Those Celebrating Birthdays are: April 18, Brittany Frost; April 19,
Linda Rafeal, Tony Snedeker, Anthony Snedeker; April 20, Peter
Teloian, Sr., Hope Elizabeth Teloian, Brian Ward, Drew Wingate,
Brenden Douillette; April 21, Norman Grandmaison, Brian Grandmaison;
April 22, Kevin Yelle, Jeffrey Feeny; April 23, John Snedeker, Jr.,
Julie Snedeker.
A Very Happy Birthday To One and All!
There will be a free public breakfast on the first three Saturdays of
every month from 7:30-9:30 am.
They will be held at the Park Street Baptist Church, put on by Lark
Family Missions. All are welcome.
The Chapman brothers - Eric, Charles, Joshua, and Jeremiah - would
like to announce the arrival of their sister. Faith Serenity was
born on April 9th and weighed 7lbs. 3 oz. Proud parents are Carl and
AnneMarie.
2012 15th Annual $1 Million Giveaway
Captured your attention? Please read on!
Citizens of Pittsfield NH and all that read this article; the
Pittsfield Food Pantry needs our help. Serving over 125 Pittsfield
families a month, the Food Pantry is always looking for ways to
increase its ability to assist your neighbors, and we have found a
way.
We have an opportunity to share in a $1,000,000 contribution from
the Feinstein Foundation.
The Feinstein Foundation is dedicated to the alleviation of hunger,
and for the 15th consecutive year, Alan Shawn Feinstein will divide
$1 million among hunger fighting agencies nationwide. The formula on
how the Feinstein Foundation divides the $1 million is proprietary,
but we know the minimum amount the Food Pantry could receive is
$250.
With just the $250 minimum award, the Pittsfield Food Pantry could
supply enough meals for an additional 10-12 families.
To participate and be eligible to receive a minimum of $250 we need
to answer the Feinstein Foundations Challenge. The more donations we
raise the better our odds are of receiving more than the minimum.
The Foundation’s Challenge ends on April 30th, so we have just under
a month to collect as many donations as possible.
Please send your tax deductible donation to: The Pittsfield Food
Pantry, 85 Main Street, Pittsfield, NH 03263.
We are grateful for the support the community has shown. Thank you
for your continuing generosity.
Pittsfield Elementary School Receives Funding For Wellness Program
$2,700 Awarded By New England Dairy And Food Council For Fuel Up To
Play 60
Evelyn Hart (right) of New England Dairy And Food Council presents
Fuel Up to Play 60 grant check to Program Advisor Laura Smith,
Principal Doug Kilmister, Food Service Director Kevin Crossan and
the Pittsfield Elementary School student Fuel Up To Play 60 team.
Pittsfield Elementary School has been awarded $2,700 to support its
Fuel Up to Play 60 initiative. Pittsfield Elementary School was
selected from hundreds of schools across the country that applied
for funding to help them jumpstart and sustain healthy nutrition and
physical activity improvements. This nationwide funding program
offers schools up to $4,000 to help them increase awareness of and
access to nutrient-rich foods and physical activity opportunities
for students. Funding for this competitive program is provided by
New England Dairy And Food Council and America’s dairy farmers.
"We are proud of the way our students are taking action for their
own health by being physically active and learning to taste and
appreciate healthy foods through the Fuel Up to Play 60 program,"
said Laura Smith, PE teacher and Fuel Up To Play 60 program advisor,
"If students learn these habits at a young age it will be easier to
maintain them in the future."
Grant funds purchased a new commercial smoothie blender and colorful
new signs for the cafeteria to highlight healthy menu choices and
educate students about the nutrient-rich foods available in the
cafeteria. Students on the wellness team will help conduct taste
tests to select the favorite smoothie recipes and taste test healthy
new foods items to include on the menu.
Grant funds to equip and support a school jump rope club provide an
additional physical activity before school and will help students
improve endurance and upper body strength. Grant funds will be used
to purchase award badges and certificates for students who earn the
Presidential Physical Fitness Award.
More than 70,000 schools across the United States are participating
in Fuel Up to Play 60. Launched by National Dairy Council and
National Football League (NFL), in collaboration with United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA), the program encourages youth to
consume nutrient-rich foods and achieve at least 60 minutes of
physical activity every day. Multiple health organizations and
several major corporations are also supporting Fuel Up to Play 60,
now in its third year.
"Fuel Up to Play 60 is really taking off in New Hampshire. Wellness
champions and students in more than 370 schools in New Hampshire
have enrolled in the program, and these funds will help many of the
participating schools to do even more," said Evelyn Hart, RD,
nutrition expert for New England Dairy And Food Council.
