Globe Manufacturing
Company, LLC was presented an award by the Illinois Fire Service
Institute as a valued partner in support of their mission: “Helping
firefighters do their work through training, education, information
and research.” Left to right: Chris Moelker, Globe Regional Sales
Manager; Rob Freese, Globe Senior VP of Marketing; Royal Mortenson,
Director of Illinois Fire Service Institute.
Pittsfield Players Living Together Read-Through
The Pittsfield Players will be hosting a play reading at the Scenic
Theatre of Alan Ayckbourn’s “Living Together.”
The play reading is a casual reading of the script that takes place
upstairs at the Scenic Theatre on Sunday, April 27 at 6:30 PM.
“Living Together” is the second play of The Norman Conquests
trilogy. It takes place in the Living Room, over the same weekend,
with the same characters.
This one begins on Saturday evening with Norman sulking because his
trip has been canceled, Reg dealing with the bags - and the game
he’s invented that he’s hoping to play - and Sarah marshaling
everyone around. As the plays pile up the sense that anyone has
control over anything really does deteriorate, because we see what’s
happening in the next room when character’s aren’t around we see how
little effect individual’s attempts to control the situation have.
Married relationships take the foreground in this play. Particularly
Sarah and Reg’s union - with her constantly running him down and
bossing him - dismissing his attempts to get everyone to play his
game with him - and his general acceptance of her command. This
plays counter to Ruth and Norman’s marriage which although Norman
seems unable to stop himself from suggesting a roll on the carpet or
a get-away to Bournemouth to every lady present has an honesty and
bluntness that carries them - and by the end, carries them through.
In a way.
And it’s a comedy. And it’s filled with lonely and somewhat sad
people trying to make the best of things. “
Any one who is interested in reading this play in an informal
setting is welcome to join us at the Scenic on April 27 at 6:30
upstairs in the green room. You are welcome to bring a snack and are
no way obligated to perform or audition after the reading.
Auditions for “Living Together” will be held May 18 and 20 at the
Scenic Theatre.
You need not be a member of the Pittsfield Players and we encourage
you all to attend whether you are a seasoned veteran or have never
done theatre before. You are also welcome to come and listen. If you
have any questions please feel free to reach Meggin at 736-8073.
Pittsfield Area Senior Center Bake Sale
April 24, 2014 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
At 74 Main St. Pittsfield, NH
Help support our older population where one in six is threatened by
hunger and this statistic is increasing. The Meals on Wheals mission
is to make sure that no senior goes hungry by delivering healthy
nutritious meals to ones whose mobility is limited. You can help
support this program by coming to the bake sale and purchasing
wonderful homemade goods. All donations will be given to the
Merrimack and Belknap Community Action Meals on Wheels program.
Floral Park Cemetery Fence Fund Update
Submitted By Carole Richardson
Spring has arrived and Memorial Day will be here before we know it.
I am pleased to announce that because of your generous donations, I
have met my first goal for phase one of the Floral Park Cemetery
Fence Fund. Donald Fife, the Superintendent of the Floral Park
Cemetery and I met with Rick Sykes from the Superior Fence Company
to discuss the plans for the fence installation. Phase one will
include fencing for the existing Barnstead Road section of the
fence, as well as a few added sections to the left of the entrance
gate which has never had fencing. This will make the fence look a
bit more balanced and will include a large granite post to offset
the new sections. A portion of High Street will also be included in
the phase one project. Mr. Sykes has promised that phase one will
be completed by Memorial Day!!!
I would like to thank all those individuals who have so generously
given to this fund and ask that you continue to send donations so
that funding will be available for phase two of the project. A
special thank you to Paul Rogers at Jitters for allowing me to have
a donation box there, and thank you to all of his patrons who have
donated with their spare change – remember every penny counts. I
would also like to thank the SUN for continually printing my
articles seeking donations for this much-needed project and to Andi
Riel for mentioning the project in her Sunday Monitor column. I am
constantly brainstorming on ways to get the word out so that I can
reach individuals who aren’t aware of the Fence Fund. It appears
that word of mouth has been the most successful. Remember your
contributions to the Fence Fund are tax deductible.
Thank you for your suggestions and kind words, and please continue
to send your donations to the “Floral Park Cemetery Fence Fund” P.O.
