The
Pittsfield Old Home Day Community Fair 9:00am to 3:00pm, Car Show
9:00am to noon, and Parade (1:00pm) will be held on July 11th . Do
you belong to a community organization that would like to have a
FREE space in Dustin Park for the community fair? Crafters or
businesses can also reserve space in the park for $10.00.
Interested? Call Leslie Vogt at 435-7993.
The Old
Home Day Theme is “Summer of Suess, Dr. Seuss That Is” If you are
planning to create a float for the parade please call Louie Houle at
435-6938. Parade floats are a fun way to promote your business or
community organization!
The
Pittsfield Area Senior Center is having a presentation on the
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). The program provides
additional nutritious USDA foods to people at least 60 years of age
who qualify.
If you
or someone you know may benefit or are eligible for this program,
then come to the demonstration on Tuesday, June 2 at 10:30 AM at the
Pittsfield Area Senior Center, located on 74 Main St. in Pittsfield,
NH.
For
more information or to RSVP, please call 435-8482.
University of New Hampshire Announces May 2015 Graduates
The
following students graduated from the University of New Hampshire
during the Commencement Ceremony held Saturday, May 16, 2015 in
Durham, N.H. Students who received the honor of Summa Cum Laude
graduated with a GPA of 3.7-4.0; students who received the honor of
Magna Cum Laude graduated with a GPA of 3.50-3.69; and students who
received the honor of Cum Laude graduated with a GPA of 3.2-3.49.
Joseph
Rogers of Center Barnstead earning a BSIT in Information Technology
Cum Laude
Marc
Salas of Center Barnstead earning a BSEE in Electrical Engineering
Christopher Allen of Epsom earning a MS in Civil Engineering
Jake
Gomes of Epsom earning a BA in Political Science
Matthew
Dlubac of Epsom earning a BSIT in Information Technology Summa Cum
Laude
Steven
Giguere of Epsom earning a BSCENG in Computer Engineering Magna Cum
Laude
Cameron
Graaskamp of Gilmanton earning a BS in Biochem, Molec & Cell Bio
Summa Cum Laude
Jennifer Manu of Gilmanton earning a BS in Health Management &
Policy
Kyle
McAdam of Gilmanton earning a BS in Envirn Conservation & Sustain
Ewen
MacKinnon of Chichester earning a BSCIVE in Civil Engineering Cum
Laude
Hannah
David of Chichester earning a BA in Political Science
Stephen
Cote of Chichester earning a BS in Bus Adm: Management Cum Laude
Allison
Wilkins of Northwood earning a BA in Psychology Summa Cum Laude
Brandon
Marshall of Northwood earning a BS in Neuroscience Cum Laude
Christine Theriault of Northwood earning a MS in Nursing
Joseph
Suchomski of Northwood earning a BS in Biomed Sci:Med & Vet Sci
Joseph
Jarvis of Northwood earning a BSPHYS in Physics
Kala
Frye of Northwood earning a BS in Neuroscience Summa Cum Laude
Katherine Decker of Northwood earning a BA in Psychology Summa Cum
Laude
Sarah
Wilkins of Northwood earning a MS in CSD: Early Child Intervention
Bryce
Paradise of Pittsfield earning a BA in Cmn:Business Applications
Craig
Paggi of Pittsfield earning a BSME in Mechanical Engineering Summa
Cum Laude
Franklin Bongiovanni of Pittsfield earning a BSEE in Electrical
Engineering
Justin
Gilman of Pittsfield earning a BSPHYS in Physics Magna Cum Laude
The
University of New Hampshire, founded in 1866, is a world-class
public research university with the feel of a New England liberal
arts college. A land, sea, and space-grant university, UNH is the
state’s flagship public institution, enrolling 13,000 undergraduate
and 2,500 graduate students.
