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Pittsfield NH News

March 28, 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: March 28, Lisa Maxfield, Robert Chagnon; March 29, Terry Perkins, Michelle Hill; April 1, Lynn Tiede; April 3, Meghan Brown, Judy Bartlett, Wendy S. Locke.

 

A Very Happy Birthday To One and All!

 


 

Celebrating Anniversaries are: April 1, Scott and Arlene Brown.

 

Congratulations!

 


 

School Lunch Menus

April 2 - 6, 2012

 

PES

Monday

Red Sox Opener

Fenway Frank in a bun, Boston Baked Beans, Green Monster salad, out of the park peaches

 

Tuesday

Fiesta Olè

Chicken fajitas, Spanish rice, sweet corn, salsa, pineapple tidbits

 

Wednesday

Pasta Pasta

Homemade macaroni and cheese, green beans, garlic roll, apple slices

 

Thursday

Soup and Sandwich

Grilled ham and cheese, tomato soup, veggie sticks, assorted fresh fruit

 

Friday

Fresh Picks Pizza

Cheese pizza or chef’s topping, side salad, fruit cocktail

 

PMHS

Monday

Red Sox Opener

Fenway Frank in a bun, garlic roasted potatoes, Green Monster salad, Red Sox red Jell-o

 

Tuesday

Fiesta Olè

Chicken Fajitas with sautéed onions and green peppers, seasoned rice, Mexicali corn, peaches

 

Wednesday

All American

Homemade macaroni and cheese, garlic bread, green beans, apple slices

 

Thursday

Calzone Crazy

Ham and cheese calzone, Marinara dipping sauce, garden salad, fruit crisp

 

Friday

Friday Fiesta

Ultimate beef taco, Spanish rice, carrots, salsa, mixed fruit

 


 

Dorcas Guild

 

The Dorcas Guild met the evening of March 13th with a mere nine members attending. The meeting was opened by the president, Nella Hobson, followed by devotions by Reny Boyd. Included was a great one, "Dust if You Must." The secretary read the minutes of the previous meeting as well as several thank-you notes and circulated cards for signing. The treasurer gave her financial report.

 

The food basket was brought by Audrey Moore and went to Cindy Cyr. The mystery package brought by Mary Jo Powelson was won by Corine Miller.

 

The warm clothing service project has ended for the season, and we are now switching to household items (linens, pots and pans, kitchen items, etc.).

 

Money was voted to purchase a Defibtech Lifeline AED (automatic external defibrillator) for the church. It was noted that there will be two delegates this year to the National Conference to be held in Minneapolis in June. We will contribute to this at a later date. A sum of $100 was voted to the World Day of Prayer Program.

 

On April 21, the Pittsfield Food Pantry will hold a Ham and Bean Supper as well as a bake sale at our church. They have requested pies for the dinner and baked goods for the bake sale from the Dorcas Guild as well as from the church membership.

 

The Bible replacement was discussed and through research, it was learned the version the church uses is out of print. The Guild voted to purchase supplies and make the repairs to those Bibles needing it. It was also voted to refurbish the First Aid Kits.

 

Guild members chose to host the church Fellowship Hour on April 29. A great supply of toiletry items brought in for the Pittsfield Food Pantry was packed up to be delivered.

At the close of the meeting, Reny Boyd and Corine Miller served delicious St. Patrick’s themed refreshments supplied by Reny, Nancy Fogg and Shirley Bleckmann. During this time of fellowship, Nella read a 10-minute mystery to be solved. Mary Jo was the solver!

 

The next meeting will be held April 10 with Nella, Sally Lewis and Evelyn Richard as hostesses. Members are asked to bring a "White Elephant in a Brown Bag."

 


 

Three Schools Selected To Represent New Hampshire At Regional

Conference On High School Innovation

The Schools Will Share Successful Strategies With

Colleagues From Across New England

 

Three New Hampshire public schools – Campbell High School in Litchfield, Great Bay eLearning High School in Exeter, and Pittsfield Middle High School in Pittsfield – have been invited to represent their state at a regional conference on effective strategies for improving teaching and learning in the 21st century.

 

The conference, High School Redesign in Action, will take place March 22–23, 2012, in Norwood, Massachusetts. It is sponsored by the New England Secondary School Consortium, a regional partnership committed to high school innovation, in collaboration with the departments of education for Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. All the selected schools have made significant progress raising student achievement, graduation rates, college-enrollment numbers, or other indicators of educational success.

