Those Celebrating Birthdays are: March 27, Margaret Dunne, Nancy
Perkins; March 28, Lisa Maxfield, Robert Chagnon; March 29, Terry
Perkins, Michelle Hill; April 1, Lynn Tiede.
A Very Happy Birthday To One and All!
Celebrating Anniversaries are: April 1, Scott and Arlene Brown.
Congratulations!
Attention
There will be no Soup Night tonight, Wednesday, March 27th at the
Park Street Baptist Church.
Watch For Rare Bird
Submitted By Louise Osborne
Please keep your eyes open for a rare bird around
Pittsfield! You might never have the thrill of seeing a Northern
Lapwing in your lifetime again. Look for it in fields and in corn
stubble where they can feed. If you see this bird, please call the
Audubon Society at 224-9909 or email them at
[email protected].
On March 10, Upper City Road was visited by this handsome rare bird
all dressed up as for a formal event. A Northern Lapwing, usually
found in Europe or Asia, was watched with excitement by locals. The
Lapwing has not been seen in New Hampshire before, according to the
Audubon Society. It is thought to be blown onto North America by
high winds and storms, and several have been sighted in other states
recently.
For bird lovers, it was a real thrill to see such a bird for the
first time in our lives, knowing that we may never see it again here
in our state. It is a handsome member of the Plover family of birds.
Its long upright head plumes identified it as unusual right away. It
is larger than a crow with a black neck, back, and crown. We noticed
that the belly and sides were white in contrast to the black parts.
The bird’s face had striking markings of black lines on the white
cheeks. The upper tail was white with a black tip but looked mostly
black to us. The wings were long and dark with white tips. As the
Lapwing flew away, a band of white was noticeable on the tail. The
long pike legs identify it as a “wader” that is usually found near
the shore. The call of a Lapwing sounds a little like a gull and is
unlike any other bird call in this area.
The Lapwing was first sighted by Dave Osborne near his greenhouse. A
killdeer was with the Lapwing, an stayed near it. It stayed around
for several hours, and was also seen by Laurie Houle. When Dave
moved closer for a photo, it flew towards Pittsfield. It was
beautiful to see it on the wing. The photo Dave took allowed George
Robbins to identify it as a Northern Lapwing. Half the fund of
seeing this bird was to see bird lovers great excitement that it had
been seen in New Hampshire. It is a blessing to see something that
has such unusual markings and to know that it had a very long
journey to arrive here.
So, friends, keep your eyes open. If you see it, report it to the
Audubon Society.
The Pittsfield Police Association Host Comedy Night
Not usually known for their sense of humor on the streets; the
officers of the Pittsfield Police Association encourages you to take
the night off and relax at The Dell-Lea, Saturday, April 6. Doors
open at 6pm giving you time to order some munchies and something
from the bar. The comedy starts at 7pm and raffles ensue throughout
the evening. The Association is raffling off tickets to the Red Sox
and holding a 50/50 raffle as well. Tickets, $15, are going fast and
we encourage you to stop by the Pittsfield Police Station today or
speak to an officer to get your tickets.
This fundraiser is the major source of fundraising for support of
local charities, sports and events. The evening is for 21+ only and
we hope to see you there.
Pittsfield Historical Society To Host Frank Eaton Of
Variety Auctions
Find out what that odd-looking vase from Aunt Louise is worth when
the Pittsfield Historical Society hosts Frank Eaton of Variety
Auctions in Epsom for an antiques appraisal at its April 11 program
from 4-6 pm.
Spring has arrived so take to your attics and basements and treasure
hunt in your own home, and perhaps Mr. Eaton will surprise you and
your worth! Not only what the value is, but what it is!
The fund-raising event will be held at the lower level of the
Pittsfield Community Center. Each attendee is invited to bring one
item for appraisal, but if time allows, additional appraisals may be
conducted. A $5 fee per item will be charged at the door, where
numbers will be handed out and called in order. Refreshments will be
offered for sale.
The event will be extended beyond the 2-hour time limit if
necessary.
Letter To The Editor
I just want to convey my thanks and deep appreciation to all the
people who wished me well with cards, well wishes and hugs on my
birthday and at my retirement party at the Carpenter Library. It
surely gave me a warm feeling to know so many people wished me well.
