REMINDER
The
South Pittsfield Friends church will be open on Sunday, August 6th
with Pastor Harold Muzzey as the speaker. Services begin at 1:00 pm
and all are welcome.
The
church will also hold services on August 20th at 1:00 pm with Rev.
Henry Frost as the speaker. All are welcome.
The
PMHS Athletic Department is currently accepting nominations for the
2017 Hall of Fame Induction.
The
nomination deadline has been extended to August 1st. If you are
interested in submitting a nomination, please go to the school
website or contact Jay Darrah, PMHS Athletic Director, at
[email protected].
We are
looking forward to inducting our third Hall of Fame class on
Saturday, September 16, 2017 following our Homecoming soccer games.
Letter
To The Editor
Select
Board Meeting 7/25/17
The
first full five member board in some time heard Paul and Jill
Metcalf’s plan to finish removing the already processed material
from their gravel pit on Tan Rd. over the next 2 years. The product
will be going to a development in Epsom, so trucking will be almost
entirely on roads other than Pittsfield. Site reclamation will be
ongoing as the used area shrinks.
The
subject of potential impact of Loudon’s NH Motor Speedway for up to
21 concerts was briefly discussed. This select board doesn’t foresee
much impact on Pittsfield, however, the Planning Board will be
weighing in with Loudon with their concerns.
Lynda
Vogt was appointed to Parks & Recreation. Glen Vulner in the highway
dept. was recognized for having completed the Roads Scholar Program.
A
timber tax warrant and an intent to cut were approved for two
logging jobs. FEMA approved our Hazardous Mitigation Plan Update, so
we’re good for five years. Old Home Day donations of wax for all
parade vehicles by Sanels and flags purchased by town employees for
parade vehicles was accepted with thanks.
We
voted to sell 81 Main St. (next to the town hall) to Mr. Gamble, who
is presently rehabbing 114 Main St. The progress he has made in
restoring 114 Main to an asset to the town and neighborhood and
gives us confidence to enter into another agreement with him.
Furthermore, he is prepared to purchase the property with a cloud on
the title which eliminates a real stumbling block for us with most
buyers.
Two
hearings to take input from the public regarding the future of 37
Main St. (next to the library) have been scheduled for Sept. 12 and
26.
The
library sewer has been repaired and is again functional. Thanks to
Jitters for allowing library patrons to run across the street to use
their facilities when need arose.
Carl
Anderson
Kudos
Pittsfield Old Home Day Committee
By
Meggin Dail
So, for
the first time in, like, a gazillion years, the Pittsfield Players
did not win a trophy for our float in the Pittsfield Old Home Day
parade. And we’re pretty happy about it... Why? Because to us, it
means competition. It means there were more floats in the parade
this year. It means we weren’t given a trophy just because we
participated. It means we’re stepping it up next year to earn a
trophy because there were some pretty awesome floats this year,
Bravo!
The
Pittsfield Old Home Day committee puts a lot of work into planning
every year and it’s nice to see it paying off. When you do something
for a gazillion years, it makes you wonder if you’re still being
noticed, being appreciated. In that way the Pittsfield Old Home Day
Committee is much like The Pittsfield Players. We’re both a group of
volunteers working hard to entertain our little community and while
our longevity sort of says it all, it’s still nice to get noticed,
be appreciated, heck, maybe even garner applause.
I
helped man the Pittsfield Players booth in Dustin Park in very good
company. There were groups and organizations, businesses,
entrepreneurs, clowns, politicians, not to mention trapeze artists!
At one point a group of kids went by announcing to no one in
particular, “Wow! There’s so much to see and do right in this one
little spot!” Kudos Old Home Day Committee!
