A
church service will be held at the Quaker Meeting House in South
Pittsfield on August 1st at 1 p.m.
Speaker will be Nancy Talbot.
All are welcome!
Celebrating Birthdays are: July 28, Royce Elkins, Bill
Heath; July 31, Amanda Quatrucci; August 1, Robert Hetu,
Jennifer Clark; August 2, Diane Vaughan; August 3, Sarah Laro,
Ed Huggins, Scott Drouin.
A Very Happy Birthday to one and all.
Best Wishes to Don and Dee Tabot who will be
celebrating their Wedding Anniversary on July 31st.
Student Exchange Programs
Open your heart and home to a teenager from another country.
Learn about that country thru the eyes of a native. Learn their
customs and some of their language. What an opportunity and you
only need offer room, meals and guidance. The students have
their own spending money and are insured thru the program. Host
a student from Sweden, India, Philippines or another country and
someday visit that country in exchange.
Contact: Dolores Siik at 603-497-4702 or email:
[email protected]
Public Invited: The Pittsfield Digital Classroom
Conference
August 26
Next month the Pittsfield School District will present a
unique opportunity for parents, community members, and school
staff to come together and learn how technology can be used in
essential ways to help children learn in the changing digital
world. We invite you to learn how blogs, wikis, Skype, and the
latest software can help our students learn. The conference will
be held from 4:00 to 7:00 on August 26, the Thursday evening the
week prior to the start of school.
Why do schools need to think about technology? Whether
we like it or not, digital technology is transforming the way we
experience and understand the world. For today’s children, who
have never known life without the Internet, the effect is even
more profound. Members of this “digital generation” live
in a world in which they expect to be connected, 24-7, to
friends, to events, and to entertainment. They read differently
than we did growing up. They make friends differently.
And they use digital media to create and share their lives in
ways that were unimagined a generation ago.
According to a 2006 report, children spend on average 25
hours a week watching television, playing video games, and
interacting with digital devices. That’s almost as much
time as they spend in school. The way children learn - and
how they expect to learn in school - is very different today
than it was for children twenty years ago. Digital technology
presents real challenges to the good life, but it also presents
great opportunities. As teachers, parents, and citizens, we need
to understand the challenges and the opportunities that digital
media presents. We need to know enough so we can help guide our
young people through the dangers and opportunities of the brave,
new digital world.
At the Pittsfield Digital Classroom Conference eight
Pittsfield teachers - four from the elementary school and four
from the middle high school - will present curriculum units and
projects they have created over the summer. Their units are
designed to engage students in using digital tools to read,
write, and think critically. In many cases children will be
sharing their learning with audiences beyond the classroom,
through digital tools. At the conference teachers will
demonstrate how the tools work and give attendees a chance to
try them out.
For the past six months these eight teachers have received
training and support through a federal ARRA grant entitled
Enhancing Education through Technology. They have taken an
on-line course in using digital media in the classroom.
They have been mentored by experienced teachers from other New
Hampshire districts, and they have been handed the tools to lead
students in 21st century learning, right here in Pittsfield
classrooms. Through the grant, the district has purchased over
$80,000 in interactive whiteboards, netbook mini-computers,
digital response systems, and digital cameras.
The four PES teachers who will share their projects are
Kelly Marble in grade 1, Kathy Mahanes in grade 2, Carin Kilar
in grade 3, and Katie Lasky in grade 4. At the middle and high
school level, the teachers sharing are Dar Roy, grades 7 and 8
Science; Derek Hamilton, grades 9 and 10 Social Studies, Silas
St. James, grades 9 and 10 English, and Amy Gardner Booth,
grades 7-12 World Languages. At the conference, PES Principal,
Doug Kilmister, will welcome guests and share highlights of the
project. We will have a keynote speech and presentation from
award winning Deerfield kindergarten teacher Maria Knee, who has
presented her class’s work in New Hampshire and nationally.
