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Pittsfield NH News

February 15, 2012

The Suncook Valley Sun News Archive is Maintained by Modern Concepts. We are NOT affliated in any way with the Suncook Valley Sun Newspaper.



 

Those Celebrating Birthdays are: February 15, Lenny Deane, Peggy Chagnon; February 16, Margaret Snedeker; February 17, Jim Schroth, Sue Derosier, Craig Paggi; February 18, Ray Lammott, Barbara Clark, Arthur Harndon, Patty Houle; February 19, Carl Anderson, Ronald Vien; February 20, Fred Hast, II, Chris Johnson, Amy Thompson, Bill Plummer; February 21, Amber Ash, Staci Bousquet, Robert Bousquet, Gail O’Keefe, Ann Strand.

 

A Very Happy Birthday To One and All!

 


 

Aisha Pereira, a resident of Pittsfield, NH, was among more than 260 students from the University of Maine at Machias named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester.

 


 

JCL’s Teen Game Night, 6:30-8:30 pm,

Friday, Feb. 17th 2012

 

Looking for something to do during school months? Join us for our second meeting of Josiah Carpenter Library’s new teen group, open to those in 7th grade to 12th grade. We will be holding a game night from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Friday February 17th. We are planning on holding a Jeopardy game along with a few other game stations. Bring snacks to fuel the fun!

 


 

School Lunch Menus

February 20 - 24, 2012

 

PES

Monday

Dr. Seuss Week

"Sneetches"

Hot dog in a wheat bun, roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, "star" cookies

 

Tuesday

Dr. Seuss Week

"If I Ran the Zoo"

Chicken patty with gravy, seasoned rice, corn off the cobsk, ‘gwark’in pickles, chocolate pudding

 

Wednesday

Early Release Day

"Wocket in My Pocket"

Turkey wrap with lettuce and cheese, pretzels, fresh fruit

 

Thursday

Happy Birthday To Ms Bourgeois!

Cheeseburger on a bun, oven crisp tater tots, carrot sticks, brownies

 

Friday

Fresh Picks Pizza

Cheese pizza, or chef’s topping, veggie sticks with dip, raisins

 

PMHS

Monday

President’s Day

Luncheon

All American shepherd’s pie, wheat dinner roll, green beans, red white and blue fruit cup

 

Tuesday

Washington’s Birthday

Roasted turkey with gravy, roasted sweet potatoes, wheat roll, sweet peas, baked fruit crisp

 

Wednesday

Northern Italy

Chicken parmesan pasta with marinara, garlic bread, Caesar salad, pears

 

Thursday

Action Station

Burger Bar

Build your own burger on a bun, oven fries, warm winter beets, spiced apple slices

 

Friday

Iron City Flats

Calzone Mania, Look for our Chef’s special calzones, garlic parmesan potato wedges, steamed broccoli, peaches

 


 

Letter

 

To the citizens of Pittsfield:

The Planning Board held its Public Hearing on February 2, 2012 concerning their Frontage definition, which they plan to have on the ballot this year. There were approximately 25 residents present, all speaking against this proposal.

 

The Selectmen’s representative Gerard LeDuc read a statement from the Select Board stating that they found no positive use for Amendment #3. Mr. LeDuc went on to state that the Select Board would not be supporting this item.

 

The Planning Board members listened to all and then voted for what they wanted, ignoring the residents. This has been going on for the last four or five meetings. Jim Pritchard seemed to be running the meeting through Ted Mitchell and no one was able to stop it.

 

The Board presented written proof supporting their amendment, which was written in 2003 and 2004. I hope everyone remembers this is when Jim presented his Citizens Zoning, which was defeated at the polls.

 

Jim hopes that the citizens are not too intelligent and will vote for this after turning it down 3 or 4 times previously. He controls 2 other members so he controls their vote. Jim does not care what the citizens want, he is only concerned with what he wants. Jim lost several court cases against the Town over similar issues in the past and wants to be proven right this time.

 

Ted Mitchell and Clayton Wood are running for re-election to the Planning Board in order to keep Jim in control. Is this what is best for the town? I think not.

 

Please vote all Zoning Amendments down and vote for anyone but these two. We all have a right to vote for the Best Interest of the Town and whoever can help accomplish this.