Schools, parents and students can learn more about Fuel Up to Play
60 at
FuelUpToPlay60.com.
Former Student Survey and Focus Groups
Last year, the Pittsfield School District was awarded a School
Improvement Grant (SIG) by the New Hampshire Department of Education
to help raise the achievement of students at Pittsfield Middle High
School and better prepare them for college and career.
In order to help Pittsfield students to get a better quality of
education, the school wants to know what they did well and what they
could have done better to prepare students for a successful life. We
are especially interested in hearing from students who completed
their high school education in the past ten years.
An online survey (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PittsfieldAlumniSurvey)
is still open for former students, including graduates who went on
to college, the military and the workforce as well as students who
dropped out of high school before graduation.
Former students interested in participating in focus groups to
discuss these topics are encouraged to volunteer when they complete
the survey, or to contact Leslie Bergevin or Jeff Martel in the
Guidance Department at Pittsfield Middle High School.
Pittsfield Food Pantry Holds Ham And Bean Supper And Bake Sale
You won’t want to miss the Pittsfield Food Pantry’s delicious Ham
and Bean Supper to benefit its outreach to the community. The
all-inclusive meal, including luscious homemade pies, will be served
at the First Congregational Church, 24 Main Street, Pittsfield, this
Saturday, April 21st, 5-7 pm. A monetary donation is requested.
There will also be a bake sale featuring pies, cakes, breads,
cookies, brownies and other yummy items during the dinner.
Maxfield Public Library Arts And Crafts Show And Sale
Fresh, original designs in hand-crafted items by New Hampshire
artisans will be on display at the Maxfield Public Library’s two day
show and sale. Whether you just like to browse or are a dedicated
shopper, save the dates of Saturday, May 5, from 9 am to 2 pm, and
Sunday, May 6, from noon to 3 pm to enjoy the inspired work.
With Mother’s Day right around the corner, you can shop for unique
gifts and find something to keep for yourself, too. Hand-crafted
items from Loudon artisans include richly colored beaded jewelry by
Maryjane LeBlanc, turned wood pieces by Jim Tranfaglia, wooden bowls
by Ralph Maguire, and fabric arts by Robin and Heather Landry. Clare
Bevans from Webster will offer hand woven pieces.
An array of miniature paintings – just right for homes where wall
space is at a minimum – will be on sale featuring artists Frank
Curatolo, Ken Krzewick, Frank Moulin, Dick Pratt, and Anthony
Williams.
For more details, please call Nancy Hendy at 798-5153.
Pittsfield Players’ Auditions Announced For
You’re A Good Man,
Charlie Brown
The Ann White Northwood Theater Workshop will begin its final
season, prior to a merger with the Pittsfield Players, with the
musical comedy You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, which will be
directed by Geri Veroneau.
Auditions will be held at the Scenic Theatre, 6 Depot St.,
Pittsfield, on Sunday, April 15 from 6-8 pm, Monday, April 16 from
7-8:30 pm, and on Wednesday, April 18 from 7-8:30 pm.
Geri will be seeking actors to pay the roles of five of our favorite
Peanuts characters. Auditioners will be asked to sing and to read
from the script. The show will run June 29, 30 and July 1, with the
possibility of a show on June 28. For more information, call
435-8852.
Tickets Now On Sale For Pittsfield Players’ Dinner And A Show
The Pittsfield Players’ will be holding a fundraising evening called
Dinner and A Show on Saturday, April 28 at 6:30 pm at the Pittsfield
Community Center. All proceeds will go to the Scenic Theatre
Sprinkler Fund.
The Players will offer a three course dinner followed by the adult
comedy Suitehearts, which was performed at the Chateau Restaurant in
Manchester in February and is being reprised by popular demand for
this event. The Players hope to pre-sell tables prior to the event
and tickets will be $30 per person and discounted to $250 for a
table for ten people.
Dinner will include a spring salad of grapes, walnuts and baby
greens with a light balsamic dressing, followed by the main course
of roast pork in a cassis sauce, au gratin potatoes, and an
assortment of vegetables. Dessert and coffee will be served at
intermission. Wine and beer will also be available during dinner.
The show Suitehearts, directed by Carole Neveax was first performed
in February at the Chateau Restaurant in Manchester to sold out
houses. Suitehearts tells the story of a naïve newlywed couple who
book the bridal suite for their honeymoon, only to discover that
their room has been double booked to an older, wiser set of
newlyweds, who have been around the block before, so to speak. With
no other rooms available, hilarity breaks out when the two couples
find themselves sharing their adventure. The show features Kat
Abdelwahid and Jon Carres as the older couple and Joe and Elise
Paredez as the younger newlyweds. Jack Miller rounds out the cast,
delivering a hilarious rendition of the hotel bellman, Herman.
