Pittsfield
Youth Baseball Assoc. (PYBA) Sign Ups
PYBA is holding sign-ups for softball (girls ages 4-18) and baseball (boys
ages 4-18) on the following dates:
February 21, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
February 28, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
March 4, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
All sign-ups will be held at the Pittsfield Community Center. You can now
complete the registration form in advance and bring it with you to sign-ups.
The form can be found on our new web site at
www.leaguelineup.com/pittsfield.
Click on online forms to access the registration form.
American International College in Springfield, Mass., recently
announced its Fall 2008 Dean’s List, which included more than 453
students. Among those was Nicholas Brett of Loudon, a freshman
Criminal Justice major.
Celebrating Birthdays are: February 18, Ray Lammott, Barbara Clark,
Arthur Harnden, Patty Houle; February 19, Carl Anderson, Ronald
Vien; February 20, Fred Hast I, Chris Johnson, Amy Thompson;
February 21, Staci Bousquet, Robert Bousquet, Gail O’Keefe, Ann
Strand; February 22, Dan Dunne; February 23, Sarah Hillsgrove;
February 24, Daniel St. Laurent, Jr.
A Very Happy Birthday To One And All.
You have heard that “News Gets Around.” Well, I guess it does. A
note from a friend in Englewood, Florida, recently had an enclosure
of a news item from the February 2nd edition of “The Sun.” In the
Northern Report Section under “New Hampshire” - subtitle of “Tornado
Furniture” and a Pittsfield dateline - was an article about Dan
Schroth and his “new career!” News does travel! And - maybe one
better than that, at the time of the tornado, my grandson and his
wife, who live in Barnstead had a call from her parents in Bulgaria,
checking to make sure they were okay. They heard it on the news in
Bulgaria and at the mention of Barnstead, NH, they were concerned!
Pittsfield AREA
Senior Center WinterFest Luncheon Date Change
The FREE WinterFest Luncheon sponsored by the Pittsfield Parks and
Recreation Department will be held on “Wednesday, February 25th
instead of Thursday the 26th. Activities will begin at 11 a.m. and
lunch at 12 p.m. The menu is as follows. Baked Chicken breast,
stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, beans and
carrots, banquet ham with pineapple and cherries, drinks and fresh
homemade pies baked by the local 4-H.
Reservations are required by February 18, 2009. Call 435-8482 and
reserve your space. You may leave a message.
Salty Dog Pottery/Children’s Workshops
School Vacation Week
2/23/09-2/27/09
Different Clay Projects Each Day
For Information
Cost and Schedule
Please Contact
435-6014 Or
[email protected]
Winners in the January-February drawing at the Peterson-Cram Post,
A.L. were:
January: #9, Willard Bishop, $50; #97, Margaret Weatherbee, $25;
#84, Lucia Metcalf, $10; #312, Amanda Stewart, $10; #187, Sandra
Osborne, $10.
February: #391, Casey Ward, $50; #254, Edmond Stapleton, $25; #88,
Leo Fraser, $10; #66, Robert & Cindy Thompson, $10; #179, Steve
McClary, $10.
Merrimack County
4-H Youth Development Announces Food Show & Public Speaking
Recognitions
Over 150 youth and parents gathered recently at Pembroke Academy for the 4-H
Public Speaking and Food Show event. Twenty-one adults from the community
served as evaluators of the youth projects. Youth were represented from
several towns in Merrimack County including Concord, Loudon, Pittsfield,
Chichester, Canterbury, Warner, Boscawen, Penacook, New London, Sutton,
Dunbarton, and Webster.
Named to represent Merrimack County at the State Public Speaking event at
Pembroke Academy on May 30th are: Ross Lougee, Victory Workers 4-H; Jordan
and Molly Dahl, Milleville 4-H; Julia Jones, Sutton; and Jocelyn Tanner, 4-H
Junior Leaders.
Invited to the fall 4-H Roundup is: Chad Lougee and Harrison Worster,
Victory Workers 4-H. Receiving a judge’s special food award was Julia Jones,
Sutton, and Katie Downs, Pittsfield, received the most votes for the 4-H
Cook Off.
Letter
I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Colleen Ann
Laro, and I am running for the position of Town Clerk/Tax Collector. My
children and I are proud to be a part of the Pittsfield community. We enjoy
all that our town has to offer such as the Christmas Tree Lighting, to all
the children’s sports, swimming at the pool, Old Home Day, the Balloon
Rally, the plays, and the list goes on and on. Pittsfield has so much to
offer its residents because of the dedication and perseverance of the
countless individuals who volunteer their talents. I would like to have an
opportunity to serve the community as the Town Clerk/Tax Collector.