43rd Annual Laconia Academy Graduation
The
43rd Annual Graduation of Laconia Academy, the Adult Evening High
School Diploma Program, will be held on Friday, June 5, 2015, at
7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium at Laconia High School. Randy L. Pierce,
Founder and President, 2020 Vision Quest will be the commencement
speaker. The public is invited to attend the Laconia Academy
Graduation.
Over
the last 43 years, 1,275 Lakes Region residents have returned to
school at night to earn their high school diploma. Nineteen high
school diplomas will be awarded on June 5th. Many of the
graduates are unemployed and need their high school diploma to get a
job, earn a pay increase or job promotion. Some graduates returned
to Laconia Academy to increase their own sense of self-esteem and
personal self-worth. Other graduates enrolled in the program will
enter new career fields, find a better job, or will have the
opportunity to be hired now that they have their high school
diploma.
Five,
June 2015 Laconia Academy Graduates are going on to post-secondary
education. Two graduates will be entering the military service.
Pittsfield Players Present Suitehearts
The
Pittsfield Players will stage the hilarious comedy Suitehearts at
The Scenic Theatre on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June
4, 5, 6 and 7. Written by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore, the play
focuses on a young couple from Pennsylvania who check into a posh
New York hotel to fill their weekend with bliss, only to have it
filled with strangers. All shows are at 7:30 pm, except for the
matinee on Sunday, June 7, which will be at 2 pm. Tickets, which are
$12 per person, are available through the Players’ website,
www.pittsfieldplayers.com through TicketLeap, or call the
theater at 435-8852 to reserve tickets. This show is rated PG13.
Timothy, played by Dan Scheys (last seen on stage as Billis is South
Pacific) and his wife Elizabeth, played by Cassidy Kearns (often
working backstage but seldom on stage), have inadvertently booked
the same honeymoon suite as Frankie and Wanda ( veteran Players
Ernie Bass and Kat Abdelwahid), an older couple from New Jersey.
Thrown into the mix is a sometimes confused but always hilarious
bellhop, played by Jack Miller. After they scuffle over the
accommodations, no one is where or with whom they should be. Filled
with sight gags and one liners, this play broke house records in New
Jersey Dinner Theater and wowed audiences in Manchester, NH. During
the course of the play, Timothy grows into a man, Elizabeth learns
about trust, Frankie learns to respect women and Wanda learns to
respect herself.
Tickets
are going fast so be sure to reserve your tickets now for this great
Pittsfield Players’ show.
Statement From Secretary Of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald
Submitted Via Merrill Vaughan,Chaplain
American Legion Peterson-Cram Post 75 Pittsfield
WASHINGTON, DC— Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald
made the following statement regarding the construction of the
Denver Replacement Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado:
“The
delays and costs overruns that have plagued the Denver Replacement
Medical Center campus are inexcusable – on that, we all agree.
And, on
behalf of Veterans, I want to work with Congress in productive ways
to repair mistakes made years ago by VA officials.
But the
truth of the matter is without immediate Congressional action prior
to returning home for the Memorial Day holiday recess, construction
on the Denver Replacement Medical Center in Aurora will shut down
Sunday, grinding to a halt as Kiewit Turner demobilizes its team of
contractors and sub-contractors.
The
Deputy and I have been discussing the pending deadline with Congress
for months. The Congressional authorizing committees held a field
hearing in Colorado on the issue. The Congressional representatives
from Colorado have been actively engaged in the Senate and the House
to find a solution. They have worked with the VA, the Congressional
authorizing committees, and Congressional leadership to facilitate
conversations and proposals, convey a sense of urgency on behalf of
veterans, and act as good stewards for the American taxpayer.
Despite
all of this work, the Congressional leadership has not acted on
reasonable offers. In fact, as late as Monday, I asked
Congressional leadership to work with VA to find a way to continue
construction and prevent this shutdown. Specifically, I asked that
we increase authorization for the project an additional $200 million
beyond the current cap of $800 million and that VA be allowed to
repurpose and reallocate our FY 2015 funds.
