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Suncook Valley Sun Historical Archive

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

Pittsfield NH News

February 16, 2011

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

Those Celebrating Birthdays are:  February 16, Margaret Snedeker; February 17, Jim Schroth, Sue Derosier, Craig Paggi; February 18, Ray Lammott, Barbara Clark, Arthur Harnden, Patty Houle; February 19, Carl Anderson, Ronald Vien; February 20, Fred Hast II, Chris Johnson, Amy Thompson; February 21, Staci Bousquet, Robert Bousquet, Gail O’Keefe, Ann Strand; February 22, Dan Dunne.

A Very Happy Birthday to One and All!

SALTY DOG POTTERY VACATION WORKSHOPS
Clay workshops for children will be offered each day at Salty Dog Pottery during February School Vacation.
For information and registration call or email:
Teresa Taylor
435-6014
[email protected]
Salty Dog Pottery
Barnstead, NH

Take Precautions To Ensure A Safe Heating Season
Submitted by: Lt. Nicholas Abell, Pittsfield Fire Department

Code Enforcement/Public Education Bureau

Pittsfield Fire Rescue would like to remind citizens to take precautions to ensure a safe heating season and prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas that is given off by gas furnaces, oil furnaces, gas water heaters, wood, kerosene, cars, propane stoves and portable generators.

You should have these appliance cleaned annually, and kept in good operating condition. Purchasing a Carbon Monoxide detector can decrease your exposure to this deadly gas.

Snow load on roofs in another concern. As winter storms seem to be hitting the area, on an average of every three days, snow totals keep accumulating. Heavy snow loads on low slope or flat roofs pose a greater risk of collapse.

Cleaning a roof can be very challenging and dangerous you may need to contact an experienced person to do this.

Doors and windows may be your way out in the event of an emergency.   However, if they are blocked by snow and ice, it may be impossible to get out.  Keep at a minimum, the width of the door or window free and clear of snow and ice.

For more information and a snow load calculator, please visit our website at fire.pittsfield-nh.com

School Lunch Menus
February 21 - 25, 2011

PES
Monday - Chicken Patty on a bun, veggie, fruit, milk.
Tuesday - Chicken noodle bake, veggie, fruit, milk.
Wednesday - Ravioli, veggie, fruit, milk.
Thursday - Chicken fajita, tortilla, lettuce, salsa, fruit, milk.
Friday - Pizza, veggie, fruit, milk.

PMHS
Monday - BBQ Pork on roll, green beans, fruit, milk.
Tuesday - Chicken wraps, cheese, veggies, fruit, milk.
Wednesday - Pizza, corn, baked dessert, milk.
Thursday - Grilled cheese, tomato soup, veggies, fruit, milk.
Friday - Cold sandwich, soup, chips, fruit, milk.

Letter To The Editor

Citizens of Pittsfield:
The Selectboard urges you to VOTE NO on the repeal of zoning for the Town of Pittsfield.

Zoning makes an important contribution to the well being of our Town. It is the goal of zoning to protect the health and safety of the community and to PROTECT PROPERTY VALUES. Zoning allows people to know what they can build or do, and what they can expect to be built or done next door. Very few people would like to have a rock crushing plant located next to their apartment building... or a topless donut shop on the route that many of our school children take to school. Zoning provides a reasonable assurance that incompatible uses will not be located in close proximity to one another, while also ensuring that each of those uses is allowed somewhere.

Thank you,
Denise Morin
Ed Vien
Fred Hast
Fred Okrent
Art Morse
Pittsfield Selectboard

Letter

Let me introduce myself.  My wife Jane and I reside in Pittsfield, NH.  We have 4 adult children and 6 grandchildren.  After I graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1975, I went into the U.S. Navy, where I served for two years.  I also served in the U.S. Naval Reserves for 8 years.  From there, I attended Laconia Vocational Technical College, where I graduated with an Associates Degree.

I served as a member of the Pittsfield Planning Board for 9 years.  I also Chaired the Housing Standards Agency, where I worked to regulate the needs of all the rentals within Pittsfield.  In that role, I was considerate of the needs of both the landlords and the tenants.  My experience as a member of the Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission also qualifies me as an informed citizen who understands the needs of Pittsfield and the region.

I am a sportsman and a conservationist.  Protecting the rights of all sportsmen and nature is important to me.

Vote for me as your Selectman in Pittsfield and I will work to keep our town budget level.  Now is the time to press in and do the right things in Pittsfield.

Gerard A. LeDuc
Pittsfield Selectman

Letter

Once again, our nation’s veterans’ benefits are on the chopping block, using us as an excuse to bring down the deficit.  To freeze the VA healthcare funding is ludicrous at best.  Even more so, since we are involved in an active war on more than one front.

