REMINDER Pittsfield Old Home Day Community Fair
On July 22nd
Pittsfield will celebrate Old Home Day “Pittsfield Goes to the
Circus!” The community fair will be in Dustin Park from 9:00 am to
3:00 pm. The Old Home Day Committee is looking for crafters and
community organizations to join the fair. Community
organizations can participate for free, and the vendor fee is
$10.00. If you would like to set up a table or booth please
contact Leslie Vogt at 435-7993 or
[email protected].
REMINDER Drake Field Summer Recreation Program
The Drake Field Summer Recreation Program is free to Pittsfield
children in grades 1-8. High school students are welcome to join in
and help for community service credit. We are located at Drake’s
Field and open Monday- Thursday beginning June 26th and ending
August 3rd . The only cost is for admission is to some field trips,
many are free. Breakfast and lunches will be provided free of
charge. Good behavior is mandatory.
Signup sheets will be sent
home with school children soon. For more information please contact
Mrs. Sawyer at 267-6733.
REMINDER
The Pittsfield
Alumni Association Committee is doing a 50/50 raffle. A 50/50 raffle
means that the winner will receive 50% of the cash raised from the
sale of raffle tickets. The raffle drawing will be at Drake Field
tennis courts on August 1st (National Night Out), at 8:00 pm.
Tickets are: 1 for $1.00, 3 for $2.00 and 6 for $5.00.
Locations
where tickets can be purchased include: Pittsfield Youth
Workshop, Town Hall (Clerk’s Office), Dustin Park (Old Home Day -
July 22nd)… or you can purchase tickets from: Tobi Chassie,
435-6701 ext. 4,
[email protected]
Andi Riel - 435-6346,
[email protected]
Ted Mitchell - 435-6573,
[email protected]
Carole Richardson - 435-8351, [email protected]
We
appreciate your support.
REMINDER
SVSC Fall Soccer
Sign-ups! Register online at suncookvalleysoccerclub.com by 7/31.
Email [email protected]
with questions.
About
MSA Safety
Established in 1914, MSA Safety Incorporated is the
global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety
products that protect people and facility infrastructures. Many MSA
products integrate a combination of electronics, mechanical systems
and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or
life-threatening situations. The company’s comprehensive product
line is used by workers around the world in a broad range of
markets, including the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, the fire
service, the construction industry, mining and the military. MSA’s
core products include self-contained breathing apparatus, fixed gas
and flame detection systems, portable gas detection instruments,
industrial head protection products, fire and rescue helmets, and
fall protection devices. With 2016 revenues of $1.15 billion, MSA employs approximately 4,300 people worldwide.
The company is headquartered north of Pittsburgh in Cranberry
Township, Pa., and has manufacturing operations in the United
States, Europe, Asia and Latin America. With more than 40
international locations, MSA realizes approximately half of its
revenue from outside North America. For more information visit MSA’s
web site at www.MSAsafety.com.
About
Globe Manufacturing Company
Globe owns and operates two
protective clothing manufacturing facilities – one in Pittsfield,
NH, and a second in Ada, Ok. -- a facility located in Auburn, Maine,
that specializes in firefighter footwear, and manages a protective
clothing cleaning and repair facility in Fairfax, Va. These
facilities represent 420 skilled employees and 145,000 square feet
of combined manufacturing space, and incorporate some of the latest
cutting and sewing manufacturing technologies available today.
For more information visit Globe’s website at
www.globeturnoutgear.com.
Josiah
Carpenter Library July News And Events
Josiah Teen Book Worms
Thursday, July 6th at 6. We will be discussing The Dream Thieves by
Maggie Steifvater.
Library Board of Trustees Meeting Wednesday,
July 19th at 7pm at the Library.
Pittsfield Writer’s Circle
Thursday, July 20th at 7pm. Come share your writing!
Read Meet &
Talk Book discussion group - Tuesday, July 18th at 10:30. We will be
discussing Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger. Join us for an
exciting book discussion, stay for a leisurely & nutritious lunch
afterward at a bargain price!