Box 98 or 595 Tilton Hill Road, Pittsfield, NH 03263. If you should
have questions, please call me at 435-8351.
Mother’s Day Card Sale To Benefit Catamount Womenaid
Catamount Womenaid is offering greeting cards for sale in time for
Mother’s Day, May 11. “Marie’s Love,” a colorful photo of peach
roses by Nancy Sauter of Barrington, is featured on the cards, which
can be bought plain or with a Mother’s Day greeting. All proceeds
will benefit Catamount Womenaid providing emergency funds for
neighbors in need in Epsom, Pittsfield, Deerfield and Strafford.
Buyers may choose to have Catamount Womenaid mail a
Mother’s Day card directly to the recipient for $10, with a note
that a donation has been made in their honor. Or one may purchase
cards directly, either individually or in a set of 10. Ten blank
notecards costs $20. An order form is available at
www.catamountwomenaid.org or arrange to
purchase by phone through Deb at 463-9776 or email
[email protected].
Learn more about Catamount Womenaid’s mission,
events, and opportunities for volunteers, visit
www.catamountwomenaid.org and like them on
Facebook.
Bowling fundraiser to benefit Catamount Womenaid
Last May, ten teams of bowlers met at Strikers East
in Raymond to show how they roll. All proceeds from the fundraiser
benefitted Catamount Womenaid, which provides emergency financial
assistance to men, women and children in Epsom, Pittsfield,
Deerfield and Strafford. Prizes, such as $50 gift cards to Tuckaway
and $10 gift cards to Johnson’s, were awarded for lowest and highest
scores and by raffle. The lowest score, which was amazingly close to
single digits, was rolled by a woman who swears she has been
practicing and can’t wait to make a come-back. This year, the event
is being held Saturday, May 3 at Strikers East at 7pm. Cost is $125
per team of up to 5 bowlers and includes 2 hours of unlimited
bowling and rental shoes. Prizes will be awarded in new categories
and teams are registering now. Reserve your lane today by sending a
check to Catamount Womenaid PO Box 81 Deerfield NH 03037 or visiting
the Events page at
www.catamountwomenaid.org and using the
paypal link. Questions?
[email protected] or Deb
463-9776. Like us on Facebook to get all the updates.
The Pittsfield Players
Seek Sponsorships
The Pittsfield Players have been in operation since 1968 and have
owned the Scenic Theatre at 6 Depot Street in Pittsfield, NH since
1991.
While many small community theatre groups have dropped off around us
and many others have started up, The Pittsfield Players have
continued to bring great theatre to the Pittsfield community and
surrounding towns. The Scenic theatre has been host to many
community events such as the Pittsfield Historical Society, the
Pittsfield Youth Workshop and Pittsfield Listens. We pride ourselves
on fine community theatre and bringing a wide variety of events and
opportunities to the Pittsfield youth and adults alike to not only
have theatre right in their own town but to have the chance to
fulfill their dreams of being involved, being on stage and being a
part of a fun, long-lasting, family-oriented community group.
It takes a lot to stage a production on the Scenic Stage. There are
Producers, Directors, Cast, Crew, Lighting, Sound, Publicity,
Fundraising and of course the audience. Just as it takes many people
to put on a production there are also many costs involved, from
royalties, scripts, costumes, sets, props, music, paints, heat and
lights as well as the day to day household expenses of paper towels
and light bulbs.
That’s where our sponsors come in. You help us to put on a
production without having to worry about the up-front costs and put
more money back into our building, specifically, The Sprinkler Fund
– a fund established for bringing water to the pipes expressly for
charging the system, installing 3 floors of a sprinkler system and
maintaining it.
The following are the levels of sponsorship. Be reminded that any
amount donation is helpful and these particular amounts are to show
you exactly what you’re getting for the money.
$5,000.00 - Standing Ovation
Your donation supports the cost of a musical’s royalties, set,
costumes, scripts, and musical director. Your donation will allow
you 10 tickets to a show night of your choice (reservations needed),
a backstage pass and your full page ad in our insert program. Your
company’s name will be added to a plaque displayed in our lobby.
$2,000.00 - Applause, Applause
Your donation supports the cost of a musical’s royalties or the
entire cost of a non-musical from ticket printing to royalties. Your
donation allows you 8 tickets to a show night of your choice
(reservations needed), a backstage pass and a half page ad in our
insert program.
