Those Celebrating Birthdays are: February 29, Andrew Cressey; March
1, Nicholas Tuttle, Erin Dame, Chris Briggs; March 3, Casandra Lank;
March 4, Michael Bender; March 5, Keriann Lank; March 6, Eric Tiede.
A Very Happy Birthday To One and All!
Celebrating Anniversaries are: March 4, John and Judith Dunne.
Congratulations!
REMINDER
Teacher Position
Analysis Workshop
–
March 6th: 5:30-8:30 at PMHS, a working dinner will be provided
Principal Position
Analysis Workshop
–
March 20th: 5:30-8:30, at PMHS, a working dinner will be provided
The next two meetings (March and April of the American Legion
Peterson-Cram Post 75 will be held on the first Tuesday (March 6th,
and April 2nd). This is only temporary. The meeting will be held at
7:30 pm at Post Commander Vaughan’s home, 50 Deer Meadow Rd,
Pittsfield; phone 435-5207, cell 34-0264. Plans for Memorial Day,
Flag Day and other events will be discussed. All members are
encouraged to attend.
The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is pleased
to announce that Paige A. Corliss has been named to the Dean’s List
for the Fall 2011 semester. Paige, child of Kathy and Chuck Corliss,
is a native of Pittsfield and is pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD).
Paige will graduate in 2016.
School Lunch Menus
March 5 - 9, 2012
PES
Monday
Saturday Supper
Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, wheat dinner roll,
chunky applesauce
Tuesday
Brunch For Lunch
French Toast Sticks with syrup, sausage patties, hash browns, orange
wedges
Wednesday
Pollo Italiano
Cheesy Chicken and broccoli pasta, garlic bread, crisp Caesar salad,
pears
Thursday
Super Nacho Bar
Nachos grande with all the fixins’, cheese sauce, seasoned rice,
sweet corn, jello
Friday
Fresh Picks Pizza
Cheese pizza, or chef’s topping, veggie sticks with dip, fruit
cocktail
PMHS
Monday
Saturday Supper
Roasted Chicken, steak fries, glazed carrots, wheat dinner roll,
chunky applesauce
Tuesday
Calzone Crazy
Chef’s choice calzone, marinara dipping sauce, healthy green salad,
peaches
Wednesday
Mamma Mia
Lazy lasagna with homemade Italian meat sauce, garlic roll, green
beans, fresh Mac apple
Thursday
Brunch for Lunch
WW french toast, syrup, sausage patties, roasted hash browns, orange
wedges
Friday
No School
P/T conferences
Letter
Hello:
My name is Gary Mullen and I’m running for the School Board for
Pittsfield. I have been a resident of Pittsfield all my life. I am
also a graduate from Pittsfield Middle High School. My two daughters
graduated from Pittsfield Middle High School and I currently have a
son in first grade at Pittsfield Elementary School.
I have been on the Pittsfield Fire Department for 21 years and am a
lieutenant for the department. I’m also involved in the Park and Rec
program, which involves activities for the kids.
I would appreciate it if I could get your vote.
Thank you,
Gary Mullen
Letter
Pittsfield residents, please join me on March 13th at the town hall
to vote for Erica Anthony for town clerk/tax collector.
Throughout the years we have found that Erica has all the qualities
we are looking for in a candidate for this important position;
ambition, positive attitude, integrity and honesty. You can trust
that your money is in good hands with Erica at the helm.
Sincerely,
Stan and Sheila Bailey
As part of Youth Art Month this March, three Pittsfield Elementary
Students have had artwork selected for an exhibit in Manchester
entitled "Art on the Wall at City." The students are Natasha
Marrero, Madeline Kelley (absent on the day of the photo), and Kira
Wood. The opening reception for the exhibition is at Manchester City
Hall on March 7th, from 6:00-8:00 pm. The public is invited
Dorcas Guild
The Dorcas Guild met the evening of February 14th with 15 members
attending. In the absence of the president and vice president, past
president Peggy Jacobs led the meeting and opened with a great
reading for devotions, "Don’t We All," followed by all joining in
the Lord’s Prayer.
The secretary gave her report of the previous meeting, read several
thank-you notes and letters of correspondence and circulated several
cards for signing to be mailed.
The food basket, brought by Nancy Fogg, was taken by Audrey Moore
and will go next to Cindy Cyr. Elaine Coffey brought in the
traveling apron, which was taken by Cindy. The mystery package,
brought by Joan Riel, was won by Mary Jo Powelson.
A contribution to the church’s Building Fund was discussed as was
the purchase of a defibrillator. Both were tabled until the March
meeting. Elaine Coffey reported on the needs of the Chichester Food
Bank and $250 was voted to that. Nella Hobson had researched the
Rise Again Outreach program of Loudon and $100 was voted to that
program.
Mary Lawson, who with her husband, chair the church’s Easter
Breakfast, had her list of needs and solicited help and donations
for the necessary items from those attending this meeting.
This evening’s meeting was the annual "Banana Split Night" with
Peggy Jacobs and Gail Ann Newton as hostesses. Everyone greatly
enjoyed making their own sundaes with favorite sauces and toppings
brought in by members.
Members were reminded that the Wednesday work group had started once
again, held Wednesdays from 10 am to 2 pm. The next monthly meeting
of the Dorcas Guild will take place March 13 with Reny Boyd, Shirley
Bleckmann and Nancy Fogg as co-hostesses. This is the 10 minute
mystery night and members are also asked to bring toiletries for the
Pittsfield Food Pantry.
The Pittsfield Junior Varsity Girls Basketball team finished
runners-up this past weekend in the 11th Annual GSC Basketball
Tournament sponsored by The Pittsfield Police Association.