Throughout my professional career, I have always worked with the public and
have enjoyed doing so. I have worked several years in banking as a bank
teller and bank researcher. I have also worked as a cashier, customer
service representative, cash office assistant and assistant to the
Pittsfield Town Clerk/Tax Collector.
I would welcome the opportunity to use my abilities to serve my community in
this position. I will bring my honesty, compassion and strong work ethic to
this office. I look forward to the challenge of learning and performing all
the aspects to this position in the years to come. I will be at the
Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce annual Candidate’s Night on March 2nd and at
the Polls on March 10th. I would be my pleasure to meet you at those times
and to serve you in the future.
Colleen A. Laro
Letter
A New Selectman in Pittsfield
Having just recently heard that not long ago, the Selectboard appointed Fred
Hast as Selectmen to fill a vacant seat on the board.
I wondered about how many other Pittsfield residents might not realize this
appointment had taken place?
Were proper rules of procedure employed to appoint an interim Selectman
without public notification?
How many other people might have been interested in the position?
Susan Willoughby
Pittsfield Police
Department Arrest Log
1/25/09-2/7/09
On January 27, 2009, Brian Gage, 25, of Main Street, Pittsfield was arrested
on a Warrant, and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court
on 1/27/09.
On January 27, 2009, Christopher Beaulieu, 19, of Depot Street, Pittsfield,
was charged with Forgery and Receiving Stolen Property. Beaulieu was given
a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 2/5/09.
On January 30, 2009, Darrell Peach, 50, of Depot Street, Pittsfield, was
charged with Possession of Illegal/Narcotic Drugs, and given a court date to
appear in Concord District Court on 2/13/09.
On February 6, 2009, Scott Boynton, 26, of Main Street, Pittsfield, was
arrested on a Warrant, and charged with Criminal Mischief (Vandalism).
Boynton was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on
2/20/09.
On February 6, 2009, Tara Abbott, 27, of Depot Street, Pittsfield, was
arrested on a Bench Warrant for not showing up in Court, and was given a
court date to appear in Laconia District Court.
On February 7, 2009, William Morel, 37, of Depot Street, Pittsfield, was
charged with Violation of a Protective Order, and given a court date to
appear in Concord District Court on 5/1/09.
Respectfully Submitted,
Chief Robert Wharem
New Pittsfield
School District Website
The new Pittsfield School District website -
http://pittsfield-nh.com/sau/ - became operational in early January.
School district residents are encouraged to visit the new website to keep
informed about Pittsfield’s schools.
Parents will be interested to know that the website includes basic
day-to-day information, such as the school district calendar, school lunch
menus, and contact information for school and SAU administrative staff.
On snowy mornings, students and parents can log on early to find out if
school will be open or closed. Information about and links to community
events – such as Pittsfield’s upcoming Winterfest – can also be found on the
website.
Looking ahead to the annual school district meeting on March 12, town voters
will find information on the school district’s proposed budget that includes
a summary of changes, brief explanation of warrant articles, and cost
comparisons to last year and this year.
New information is being added each month. Students, parents, and all
residents will find the district website -
http://pittsfield-nh.com/sau/ - a convenient way to stay current with
school events.
Letter To The
Editor
Dear Editor:
Kudos to our Pittsfield schools! I hope everyone read the front-page
article in the February 4, 2009, edition of the Sun: “NH Education
Commissioner Tracy Visits Pittsfield Schools.”
Dr. Tracy was here for a full day, visiting a total of 10 classrooms: 3
elementary, 3 middle school, and 4 high school classes. Everywhere he saw
students actively engaged in learning, and he commented on the positive
atmosphere of the schools and the quality of the lessons he had observed.
The last sentence in the article sums it up: Dr. Tracy observed that, “NO
SCHOOLS PERSONALIZE INSTRUCTION BETTER THAN PITTSFIELD’S SCHOOLS.”
(emphasis mine) What a compliment and affirmation of the achievements of our
administration, teachers, staff and, most importantly - our students. Hats
off to our schools - they make me proud to live in Pittsfield!!
Sincerely,
Nancy Christie
From The Desk Of
The Board Of Selectmen
Budget Year 2009
Dear Citizen,
The frailty of our national economy is no secret. Pittsfield is no
exception. The Board of Selectmen (BOS) continues to witness the
repercussions of the recession as banks foreclose, businesses struggle,
citizens lose jobs and prices progressively rise. The BOS has determined to
do its part in attempting to stabilize our community during these
financially challenging times.
