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Pittsfield NH News

August 5, 2009

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



 

ATTENTION ALL KIDS AGE 6 - 12

 
Do you like winning prizes? Eating? Seeing magic?


You are invited to attend the Epsom Bible Church Vacation Bible School August 10-14 from 9a-12n. Located at 398 Black Hall Rd Epsom NH


Call 736-8668 or see www.EBCNH.com/DVBS for more info.


Hope you’ll join us and meet Angelo - he lives in a suitcase.




Celebrating Birthdays are: August 6, Jonathan Desmarais, Fred Mayhew; August 7, Brandon Giuda, Michael Tuttle, Keith Snedeker, Andrew Fries, JoAnn Ward; August 8, Fred Hast I; August 9, Jess Hillsgrove; August 10, Jennifer Snell, Alysha Quattrucci, Jim Adams II.


A Very Happy Birthday to one and all.




Celebrating Anniversaries are: August 5, Mark and Sylvia Wallace; August 6, Harold and Debbie Darrah.


Best Wishes.




Do you ever feel that you could do more for yourself, but at the same time don’t want to rock the boat, but wish you could.


TOPS, is a nonprofit organization, to help in rocking the boat. This September we will hold the NH Fall Rally. You can meet people, who rocked the boat, and swam for themselves.


We meet Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Church, Main Street, Pittsfield, NH, in the Undercroft.

 
For further information, please call Pat at 435-5333 or Sandy at 798-5658.




Winners in the July Drawing at the Peterson-Cram Post No. 75 American Legion:
#190, Allan MacLellan, $50.
#184, Lucia Metcalf, $25.
#22, Cal Farnsworth, #10.
#37, Diane Vaughan, $10.
#157, Craig Kost, $10.




Celebrate the Gift of Life and come to the American Red Cross Blood Drive being held at the Pittsfield Elementary School on Monday, August 10, 2009, from 2 to 7 p.m. The Drive is sponsored by the Elementary School Parent Teacher’s Organization. Childcare will be provided. A special incentive - make it a sweet summer - give the gift of life and enjoy life’s sweet rewards, courtesy of Friendly’s Ice Cream.


All presenting donors in the month of August will receive a coupon for a free carton of Friendly’s Ice Cream!




The Sunrise Farmer’s Market in Pittsfield would like to invite everyone to join us this Thursday, August 6th. To encourage folks to buy locally grown produce Governor Lynch has designated the first week of August as NH Farmer’s Market week. To commemorate this event we will have a drawing to give away a basket filled with a sample of the wonderfully fresh vegetables, fruit, and other goodies that are available here at the market. So come on down to Dustin Park Thursdays from 3-5:30. We look forward to seeing you there!




Congratulations to Bruce and Barbara Smith who will celebrate their  40th Wedding Anniversary on August 9th.



 

Pittsfield Area Senior Center
Pittsfield Area Senior Center August Trip


August 26, 2009 at 1 p.m. the RTS bus is heading to The Moultonborough Loon Preservation. The cost of $7.00 includes the bus ride and a sandwich bag lunch.  A $3.00 deposit reserves your seat. No refunds.


Call 435-8482 and speak with Roseanna or Lynne.

 



Pittsfield Area Senior Center Activities


Are you one of the adults taking advantage of the “Adult Swim Time” provided by the Pittsfield Parks and Recreation Department? I hope so, this is a great opportunity.  Anyone in our surrounding towns 18 -60+ are welcome!  Times are Tuesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.  through the end of August. A lifeguard will be on duty.
The Pittsfield Area Senior Center Crafters are enjoying varied craft opportunities. Though there is a specific craft scheduled for each week some of us are doing our own thing. Also an artist will be here each week through August to give painting lessons, so here is your chance to explore the artist within! Or, bring your project and teach us yours or join us with one of ours.


August 5, open. August 12, “Soft” Note Cards.  These are so beautiful and fun to do that we have been creating them on Tuesday mornings too. August 19, Crazy Quilting. Bring your sewing machine and literally scraps of any kind of fabric you have to create a one of a kind quilt. On August 26, Painting only is scheduled.