 

"The building of human capital by supporting faculty professional development is key to meeting the needs of today’s high school students. In our work with the New England Secondary School Consortium, we are able to learn together with educators from throughout the region in order to develop both the strategies and the knowledge that support dynamic learning environments for students. The High School Redesign in Action Conference showcases examples of schools that provide multiple pathways to success for students," said Virginia M. Barry, New Hampshire Commissioner of Education.

 

Eleven years ago, Campbell High School was the first secondary school in the state of New Hampshire to adopt a competency-based learning system. That is, an academic program in which students must demonstrate they have acquired essential skills and knowledge before they can move on. The competency-based system helped the school create new and more diverse learning opportunities for all students. Competencies also help students prepare for success in the 21st century by cultivating the behaviors, attitudes, and higher-order thinking skills that are not only necessary, but expected, in today’s increasing globalized workplaces.

 

Even though the Great Bay eLearning Charter School is a small, supportive, close-knit community, the school doesn’t leave individual attention to chance. The school uses research-based strategies to create personalized learning experiences for every student that take into account individual learning needs, interests, and future aspirations, which can dramatically improve student engagement, knowledge acquisition, and educational outcomes.

 

Pittsfield Middle High School has worked to create a more student-centered learning environment in which students are given the opportunity to take greater ownership over their educational journey. Using strategies such as a high-impact advisory program (regular meetings of students and adults in the school), personal learning plans (detailed plans that students create to help them achieve their educational, career, and life goals), and student-led conferences (parent-teacher conferences designed by students during which they present their learning progress), Pittsfield has been able to create a more successful educational experience for more students.

 

The New England Secondary School Consortium is a regional partnership working to advance forward-thinking innovations in secondary education that will empower the next generation of citizens, workers, and leaders.

 

The Consortium’s goal is to ensure that every public high school student receives an education that prepares them for success in the colleges, careers, and communities of the 21st century. The Consortium is funded by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation (nmefoundation.org), the largest philanthropy in New England focused exclusively on education, and it is coordinated by the Great Schools Partnership (greatschoolspartnership.org), a nonprofit educational-support organization in Portland, Maine.

 

The Nellie Mae Education Foundation has committed more than $2 million to support the Consortium, which includes $1 million in partnership grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

 

For more information go to the website www.newenglandssc.org/conference.

 

New Hampshire’s High School Redesign in Action Presentations:

 

• The Roadmap To Success: Competencies In The Classroom.

School: Campbell High School, Litchfield

Presenters: Justin Ballou (teacher), Shawn Flynn (mathematics department curriculum facilitator), Linda Frost (science department curriculum facilitator), Robert Manseau (principal), Laurie Rothhaus (assistant principal).

Presentation Information: Friday, March 23 at 9:15 am.

Website: www.campbellhs.org

Contact: Robert Manseau at [email protected]

 

• Keeping The "Person" In Personalization

School: Great Bay eLearning High School, Exeter

Presenters: Eric Feldborg (dean of students), Lisa Hammond (teacher).

Presentation Information: Thursday, March 22 at 3:45 pm and Friday, March 23 at 9:15 am.

Website: www.gbecs.org

Contact: Eric Feldborg at [email protected]

 

• OWN It! Moving From Teacher-Centered Instruction To Student-Centered Learning

School: Pittsfield Middle High School, Pittsfield

Presenters: Jessica Bickford (teacher), Ronda Fernald (teacher), Mary Ann Hatab (library specialist), Shawnda Hopkins (teacher), Jenny Keller (teacher), Susan McTague (teacher), William Mitchell (teacher).

Presentation Information: Friday, March 23 at 10:45 am and 12:45 pm

Website: www.pittsfield-nh.com/pmhs

Contact: Bob Bickford at [email protected].

 


 

Maundy Thursday And Easter Services Offered

At The First Congregational Church

 

The First Congregational Church, 24 Main Street, Pittsfield will hold a Maundy Thursday worship service including Holy Communion, commemorating the "Last Supper" of Jesus, Thursday, April 5 at 7 pm. Special music will be provided by the Chancel Choir and the JuBellation Handbell Choir.

 

Easter Sunday, April 8, at 7 am the long-established Sunrise Service will be held in the Sanctuary with breakfast immediately following in the Vestry. The traditional Easter worship service will commence at 10:30 am with music by the Chancel Choir and JuBellation. Come and worship and join us for breakfast!

 

Everyone is warmly welcomed at these services as well as throughout the year. Sunday worship services are at 10:30 am with adult Sunday School at 9 am and children’s Sunday School at 10:20 am.

 

For more information, call the church office at: 435-7471 and speak with Rev. David Stasiak, pastor, or refer to the church’s website: www.pittsfieldcc.com.

 


 

Thank You Pittsfield!

