Those Celebrating Birthdays are: May 29, Edward Ash; May 30, Dick
Burley; June 1, Bruce Smith, Holly Payne, Dennis Beaudoin, Jr.,
Teresa Merrill, Matthew Snell; June 2, Tucker Wolfe; June 3, Sakima
Riel, Sandy Higgins; June 4, Autumn Munn.
A Very Happy Birthday To One and All!
Celebrating Anniversaries are: May 29, Leon and Corine Miller; June
1, Rich and Candee Frost.
Best Wishes!
On behalf of the Pittsfield Post Office, we would like to say thank
you for all your food donations. Thanks to all of you, others will
benefit and be able to feed their families during hardship. Thank
you to the Globe for posting the food drive on their sign on Route
28. Remember that you can donate anytime at the Pittsfield food
pantry located in the Town Hall. Thank you.
Items Needed for
Lions Club Yard Sale
The Suncook Valley Area Lions Club from Pittsfield/Barnstead will be
participating in the Town Wide Yard Sale on Saturday, June 1. If
anyone has items they would like to donate to the Lions Club please
drop them off at Jitters Café on Main Street or if the items are
large and need to be picked up, please call Ed at 435-5052 or Bob at
848-7122 to arrange pickup.
Reminder
The Infant Toddler Diaper Pantry will be open on Tuesdays, June 4
and June 18 from 9-11 am at the Congregational Church, Pittsfield.
Please use the Chestnut Street entrance.
Pittsfield Youth Baseball/Softball is raffling four (4) front-row
seats to a Red Sox vs. Yankees game. Tickets are available at Bell
Brothers (1 Depot St., Pittsfield) and are $5 each or five (5) for
$20. All proceeds support quality baseball and softball programs
for the boys and girls of Pittsfield. The game is Saturday, July
20th at 4:05 pm. The drawing is June 27th.
Dorcas Guild
May 2013
The Dorcas Guild of the First Congregational Church of Pittsfield
met the evening of May 14 with a mere ten members attending.
President Nancy Fogg opened the meeting and Mary Jo Powelson led
devotions, which began with a moment of silence in memory of our
beloved Elsie Morse. Mary Jo then read “The Broken Chain” and all
joined in the Lord’s Prayer.
The secretary gave her minutes of the previous meeting, read
correspondence and circulated many greeting cards for signing. The
treasurer gave her report.
Audrey Moore has the food basket and Kathy Bergeron will get it in
June. Peggy Jacobs has the apron, which will be taken in June by
Mary Jo. The mystery package, brought by Gailann Newton was won by
Joan Riel.
The June banquet was discussed. It will be held at Jitters Café on
June 11. Two different entrée selections were offered and members
signed up for their choice. The “Ladies Blossom Tea” to be held May
16 was discussed and final plans were made.
A donation was made to the church’s building fund in loving memory
of deceased member, Elsie Morse. A monetary gift to an upcoming high
school graduate was approved. A donation for the delegates to the
National Conference was postponed until June.
Members were reminded of Children’s Day and the pot luck lunch May
19. Several members will assist with Fellowship Hour June 9 and the
Guild will be responsible for the entire Fellowship Hour June 16.
The Patriotic Concert, “Celebrate America,” is coming up May 31.
Mary Jo gave a detailed report on the Infant and Toddler Diaper
Pantry, which has finally caught on, and she reported that it is now
operating the first and third Tuesdays of each month.
At the close of the meeting, delicious refreshments were served by
Kathy Bergeron and Mary Jo Powelson. Attendees then participated in
flower arranging with Nella Hobson.
The next meeting will be the banquet at Jitters Café, June 11, 6
p.m.
VA Mandates Overtime To Increase Production Of
Compensation Claims
Decisions
Latest Initiative Aimed At Reducing The Backlog
Submitted By
Merrill A. Vaughan
Commander
American Legion Peterson-Cram Post 75
Pittsfield, NH 03263
As part of its ongoing effort to accelerate the elimination of the
disability compensation claims backlog, the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) is announcing today that it is mandating overtime for
claims processors in its 56 regional benefits offices. This surge,
which will be implemented through the end of fiscal year 2013, will
be targeted to eliminating the backlogged status of claims. The
additional overtime hours that will be worked during this period
will be used to help eliminate the backlog with continued emphasis
on high-priority claims for homeless Veterans and those claiming
financial hardship, the terminally ill, former Prisoners of War,
Medal of Honor recipients, and Veterans filing Fully Developed
Claims.
