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Suncook Valley Sun Historical Archive

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

Pittsfield NH News

June 29, 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: June  29, Chris Young; July 1, Jasmine Riel, Carole Richardson, Deborah Collins; July 3, Kellen Giuda, Patricia Freeman, Andrew Dunne; July 4, Linda Fife, Joyce Brewster; July 5, Jim Adams, Paul Colby, Betty Sweet.

A Very Happy Birthday To One and All!

Josiah Carpenter Library News

Josiah Carpenter Library is now taking registrations for enrollment in our 2011 Summer Reading Program scheduled to start on Thursday, July 7, at 1:00 pm.  We will follow the National Summer Reading Program theme “One World Many Stories,” adopted by the NH Summer Reading Program and CHILIS (Children’s Librarians of New Hampshire).  The program will be conducted on Thursdays from 1:00-2:00 pm in the Children’s Room for the first seven weeks, with a special final event on the eighth week at the Community Center.

Preschool through sixth grade children enrolled in Summer Reading will discover “One World, Many Stories,” using their “passports” to visit a different continent each week, read stories from that culture, participate in crafts and activities and enjoy snacks from a selected country on the continent.   In addition to the weekly scheduled program, there will be reading contests, puzzles, challenges, and prizes for all ages, from children to teens and adults.  Theme-related “grab-and-go” craft packets and activities will be available in the Children’s Room for kids who are unable to attend during the Thursday time slot.

On Thursday, July 21, there will be a visit from Nanny Rosebud, Storyteller, for a program of “European Tales and Lore.”  Our quarterly Family Movie Night on Friday, August 12, will offer a Double Feature 2:00 pm matinee and a 7:00 pm show featuring two different family films with “Around the World” themes.  We have saved the best for last with the grand finale.  Thursday, August 18th will be a gala event at the Pittsfield Community Center featuring Andrew Pinard’s Alejandro’s Olde Tyme Magic Show.

Josiah Carpenter Library 2011 Summer Reading Program is supported by two grants,  a “Kids, Books & the Arts” grant from NH State Library and CHILIS, and a grant from Pittsfield’s E.P. Sanderson Trust, as well as a generous donation of special books and craft supplies from the Friends of Josiah Carpenter Library and private donations.

This promises to be a special summer, so don’t miss out on the fun, enroll today!  Hurry on in to the Josiah Carpenter Library and check it out.

Letter

It’s a bad economy and people don’t have much to look forward to.  For the past 25 years, mostly the past 6, my family, I and friends, some traveling all the way from California, Massachusetts, Vermont and southeast New Hampshire, have come to see the spectacular fireworks that the Rotary Club puts on every year.  Thank you Rotary Club; you’re the best. 

Here we go again!  some people don’t want this town to survive in this world.  The Pittsfield fireworks bring in a lot of revenue and recognition to our town and now some people want to take away another piece of the pie.

Listen, this is a little town that becomes big for only one weekend of the year.  I agree; the fireworks bring life where things are dead.  Will the balloons be next?

What a shame.
Lee Camire

Letter
The Balloon Rally Fireworks (or Not)

I join the many who do not understand the decision to remove the fireworks from our town’s annual summer party. What can possibly be wrong with this wonderful display, which our grandchildren look forward to each year with such excitement? We have not thought of a good reason to tell them about this year - do you know one? It can’t possibly be the location of whatever use the cemetery was put to - even if the Rotary Club set  them off there and everyone sat in some corner of the cemetery, there wouldn’t be any real effect on any of it.

So, is it funds? As a donor to this affair annually, I was expecting to once again come forth; what happens now? If the Rotary folks were having trouble with this, why not tell us about it and try to get some additional help?

You should know that, little enough that Pittsfield has to recommend it, one thing every year sets us apart from other local communities, and we have enjoyed bringing our far-flung family here every year to be part of it. And even when the balloons didn’t rise - which was most of the time - there was always the fireworks - the best show of fireworks in New Hampshire, by golly - to fall back on at the end of the day. To take this out of our annual summer holiday is an example of cheapness and small thinking deserving of cheap communities. We may not be rich here, but we are not cheap - we have done this before and should continue.

Come on, Pittsfield!    Let’s show the state that we can do something special - and always do it!

Bill Atherton

Publisher’s Note: Funding of the fireworks is not a problem.

Dorcas Guild

The Dorcas Guild of the First Congregational Church in Pittsfield held its final meeting of the season with a banquet held at Jitters Café on June 14th.

