Those Celebrating Birthdays are: January 25, Charles Morgan, Thomas
Shaver; January 29, James Hetu, Bill Provencal, Andrea Riel;
January 30, Wesley Ward.
A Very Happy Birthday To One and All!
Allison Laflamme was named to the President’s List of Campbell
University for the 2011 fall semester. The President’s List is the
highest undergraduate academic recognition Campbell University
awards.
School Lunch Menus
January 30 -
February 3, 2012
PES
Monday
All American
Cheeseburger on a bun, roasted potato wedges, mixed veggies, fruit
medley
Tuesday
Pollo Olé
Chicken Fajita with all your favorite toppings, fiesta rice, corn
roasted salsa, Mac apple
Wednesday
Mangia Mangia
Baked Rotini with meat sauce, garlic bread, caesar salad, sliced
peaches
Thursday
Brunch for Lunch
French toast sticks, sausage patty, hash brown potatoes, celery
sticks with dip, warm cinnamon, apples
Friday
Fresh Picks Pizza
Cheese Pizza, or chef’s topping, garden salad, raisins
PMHS
Monday
Sub Station
Meatball sub, oven potato wedges, garden salad, fruit cocktail
Tuesday
Pollo Olé
Chicken Fajita with all your favorite toppings, fiesta rice, corn
roasted salsa, Mac apple
Wednesday
Mangia Mangia
Baked Rotini with meat sauce, garlic bread, caesar salad, sliced
peaches
Thursday
Brunch for Lunch
French toast sticks, sausage links, hash brown potatoes, veggie
sticks with dip, fruit crisp
Friday
Super Bowl Warm Up!
Spicy chicken chunks, spicy fries, broccoli tops with dip, fruit
cobbler.
Northway Bank Offers Renowned Personal Finance Course
Berlin, N.H. – This New Year, Northway Bank is once again offering
Financial Peace University, the most effective course on personal
finance in America. The program has helped over 1 million families
get out of debt and on a budget and is developed by Dave Ramsey,
America’s trusted voice on money and personal finance.
This is the third time Northway is sponsoring the classes. They are
the only bank in New Hampshire authorized to offer the course and
will hold classes at various locations throughout the state.
The course teaches smart, practical ways to save more, to pay off
debt faster, and to plan for the future more effectively. In the
past, people who have taken the course through Northway Bank have
been extremely pleased. "We needed a game plan to attack our debt
and save for retirement. Thanks to this course, now we have both,"
said Dave and Denise Boucher, who took the course in Berlin.
"Financial Peace University gives people the basic tools they need
to take control of their finances," said Richard Olson, Director of
Consumer and Small Business Banking at Northway. "We at Northway are
thrilled to be able to help our communities and neighbors get on
track with their money. We’ve seen a lot of success with the course
and a good response from people here in New Hampshire who are truly
serious about their finances."
Financial Peace University winter classes begin February 21st.
Enrollment can be done online at northwaybank.com, by calling
800-442-6666 or visiting any one of Northway’s banking centers.
Folks are encouraged to register soon to secure a spot as spaces are
filling up quickly.
Local Students Named To KSC Dean’s List
Keene State College has released the Dean’s List for the fall
semester 2011. Among the 1,501 students named to the Dean’s List
are: Samuel Harty of Epsom; Kayla Reeves of Epsom; Nicole Conner of
Chichester; Jennifer Legere of Northwood; and Alexandra Vendt of
Pittsfield.
The Dean’s List designation is bestowed to those Keene State College
undergraduates enrolled in a degree program who have completed a
minimum of six credit hours in the semester, receiving no failing or
incomplete grades. A 3.5 or higher grade point average on a 4.0
scale is required to earn the Dean’s List honor.
Tips On Starting A Safe Exercise Program
(And How To Tell If You Are
Doing Too Much)
Submitted By: Physical Therapists Peter Minnehan and Katie Archer
As we are starting the New Year many of us make resolutions to lose
weight or to get into shape. Are you thinking about starting a
fitness program? Great! Just as doing too little can cause problems,
doing too much, or too much, too soon can also result in physical
problems. Below are some guidelines for starting an exercise
program, followed by some signs that you are doing too much, too
soon.