 


 

New Hampshire Civil War Roundtable -Upcoming Cookout


 The annual summer social/pot luck of the CWRT-NH will be Saturday, Aug. 8,  1-5 PM. Anyone interested in learning about the Civil War Roundtable of New Hampshire is invited to attend.


Location is at 110 Harmony Road in Northwood, NH. The site is a Harvey Lake camp of one of the members. Members and guests are invited to bring their swimsuits, fishing poles, kayaks and canoes.


Who We Are:
The Civil War Roundtable of New Hampshire was founded in May of 1991, and is dedicated to all aspects of the Civil War: Education, Preservation and Restoration. The CWRTNH is a group of men and women who share a common interest in the War Between The States and that period in American History that defined Our Nation, as we know it today.


Our meetings are usually held the 3rd Friday of each month, except July, August and December at the Epping, NH Town Hall. The meeting format is usually Speaker/Discussion. Coffee is served at 6:45 and we begin the meeting at 7:15 p.m. The CWRTNH is a non-Profit 501(c) organization.


We invite anyone interested to attend our meetings and join our organization if they desire. Visit our web site (http://www.cwrt-nh.org) for more information, directions, newsletters, contact links.


Contact Info: [email protected]

 


 

Guidelines For Applying For Pittsfield Town Welfare


The distribution of Pittsfield Welfare money is governed by very specific State law (NH RSA 165) and the Pittsfield Welfare Rules. Town Welfare money comes only from the Pittsfield taxpayers. Normally, a person learns if he/she qualifies for assistance from the Town by picking up and filling out an application. Then calling for an appointment.


An applicant qualifies for money from the Town Welfare if his/her verifiable net income for the last 4 weeks is less than his verifiable basic need debt for the past 4 weeks. Verifiable means proven with things like pay stubs or social security statements or electric bills and a signed landlord rental form.


The amount of money an applicant qualifies for is equal to the difference between the basic need debt and the income. So if the combined net income for a month for a husband and wife is $1000, but their basic need debt for the month is $1400. They qualify for $400. If an applicant is unemployed he/she is required by law to perform a reasonable job search.


If this sounds like a lot of work, it is, for the applicant and for us. But these verifications and rules are necessary to assure equal and fair treatment of all applicants. Most people understand this and generally our job is very rewarding.


Occasionally, a person will call on the phone late on a Friday afternoon and demand emergency assistance because they need their prescriptions re-filled and paid for and it can’t wait until Monday. Knowing nothing about the applicant, the least we require is the pharmacy to fax a copy of the prescription invoice and the doctor to verify the prescriptions as valid and medically necessary. In cases such as these, we have provided the money needed to get the prescriptions even though it is hundreds of dollars
Sometimes even these minor requirements are viewed as an imposition and people react angrily. The representatives of Pittsfield Welfare feel an ethical obligation to do our job honestly and fairly and to treat all applicants the same.

 


 

Pittsfield Schools “Approved” By Department Of Education


The New Hampshire Department of Education has advised the Pittsfield School District that both Pittsfield Elementary School and Pittsfield Middle High School have been granted “approved” status.  PES has been “approved” through June 2013, and PMHS has been “approved” through June 2011.


A new component to the process for school approval recently initiated is the practice of sending a visiting School Approval Team to schools.  On April 29, 2009, a School Approval Team, consisting of five educators from the Department of Education, visited Pittsfield Middle High School, the first time that such a team has visited one of Pittsfield’s Schools.


In his recent letter of thanks accompanying the Department’s report, Administrator of the Bureau of School Approval and Facility Management Edward R. Murdough observed that “your students and staff made us feel most welcome.  I am sure that you are aware of how wonderful they are.”


Mr. Murdough continued, “All of us (members of the School Approval Team) were very impressed by the enthusiasm of your staff and students and by the breadth of programs available in your school … the staff in Pittsfield have produced challenging programs to meet the widely varying needs of individual students.”


After spending the day at PMHS, Mr. Murdough observed that “students are well behaved and engaged.  The staff members with whom we communicated seemed to be proud of their work and genuinely interested in their students.”