 

The Pittsfield Elementary School Band held two highly successful bake sales at the School District and Town Meetings (3/14 and 3/16 respectively). We raised over $400 for our band! Thank you so very much for supporting our students by purchasing baked items at these events.

 

The students were happy to provide delicious treats, water, coffee, and light lunch items to the community. These vibrant, talented and dedicated band students have now raised the travel funds for the field trip to the Mount Washington Cruise, June 4th, where the band will perform. Because of the community’s generous donations and purchases all the band members will be able to travel with us for this great event!

 

Thank you Pittsfield PTO, PES Custodial staff, everyone who baked, and devoted students.

 


 

American Legion Peterson-Cram Post 75 News

 

The American Legion Peterson-Cram Post 75 will hold its April meeting on April 3, 2012 at 7:30 pm at Post Commander Merrill Vaughan’s residence, 50 Deer Meadow Rd, Pittsfield. Primary item on the agenda is the election of Post Officers for 2012.

 

Other items on the proposed agenda are the Installation of Post Officers for 2012 on May 7, 2012; Memorial Day Observance on May 27, 2012 at the Veterans Memorial and flag disposal for June 14, 2012.

 

All members are encouraged to attend. If you want to join or you want to transfer to our Post, come to the meeting.

 

Contact Post Commander Merrill Vaughan at his home phone 435-5207 or his cell phone 344-0264.

 


 

Wildfire Season Comes Early

 

Due to a relatively snow-free winter combined with abnormally warm temperatures, New Hampshire is already seeing elevated wildfire danger across a large part of the Granite State’s woodlands, almost a month before normal.

 

"We typically still have snow cover and cold temperatures across much of the state in mid-March, but this year we are seeing conditions more typical of mid-April," states Brad Simpkins, Interim Director of the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands, the state agency responsible for protecting forests from wildfire.

 

Officials report that bare ground conditions this year have already led to several brush fires as early as February. As this warm, dry weather pattern continues, brush fires can be expected to become more numerous. The state started taking precautions as early as last week by getting the fire towers ready to be staffed and bringing on the seasonal fire patrols several weeks earlier than normal. The state has also started issuing daily fire danger ratings which are disseminated to fire departments and dispatch centers across the state alerting them of the risk of wildfires.

 

Due to the dry conditions, many communities may not allow any outdoor burning until conditions improve. "Any landowner who plans on doing any outdoor burning needs to contact their local fire department or Forest Fire Warden first," says Doug Miner, Forest Ranger and Fire Prevention Specialist with the division. Under state law, fire permits are required to conduct any open burning when the ground isn’t completely covered by snow within a 100 foot radius of your burn location. "Your local fire department and forest fire warden are excellent resources for questions or concerns about open burning." Miner added. During the spring, prior to the emergence of new foliage and green grass, the danger of a fire escaping control is a serious concern. Of course, anyone who spots a fire not under control or supervision should report it immediately to their local fire department.

 

Please remember to be fire safe this season and help our state’s Forest Rangers and your community Forest Fire Warden prevent costly wildfires!

 

The New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands, Forest Protection Bureau is part of the Department of Resources and Economic Development. For additional information or to learn more about the Division of Forests and Lands visit our website at www.nhdfl.org.

 


 

A Note From The Friends

 

The Friends of the Josiah Carpenter Library are pleased to announce John and Effie Topouzoglou as the winner of our St. Patrick’s-Election Day Raffle. Congratulations! Thank you to all who purchased raffle tickets. These funds we will allow us to continue purchasing children’s books and DVDs for the library.

 

A special thanks goes out to Rotary Club of Pittsfield for their generous cash donation to our Books for Babies Program. This is the program whereby we provide every Pittsfield family of a newborn, a children’s board book and an introduction to the library, with hopes that children will learn the pleasure and value of reading.

 

Rotary has declared the month of March, Literacy Month. Members of The Friends were presented with a generous check at the March 14, 2012 Rotary dinner meeting. It was an opportunity for us to meet Rotary members and share our mutual views on literacy and other projects.

 

In June, on Pittsfield’s Yard Sale Day, we will be holding our annual Book Sale. We hope to see you there.

 

Thank you for supporting your library. Enjoy the Spring!

 


 

Pittsfield Middle High School Invites Senior Citizens

To Walk Inside The Building

 

Citizens aged 55 years and above, are welcome to use the Pittsfield Middle High School’s halls and stairways for fitness walking outside of school hours. Due to the building’s construction on a hill; many different levels, half flight stairways, full flight stairways, and multiple circular pathways – it is an ideal location for fitness walking that can be customized to any level of aerobic challenge.