“VA is dedicated to providing Veterans with the care and benefits
they have earned and deserve,” said VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki.
“This increased overtime initiative will provide more Veterans with
decisions on their claims and will help us achieve our goal of
eliminating the claims backlog.”
This is the latest effort in support of the Secretary’s plan to
reduce the backlog. Last month, the VA announced an initiative to
expedite compensation claims decisions for Veterans who have waited
one year or longer. On April 19, VA began prioritizing claims
decisions for Veterans who have been waiting the longest, by
providing provisional decisions that allow eligible Veterans to
begin collecting compensation benefits quickly. With a provisional
decision, a Veteran has a year to submit additional information to
support a claim before the decision becomes final.
“We’re committed to getting Veterans decisions on their claims as
quickly and accurately as possible,” said Undersecretary for
Benefits Allison A. Hickey. “We need to surge our resources now to
help those who have waited the longest and end the backlog.”
Claims for Wounded Warriors separating from the military for medical
reasons will continue to be handled separately and on a priority
basis with the Department of Defense through the Integrated
Disability Evaluation System (IDES). On average, Wounded Warriors
separating through IDES currently receive VA compensation benefits
in 2 months following their separation from service.
Veterans can learn more about disability benefits on
the joint Department of Defense-VA web portal eBenefits at
http://www.ebenefits.va.gov.
More information about filing Fully Developed Claims
is available at:
http://www.benefits.va.gov/transformation/fastclaims/
VA Announces New Grants To Help End Veterans’ Homelessness
Submitted By
Merrill A. Vaughan
Commander
American Legion Peterson-Cram Post 75
Pittsfield, NH 03263
The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced two new grants to
support Secretary Eric K. Shinseki’s goal of ending Veterans’
homelessness in 2015. Under these new programs, homeless providers
can apply for funding to enhance the facilities used to serve
homeless Veterans, and acquire vans to facilitate transportation of
this population.
“Those who have served this Nation as Veterans should never find
themselves on the streets, living without care and without hope,”
said Secretary Shinseki. “Homeless prevention grants provide
community partners with the opportunity to help prevent and end
homelessness on the local level. This is a crucial tool to get
at-risk Veterans and their families on the road to stable, secure
lives.”
Approximately $22 million in rehabilitation funds will be available
to current operational Grant and Per Diem grantees as part of the
effort to increase the useful life of the facilities previously
funded under the program. VA expects current Grant and Per Diem
grantees will apply for funding to rehabilitate their current
project location and enhance the safety, security and privacy issues
associated with the homeless Veteran populations they serve. A
maximum of $250,000 is available per award and the award will not be
more than 65 percent of the estimated total cost of the
rehabilitation activity. VA has established funding priorities to
support its oldest capitally funded projects.
In addition, approximately $2 million in funds will be available for
current operational Grant and Per Diem grantees to assist in the
acquisition of vans in order to facilitate transportation of Veteran
participants to medical appointments, employment opportunities in
the community, and facilitate grantees’ outreach activities. The
maximum award for a van will be $35,000. The amount of the award
will not exceed 65 percent of the total cost of the van.
Applications for both awards are due to the Grant and Per Diem
office by no later than 4 p.m. Eastern time on June 28, 2013.
This funding is available under VA’s Homeless Providers Grant and
Per Diem Program for current operational Grant and Per Diem
grantees. The Grant and Per Diem Program provides community-based
organizations with funding to develop and operate transitional
housing and supportive services for homeless Veterans. The Grant and
Per Diem Program has over 15,000 operational transitional housing
beds nationwide.
The 2012 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress,
prepared by The Department of Housing and Urban Development,
estimated there were 62,619 homeless Veterans on a single night in
January 2012 in the United States, a 7.2 percent decline since 2011
and a 17.2 percent decline since 2009. The AHAR reports on the
extent and nature of homelessness in America. Included in the report
is the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count, which measures the number
of homeless persons in the U.S. on a single night in January 2012,
including the number of homeless Veterans.
Additional information is available at
http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/GPD.asp
or contact the Grant and Per Diem National Program Office at
877-332-0334.