All tickets for Dinner and A Show must be prepaid by April 25, so
that Maye Hart and her crew can prepare the proper amount for the
dinner. To order tickets, call the Scenic Theatre at 435-8852 or
call Maye Hart at 736-9563. See you at Dinner and A Show!
Foss Family Pittsfield Town Scholarship Applications Are Now
Available
Foss Family Pittsfield Town Scholarships will once again be awarded
in June to graduates of Pittsfield Middle High School continuing
their education beyond high school. Students pursuing degrees at
two-year, four-year, technical or trade schools are eligible for the
awards.
The scholarship program was established through the generosity of
Richard and Lois Foss with the goal of supporting post-secondary
education for the community’s young people and encouraging their
contribution to revitalization of the community.
Past graduates as well as graduating seniors are eligible for the
award. Applications are available through the Guidance Office and
are due by May 1st.
You may call the Guidance Office at 435-6701 or contact Leslie
Bergevin, Guidance Director, at
[email protected] for more information.
Letter
From The Desk Of The Selectmen
Dear Taxpayer:
In our on-going effort to keep you informed, here are some
highlights of our April 10th meeting:
Administrative Plan:
1) Temporary suspension of scheduled overtime, police details (no
appropriation), new hires, and discretionary spending without
permission.
2) Review departmental schedules in an effort to maximize the
efficiency of our labor resources and better ensure 24/7 coverage
without over-utilizing overtime.
3) Review Administrative budget items in an effort to reduce
unnecessary costs without effecting public safety.
4) Review Administrative positions and consider where we might shift
the labor force from administrative to public safety in an effort to
help ensure 24/7 coverage in the most cost effective manner.
5) Consider reducing full time positions to part time where able
without compromising public safety. Goal: to ensure a continued
reasonable service at the maximum level of efficiency.
Action Items (based on above):
• Authorization of conditional overtime in order to help ensure
adequate public safety coverage in the event of an unforeseen call
out of a staff member.
• Trial a police department shift schedule change from four 10 hour
shifts to five 8 hour shifts.
• Trial an ambulance department shift schedule change from two 24
hour shifts to four 12 hour shifts.
Although an overall cost savings can’t be immediately determined,
below are estimated monetary scenarios in the event of a call out
(overtime rate assumed):
• PD: 10 hour shift schedules cost the taxpayer approximately $365
per replacement. 8 hour shift schedules require no replacement to
maintain 24/7 coverage, and therefore the taxpayer assumes no
additional cost.
• Ambulance: 24 hour shift schedules cost the taxpayer approximately
$495 per replacement. 12 hour shift schedules will cut additional
cost to the taxpayer in half, regardless of the rate.
The long term goal of the Board is departmental efficiency.
Pittsfield Board of Selectmen
Dorcas Guild
The Dorcas Guild met April 10th with 13 members attending. Nella
Hobson opened the meeting with devotions. Included was a reading
sent to her from a friend in the Army Chaplaincy, Chaplain (Brig.
Gen.) Ray Bailey, who e-mails a daily meditation called "Bailey
Breads" worldwide to his many friends and colleagues in the
Chaplaincy. It was titled, "The Perfect Tree." Following the
reading, Nella offered special prayers followed by all joining in
the Lord’s Prayer.
Joan Riel gave her minutes of the previous meeting and read notes of
correspondence. In the absence of Treasurer Reny Boyd, the assistant
treasurer gave the financial report. Many cards were signed for
mailing.
The food basket from Cindy Cyr was taken by Elsie Morse and will
next go to Carolyn Davis and then to Elaine Coffey. The apron also
came from Cindy, taken by Peggy Jacobs and will go to Nancy Fogg and
Evelyn Richard. The mystery package, brought by Corine Miller was
won by Nancy Fogg.
The Defibtech Lifeline AED has been ordered and upon arrival, the
Pittsfield Fire Department will assist in the installation and
instruction.
Pastor Dave Stasiak and Steve White, delegates, will attend the
annual conference of the National Association of Congregational
Christian Churches in June in Minneapolis. A donation will be voted
at the May meeting to help with expenses.
Members were reminded to furnish pies for desserts and other baked
goods for the Food Pantry’s Ham and Bean Supper and Bake Sale to be
held in our church on Saturday, April 21.
Although we approved the purchase of supplies for pew Bible repair
in a previous meeting, we will wait for the return of Joe Rogers in
June to lend his expertise. It was announced that the First Aid kit
has been refurbished.