 

Interested senior citizens are welcome to walk during the school year, Monday thru Friday 6:30 am to 7:45 am and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. During the summer and school vacations available hours will be Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. The school building is closed on New Years Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and weather/emergency closure days.

 

Walkers must sign-in on the log hanging on the bulletin board in the main lobby. All people using the building for walking routes should be respectful and cooperative. Walkers need to be aware that custodial work or building repairs may require the building to be closed without advance notice. If a walker is disruptive in any way the walker will be asked to stop using the building for fitness walking. If you have any questions please call Pittsfield Middle High School at 435-6701 and ask for the PMHS principal’s administrative assistant.

 

The Pittsfield Area Senior Center requested that the High School consider offering this program, and is very grateful the students and school administration have extended this invitation.

 


 

Letter

 

On behalf of the School Board, I would like to extend a very special thank you for all the supportive comments I heard before, during and after the District School Meeting.

 

Since moving to Pittsfield in 2005, I have always been impressed by the level of financial commitment that the citizens have extended to the schools. With all the conversation on the high tax rate, the schools have never gone without. This year’s public input has been amazing, productive and empowering. Please continue to "speak your mind" – our success depends on it! I look forward to working with you to continue to lower the cost and improve the schools.

 

I would also like to thank everyone who voted for me for the Planning Board. After all of the heated debate, you have my promise that I will work hard to help unify the board and have a productive session. Please feel free to contact me at 435-3415 if you would like to discuss any issue.

 

Finally, I would like to congratulate all the candidates who ran, regardless of the outcome and all the citizens who participated in the town government process. Anyone who does not think that your vote counts should check the results for the ballot questions!

 

God bless our country,

Clayton Wood

 


 

TOPS News

Submitted By Terrie Azotea

 

I would like to welcome the new members who joined last week. It was a great week. We had three join.

 

I don’t know about anyone else, but I know this past week sure made me think of summer with that warm weather. I went to my closet and said "Wow, what am I going to wear?"

 

Then the next question came. "Is it going to fit?" It’s a question we often ask ourselves this time of year, or at least, I know I do. Those shorts we wore last year are a little bit tighter and then we smile and say "but they still fit..."

 

Well, now is the time to really think about what we are putting in our mouths and what meals we could make that would help us lose. Just cutting back on something simple usually helps us. Another thing that helps is I know I really don’t want to go out and get new clothes for that reason. I love to shop but I want to get new clothes when the sizes go down.

 

At TOPS this past week we had a good time playing Bingo and we spoke about our upcoming banquet. The banquet is when members who have lost weight throughout the year will be noticed for their success. It should be a good time.

 

We should be starting a new contest for the spring months. Hop into spring with a weight loss and be happy to go shopping for new summer clothes. Feel good about looking good.

 

If you are interested in joining us on a Tuesday night we meet at the St. Stephen’s Church on Main Street in Pittsfield. Our weigh in is at 5:30 and our meeting at 6:30.

 

Please call Laurel Tiede at 269-8721 or Pat Smith at 435-5333. They would love to answer any questions for you.

 

"Action may not always bring happiness but there is not happiness without action." (Benjamin Disraeli)

 

Hope everyone has a great week! See you lighter next week!

 


 

Letter

 

In June the streets of Pittsfield will be, for the 16th year, graced with hanging flower baskets. There is no other community of comparable size who can compare. Just another thing we can be proud of.

 

For the past two seasons, the watering has been done with the use of a golf cart. But last year we had to go back to a truck because the cart did not meet the required safety standards. Changes are being made to the cart so that it can pass inspection and for that we have to thank Paul Provincal of Automotive Services for his donated time.

 

This is my annual appeal for funding, which needs to cover the added cost of the cart renovations. Please send contributions to the Pittsfield Flower Fund, c/o John Lenaerts, 520 Clough Road, Pittsfield, NH 03263.

 

Thank you,

John Lenaerts

 


 

Gray Attends Harvard Graduate School of Ed Spring Program

Focuses on Leadership

 

The Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District is pleased to announce Superintendent of Schools Peter H. Gray has completed the Harvard Graduate School of Education Leadership Institute for Superintendents. The program was held March 17 through March 21, 2012 at Harvard University in Cambridge Massachusetts.

 

Gray, a 1974 graduate of Pittsfield (NH) High School received his undergraduate degree from Southern NH University and his graduate degree in Business from Franklin Pierce University. He has several years’ experience in public school education in Maine and has served as the Superintendent of Schools for the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District since July 1, 2011. Prior to his recent appointment he served as the Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the district.

 

Gray said he was excited and honored at his acceptance to such a prestigious program. "Opportunities like this provide me with additional tools and skills essential to lead our high-performing schools to the next level of success."