The 2013 Boys Middle School Suncook Valley Tournament was held in
Barnstead this past weekend. Pittsfield out scored Barnstead in the
semi-finals 10-6 then defeated Gilmanton in the Championship 12-2.
This was Pittsfield’s second consecutive undefeated season. Pictured
above: Eli Johnson, Connor Manteau, Kyle Stockman, Josh Whittier,
Nick Fletcher, Casey Clark, Noah McGlashing, Cam Darrah, Tyler
Darrah, Mike Duquette, Xenthios Cyr, and Westin Lemay.
Loudon Art Festival
Bring the whole family to celebrate art in many forms at the
Maxfield Public Library’s Art Festival on June 8, from 9 a.m. to 4
p.m. Fine art, including a variety of colorful miniature paintings,
will be on display in the Everson meeting room. Artisan booths
outside will feature handmade soaps, pottery, textiles, jewelry, and
more.
Throughout the day, artists from the Loudon Village Arts group will
offer demonstrations of their painting techniques in oil, pastel,
acrylic, and watercolor. Children can express their creativity
making a ribbon bracelet, adding to the Summer Reading Program mural
of Dig into Reading!, and trying out other craft projects.
Luscious strawberry shortcake will make the day even sweeter.
Whether for brunch or after lunch, don’t miss it!
The library is located at 8 Route 129. If the parking lot is full,
the Fire Chief has given permission for additional parking on
Recreation Drive, adjacent to Village Road. For more information,
please call 798-5153.
School Lunch Menus
June 3 - June 7, 2013
PES
Monday
Loaf & Ladle
Grilled cheese, roasted sweet potatoes, tomato soup, pineapple
Tuesday
Tijuana Tuesday
Nachos with the fixin’s, refried beans, seasoned rice, peaches
Wednesday
Lunchtime Classic
American chop suey, garlic bread, garden salad, fresh fruit
Thursday
End of Year BBQ
Cheeseburger with the fixin’s, potato salad, watermelon
Friday
Fresh Picks Pizza
Cheese pizza or chef’s topping, green leaf salad, raisins
PMHS
Monday
Loaf & Ladle
Grilled cheese varieties, roasted sweet potatoes, tomato soup,
pineapple
Tuesday
Tijuana Tuesday
Soft tacos with the fixin’s, refried beans, seasoned rice, peaches
Wednesday
Lunchtime Classic
American chop suey, dinner roll, garden salad, fresh fruit
Thursday
Light & Healthy
Turkey, tomato and bacon melt, green leaf salad, fresh fruit
Friday
Field Day BBQ
Cheeseburger or hot dog with the fixin’s, potato salad, watermelon
Pittsfield Area Senior Center June News
We’ll begin to enjoy the summer season with two special trips. On
June 7, 2013 people can sign up to travel to the Squam Lakes Natural
Science Center. Join a fun tour of the scenic Science Center, which
features native NH animals. There is a $12.00 admission fee, and if
you plan to car pool the cost is $7.00 to contribute to the driver’s
expenses. Car pools will depart at 8:30 am, the rain date is June
21, 2013.
On June 12, 2013 we will travel to the Belmont Senior Center, 14
Mill Street, Belmont, NH to enjoy an 11:00 am Spring Concert by the
Taylor Community Chorus. The talented chorus members are all senior
citizens living at the Taylor Community. Following the concert we
will enjoy a delicious lunch including soup and salad, turkey and
seasonal fruit. For both trips call, or visit, the Senior Center
(435-8482) to sign up and learn details.
The Cribbage Club continues to meet Wednesday mornings at 9:30 am,
the games and conversation are lively and pleasurable. Join
anytime!
The luncheon on June 26th will include hamburgers with all the
fixings; including homemade ketchup and mustard. To taste test out
the recipes, come and enjoy the luncheon, and if you would like to
help with cooking the condiments, join us at 10:00 am on June 19th.
See you soon at the Senior Center!
VA And Veterans Service Organizations Announce Claims
Initiative To Reduce Claims Backlog
Submitted By
Merrill A. Vaughan
Commander
American Legion Peterson-Cram Post 75
Pittsfield, NH 03263
Joint Effort Aimed at Promoting Use of Fully Developed Claims
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and
The American Legion announced a new partnership to
help reduce the compensation claims backlog for
Veterans. The effort—the Fully Developed Claims
(FDC) Community of Practice—is a key part of VA’s
overall transformation plan to end the backlog in
2015 and process claims within 125 days at 98%
accuracy. VA can process FDCs in half the time it
takes for a traditionally filed claim.