Some Things To Consider When Deciding To Start (Or Change)
Exercising:
1) Have clear goals. This will help you gauge your progress.
2) Create a balanced routine. Most adults should aim for 150 minutes
(2 ½ hours) of moderate continuous activity a week and 2 or more
days of strength training.
3) Go at your own pace! Start slow and build up gradually. Increase
no more than 10% of time or intensity or weight lifting per week.
4) Schedule activity into your daily routine. Scheduling it into
your day just as you would an appointment will make you more likely
to stay with it.
5) Allow time for recovery. Plan time between exercise sessions for
your body to rest and recover.
6) Plan to include different activities. And ones that you enjoy.
Variety is the spice of life and will prevent you from getting bored
with exercising.
7) Put it on paper. Having a written plan can help to encourage you
to stay on track as well as track progress.
8) Have the right equipment, especially proper shoes, if you chose
to jog or walk.
Signs That You Are Exercising Too Much, Too Soon:
1) You develop an ache or pain that stays for more than a day or
two, or keeps coming back.
2) You notice that you are able to do less than the week before
(less distance, repetitions, weight, speed, etc.)
3) If you monitor your heart rate upon awakening, you find that it
is higher than normal even before exerting yourself.
If You Suspect You Have An Overuse Injury:
Use R.I.C.E. – Rest – Ice – Compression –Elevation.
• Rest – avoid activities that cause pain or swelling
• Ice – apply as soon as possible, apply for 10-20 minutes on and
off for 48-72 hours
• Compression – helps to reduce the amount of swelling. Be careful
not to apply the bandage too tightly.
• Elevation – keep injured limb above the level of your heart. This
helps to reduce swelling at the injury site.
Don’t allow overuse injuries to prevent you from being active. Be a
safe exerciser, and the results will make you happy.
If you would like help or guidance with an exercise program, our
staff of specialized athletic trainers would be glad to assist you.
If you are experiencing aches or pains our physical therapists would
to be glad to make it go away. Call for a free consult.
Dorcas Guild
The Dorcas Guild of the First Congregational Church in Pittsfield
met the evening of January 10th. Nella Hobson, president, opened the
meeting with a welcome and thanked everyone for their support,
kindness and generosity – things that made our labors so successful
in our church during 2011.
Devotions were shared by Corine Miller and Cindy Cyr. Corine read a
"Recipe for a Happy New Year," and Cindy led the group in prayer.
Joan Riel, secretary, gave her report of the previous meeting, read
11 thank-yous and circulated 13 cards to be signed and mailed to
people in need of cheering up and prayers. Reny Boyd, treasurer,
gave her current financial report.
Nancy Fogg passed the food basket to Audrey Moore, and it will go
next to Cindy. The apron will go from Freda Jones to Elaine Coffey
and then to Cindy. The mystery package, brought by Carolyn Davis was
won by Joan Riel.
Members were reminded of the ongoing service project of warm
clothing being collected for the needy. It was noted that over 100
hats, mittens and scarves had been donated to the "Mitten Tree." A
note of thanks was sent to Nancy White for disrobing the tree,
sorting all the items and then distributing the items to Barnstead
and Pittsfield Elementary Schools and to Blueberry Express Day Care.
Yearbooks for 2012 were distributed and many thanks to Bev Moore for
a great job done! The Christmas and Craft Fairs for 2012 were
mentioned: Nancy Fogg willingly offered to chair the Christmas Fair
again with Mary Jo Powelson. Nella Hobson and Joan Riel offered to
handle publicity for both fairs and will co-chair the Craft Fair.
Our annual mission donations were voted and funds were distributed
to New Tribes Missions; Barnstead, Epsom and Pittsfield Fuel
Assistance Programs; Barnstead and Pittsfield Food Pantries; the
Church Bus Ministry; and a reserve fund was set aside in the event
of hardship or disaster during the coming year.