I have
provided multiple proposals to the Congressional authorizing
committee as to how we can complete this campus for Veterans. The
options were rejected and the result has been inaction. Our
Veterans deserve better than that. I have presented a plan.
Congress has not proposed a counter plan. I am open to reviewing
any proposal that would better serve the Veterans of Colorado and
the American taxpayers. If Congressional leaders choose not to
support VA’s proposals, or choose to offer feasible solutions of
their own, then they will be punishing Colorado Veterans today for
past VA errors.
Let me
be clear. Inaction by Congress will punish the nearly 400,000
Colorado Veterans and families that Aurora will serve – as well as
taxpayers across the Nation.
This
shutdown can be avoided. I am confident that Congress can yet act in
the best interest of Veterans and their families and work with VA to
finish Aurora.
I
strongly urge Congress to stand for Veterans this week and act now
to prevent a shutdown of the Denver Replacement Medical Center in
Aurora. We at VA remain committed to work with Congress on this and
many other challenges and opportunities as we transform VA into the
Veteran-centric, customer-service oriented organization Veterans
have earned and deserve.”
Concert
Celebrates America
With
toe-tapping Sousa marches, a salute to our Armed Forces and many
other national favorites, all ages will certainly enjoy “Here’s to
America,” a patriotic concert, Friday, June 5, 7 p.m. at the First
Congregational Church, 24 Main Street, Pittsfield.
It will
feature the church’s Chancel Choir and JuBellation Handbell Choir
and UNH’s own Inextinguishable Brass Quintet. You will even have a
chance to join in on a few special songs. Light refreshments will be
served during intermission.
Join us
for this delightful event – an evening of magnificent marches,
medleys and patriotic music honoring our marvelous country. Parking
and wheelchair accessibility at rear entrance. More information at:
www.pittsfieldcc.org or
435-7471. God Bless America!
Letter
To The Editor
The
Pittsfield Beautification Committee would like to thank Millican’s
Nursery for their generous donation of 2 beautiful Degroot’s Spire
evergreens that were planted at the War Memorials in Dustin Park on
Main Street. They really help frame the monuments.
Pardon
the look of our “work in progress” as we re-engineer and replant the
gardens at the Aranosian Lot, which is located next to Jack’s Pizza.
You can help support this effort at our next fundraiser which will
be the Town Wide Yard Sale on June 6 and 7. Nancy and
John Barto have generously offered their yard to host our tables.
The address where you can find us is 515 Dowboro Rd and we will be
set up from 8 am to 2 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
Please
come and support us and discover some real bargains! As always,
thank you for your support.
Carol
Lambert
Secretary
Pittsfield Beautification Committee
The
2015 season for the Friday Night Kayaking Club kicks off Friday,
June 5th at 6 PM. The group meets at a different local calm water
kayaking spot every friday at 6 PM during the months of June, July,
and August and paddles until about 7:15. Our June 5 adventure will
begin be at the Suncook River boat ramp in Pittsfield. Everyone is
welcome. There is no advanced signup - just show up. Visit our web
site huffnpuff.info for more information or call Paul Oman at
435-7199.
The
Show Must Go On
The
show must go on, and it will, when the Pittsfield Historical Society
joins forces with the Pittsfield Players for its program, Wednesday,
June 10, 7 PM at the Scenic Theatre.
Maye
Hart and Meggin Dail of the Pittsfield Players Board of Directors
will give a history of the Pittsfield Players, including the many
transformations the group has undergone. They will also revisit the
origins of the community theatre which has changed (and stayed the
same) through the years - from chilly nights at the Odd Fellows Hall
to restoring the Scenic Theatre; how this group has stayed alive and
thrived for over 45 years.
They’ll
also tell some behind-the-scenes stories that you won’t want to
miss. Ever wanted to know what goes on back stage? Meggin and Maye
will spill some secrets the audiences weren’t meant to know…and
there may be some guest appearances as well. Don’t miss this program
about a wonderful performing group who has been a vital part of the
Pittsfield community.