The School Approval Team commented on a number of strengths that they observed; these included:


• “The facility is in excellent condition and appears to be well maintained.  The building was very clean at the time of our visit…”
• “The high school curriculum offers broad choices for students which exceed what one might expect for a school of this size and a community with the economic conditions of Pittsfield.”
• “The school board is working hard to review and update policies…”
• “The district is working toward a unified K – 12 curriculum…”
• “The student handbook is comprehensive and easy to read.”
• “The Pittsfield District has excellent information available for parents of children moving into the district.”
• “The district has a strong, embedded staff development program.”


The School Approval Team also made several recommendations; among these were encouragement to continue the district’s work on policy revision and to continue the district’s work on unification of the curriculum.

 


 

Toastmasters Laud


Betty Andrews
Horseshoe Pond Toastmasters is pleased to announce that Pittsfield resident Betty Andrews recently earned an Advanced Communicator Gold designation, making her the highest ranking member in the club. Andrews was recognized during a recent awards banquet. This designation signifies that Andrews has presented 40 prepared speeches since joining Toastmasters and has satisfied other requirements.


Horseshoe Pond Toastmasters meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each summer month at Northeast Delta Dental, One Delta Drive, Concord, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. In September, it resumes its weekly meeting schedule. Affiliated with Toastmasters International, it provides a self-directed program to help improve speaking and related skills. For more information, call V.P. of Public Relations, Cathy Frankel at 223-1295.

 


 

Amazing Feets

 

By Peter Minnehan, Physical Therapist
When they are functioning correctly, our feet are wonderful structures that let us stand, run and jump. Taking a simple step requires complex functioning of the muscles and joints of our feet. When swinging our leg and planting our foot on the ground, it must be loose to absorb the shock of forces much greater than our body weight, and adapt to uneven surfaces. However, to successfully push us forward, the foot must then be a rigid structure. Foot pain can be caused by imbalances of flexibility, wear and tear or overloading of the joints, muscles, or ligaments. Because our body parts must work together, foot problems can also play a role in the development of knee, hip and back pain. This discomfort can also result from worn or old shoes, or from suddenly increasing activities performed on our feet. Many of us have less than ideal foot structure that results in excessive foot stresses with normal activity. Flat feet or high foot arches may be indicators of this.


If you develop foot pain first, remember that applying cold for 10-15 minutes may help settle things down. Take a look at your shoes to make sure they still provide good arch support, cushioning and support for the back of your feet. Consider reducing your standing / walking activity at least temporarily. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to have things checked out by a medical professional. Take care of your feet, and they will usually take care of you!

 


 

St. Stephen’s Old Home Day Raffle Winners


Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Pittsfield Old Home Day raffle at St. Stephen’s Church. The $100 gas card went to Avis Parks of Northwood; the large barbeque basket went to Kris Conti of Barnstead; and Jean Jelley of Pittsfield won the picnic basket.


Thanks go to the following organizations for helping to make this year’s Old Home Day Fair a success: Hannaford’s of Northwood; Globe Manufacturing; Verizon Arena; the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Red Sox, Sam’s Club, and Lowe’s of Concord. Special thanks to the family and friends of St. Stephen’s who donated the wonderful items offered at our Silent Auction. Last but not least, thanks to all the shoppers who bid at the silent auction. Your support made all the difference!

 


 

Letter To The Editor


To the Editor:
Stopped on the exit ramp, I saw in my mirror a curly-haired boy of about 4 and a man I took to be his father. The boy seemed to be asking something. The father responded, smiled; the boy giggled. That child seemed so at ease and secure, riding along with dad. The interaction made me smile. I wished every child could share such moments with a parent.


Of course, not all do. Parents are battling addictions or mental illness; children bear witness to family violence; they’re hungry; medical or educational needs are not being met; they’re left alone or caring for younger siblings. These are the children CASA/GAL volunteers serve.


As coordinator for recruitment and training for CASA, I’m saddened when people say they’ve never heard of us; I’m certain we would have enough volunteers to take every case if they had. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting incredible people on their way to becoming volunteers with us, and I know there are many more out there.