The conference will run from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at
Pittsfield Elementary School. Refreshments will be served at the
conference, and there will be door prizes for attendees who stay
till the end. For planning purposes and because space is
limited, we ask that interested parents and community members
reserve a space at the conference, by calling the school at
435-8432 or emailing Mr. Kilmister at
[email protected]. We hope you can join us for
this exciting event.
VA Simplifies Access To Health Care And Benefits For
Veterans With PTSD
Washington - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki
announced a critical step forward in providing an easier process
for Veterans seeking health care and disability compensation for
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with the publication of a
final regulation in the Federal Register.
“This nation has a solemn obligation to the men and women
who have honorably served this country and suffer from the often
devastating emotional wounds of war,” said Secretary of Veterans
Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “This final regulation goes a long way
to ensure that Veterans receive the benefits and services they
need.”
By publishing a final regulation in the Federal Register to
simplify the process for a Veteran to claim service connection
for PTSD, VA reduces the evidence needed if the trauma claimed
by a Veteran is related to fear of hostile military or terrorist
activity and is consistent with the places, types, and
circumstances of the Veteran’s service.
This science-based regulation relies on evidence that
concluded that a Veteran’s deployment to a war zone is linked to
an increased risk of PTSD.
Under the new rule, VA would not require corroboration of a
stressor related to fear of hostile military or terrorist
activity if a VA doctor confirms that the stressful experience
recalled by a Veteran adequately supports a diagnosis of PTSD
and the Veteran’s symptoms are related to the claimed stressor.
Previously, claims adjudicators were required to corroborate
that a non-combat Veteran actually experienced a stressor
related to hostile military activity. This final rule simplifies
the development that is required for these cases.
VA expects this rulemaking to decrease the time it takes VA
to decide access to care and claims falling under the revised
criteria. More than 400,000 Veterans currently receiving
compensation benefits are service connected for PTSD. Combined
with VA’s shorter claims form, VA’s new streamlined,
science-based regulation allows for faster and more accurate
decisions that also expedite access to medical care and other
benefits for Veterans.
PTSD is a medically recognized anxiety disorder that can
develop from seeing or experiencing an event that involves
actual or threatened death or serious injury to which a person
responds with intense fear, helplessness or horror, and is not
uncommon among war Veterans.
Disability compensation is a tax-free benefit paid to a
Veteran for disabilities that are a result of - or made
worse by - injuries or diseases associated with active service.
For additional information, go to
www.va.gov or
call VA’s toll free benefits number at 1-800-827-1000.
FB
Argue Pool News
Plans are being made for the End of Season
celebration at the FB Argue Recreation Area. The celebration
will be held on Saturday, August 28. The area will open at 1:00
on that day. There will be swimming from 1:00-6:00. At six there
will be a cookout with free hot dogs and hamburgers. Then we are
planning some activities to go until dusk. At dusk, our plan is
to show an outdoor movie. The name of the movie has not been
determined as of yet. This will be a family movie and you are
encouraged to bring a blanket and enjoy the night of fun with
your family and friends. The concession stand will be open
during the movie. Please look for more information in the coming
weeks about this day of family fun.
Don’t forget the special
activity days planned for the rest of the summer. On July 28th
the first 48 children will be given a bucket hat to decorate. On
July 29th and August 5th, we will make and eat s’mores. On
August 11th, the first 50 children will be given a hacky sack to
decorate. An animal program will be held at 1:00 on August 12th
presented by Wildlife Encounters.
The area is open from
12:00 to 5:00 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. It is
open from 12:00 to 7:00 on Tuesday and Thursday, and 1:00 to
5:00 on Sunday. Adults - don’t forget Senior Swim Time
from 11:00 to 12:00 on Monday and Thursday.