“VA prides itself on our ongoing partnership with organizations that
represent Veterans throughout the claims process,” said
Undersecretary for Benefits Allison A. Hickey. “A Fully Developed
Claim is the most effective way to ensure a Veteran’s claim never
reaches the backlog—and is the basis for this new initiative between
VA and what we expect will be an ever-increasing number of Veterans
Service Organizations (VSOs) and others who represent Veterans at
various points of the claims process. ”
“This new initiative takes a common-sense approach to working
smarter to better serve our injured and ill Veterans,” said DAV
Washington Headquarters Executive Director Barry Jesinoski “DAV is
pleased to be working with the VA to help improve the disability
compensation system.”
“We have been working with VA since last December on its fully
developed claims process,” said James E. Koutz, national commander
of The American Legion. “Teams of our experts have already gone to
VA regional offices in Denver, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and other
cities to help identify best practices for FDCs, and to further
train our own service officers.” Koutz said the Legion’s next visit
in support of the FDC program is planned for June at the VA regional
office in Reno, Nevada
Claims are considered to be “fully developed” when Veterans submit
all available supporting evidence, like private treatment records
and notice of federal treatment records, to VA at the time they
first file a formal claim and certify they have no more evidence to
submit. This is the information that VA needs to make a
determination on a disability claim. The FDC program supports the
sharing of best practices across Veterans Service Organizations, who
help thousands of Veterans each year with their compensation claims,
to identify up front all evidence necessary to support a Veteran’s
claim. Veterans then certify that they have no additional evidence
to submit, and VA can process the claim in half the time it takes
for a traditionally filed claim.
VSOs have long played an integral role in submitting Veterans claims
- often with representatives working within VA regional offices. VA
has consulted with them throughout the development and
implementation of VA’s plan to end the backlog in 2015 to ensure
best practices and their unique insights were incorporated. The
American Legion and DAV are the first to step forward to work with
VA on the FDC program, and that program has led to a much more
efficient process. Meaningful progress will be felt by increasing
numbers of Veterans as more VSOs participate with VA in the FDC
program. This initiative is just the latest example of the
collaboration between VA and VSOs. In July, VA held a workshop to
obtain the views of VSO representatives and to provide them with
information on the effort to eliminate the claims backlog. The main
focus of the workshop was VA’s emphasis on the shared goal of better
serving Veterans and positive impact of filing Fully Developed
Claims. These workshops will be replicated in VBA regional offices
across the country.
“VA will continue to work with our VSO partners to provide the
world-class health care and benefits that Veterans have earned
through their service,” said Undersecretary Hickey.
This is the latest effort in support of the Secretary’s plan to
reduce the backlog. Last month, VA announced an initiative to
expedite compensation claims decisions for Veterans who have waited
one year or longer. On April 19, VA began prioritizing
claims decisions for Veterans who have been waiting the longest, by
providing provisional decisions that allow eligible Veterans to
begin collecting compensation benefits quickly. With a provisional
decision, a Veteran has a year to submit additional information to
support a claim before the decision becomes final.
On May 15, VA announced that it is mandating overtime for claims
processors in its 56 regional benefits offices through the end of
fiscal year 2013 to help eliminate the backlog, with continued
emphasis on high-priority claims for homeless Veterans and those
claiming financial hardship, the terminally ill, former Prisoners of
War, Medal of Honor recipients, and Veterans filing Fully Developed
Claims. As of May 17, the paperless claims processing system known
as the Veterans Benefits Management System, or VBMS, has been
deployed to 46 out of 56 regional office locations, and about 18% of
VA’s current claim inventory is in an electronic format.
Claims for Wounded Warriors separating from the military for medical
reasons will continue to be handled separately and on a priority
basis with the Department of Defense through the Integrated
Disability Evaluation System (IDES). On average, Wounded Warriors
separating through IDES currently receive VA compensation benefits
in 2 months following their separation from service.
Veterans can learn more about disability benefits on
the joint Department of Defense-VA web portal eBenefits at
http://www.ebenefits.va.gov
and find information about filing Fully Developed Claims here:
www.benefits.va.gov/transformation/fastclaims/.