 
We need volunteers statewide, but have some critical need areas - to serve courts in Littleton, Plymouth and Berlin; in Claremont, Newport, Keene and Lebanon; in Laconia.


Please - if you’re reading this and are familiar with CASA, spread the word. If we’re new to you, visit our website at www.casanh.org learn about us, then consider becoming a volunteer yourself. Thank you.

 

Diane Valladares
Statewide Training & Recruitment Coordinator
CASA of New Hampshire
(603) 626-4600, ext. 238
www.casanh.org

 


 

Letter


To the Residents and Voters of Pittsfield:
At the Special Town Meeting held on Saturday July, 25, 2009, those voters in attendance approved the warrant article which confirmed and authorized the enlargement of the town planning board to seven members, consisting of six members elected by the town and one ex officio member appointed by the selectmen. 

 
Although the town has had a planning board consisting of seven members since the 1970s, the specific authorization to enlarge the board to seven members could not be located in the town’s records. The consequence of an affirmative vote on the warrant article has significantly reduced the risk of the town being legally challenged by further decisions of the Planning Board.


The Board of Selectmen wishes to express its appreciation to those persons who attended the meeting, and to further thank those persons who supported the approval of the warrant article.


With Appreciation,
Pittsfield Board of Selectmen

 


 

Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce Holds Successful Business After Hours


The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce was excited to hold yet another successful Business After Hours. The event was sponsored by Blakes Brook Campground on Tuesday, July 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. They opened their doors to all of the Chamber Members and provided a great atmosphere for businesses to interact with one another.


The evening started with everyone mingling within the campground’s store area. There were light refreshments served. A candy bouquet was donated by Sweet Bouquets and More. Everyone had a chance to put his/her card in for the drawing.


The owners of Blakes Brook Campground, Bob and Cindy, gave us a tour of the facility. We walked most of the campground and were able to see all the different types of campsites that they offer. We were even given a tour of the cabins which are great for a fun camping experience, nice and cozy!!


The turn out for this event was 15 to 20 Members. Each Member was able to interact with one another and had the opportunity to learn about the individual businesses and the services they offer. Everyone had a wonderful time! You can view the pictures of this event on The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce web site at www.pittsfieldchamber.org.


We would like to send out a special Thank You to Blakes Brook Campground for offering the space for such a fantastic event. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to see exactly what the campground has to offer as well as providing the space to network our businesses!! For anyone who has not camped at Blakes Brook Campground, you should try it!! It is an affordable way to have fun and bring you closer to your friends and family!!

 


 

Pittsfield Fire and Rescue Service News
May and June 2009


During the month of May, seventy-nine calls for emergency assistance were received. This number of calls equals July 2006 for the largest number of calls responded to in one month.  The month of June slowed a bit with sixty-two calls for emergency assistance received.


We’d like to welcome Peter Pszonowsky to the Department as an on-call firefighter and EMT. Congratulations to Peter, and to Arlene Norton, on recently completing an EMT-Basic class and receiving certification.


Congratulations to FF/EMT Kristen Ahearn and FF/EMT Tim Ahearn and big sister Taylor on the birth of their son Aaron in June.  Congratulations also go to grandparents Laura and Fred Okrent.


Members have spent several weeks participating in the 16-hour Strategy and Tactics for Initial Company Operations (STICO) class.  Chief Johnson was the course instructor for this NH Fire Academy class. The Department also hosted a Dartmouth-Hitchcock Advanced Response Team (DHART) ground safety training course with the Globe parking lot serving as a landing zone. Thank you to all at DHART and Globe Firefighter Suits. In-house training over the past few months have included: EMS backboarding techniques; 2009 EMS Protocol review and TB testing; Fire hose deployment; forestry training; and small group training/familiarization.


Safety Tip:  Please make a note of the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) standard NFPA 1- 10.11.6 – For other than one- and two-family dwellings, no hibachi, grill, or other similar device used for cooking, heating, or any other purpose shall be used or kindled on any balcony, under any overhanging portion, or within 10 ft (3m) of any structure.  This is good practice to follow for one- and two-family dwellings as well!