 

Henry FitzGerald

Pittsfield

 


 

Pittsfield Fisher Cats Challenge.JPG

Students at Pittsfield Elementary School gear up for the CCSNH Reading Challenge with Fungo and the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

 


 

TOPS News

Submitted By Terrie Azotea

 

We had a great week at TOPS. Kudos to those who lost. We had a really good weight loss and hopefully, are going to keep it going. Our contest has started and is running for the month of February. So everyone, we all want to get those good grades. I know I sure do and I am going to try hard at it.

 

This past week we talked about our upcoming events that are going on. We have a banquet in March and we also have an upcoming Inspiration Workshop. It is always a good time and you hear lots of good success stories from members that are in different Chapters.

 

Soon enough spring will be here and guess what that means? The layers of clothes have to be taken off. Bummer! I know that sounds like a scary thing. Now is the time to get out and start that walking exercise. Some fresh air is always good to have. I know after a while when I have been in the house, I need to get outside. One, because I am going stir crazy and two, it makes me feel good and refreshed. I know that I am not looking forward to shedding that sweatshirt or long pants, but I don’t want to sweat to death, either. Plus, I would look pretty foolish dressed in those clothes. Someone asks you "Aren’t you hot?" and we foolishly say no. Why? Who are we kidding? Of course we are. So we have to do it and we want to feel good about it.

 

I have noticed each day it gets a little lighter, a little longer. I love it and hopefully it makes it a little easier for people who don’t get out of work until later in the day.

 

If you’re interested in joining us on a Tuesday night, feel free to stop by for a visit and see what we are all about. We meet at the St. Stephen’s Church on Main Street in Pittsfield. Please call Laurel Tiede at 269-8721 or Pat Smith at 435-5333 with any questions.

 

"No winter last forever; no spring skips its turn." (Hal Borland)

 

Hope everyone has a good week and see you all lighter next week!

 


 

Rise Again Outreach Makes Preparations For 4th Annual

Gala Silent Auction Fundraiser Event

 

Rise Again Outreach, a local faith-based charitable outreach organization serving central New Hampshire, will host its 4th Annual Rise Again Outreach Silent Auction Fundraiser event at 6:30 p.m. on March 24, 2012 at New Beginnings Church, 33 Staniels Road, in Loudon.

 

This event raises operating funds for RAO’s mission of taking donated food, clothing, personal care items and other services to individuals and families in crisis or poverty. The silent auction has raised more than $24,000 over the past three years, and grows each year. Local and national businesses and organizations donate hundreds of items - more than 200 - to bid on. These include airline tickets, sports tickets/collectibles, get-away packages, Disney World tickets, family entertainment, dining certificates, live shows, cruises, white-water rafting, golfing, camping weekends, health/beauty certificates, and much more.

 

Rise Again Outreach’s mission is unique because it takes much-needed food and clothing directly to the points of need in local communities in and around Concord, Manchester and Franklin via a large white school bus that has been outfitted with clothing racks and storage bins. The bus parks in pre-determined neighborhoods and those in need, including homeless people, can simply come to the bus and take whatever they need. Two newly-acquired buses are in the process of being converted into additional "mobile pantries" to extend RAO’s reach into more communities.

 

Please mark your calendars to attend this silent auction event to help Rise Again Outreach continue its mission of reaching those in need and raising the quality of life for everyone in our communities.

 

If you or your business would like to contribute an auction item (gift certificate, item or service); donate food, clothing or personal care items; make a cash donation; or serve as a volunteer; please contact Bob Pease at 1-899-266-5017 Ext. 709.

  


 

Behind The Scenes At The Scenic Theatre:

G2K State Fair And The Iowa Tradition

Pittsfield Fair_tones.jpg

Appearing at the Iowa State Fair are singers Emily Arden and the Fairtones. The Pittsfield Players’ Kids Theater Workshop presents G2K State Fair, and these are the Fairtones (l to r) Chloe Rattee, Alexis Keyes, Meghan Smith and Kira Wood. Tickets are on sale now at the Players’ website, www.pittsfieldplayers.com, or by calling 435-8852.

 

The Pittsfield Players’ Kid’s Theater Workshop will present G2K State Fair, an adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical State Fair for younger performers, in three performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, February 23, 24 and 25, at 7:30 pm each evening. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for kids under the age of 13, and are now available on the Players’ website at www.pittsfieldplayers.com, or by calling 435-8852.