Servicemembers returning from active duty in combat theatres are
eligible for five years of VA medical care – regardless of the
status of any disability claim submitted. Medical care is not
withheld while disability claims are under review. For more
information on enrolling in VA health benefits, please visit
http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/.
VA, DoD And HHS Partner To Expand Access To Mental Health Services For Veterans, Service Members And
Families
Inter-Agency Effort To Increase Access To Mental Health Services
Responds To Executive Order
Submitted By
Merrill A. Vaughan
Commander
American Legion Peterson-Cram Post 75
Pittsfield, NH 03263
Today, the Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA), Defense (DoD) and
Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the progress made to date
on initiatives called for in President Obama’s August 31, 2012,
Executive Order to Improve Access to Mental Health Services for
Veterans, Service Members, and their families.
“We have made strong progress to expand Veterans’ access to quality
mental health services, and President Obama has challenged us to do
even more,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.
“Our ongoing, joint efforts reflect our commitment to the health and
well-being of the men and women who have served the Nation.”
“One of the great challenges we face as a nation is how to provide
quality, accessible, long term, mental health care for service
members, veterans and their families. Using the combined resources
and expertise from across the government we are advancing services
for those who have sacrificed so much for our nation,” said
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.
President Obama’s Executive Order directed VA, DoD, and HHS, in
coordination with other federal agencies, to take a number of steps
to ensure that Veterans, Service Members, and their families receive
the mental health services and support they need.
“There’s no more important work than taking care of those who
protect our nation,” said Health and Human Services Secretary
Kathleen Sebelius. “By working together, we can make sure our
service men and women, our veterans, and their families have the
behavioral health services they need to build healthy and fulfilling
lives.”
Today, the Departments released an interim report, found here,
outlining progress on this initiative, including:
• Increasing the capacity of the Veterans Crisis Line by 50 percent
to help ensure that Veterans in crisis can readily reach help.
• Establishing 15 pilot projects in seven states where VA is working
with community-based mental health providers to help Veterans access
mental health services in a timely way.
• Increasing VA mental health services capacity through VA hiring of
nearly 1,400 mental health providers and 248 new peer specialists.
• Implementing a national suicide prevention campaign to connect
Veterans and Service Members to mental health services.
The Departments are actively working on additional deliverables
called for in the Executive Order, including the development of a
National Research Action Plan.
Federal Department actions to date include:
Suicide Prevention: VA and DoD jointly developed and are
implementing a national suicide prevention campaign to connect
Veterans and Service Members to mental health services. This
year-long effort began Sep. 1, 2012. The program continues to save
lives and link Veterans with effective ongoing mental health
services on a daily basis. As of March 2013, the Veterans Crisis
Line (1-800-273-8255, press 1) has received over 814,000 calls, over
94,000 chats, as well as over 7,200 texts, and has helped more than
28,000 Veterans in imminent danger. VA has also completed the
hiring and training of additional staff to increase the capacity of
the Veterans Crisis Line that were called for in the Executive
Order. In addition, the DoD has initiated a thorough review of its
mental health and substance abuse prevention, education and outreach
programs informed by the expertise of the Department of Health and
Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration.
Enhanced Partnerships Between the VA and Community Providers: VA
worked with HHS to help identify potential local community resources
to improve Veterans access to mental health services. VA has
enhanced access to mental health care by establishing 15 VA pilot
agreements with clinics in local communities to improve access to
mental health service.
Expanded VA Mental Health Staffing: As of May 7, 2013, VA has hired
a total of 1,360 mental health clinical providers towards the goal
of 1,600 new mental health professionals outlined in the Executive
Order. Additionally, VA has hired 2,036 mental health clinical
providers to fill existing vacancies. VA has also hired nearly 250
new peer specialists in support of the specific goal of 800 peer
specialists outlined in the Executive Order. The interim report
indicated that as of Jan. 29, 2013, VA had hired 1,058 mental health
clinical providers in support of the specific goal of 1,600 mental
health professionals, and over 100 peer specialists in support of
the specific goal of 800 peer specialists.
Improved Research and Development: The development of a National
Research Action Plan to better understand and develop treatments for
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI),
and co-occurring conditions; and identify strategies to support
collaborative research efforts to address suicide prevention is
underway. VA, DoD and HHS and the Department of Education have
collaborated and submitted the plan on time. DoD and VA are
investing more than $100 million in new research to improve
diagnosis and treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) and
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). They have launched two
initiatives to establish joint DoD/VA research consortia with
academia and industry partnerships to study the chronic effects of
mild TBI and PTSD.