It was mentioned that the group should have an assistant treasurer
in the event the treasurer at any time was unavailable when funds
were needed. Nella Hobson volunteered and was unanimously elected
for the position. Another item brought up was the return of the
"Nativity" to the courtyard next Christmas. Members were very much
in favor, and the matter will be taken up again in September.
This was the annual "Happy Birthday Meeting" for all members, and
hostesses Elaine Coffey, Cindy Cyr and Corine Miller served
delicious refreshments of birthday cake (complete with candles) and
ice cream, crackers and cheese, coffee and sherbet punch. At the
close of the meeting a book swap was held.
The next meeting, "Banana Split Night" (bring your favorite topping)
will be held February 14th with Peggy Jacobs and Gail Ann Newton as
hostesses. The Guild will host the church Sunday Fellowship Hour
January 29.
Facts And Myths Of Social Security And Medicare Presentation
February 6th
Citizens from throughout the Suncook Valley are invited to the
Suncook Senior Center on Monday, February 6th for a 12:30 pm
presentation about Social Security and Medicare.
Dr. Steve Gorin and Dr. Russ Armstrong, of the State Committee on
Aging, will present the facts and myths of Social Security and
Medicare in the context of the current political and budgetary
discussions in Washington. Learn what the current financial status,
funding trends and challenges to these important programs could mean
for you and future generations.
For the convenience of people who will be attending the
presentation, the February 6th bingo game in Pittsfield will be
cancelled, and Pittsfield bingo players will join Suncook’s 10:00 am
bingo game. Presentation attendees are also invited to Suncook’s
11:30 am Café Bienvenue luncheon, which includes a soup and salad
bar. If you would like to attend the luncheon please call the senior
center by February 1st to make a reservation.
The Suncook Senior Center is located in the St. John the Baptist
Parish Hall, 10 School Street, Suncook, NH (485-4254). For people
who would like a ride to Suncook, Pittsfield’s elder services bus
can come to your home to pick you up. To arrange a ride please call
435-8482.
Dependency And Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Part II
Submitted By: Merrill Vaughan, Commander
American Legion
Peterson-Cram Post 75
The following information is provided by John Mullally, Senior
Benefits Advisor, Paralyzed Veterans of America, in the NEPVA
November 2011 edition of Cord Word. The previous article pertained
to basic information on the Veterans Administration DIC program.
This part will deal with DIC rates.
To be eligible for DIC as a surviving child(ren) you must meet the
following conditions: 1) are not included in the surviving spouse’s
DIC claim; 2) are unmarried; 3) are under the age of 18 or between
the ages of 18-23 if attending school. (Note: Certain helpless adult
children are entitled to DIC.)
The surviving parent(s) of the veteran may be eligible for an
income-based benefit. Rates for parents’ DIC as well as those for
surviving spouses and children can be found on the Department of
Veterans Affairs website at:
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/rates/
A general overview of DIC payments for surviving spouse is as
follows: The basic monthly rate of DIC is $1,154 for an eligible
surviving spouse. The rate is increased for each dependent child,
and also if the surviving spouse is housebound or in need of aid and
attendance. VA also adds a transitional benefit of $286 to the
surviving spouse’s monthly DIC if there are children under the age
of 18. The amount is based on a family unit, not individual
children.
Special Allowances
1) Add $246 if at the time of the veteran’s death, the veteran was
in receipt of or entitled to receive compensation for a
service-connected disability rated totally disabling (including a
rating based on individual employability) for a continuous period of
at least 8 years; 2) add $286 for each dependent child under age 18;
3) if the surviving spouse is entitled to aid and attendance, add
$286; 4) if the surviving spouse is entitled to Housebound, add
eligibility for surviving children special allowances $135.
If you meet eligibility requirements, you can apply for DIC benefits
by filling out VA Form 21-534 Application for Dependency and
Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension and Accrued Benefits by a
Surviving Spouse or Child. If you have any questions regarding this
or any other benefit, contact your local PVA National Service Office
for assistance. Alternatively, you can contact your local American
Legion Post to help you.