This can only be defeated if every veteran, surviving family member and friends of veterans, were to read this, and notify their representatives in Congress to not vote on this issue.  Let us not use the healthcare or reduce the compensation that our veterans are receiving as pawns in the budget battle.

Merrill Vaughan,

Vice Commander American Legion Peterson-Cram Post 75
Pittsfield, NH

Legion Opposes Proposal To Cut VA Spending

Submitted By Merrill A. Vaughan
Vice Commander American Legion Peterson-Cram Post 75 Pittsfield, NH 03263

Responding to a proposal by Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) to freeze VA health-care spending and cut veterans disability payments to help reduce federal spending, American Legion National Commander Jimmie L. Foster said his organization steadfastly opposes the initiative.

“It is absurd to suggest such a thing when we are fighting two wars and creating more veterans every day who have served their country honorably and have already earned their benefits,” Foster said.

The plan, which proposes to cut a total of $400 billion in federal spending, is derived from an Oct. 28 report from the Heritage Foundation that projects $2.5 billion in savings from a freeze on VA health-care spending increases, and $1.9 billion in savings from scrapping disability payments for veterans already receiving Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).

Peter Gaytan, executive director of The American Legion’s office in Washington, said “Congress must find other ways to reduce federal spending that don’t affect veterans benefits and health care.

“The need for high-quality veterans health care certainly isn’t decreasing, so the VA budget shouldn’t, either. Congress needs to stay focused on providing an adequate budget to care for those who have made sacrifices in Iraq, Afghanistan or in previous wars.”

Tim Tetz, Legislative Director of The American Legion, said the idea of taking SSDI away from veterans receiving disability payments “has been floated before and thankfully defeated every time.

“Why would anyone want to take away disability benefits veterans have already paid for, simply because they have earned additional benefits through their honorable service in the military?”

The American Legion has consistently opposed any attempts by Congress to reduce or eliminate veterans benefits. It considers such benefits as earned and has urged the federal government to find other methods to reduce its expanding budget.

The Legion stands by the sentiments expressed long ago by George Washington: “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”

“Of all the items in our federal budget that could be drastically cut, or dispensed with altogether, why would a member of Congress think it might be a good idea to take benefits away from those people who protect the very freedoms they operate under?” Foster said.

Foster said he agreed that Congress needs to take decisive action in reducing the federal budget, “but we must be mindful of the sacrifices borne by the men and women who have served and sacrificed in America’s armed forces.”

Pittsfield Resident Earns A Spot On The Dean’s List At Saint Leo University

Michael J. Adams, son of Steve and Lea Adams of Pittsfield, NH, was named to the Dean’s List at Saint Leo University for the fall semester.  Adams is a Biology major at Saint Leo University.

The Dean’s List is published at the end of the fall, spring and summer semesters.  Students who have earned at least 12 credits with a term grade point average of 3.65 or higher are recognized on the Dean’s List, which is announced at the conclusion of each semester.

 “One of our core values at Saint Leo University is excellence, and we are delighted to see these students work so hard to achieve so much and aspire to live out our values,” said Maribeth Durst, Ph.D., vice president of academic affairs.  The values of excellence, community, respect, personal development, responsible stewardship, and integrity are central to academic life at this leading Catholic teaching university.

Letter

Dear Citizens:
I have known Gerard LeDuc for 20 years.  Although we have not always agreed on issues, he will have my vote in March.  Gerard’s honesty, gift in listening to others point of view and open mindedness are qualities to be respected and admired.

Gerard has served on the Planning Board for many years, including as Chairman.  In sitting alongside Gerard on the Planning Board, I found him to be as asset to the town.  I feel Gerard will work as hard on the Selectboard and therefore, be a great asset in that role as well.  I ask that you join me in supporting Gerard LeDuc for a three year term.

Larry Konopka
Pittsfield

Letter

Dear Citizens of Pittsfield:
I have known Gerard for a long time and find him to have integrity.  He has always tried to help this Town by working on several citizen boards and has run for office many times.  I feel, that considering the people running, Gerard may be the best of them.  His only interest is what is best for the Town.

He is an honest person, you can talk with him and even if he doesn’t agree, he will listen.  He will consider all sides and try to reach the best decision for the Town. 

 
I am going to vote for him and hope you will too.

William N. Chagnon
Pittsfield, NH

Letter

Dear Pittsfield friends, neighbors and residents:
Thank you to the Pittsfield Board of Selectman and to others for speaking out and taking a stand against the repeal of the Pittsfield Zoning Ordinance.  Repealing the Pittsfield Zoning Ordinance is not the way to lower property taxes and create a better quality of life for our townspeople!