Working together, the Departments will continue to expand the public
health approach to providing optimal support for the mental health
needs of Veterans, Service Members and their families. They also
will continue to provide updates on their work as it progresses.
Concert Celebrates America
With toe-tapping Sousa marches, a salute to our Armed Forces and
many other national favorites, all ages will certainly enjoy
“Celebrate America,” a patriotic concert, Friday, May 31, 7 p.m. at
the First Congregational Church, 24 Main Street, Pittsfield.
It will feature the church’s Chancel Choir and JuBellation Handbell
Choir and UNH’s own Inextinguishable Brass Quintet. You will even
have a chance to join in on a few special songs. Light refreshments
will be served during intermission.
Join us for this delightful event – an evening of magnificent music
honoring our wonderful country. Parking and wheelchair accessibility
at rear entrance. More information at: pittsfieldcc.com or 435-7471.
God Bless America!
Bodacious Babes To Perform At Scenic Theatre
Get set for an evening of unique, robust, fun entertainment when The
Pittsfield Players present the “Bodacious Babes” on Saturday, June 1
at 7:30 pm at the Scenic Theatre, 6 Depot Street, Pittsfield, NH.
Tickets, which are $10 per person, will be available at the door on
the night of the performance on a first come, first serve basis. The
box office will open at 7 pm on the night of the show so be sure to
get there early for the best seats.
The show will be opened by local singer Amanda Letendre from
Pembroke, who tried out for American Idol and who has competed in
many local voice competitions, as well as a competition in Pigeon
Forge, Tennessee this past March. She will entertain you for the
first half-hour and then we’ll bring on The Babes!
Both Babe Kat and Babe Peg are blessed with larger than life
personalities and booming voices, and they’re guaranteed to put a
smile on your face as they sing their way through the decades. “The
Bodacious Babes” have been performing all over New England for 10
years, and they are known for their bawdy humor, booming voices and
sparkling personalities. (okay, and a few strategically placed
feather boas as well…) These ladies don’t hang back when
entertaining their audiences. There will be Do-Wop numbers from the
50s, songs from the 40s, Broadway gems and some fabulous impressions
of Patsy Cline, Reba, Tammy and Dolly all thrown in for a night of
great fun.
Babe Peg Johnson has already delighted Players’ audiences when she
appeared as Dame Sybil in last fall’s “I Remember Mama,” and more
recently when she played the role of Julia in “Lend Me A Tenor.” Peg
is a four time winner of the NHCMA Traditional Country Entertainer
of the Year and winner of the Traditional Female Gospel Entertainer
of the Year.
Babe Kat Murphy has been named the NHCMA Traditional Gospel Vocalist
of the Year and Traditional Gospel Entertainer of the Year. She is
also an NACMAI National Gospel Entertainer of the year. These two
ladies have great vocal credentials and will sing their hearts out
for you. This will be a great show, so make your plans now and don’t
miss it.
Ladies Blossom Tea First Congregational Church Of Pittsfield
Submitted By Nancy Fogg
On Thursday afternoon, May 16, 2013, the Dorcas Guild hosted a
delightful tea, which was enjoyed by the ladies of The First
Congregational Church. The vestry was transformed into an inviting
setting for a traditional tea with white linen table cloths,
bouquets of flowers, and unique tea centerpieces. An antique teapot
with two spouts was a focus of attention. Beautiful china teacups
and pastel colored napkins added to the ambience. Photographs of
attendee’s mothers stimulated conversation and stories.
All were welcomed by Nancy Fogg, President, who offered a prayer and
quote by Thomas Hughes valuing friendship for devotion. A moment of
silence was held in memory of Elsie Morse and Cindy Cyr, our Dorcas
friends. All savored the delicious refreshments, an assortment of
teas and raspberry punch. Refreshments included a three tier of
fruit, almond puffs, “teapot” sugar cookies, and an assortment of
bars all served on colorful depression glass plates, which added to
the festive atmosphere. A variety of teas were served in colorful
teapots with a peach flavored tea receiving rave reviews. Thursday
afternoon was a wonderful time of friendship and fellowship.