 

The show tells the story of the Frake family of Brunswick, Iowa and their trip to the 1946 Iowa State Fair, where Dad, Abel Frake, is showing his prize boar and Mom, Melissa Frake, is placing her mincemeat and pickles in competition. Daughter Margy Frake and son Wayne both meet exciting new friends and romance is in the air.

 

The internationally acclaimed Iowa State Fair is the largest event in the state, and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. The fair is known as "America’s Classic State Fair" because it features all of the traditional elements associated with a state fair, from farm machinery to food exhibits, grandstand performances and competitive events. Approximately 85,000 ribbons, including 30,000 blue ribbons, are awarded annually to winners of the many competitions. The New York Times best selling travel book wrote, "It is one of the 1,000 places to see before you die."

 

The first Iowa State Fair was held in October, 1854, twenty years before the Great Westward Movement began. It was estimated that 7,000 people attended the event, arriving in covered wagons and camping along the road. The total expense for that first fair was $323. Six years later, the Civil War had a dampening effect on the fair, but the directors resolved to carry on as best they could, offering guards to protect the fairgoers and giving special consideration to ladies. In 1879, the fair moved permanently to Des Moines and, by the turn of the century, a Fair Board was created to make certain that no tax money was used to finance the fair. The fair was, and still is, operated entirely by the profits it generates. From grandma’s pickles to new farm implements inspiring the next generation of Iowans, the fair reflects what is best about Iowa and its people.

 

G2K State Fair will also run two afternoon shows, on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 21 and 22, for local schools and home schoolers. Special reservations are required for those shows by calling 736-9563. The Kid’s Theater Workshop is a program by kids, for kids, open to boys and girls ages 8 to 18, designed to introduce theater arts to both the participants and their peers who come to see the show. Don’t miss out on this great show – order your tickets now.

 


 

Letter

Amendment #3- Who’s protecting what?

 

Just because someone else is doing something (surrounding towns) is almost never a good reason to do something. "Is it really necessary?" is a much better reason.

 

Nationwide we are buried under an avalanche of unnecessary legislation and Amendment #3 will just add to that pile in Pittsfield. During the public hearings for Amendment #3 the Planning Board offered no options which support the interests/freedoms of present Class VI property owners. If this amendment is passed it is akin to eminent domain, minus the compensation. With the stroke of a pen, those elected to represent all of the Pittsfield residents will have devalued the property of roughly 50 families and at the very same time seriously reduced the already small pool of potential buyers for these rural properties. This is purportedly to "protect" the town of Pittsfield. The town of Pittsfield is not some vague entity, it is people. Amendment #3 would not "protect" the economic health of these families at any time, but especially during a recession.

 

For some eye opening statistics about population growth in Pittsfield since 1990 (which is lower than both the state and national averages) and the projected negative future growth, go to www.clrsearch.com and search for Pittsfield demographics and population growth.

 

Let’s keep the families we have and welcome a few new ones.

 

Diane Rider

Pittsfield

 


 

Pittsfield Middle High School Wins Big In State Reading Report

Submitted By Katie Loud

 

The Pittsfield School District has received its NECAP scores, and it’s great news for Pittsfield Middle High School as reading scores increased 10-20% in grades 7, 8, and 11.

 

79% of juniors tested in the fall of 2012 scored Proficient on the Reading NECAP, up an astounding 20% from last year and 2% higher than the state average. Good news abounds from the middle school as well, with 75% of 8th graders and 68% of 7th graders achieving grade-level reading proficiency.

 

This is excellent news for a district that has worked hard to incorporate literacy into all aspects of the curriculum. It also reflects well on the administration’s use of resources made possible by a School Improvement Grant (SIG) and bodes well for exciting district plans moving toward student-centered learning through the recently-awarded Nellie Mae Planning Grant.

 

As evidenced by the test scores, there is still work to be done in the area of English Language Arts, with 44% of 11th graders (2% short of the state average) and 34% of 8th graders scoring Proficient in the NECAP writing assessment. However, the dramatic increase in reading proficiency shows that, with continued vision, hard work, and dedication, these percentages will grow as well.

 

There is also a Mathematics section of the NECAP test, with the 11th graders again giving a strong showing. 46% of PMHS juniors demonstrated proficiency in math, up 2% from last year’s score and 10% higher than the state average. 59% of 7th graders are scoring Proficient (10% short of the state average) with 8th graders showing 54% proficiency.