I agree that Pittsfield has high property taxes that are causing hardships.  Repealing the Zoning Ordinance will not only cause more hardship for our town, it will create an uninviting environment for people to live and work, lower property values and ultimately, increase our property tax bills!

There is nothing in our current or proposed Zoning Ordinance that prohibits or discourages small business or business in general in Pittsfield.  There are many people running successful small businesses in Pittsfield.  There is a process and while it may not be perfect, the process works!

Please vote NO on the repeal of the Zoning Ordinance!

Thank you,
Donna Keeley

Family Movie Night!

The Josiah Carpenter Library will be showing Ramona and Beezus (2010), rated G, 103 minutes, beginning at 7:00 pm Friday, February 18th, 2011!

 This is the 20th Century Fox 2010 release of director Elizabeth Allen’s adaptation of the popular children’s books by Beverly Cleary.  The movie stars Joey King as Ramona Quimby, Selena Gomez  as big sister Beezus, and Bridget Moynahan and John Corbett co-star as Mom and Dad Quimby.

Made possible by a generous grant from the Sanderson Fund, Family Movie Night is a new program at Josiah Carpenter Library.  Josiah Carpenter Library has purchased an MPLC Umbrella License to provide copyright coverage to allow the public showing of movies.   Movies will now be shown regularly on our quarterly Family Movie Night event, and in conjunction with our Josiah Book Worms Teen Book Group, and our Read-Meet-Talk Book Group for Grown-ups.

Audio video equipment to provide for public viewing, has been purchased through the Sanderson Fund Grant.  This equipment will be used for movies, and other special programs and guest speakers.

What I Have Learned At The Pittsfield Budget Committee Work Sessions,

Part 4

Submitted By: Carole Richardson

In my last three articles I reviewed town employee contracts and agreements. This article will review school administrators and teacher contracts.  The specifics of the master agreement can be found at the following website: nh.gov/pelrb.

The Master Agreement of the Education Association of Pittsfield effective August 23, 2010 includes a 17-step and track salary schedule starting at $28,947 (Step 0) with a BA through $54,478 (Step 17) with a MA+30.  Teachers receive 2 days each for professional and personal leave, 3 days emergency leave and 15 days sick leave per school year.  They are eligible to receive course and workshop reimbursement, have access to any dental plan offered by NHMA Trust at their own expense, and the district pays for a $40,000 term life insurance policy.  They have various options for health insurance depending on their date of hire, and the district’s cost of premiums for any of these plans have a maximum (cap) as follows:

Single: $9,410
2 Person: $17,785
Family:  $24,010

The employee pays 5% of the cost.  If an employee chooses not to take health insurance they receive a $1,000 stipend.

Various stipends for additional duties are also paid to teachers, which are over and above their annual salary.

The Superintendent currently has a three-year contract, which ends June 30, 2011.  This contract includes the following: 
• Current salary of $109,140.
• 30 days vacation, 18 days sick, 3 emergency days, 2 personal days, bereavement and professional leave annually.
• 2-person dental plan and a $24,549 family health insurance plan, which 100% of the costs are born by the district.
• $3,000 per year contribution toward a tax sheltered annuity.
• $40,000 life insurance policy.
• Mileage reimbursement up to $300 annually.
• Professional association dues and fees and conference reimbursement.
The K-6 and Middle High School Principals have one-year contracts, which end June 30, 2011.  Theses contracts include the following:
• Current salaries of $78,183 for K-6 Principal and $85,000 for Middle High School Principal.
• 95% Blue Cross/Blue Shield JW with Managed Care Rider-employee co-pay is 5%.  District will pay employee $2,000 for not using district health carrier.
• 30 days vacation, 18 sick days, 3 emergency days and 2 personal leave days annually.
• $3,000 per year contribution toward a tax sheltered annuity.
• $40,000 life insurance policy.
• $300 mileage reimbursement.
• Conference reimbursement.

The K-12 Director of Student Services has a one-year contract, which ends June 30, 2011.  This contract includes the following:
• Current salary of $89,553.
• 95% Blue Cross/Blue Shield JW with Managed Care Rider-employee co-pay is 5%.  District will pay employee $2,000 for not using district health carrier.
• 30 days vacation, 18 days sick days, 11 paid holidays, 3 emergency days and 2 personal leave days annually.
• $3,000 course/workshop reimbursement.
• $40,000 life insurance policy.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Professional association membership reimbursement.

The Pre K-12 Coordinator of Student Services has a one-year contract, which ends June 30, 2011.  This contract includes the following:
• Current salary of $72,646.
• 95% Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance-employee co-pay is 5%.  District will pay employee $2,000 for not using district health carrier.
• 20 days vacation, 18 days sick days, 3 emergency days and 2 personal leave days annually.
• $1,500 course/workshop reimbursement.
• $40,000 life insurance policy.
• Mileage reimbursement.
•Professional association membership reimbursement.