VA
Launches Campaign To Increase Veterans’ Economic Potential
Submitted Via Merrill Vaughan,Chaplain
American Legion Peterson-Cram Post 75 Pittsfield
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald, with leaders from
national and local Veterans service organizations, corporate
employers and government agencies, announced the launch of the
Veterans Economic Communities Initiative, an effort focused in a
total of 50 U.S. cities to promote economic success for Veterans.
The
initiative is part of MyVA, which is dedicated to making Veterans
the center of all we do.
“The
best way to get things done for Veterans is to involve partners from
both the public and private sectors – national to local,” said
McDonald. “If history has shown us anything, it’s that all you have
to do is give Veterans an opportunity and they will go beyond
anything you could ever envision. Community leaders understand the
purpose of MyVA and will find innovative ways to support it.”
The
goal of the VECI is to increase education and employment
opportunities for America’s Veterans by bringing together local and
national employers to coordinate services for Veterans,
Servicemembers and military families.
With
the sacred commitment of making customer service for Veterans the
focal point, VA will look to communities around the country to help
make the VA the best federal agency.
“MyVA
will work State by state, community by community, person by person,”
said McDonald. “We want to expand our reach and collaboration in
communities where Veterans live.”
The
Veterans Economic Communities Initiative launch event was hosted in
Dallas. Secretary McDonald and Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings provided
remarks, during the event. Campaign partners also participated in
panel discussions on public-private partnerships.
Representatives from major corporations such as Hilton and TriWest
joined Secretary McDonald in pledging their commitment to furthering
Veteran economic opportunities.
The
Veterans Economic Communities Initiative includes a VA Economic
Liaison in each community who will expand and encourage
collaboration among private and public organizations that offer
resources related to education, training and employment. Through
strategic partnerships, and by offering Veterans innovative forms of
learning and employment opportunities, these communities will help
Veterans gain competitive career skills and knowledge in locally
in-demand fields.
Campaign partners include the departments of Defense and Labor, the
Small Business Administration and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in
addition to regional and national nonprofits, businesses and
educators. The first 25 communities were chosen based on local
Veteran unemployment rates, Veteran population and the projected
increase in Veteran population.
Communities participating in the Veterans Economic Communities
Initiative include:
Atlanta, Georgia; El Paso, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; New York, New
York; San Antonio, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; Honolulu, Hawaii; Los
Angeles, California; Norfolk, Virginia; San Diego, California;
Cincinnati, Ohio; Houston, Texas; Louisville, Kentucky; Phoenix,
Arizona; Seattle, Washington; Colorado Springs, Colorado;
Jacksonville, Florida; Miami, Florida; Richmond, Virginia; St.
Louis, Missouri; Dallas, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri; Nashville,
Tennessee; Riverside, California; Washington, DC
Under
the Veterans Economic Communities Initiative, communities will
develop scalable, sustainable models over the next two years that
include:
Resources and education for employers on hiring and supporting
Veterans.
Employment summits to connect talented job seekers with local
employers who have immediate hiring needs.
Policy
academies where experts generate ideas, form partnerships and make
policy recommendations that will help lower the unemployment rate
and increase economic opportunities among Veterans and their
families.
Learning or resource hubs to help connect Veterans to economic
opportunities including entrepreneurship, credentialing and skills
building.
Loudon
American Legion Post 88 News
Submitted In Comradeship By Shawn Jones, Commander
Greetings from Loudon Post 88:
Memorial Day is fast approaching as I write this. I sure hope mother
nature is good to us and we have a strong showing of support from
the townspeople. I would like to thank Joe Piroso for helping me on
Friday night to put some flags out. I also need to thank some of our
local Girl Scouts for helping this year to put flags on the graves
of veterans at the Mount Hope and Moore Cemeteries. This year we
found two new veteran’s headstones that did not have a flag or
holder.