Summer Reading Program –
Sign-ups required, location is Drakefield Park.
- How Does Your
Garden Grow? Planting One, Two, Three!
Elementary Grade Date:
July 5th at 9:30-10:30
Pre-school Date: July 6th at 10:00-11:00
- Going on a Bug Hunt! Nature Walk and Nature Journal, rain location
is the Community Center.
Elementary Grade Date: July 10th at
9:30-10:30
Pre-school Date: July 13th at 10:00-11:00
-
Transformation Nation – Trash to Treasure, Using Recycled Materials
to Build, rain location is PES.
Elementary Grade Date: July 19th
at 9:30-10:30
Pre-school Date: July 20th at 10:00-11:00
-
Transformation Nation – Trash to Treasure, Lawn Bowling Game; rain
location is PES.
Elementary Grade Date: July 26th at 9:30-10:30
Pre-school Date: July 27th at 10:00-11:00
A
wintering loon enjoys a crab while on the ocean! Come learn
more about what loons do during the winter months on July 6 at The
Loon Center in Moultonborough. The talk begins at 7:30 pm.
Free and open to the public. Photo courtesy of Kittie Wilson.
The
Loon Center’s Summer Nature Talk Series Begins With “Winter with the
Loons”
On Thursday, July 6th, Loon Preservation Committee (LPC)
volunteer and 2009 Spirit of the Loon winner Kittie Wilson will
present a program called “Winter with the Loons!”
Discover the mystery of winter loons as you travel with Kittie
through their fall migration to their wintering grounds on the
ocean, and back to the lakes in the spring.
Held at The Loon
Center in Moultonborough, the Summer Nature Talks are given every
Thursday evening at 7:30 pm during the months of July and August.
All programs are free admission. For over 40 years the Loon
Preservation Committee has worked to preserve the common loon and
its habitat in New Hampshire through monitoring, research,
education, and management activities. On Thursday, July
13th, a Squam Lake Natural Science Center Naturalist will present
“Who Calls in the Night?” and introduce you to three of New
Hampshire’s owl species.
Directions to The Loon Center: From
Route 25 in Moultonborough, turn onto Blake Road at the Central
School. Go one mile to the end and turn right onto Lee’s Mill
Road. The Loon Center will be on your left! For more
information, call the Loon Center at (603) 476-5666.
To see the
full 2017 nature talks schedule, please visit
www.loon.org.
Grapenut The Common Loon The Story Of Grapenut’s Adventures
Common Loons have a very distinct and haunting call often heard
eerily echoing across New Hampshire’s lakes in the summertime. Loons
communicate with each other using four main calls known as the
tremolo, wail, yodel, and hoot. The most common calls are a wailing
laugh and a mournful yodel. Listening to the sounds, observers can
often distinguish calls made by specific loons from others in the
area.
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center offers an opportunity
for visitors to hear loon calls without venturing to the lake,
through the recordings of a loon in a book called Adventures with
Grapenut. New Hampshire is home to many loons including the lone
chick that goes by the name of Grapenut. He was first discovered at
four days old by John Rockwood as he was out in his kayak. John
Rockwood, also referred to as the Loon Man NH, is a naturalist,
author, professional nature photographer, and Common Loon educator.
(http://www.theloonmannh.net/).
While kayaking on Lake Massabesic, John noticed the chick in the
distance away from its family and decided to keep a close eye on
him, not realizing at the time the many adventures that would ensue.
In the following two seasons, John chronicled the stages of
development and fun he had with the loon, including a game of hide
and seek in a book called Adventures with Grapenut.
Visitors can
flip page to page, listen to the loon, determine the meaning of each
call, and learn all about the adventures of one young loon in
particular, Grapenut. There are also fun facts tied into this
fascinating story about loons. The story brings up banding and
behavior, alongside this telling tale of a lost loon finding his
home.