Every
year I see the kids craft tent where kids can do a themed craft free
of charge. Every year there’s music in the park for everyone to
enjoy. I talked to one particular clown who says she’s been
attending the event for 20 years in one capacity or another. Every
year there’s Fuzz Freese selling raffle tickets for the Pittsfield
Historical Society and, as of late, Heidi Darrah peddling rubber
ducks. Every year there’s a food contest by the 4-H (apparently my
anchovy paste popcorn didn’t win this year…) Every year there’s a
parade and now a car show and fireworks and- and- and - I honestly
don’t even know the entire list, only because I can’t be everywhere
at once...but I know who can and is… the Old Home Day Committee.
It’s amazing, really.
The Old
Home Day Committee gets together monthly for almost the entire year,
meeting to think up themes, events, contests, crafts, everything
that makes Old Home Day what it is - a show, an event,
entertainment, this year a CIRCUS, for the community. You might
think this committee has at least fifty members, maybe twenty? In
reality, there are less than twenty. Less than twenty people to
schedule performers, respond to calls, emails, and questions about
booth rentals, car show specifics, parade entries, parking, times,
and everything in between. Less than twenty people to appoint
traffic control, build their own float, find entertainers and bands
for the parade and field more questions (and complaints- and by the
way, if you have a complaint, find a way to be a part of the
solution instead). Less than twenty people to pick up trash (bet you
didn’t know they meet Friday night to clean up the parade route
beforehand and early Sunday morning after it’s all said and done to
pick up the fireworks trash and trash from the streets of the parade
route.) Less than twenty people to worry about whether everyone is
having a good time. Less than twenty.
Sometimes, volunteers like us tend to wonder if it’s all worth it.
The time and effort spent away from home working together to provide
something we think is important, community spirit. The thing about
providing this kind of entertainment on such a large scale is you
can’t necessarily see the effect you’re having because you’re so
busy making it work.
Pittsfield Old Home Day Committee, I’m only one person, but this is
what I see; you’re doing a fantastic job. Every year I see something
or someone new on Old Home Day. The Committee might worry that the
crowds are smaller or the parade isn’t always as long or that people
don’t stick around for everything you’ve planned. Instead, I see Old
Home Day evolving.
I know
we remember the Old Days we experienced as kids and wonder if we can
get that back, but you also have to remember, that Old Home Day
Committee probably had the same worries back then as you do now. I
see kids in wonder that all this came to Pittsfield for them. I see
longevity of organizations who are in the park every year offering
information and inspiration to those around us, whether they be
churches, community outreach, 4-H, police, fire, politicians,
historical societies, school groups, or community theater, because
it matters. I see new faces, start-up businesses, people who see an
opportunity through Pittsfield, and area residents to gain
customers, members, and volunteers. I see people who have been to
every single Old Home Day and those who are here for the first time.
I see a lot of smiles. I still see people get excited for NEXT YEAR,
right after the parade has ended! I see a reason for people to get
out and meet their neighbors. At the Pittsfield Players booth alone
we had people approach us with interest in make-up, sewing,
choreography, and acting, of course! These are people we can’t reach
on Facebook. Old Home Day is an opportunity to walk up to someone
and ask the questions, see the faces, get to know the people, and
we’re grateful for it.
Take it
from someone who’s been to most Pittsfield Old Home Days for over
forty years; you’re doing a GOOD JOB and your hard work is all worth
it. Thank you to Pittsfield Old Home Day Committee members; Mark and
Andi Riel, Louie and Patty Houle, Ray and Judy Webber, Leslie and
Harry Vogt, Fred and Liz Hast, Joe Darrah, Jessica Beaulieu, and
Lisa and Eli English.
Let’s
show the Pittsfield Old Home Day Committee some love and see if we
can get even more floats next year, more cars, more booths in the
park, more volunteers, and more appreciation for a job very well
done!