Nella Hobson opened the evening with a blessing and the Lord’s Prayer.  Joan Riel gave devotions, which included “Someday” and a  reading from Guide Posts.  A few bits of business were mentioned and cards were signed to be mailed.

At the May 10th meeting, President Nella Hobson opened the meeting, Mary Jo Powelson led devotions, which included a reading “The Good Shepherd” followed by the Lord’s Prayer.  The usual reports were given and correspondence was read.  Many cards were circulated, and signed to be sent.

The food basket was brought by Nella Hobson and taken by Kathy Bergeron.  It will be retired for the summer and will then go to Arlene Weeks.   The apron, brought by Shirley Bleckmann, will go to Elsie Morse in September.  The mystery package, brought by Elsie was won by Betty MacKay.

We discussed the AED (automatic external defibrillator) purchase and decided it will be a future project.  The service project of toiletries and household items ended in May.  In September the outreach will return to warm clothing.

It was voted to donate $200 to Steve White toward expenses incurred as our delegate to the NACCC Conference in Scottdale, Arizona in June.  It was also voted to give Brian Ward, our only graduating senior this year, $100.

Nella and Elsie gave a report on the Women’s Prison Ministry.  It was voted to donate $100 since the chaplain is not paid for her services.

The fire at the Friendly Kitchen was discussed and a donation of $200 was voted.

At the close of the meeting, Kathy and Mary Jo served brownies, ice cream and homemade chocolate sauce.  Flower arranging was led by Nella.

The next meeting will be held when we resume in the fall on September 13th.  The Wednesday Work Meetings will continue throughout the summer from 10 am to 2 pm.

Group Effort Creates A Work Of Art In Pittsfield.
Submitted By Dan Schroth Piermarocchi

On June 3, 2011 we finished building the remaining wall at the entrance to the new ball fields on Tilton Hill Road in Pittsfield. Building the wall took 24 days over 6 months. We started in November worked until January and returned in April when we could get more rock.

Wall Statistics: Approximately 75 ft. long by 3 ft. tall by 6 ft. thick with a single face substantial heavy cap. It took 2½ Ten Wheeler loads of fieldstone from Catamount Mtn. above Jenness Pond. 1 Ten Wheeler plus 2½ - Six Wheeler loads of ledge rock dug from Clough Rd. Several trailer loads and many pickup truck loads of fieldstone from Catamount Mtn. and Clough Rd.

Citizens who made this project possible: Charles and Bonnie Humphrey, Ray and Teresa Emerson, Luis and Beth Colon-Pagen, Skip and Margaret Weadick, and the Town of Pittsfield all donated rock.

Scott Aubertin, Jim Parker, Larry Williams, Thomas Williams, Cody Newton, Brandon Greenwood, Sue Carbon, and the Town Road Crew all had a hand digging or trucking the rock.

Jeffery Ames, Clint Brewster, Mike Brewster, James Schroth, Justin Schroth and Dan Schroth are the Stonemen. Jim Parker and crew offered to clean-up and spread the loam.

There was no shortage of rock, equipment, trucks or lunches for the Stone Crew. Together we placed stones and rock into a work of art. On a scale of one to ten, ten being extremely difficult, this wall was a four.

Many thanks to my good friend, Larry Berkson and the Youth Baseball Association for the opportunity to build this project. Larry, you and all these generous citizens made this stone project possible.

Greater Pittsfield Chamber Of Commerce Holds Business After Hours
Submitted By Michele Beauregard

The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce was excited to hold yet another successful Business After Hours event on Thursday, May 12th from 6-8 pm.  The event was sponsored and held by Concord Hospital Rehabilitation Services at Concord Hospital Medical Offices, East 1990 Dover Road in Epsom.

Once chamber members arrived, we were directed to the Rehabilitation Services gym on the second floor.  The gym was set up to provide a buffet style meal, which was very good. 

The gym was the perfect location to allow approximately 30 chamber members the chance to partake in several wellness stations.  These wellness stations represented some of the services that Concord Hospital Rehabilitation Services provides.  The stations included a gait/walking analysis of the chamber members where they were given education/recommendations on footwear.  There were also stations on: Falls risk screening, postural screening, how to properly set up your computer work station, and education on Women and Men’s health. 

 
During the second hour Melanie Bieniek, DPT, OCS, CLT Rehabilitation Manager, from Rehabilitation Services gave us an overview of physical and occupational therapy services offered to patients of all ages.  Physical and Occupational Therapists treat a variety of conditions at this facility including general orthopedic conditions, sports injuries, women’s and men’s health issues, lymphedema, vestibular/balance disorders, neurological conditions, hand injuries and work related injuries.  They are skilled in fabricating custom splints to support hand and arm function as well as orthotics for improving foot alignment and support. 