The district also contributes to the NH Retirement System for these administrators and employees covered under the master agreement.

Letter

Dear Pittsfield Residents:
Regarding the concept of abolishing zoning in Pittsfield, it is important to keep in mind that zoning provides order and predictability in land use.  Most reasonable businesses shopping for a community to build in seek predictability.  They too, want to know that if they invest in a business, the surrounding commercially zoned property will remain commercial - businesses do not want to face  unpredictable conditions that could cost them money in court, or cause them to have to move their business elsewhere.  Economic development for the future depends on solid reasonable land use planning.

It is common sense that predictability in land use regulations benefits private homeowners as well.  Most homeowners wish to have  their neighboring properties remain residential.  Especially if they have children.

A vote for reasonable future planning please!

Susan Willoughby

Monthly Business After Hours
Submitted By: Michele Beauregard

The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce held their monthly Business After Hours.  The event was sponsored by ESL Distributing, located on 16 Main Street in Pittsfield.  They provided a warm and welcoming event for all Chamber Members to meet and interact with one another.

Refreshments and snacks were put out for everyone to enjoy.  A tour of the facility was given by Eric LaRoche the owner of ESL Distributing.  Eric started this business over 10 years ago working from his home.  He expanded and moved into his barn, within 6 months he needed  bigger office space.

He decided to move his business to Pittsfield and within 6 months needed  even bigger office space.  He then purchased his business location on Main Street.

ESL Distributing, LLC offers Wireless Emergency Call Systems, Resident Security Systems, and Wireless Networking solutions to customers in the Senior Living Industry. They provide their products to a wide range of customers throughout New England.

They are the Authorized distributors of Motorola WLAN (wireless local area network) and VoWLAN (voice over wireless network) in our area. They are also the authorized Philips Lifeline Solution provider for New England.

ESL Distributing, LLC strives to provide their customers with State of the Art wireless solutions backed by knowledge and courteous staff.  Their products improve the efficiency of staff members through the use of mobile wireless devices to improve communications between staff members.

The Members all enjoyed their time during The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours.  Each Member was able to interact with one another and had the opportunity to learn about the individual businesses and the services they offer.  For more information about The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.pittsfieldchamber.org.

I love hearing about successful business owners and how they started.  Eric LaRoche of ESL Distributing is a prime example of a person having a dream and following that dream until it is complete!  He is a successful business owner who is still passionate about the service and products he offers.  We would like to send out a special Thank You to ESL Distributing for offering the space for such a wonderful event.

New VA Support Line Provides Important Assistance to Caregivers

Submitted By Merrill A. Vaughan
Vice Commander American Legion Peterson-Cram Post 75 Pittsfield, NH 03263

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is increasing its support to caregivers with a new, toll-free telephone line for the caregivers of Veterans of all eras.

“The families and loved ones who care for severely injured Veterans deserve the highest level of support,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “At VA, we consider them important partners in our efforts to care for and rehabilitate our nation’s heroes.”

The National Caregiver Support Line -- 1-855-260-3274 -- will serve as the primary resource and referral center to assist caregivers, Veterans and others seeking caregiver information. 

The line unofficially started Feb. 1, and in its first week logged nearly 600 calls, including 134 referrals to local VA caregiver support coordinators and 233 calls from caregivers themselves.

“VA has been providing support for the caregivers of Veterans for more than seven decades,” Shinseki added. “We already have more than two dozen successful programs, policies and services that support the caregivers of Veterans of all ages.”

The support line will provide information regarding new caregiver benefits, referrals to local caregiver support coordinators as well as emotional support to those concerned with their ability to provide care to loved ones who are Veterans.

The National Caregiver Support Line will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Eastern time; and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern time.  Licensed VA social workers and health technicians will staff the support line.

Local caregiver support coordinators are available to assist Veterans and their caregivers to understand and apply for VA’s many caregiver benefits.  VA also features a Web page, www.caregiver.va.gov, with general information on other caregiver support programs available through VA and the community.

Access to the National Caregiver Support Line was also identified as a significant need in a November 2010 study on caregivers of Veterans published by the National Alliance for Caregiving.

For an opportunity to get to know a few of today’s remarkable caregivers of Veterans, go to http://www.youtube.com/user/veteranshealthadmin#p/u/0/XRmAwZHYRFE.

Letter To The Editor

Thank you John Lenarts for your letter titled “Dogpatch?”  in the February 8, 2011 Concord Monitor.  No thanks.