Letter
While having chosen to not seek another term, I would like to take
this opportunity to thank the Pittsfield community for the privilege
of serving as a member of the school board. One reason, among many,
that I chose to serve was because of an experience with an
objectionable course requirement. Required reading material in a
class that included anti-American propaganda, obscenity, and
profanity motivated me to try to make a difference in the quality
and definition of education at our high school. During my term, with
the support of administration, user-friendly policies were enacted
in order to help correct this situation, to provide better
oversight, and to define an excellent education in our district’s
mission. State law was recently enacted to help reinforce our
intent. I am pleased with the results and encourage parents to stay
or become more involved. There are many major changes being enacted
for the future of our students, so parents will need to be
especially vigilant to ensure that their children’s present
education is not inadvertently compromised during the process.
Please join me in supporting Stacey Polizotti and Nicole Manteau for
the two open seats on the school board. Both candidates have or have
had children in both schools and are very familiar with the current
educational climate and changes. Their first-hand knowledge and
experience within the schools and local community will enable them
to better articulate to the board and administration the concerns of
the Pittsfield parents, voters, and taxpayers.
Very Sincerely,
Lea Adams
Letter
To the citizens of Pittsfield:
Vote Yes on Amendment 3.
I am writing in favor of the Planning Board’s Amendment 3,
restricting subdivisions on Class VI highways/roadways, roads not
maintained by the town.
According to State law, RSA 674:41,I,(c),(1), a landowner does not
have "a right" to build on a Class VI highway, nor subdivide it.
Landowners know their property is located on a Class VI highway when
they purchase the property.
Allowing subdivisions on Class VI roadways is irresponsible on the
part of the town. Pittsfield already has some of the highest
property taxes in the state. When a subdivision is created, it is
the expectation that all town services, such as fire, police, and
school buses, will be available. On unkempt roadways however, this
is not always possible. In addition to endangering the lives of the
emergency service workers, there is additional wear/damage to town
vehicles and such vehicles will need to be repaired/replaced more
frequently.
If the landowner/developer chooses not to upgrade the road to a
Class V roadway, frequently it falls upon the town, the taxpayer, to
eventually do so, in order to provide the expected services. A
majority of towns in the area restrict building subdivisions on
Class VI roadways. Let’s have the good sense to do the same.
Pittsfield does not need another tax burden. Vote Yes on Amendment 3!
Thank you,
Paula Belliveau
Letter
On the 17th of March I will be ending an almost 30 year tenure with
the Town of Pittsfield. Having served in the capacity of Town
Clerk/Tax Collector has been an experience that I would not change.
It has certainly had its challenges both personal and
professionally, but for the most part the knowledge and positives
have far out weighed the negatives. The one thing I know is that you
can’t satisfy all the people all of the time.
This position has an abundance of rules and regulations that have to
be followed both with motor vehicle and the tax collection process.
Dealing one on one with the public is a challenge in itself.
However, one tries to do the best they can and give the public the
service and advice they need and expect. Is this always possible,
absolutely not, so please give my successor respect and
understanding during her training. There is a tremendous amount to
learn and it will take time. Thank you for 30 years. It has
certainly been an experience.
Elizabeth A. Hast
TOPS News
Submitted By Terrie Azotea
Well, once again we had a great week for weight loss. We are on a
roll at TOPS. Must be because of the contest we are having; everyone
wants to get an A. We talked about our upcoming banquet we will be
having and I heard the Inspiration Workshop was a really good time.
We still have our buddy’s that we are staying in contact with each
week to help encourage us. We also had some tips on 71 ways to lose
weight. We all know that it’s a daily lifestyle and it’s all about
the choices that we make each day.
We have a new member that we would like to welcome at our meetings.
It’s always nice to see new faces and meet new people.
We always have a good time at TOPS, so if you or anyone you know
might be interested in doing something on a Tuesday night, come on
out. We meet at the St. Stephens Church on Main Street in
Pittsfield. Weigh in is at 5:30 and our meeting is at 6:30.
You can call Laurel Tiede at 269-8721 or Pat Smith at 435-5333. They
would love to answer any questions.
We need to take one day at a time and take time to smell the
flowers.
Hope everyone has a great week and we’ll see you lighter next week!
Pittsfield Historical Society 2012 Program
Meetings and Programs held at 7 pm, 13 Elm Street. Open to the
public.
March 15th at 7 pm, Time Capsule 2012-2062. We will seal and
safeguard your treasures for 50 years. Bring items and letters bound
for the future. Put it into " Time Capsule 2062".
What will you say or leave to friends and family? What will they
think of our toys, money, photos, maps, political buttons, watches,
cards, magazines, tokens, eye glasses, hearing aids, and false
teeth? Bring in a letter, Christmas card or postcard. Pass on family
stories, observations, and your hopes and predictions for 2062.
After much work by several people, we have all 4 clock faces
lighted. Hope everyone enjoys it. Stan the clock man.
Madman Or Genius?
The next play to hit the Scenic Theatre stage is David Auburn’s
Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning play, "Proof." Directed by
Mal Cameron, this drama with its four characters defines great
writing and great acting.
Of the four characters, Robert is a brilliant mathematician who,
when younger, achieved much success, but now in later years is beset
with mental illness. He yearns once again for mathematical greatness
and, short of that, hopes to live through his daughter’s
accomplishments.
Although the play is still in the early weeks of rehearsal, Robert
is vividly brought to life by Mike Hobson, veteran actor of the
Scenic stage, having appeared in numerous comedies and other
productions. In a departure from those roles, Mike brings a range of
emotions to the dramatic character of Robert, portraying him with an
intensity seldom seen in the Pittsfield Players’ repertoire. "It’s a
bit of a stretch for me, a number-challenged guy. However, I’m
enjoying the role of madman and genius immensely," Mike said.