Oil assistance money donations to the town of Pittsfield will have
to be allocated in smaller amounts in the future in order for it not
to require a vote of acceptance by the town.
The June banquet slated for June 12, 2012 at 6 pm was discussed and
it was decided to check out Jitters once again for availability and
menu choices. Gifts for graduating seniors were discussed and will
be taken care of at the May or June meeting.
At the close of the meeting, the "White Elephant in a Brown Bag"
selections were drawn using the numbers from the mystery package
drawing. Members were reminded of the Fellowship Hour on April 29th,
for which the Guild is responsible.
Delicious refreshments were served at the close of the meeting by
Evelyn Richard and Nella Hobson. The next meeting will be held on
May 8th and will be "Flower Arranging." Bring a vase and three
dollars. Hostesses will be Kathy Bergeron and Mary Jo Powelson.
Letter
Dear Citizens:
Traditionally we pay our tax bills on April 15th. This year I am
asking you not to pay one tax bill. It is the gas tax. For
one day don’t buy gas. If everyone joins in it will make an
effective statement to Federal and State Governments. If that
protest doesn’t make an impact, then we can choose to stay home and
enjoy family time on a chosen Saturday. Think of the impact that
would have on government, entertainment, retail and any business.
Remember one vote affected the outcome of an issue right here
in Pittsfield. You have the voice, the power and the freedom to make
a statement. Make it loud and clear on April 15th.
Sybil Bond
Leap Into Spring With The Pittsfield Beautification Committee
The Beautification Committee was pleased to welcome two new members,
Ted Mitchell and Carol Lambert, to their first meeting of 2012.
The committee would once again like to thank Barton Lumber, Exit
Realty, Globe Manufacturing, Men of Rotary, and Women of Rotary for
sponsoring our gardens. The flowers will soon be in bloom. In
commemoration of Earth Day, high school students will be assisting
our members with a "beginning of the season" clean-up project.
In addition to maintaining our sponsored gardens this summer, the
committee has plans to renovate the garden at the Washington House
lot. Dan Schroth has volunteered his time to build yet another
beautiful stone wall encompassing the raised garden. Joe Darrah
Enterprises has also offered assistance as needed. The purchase of
stone, materials, and plants will be necessary for the renovation,
with an estimated cost of approximately $1,500.
Any monetary contributions to help offset this cost will be greatly
appreciated. For your convenience, there are Beautification
Committee Collection Boxes at five locations around town or you may
send your check, made payable to Pittsfield Beautification
Committee, in care of Ernestine Fife, 1394 Upper City Rd.,
Pittsfield, NH 03263.
These gardens around town are to benefit all of our residents, by
bringing beauty and pride to Pittsfield.
Letter
During the April 3rd Select Board meeting the "Henry Thomas" letter
was discussed in public session. I ended up being the topic of
conversation amongst the Select Board led by Linda Small.
I am dismayed that the board would have the audacity to make
accusations with no basis for them. I am also quite concerned that
accusations being made against a town employee are being made in
public meeting. RSA chapter 91-A:3 nonpublic sessions, paragraph II
(a) states: "only the following matters shall be considered or acted
upon in nonpublic session: the dismissal, promotion or compensation
of any public employee or the disciplining of such employee, or the
investigation of any charges against him or her unless employee
affected has a right to a meeting and requests that the meeting be
open."
I was not allowed to be at this meeting, per the new Select Board
policy enacted on 3/27/12, which prevents town employees who are on
duty from attending Select Board meetings. To attack me in such a
way, while not even allowing me to hear the accusation, let alone
respond to it, not only violates my legal rights, it is morally and
ethically unconscionable.
So if this injustice concerns you, as it did me, please attend as
many Select Board meetings as you can to show these four individuals
that they work for us.
Lyle T. Deane
Pittsfield
Letter To The Editor
As a citizen of this town I have been to a lot of Select Board
meetings lately, trying to see how our Board is handling our tax
burden. I see the Board struggling with departments trying to
stabilize costs. The Board has frozen all scheduled overtime.
Scheduled overtime? I’ve never heard of this; let me pay someone
time and a half to do the same job that someone can do on regular
time.
I have seen multiple business owners at meetings asking about
coverage that was not filled during a few occasions, in our police
and fire department. Is this a scheduling problem? I think it is
time for our department heads to work with our Select Board.
Thank you,
Eric Nilsson
Letter To The Editor
The Pittsfield town tax payers voted to cut the budget; so that is
what the Selectmen are doing. Bravo! They are getting some
people angry; that means they are doing their job! Keep up the
Good work!