The book is available for purchase in the Howling Coyote
Gift Shop at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. A portion of the
proceeds go to the Loon Preservation Committee and the New Hampshire
Audubon Society. For more information about Grapenut, visit
http://theloonmannh.net/.
A new display in the Songbird Exhibit at Squam Lakes Natural Science
Center features a video adaptation of the book with photos of
Grapenut’s adventures and narrated by Tom Klein. The video and book
feature stunning photographs that John took of Grapenut and his loon
parents right from his kayak.
The Songbird Exhibit is on the main
live animal exhibit trail and is included in regular trail
admission. The Science Center is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00
p.m. with last trail admission at 3:30 p.m.
The Howling Coyote
Gift Shop is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In addition to
Adventures with Grapenut, the gift shop features gifts, books, toys,
and a variety of nature-related items.
To learn more about Squam
Lakes Natural Science Center and what it has to offer, visit
www.nhnature.org or contact:
603-968-7194 x 7.
About Squam Lakes Natural Science Center The
mission of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is to advance
understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world.
Through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education
programs, an informal public garden, and lake cruises, the Science
Center has educated and enlightened visitors since 1966 about the
importance of our natural world. Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
is located on Route 113 in Holderness, an easy drive from exit 24
off I-93, and is open daily from May 1 through November 1. The
Science Center is accredited by the Association of Zoos and
Aquariums (AZA) and is the only AZA-accredited institution in all of
northern New England. For further information about the Science
Center, call 603-968-7194 or visit www.nhnature.org.
New VA
Law Dramatically Speeds Up Hiring Of Medical Center And Network
Director Positions Submitted Via Merrill Vaughan
On June 23,
President Donald J. Trump signed into law S. 1094, the “Department
of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act
of 2017,” which makes a number of changes to Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) authorities related to personnel, accountability and
whistleblower protections.
While the accountability and
whistleblower-protection provisions outlined in the bill are
generally well known, the law also provides VA with direct-hiring
authority to fill medical center director and network director
positions.
Thanks to the new law, VA now has the flexibility to
hire qualified health-care executives expeditiously to lead its key
health-care organizations without going through a previously
cumbersome and time-consuming hiring process.
“Being able
quickly to hire skilled executives to lead our medical centers and
networks is a powerful tool to ensuring the best possible leadership
being put in place,” said VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin.
“Leaders establish the vision for our thousands of employees who are
doing their best to serve our nation’s Veterans. They also ensure
accountability for those employees who do not deliver the care our
Veterans deserve.”
VA encourages qualified candidates for medical
center or network director positions to apply immediately by
contacting the VHA Virtual Recruitment Center at 844-456-5208 or by
visiting the VA Careers page at
https://www.vacareers.va.gov/
and submitting a résumé for consideration.
Letter
To The Editor
Dear SVS Editor: I am a disabled resident of
Pittsfield who has been utilizing the Pittsfield Food Pantry since
2015. I just came back from the new location. This was my third
visit there.
In May and the beginning of June the church doors
were open to allow access via the ramp. Today, the church doors were
locked and I had to try to navigate the dangerous stairway with a
cane to get inside.
These stairs are steel stairs that are steep,
and because they are grated, it is extremely dangerous for anyone
who walks with a cane, or has difficulty walking at all. Many
seniors and disabled people rely on the food pantry, but when it’s
not handicapped accessible it’s too dangerous for us to utilize it.
When the planning was being made for this new location, why didn’t
anyone take this issue into consideration? When I asked the lady
inside why the doors by the ramp were locked, she said that no one
from the church was being sent to help them.
I’m sorry, but that
is not a valid excuse to not have ramp access to the food pantry for
the disabled who go there. If the Pittsfield Food Pantry has to rely
on someone from Grace Capital Church to be there in order to have
the doors open by the ramp, then the Town needs to work something
out with them.
I’m not an attorney, but this problem with the new
food pantry location not being readily accessible for people with
disabilities may actually be a violation of the Americans with
Disabilities Act.