First
Recipients Of The 2017 Globe Gear Giveaway Announced
Departments In
AK And NJ Will Each Receive 4 Sets Of New Globe Gear
Since
2012, Globe, DuPont Protection Solutions (DuPont), and the National
Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have partnered to provide 351 sets of
new, state-of-the-art turnout gear to fire departments in need – a
value of over $800,000. An additional 13 departments will receive
four sets of gear each in 2017. The first two recipients of the 2017
Globe Gear Giveaway are the Gustavus (AK) Volunteer Fire Department
and Island Heights (NJ) Volunteer Fire Company. “Congratulations to
the first two winners of this year’s Globe Gear Giveaway,” said NVFC
Chairman Kevin D. Quinn. “Our nation’s firefighters put their lives
on the line every time they answer the call. We are grateful to
Globe and DuPont for their generosity in helping to keep our boots
on the ground protected through this invaluable program so they are
able to safely respond to our community members in need.” The
Gustavus (AK) Volunteer Fire Department is located in a rural
community 50 miles west of Juneau and covers nearly 38 square miles
plus mutual aid to Glacier Bay National Park. The department serves
a population of over 500 in the winter and up to 2,000 in the busy
summer months during the tourist season. With only 10 sets of gear
available for their 27 volunteer firefighters, this donation will
enable the department to train and respond safely and in accordance
with state and national standards.
The
Island Heights (NJ) Volunteer Fire Company is funded entirely by
donations, fundraisers, and grants. Their members, comprised
entirely of volunteers, devote countless hours to training,
emergency response, fundraising, administrative duties, and
maintaining equipment, apparatus, and the station. Firefighters are
trained in all aspects of fire suppression, ventilation,
search
and rescue, forcible entry, ladders, salvage and overhaul, water and
ice rescue, hazardous materials, and CPR. Many members also pursue
additional training as fire officers, instructors, wildland
firefighters, incident commanders, and more. While all 30 of their
volunteers currently have turnout gear, 18 of those are more than 10
years old and no longer compliant with safety standards. “The
acquisition of turnout gear from Globe will allow the department to
more safely serve the residents of Island Heights, while
simultaneously relieving financial pressure from a limited
operations budget,” said the department’s grant committee chair
David Hansen.
To be
eligible to apply for the four sets of new Globe turnout gear,
departments had to be all-volunteer or mostly-volunteer, serve a
population of 25,000 or less, be legally organized in the U.S. or
Canada, demonstrate a need for the gear, and be a member of the
NVFC. To help departments meet this last requirement, Globe
sponsored NVFC department memberships for the first 500 applicants.
Additional awards through the Globe Gear Giveaway will be made
monthly throughout 2017. A total of 52 sets of gear will be
distributed to departments in need. Stay tuned to the NVFC web site,
Dispatch newsletter, and Facebook page, as well as the Globe
Facebook page, for additional information and announcements
regarding the Globe Gear Giveaway.
###
About Globe Firefighters need to be prepared to perform at their
peak, on every call. That’s why Globe delivers the most advanced,
best-fitting, and longest lasting protection by listening to our
customers, creating breakthrough designs, and applying the
engineering skills of the nation’s most trusted turnout gear
manufacturer. Globe turnout gear is designed to protect you, move
with you, and improve your performance. It’s athletic gear for
firefighters. Learn more at
www.globeturnoutgear.com.
About DuPont Protection Solutions DuPont Protection Solutions (NYSE:
DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the
global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials,
and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating
with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help
find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy
food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels,
and protecting life and the environment. For additional information
about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please
visit www.dupont.com. About the
NVFC The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading
nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the
volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the
voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides invaluable
resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders
across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org
Letter
To all
Citizens of Pittsfield,
Recently, the Board of Selectmen held a public hearing on the
boundaries of the proposed Village Water District. Turnout was good,
with about 20 people showing up.
Even
though the subject was the proposed district boundaries, there were
many comments and questions on the entire project.
A
number of people brought up objections to some parcels being
included and some mentioned parcels that they thought should have
been included. Everyone had a comment to make.
The
Committee Chairman then announced that any and all suggestions for
changes to the boundary list could be submitted by e-mail to
[email protected]. He also announced that a committee meeting would
be held on 7/19, at which time, any corrections could be brought
forth.