"Proof" is a riveting play you will not want to miss. Tickets are
$12. You can order by calling the theater at 435-8852 or through
TicketLeap on the Players’ website:
www.pittsfieldplayers.com.
Performances are March 23, 24, 30 and 31 at 8 pm and Sunday, March
25 at 2 pm. Adult themes with language advisory. The Scenic Theatre
is located at 6 Depot Street, Pittsfield.
Letter
I would like to thank Mr. Miskoe for the 2/22/12 Suncook Valley Sun
sharing of his exhaustive platform for running as a Planning Board
member. The question for voters now is how Mr. Miskoe’s agenda will:
a) lower our tax rate and b) contribute to the growth of Pittsfield
in a positive way?
At the hearings, there were usually less than 6 people (6 very vocal
people). Even at the one hearing with roughly 30 in attendance, it
was the same 6 people plus a few more who offered their solutions.
In a nutshell, the solutions were: 1) take amendment 3 off the
ballot, or, 2) take all three amendments off the ballot. It is only
thanks to the courage of the Planning Board that voters even have
the right to vote for these amendments at all.
Mr. Miskoe’s platform sounds doable, but in terms of really doing
what is best to improve the town of Pittsfield, I find the plan
rather trivial.
By the way, I am told that a recorder will add $9,000 or more to the
Planning Board budget, so Mr. Pritchard’s gracious offer to act as
recorder saved the town money.
Please vote for both Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Wood for Planning Board.
God Bless Our Troops,
Rachel Wood
alias Ms. Clayton Wood
The "Proof" Is In The Play
For Mal Cameron, director of the Pittsfield Players’ upcoming play,
"Proof," when a cast listens, "it makes my job easy!" he said.
This is the third time around as director for Mal, a veteran actor
of Pittsfield’s Scenic Theatre stage, having appeared more than 20
times in a variety of plays and musicals. His first and second
directorial ventures, "Bus Stop" and "Doubt," were grand successes.
"The fun thing about directing," he admitted, "after the lines have
been learned, the characters studied and formed, is to step back and
watch the show take on a life of its own." His goal is to guide the
actors to become the characters they portray – not pretend to be –
but become. The audience must see each actor as that character and
wonder what will happen, he believes.
"The four cast members are amazing," Mal stated. "Often in a small
theater, it is the ‘luck of the draw,’" he admitted, "whoever comes
to audition." Evidently, in this case it was the right people who
came. "I am pleased and proud with how they are evolving as actors
and characters," he said.
Mal is also proud to have an innovative set plan designed by Scott
Aubertin and the actual sound and music compositions from the
award-winning Broadway show.
"Proof" is a riveting play you will not want to miss. Tickets are
$12; you can order by calling the theater at 435-8852 or through
TicketLeap on the Players’ website:
www.pittsfieldplayers.com.
Performances are March 23, 24, 30 and 31 at 8 pm and Sunday, March
25 at 2 pm. Adult themes with language advisory. The Scenic Theatre
is located at 6 Depot Street, Pittsfield.
Letter
I, Clayton Wood, am asking for your vote for one of the Planning
Board 3-year term positions. My family and I moved to Pittsfield in
2005 and have been active in the town since our arrival. I’m
currently serving the town as vice-chair of the Planning Board, as
chair of the Website Committee, as chair of the Cable Advisory
Committee, and as Director/Treasurer for the Historical Society. In
2010, I was also elected to the School Board and currently serve as
chair. I have a PhD from MIT in engineering with experience with
inventing, developing, and manufacturing highly technical
instrumentation. I am currently retired from a VP position.
I’m very proud of this year’s 5 member Planning Board. Please find
the time to review the minutes. We have almost perfect attendance,
we’ve met at least twice/month, and we’ve worked hard throughout the
year. According to some, the Planning Board is allegedly under the
control of one individual. This is nothing more than a lazy man’s
way of arguing an issue. Also, the 7 member board amendment is just
another way for people to run unopposed – almost the equivalent of
being ‘appointed’. I know because, as a Planning Board alternate for
a few years, I had to sit on the board to replace absent members
over 90% of the time.
I was very clear last year on Candidate’s Night, that I was not at
all pleased with how previous planning boards worked in Pittsfield –
‘everyone knows everyone’ excuse. My position on long range planning
for Pittsfield was clear and should not be any surprise to the
citizens who elected me.
I’m asking you to vote for both me and Ted Mitchell so we can
continue our terms and our plan to bring Pittsfield into a better
position for positive growth.
God Bless our Country
Sincerely,
Clayton Wood
Students Named To Tilton School Honor Roll
James Heffernan ’14 of Pittsfield and Claire Cortese ’12 of
Pittsfield, were named to the High Honor Roll at Tilton School for
the First Semester.
To be on the High Honor Roll, students must earn academic
achievement grades of at least three A’s, with the remaining grades
B’s. Habits of Mind grades must be all A’s and B’s.
Tilton School is an independent, coeducational, boarding and day
school in Tilton, N.H., serving students in grades 9 through 12 and
post-graduates. Tilton’s curricular model stresses the acquisition
of skills, knowledge and understanding in five areas: communication,
critical thinking, community, creativity and character. Tilton
School believes in the power of each student’s individual potential
for lifelong personal success and service.
Pastors Corner
Submitted By
Rev. David Stasiak
First Congregational Church of Pittsfield
On March 4, 1801, two hundred and eleven years ago now, Thomas
Jefferson, one of the American founding fathers and principal author
of the Declaration of Independence was inaugurated as the third
President of the United States. Jefferson who was shy in person, but
whose pen proved to be a mighty weapon wrote, "The God who gave us
life gave us liberty at the same time" and asked ‘Can the liberties
of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these
liberties are of God?’"(1)Although I don’t espouse to all of
Jefferson’s theological convictions this one is foundational to us
as Americans and the question asked is certainly very appropriate
for our day.