John could you please tell me, out of the 27 communities that don’t have a zoning ordinance, which ones are a “dogpatch?”

Here, I’ll list them for you.  Pittsburg, Dixville, Clarkville, Stewardstown, Wentworth’s Location, Millsfield, Errol, Odell, Stark, Cambridge, Killkenny, Success, Dalton, Bean’s Purchase, Chatham, Tamworth, Haverhill, Woodstock, Warren, Ellsworth, Orford, Wentworth, Rumney, Canaan, Alexandria, Grafton, and Lempster.

You had better be careful calling them a “dogpatch.”  You remind me of George W. Bush telling everyone Iraq has weapons of mass destruction.

John, where is your evidence? 

I have worked with the Planning Board for 3 long years trying to improve our zoning ordinance.  It’s not possible.  I know of many people who desperately need to open a business from their home.  In many cases, it is their only chance to keep their homes because of the excessive property taxes and lack of employment.  Just so you know, Pittsfield lost 165 jobs between 2000 and 2005.  Imagine what was lost between 2005 and 2010.  These people need relief now!

Some of my biggest supporters are citizens who went through the Zoning and Planning Board, and who would not wish this process on their worst enemy.  What a waste.

The Planning and Zoning Boards, if they fall, will probably fall on their own sword.

Dan Schroth Piermarocchi

Letter
Frontage - Part 1

Article 4  revises ALL Zoning Ordinance definitions.  Buried within 87 definitions is the most important in terms of Successful town expansion, Frontage.   Remember, the 2010 frontage petition was defeated by only 32 votes, after certain Planning Board members (Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Schroth) advised waiting until this year.  And, prior to last year, frontage definitions that included Class VI roads were defeated by voters.

Here’s the Buried frontage definition:  The length of the lot parallel to a public street or a non-interstate highway categorized as Class I, Class II, Class V or Class VI pursuant to RSA 229, as amended, or parallel to a private road built to town standards as set forth in the subdivision regulations.

1)The issue of Class V  vs. Class VI, which Planning Board members requested we wait until this year to vote on, has been privately decided for us and buried among 87 other definitions.  2)Legal counsel suggested the addition of private roads, with no questions asked, and no planning board vote, ‘voila’, definition modified. 

If the majority of voters truly favor frontage on Class VI roads, fine.  I’m of the opinion that we’ve yet to have a true vote on that issue.  But private roads?  Really?  Who’s ever voted on that?  Some planning board members will actually tell you the town’s subdivision regulations cover frontage on private roads.  This is absurd!  Our subdivision regulations Do Not cover frontage on private roads.

Burying this definition as written, demonstrates why Pittsfield residents are considering the elimination of zoning.

God Bless Our Troops,
Rachel Wood
Pittsfield

Letter

“Are you in favor of revising section 101.5 of the Housing Standard Ordinance to designate the Chief inspector shall be the Town’s Building Inspector,” Submitted by Petition.  Majority vote required.

In support of the Warrant Article to place all inspections in the Building Inspector’s job description please review the following:
• The Building Inspector should be responsible for all Housing and Building Inspections.  He is certified by the ICC (which the State requires) and has the experience and training to perform this job adequately.
• With today’s economy why should we the taxpayers pay for two inspectors when one is more than capable?
• The Town Building Inspector is available on a schedule and by phone so that the public knows when to reach him to discuss any issues.
•The Building Inspector is ultimately looking out for Public Safety and has done a wonderful job Communicating with residents.
• With Codes, Code Books and Laws being revised every year, having this work performed by the Building Inspector’s Office makes sense.
• The Building Inspector works for the Town as an employee.  He answers directly to the Select Board.  He is insured by the Town and has a Town car.

These are only a few reasons to “Vote For” the warrant article to place all inspections in the hands of the Building Dept.

Please help us support this warrant article.  Vote Yes

Hank Fitzgerald
Pittsfield

Letter To The Editor

Dear Pittsfield Citizen:
Please take a moment to view the following summary of the 2010 Budget items.
Police Department: budget  $835,000; actual expended  859,000.
Ambulance and Fire: budget $574,000; actual expended $589,000.
Highway Department: budget $766,000; actual expended $742,000.
Welfare Department: budget $108,000; actual expended $93,000.
Waste Water Treatment Plant: budget $338,000; actual expended $302,000.
Remaining Town Budgets: budget $1,080,000; actual expended $1,041,000.
Capital Outlay: budget $283,000; actual expended $299,000.

I would like to personally thank George Bachelder (Superintendent of Public Works), Diane O’Callaghan (Welfare Director), and Ron Vien (Superintendent of WWTP) for a job well done. While the Board of Selectmen worked hard at keeping the budgets level, our road to financial recovery begins with living within our means and, in turn, Department Heads spending within their budgets.