I shall cherish the memory always. Thanks again.
Love,
Ruth Strickhart
The Pittsfield Youth Workshop
Through The Eyes Of Kids!
(Past, Present And
Future)
Past
Submitted By
Amanda Stickney
I attended PYW as a youth from 6th grade (when the program was just
beginning to come back, in 1996, I think) until high school and a
little bit after that. PYW was a place I could go after school as a
home away from home. There I hung out with friends, and volunteers,
some of whom became mentors and people that I like to think helped
shape me into who I am today. We went on trips and excursions, and
had experiences I doubt would have been possible otherwise. Though
I’m not where I thought I’d be after graduating high school and
college, I know I’m in a better position then I would be if PYW
hadn’t been a part of my youth. While not every youth may find PYW a
place for them, I believe it is a great place to build self-esteem
and confidence, an escape from the worries and other problems youth
may face daily. A place where youth can be free to be themselves and
be comfortable with it. I can only hope that when I decide to start
a family, my children will be fortunate enough to attend PYW or a
place very similar to it.
Present
Submitted By
Emily Abbott
Hi my name is Emily Abbott. I have been going to PYW for a while. I
am 11 years old. I love Paula. She is kind and awesome. But the
thing is that when you’re at PYW, you have to use your manners,
which is a very good thing. You have to say, “May I please..” or
“thank you.”
I like Zach. He is fun and cool. My favorite trip was the Monarch’s
hockey game because I had never been. I love PYW; everyone there is
very nice!
P.S. Don’t say a swear or you might have to clean toilets!
Future
Submitted By
Jackson
4th grader, 10 years old
I want to go there so bad. It looks fun. My brother and sister
already go there. I’ve been told you can play games like Guitar Hero
and you can get food and drinks. I see the kids go outside and play.
Sometimes it is ok for me to join them and play four squares,
usually if my brother or sister are there, but you really need to be
in 6th grade to join. I can’t wait to go!
Women Of Rotary
Women of Rotary met at the home of Maddy Pollard for their March
meeting, after having the winter off.
After our business meeting our own member, Liz Hast, gave a most
interesting program by telling us how she came to be Town Clerk for
30 years. She told a lot of interesting and amusing stories
experienced during her tenure. Thank you, Liz.
St. Patrick’s Day theme refreshments were served by Maureen Van
Horn, Ann Carpenter, “Skip” Krause and hostess, Maddy Pollard.
Skiing In Pittsfield - Part I
By Larry Berkson
Pittsfield Academy Ski Team, 1940. Left to right: Principal Harold
Rand,
Donald Grenier, William Freese, Kenneth Moulton, Donald Tilton
and Donald Burbank.
[Author’s note: The following article was written at the behest of
Fuzz Freese who came across an internet site entitled, “Lost N. H.
Ski Areas.” It made only passing mention of a single area in
Pittsfield. The history of Pittsfield’s ski areas, however, is much
more extensive as the following reveals.]
There were no particular ski areas in early Pittsfield. Skiers
simply found a cleared hill, climbed to the top, and skied to the
bottom. The return trip was made by side stepping or creating “V”
with one’s skis. In the South Main Street area, during the early
1950s, we skied on a hill just east of Pittsfield Common and west
of, and behind, Giles’ nursing home. The conditions were generally
poor so skiing took place infrequently. Only a very few of us had
skis. Mine were eight-foot hickory skis with leather bindings used
by my mother when she was growing up in Berlin. With only rubber
boots for footware, they were almost uncontrollable.
Tracy Remington remembers watching skiers at the same place in the
late 1960s or early 1970s. During this period a small ski jump was
erected. There was a warming hut with a glass front that faced the
jump. A pot-bellied stove was used to take off the winter chill.
By this time, Jim Walker had built a small house on the road in
front of where the ski area was located. It is the author’s guess
that he ran it. He was always interested in the youth of the
community. I remember him plowing snow off of the cove in the
Suncook River near the Bridgeview apartment complex for skating. On
at least one occasion, he and other adults controlled traffic on
Lyford Hill and arranged for kids to slide down on sleds. He and his
trusty jeep would be at the bottom and would haul us back up the
hill. We placed ropes from the sleds over his rear bumper.