Letter To The Editor
To the good citizens of Pittsfield:
Why is the Conservation Committee spending $33,000 of taxpayer money
to purchase a piece of land on Berry Pond, while there are
discussions about laying off three town employees? We as a town have
made a lot of costly mistakes recently; never focusing on our tax
rate, adding more and more burdens on the school and town budgets.
Wait until we get an honest reassessment of the value of our town.
Then you will really see what a high tax rate is.
Why can’t the Conservation Committee privately raise the funds for
this land? The $33,000 is one thing. What about the $1,000 or so the
town loses in tax revenue from taxes on this land? How many
properties have left the tax rolls this year?
Residents are losing their homes and lands from bank foreclosures
and tax foreclosures alike. Why are we making people conserve land
at a time when folks are losing their own ground?
Pittsfield residents wake up. Come to the public hearing on the
budget, Wednesday, February 1st, 7:00 pm at Pittsfield Middle High
School Lecture Hall. Get angry to the fact nothing’s changed; yet
everything has changed.
Dan Schroth Piermarocchi
Letter
Dear Pittsfield Voters:
This letter is in response to Matt St. George’s letter, printed in
last week’s paper.
The January 5th hearing was long and contentious. I chaired the
hearing and was tired at the end. In deference to property owners,
like Matt, on Class VI highways, I wanted another hearing to give
them more opportunity to be heard and give me an opportunity to
examine voting histories of the Zoning Boards.
I thought that voting "yes" would automatically send the proposal to
the town meeting and that voting "no" would force another hearing.
(The tape of the hearing is clear on this.) Therefore, I voted "no".
But voting "no" was, in fact, a vote against another hearing.
As a courtesy to Matt, I called him and explained myself and said I
was going to call a special (not emergency) meeting to vote to have
another hearing on Amendment No. 3.
Matt wrote, "The Board tried to hold this meeting January 12, 2012,
which was deemed illegal and ceased." I halted the meeting because
Bill Miskoe felt the meeting was not noticed properly (even though
meetings had been noticed in this exact way for years, including
when Bill was chair.)
There was nothing illegal about the purpose of the meeting and, as
of this writing, the meeting is rescheduled for January 19th.
The Planning Board has bent over backwards to be fair to everyone.
All the Board is doing is sending a proposal to the town meeting
ballot so you can vote on it. The Planning Board is trying to
properly inform you on the issue so you can fully appreciate what
the amendment is for and how it will work. (Unlike past years.)
Sincerely,
Ted Mitchell
Pittsfield Elementary School PTO News
The Pittsfield Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization is
producing a fundraiser cookbook with the school community’s favorite
recipes. We are gathering recipes from the children, their families,
and staff. We would like your help with a donation of your choice
and we will place an advertisement inside the cookbook. Your
donation will help us keep the cost of production of the cookbook
down.
The PTO is a non-profit organization that supports the elementary
school with many things like the artist in residence program, and
the 6th grade celebration. We also like to help the classroom
teachers with items they may need for special projects, and we also
host many events for the children in our community. Some of those
events are craft nights, pajama game night, muffins with moms and
donuts with dads. Without our fundraising efforts we would not be
able to do these things and the others we would like to do.
We would greatly appreciate any donation and hope to hear from you.
If you have any questions or would like to contribute to a great
cause you can call Ammy Ramsey at 435-7094 or email
[email protected].
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule and
hope to hear from you.
Ammy Ramsey
PTO President
Letter To The Editor
I wish to thank all my tenants on 17 Depot Street and all my
friends, for rallying around and supporting me after the harassing,
slanderous, mean, vindictive, and uncalled for letter the Pittsfield
Housing Inspector sent to my tenants and published in the paper to
discredit me and my son, who does not own the property! This is no
way to treat a landlord! In this economy, it is hard enough to stay
above water, especially being handicapped! This is not the American
Way!
Phyllis Buatti
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