On
Saturday evening Dave and Cub Scout Asher Zarges helped me with
placing flags on some of the smaller cemeteries in town. We were
able to replace or add a total of eight new markers that where
either missing or worn out in various cemeteries. If we missed
anyone’s grave please bring it to my attention so that I can correct
the oversight.
We put
out over 300 flags each year on a volunteer basis and we do our best
to make sure every veteran receives a new flag.
The
97th Annual Department Convention will be held at the Radisson’s
Hotel Armory meeting location in Manchester on June 26, 27 & 28.
This is open to all members of the Legion. It’s great time to see
old friends or make new ones, as well as to learn some new things.
Only elected delegates will be allowed to vote at the convention
for new Department Officers and Constitution and By-Law changes.
This should be an exciting convention this year with, Senator Kelly
Ayotte and Commandant-Margaret “Peggy” Labrecque of the NH Veteran’s
Home being two of the featured guest speakers on Saturday. For more
information visit: http://www.legionnh.org/
The NH
Department of the American Legion has a part-time job opening for a
qualified veteran. The main duty of this position is administrative
support to the Dept. Adjutant and Executive Assistant. For more
information please contact Lisa Beale for an application at
603-856-8951 or emailto:[email protected]
One
last note. Our current membership percentage is at 89.47%. I have
mailed out a total of 8 post cards to members encouraging them to
renew for this season. I’m saddened to say that we did not make 100
percent membership by May 1st this year. I somehow feel I have let
members down by not doing enough to get them to renew or encourage
eligible members of our armed forces to join our post. I hope I can
do a better job at this in the year to come. Our post has a long
history in town and I would hate to see our doors close. As they say
“Membership is everyone’s business,” so please, continue to try and
recruit new veterans you encounter to join or renew there membership
with our post.
Our
next meeting will be held on June 17th at 1900 hours at “Charlie’s
Barn.” We look forward to seeing you there.
Letter
Dear
Voters, Taxpayers, and Residents of Pittsfield,
In the
May 13 SUN article “Pittsfield Continues To Improve!”, Mr. Nilsson
discloses “an exciting new facelift and upgrade” for the town
website and states that “Unfortunately, the website committee was
not able to achieve the level of progress sought, so we have
contracted with a company...” In other words, we had to spend town
money to replace the website committee. This sounds like a great
reason, if it were only true.
The
former website committee told the selectmen that we always were –
and still are - capable of upgrading the website according to the
‘level of progress sought.’ Unfortunately, your selectmen never
really could define their specific needs or problems with the
website that Pittsfield proudly displayed for many years. In fact,
we can not find a single citizen that can understand the selectmen’s
decision.
During
the 2 weeks leading up to the hostile takeover of the website, it
was clear that the selectmen’s minds were made up to gain control
all along. See the minutes of the April 21, 2015 selectmen meeting.
The thought of spending your tax dollars was not even a factor in
the discussion. It was only Selectmen Nick Hayes that really
discussed the problem and supported the website committee approach.
We
wholeheartedly disagree with Mr. Nilsson’s reasoning behind spending
precious tax dollars on a website upgrade that could have been
handled free of charge. And we certainly do not feel that their
statement, “The Board of Selectmen certainly appreciate their
(website committee) efforts” is genuine, As it was never brought up
during their meetings, but only after the resignations hit the fan.
The BOS are not acting like it’s your money they are spending.
Matt
Goodwin
Bob
Legg
Bill
Provencal
Clayton
Wood
Dorcas
Guild – May 2015
The May
12 meeting of the Dorcas Guild of the First Congregational Church of
Pittsfield began with a call to order and welcome by President Nancy
Fogg. To begin a time of devotions, MaryJo Powelson read “Friendship
and Laughter” by Nicole Johnson from a book entitled, Laughter and
Latté, edited by Terri Gibbs. All joined in “The Lord’s Prayer.”
The
president thanked Diane Vaughan for stepping up to the corresponding
secretary’s duties. We also had a report on some of our church
members experiencing medical issues.