The
Pittsfield Police Department Presents National Night Out
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
On Tuesday, August 3, 2010, from 6-8
P.M. The Pittsfield Police Association, along with the
Pittsfield Drug and Alcohol Coalition (PDAC), Pittsfield Youth
Workshop, and the Pittsfield Community Coalition will host
National Night Out, a nation and world-wide effort to bring
communities together to help fight crime and drug activity
across the country and around the world by banding together to
give a fun night out for children and families. Over 10,000
communities in fifty states across the nation are participating,
all on the same night! The Pittsfield event is held at Dustin
Park on Main Street.
National Night Out is designed to
heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support
for and participation in local anticrime programs and strengthen
neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. A bouncy
house, face painting, prizes, games, a visit from McGruff the
Crime Dog and a dunk booth tank filled with Pittsfield’s finest
as well as food will be provided at no charge to participants of
National Night Out.
For more information on National Night
Out, to sign up to donate goods or services, or to participate
in National Night out please call The Pittsfield Police station
at 435-7535 and ask to talk to Officer Webber.
Start Your Week With A “Little Pleasure”
The newest shop to
grace Pittsfield is “Life’s Little Pleasures,” 40 Carroll
Street, owned and managed by Michele Paquette. The first thing
you notice when entering the shop is the wonderful fragrance.
The cute window treatments and polished wood surroundings
further add a lovely sense of charm and hominess. Michele’s
friendly and accommodating personality is an additional plus.
The shop has its grand opening this coming Saturday, July 31,
and will be open weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from 9-3. When
the open flag is out during the week, feel free to stop in, even
if just to say “hello” or “welcome to the neighborhood.” Your
senses will be glad you did!
Michele specializes in homemade
dry mixes and rubs. There are no instant items – soups are to be
made on the stove and dips are meant to be mixed with sour cream
or a combination of sour cream and mayonnaise. There are rubs
and seasonings (so perfect for barbeques), pancake mixes,
spreads, desserts and even rich cocoas in as many as 12
varieties. There are many sugar-free and low sodium selections
as well. If you have a special request, Michele will be happy to
take your order.
The soups come in two different sizes -
there is a “soup for two” and a family size. One of the
most popular soups is called “Friendship Soup;” this soup will
feed a crowd.
Michele has been in business for six years
mostly in Manchester. Losing her kitchen there, she had to make
a decision as to where to go next. She is very excited to have
found the perfect location in Pittsfield where, according to
her, “everyone has just been great!”
She started as an
at-home mom with her own children and was also a foster mom for
18 years. What began as a hobby of making delicious gifts for
family and friends became a business venture, encouraged by
those same family members and friends. Since everyone loved her
homemade gifts, she decided to make it a business. She doesn’t
mind the drive from Manchester especially when she is doing what
she loves in a place that is so friendly.
Retail or
wholesale, private labeling, fund-raising for churches, colleges
or senior groups are just some of the opportunities she
provides. Her products are made from all natural ingredients,
with no additives or preservatives, as much as possible from
local New Hampshire suppliers.
There is also a shelf devoted
to beautiful crocks, spread pots, and dip chillers that are all
handmade by a New Hampshire artisan and are waiting to be filled
with savory items.
Be sure to stop by Life’s Little Pleasures
and offer Michele your warm Pittsfield welcome. While there,
fill out your free raffle ticket for a basket of goodies. The
drawing will take place after the Balloon Rally weekend. Check
out her webpage at:
www.lifes-little-pleasures.com
James and Kimberly Migliozzi of Pittsfield, NH, announce the
engagement of their daughter Kristen to David Johnson, son of
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Johnson of Norton, MA. Kristen is a
2003 graduate of Pittsfield High School and graduated from
Western New England College with a Bachelor of Science in
Electrical Engineering. She is currently working for L-3
Communications Aerospace Division in Massachusetts. David also
graduated from Western New England College with a degree in
Electrical Engineering and is currently a Quality Assurance
Engineer for EMC in Hopkinton, MA. A July 2nd, 2011, wedding is
planned.