The hills in Upper City were also often used. In 1938 the late
banker and ski enthusiast Wayne Emerson fell and broke his wrist
while skiing on the Ira White Farm.
There was also some ski racing in the early days but most of it has
been forgotten. We do know that there was racing on Pittsfield
Common in 1936 as part of winter carnival festivities.
The Davis Ski Jump
One of the earliest ski areas in memory of those living today was
the jump at Davis Point. It was located up past the old Sanderson
Homestead, at that time known as the Roy Davis Place. Frank V. Volpe
was involved in clearing the land sometime during the 1930s.
The jump was not a built structure. Rather, there was a steep
approach of about 200-300 feet which led to a ledge that was about
20 feet high. The landing was fairly flat, which presented
difficulties. No one has been found who actually skied there.
The First Upper City Ski Tow
In 1938 a 1,600 foot rope ski tow began operating behind the Louis
“Lou” French house on Eaton Road under the auspices of Pittsfield
Winter Sports Association. It ran from approximately the Thyng
property line on top of the hill down behind the house occupied
later by the Warren Clattenburg Family. The power house was donated
by Charles E. Green. The power unit for the tow weighed
approximately one ton.
People skied there on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays for 10 cents
per trip, 50 cents per half day, or $1.00 per day. Season tickets
were available for $5.00 to members who joined the Association.
On one of the first Sundays it opened, over 1,000 skiers and
spectators were on hand and one skier from Nashua made the trip up
the tow 126 times. During the day, at one point, 40 skiers were
pulled to the top of the hill at one time. Curtis Perry sold hot
dogs and coffee. The local newspaper declared that the area “is
considered by all who have used it to be one of the best in New
Hampshire. . . .” That same year, 1938, arrangements were made to
have a “ski train” come to Pittsfield bringing 300-600 people.
Octogenarian Frances Marston remembers the train chugging along near
her house on Webster Mills Road.
Oddly, in May, after a very successful season, the Sports
Association appointed a committee to find a new location for the ski
tow. This was deemed necessary because of large expenses incurred in
keeping the road to the area open to travel. It was also believed
that the road’s poor condition would lower attendance at the tow.
Later that month, the committee recommended a location on Catamount
Mountain and the following year the Berry Brook Ski Area, sometimes
referred to Catamount Mountain Slopes, opened.
Letter
Dear Voters of Pittsfield:
Thank you for your support and votes in the election on March 12th!
I am very humbled and grateful for your support and for giving me
the opportunity to represent you in Pittsfield’s General Elections.
Thank you so much!
I would like to extend my appreciation to the voters who helped
contribute to the campaign. Thank you for your contributions. It
helped to get the message out on my behalf.
I would also like to congratulate all the other candidates who were
elected and are moving on to important positions in the Town. To
those who did not get elected, please stay involved. Thank all of
you for making the effort.
Over the last several weeks, it has been my privilege to talk to
many of you about the issues. I appreciate the insight that all of
you have given me which will make my transition a little easier than
if I try to do it myself. I will study the issues, listen to you and
ask for your input whenever needed. I am very grateful to have the
opportunity to earn your trust and your vote to be your Selectman
for the Town of Pittsfield.
Sincerely,
Al Douglas
Maundy Thursday And Easter Services At 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, March 28 at 7
p.m. Special music will be provided by the Chancel Choir and the
JuBellation Handbell Choir.
Easter Sunday, March 31, at 7 a.m. 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 a.m. 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 a.m. with adult
Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. and children’s Sunday School at 10:20
a.m. Parking and wheelchair accessible entry are available at rear
of church.
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.
Letter
Education Or
Indoctrination
What is the role of Public Schools? Are we providing the correct
principles and academics to be learned in these schools? Is
indoctrination at work?
Discipline: Pop-tart gun, paper gun, toy bubble gun - scary!
Suspension. Profane language - accepted. Throwing of chairs at
teachers - slap on wrist. Selling pot on school grounds - normal,
look the other way.