In an article on AOL News/Huff Post Religion, posted on 2/8/2012 it
was reported that a group of atheists and so called free thinkers
bullied the United States, particularly the US Air Force, into
having the Latin word for, "God" removed from the logo of an Air
Force acquisitions office. The logo was recently removed after
objections by the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers.
According to Rep. J. Randy Forbes, co-chairman of the Congressional
Prayer Caucus, 36 lawmakers sent a letter to Air Force Secretary
Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz
on Monday Feb. 6, objecting to the removal of "God" from the logo of
the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO). (2) Whether or not
the Air Force will reverse its decision, is unknown at the time that
I write this article. This incident of course, is only one of many
in which a small minority of people who see the world through the
lens that there is no God have systematically been trying to destroy
the worldview of a country founded on the truth that there is.
On the February 8th broadcast of NBC News with Brian Jennings, a
story was told and a video clip shown about the growing turmoil in
Syria and how the Syrian Government has been bombing residential
neighborhoods. Innocent men, women and children are being injured
and killed there. The video first shows smoke billowing from
buildings targeted by bombs. Then the camera moves to a man in a
rubble strewn street waving his arms and yelling, "where is justice,
where is the UN, where is America." Where is America! People in
countries around the world know that America stands for liberty and
justice both of which are God given mandates.
There is a war being waged on our own soil by an insidious enemy who
is determined to remove the conviction that the liberties we share
in this country are of God. When we as a nation remove, "In God We
Trust," as our motto I concur with Jefferson that the liberties of
our nation will no longer be secure.
I wonder if the atheists and free thinkers in this country are
committed enough to their worldview to go and spread it in Iran and
tell their people to remove Allah and the Koran from their offices.
I am curious if they would demand that prayer be removed from their
schools and streets. On the other hand, if you’re a Christian try
going into Iran, China, North Korea or Pakistan and give out Bibles
and pray or talk about Jesus Christ in public.
That’s why the United States of America in part is the great country
that it is, because people have religious freedom. People are free
to believe what they want to believe. They are free to share what
they believe in and what they have found meaning in with others but
when people seek to destroy the vary principles that have granted
that freedom since the infancy of our country, that’s another matter
entirely.
May God Continue To Bless America.
(1) http://www.allabouthistory.org/in-god-we-trust.htm
(2) (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/08/air-force-removes-god-randy-forbes_n_1263665.html?ref=religion&icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D134053)
Pittsfield School District 2012/13 Teacher Contract Negotiations
Respectfully Submitted By
The Negotiating Teams of the Pittsfield School Board, and The
Education Association of Pittsfield
Following a very positive round of negotiations, the School Board
and the Education Association of Pittsfield (EAP) have negotiated a
new one-year contract for the 2012-2013 school year. Both parties
recognized both the current economic situation and all of the
current school redesign work being accomplished. What resulted is a
one-year contract that was accepted by both the School Board and the
EAP membership.
A major change in the agreement was a shift in the way the district
provides for employee health care costs. Instead of paying a dollar
cap, the district and employees now share costs on a percentage
system. Other changes in the agreement included a 1% increase to the
step and track schedule, as well as language to allow employees to
work alternate time schedules. Another major change was to establish
a new system for teacher evaluation; the new system is serving as a
model for other New Hampshire school districts.
In a "step and track" salary schedule, an employee’s salary is
determined by his/her years of experience (the "step") and
educational level (the "track"). For example, when a teacher works
for an additional year in the school district, the teacher will be
placed on the next salary step. Similarly, if a teacher earns
additional university credits or an advanced degree in his/her
field, the teacher will be placed on the next salary track.
The negotiated agreement increases the step and track schedule for
the first time since 2009. Also, rising health care costs impact
both the district and the employees. Because employees are now
sharing the burden, the district will pay $13,518 less than it would
have paid under the old dollar cap system. The approval of the
negotiated agreement will require an additional $63,220, which has
an impact of approximately $0.24/thousand on the Pittsfield tax
rate. Even with the costs of the new agreement, the total proposed
school budget results in a tax decrease.
Pittsfield’s salaries have historically been low when compared with
area school districts and similar school districts. In practical
terms, a relatively low salary schedule provides the school district
with relatively lower personnel costs. On the other hand, the
Pittsfield salary schedule presents challenges in recruiting and
retaining the strongest teachers. This is especially evident in
hard-to-fill positions that require a high degree of specialized
knowledge and skill.
The School Board and EAP believe the negotiated agreement to be fair
and in the best interest of the community. We hope you will join us
at the Annual School District Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday,
March 15, 2012, at Pittsfield Elementary School, and support the
Warrant Article for the negotiated agreement.
Letter
To the good citizens of Pittsfield:
Most years at the end of Town Meeting, about 1 pm, after the last
meeting on Saturday, I drive up the steep part of Tilton Hill Road,
on my way home, feeling tired, disappointed, beat up, and wondering
why I do this; wondering how I could not get a certain idea passed.
You see, at our Town Meeting we have a tough crowd that really never
votes my way. I know this year, more than likely, the ride home will
suck.
Anyway, I have a two step budget process. We should call it the
Pittsfield two-step, maybe turn it into a dance.
Step 1: Put your right foot out and vote to approve everything on
the budget and at the very end I will propose an amendment with
Paul, our Town Administrator’s help, to cut the budget the necessary
amount to stabilize our town tax rate.
Step 2: Now bring your left foot forward and elect selectmen that
can run our town on a reduced budget.