Linda Small
Pittsfield

Letter

On Saturday, February 5th I attended our town budget meeting, I must say it was an experience. I met a room full of truly concerned citizens trying to look out for the best interests of our town and a budget committee doing the best job they can within restraints set by Federal and State Government. During the School Superintendent’s presentation he was asked about the future of  Drakes Field Summer Recreation Program.  He responded  that thanks to private donations, the Summer Program will continue this year at approximately the same funded level it did last year. THIS IS NOT TRUE! 

As of this date, about 1/3 of the funding has been obtained. Without  the other 2/3rds, the Program will not run in the same capacity as it has in the past.  As one of many concerned individuals, I encourage you all to Support Pittsfield’s Youth and help save the Summer Program! 

Operating since 1918, this is a  unique Educational Program  promoting Team Work, Self Esteem, Good Citizenship and Social Skills while also educating them in areas such as Water Safety, Marine Biology, National/Local History, Cultural Arts, Small Business and Health/Nutrition. This Program has given children a chance to do more than “run the streets” during summer break and they are better because of it!

I have learned over the past several years, that if you intend to make a change you have to work hard to make it happen. Lets make it happen!

If you are interested in making a contribution, a bank account has opened at Citizens Bank here in Pittsfield. Checks can be made out to “Supporting Pittsfield’s Youth.”  Once full funding is obtained for the Summer Program, it will also be used to help other cut Programs such as volleyball. Working together we can save these Programs within our Community!

Heather M. Brown
Concerned Parent and Dedicated Citizen

Letter

Good People of Pittsfield:
My name is Heather M. Brown and I am running for SelectWoman. I’m a mother of 2 beautiful girls and have been a resident of Pittsfield my whole life. I have seen many changes happen within our Community, some of those changes have been good while others have not.

For the past several years I have been working very hard to obtain positive opportunities for Pittsfield. My most recent accomplishment being the procurement of funding for the implementation of a new “Home Based” Early Head Start Program located here in Pittsfield in conjunction with the Belknap/Merrimack County Community Action Program.

I have had the opportunity to work at the State and National level in support of our town dealing with such issues as Taxes, Education and Advocacy along with other areas of Community/Public interest and now I want very much to help support you all at our local town level.

If elected, I promise to commit to doing what is best for us no matter what that may be. For far too long our town has been developing a separation of the classes. This Must Stop! We are one Community.  This will never change whether you are an upper class, middle class or lower class citizen we still need to learn to come together and create one unified voice!

I have learned that no matter what disagreements we may have, at the end of the day we all want the same thing and that is to live in a Safe, Financially Secure/Affordable Community while providing our children with the best education we are capable of.

I’m asking all of you to support me so I may help us create and maintain a better community not only for us now but for future generations to come.

Thank you,
Heather M. Brown
for SelectWoman

Dorcas Guild

The Dorcas Guild of the First Congregational Church of Pittsfield met on February 8th for their regular meeting, which was opened by President Nella Hobson.  Devotions were given by Gailann Newton, who read “Thank You For Your Friendship” by Susan Shutz.  This was followed by a Bible reading from 1st Corinthians 13, given by Peggy Jacobs, who then led the group with the Lord’s Prayer.

Joan Riel gave her report of the January meeting and read several thank you notes from towns and organizations for generous donations made to them from the Guild at the January “Mission Month” meeting.  Fourteen cards were signed by those attending to go to sick, shut-in, and away church family members.  Reny Boyd, Treasurer, gave her financial report, balance on hand prior to the meeting.

The routes for the traveling apron and food basket were set up for several members.  The mystery package, brought by Corine Miller was won by Joan Riel.

Nella Hobson had done extensive research on banners to be hung on opposite walls in the front of the sanctuary for Easter.  Members viewed several color photos and voted to purchase a set of two.

Joan Riel noted that three church family members responded to the Guild’s request for additional help at the time of collations, namely, Marilyn Thyng, Erica Anthony and Minnie Plante.  The Service Project of warm clothing will continue through February and March.  Corine Miller mentioned that she and her sister, Carolyn Davis had picked up warm coats for the Homeless in Concord.

A CPR Training session was discussed with April being a possible time.  Also discussed was a defibrillator for the church.  The American and Christian Flags in the sanctuary were discussed.  The Wednesday Work Women will check into their condition regarding repairs and cleaning.

A possible future project will be to collect yarns and fabrics for the Zonta Club in Concord who collects them for resettled refugees.  Members voted to host Fellowship Hour on March 20th.  A thank you gift was voted to Nancy White in appreciation of her exceptional work as janitor.