Carmel Fogarty Pittsfield
Local
Author Publishes First Novel, Holyrage Chronicles Vivication
The
heavy footsteps came closer. The floor creaked as the immense weight
of the man and his armor made their way to the sudden rift. He
peered through and jumped back as he realized a person was on the
other side of the rift. There was something peculiar, they wore
clothing that was not common to his lands. The person spoke.
“Are
you…are you Zarron from the novel Holyrage Chronicles?”
“Aye the
one and only he replied. However you are likely looking for my
creator.” Zarron stopped and looked around the room for a moment or
two. After a moment he huffed and left. His heavy footsteps rung out
clearly on the wooden floor. In a moment the door opened up. Zarron
stood there looking up at the sky for another moment. A shout of
victory rang out from him. The floor groaned as he came running back
to you.
“As I was saying you are looking for my creator. I had to
sort out what day it was. You can meet him and even talk with him on
the next Thursday. Now, I must be off.” Zarron made three steps away
before he turned back to you.
“He is a rather friendly lot. You
should take some time and say hello.” With that the portal closed.
Hello everyone, now if you are still with me which I hope you are.
Gibson Bookstore in Concord, NH has opened their doors generously
for myself to host an author signing event. Who am I you might ask?
Well I am Jonathan Socha, a local author from Pittsfield, NH. I
recently published my first novel Holyrage Chronicles Vivication. It
is an epic fantasy novel of good vs evil. The story is focused
around Zarron Ra Holyrage, the last of an old bloodline as he is
thrust into a conflict against an ancient evil that even the oldest
Gods had trouble containing. Will the defenders of the mighty
colossal wall Fenrir and the last of the Holyrage line be able to
stand against the might of the unknown? Will he learn the true power
of his name before it is too late?
Join me for this unique event
to support a local Author July 13th at Gibson Bookstore, Concord,
NH. You will get the opportunity to have a copy of the novel signed,
or pick one up if you don’t have a copy. More importantly you will
get to come down and pick my brain for a little and just talk with
me. Holyrage Chronicles Vivication is an international selling novel
and has reached top 25 in many promotional events. It is good for
the young adults to the old and a whirlwind of action and adventure
the whole way through. The first few sales/signings will include a
gift from me to you of the epic cover art of the novel. I look
forward to seeing some familiar faces and meeting some new. So
please join me.
Thursday July 13th 5:30 pm at Gibsons Bookstore
located at 45 S Main St, Concord, NH
Event details can be found
at
www.gibsonsbookstore.com/event/july-2017-showcase
Author page
can be found at www.facebook.com/authorjsocha
VA
Secretary And Canadian Minister Of Veterans Affairs Forging
Partnership To Address Issues Faced By Both Nations’ Veterans
Submitted Via Merrill Vaughan
Secretary of the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA), Dr. David J. Shulkin, and Canada’s Minister
of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, the
Honourable Kent Hehr, joined officials from both nations June 27-28
at VA headquarters to discuss how strategic partnerships can help
improve benefits and services for Veterans and their families.
“Expanding partnerships — even beyond our geographic boundaries —
will allow us to improve our services to our Veterans and their
families,” Secretary Shulkin said. “Additionally, this new
partnership with a key ally will allow us to share best practices in
the areas of health care, benefits and other important support
programs.”
The two-day U.S.-Canadian VA meeting focused on issues
affecting Veterans from both nations, such as easing service
members’ transition to civilian life, preventing homelessness among
the Veteran community and mental-health support.
“Improving
benefits and services for Veterans and their families are among the
highest priorities for both our countries,” Minister Hehr said. “In
order to achieve these goals, we must continue to reach out and
consult with those we serve, to ensure we are putting resources in
the areas where they are most needed. However, we should not limit
ourselves with respect to where we seek out new ideas. We must also
take every opportunity to learn from those outside our respective
borders who are wrestling with similar challenges.”
Veterans
Affairs officials from both countries agreed that the meeting was a
good first step toward mutual collaboration between allied nations
as they seek opportunities to continue supporting Veterans and their
families.