 

While these numbers are exciting in their own right, it’s also notable that they provide valuable data points to focus professional development areas for teachers. Using specific areas of need to guide trainings, consultants, and professional learning communities such as faculty focus groups is logical and far-thinking … and clearly successful as can be seen by the strong showing in NECAP reading proficiency at Pittsfield Middle High School.

 

There is also good news on the NECAP front from Pittsfield Elementary School. This year’s third grade has the highest proficiency rate in both reading and mathematics of any cohort group at that grade level for the past five years, with students only 4% from the state average in both subjects.

 

There are small gains and small increases at other grade levels, but the success of the third graders shows that the instruction in grades K-2 is paying off. All PES teachers will be receiving student level data to further analyze individual student scores and seek to personalize instruction based on student need.

 

PES will be using a process from Richard DuFour’s Learning by Doing where grade-level teams develop specific, realistic, measurable goals based on the current reality.

 

These test scores are both a remarkable achievement for PMHS and valuable information to guide future instruction. This is definitely a reflection on the hard work by students, teachers, paraprofessionals, staff, and administration. All involved should be congratulated.

 


 

Letter

 

To Residents of Pittsfield:

I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Colleen Laro and I am running for the position of Town Clerk/Tax Collector. Having lived in Pittsfield for the first ten years of my life, I returned to Pittsfield to raise my family. My daughters (Elizabeth and Cassandra) and I have been proud to call Pittsfield our home for the last 11 years. We have enjoyed all of the activities and services Pittsfield has to offer.

 

I would like an opportunity to give back to our community by offering my services. I graduated from Pembroke Academy in 1990 in the top 10 of my class. I successfully completed a certificate course as an Executive Assistant which opened the door to my 14+ years of office experiences ranging from receptionist, office assistant and bank research associate. With more than 10 years of cash handling experience and accounting knowledge from being a cashier, bank teller, business office clerk, and bank research associate, I would be a great asset in this position. Customer Service has been one of the most important aspects of the jobs I have held professionally. I have always enjoyed working with people. I am accustomed to meeting deadlines and dealing with a fast paced environment. I have always enjoyed the challenge of learning and mastering new skills. I know that this position holds both, since I worked as the office assistant to Liz Hast for 1 year prior to the birth of my second daughter.

 

I would welcome the opportunity to serve our community as the next Town Clerk/Tax Collector. I want to thank you for your time and consideration. The Town Elections are on March 13th. I look forward to meeting you there.

 

Sincerely,

Colleen Laro

 


 

Letter

 

To the good citizens of Pittsfield:

 

I went to the Public Hearing on the Town and School budget last week, and a Selectmen’s meeting last night. I’ve got all these thoughts swimming around in my head.

 

I just finished reading the Sun. I read a letter from Denise Morin explaining her resignation from the Board of Selectmen; personal attacks, and an administrative order against her. Denise made it four years. I only made it two years. Denise was twice the Selectman I was and I don’t mean because of the amount of time served. Denise always puts her town first and worked harder than 90% of the Selectmen in general. She is a professional in every sense of the word. I’m thinking of resigning too, except I don’t have anything to resign from. I miss her already.

 

At the Selectmen’s meeting Paul, our Town Administrator, promised he would come up with a dollar figure I could propose at Town Meeting to keep our tax rate even.

 

Thanks to the School for proposing a 51¢ decrease in the tax rate.

 

I thought for sure the school would need a trim. Come to find out, it’s the town this year that needs a haircut. No real reassessment until 2016. Hold onto your wallets.

 

Dan Schroth Piermarocchi

 


 

Letter To The Editor

 

There were two letters in the Sun last week supporting the Planning Board’s proposal for a definition of Frontage on the 2012 ballot.

 

One was from the PB Chairman, the other from the spouse of a member. Not much objectivity there.

 

Here’s my view of this proposal, and how it got onto the ballot.

 

Last year the Planning Board decided that the Zoning Ordinance, which lacks a frontage definition, now needs one in 2012. The Board proposed a ballot article, and proceeded to hold public hearings on the proposal.

 

I attended all of the public sessions and not one person showed up to speak in favour of the frontage proposal. As the sessions proceeded more and more people arrived and spoke against the Board’s proposal. The hall was full of these people.