$1,000.00 - Opening Night Jitters
Your donation supports the cost of a non-musical’s royalties and
scripts. Your donation allows you 4 tickets to a show night of your
choice (reservations needed) and a half page ad in our insert
program.
$500.00 - Flowers for the Cast
Your donation supports the cost of a non-musical’s royalties. Your
donation allows you 2 tickets to a show night of your choice
(reservations needed) and a business card size ad in our insert
program.
Checks can be made out to:
The Pittsfield Players
And mailed to:
The Pittsfield Players
PO BOX 177
Pittsfield, NH 03263
Dorcas Guild
The April 8 meeting of the Dorcas Guild of the First Congregational
Church of Pittsfield began with a welcome to the 12 members by
President Nancy Fogg. Leslie Vogt offered devotions based on the
“Serenity Prayer” authored by Reinhold Niebuhr, with a short history
and also shared a few similar works by different authors. All joined
in “The Lord’s Prayer.”
Joan Riel read several pieces of correspondence recently received
and passed around a few cards for signing. Nella Hobson read the
minutes of the last meeting, which were taken by Nancy Fogg, and
were accepted as read. Reny Boyd read the treasurer’s report, also
accepted.
The food basket is on hold from Gail Ann Newton and will go next to
Leslie and then to Elaine Coffey in May. The apron will go to
Leslie, then Nancy Fogg and in June, to Carolyn Davis. The mystery
package furnished by Bev Moore was won by Nancy.
There has been no new information on the service project for
seniors.
Two silvertone trays have been purchased in memory of Betty Mackay
and are currently at the engravers. Thanks to Peggy Jacobs for her
efforts on this project.
There was a short review of the Easter Breakfast details and what
Dorcas members have agreed to donate and assist with. A list is
posted in the kitchen.
For Fellowship on the last Sunday of the month, the Dorcas Guild has
agreed to take charge of a “Celebration Cake” through June 2014 and
then revisit the activity. Servers and clean-up help is needed. For
Sunday, April 13, the Dorcas Guild will host the Fellowship time.
The consensus of the group was to continue to purchase Easter
flowers in memory of departed members, and donate them afterwards to
a shut-in.
As far as the Guild’s June banquet, Nancy will investigate Jitters
Café once again. The banquet will be held June 10 at 6 p.m.
Peggy gave a short report on the 225th church anniversary
celebration coming up later this year and discussed some proposed
events for September, October and November.
Audrey Moore reported on her delivering the box tops for education
to the Pittsfield Elementary School personnel, who were very happy
to have them. Continue bringing in box tops.
The business meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m. when delicious blueberry
cake, cookies, fruit, crackers and cheese, fruit punch, coffee and
tea were served by Leslie and Nella. During refreshments, Prayer
Partners were revealed and the “White Elephant in a Brown Bag”
activity took place.
The next meeting will be May 13 at 7 p.m. with hostesses Kathy
Bergeron and Mary Jo Powelson. This is our flower arranging
activity. Bring a small vase and a few dollars. The next Dorcas
Guild-sponsored Fellowship Hour will be Sunday, May 18. Our
Wednesday work group continues to meet every Wednesday from 10-2 in
the Vestry.
HELP
The Pittsfield Food Pantry is in dire need of someone with a large
pickup truck to help us on Thursday mornings to pick up our
allotment of food. The food is picked up at the NH Food Pantry at
8:30 in Manchester each Thursday.
For more details, please call Debra Boyce at 534-1027 or Ruth
Strickhart at 435-7013.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Ruth Strickhart
Pittsfield Crimewatch News
At our last meeting, on March 31, we learned about the “Ride a Long
with an Officer” opportunity. We all listened to a member explain
how his ride-along went. He explained how the Police do their
building checks and the different types of calls that come in. The
police department and the crime watch highly encourage Crime Watch
members to step up and take a ride. Doing this allows us
to gain some insight as an organization into what being a police
officer really means and also to help us determine exactly where our
group can be of the most help to the police and to the community.