 


 

Pittsfield Police Department Arrest Log
5/31/09-7/18/09


On May 31, 2009, Michael James Lynam, 39, of Catamount Road, Pittsfield, was arrested on a Bench Warrant and given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 6/12/09.


On June 2, 2009, Patrick Moran, 22, of Elm Street, Wolfeboro, NH, was charged with Operating Without a Valid License was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 9/25/09.


On June 2, 2009, Nicholas R. Chamberland, 22, of Ingalls Road, Pittsfield, was charged with Possession of Drugs in a motor vehicle and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 9/25/09.


On June 6, 2009, Joshua Muniz, 20, of Lake View Drive, Epsom, NH, was arrested on a Bench Warrant and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 6/16/09.


On June 6, 2009, Donald Avery, 43, of Tilton Hill Road, Pittsfield, was charged with Simple Assault and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 7/17/09.


On June 11, 2009, Timothy Towle, 47, of Upper City Road, Pittsfield, was charged with a Violation of the Dog Control Law and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 7/10/09.


On June 11, 2009, Lisa Papps, 31, of Randlett Street, Belmont, NH, was charged with Criminal Threatening and Criminal Mischief and given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on September 25, 2009.


On June 13, 2009, Dominic Spera, 40, of Martin Road, Deering, NH, was charged with Violating a Protective Order and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 9/18/09.


On June 13, 2009, Adam Reed, 18, of Berry Pond Road, Pittsfield, was charged with Reckless Driving and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 7/17/09.


On June 13, 2009, Jonathan Gilman, 21 of Tilton Hill Road, Pittsfield, was charged with Operating without a Valid License and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 7/31/09.


On June 14, 2009, Todd Thoroughgood, 29, of Gray Road, Barnstead, NH, was charged with Operating without a Valid License and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 7/17/09.


On June 15, 2009, Ramzi Al-Shawafi, 30, of Smith Ave., Pembroke, NH, was charged with Failure to Stop/Yield; Failure to Use Turn Signals; and Failure to Change of Name/Address on License/Registration. Al-Shawafi was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 7/24/09.


On June 15, 2009, Kevin LaBelle, 17, of Leavitt Road, Pittsfield, was charged with Indecent Exposure and  Endangering the Welfare of a Child/Incompetant. LaBelle was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 9/14/09.


On June 15, 2009, Kevin LaBelle, 17, of Leavitt Road, Pittsfield was charged with Default or Breach of Bail Conditions and given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on June 16, 2009.


On June 15, 2009, Timothy Roode, 34, of Loudon Road, Pittsfield, was charged with Violation if Dog Control Laws including; Running at large, Nuisance or Vicious dog, and Menacing dog. Roode was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 7/17/09.


On June 17, 2009, Wesley Allen Cray Jr., 22, of High Street, Pittsfield, was charged with Violation of a protective order and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 9/18/09.


On June 19, 2009, Robert Oeland Walker, 49, of 7 Crescent Street, Pittsfield, was arrested on a Bench Warrant and given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 6/19/09.


On June 19, 2009, Mohammad Shamim Ahmed, 44, of Main Street, Pittsfield, was Arrested on a Warrant and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court.


On June 20, 2009, Dianne Bergstrom, 60, of Chestnut Street, Pittsfield, was taken into protective custody and later released.


On June 20, 2009, Brian Paul Bergstrom, 50, of Chestnut Street, Pittsfield, was taken into protective custody and later released.


On June 21, 2009, Sarah Sweeney, 33, of Webster Lane, Barnstead, NH, was charged with Driving After Revocation or Suspension and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 7/24/09.


On June 23, 2009, Jonathan Gilman, 21, of Tilton Hill Road, Pittsfield, was charged with Operating without a Valid License and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 7/31/09.

 
On June 28, 2009, Adam Eaton, 20, of Folly Mill Terrace, Seabrook, NH, was charged with Possession of Drugs in a Motor Vehicle; Transporting Alcoholic Beverages By a Minor; Possession of Controlled/Narcotic Drugs; Failure to Use Require Turn Signals; Misuse/Failure to Display Plates; Failure to Yield/Stop. Eaton was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 7/24/09.