Refreshments for the evening were banana splits with hostesses Peggy Jacobs and Gailann Newton.  Member brought in their favorite sauces.

The next meeting will be held March 8th with Reny Boyd and Shirley Bleckmann as hostesses.  The program will be “10 Minute Mystery”.  Members are asked to bring toiletry items for the Food Pantry.

Letter

On March 8th, Pittsfield residents will be asked to vote for a completely new Planning Board (5 members).  I am writing to support Bill Miskoe for a two year term. (1 seat)
Bill is currently chairman and has served on the Board since 2003.  He is a licensed professional engineer with broad experience in so many matters that relate to the governance of our town.

Competing for the single two year seat are Dan Schroth and Jim Pritchard.  Jim lacks the benefit of Bill’s years of service.  And Dan?  He is seeking a seat on a board he’s campaigning hard to abolish.  I’m puzzled?!

Please cast a vote for Bill Miskoe for the two year term on the Planning Board.

John Lenaerts

Letter To The Editor

Dear Citizens of Pittsfield:
I attended the February 9th budget meeting and want to let you know that the Budget Committee is working hard and long at representing you in the 2011 budget process. In my opinion, they realize the difficult economic times we are in and how it is affecting our community.  We continue to see bank foreclosures, citizens out of work, and our elderly struggling to survive on a fixed income.  Out of 260 towns, Pittsfield has the third highest tax rate in NH.  We just can’t afford any more.

After sitting in the meeting until midnight, I was so proud to witness the committee taking all these conditions into consideration, making difficult decisions to reduce the town budgets.  I could see that it was not easy for them (I have been in that position myself), but it had to be done.  Not only did they find it necessary to level fund, but they also expressed many concerns with some of the departments, including the overspending in some of the budgets.  Members worked at doing the best they could given the current circumstances.

I would like to thank the entire Budget Committee as well as the Chairmen for running a great meeting.  I would like to encourage all citizens to come out and be part of the Town Meeting process on March 12th.  I hope you will join me in thanking the Budget Committee for all of their hard work by supporting their budget recommendations. Election Day is Tuesday, March 8th and the School District Meeting is Thursday, March 10th.

Thank you,
Larry Konopka
Pittsfield

Letter

Dear Pittsfield Voters:
When you vote on March 8th, please consider the following:  The current Planning Board accomplished all it did this past year because we worked as a team.

If you remember, in prior years, there was so much bickering that the Planning Board accomplished little and was the butt of ridicule.  Don’t let it go back to that same embarrassment for Pittsfield.

Please only vote for individuals that believe in having zoning regulations.  Also, it is vital to elect individuals who can get along with other Board members.

Thank you for listening,
Ted Mitchell
Pittsfield

Letter

Dear Pittsfield Voters:
I am Ted Mitchell, running for a new one year term on the Planning Board.
I am currently the Vice Chair on the Board.  In addition, I am:
• An alternate on the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
• Vice Chair on the Economic Development Committee.
• A member on the Safe Routes to School Taskforce.
• A member of the PMHS Alumni Association Committee.
• A volunteer at the Pittsfield Food Pantry.
• Volunteering to re-landscape the outside of the Town Hall.
Why re-elect me to the Planning Board?
• Knowledge, from having gone to two Planning Commission conferences.
• I’m levelheaded, evenhanded, and practical.
• I’m a 21 year Navy veteran (management, assigned to intelligence commands, aviation quality assurance, and safety programs).
• I’m a 16 year employee of a large grocery chain as a Dairy Manager.
• I’m a no nonsense, logical, practical, and creative problem solver.

If you voted for me before, please vote for me again.  If you didn’t, please consider me a good choice for the Planning Board.

Thank you,
Ted (Theodore) Mitchell
Pittsfield

Robert Edmund (Danis) Carson

Robert “Bob” E. (Danis) Carson, 72, of Sacramento, CA, died December 30, 2010, at Carmichael Care & Rehabilitation Center in Carmichael, CA. Bob was born to Gilbert (Jube) and Rose Danis in Pittsfield, New Hampshire December 27, 1938. Having spent eight years of his childhood first in an orphanage, and then a Catholic boy’s home, he left school at age 16 and spent a year traveling with gypsies.

He joined the U.S. Navy January 17, 1956 and went on to serve his country as a sniper. Bob married Sandra Devault. In 1963 Bob moved to Riverside, CA where he worked as a chef and rode with the Diablo motorcycle club. He became addicted to heroin for eight years. Bob came to know Jesus Christ as his Savior in 1971, and from that time knew that he would be set free from his heroin addiction. The final freedom came in January, 1975.

Bob was assistant supervisor of Doxa Christian Drug Rehab Center in Long Beach, CA. He married Judith Henderson Knoll September 14, 1974. They made their home in Susanville, CA for 12 years.