At our next meeting, which will be held on Tuesday, April 29th at
6:30 pm at Jitters Café, on Main St., Pittsfield, Police Officer
John Webber, will talk mainly on patrolling, and to get a personal
feel as to what we are looking for. He is also planning on updating
us on possible future trainings. It is planned that Pittsfield
Chief Wharem will be able to provide us with the latest on Crime
Watch signs and where they will be posted.
We are ALWAYS looking for new citizens to join us and help keep our
town safe! Looking forward to meeting you on April 29th at 6:30pm at
Jitters Café.
Pittsfield’s Greatest Estate
Part VI: Our Lady Of Smile Shrine
Submitted By Larry Berkson
Ground Breaking Ceremony April 14, 1954
for Our Lady of Smile
Shrine.
Part of the crowd at the dedication of
Our Lady of Smile Shrine on
May 30, 1954.
On April 14, 1954 a ground breaking ceremony was held in the field
across Fairview Road from the Monastery. Thus began the development
of a shrine honoring the Blessed Virgin called Our Lady of the
Smile. Among the local promoters of the project were Edmond
Stapleton and Adelard Pelissier. Father Hilary Tardiff, Superior of
the Monastery, performed the blessing after which he and J. Adrian
Girard, a fireman from Manchester who generated the idea for the
shrine and was a major fundraiser, turned the first shovel of dirt.
Among others present were Brother Juniper of the Monestary; Jean N.
Guertin, architect; Emile Lanoie, contractor; Adjutor Pinchette
excavator; and Jean Roy, electrical contractor.
On Sunday, May 30 at 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon the Shrine was
dedicated. It was thought to be the first of its kind in America.
More than 5,000 people were in attendance to hear the 60-voice St.
Anthony Choir from Manchester. The Reverend Hilary Tardiff conveyed
the personal blessings of Pope Pius XII. The Right Reverend J. R.
Vaccarest offer remarks on behalf of the Most Right Reverend Matthew
Brady, Bishop of Manchester, who was in Rome. A special citation was
awarded to J. Adrian Girard for his work in establishing the Shrine,
who became its lay director.
The local newspaper described the Shrine thusly:
[It] is 40 feet by 25 feet made of concrete block with a permanent
stone finish, comprising three rooms, an oratory, the sanctuary and
a sacristy. The whole is surmounted by a tower and a cross.
Situated at the top of Fairview Road, the area is landscaped and
features two white marble chip drives surrounded by an outdoor Way
of the Cross.
Monsignor Henry Duval celebrated the outdoor afternoon Mass, the
first in a series held throughout the summer. The outdoor Stations
of the Cross were blessed at 7:00 p.m.
During the summer a large number of individuals and groups from
Canada and various states visited the Shrine to spend a day or so of
devotion and rest. Among these were groups of nuns from Manchester,
Somersworth, and the Salmon Falls area of New Hampshire. Candlelight
services were held every Saturday evening at 8:00 p.m.
There were numerous pilgrimages held at the Shrine that year. It was
a Marian Year, a year declared by the Pontiff to honor the Virgin
Mary, and on August 15 a pilgrimage to the Shrine was authorized by
the Most Right Reverend Matthew F. Brady of Manchester for that
purpose. Over 7,000 Catholics from all over the State attended, an
amazing number considering the rainy conditions. The affair was
sponsored by the New Hampshire Department of the Catholic War
Veterans. Father Tardiff welcomed the pilgrims and led the
recitation of the Rosary. Father Maurice LaPlante of Three Rivers,
Canada delivered a sermon in French. Reverend T. Joseph McDonough,
state chaplain of the Catholic War Veterans, delivered a sermon in
English. Pittsfield’s Father Vadeboncouer delivered the benediction.
On Sunday evening September 25, a torchlight procession and Marian
Holy Hour took place at the Shrine. Sponsored by the societies of
St. Jean Baptiste Church in Manchester and the Parish of St. Charles
in Dover, welcoming remarks were offered by Father Tardiff and a
special sermon delivered by Reverend Gabriel Houle, curate of St.
John Baptiste Parish in Canada.
On October 3 the Daughters of Isabella sponsored a statewide Marian
Year pilgrimage to the Shrine.
The Catholic Daughters of America sponsored a Marion Year pilgrimage
on October 21. Several thousand people jammed into the Shrine area.