Minutes of the last meeting were printed on back of the agenda and
were approved with one change. The treasurer’s report was accepted.
The
food basket brought by Evelyn Sheehy Richard went to Nella; it was
retired until September. The mystery package brought by Diane went
to Corine Miller.
The
topic of the new tablecloths for use at collations was brought up,
and it was decided to continue the research. Nancy passed around a
sign-up sheet for the Guild’s Annual Banquet next month at Jitters
Café, June 9. All selections must be made by June 1. The president
asked for payment in advance.
Nancy
will check about any graduating high school seniors. The upcoming service and collation were discussed; all items and
help were settled. May 17 is Children’s Day and a pot luck lunch is
planned.
A
motion was made and seconded to send a donation to Samaritan’s Purse
for aid to the victims of the Nepal earthquakes.
The
White Elephant packages were exchanged followed by refreshments
supplied by our hostesses, Kathy Bergeron and Mary Jo. Next month is
our banquet at 6 p.m. at Jitters. Wednesday work group continues
each week 10 am to 2 pm.
Letter
To The Editor
In the
May 13 issue of the SUN, a writer mentioned, “I have to say that
since Mike Williams has been on staff, the mood in the town hall is
much lighter and people are much happier and cheerful!” I feel that
I need to tell you about my last experience in the town
administrator’s office.
On May
19, during a discussion regarding the authorization of the
attorney’s investigation for removing me from the planning board,
the town administrator quickly ended the conversation, ordered me
out of his office and threatened to call the police and have me
arrested! He ordered me to address all questions to him in writing
and not talk to him in person. He even walked to his phone in order
to make his point about calling the police. Is this the way that a
town employee should treat a citizen as well as Town Officer?
When I
moved to Pittsfield in 2005, I was told constantly that the ‘town’
did not treat everyone the same, that favoritism was prevalent and
that I shouldn’t get on one of the ‘hit lists.’ By ‘town,’ they were
mainly talking about the select board and planning board. Nine years
ago, I decided to join the planning board to see about the unequal
treatment for myself. I can report that the allegations were true
and I have made ending this unacceptable behavior a mainstay in my
campaigns. Unfortunately during the process, I can now announce that
I have made it on one of the ‘hit lists.’
You
have my promise that I will continue my efforts to prevent this
unacceptable behavior on the planning board. We should all insist on
the same fairness and accountability by the select board members and
town administrator.
Sincerely,
Clayton
Wood
Letter
To The Editor
Selectman Nilsson, in his SVSun 5/13/15 letter, claims that our
website ‘is undergoing an exciting new facelift and upgrade, but
unfortunately change can be painful and sometimes hard to accept.’
He continues with ‘the website committee was not able to achieve
the level of progress sought.’ Really? That’s the position Mr.
Nilsson has chosen regarding our town’s tried and true website?
Here
are some suggestions that would NOT be painful to many (perhaps a
majority) of taxpayers and voters in Pittsfield:
1.
LOWER OUR TAXES.
2.
While you are LOWERING OUR TAXES, let our volunteers who actually
save this town money continue to provide their invaluable services.
3.
While you are LOWERING OUR TAXES, treat our volunteers with the
respect and support they deserve.
4.
Finally, remind our Select Board that they were elected to work on
behalf of the taxpayers and residents of Pittsfield, and when the
Select Board does their yearly performance evaluation of the Town
Administrator (TA), they can demonstrate that the TA has displayed
the following abilities: to cooperate with the governing body,
department heads, employees and staff, community citizens and
leaders, peer organizations and neighboring towns, districts and the
County; to effectively communicate; to effectively lead employees
and volunteers; to utilize good work habits as an example to
employees; to coordinate full and efficient utilization of all
facilities and services; to exercise management skills necessary to
maximize the use of town assets and minimize the cost to the
taxpayers; and annually define goals and performance objectives that
the Select Board determines are necessary for the proper
administration of the Town and in the attainment of the Town’s
policy objectives.
Carole
Richardson
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