Having said this, Department Heads were asked to come to the BOS with a
level funded budget proposal for 2009. Through work sessions and careful
scrutiny the BOS is proposing a budget that members believe to be
sufficient, practical and responsible. This has not been an easy process and
some tough decisions have been made. We thank the staff for their
cooperation and assistance along the way.
Over the past few years the BOS has made numerous improvements towards
maximizing the efficiency of town operations. The BOS has also had a freeze
on all discretionary spending since November in order to be certain of the
absolute necessity of purchases. While much progress has been made, there is
much that requires attention - the BOS will persistently work on these items
throughout the year. Although financial enhancements take time to work
through the cycle, the Board is confident that we will begin to reap some
benefit in the 2009 budget year from these on-going efforts.
In 2008 we turned approximately $48,000 unexpended budget appropriations
back to the general fund, despite the fact that we had unanticipated
over-expenditures including natural disaster materials, equipment & subs
($16,497), increased overtime due to personnel turnover, training and
emergency operations ($25,000), hydrant fee back charges ($22,000) and
overall inflation. Below is the Board’s proposed 2009 budget, which we
believe will maintain adequate town operations. We ask you to support this
budget.
2009 Proposed Budget Summary Over/Under 2008 Budget
Operating Budget: $3,728,640 ‘Increase 63,526* (Over actual voted
2008)
Warrants Articles: $282,845 “Decrease 551,223
Total Proposed: $4,011,485 “Decrease 487,697 Total “Decrease in budget
Town Tax Impact:
Total Proposed Budget $4,011,485
Less estimated revenues ($1,527,090)
Estimated to Be Raised by Taxes - $2,484,395
Divided By Amount Raised Per $1 - $312,482
Estimated Gross Tax 7.95 per thousand
Current Tax Rate 7.98 per thousand
Estimated Gross Tax Decrease .03/1,000
*Note: The sole reason there is an increase in the operating budget is
because Pennichuck Water Works sprang a last minute significant hydrant fee
increase on the Town.
Sincerely,
Linda Small,
Vice Chairman Board of Selectmen
Suncook Valley
Soccer Club News
The Suncook Valley Soccer Club will be hosting a U.S. Soccer “G” License
Coaching Course on Saturday March 7th, 9:00a.m.- 12:00 p.m., at Pittsfield
Middle High School. Anyone interested in coaching youth soccer should take
the course. To sign-up and to get more information go to our website:
www.suncookvalleysoccerclub.synthasite.com. The club will pay the course
fee for all members (anyone who has a child that plays for the club)
interested in taking the course.
The spring meeting of the Suncook Valley Soccer Club will be held on Sunday
March 29th, 6:00 p.m., at Pittsfield Middle High School. At this meeting
there are three proposed additions/changes to the clubs By-Laws.
Proposed Amendment #1: 2 year term limit for the President of the Suncook
Valley Soccer Club.
Proposed Amendment #2: Add Position of Fundraising Director to the Board of
Directors.
Proposed Amendment #3: Add Position of Past President to the Board of
Directors.
All members of the club are encouraged to attend the meeting and vote on the
proposed amendments. Also at this meeting coaches and level coordinators
will be discussed. Hope to see everyone at the “G” course on March 7th and
at the spring meeting on March 29th.
Letter To The
Editor
To The Good Citizens Of Pittsfield:
Regarding Bill Miskoe’s Letter, 2/11/09, in The Sun. Bill would like you to
believe that the Planning Board is there for their personal gain. Not true.
The fact is we believe we need to turn the direction of our town. From
higher taxes and less property rights, to keeping taxes level, and slowly
over five years gain our property rights back slowly, but continually.
Regarding John Lenaert’s letter, 2/11/09. It has taken us eight years to
finally get a zoning proposal that changes the direction of our town. To
help show our commitment to the taxpayer we raised through a raffle around
$800.00 to advertise for legal review for the newly elected Planning Board’s
proposal. What Planning Board in Pittsfield ever cared enough to do that.
Regarding Jim Prichard’s (sic.) Letter, 2/11/09. Jim’s zoning is from
Manchester. He says it’s to make everything fair.
Ask Jim how much he has cost the town in lawyer fees. My guess is around
$20,000. Ask him how many times he has won. My guess is zero.
These three are part of the gang that can’t let go of old ideas, either due
to lack of imagination or narrow self interest. It doesn’t surprise me they
attack the Planning Board’s proposal.
We have started a movement in our town. Will you please help us. Call for a
copy of the big picture. It describes our predicament and with enough help
changes the direction of our town. Call Dan, 435-6048.