Again the welcoming address was given by Father Tardiff. The sermon
was delivered by Reverend William L. Nolan, chaplain of the Catholic
Student Center at Dartmouth. After the sermon a procession led by
Reverend Joyal of Newmarket was formed and the Rosary was recited. A
small statue of Our Lady of Smile was carried in the procession on
the shoulders of devoted Pittsfield Catholics Edmond Stapleton,
Adolph J. Daroska, Doria Riel and Adelard Pelissier. The benediction
was delivered by the Right Reverend Monsignor Jeremiah S. Buckley,
pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church in Concord, assisted by
Pittsfield’s Father Vadeboncouer.
On November 11 the Catholic War Veterans inaugurated its first
“Veterans Day” celebration at the Shrine. To broaden their numbers
specific invitations were also made to members of the American
Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Rather amazingly, the first season of operation attracted over
40,000 people to the Shrine. Closing for the winter, however, did
not stop all activity connected with it. A building committee
composed of several individuals from Manchester and Pittsfield’s
Adolph J. Daroska, Adelard Pelissier, Thomas McKoan, and Edmond J.
Stapleton, worked on plans to expand the Shrine. The results of
their efforts were made public in April 1955. A new huge parking lot
had been installed, a new outdoor alter on a platform was set in
front of the shrine, a new approach and exit road were created, a
cafeteria and restroom building was erected, and the entire area
around the Shrine was landscaped.
On May 22, 1955 the Shrine reopened with all of its improvements
under the supervision of the new Superior at St. Anthony’s Retreat,
Reverend Luke Chabot. New Hampshire’s Catholic War Veterans
participated in the ceremonies. Over 2,000 people were in
attendance. Father Luke delivered a welcoming address, Father Roland
Veillette led the Rosary devotions, Monsignor J. E. Vaccarest of St.
Marie Church in Manchester delivered the sermon, and Pittsfield’s
Father Vadeboncouer, the benediction. A statue of the Blessed
Mother of Our Lady of the Smile, sculptured in Italy, was placed in
an enclosed niche in the tower. Members of the Catholic War Veterans
paraded in front of the Shrine is full dress uniform.
It was announced that candlelight processions would be held every
Saturday evening at 8:00 o’clock starting on May 28 and devotion to
Our Lady of Smile would be broadcast on radio every Saturday evening
as well.Again, thousands of people ventured to the Shrine throughout
the summer.
In August approximately 1,500 people attended a ceremony blessing a
new statue of the Blessed Mother led by the Most Reverend Vincent
Waters, Bishop of North Carolina. The sculpture, of modernistic
design, was made by Reve Thibault, professor of sculpture at The
School of Fine Arts in Quebec. It was placed above a new painting of
the Last Supper completed for the occasion by Father Bernard, an
artist from Montreal who had been spending the summer at the
Monastery.
In April of 1956 a lay committee was elected for the development of
the Shrine. It included Pittsfield’s Adelard Pelissier, who was
elected treasurer, and Father Luke as honorary President. As with
the previous two summers many people made their way to the Shrine.
On Sunday July 29 ceremonies were held to honor the men and women
instrumental in establishing the Shrine, many of whom were from
Pittsfield: Arthur Comire, Adolph J. Daroska, Gustave Dussault, J.
Adrian Girard, Mrs. Walter Girard, Jean N. Guertin, Ludger
L’Heureux, Emile Lanoie, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur LeBlanc, Adelard LeMay,
Vincent Lynch, Thomas McKoan, Edward Murphy, Adelard Pelissier,
Adjutor Pinchette, Romeo Plourde, Elorie Racette, Albert Rancourt,
Jean X. Roy, Edmond J. Stapleton, Anchille and Armand Tardif, Frank
Volpe, and E. Harold Young.
For many years the Shrine was highly attended. When the Monastery
property was sold to the Sisters of Holy Cross in 1965 it was agreed
that the Sisters would continue operating the Shrine. However, it is
not a part of their missions so it has not been actively promoted in
recent years.
Thus ends the story of the greatest estate in Pittsfield’s history.
It included a huge main building, a barn, a caretaker’s cottage, a
pond, a shrine and a working farm with over 3000 apple trees.
Although now separated from the “Great Estate,” let’s hope that work
on the dam is successfully completed and the pond remains a scenic
and wonderful part of Pittsfield’s geography.
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