About the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs The
Department of Veterans Affairs runs programs benefiting more than 9
million Veterans and their family members. It offers education
opportunities and rehabilitation services and provides compensation
payments for disabilities or death related to military service, home
loan guaranties, pensions, burials, and health care that includes
the services of nursing homes, clinics, and medical centers.
About the Canadian Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans
Affairs Canada’s focus is the well-being of Veterans and their
families. The Department supports and cares for Canada’s Veterans
and other eligible clients by ensuring they receive needed benefits
and services to which they are entitled in a timely fashion. The
programs and services provide for hardships arising from
disabilities and lost economic opportunities, health and social
services, professional legal assistance, and recognition of the
achievements and sacrifices of Canadians in times of war, military
conflict and peace.
The
Taste of Yesteryear Who loves root beer floats? Everyone!
The Missions Committee of the First Congregational Church of
Pittsfield will be offering root beer floats at the Old Home Day
(July 22) event just as they did last year. The specific fund they
are assisting is the Infant-Toddler Diaper Pantry, which supplements
local families with disposable diapers and wipes.
The committee
members will also have a booth at the Balloon Rally in August. As a
bonus, they will have a raffle at both events offering several
lovely items with the drawing to be held Saturday, August 5.
Please come out and support this charity and cool off at the same
time with a delicious root beer float!
Letter
To The Editor
To the Editor; Select Board meeting
6/27/17- Most of the evening was taken up with a public hearing
relative to establishing the boundaries for a petitioned Village
Water District. As with many public hearings, this one was called to
try to educate the affected voters as we comply with State law.
Formation of a District, as well as a possible purchase of
Pittsfield Aqueduct, is not a foregone conclusion, and these
hearings shouldn’t be construed as support for its acquisition by a
majority of the Select Board. Ultimately, this will be decided by
voters within a District, not a committee or the BOS.
Fred
Okrent, chair of the Aqueduct Purchase Committee, fielded questions,
concerns and criticisms from attendees. It was my impression
that many complex questions remain. Another hearing is being
planned, as it is an extremely significant consideration that has
many ramifications the townspeople should be aware of before
deciding how to vote.
James Adams was selected
from a field of four applicants to fill the vacant Board seat.
A 3 to 1 majority felt Jim had the most important qualifications to
round out this Board and fill some gaps where we can use his
expertise. We thank all four who stepped up to offer their
service. This is not an easy job. The lucky ones may be those
not selected.
Chief Cain and George Batchelder came to us to
report on progress in their departments and expressed frustration
with budget cuts adopted last March.
Several tax abatements were
considered. Two were granted, four denied. We pay Avitar to
determine assessment values, and that is their one reason for
employment here. They’re the ones who represent us
before the State Appeals Board and we feel that it’s usually prudent
to follow their recommendations.
Carl Anderson
EXIT
Reward Realty welcomes New Realtor
EXIT Reward Realty welcomes
our New Realtor, Bobbie Aversa. Bobbie has resided in NH most
of her life. She is proud to assist buyers and sellers with
properties in any area of NH that best suits their needs.
Bobbie
has a business, accounting and financial management background and
began in the Real Estate industry in the early 1980’s, working with
the NH Board of Realtors. She has always found real estate
inviting, and just recently became a Realtor with EXIT Reward
Realty. Her experience with finance, contracts and technology
has provided her with cutting edge technology and tools to
effectively communicate and best serve her clients.
To find out
how you can make your dreams come true and own your own piece of
this relaxing lifestyle that NH offers, please contact Bobbie at
603-435-7800 ext 204 or direct at 603-738-5200 or
[email protected],
EXIT Reward Realty located at 1022 Dover Rd., Suite 4, Epsom, NH
03234 or 79 High St., Pittsfield, NH 03263.