 

Superintendents throughout the country attended the Institute, developing an exceptional network of peers.

 


 

Positive "Proof"

Pittsfield Simka&Dan.jpg

Simka Ellis, as Catherine and Dan Scheys as Hal, share a tender moment in "Proof," the Pittsfield Players’ current play at the Scenic Theatre, 6 Depot Street, Pittsfield. Two remaining show dates are March 30 and 31. Call the theater for tickets, 435-8852.

 

Mal Cameron has triumphantly brought David Auburn’s award-winning play, "Proof," to life at the Scenic Theatre. The story is an intriguing blend of math, mystery, psychological study, relationships, love interest and coming of age.

 

Simka Ellis was absolutely brilliant as a sometimes depressed Catherine with emotions riding the proverbial roller coaster. Her tragic yet heroic portrayal and her confidence and resilience in her life’s work and worth leave you with a sense of fulfilling discovery. She is engaging in every scene; you are drawn in and then propelled out as she faces a string of serious questions.

 

Family plays a consistent part in this play with Robert, Catherine’s father, vividly brought to life by Mike Hobson, veteran actor of the Scenic stage, in a departure from his more comedic roles. He brings a passion to the dramatic character of the aging genius and madman, portraying him with an intensity not often seen in the Pittsfield Players’ repertoire.

 

Meggin Dail plays the part of Claire, the annoying older sister of Catherine, convincingly and to perfection, constantly questioning and attempting to run Catherine’s life. She adds a dimension of care and concern for her sister like that of a mother hen – to the point of aggravation.

 

Hal, the math-loving and Catherine-smitten nerd is engagingly played by Dan Scheys. His colorful performance adds just the right touch of youthful enthusiasm to add a smile to your face just when you need it.

 

All in all, this play, this cast and this director with a great set and the original Broadway music compositions, add up to a phenomenal evening of entertainment. "Proof" is the winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play of 2001 among other awards.

 

You are urged to call the theater, 435-8852, immediately for tickets to the two remaining shows appearing this coming Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., at the Scenic Theatre, 6 Depot Street, Pittsfield. Don’t let this compelling performance pass you by.

 


 

Letter To The Editor

 

To the good citizens of Pittsfield:

 

What I learned at the School District and Town Meetings:

1. Pittsfield has turned a corner.

 

2. Higher test scores from the school and a 51¢ decrease in our school taxes this year.

 

3. Mary Paradise will probably out last me.

 

4. The school is no longer the adversary.

 

5. The administration and, I believe, the teachers know that if they can continue to improve and continually propose to reduce our extreme tax rate, than they will continue to deserve the taxpayer’s support.

 

6. The good citizens who stuck out the 5 hour Saturday Town Meeting and stabilized our tax rate should be recognized.

 

7. Art Morse is getting wiser with age. He really surprised me by agreeing to get rid of the Code of Ethics. I wonder how it would look if I bought him lunch.

 

8. Good luck to the new Board of Selectmen. Without their contributing voice, I never would have been whistling all the way home.

 

Dan Schroth Piermarocchi

 


 

Childfind

SAU #51

 

In an effort to comply with State and Federal Laws governing special education, to maintain eligibility for Federal Funding, to engage in sound long range planning and to provide evaluation and programming where appropriate, the District of Pittsfield is making a conscientious effort to identify individuals with potential disabilities residing within their jurisdiction.

 

Parents of children 0-21 years of age who suspect that a child may be educationally disabled, are invited to contact their local school special education director. Assessments will be performed to determine if children qualify for special education programs and services. Areas to be screened will include hearing, vision, communication, cognition, and motor functioning.

 

For further information, parents would contact their local school and ask to speak to one of the following: Lois Stevens, Director Student Services, Pittsfield Elementary School, 435-8432; Pittsfield Middle High School, 435-6701.

  


 

Former Student Survey and Focus Groups

 

Last year, the Pittsfield School District was awarded a School Improvement Grant (SIG) by the New Hampshire Department of Education to help raise the achievement of students at Pittsfield Middle High School and better prepare them for college and career. In order to help Pittsfield students to get a better quality of education, the school wants to know what they did well and what they could have done better to prepare students for a successful life. We are especially interested in hearing from students who completed their high school education in the past ten years.

 

An online survey (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PittsfieldAlumniSurvey) is still open for former students, including graduates who went on to college, the military and the workforce as well as students who dropped out of high school before graduation.

 

Former students interested in participating in focus groups to discuss these topics are encouraged to volunteer when they complete the survey, or to contact Leslie Bergevin or Jeff Martel in the Guidance Department at Pittsfield Middle High School.

 


 


 

 











 

 

 

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