Pittsfield tax payer
TOPS News
Submitted By Terrie Azotea
We had another good weight loss this past week. It seems as though
things are on a roll at TOPS. There should be a new contest starting
up and we will be having our auction at the end of the month.
We all know it’s coming into the warmer weather. We go to the store
and we see those bathing suits on the racks and we think to
ourselves… Oh I wish I could wear that one!
Well, we can if we keep trying and that is what TOPS is all about;
working together and encouraging each other along the way. Some
weeks we go to the scales and we think we are going to see a gain
but we don’t and the excitement is there because we had a good week.
Or some weeks we try really hard and then we go to the scales but
there is a gain. We ask ourselves why when we tried really hard that
week.
Our weight goes up and down throughout the day depending on what we
eat, how much salt we have consumed, and the amount of fluids we
have drunk. I just think we have to try everyday, do our best, keep
up the good work and it will eventually come off slowly.
Some of these diets are a fast fix and in the end they really don’t
work because the weight comes right back on. It is better to lose
the weight a little bit each week and in the end it stays off.
So if you’re looking for a weight loss group, come on out on a
Tuesday night at St. Stephen’s church on Main Street in Pittsfield
and see what we are all about.
Any questions, please call Laurel Tiede at 269-8721 or Pat Smith at
435-5333. They would love to talk with you. We meet at 5:30 for
weigh in and 6:30 for our meeting.
"The road to Success, is about the Journey."
Hope everyone has a great week and we’ll see you all lighter next
week!
Letter To The Editor
To the good citizens of Pittsfield:
Pittsfield is faced with a financial crisis. The citizens need to be
reminded of any future property tax increase. It is of great concern
to many of us.
Fact: Our tax rate of $30.66 per thousand is the highest of any town
in the state.
Fact: The town owns way too many tax deeded properties.
Fact: Many properties are over-assessed, thereby really screwing
these people over.
Fact: The school seems to be improving while lowering their tax
burden.
Fact: I hate to go against a group of firefighters.
Fact: You talk about a promise made at town meeting. Is this why you
voted to stabilize our tax rate?
Fact: I doubt it.
Fact: It’s going to be a long summer.
Dan Schroth Piermarocchi
Pittsfield’s Ferdinand French
On April 12, Mr. Paul Gauverau, the renown carriage expert,
delivered an extremely enlightening talk to the Pittsfield
Historical Society. His subject was the carriage industry and
Pittsfield’s own Ferdinand F. French.
Mr. French was born during 1843 and was an uncle of the Ferdinand
French who many old timers remember as a local grain and poultry
merchant who owned a store on Carroll Street. The elder Ferdinand
left Pittsfield at about age 20 to study law in Boston but after a
year left his studies. He then began working as a salesman for
William P. Sargent & Co., a horseless carriage concern, becoming a
partner in 1871. He remained in that position until 1884 when he
left to start his own company. Within a short time Mr. Sargent
passed away and he was called back to take over the operation.
The company was reorganized and renamed the Ferd. F. French & Co.
Ltd. Mr. French held a seat on the board of directors and became the
general manager. He did not, however, own the company. Nonetheless,
under his leadership it was highly successful, had a reputation for
top quality carriages, and by 1890 had sold over 60,000 vehicles.
Internationally well know for his expertise in the carriage
business, Mr. French was selected as one of seven men to evaluate
carriage quality and make awards at the World’s Fair Columbian
Exposition in Chicago during 1893. The following year, dissatisfied
with a new owner of the Ferd. French Company, he left to form The
French Carriage Company. Again, he was appointed to the board of
directors and was named general manager, but again he relied on
others to provide the venture capital.
The new company rented a large building at the corner of Sumner and
Kingston Streets, significant because it was on the location where
the famous Great Fire of Boston began in 1872 which leveled nearly
800 buildings. Again, the business was highly successful and known
for the quality of its carriages. By 1907, however, bicycles and
automobiles were gaining in popularity and that year, for the first
time, the company operated at a loss. The downward trend continued
and in October 1901 the company dissolved.
Mr. French continued to sell carriages out of a single room office
in downtown Boston for the next two years. Subsequently, he became a
salesman for the White Automobile Company which sold steam operated
vehicles. He passed away in 1917 and was buried in Wildwood Cemetery
in Winchester, Massachusetts where he had lived for several decades.
Letter
Dear Greenhouse Friends:
It is with sadness we announce that the greenhouse at Heath’s Flower
Shoppe will not be opening this year. Our wholesale plant supply is
no longer available to us, leaving us without a source of excellent
plant material.
We have enjoyed the past 25 seasons and wish all our greenhouse
friends a happy and productive growing season.
Roger and Janet Heath
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