Sex Ed: Condoms and the Pill - free; porn - free; gay marriage - a
right. Transgender relationships - normal; abstinence - not taught.
Love - what’s that got to do with sex? Relationship between a male
and female - old fashion.
Church and State: God - never mentioned. Bible - Just stories, don’t
teach. Koran - teach for the purpose of fairness. Christmas and
Easter - Winter Holiday and Bunny Day. Prayer before school -
offensive. God in the Pledge of Allegiance - offensive. Muhammad -
accepted; Jesus - doesn’t exit. Teach kids to stomp on the name
Jesus - sure, he doesn’t exist. Burn the Bible - legal; burn the
Koran - jail time. Burn the flag - 1st Amendment right; prayer
before lunch - not a 1st Amendment right. Wear a cross - offensive;
wear an upside down cross - cool.
Social Studies: Capitalism - evil, Corporations - evil; Government -
trust; Individualism - mistrust. United Nations - trust and elevate.
America - mistrust and abhor. Reagan - corrupt; Wilson - for the
people. Constitution - out of date and limited rights of people.
United Nations Alliance - good for the people and fair. Christopher
Columbus - environmentalist; Pilgrims - socialist. Socialism - fair;
Republic - unfair. Progressivism - good; Individual Rights and
Freedoms - not good. Redistribution of wealth - necessary and fair;
work hard for wealth - why? The Government will redistribute money
from the hard worker.
Parents: Let’s all pay attention.
Stacey Polizotti
Mayors And Local Leaders Rally To Combat
Senior Hunger During Mayors For Meals, March 2013
Mayors for Meals is part of a March for Meals campaign, initiated by
the Meals on Wheels Association of America to raise awareness about
senior hunger. It enables mayors and local leaders to observe
first-hand the positive impact this program has on homebound
participants. This year Concord Mayor Jim Bouley and Franklin Mayor
Ken Merrifield will be on board to deliver meals. The following
state and local politicians will also participate: City Councilman
Robert Hamel from Laconia; State Representative Jane Cormier from
Alton; Selectman Chair, Harry Wright from Bradford; Selectwoman
Sandra McKinney from Allenstown; and Select Board Member Linda Small
from Pittsfield.
In Belknap and Merrimack counties, the Meals on Wheels Program and
the ten area Senior Centers are sponsored by the Community Action
program of Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc. and beginning on March
20th, all will join together in a national effort to celebrate and
acknowledge the importance of these programs in fighting senior
hunger. The Meals on Wheels program provides five hot, nutritious
meals a week to participants and the community dining program
provides the same to Senior Center participants. In 2012, BM-CAP
served approximately 259,000 home delivered meals and 68,000
community dining meals!
The 2012 Annual Report on Senior Hunger states that 8.3 million
seniors (more than 1 in 7) face the threat of hunger, up from 5
million (1 in 9) in 2009 and represents a 78% increase from 2001.
The majority of seniors under the threat of hunger are over the
poverty line. As the aging population increases, the number of
hungry seniors will also increase. According to the Federal
Administration on Aging, the elderly population is expected to more
than double from 40.2 million in 2010 to 88.5 million in 2050, and
according to projections by the 2006 Congressional Research Report,
that same population is expected to live 3-4 years longer. By 2030,
one in five Americans will be over the age of 65. These numbers are
stunning reminders that the fight to end senior hunger is only just
beginning.
The Meals on Wheels program is much more than numbers to the
participants, and their families, however. To them it provides a
daily wellness check and local resource and referral information.
The son-in-law of 104 year-old participant, Helena says, “The
program serves a great purpose; not only does it provide the meals
but the MOW driver is another person she gets to see and interact
with every day. The drivers are friendly and caring and they know
what’s going on. There is a piece of mind and safety reassurance in
knowing that she will be receiving daily meals and won’t be trying
to use the stove. She enjoys the food, appreciates both the program
and the thoughtful driver, who checks in with her daily, and double
checks when storms approach to be sure she has enough food. In fact,
she jokes that the daily meals provide her with so much food that
she has to watch her figure!”
The BM-CAP organization would like to express their gratitude to all
the local leaders for participating in Mayors for Meals and joining
in the fight to end senior hunger.
