth Towle.
He lived in
Pittsfield for many years and had lived in Alton for the past 34 years.
His early years spent in Pittsfield, he worked at Danis Market, and then
Northeast Electronics in Concord. He retired as a quality control manager
from the Central Screw Co in Keene. He later worked for the Barton Brothers
Lumber Co. He served in the US Navy during WW II and then in the US Air
Force Reserve.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Norma
(Frenette) Towle of Alton; a daughter, Susan T. Conrad and husband
Harold (Tim) of Barnstead; a son, Harry Towle and his wife Fatima of
Orlando, Florida; two grandsons, Jason Conrad and wife Amy of
Greenville, North Carolina, Gregory Conrad and wife Kelly of Alton, NH; and
a granddaughter, Jennifer Brand and husband Thomas of Windham, N.H; 5
great-grandchildren; a brother, Albert Towle of Penacook; and a sister,
Elizabeth Blanchard of Concord.
There are no Visiting hours.
A
Graveside Service will be scheduled in the spring in the Mount Hope
Cemetery, Loudon.
Donations may be made to the Oscar Foss Memorial
Library, PO Box 219, Center Barnstead, NH 03225.
The Perkins &
Pollard Memorial Home in Pittsfield is assisting with arrangements.