During that time, Bob worked at Lassen County Hospital and then Lassen County Health buildings as a maintenance man; was head of the county mental health transportation services. He ministered under FGBMFI at the California Correctional Center for eight years, serving as volunteer chaplain part of that time. He was instrumental in organizing the Susanville and Susanville Prison chapters of FGBMFI, also Cowboys for Christ.

He served on many different boards, attended Gospel Tabernacle, and was active in the Four Square Church, and Susanville Calvary Chapel. His closest friends were Mike Madigan, Doug Hackenlible and the B.T. Frost family. Bob’s hobbies were fishing and hunting.

The last three years Bob lived in Susanville he worked as a boy’s group home counselor for Rightway Homes Inc., who then moved him to Sacramento/Auburn to do a receiving home for Placer County. From there he worked as a house parent for Koinonia Foster Care, Inc.

After that, he did the low-voltage wiring for the Hyatt on the wharf and was on the opening team for the Nob Hill Ritz Carlton in San Francisco. After a year of service at the Ritz Carlton, Bob joined the Step-Ahead maintenance and construction team, putting in the many 98 Cent Clearance Center stores in Northern California. He retired as an assistant head of that department in 2001.

For several years after that he was active in the Camellia Gardens Mobile Home Park, and was Regional Manager of GSMDL. Bob also became involved in the Native American community.

Surviving him are his wife, Judith; children: Tina Kelly, Gene Danis, Marc Knoll and David Knoll of Sacramento, Marcelle (Knoll) Neidert of Carson City, Nevada, and Kathleen (Knoll) DeCamp of Santa Barbara, CA; nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and a sister, Sylvia Baker of Meredith, New Hampshire. The funeral service was on January 4, 2011, with military honors, at the North Sacramento Funeral Home, Sacramento, CA. The interment was on January 11, 2011 at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Dixon, CA, with the Patriot Guard Riders riding Honor Guard.

Barbara A. Carr

Barbara A. Carr, 70, of 1 Bridge St. was embraced in Jesus’ loving arms on February 9th at the Dartmouth – Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, following a long illness. She was born in Pittsfield, the daughter of Tancrede and Olive Bousquet, and had lived here all her life. Anyone who knew her, loved her warmth and kindness. She was a stay at home mom and wife. She offered her love to others by daytime babysitting. She loved to cook, weekend rides throughout the state and the hot air balloon rally. She was an avid NASCAR, Celtics and Bruins fan.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, George A. Carr of Pittsfield. 3 sons, Russell Carr of Pittsfield, Leonard Carr of Ocean, NJ and Thomas Carr and his wife Stacey of Pembroke.  2  granddaughters, Allyssa and Nicole Carr.  13 brothers and sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.

Burial will be in the spring in the Floral Park Cemetery.  Donations in her memory may be made to American Diabetes Association, NH Division, 104 Middle St. Manchester, NH 03101.To sign an on line guest Book, log on to perkinsandpollard.com.

Dolores B. “Dolly” Gilman

Dolores (Brown) Gilman, only daughter of E. Achrista and Joseph C. Brown passed away on February 7, 2011.

She was brought up in Pittsfield and attended Pittsfield schools graduating valedictorian in 1946. She attended UNH and then graduated from Hesser Business College where she was school secretary for 7 years.

Dolores ran the Knit and Needle Shop out of her home for 10 years. She also worked at Globe Manufacturing and was a journal clerk for the NH House of Representatives. She was a member of the Park Street Baptist Church and sang in the choir for many years. She also did solo singing at various functions and weddings. She also sang in various productions of the Pittsfield Players.

Dolores was always active in the community serving as a member and trustee of the Pittsfield Cemetery Association. She was a 60 year member of James Farrington-Pleaides Chapter #7 OES, the Pittsfield Historical Society, a 60 year member of the Chichester Grange, as well as the Pomona Grange, NH State Grange and the National Grange.

She was also a long time leader in the Victory Workers 4-H club in Pittsfield. Dolores also volunteered at the Pittsfield Senior Center and was a member of the Red Hat Society.

She is survived by her son, Gary Gilman and wife Nancy, and Gerald J “Gerry” Gilman and his long time friend Kris Westerberg. Two granddaughters, Elizabeth Gilman and Achrista Sherman, a great granddaughter Katelyn Sherman and great grandson Kaden Sherman.

She was predeceased by Gerald I “Jake” Gilman in 1996.

Services were held February 12, 2011 at the Park Street Baptist Church. Burial will be in the spring in Floral Park Cemetery. Donations may be made in her memory to the Charity of One’s Choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Emmons Funeral Home, Bristol.