We as a town must focus like a laser on our $30.66 per thousand tax
rate. We are the highest in the State except for Keene and Clairmont,
which are cities. The two-step will allow us to move forward one
step. If anyone has a better dance or even a better idea, could you
share it?
Dan Schroth Piermarocchi
Kick Butts Day Poster Contest Sponsored By
The Pittsfield Drug And
Alcohol Coalition
The Pittsfield Drug and Alcohol Coalition (PDAC) will be holding a
poster contest to celebrate Kick Butts Day on March 21, 2012. Kick
Butts Day is a chance to say No to tobacco companies and
smoking! Tell us why you don’t smoke, why people who do smoke should
quit, and why saying no is important. Show off your creativity and
help spread the word about the dangers of smoking and benefits of
quitting.
This poster contest is open to all Pittsfield Elementary, Middle,
High, and homeschool students and has no entry fee. Deadline to
enter is March 14th and the winner will be announced on Kick Butts
Day, March 21, 2012 on the PDAC Facebook page (Facebook.com/PittsfieldDAC).
All entries should be submitted to the Pittsfield Youth Workshop.
The winning entries will be printed and hung in the Pittsfield
schools and throughout the community. Second and third place winners
will also receive prizes.
For more information about Kick Butts Day, visit
KickButtsDay.org.
For more information about the PDAC, visit
Pittsfield-NH.com/PDAC or
Facebook.com/PittsfieldDAC.
Contest Rules:
• One entry per student per year; each entry must be the work of
only one student.
• All posters must be the individual student’s original creation.
• Posters need to include information about Kick Butts Day and the
Pittsfield Drug and Alcohol Coalition.
• Posters must be no smaller than 13" by 20" and no larger than 20"
by 24".
• All media are accepted. Nothing may be glued, stapled or attached
in any way.
• All artist signatures or initials should be written on the back of
the poster.
• Entries cannot be returned.
• Images of entries will be used in PDAC materials, social media,
and promotional materials.
• All entries must include students name, parent/guardian name, and
phone number.
• All entries should be dropped off at the Pittsfield Youth Workshop
by 6:00 pm, Wednesday, March 14.
Contact Kristen Treacy with questions:
[email protected] or 435-8272.
Letter
To all the residents of Pittsfield:
I am recommending Colleen Laro to you for the position of Town
Clerk/Tax Collector. With all due respect to the other candidates
running for this position, I believe Colleen Laro to be the best
choice for Pittsfield.
Colleen is a kind, thoughtful and generous person which makes it
effortless for her to get along well with everyone. Having lived
most of her life in Pittsfield, she is happily raising her daughters
here and have them attending PES. Her belief that Pittsfield is a
community with potential and possibilities for everyone is supported
by her family who have been members of the Pittsfield community
since it was founded.
She is an intelligent, highly motivated and detailed oriented
individual. She has a strong work ethic. She is able to communicate
effectively and accurately. She has 24 years of experience in
customer service. She is conscientious and understands the
responsibility for the protection of personal information. She has
experience in accounting principles, bank research and has worked in
the Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s office under Liz Hast’s capable
instruction.
She has helped serve this town by assisting with the food pantry,
being a leader in the 4-H club and through ministries at the Park
Street Baptist Church. Her care for others is also demonstrated
through her work with the developmentally disabled. Her commitment
and drive is evident in anything she puts her mind to.
I am very proud to be giving my vote to such an outstanding and
capable person as Colleen Laro. My hope is that you will consider
her attributes as I have and make the choice to give her your vote
too. She truly lives by what the good book says "Love your neighbor
as yourself" Matthew 22:29.
Sincerely,
Darlene E. Laro
Letter
I strongly urge voters to approve the Planning Board’s
well-researched definition of road frontage. The lack of a frontage
definition has been a major flaw in Pittsfield’s zoning regulations.
Currently, the word "frontage" can mean anything a developer wants:
Class VI highway, right-of-way, private driveway… anything. For
example, one could extend a driveway into their property, call it
"frontage", and create a subdivision. Although some would like to do
this, it would generally not be in the best interest of abutters,
nor would it be good development practice according to the Central
NH Regional Planning Commission (CNHRPC).
Unmaintained roads (Class VI roads) have historically been excluded
based on NH statutory law. NH law does not obligate towns to allow
subdivisions on class VI roads, for good reason. Such developments
create a potential liability for taxpayers who must provide the
services to the subdivisions and who will eventually be stuck paying
to upgrade these roads as development occurs. The current Planning
Board’s frontage proposal doesn’t negate any rights for development
on preexisting lots; it simply does not explicitly guarantee new
rights.
Until 2003, the Planning Board excluded unmaintained roads from
subdivision. The board then reversed this policy because our zoning
ordinance had no "frontage" definition. The CNHRPC immediately
advised the Planning Board to define "frontage" as class V or better
(any town or state-maintained road, whether dirt or paved), but the
Planning Board of that time simply ignored them. This year’s
Planning Board is finally heeding that advice.
It seems like other towns have good planning practices and
coincidentally lower taxes while Pittsfield squabbles and resists
the expert advice from the CNHRPC. Why?
On March 13, please endorse good planning practices. Vote "Yes"
for the road frontage standard in Amendment 3 (ballot article 4).
Daren Nielsen
Pittsfield
Letter
Dear Pittsfield community members:
It is with great enthusiasm that I write in support of Erika
Anthony’s candidacy for Pittsfield’s Town Clerk/Tax Collector
position.
Erika is a bright, articulate woman with all the skills needed to
fulfill the duties required in this important role. She is a
committed community member who has served in a variety of volunteer
positions in our community. I feel fortunate to have worked with her
in our schools and community and more importantly I am pleased to be
able to say she is my friend. Erika will provide us all with the
Clerk/Collector services we need with efficiency and respect.