Dan Schroth
Letter To The
Editor
To The Editor:
Be Careful What You Vote For
Articles 2, 3, 4, and 5 of this year’s Town Meeting Warrant are a summary of
a lengthy proposal for changes to the Pittsfield Zoning Ordinance.
Unfortunately, the summary does not tell the voters about many important
details in the proposal, which if adopted will have negative effects on
property values.
Article 2 mentions Heavy Truck Repair and Commercial Greenhouses, but does
not explain that these, and other uses would be allowed in any residential
area of the town. Cluster development is also mentioned but not the fact
that it would allow apartment houses in zones previously reserved for single
family houses.
Article 3 refers to Table 2 concerning lot dimensions and house density, but
does not specify what they will be. The most important of these changes
would allow a cluster development to put over 40 units on a 30 parcel, even
if it was 50% wetland. This could mean 42 units on 15 acres. Not open rural
living and not what someone on a rural lot would expect to have next door.
Article 5 refers to a single proposed amendment - the adoption of a
definition for frontage. But it does not explain what the definition will
be. That is buried in the proposal, and it is a real zinger. If Article 5 is
approved it will allow the development of major subdivisions on Class VI
roads - roads not maintained by the town. It has been policy to not allow
such development. This has served the town well and should not be changed.
Pittsfield Deserves Better.
Bill Miskoe
Pictured is
Joseph Darrah of Darrah Enterprises. Mr. Darrah has just made a major
contribution to the renovation and enlargement of Pittsfield Youth Athletic
Park on Tilton Hill Road. The Youth Baseball extends a hearty thank you.
Letter To The
Editor
Dear Editor:
With regard to Warrant Article 7, I urge all voters to VOTE YES. We need to
go back to what worked so well for so many years. Let the members of the
Planning Board again be appointed.
With regard to Warrant Articles 2, 3, 4, and 5, please VOTE NO. I suggest
that no voter will read or try to understand the lengthy changes proposed by
the Planning Board, not in the voting booth anyway. These Articles change
too much; property usage will, in my opinion, become a building density
multiplier. This is not good.
Sincerely,
Jim Thyng
Letter
On January 7, 2009, the Pittsfield Planning Board advertised in the SVS a
zoning amendment that the board was proposing. The proposal was advertised
as a single amendment, heard as a single amendment, and voted as a single
amendment.
But on February 5, the draft town meeting warrant had FOUR amendments
allegedly proposed by the Planning Board. I brought this matter to
the Planning Board’s attention that night, and the board agreed that it had
intended a single amendment.
At the Selectmen’s meeting on February 10, 2009, Fred Hast said that the
Town Attorney had written the ballot questions and that they were to be left
as she had written them.
Since when does the Town Attorney get to overrule the Planning Board? Since
when does the Town Attorney get to create her own zoning amendment
proposals?
At the Selectmen’s meeting, John Lenaerts explained masterfully that the
voters would not be able to know what each ballot question would do. I asked
which amendment contained the Planning Board’s proposed change to “Auto Body
Shops.” No Selectman knew. If they do not know, obviously voters will not
know either.
The Planning Board has proposed a monstrosity. Auto body shops will be
permitted by right in the Suburban and Rural districts. Cluster development
will be permitted by right and have large density multipliers, multi-family
dwellings, and no open space requirements. Manufactured housing parks meet
the new conditions for cluster development and will thus be permitted by
right. Subdivision on driveways will be permitted.
Please vote AGAINST ALL proposals from the Planning Board. Please vote FOR
the citizen-petitioned amendment, which, not surprisingly, is not
recommended by the Planning Board.
Jim Pritchard
Candidate for Planning Board
Governor’s Road
Pittsfield
Student Art Show/
Open House at the Carpenter Library
The Friends of the Josiah Carpenter Library will be hosting an Open House,
in conjunction with PMHS Art Teacher, Bill Mitchell, on Saturday March 7,
2009, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., to kick off the Pittsfield Middle High School
Student Art Show, on exhibit at the Carpenter Library. The show will run
from March 7-26, 2009. A closing reception is also planned for the students
on March 26th, 5-7 p.m. Come support our talented young artists with a meet
and greet. Refreshments will be provided at both occasions.
The Friends and Trustees would like to welcome Roza Benoit to the Carpenter
Library. She has taken over the position of Library Director. Welcome Roza!
With Election Day coming up soon, The Friends will be sponsoring another
Spring Raffle at the Town Hall on March 10, 2009. A bright red wheelbarrow
filled with everything you’ll need to start your garden this year, will
belong to one lucky resident. Be sure to bring your wallet. Tickets will be
$1 each or 6 for $5. Spring is on the way !
Thank you for supporting your library!!