We were also given a demonstration of a new state of the art piece of equipment that is called The Active-step.  This is a treadmill which simulates life-like balance challenges, like a trip or a slip.  They are currently working with Dartmouth College on a study utilizing this piece of equipment as part of a fall prevention program.

 
It is worth noting that The Jungle Drop donated an herbal plant to go with the wellness theme, which was raffled off at the end of the evening. 

We would like to send out a special Thank You to the staff of the Concord Hospital Medical Offices East building!  They provided a wonderful welcoming atmosphere for a great networking event!

Amazing Fundraising Opportunity

Does your club or organization need some extra funds? Would you like to show off your creative cooking talents?

The Pittsfield Rotary Club meets each Wednesday night and each week a community group prepares our meal.

We are looking for additional “chefs” this Summer and Fall and would love to have you join us.

If you are interested, please contact Donna Keeley, [email protected].

Letter

Dear Pittsfield residents:
As a follow-up to my previous letter concerning Pittsfield no longer having fireworks, I’m asking for someone to start a petition and a Fireworks Defense Fund.

The petition needs to be directed to the Trustees of the Floral Park Cemetery and should urge them to vote to allow fireworks once again.

The Fireworks Defense Fund is to raise money, in the event that the couple of individuals who brought the fireworks to a halt choose to take their egos to court.  This money will cover the cost of fighting them in court.

Misguided individuals should not have the power to destroy what the Town has spent decades to achieve.  A bully only backs down when confronted.  Residents of Pittsfield, it is time to stand up for yourselves and the town.

In addition to this, we need to find a way to raise money for fireworks for the next 2012 Balloon Rally.  If there is anyone who has the time to work with a committee to create the framework to accomplish these goals, please contact me at: [email protected] or through the Town Hall Administrator’s Office.

Sincerely,
Ted Mitchell

Publisher’s Note: Please contact the Pittsfield Rotary concerning the funding of fireworks.  To our knowledge, there has been no call for funding assistance.

TOPS News
Submitted By Terrie Azotea

The  summer months are here and its nice to be able to take a nice walk after supper or go for a swim when you get home from work. It’s important to take the time and do something fun and with that it’s easy to work exercise into the fun. Swimming is awesome.  You really don’t think that you are doing much when you are playing in the water but boy, let me tell you the next day you can sure feel it. So that is a good thing!

Camping is here and those smore’s are sure looking good, one choice we can make with them are some dark chocolate and a low fat graham crackers. A fresh salad for lunch with some left over chicken from the grill is also pretty tasty so get out and enjoy the camping and eat healthy!

At TOPS we just ended our spring contest. It sure was a lot of fun. This week we had a nice meeting on nutrition and the myths of dieting.  Remember a calorie is a calorie is a calorie..

Remember we meet on Tuesday nights at 5:30 for weigh in and at 6:30 for our meeting.
If you would like to stop by, feel free. Any questions please call Laurel Tiede @269-8721 or Pat Smith @435-5333. Be a happy camper and have a great week.

Local High School Students Awarded Saint Michael’s College Book Award For Leadership In Volunteer Service & Academic Achievement

The following local high school students were awarded the 2011 Saint Michael’s College Book Award for Academic Achievement with a Social Conscience:

• Jeffrey Olmsted of Barnstead, a student at Prospect Mountain High School
• Emily Belange of Epsom, a student at Pembroke Academy
• Claire Cortese of Pittsfield, a student at Tilton School
• Robert LeBel of Pittsfield, a student at Pittsfield Middle High School
• Emily Tyler of Pittsfield, a student at Pittsfield Middle High School

The award recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to leadership in volunteer service and academic achievement. Saint Michael’s, located in Burlington, Vermont, one of America’s top 10 college towns, was founded on the belief that serving others is part of its Catholic tradition, and through the award seeks to honor those who demonstrate the true spirit of volunteerism.

Award recipients, named at schools throughout the country, are high school juniors who are inductees of the National Honor Society or an equivalent school-sponsored honors organization. They must demonstrate a commitment to service activities in high school or community organizations, taking leadership roles in these activities.

Winners were presented the book First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers (HarperCollins 2000) by Loung Ung, a 1993 Saint Michael’s College graduate who has become a widely acclaimed author. In “First They Killed My Father,” Ung gives a powerful autobiographical account, from a child’s perspective, of surviving captivity during the genocidal Pol Pot regime in Cambodia. She reveals an indomitable spirit in the face of profound suffering, including the loss of both her parents and two of her siblings. Ung has written a riveting memoir about a family’s survival, and in turn, about the development of Ung’s on-going crusade for a landmine free world.