Please join me in voting for Erika when you come to the polls in
March. Thank you.
Mary Paradise
Pittsfield
Letter
Dear Pittsfield voters:
The selectmen have proposed two articles to be voted on March 13th
and 17th. The first one, to return the Planning Board from an
elected to an appointed board, is on the March 13th ballot. The
second article, to increase the membership of the planning board
from 5 to 7, is a warrant article at the town meeting on March 17th.
The article to change the current elected planning board to an
appointed board, if passed, would allow the selectmen to appoint
whomever they want. Do they really think they know better than the
town who should be on the board? With elections, the citizens get to
have their say on at least one member every year. The planning board
is an autonomous board and that should be protected from potential
manipulation. Please vote against this article and protect your
right to choose.
The warrant article to increase the planning board from 5 to 7
members is not wise. With a seven member board, there is a good
chance that people will be running unopposed for election. This is
never good. It is always better to have a choice of candidates. Past
experience has shown that with a seven member board, there is seldom
all seven members present at meeting. Appointed alternates sat in as
voting members as much as 90% of the time. A seven member board is
not an asset for Pittsfield.
The Planning Board does not support these amendments. This past year
there was only one meeting where all 5 members were not present.
That is huge when it comes to voter representation. Please keep the
planning board as an elected 5 member board.
Sincerely,
Ted Mitchell, Chair
Pittsfield Planning Board
Letter
To the Citizens of Pittsfield:
My name is Nancy A. Bates and I am currently the Deputy Town
Clerk/Tax Collector and am running for the candidacy of Town
Clerk/Tax Collector.
Working with Liz, I have learned all aspects of her position and
though she has had many assistants in the past, only has promoted a
few to Deputy. The Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector must be able to
step-in and fulfill all the obligations and duties of the Town
Clerk/Tax Collector without any interruption of service. It is an
extremely important job that is very complicated and demanding and
involves a lot of training as well as certification to perform the
multiple tasks knowing the laws and statutes that govern the office.
During the next few months, our office will be faced with a
tremendous workload with various time constraints but I have the
years of hands-on experience, knowledge and skills to make sure that
there will be a smooth transition along with the highest level of
service with no interruptions. I have worked with the public for my
entire career with prior experience in banking, real estate,
management, budgets, accounting, payroll, customer service and staff
supervision which has allowed me to understand a lot of the concepts
of the taxation and values of property and proration.
As a voter of Pittsfield, I ask you to come out on March 13th and
vote for the experience and years of longevity that I possess.
Please vote for Nancy A. Bates, Town Clerk/Tax Collector.
Sincerely,
Nancy A. Bates
Letter
To the citizens of Pittsfield:
Amendment 3 by the Planning Board will change the definition of
Frontage requiring a Class V or better roadway. This will affect
many families in town who choose to live in the country on these
roads.
These families have paid their taxes and want to maintain their
property rights. This amendment will prevent them from subdividing
their property in the future. This Board is trying to dictate how
people must go to two different boards to get permission to use
their own property as they see fit. This amendment serves no purpose
for the Town as stated by the Select Board.
I have requested documentation (public information) from the
Planning Board for the last eight weeks. They have continuously
denied having any records, which they used in compiling this
amendment. At last night’s Select Board meeting they finally
admitted these records exist. I should be able to review them
probably after the elections.
How can anyone trust these people who have continuously lied to the
public? These amendments are the continued project by Jim Pritchard
to tell people how he expects them to live. Both Ted Mitchell
and Clayton Wood have gone along with him. Neither one has requested
to see the documentation and accepted Jim’s word on these important
items.
Is this what the people of Pittsfield want from members of this
board? They have worked very hard, but have never understood what
these amendments will do. What experience do they have to be looking
out for Pittsfield’s future when all they have done is listened to
Jim’s opinions and not doing any research on their own?
Again I strongly urge the voters to Stop All Zoning Amendments and
replace Ted and Clayton with Bill Miskoe and Jesse Pacheco.
Henry FitzGerald
Letter
Dear Pittsfield voters:
Please join me and vote No on Amendment 3.
After attending all of the public hearings and a work session with
department heads, not even one person supported this amendment.
Three members of the Planning Board decided to put this on the
ballot. This issue has been voted on at least three times in the
past eight years and was defeated each time.
Concerned Tax Payer
Matt St. George
Letter
Help! Pleeaase[sic] save me from the "Long Term Planning for
Pittsfield" devised by Ted Mitchell, Clayton Wood, and their mentor,
Jim Pritchard. It appears to me their idea is to diminish the
landowner’s property rights while giving more control of our land to
the Planning Board that they control. I have attended some of their
meetings and found them to turn a deaf ear to the public’s outcry
while pretending to take public input. At the meetings I attended,
not one member of the public including two of the planning board
members and the Select Board supported the current zoning proposals.
Yet without hesitation or substantive reasoning, the three proceeded
to put the proposed zoning changes on the ballot.
The proposed changes will effectively take away the landowner’s
right to subdivide if they live on a class VI road. Inherent in this
right, is the right to pass a piece of their land on to their
children to build a house of their own. Also inherent in this right,
is the right to pass on to their children their life’s savings that
have been invested in their land. These proposals will diminish
property values on class VI roads and make it next to impossible to
sell the land, as well as reducing tax revenue, which will affect
all of us.
Bill Miskoe and I have at times been on the opposite side of
property issues. Nonetheless, I believe Bill to be fair and willing
to listen to the public’s input on issues; so too with Jesse
Pacheco. Consequently, I would ask my fellow citizens to vote to put
Bill Miskoe and Jesse Pacheco on the Planning Board and remove Ted
Mitchell and Clayton Wood. Also, pleeaase[sic] Vote No on the
proposed zoning changes.