Kudos to all the members of the Dorcas Guild for supporting this
special event in a variety of ways. China teapots, tea
cups, baked goods, specialty teas, cheese and crackers, time and
ideas were all generously volunteered.
A special thank you is extended to the tea committee composed of
Mary Jo Powelson, Peggy Jacobs, and Nancy Fogg. Stan Bailey
graciously volunteered his time to transport attendees in the church
bus. The Ladies Blossom Tea was a memorable event because of the
interest and contributions of many.
The Dorcas Guild welcomes all. There are a variety of ways to
support our activities, occasionally or regularly, and to enjoy the
fellowship of others.
Obituaries
Robert O. Moulton
Robert O. Moulton 86, of Catamount St. died May 21st at the Concord
Hospital following a brief illness. He was born in Pittsfield, the
son of Edward P. and Addie F. (Cram) Moulton and resided in the
family home all his life.
He was predeceased by brothers and sisters, Elwyn, Rita, Harold,
Kenneth and Norma. He is survived by two nieces, a nephew, grand and
great grand nieces, nephews and cousins.
He attended Pittsfield Public Schools and graduated from the Old
Pittsfield Academy in 1944. He entered the US Army serving with the
Third Army in Europe. Following the war, he graduated from Plymouth
State College in 1950, with degrees in Social Studies and English.
As an educator he taught at Alton High School and then Goffstown
High School. From 1958 to 1981 he was principal at Goffstown High
School and later Kennett High School, during which time he earned
his Masters Degree at Boston University in 1962. Following his
retirement in 1981, he joined the NH Community Technical College in
Laconia as the Admissions/Student Services Officer later becoming
the Dean of Student Affairs and Dean of Academic Affairs.
As a school administrator, he served a number of professional
organizations. These included: President of the Central NH and Lakes
Region Principals Associations, Coordinator of the NH Association of
School Principals, member of the Commission on Accreditation of NE
Association of Schools and Colleges, and a member of the National
Association of School Principals. After his retirement from
education, in 1989, he embarked upon what was to be a long journey
of public service for the Town of Pittsfield.
He was a member of the Planning Board, Trustees of Sanderson Trust,
co-founder, and past President of the Historical Society, the
Pittsfield Cemetery Association and the Berry Cemetery Association.
A Multiple-term Commander and Adjutant of the Peterson-Cram American
Legion Post #75. He was an active supporter of the Park St. Baptist
Church and later the First Congregational Church. He was a dedicated
Town Historian and “professional” Memorial day flag placer.
He has received many honors including Citizen of The Year in 1996.
He was a past member and a Paul Harris Fellow of the Pittsfield
Rotary Club and the 2013 Member of the Year of the American Legion
Post. He was an avid sports enthusiast. He loved skiing and was a
baseball coach. Researching and writing were his favorite pastimes.
A series of articles he wrote on Pittsfield’s notable people
appeared in the Suncook Valley Sun and initiated the idea of
Pittsfield’s Hall of Fame.
As per Bob’s request, Services and Interment will be private.
Donations in his memory may be made to Peterson-Cram American Legion
Post #75, PO Box 11, Pittsfield, NH 03263 or to the Pittsfield
Historical Society, PO Box 173, Pittsfield, NH 03263.
Perkins & Pollard Memorial Home is assisting with arrangements. To
sign an online guest book, log on to
perkinsandpollard.com.
John J. Pirttiaho
John J. Pirttiaho, 49, died Thursday, May 16, 2013, in the comfort
of his home.
He was born November 27, 1963, in Boston, the son of Olavi and Doris
Pirttiaho.
John married his high school sweetheart, Laura (Coronity) Pirttiaho
and settled in Contoocook. They celebrated 27 years of marriage last
June.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Laura Pirttiaho: his daughter,
Lisa Pirttiaho and her husband David Konick of Pittsfield; his son,
Sean Pirttiaho of Concord; daughter in spirit, Cathy Casagrande of
Newmarket; brothers, Mark and Lee Pirttiaho of South Boston; along
with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A service of remembrance will be held Wednesday, May 29, at 2 p.m.
at Faith Baptist Church, 53 Mammoth Road, Manchester.
In lieu of flowers donations should be sent to TD BANK to the
account, Memorial for John Pirttiaho. Donations will assist in
expenses; remaining donations will be donated to the dialysis center
he attended in Concord.
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