Summer Musical Fun With “Encore 2010: A Musical Review”
Frank
Sinatra’s advice to those seeking musical success was certainly
succinct: “Sing good songs.” That advice is taken to heart by
The Pittsfield Players performing “Encore 2010: A Musical
Review,” a funny and entertaining night of dinner theater music
performed each week at Steele Hill Resort in Sanbornton this
summer.
Director/choreographer Dee Dee Pitcher leads a
talented cast of performers in this year’s 18th season of
“Encore.” Dinner theater patrons dine and are entertained with
numerous selections of Broadway tunes and favorites from the
50s, 60s, and 70s sung by the “Encore” cast.
As a featured
surprise this year, each cast member lends a personal touch by
singing a musical solo they’ve each chosen, explaining to the
audience how “their song” made an impact in their formative
years. Audiences are treated to songs from many genres, and
include: “The Undertaker Blues,” “Over the Rainbow,” “Running
Bear,” “Crazy,” “I Feel Good,” “Ten Minutes Ago,” “Johnny
Angel,” “Never Never Land,” “Aquarius,” “Soul Man,” and
“Personality.” Piano accompaniment is provided by Keith Belanger
who flawlessly adds artistic pizzazz.
The “Encore 2010: A
Musical Review” is performed every Tuesday night, now through
August 31, at Steele Hill Resort in Sanbornton, NH.
Dinner
theater performances are priced at $29 per person (excluding
beverages, tax and tip) and include a three-course meal and the
“Encore 2010” show. For reservations, call Steele Hill Resort at
524-0500.
Letter
I would like to thank all the movers and shakers who
donated so much blood, sweat, and tears to organizing the All
Class Reunion and chicken barbecue.
This group of determined
former classmates tracked down “lost classmates, sent out
fliers, and enticed and harangued so many of us into showing up
at this wonderful reunion.
Why is it that time erases all
the silly reasons we may not have talked to one another in
school, but as adults are delighted to find out the choices
we’ve made and how we now live our lives.
The reunion was
superbly organized - from signs on the street pointing to the
reunion, registration, class tables, snacks and then that
delicious chicken barbecue. That alone was a marvel of no detail
left undone.
Again, I can’t thank you all enough. I so
enjoyed myself and look forward to picking up heretofore dropped
friendships.
Thank you, thank you.
Christina Van Horn,
Class of ‘69
Albany, CA
Obituaries
Donald E.
Pierce Sr.
Manchester -
Donald E.
“Pet”
Pierce, 70,
died July
19, 2010, at
Hackett Hill
Nursing
Home,
following a
long
illness.
He was born
November 27,
1939, in
Barnstead,
N.H., to
Kenneth and
Esther
(Dixon)
Pierce. He
attended
schools in
Pittsfield,
was a
firefighter
for the City
of Concord
for 13
years, and
had been
employed at
the Milford
Transfer
Station.
For more
than 30
years he
worked for
the Norton
Co. in
Milford as
first
inspector.
He had been
retired
since 2001.
Family
members
include his
wife of 35
years, Nancy
(Cate)
Pierce;
three sons,
Don Pierce,
Jr. of
Meredith,
NH, Keith
Pierce of
Florida and
Scott A.
Pierce of
Manchester;
a daughter,
Susan E.
Pierce of
Florida;
seven
grandchildren;
two
brothers,
Richard
Pierce of
Concord and
Wilbert
Pierce of
Northwood;
several
nieces and
nephews.
A Memorial
Service was
held Friday,
July 23,
2010, in
Goodwin
Funeral
Home,
Manchester.
A graveside
service
followed at
Calvary
Cemetery,
Concord.
Memorial
donations
may be made
to
Children’s
Hospital at
Dartmouth (ChaD)
c/o
Development
Office, One
Medical
Center
Drive,
Lebanon,
03756 or
Concord
Regional
Visiting
Nurses
Assn., 30
Pillsbury
Street,
Concord,
03301.