 

Instead of listening and making changes, the Board ignored all the public input and voted to put on the ballot a definition that will confiscate the property value of people who own land on Class VI roads.

 

The Board’s reason seems to be that because some other towns around don’t allow development on Class VI roads, Pittsfield should now cease doing that.

 

Pittsfield has long allowed limited development on its Class VI roads and property owners have planned accordingly. This proposal will take away their rights to complete those plans.

 

The Planning Board dismisses those in opposition as an ignorant minority.

 

Class VI owners are a minority, but they are not ignorant or wrong. And minorities have rights which the town ordinances should respect.

 

The Zoning Ordinance needs a Frontage definition, but not the one the Planning Board is putting on the ballot. We deserve better.

 

Bill Miskoe

Pittsfield

 


 

Letter

 

Dearest Citizen:

As some of you may be aware, I am running for another term on the Board of Selectmen.

 

First, to summarize my credentials: During the 17 years I’ve been a resident of Pittsfield I have served on the Board of Selectmen, Budget Committee, Welfare Guidelines Committee, Pennichuck Water Committee, Economic Development Committee and the Suncook Valley Regional Development Corporation, the latter two of which I continue to serve.

 

Additionally I have actively participated in a series of workshops hosted by the SAU in its on-going effort to improve educational practices as introduced by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation Grant. I also took part in the community charette planning work sessions put on by Plan NH as part of our continuing economic development accomplishments. I hold a degree in accounting and finance and am well skilled in the Municipal Budget process.

 

The role of the Board of Selectmen is to steward your tax dollars. "When a man assumes a public trust, he should consider himself as public property." (Thomas Jefferson)

 

My burden for the community remains my motive for serving. Although much progress was made during my previous tenure as your public servant, there is still room for improvement. I am refreshed and ready to continue forward with the task of bringing accountability to your local government if you will allow me the privilege of serving you once again! In addition, I also anticipate potential implementation of some economic development strategies in the near future and would covet the opportunity to oversee those efforts as well.

 

I believe my qualifications are to Pittsfield’s benefit and ask for your vote on March 13th. If elected I will continue to selflessly do my best in representing the community as a whole. "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" (Matthew 22:39b)

 

Sincerely,

Linda Small for Selectman

 


 

A Reminder From Josiah Carpenter Library

 

Why buy magazines or newspapers when you can read them here for free? All you need is your Josiah Carpenter Library eight-digit Patron ID number.

 

Online Newsstand offers 86 magazines for you to view right on your computer screen!

 

You can also use NewsBank to read: Concord Monitor; New Hampshire Union Leader / New Hampshire Sunday News; and some of America’s Favorite News Magazines.

 


 

Letter

 

To the citizens of Pittsfield:

My name is Larry Konopka. I am running for Pittsfield Selectman on March 13, 2012 and I am asking for your vote. My previous years of service in Pittsfield include: 4 years as Selectman, 7 years on Planning Board, also served as Deputy Health Officer, Deputy Welfare Director, Deputy Building and Code Officer. I feel my talent and experience will be beneficial to Pittsfield during these difficult economic times.

 

If elected, I look forward to serving you the citizens of Pittsfield once again. It is rewarding to serve the good people of this town and to work alongside our town officials and employees as we continue to strive to make our community a better place to live. Pittsfield has some very knowledgeable department heads and staff in Town Hall. Working with them, as well as, state and federal agencies during times of crisis (specifically floods and the tornado) has caused me to see firsthand how our community is able to pull together in times of crisis.

 

I have been honored to serve you in the past and I look forward to receiving your vote to serve you in the future. I am your candidate for Selectman, allow me the opportunity to once again serve you in our town and to maintain government accountability. Vote for Larry Konopka for Pittsfield Selectman on March 13.

 

Thank you,

Larry Konopka

Pittsfield

 


 

Letter To The Editor

 

Dear Editor:

It is a bit sad to see Liz Hast step aside as our long time Town Clerk/Tax Collector. Thanks, Liz for all your years of service. We are fortunate that Erica Anthony has stepped up to fill this position for our Town. Erica has the perfect background to fulfill the demands of this office. She has the education, experience and pleasing demeanor to interact with the public in this most visible elected office. Please join me in voting Erica Anthony to be out next Town Clerk/Tax Collector.

 

Art Morse

 


 


 

 











 

 

 

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