Dorcas Guild
The Dorcas Guild of the First Congregational Church met the evening
of March 12 with eleven members attending. President Nancy Fogg
conducted the meeting, which opened with devotions by the hostesses,
Reny Boyd, who read “Dust if You Must” and Nancy Fogg, who read
“Going Green,” a devotional by Julia Bettencourt. All joined in with
the Lord’s Prayer.
In the absence of Secretary Joan Riel, Nella Hobson read the minutes
of the previous meeting, which were accepted, read several thank-you
notes and circulated cards to be signed and mailed. Treasurer Reny
Boyd gave her financial report.
The food basket was taken by Peggy Jacobs and will be brought in
April for Leslie Vogt. Elaine Coffey had the apron and it is now
with Nancy who will bring it in April for Diane Vaughan. The mystery
package, provided by Gail Ann Newton was won by Audrey Moore. The
president asked that basket and apron be handled monthly and that
the member’s name be noted and the date that it was taken as opposed
to when it was returned or passed to the next member. There are new
lists with the items.
Although Gail Ann was not present, she forwarded some research
materials concerning the child booster seat/high chair that was
mentioned at February’s meeting. It was voted that we allow $50 for
a wooden toddler chair with a safety strap in a wood tone to
coordinate with the wood in the Vestry similar to those presented on
the printed materials. The research items would be returned to Gail
Ann by Mary Jo Powelson.
Nancy will contact Pastor Dave to see how the Easter Breakfast plans
are progressing. It was noted that the Dorcas Guild is not in charge
of the planning or execution of the breakfast, but members can
assist in the various phases and in providing some of the food.
A large variety of toiletry items were donated by attendees for
transfer to the Pittsfield Food Pantry for donation.
The president brought up the possibility of a daytime get-together
(not a business meeting), possibly a Ladies’ Tea, for those ladies
who cannot attend regular evening meetings. This would be a daytime
gathering for ladies who would enjoy meeting in a social setting for
refreshments and conversation. Nancy Fogg, Mary Jo Powelson and
Peggy Jacobs are the committee members who will form a proposal for
the social and set a date, most likely in May. They will offer their
suggestions at the April meeting.
It was voted to order an Easter lily for placement in the church on
Easter in memory of deceased Dorcas Guild members. Reny Boyd will
handle the ordering. The plant will be given to a shut-in following
Easter.
On March 28, Nella Hobson will gather all of the donated “Project
Linus” blankets and quilts that have been collected and take them to
the Kalily Studio in Epsom, where she will meet with the project’s
representative to donate the items. That date is also a work date
for anyone wishing to work on a donation or assist others. Take
along your portable sewing machine if you can. The studio will be
open from 10-4.
The World Day of Prayer service was held March 1, at St. Stephens
Episcopal Church, Pittsfield. Nella participated and represented our
church along with several others. She reported on the service, which
was based on the women of France, and suggested we donate to the
World Day of Prayer Organization. It was voted to send a
contribution.
Everyone present made a “Prayer Partner” selection and several names
were taken for those members not present. The partners will be
revealed at the next meeting.
After the business meeting, members enjoyed refreshments consisting
of gingerbread and whipped cream as well as crackers and cheese,
candy, punch, coffee and tea.
Bev Murdough led a craft demo where everyone joined in to make
individual green cloverleaf pins. They are perfect for wearing on
St. Patrick’s Day!
The next meeting will be held April 9 with Nella Hobson and Leslie
Vogt, hostesses. Members are to bring a “White Elephant” item in a
brown bag or something of $1 value to exchange.
School Lunch Menus
April 1 - April 5, 2013
PES
Monday
Mexican Monday
Nachos Grande with the fixin’s, seasoned rice, cinnamon apples
Tuesday
North End Favorite
Chicken Parm sub, veggie sticks with dip, fresh banana
Wednesday
Prince of Pasta
Spaghetti and meatballs, green leaf salad, pears
Thursday
Taste of the Orient
Sweet and sour chicken, Asian vegetables, buttered noodles, mixed
fruit
Friday
Fresh Picks Pizza
Cheese pizza or chef’s topping, sweet corn, carrots, peaches
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