Class of 1942 Reunion

In photo, left to right:  Donald Charpentier, Walter Lampron, Phyllis Rogers Kelley, Louise French Kenney, Florence Greene Freese, Beatrice Stone Adams, Mary Geddes Morse, Naomi Mitchell Avery, Charles Watson, Dorothy Marston Burbank.

Ten graduates of the Class of 1942 of Pittsfield Middle High School and their guests met on June 10th at Dominicks in Chichester for their 69th Class Reunion.  A great time of reminiscing was enjoyed and plans were made for the 70th reunion in 2012.

Attending were: Beatrice Stone Adams, Naomi Mitchell Avery and husband Nolan, Dorothy Marston Burbank, Donald George, Florence Greene Freese, Phyllis Rogers Kelley, Louise French Kenney, Walter and Sarah Lampron, Mary Geddes Morse and daughter-in-law Donna, Charles and Jeannie Watson.

Save The Date - Sat., July 23 For Pittsfield Old Home Day.

The theme of the day is “Super Heroes Rule the Day.”  Plans are underway for the annual craft fair, Breakfast at the Park St. Baptist Church, kids crafts and games, and music.  The Little Red Wagon performing troupe will be here again this year AND there will be a Super Hero Costume Parade in Dustin Park.  The cookoff theme this year is “Kryptonite Kookies” - more to follow on that! 

We are still looking for Parade entries -call Louie at 435-6938 to sign up.  The grand opening and dedication of the Pittsfield Youth Athletic Park on Tilton Hill will take place after the parade - and then there will be more music and food.  Watch The Sun for more information - but be sure to mark your calendar because you won’t want to miss it!

If you’d like to help out that day or have questions call Andi Riel at 435-6346 or Louie at 435-6938.

Letter

To Whom It May Concern:
I’m writing about the fireworks which we are not having anymore.  I don’t know who made that decision.  One person or a group?  I think it’s up to the people in the town to have a say in the matter. 

They set off the fireworks at the edge of the river by the cemetery, not on anybody’s graves.  People come from all over to see the balloons and fireworks.  Furthermore, they spend lots of money and Pittsfield benefits by it. 

My husband, Corky, is buried in this cemetery and when it’s my time, I’ll be right beside him.  And the fireworks will not bother us at all.  We love excitement.  (So think about it.)

Yours truly,
Margaret L Chagnon

Letter

For quite some time I have had the urge to write a “letter to the paper” expressing my respect, admiration and appreciation for the people who work so hard and give so much of their time and equipment to make Pittsfield such a nice place to live.  There is Winterfest, Old Home Day, Balloon Rally, Octoberfest, the Christmas Tree lighting, etc.  And I’m sure, many things I’ve not mentioned.  Now, there is the new ball field on Tilton Hill; the Pittsfield Players, who bring us such great entertainment all year.

I cannot imagine how many hours and how much money is spent to make things nice for the rest of us.  And it’s all volunteered! No personal financial gain in it for anyone! There are also the people who work with the youth, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and 4-H leaders. 

Now there is this group of people who want to do away with the fireworks! Unbelievable!  I wonder if they ever volunteered to do anything good?

Marjorie Feeny

Barbara (Eliasen) Bouchard

Barbara Elizabeth Bouchard, 76, of 9 Elm St. died June 21st, following a long illness, at the Pleasant View Center, where she was a patient since May. She was born in Lowell, MA. the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Eliasen. She lived in Pittsfield for most of her life. She owned and operated Little Elm St. Kindergarten for many years, having taught many of Pittsfield’s youngsters. She worked for over 20 years as a clerk at the Pittsfield Post Office and knew most everyone in town.

She was the widow of Hervey E. Bouchard who died in 2007 and members of her family include 2 sisters, Cynthia Rowe  a primary care giver, of Concord and Gertrude Eliasen of Fall River, MA, a niece, and primary care giver, Mandy Hastie of Epsom and a nephew, Michael Schmidt of Alton, also 2 other nephews, Edward and Robert Eliasen, 3 great nieces, Brianne, Autumn, Kaylee  and a great nephew Jerrod.

Memorial Visiting hours were held Monday evening at the Perkins & Pollard Memorial Home, Pittsfield. A Graveside Service was held Tuesday in the Floral Park Cemetery. The Rev. David Stasiak, Pastor of the First Congregational Church of Pittsfield officiated.

To sign an online guest book, log on to petrkinsandpollard.com