Bob Elliott
Letter To The Editor
And justice for All!
Deserving, intelligent, competent, integrity, honest, morals. Kind
and compassionate; yet fearless and strong.
These are but a few of the attributes that instantly come to mind
when I think of the person I will be voting for on Tuesday, March
13, 2012 for Selectman.
There is one candidate that towers above all others. That candidate
for Selectman is Larry Konopka. He will receive my vote at the polls
on Election Day. It is my sincere hope that he will receive your
vote as well.
Having known Larry Konopka for many, many years now, I can attest to
the fact that he is a man of high integrity and a fighter for
justice, one and the same, for every citizen of Pittsfield.
Larry clearly believes All citizens of this town are equals,
and should be treated as such. As long as I have known him, he has
always fought for what is right; in and out of the political arena.
He is also a man of action! Larry chooses to be a part of the
solution, not a part of the problem. His past experience as a former
Selectman of Pittsfield has left him with the vast knowledge of how
to process works. Or should work. He has also served on various
boards and committees in this town.
I have seen Larry work with some of our most needy citizens. On his
own time, and at his own expense. He does not publicly accept any
recognition for these deeds.
I once asked Larry how he remains so humble, and he replied he just
puts one foot in front of the other; and does the next right thing.
It is men and women like Larry Konopka that make me very proud to
live in our town.
Justice for All!
Sincerely,
Janet Tower
Pittsfield High School Second Quarter Honor Roll
2011-2012
The following students earned honors for the second quarter at
Pittsfield Middle-High School.
Grade 12
Highest Honors
Colleen Corliss, Taylor Kiss, Adriaunna Towle
Grade 12
High Honors
Kayleen Rojek
Grade 12
Honors
Eric Chapman, Julia Cole, Paul Kennepohl III, Robert LeBel,
Sebastian Manteau, Kelsey Wrye
Grade 11
High Honors
Ashley Pence
Grade 11
Honors
Rebekah Adams, Sage Anthony, Emily Buchanan, Keith Duclos, Denise
Grattage, Timothy Laflamme, Jillian Towle, Aaron Vien
Grade 10
Highest Honors
Sarah Adams, Katrina Haynes
Grade 10
High Honors
Stefani Gauthier, Maxwell Tuttle
Grade 10
Honors
Victoria Averill, Tiffany Summerford
Grade 9
Highest Honors
Gabrielle Bartlett, Colby Clark, Morgan Corliss, Matthew Marcotte
Grade 9
High Honors
Star Chagnon, Ryan Marquis
Grade 9
Honors
Garrett Strouth, Josaphine Towle, Adrianna Wells
Grade 8
Highest Honors
Colby Boudreau, Chase Gaudette, Kyle Hamel, Noah Manteau, Jesse
Slater
Grade 8
High Honors
Joey Cox, Johnathon Emerson, Keaton Heath, Matt Kubat, Howard
Little-Simpson, Christopher Marcotte, Jordan Paggi, Alison Wolfe
Grade 8
Honors
Lucas Conway, Cody Gauthier, Alex Lamere, Rachel Thompson
Grade 7
Highest Honors
Xenthois Cyr, Savannah Godin, Brienne Hill, Emily Little, Noah
MacGlashing, Samantha Nevins, Jordyn Pinto
Grade 7
High Honors
Gabriel Anthony, Kegan Brooks, Lindsey Massey, Nicholas Shaver
Grade 7
Honors
Julie Dyer, Makayla Emerson, Hannah Hernandez, Frederik Pantis,
Anitrea Provencher, Zachary Thompson
Honorable Mention
Grade 12
Haley Beckman, Timothy Osborne, Jodi Shea, Jennifer Tyrell
Grade 11
Casey Beauregard, Ashley Connor, Travis Guest, Cassidy Kearns, Aaron
Manteau, Quinn Steeves
Grade 10
Brenden Douillette, Emma-Jean Fisher, Ashtin Greeley, Austin
Harrison, Joshua Michaud, Katie Small
Grade 9
Madison Johnson, Jade Markham, Jessica Massey, Cameron Quigley,
Anthony Rojek, Madison Slater, Jocelyn Vien
Grade 8
Davis Duquette, Marc Gagne, Dalton Giannelli, Jacen Lemieux-Dickson,
Rebecca Maxfield, Adrian Pike, Bryce Rowell
Grade 7
Michael Duquette, Justin Greene, Mehrin Hueston, Hannah Joyce, Tae’h
Koehler, Rebecca Richmond
Letter
My name is Joan Osborne and I am a candidate for the position of
Pittsfield Town Clerk/Tax Collector.
My interest in this position began when I had a pleasurable
experience working with Liz Hast for a short time while her
assistant was out on medical leave, where I obtained much of the
knowledge necessary to perform in the position of Pittsfield’s Town
Clerk/Tax Collector. Working with Liz afforded me the opportunity to
see many of the everyday functions of our town clerk/tax collector.
There is so much more to this job than just registering vehicles.
This office licenses dogs, collects tax revenue, sewer monies and is
responsible for keeping vital statistics on births, marriages and
deaths. While operating a trucking business I also learned the laws
and regulations associated with registering heavy-duty trucks, which
are different than car registrations.
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree from Franklin Pierce University
with a major in Business Management and a minor in Accounting. I
have worked in the accounting field for many years for both
non-profits and for profit entities. My experience in office
management, accounting, records management, policies and procedures,
as well as customer service would serve the residents of Pittsfield
well.