On June 28, 2009, Jessica Heath, 19, of Bourn Ave., Hampton, NH, was charged with Possession of Controlled/Narcotic Drugs and Unlawful Possession of Alcohol. Heath was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 7/24/09.


On June 30, 2009, Brian Paul Bergstrom, 50, of Chestnut Street, Pittsfield was charged with two counts of Possession of Controlled/Narcotic Drugs and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 8/7/09.


On June 30, 2009, Brandon Brown, 22, of Crescent Street, Pittsfield, was Arrested on a Warrant and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court.


On July 4, 2009, Michael A. Price, 38, of Leavitt Road, Pittsfield, was charged with Driving after Revocation/Suspension; Possession of Drugs in a Motor Vehicle; Conduct After An Accident; Speeding; Reckless Driving and a Yellow Line Violation. Price was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 8/14/09.


On July 7, 2009, Jason Monroe Pierce, 23, of High Street, Portland, ME, was charged with Speed and Driving after Revocation/Suspension and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 7/9/09.


On July 9, 2009, Timothy E. Casey, 27, of Dove Lane, Pittsfield, was Arrested Without a Warrant and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 7/9/09.


On July 10, 2009, KC Drew, 19, of Dowboro Road, Pittsfield, was charged with Possession of Drugs in a Motor Vehicle and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 8/7/09.


On July 18, 2009, Samantha Volpe, 19, of Dowboro Road, Pittsfield, was charged with Possession of Drugs in a Motor Vehicle, Transportation of Alcohol as a Minor and Open Container. Volpe was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court.


On July 18, 2009, Jonathan Lugg, 22, of Route 129, Loudon, NH, was Arrested On a Warrant and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court.

 


 

New Hampshire’s Rocking Horse Studio Included In Mix Magazine’s “Class Of 2009"

 

Rocking Horse Studio live room.


Mix magazine, the world’s leading audio production publication, has selected Rocking Horse Studio of Pittsfield, New Hampshire, for inclusion in its annual “Class Of” feature, which showcases the best new recording facilities from around the world. The feature appeared in the June 2009 issue of the magazine and is available to view online at http://mixonline.com/studio/design/class-recording-studio/index2.html.


Each year, the editors at Mix magazine select the best new studios from around the world to appear in the “Class Of” feature. The editors make their decisions based on a studio’s acoustic design, aesthetics, and musical character. In addition to Rocking Horse Studio, this year’s class includes studios from various cities in the USA, including New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Las Vegas, as well as studios from Italy, Poland, Canada, and the UK.


“We are proud to be recognized by our peers in the professional audio community,” states Rocking Horse partner, Brian Coombes. “This recognition is further validation of our original vision to build a world-class destination recording facility in rural central New Hampshire.”


About Rocking Horse Studio:
Rocking Horse Studio is a premier destination recording studio located in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, that combines the finest in analog and digital equipment with rooms designed by renowned acoustician Michael Blackmer. The studio spaces are large, comfortable, and inviting, perfect for ensembles of all sizes. Drums, piano, strings, and horns sound huge in our large room, while quieter instruments and voices often sound best when tracked in our smaller, more intimate acoustic spaces.


Our classic Trident Series 80B console is the centerpiece of the control room, which also features Pro Tools HD and a wide selection of boutique outboard preamps, compressors, and processors. Our microphone cabinet is stocked with vintage and modern standards, and our collection of rare, vintage, and sometimes strange keyboards rivals anything on the east coast.


Located in rural Pittsfield, New Hampshire, Rocking Horse is set on a farm of open pastures, apple trees, and berries. With bed & breakfast accommodations in our perfectly restored 18th Century farmhouse, recording at Rocking Horse becomes an artistic retreat, allowing artists to get away from distractions and focus on the creative process.


Rocking Horse Studio is operated by partners Brian Coombes and David Pierog, both experienced musicians with international touring and recording experience. Rocking Horse Studio has worked with established and upcoming musicians in a variety of genres, including Chris Difford (Squeeze), Ian McDonald (King Crimson), Tony Rombola (Godsmack), Shannon Larkin (Godsmack), Christian Cuff, Joe Mazzari, Steve Blunt, and producer Rob Eaton.