Class
Reunion
Members of Pittsfield High School, Class of 1952,
gathered at Main Street Grill on Sunday, June 25 to celebrate their
65th Class Reunion. A good time was had by all as they shared
a delicious meal while renewing friendships and
memories. The high spirits of the group was evidenced in the
goal to meet again at the same place for a 70th celebration in five
years. Pictured left to right, back row: George Gray,Ralph Eckhardt,
Carroll Towle, Stella Carson Bergevan, Karl Merrill, Ed Porter.
Front row: June French Jaworski, Claire St. George Miner, Beverly
Girouard Drolet, Bill Boyd, Pat Heyward Gray, Joyce Weldon Gould,
Fred Chagnon, Lorraine Genest, Virginia Ayles Merrill.
The
Friday Night Kayak Group met Friday June 23, 2017 with eight
kayaks and one canoe for paddling on the Lower Suncook Lake in
Barnstead. The group is open to everyone and meets at different
local kayaking sites every Friday at 6 PM during June, July and
August. The paddling trips last just over an hour and are always in
the Northwood to Barnstead area. Simply show up at this week’s
Friday night’s location. Visit our web site at huffnpuff.info for
information and location of the next trip and put yourself on our
email list. You can also call Paul Oman at 435 -7199 for more
information.
Obituaries
Lillian
May (Mitchell) Mason
PITTSFIELD- Mrs. Lillian May (Mitchell)
Mason, 87, of Pittsfield, passed away on June 27, 2017 in Concord
Hospital after a period of declining health.
Born in Chichester,
Lillian was the daughter of the late John M. and Dorothy L. (Smith)
Mitchell. She was raised and educated in Chichester and
resided there for most of her life.
In earlier years, “Aunt
Lulu,” as she was affectionately known, cherished taking care of
many children for her family and friends. She would later go
to work for Globe Manufacturing, where she worked for 29 years
before retiring two weeks ago.
An avid Red Sox fan, Lillian also
enjoyed playing bingo and cooking for the holidays; but above all,
she cherished the time spent with her family.
She was predeceased
by her husband, Edwin W. Mason and her siblings, Phyllis Joyce, Mike
Mitchell, Danny Mitchell, Dick Mitchell and John Mitchell.
She is
survived by her two children: Patricia Mason and her companion Scott
Whitcomb of Pittsfield and Edwin Mason and his wife Doreen of
Chichester. She was the grandmother to Zachary and Nicole
Mason and great grandmother to Mitaya and Miri Mason. She is
also survived by many nieces and nephews.
At her request, burial
will take place privately at the convenience of the family.
Assisting the family with the arrangements is the Still Oaks Funeral
& Memorial Home in Epsom. To share a memory or offer a
condolence, please visit www.stilloaks.com.
Brian
A. Anderson
Mr. Brian A. Anderson, 63, of Pittsfield, passed away
unexpectedly at home on June 20, 2017 after a lengthy illness.
Born in Exeter, Brian was the son of the late Mona Chadwick
(Milette) Anderson. He was raised and educated in Exeter and
had been a resident of Pittsfield for the past 12 years.
An
honorably discharged Veteran, Brian proudly served his country as a
Navy SEAL for two tours during the Vietnam War as a member of the
United States Navy.
In earlier years, Brian enjoyed motorcycling.
More recently, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, cribbage,
pool, and above all, spending time with his family and friends.
He was also a horticulturalist and loved gardening, woodworking and
was an avid lover of the outdoors who enjoyed watching wildlife.
He was predeceased by his sisters, Judy Woodman and Carole Stanley.
Brian is survived by his children: Ariana Anderson of Penacook,
Leana Anderson of Texas, Miles Anderson of Hawaii and Lucas Whitcomb
of Laconia; a stepdaughter, Tricia L. Colby of Chichester; and two
grandchildren, Savannah and Zack Locke.
A Celebration of Brian’s
Life will be held at the Concord-Epsom Lodge of Elks, 24 Old Mill
Road in Epsom on Sunday, July 9th at 4 P.M. Burial will take
place privately. Assisting the family with the arrangements is
the Still Oaks Funeral & Memorial Home in Epsom. To share a
memory or offer a condolence, please visit
www.stilloaks.com
|