I would bring dedication, knowledge and the best interest of the
taxpayer to the position of Town Clerk/Tax Collector. I am confident
that I could perform the job in the best interest of the citizens in
the town of Pittsfield, and would certainly look at how best to
accommodate you by seeking your input on any improvements you may
have to increase efficiency and customer satisfaction, as well as
office hours that would be convenient for the majority of our
residents.
Your vote on March 13th would be most appreciated. Hope to see you
at the Candidates Night on March 5th.
Thank you,
Joan Osborne
Letter
Colleen Laro is running for Town Clerk/Tax Collector. I feel
Colleen, a proud native Pittsfield woman and a true believer in the
community, will bring much devotion to our citizens. Not only does
Colleen have a strong work ethic and various levels of experience to
bring to the position, but she also has a willingness to learn and
an eagerness to serve. I believe Colleen will take on the commitment
with a fresh perspective and dedication, giving her best to our
community. Please help me in supporting Colleen Laro for Pittsfield
Town Clerk/Tax Collector on March 13th.
Thank you,
Larry Konopka
Letter To The Editor
Do you want to avoid paying higher taxes to put in new roads?
Vote Yes on Amendment 3.
Historically, Pittsfield has not allowed development (subdivisions)
on Class VI roads. If an owner of Class VI property wants to
subdivide, they have the option of including plans for development
of a Class V road when they submit their subdivision application.
Nothing stops them from developing Class VI property as long as they
are willing to bear the cost of putting a Class V road in.
Otherwise, as lots are sold and folks build new homes, they will
start to demand that the Town upgrade the road as they also pay
taxes and usually a hefty amount for a new house. Guess who pays for
that? Correct, you and me as taxpayers.
Owners of Class VI property purchased the land for less and have
paid less in taxes because the land is undevelopable. When selling
lots, they should bear the expense of upgrading the road. You and I
should not be subsidizing their profit. It is a matter of Fairness.
Proponents of allowing Class VI roads to be developed say they will
sign waivers releasing the Town from liability for getting emergency
vehicles (fire trucks, ambulance, police) there as sometimes the
roads would not be easily passable and there is no room for a fire
engine to turn around. These are important safety issues. In
addition, these waivers are not worth the paper they are written on,
because ultimately the Town is responsible.
Many of the Class VI property owners are my friends and I would like
nothing better than to see them make some money, but not at my
expense or at the expense of safety issues for the people building
homes on these lots.
Respectfully submitted,
Helen Schoppmeyer
Letter
To all of the people of Pittsfield:
Although I am no longer a resident of this town, I was a resident
for nearly 20 years, serving as selectman, deputy welfare director,
deputy building inspector, and on too many committees to count over
the years, and I am still very concerned about it. All of that said,
I would like to respectfully suggest the following:
1. Before electing Linda Small back to the Board of Selectman,
please don’t do it without first searching your memories and
remembering what she cost town taxpayers in her previous "term".
It’s pretty scary if you research it.
2. Vote No to any amendments that concern the Planning Board.
They are all "self-serving" by a few planning board members and will
come back to haunt the other 4300 residents of Pittsfield.
3. Liz Hast has been your Town Clerk/Tax Collector for longer than
many of us can remember. It is a position that requires extensive
training and dedication. There is only one person who can pick up
and move forward after Liz leaves and that is Erica Anthony. She has
the proven background and education and I truly hope you will vote
her into this very important position.
4. Finally, Do Not vote for Clayton Wood or Ted Mitchell on
the Planning Board. You don’t need avid supporters of Jim Pritchard
on the board. It can only hurt Pittsfield taxpayers.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and Please
research before you vote!
Don Chase
Penacook
Letter
If It Is Broken… Don’t Assume More
Legislation Can Fix It
If the justification for Amendment #3 and Amendment #4 is to reduce
the tax rate we’ll be sadly disappointed in the short and long term.
The tax base increases when a new homeowner or business takes up
residence and begins adding their pennies to the public coffers, no
matter the road. Homes built on Class VI roads are presently
required to have a waiver filed with the property deed (so it passes
to any subsequent buyer) absolving the town of any responsibility to
maintain or improve the road. This year’s proposed amendments will
reduce the potential tax base.
It’s a shame there are NH court cases regarding Class VI
subdivisions to review, because those property owners had to resort
to expensive litigation to use their property. So much for the
EZ-Variance. While there is no merit in being cantankerous,
stubbornly determined to do differently than neighboring towns,
neither is there merit in following suit, if their path isn’t
helpful to solve our problem. With teens we call it negative peer
pressure.
The school tax is the bulk of our tax bills. However, to attribute
the high school tax rate to a single event of 25 years ago (large
increase in rental units), is myopic. It ignores the fact that
enrollment in Pittsfield schools has steadily decreased for 10 years
while there has continued a modest amount of new building over the
25 years. During this same period, unfunded mandates became the
fashionable legislative solution to the "A Nation at Risk" report
(1983). It’s time for some creative solutions to reduce the special
education budget (almost equals the regular budget). However,
creative solutions presuppose a willingness to do things
differently. That’s often more problem than the problem.
Diane Rider
Obituaries
Patricia M. Leavitt
Patricia M. (Elliott) Leavitt, 70, of Plumville, PA. died February
13th at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born in Malden, MA. the daughter of Harry and Beulah
Elliott. She lived in Bow and in Pittsfield for 15 years and she
moved to Plumville in 2005.
She was an avid crafter. She was the widow of Frank Leavitt who died
in 2002 and members of her family include a son Jeffrey S. Leavitt
of St. Petersburg, FL and a daughter, Wendy Goralski of Northwood;
five grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren; two sisters, Rose
Welch of Loudon and Priscilla Libby of Intervale.
Private graveside services will held in the spring in the Floral
Park Cemetery. To sign an on line guest book, log on to
perkinsandpollard.com
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