 


 

Playing in the Dirt


By Bill Dawson, Tree Steward
I’m 73 years young and still playing in the dirt in Northfield, applying eco-friendly gardening on the acre of land that belongs to me and any wildlife that stops by to sample berries and insects. I have lots of plants. Together, we are slowly crowding out the lawn grass.


My latest project is making a raised planting bed over my septic tank. Why put a raised bed over the septic tank? Well, since I recently had the tank pumped and the ground was disturbed anyway, I thought I’d just add some productive garden space and mark the tank’s location in one easy action. Well, sort of easy.


I imported some birch logs from my daughter’s new house site and added some two-by-12 boards I’d saved from another project. The bed is about five by seven feet and two logs high. The two-by-12 lumber forms the ends and two-foot pieces of rebar hold the birch logs in place.


I put in a liner that I recycled from shrink-wrap that covered a friend’s boat. I then punched a liberal number of pencil-sized holes through the liner so the bed doesn’t become waterlogged.


Then I added some magic growing medium. I skimmed off a pile of dirt trying to grow grass and weeds over the septic tank. Then I skimmed the sand off, beating the soil from the grass and weeds, and carting the weeds off to the edge of the woods. If they want to grow there, I say let them.


To the pile of soil I added an equal amount of three-year-old compost. No ordinary compost, mind you; this is found only in my back yard and contains such exotic items as shredded paper, leaves, grass cuttings, coffee grounds, vegetable wastes from the kitchen, and a smidgen of lime. I recently ran the whole business through my shredder, and it looks marvelous. To this I added some aged horse manure and a bit more lime. Now that’s a growth medium, for sure.


The bed is situated near my basement walk-out door and has a crushed-rock area extending from the door to within three feet of the bed. I have found the perfect mulch for the area between the two. A friend of mine up the street has three large pines in his yard and they shed needles on his beautiful lawn. I help him rake, he hauls the needles to my house, and I have soft mulch for my trees and anywhere else I don’t want the grass to grow. The needles are soft and they smell pretty good too.


It’s late June, and I have the bed done and in use for its real purpose other than marking where the septic tank is located. I planted cucumbers in hills. I’m not sure why I do that except that it’s the way my folks did it. Three hills receive three plants each. I installed sticks alongside each one to guard against cutworms. Those plants are like my children; I raised them from seed and they are ready for the outside world.


I created two more hills and direct-planted them with summer squash. Down the middle of the bed, I planted a wide row of several kinds of lettuce.


I’ve installed a support system for the cucumbers and attached it to the birch logs for support. The summer squash are rising up, making promises of fruit to follow. Alas, the jury is still out on the lettuce because of the extreme number of cold, wet days in June.


As time passes the bed will fill out. When the growth of the plants is such that I need some mulch, I will apply my chipper to all those sticks and twigs that seem to fall from the sky each winter. Usually I try to use commercial stuff in the front of the house so it doesn’t offend the occasional visitor who is into well-groomed beds, but out back where the real action is, I mulch with whatever comes out of the chipper. So when the plants are up, down goes a layer of newspaper and a liberal covering of chippered mulch. When the cucumbers start coming, I have a few pieces of ceramic tile to place under each one to prevent rotting.


My earthworm-rich homemade soil has received a seal of approval from a pair of chickadees nesting in a birdhouse nearby. They are constantly down in that bed hustling a meal for their young ones. I love to watch them. They are so single-minded in their task that they pay me no mind. Is it possible that I have become one with nature?


Note to readers: Don’t confuse the septic tank with the septic leach field which drains the sealed tank. UNH Cooperative Extension doesn’t recommend planting vegetable crops on top of, or in close proximity to, a septic leach field. Bill located his raised bed over his tank. His leach field is located 75 feet downhill from the tank. Each septic system has a unique design. If you have questions about planting on top of or around septic system components, please contact your septic system designer or an inspector at the Subsurface Systems Bureau of the N.H. Dept. of Environmental Services, (603) 271-3501.

 


 

 

 











 

 

 

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