To
date, not one correction has been submitted through either path.
The
door is still open; the next committee meeting has been scheduled
for Tuesday, August 15 at 7:00 PM at the Town Hall.
Respectfully,
Fred
Okrent, Chair
Pittsfield Aqueduct Purchase Committee
Book
Review: The Last Irish Goddess By Steve Delaney
Plaidswede Publishing Co., Released June 2017
Submitted By Christina Van Horn, a former Boston Globe editor who
never met a book she didn’t want to read
When
meteoric star flakes fell into western Ireland and became one with
the soil, the people who lived on a mountain called Ben Cullagh
unknowingly ingested the flakes as part of their food. Then they
noticed that besides red hair, some of them had special powers. They
became known as people of the goddess Danu, Tuatha de Dannan, who
turn up in various places and times to work their magic. The Irish
saw no contradiction with their Catholic beliefs and the Celtic
Otherworld.
With
this underpinning of bifold belief, Steve Delaney draws readers
into the horrendously difficult world inhabited by the Irish at the
late 17th century, early 18th century. The overlord English had
instituted the Penal Laws that they didn’t hesitate to use to hang
an Irishman for the slightest infringement. Despite the Laws, the
Irish continued their 1,000-year struggle to gain control of their
native land.
Delaney’s knowledge of this period is as deep as it is wide, and he
skillfully weaves this turbulent period of Irish history into a love
story between Conor, an apprentice warrior banned from Kinvara, and
Teagan, the Red Goddess of Clare. Delaney surrounds them with a body
of characters, Irish and English, that keep the plot moving quickly,
imbued with both personal and political suspense.
Given
the complexity and number of the characters and the political
over-and-under tones, Delaney provides a list of characters and
locations as well as a brief explanation of the origins between
Celtic and Saxon and a glossary. His use of language, both today’s
English, and the Irish language is admirable.
The
English brought tragedy upon Conor, and Red Teaghan met another form
of tragedy. But Delaney follows the journey of the Irish and takes
the end of the book into a most believable Celtic Otherworld.
The
Friday Night Kayaking Group met Friday July 21, 2017 with a record
15 kayaks to enjoy White’s Pond in Pittsfield. 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.
Pittsfield Food Pantry News
Our new
location is on Barnstead Rd., just behind Atlantic Safety.
Our
hours are Monday, 11-2 and 4-6 and Thursday 11-2.
In
order to continue to offer free food to our community, we are in
desperate need of monetary donations. We are also looking for
someone with a truck as a back up driver to pick up food at the food
bank in Manchester.
We can
always use fresh produce, if you have overstocked your garden.
Specific items we always need are: canned veggies, spaghetti sauce,
soup, meats, jelly, and toiletries.
If you
have any questions, call 545-7998.
Obituaries
Denise
L. Patterson
Denise
L. Patterson, of Pittsfield, NH, age 55, passed away peacefully July
20, with family by her side at the CRVNA Hospice House in Concord,
NH, following her struggle with aggressive cancer.
Denise
was born on Mother’s Day, May 13, 1962, in Winchester, Massachusetts
to Charles and Nancy Vokey.
She is
survived by her husband, Edward C. Patterson, son, Jeremy (Wife
Melanie) and three grandchildren, Krystina, Kevin, and Kaden,
brother David Vokey (wife Cindy), and numerous extended family.
Denise
will be missed by family and friends and remembered for, ‘wearing
her heart on her sleeve,’ reaching out to help people in her
community and family, and doing what was right. She had a special
talent for relating to people, children, and animals (especially
dogs).
A
celebration service of her life will be held at Park Street Baptist
Church, 11 Park Street, Pittsfield, NH 03263, on August 12, 2017,
(Saturday), at 2:00 PM.
In lieu
of flowers, contributions in Denise’s memory may be made to Park
Street Baptist Church, toward a fund for installation of a stairway
lift in the church building.
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