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Pittsfield NH News

December 24, 2008


 

Pittsfield Area Senior Center
 

Wed. Dec., 24
10:00 a.m. - Cribbage
No Trip Today


Thurs., Dec. 25
Happy Holiday
Closed


Fri., Dec. 26
OPEN
11:00 a.m. - Yoga


Mon. Dec., 29
10:00 a.m. - Bingo


Tues. Dec. 30
10:00 a.m. - Crafts Jewelry
10:00 a.m. - Easy Bridge Lessons!
 

Smoking Cessation:
Our smoking cessation program that Breath NH provided has been a wonderful success.  This was a pilot program for seniors.   Seniors are the most difficult of all age groups to consider quitting. We are honored to announce that two of our participants have quit.


The group continues to meet for support and to continue the friendships grown from this program the 1st Thursday of each month.


Would you like to be a participant with our second program? Call 435-8482 and speak with Elaine to learn the dates and times of our next program. The next goal is to take the Breath NH Smoking Cessation Program on the road to other Senior Centers.  Watch for details.

 


 

“Time For A Change” Luncheon


You and your friends are invited to “Time For A Change” Luncheon on Thursday, January 8, 2008, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Cat ‘N Fiddle Restaurant, 118 Manchester Street, Concord. $12.00 Inclusive. 228-8911.


“Time Out” - Michelle Carignan, Kaleidoscope Children’s Museum.


“Just In Time” - Juanita Oftedahl - “Loves projects but can’t seem to finish anything.” “Realizes she herself is a project in progress....that’s OK!


Reservations by January 6. Cancellations are Necessary.


Please call Maddy, 485-4303 or Barbara, 798-5976.


Sponsored by Concord Women’s Connection And Stonecroft Ministries (non-profit) www.Stonecroft.org

 


 

Greater Pittsfield Chamber Of Commerce


The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce held their second 2008 Business After Hours. The event was sponsored by the Pittsfield Police Department. They provided an outstanding event for all Chamber Members to meet and interact with one another.


Refreshments and snacks were put out for everyone to enjoy courtesy of The Pittsfield Police Department staff. Several tours of the Police Department were given along with a detailed explanation of operations within each section.


A door prize was offered to all who participated. The winner was Deb J. who won a beautiful holiday gift basket.


Everyone enjoyed their time during The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. The turn out for this event was around 20 to 25 members. Each member was able to interact with one another and had the opportunity to learn about the individual businesses and the services they offer.


A special Thank You to the Pittsfield Police Department for offering the space for such a wonderful event. Thanks for the tour and the understanding of what goes on within the police station!

 


 

Letter


To The Residents of Pittsfield and All Surrounding Towns,
As owner of Fred’s Taxi, this letter is to show my deepest appreciation to my loyal friends and customers for their support during my recent illness. Although it appeared at the time that I would not be returning to run my business, God was on my side and I am back to continue serving you with the same safe and dependable service that I have been providing the community for a number of years.


During my absence, DJ’s Taxi was started and they serviced many of my customers while I was unable to do so. The owner has closed that business effective immediately and he will be driving for me part time to help me out, as I can no longer work the long days that I was in the past.


Once, thank you very kindly for all the cards, letters, and phone calls, and your prayers that I received from all of you during my illness. It goes to show what a great little community we all live in. God Bless you all!

 

Sincerely,
Fred Judd, Owner
Fred’s Taxi

 


 

Secretary Peake Announces Travel Reimbursement Increases for Eligible Veterans


The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that eligible veterans will see an increase in the mileage reimbursement they receive for travel to VA facilities for medical care.


Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake announced today that he will use his authority to raise the mileage reimbursement from the 28.5 cents per mile to 41.5 cents per mile for all eligible veterans.


“We owe it to our veterans to give them the best care possible,” said Peake. “The increase will once again provide assistance to our veterans, especially in these difficult economic times, to help offset gasoline costs and to assist veterans with access to the VA’s world-class health system.”


Congress, which mandates such increases, recently provided funding to VA to increase the reimbursement rate, which goes into effect on November 17, 2008. Service connected veterans, veterans receiving VA pensions, and veterans with low incomes are eligible for the reimbursement.


“As I have traveled the country and spoken with many of our veterans, they have expressed the need for such an increase,” added Peake. “We are pleased to be able to provide them with the increase needed and we will continue to work with our veterans to ensure they receive the quality care they need.”
 

While increasing the payment, the current deductible amounts applied to certain mileage reimbursements will remain frozen at $7.77 for a one way trip, $15.54 for a round trip, and capped at a maximum of $46.62 per calendar month.  On January 9, 2009, these deductibles will decrease to $3 for a one way trip, $6 for a round trip, with a maximum of $18 per calendar month.  Deductibles can be waived  if they cause a financial hardship to the veteran.

 


 

Beware of Disaster Scammers


As New England works to recover from the powerful ice storm that left millions without power, neighbors are coming together to help each other and all levels of government along with the private sector are working together to restore a sense of normalcy. Unfortunately there is also a small group out there seeking to take advantage of those affected by the storm.


There have been reports of scammers posing as officials from utilities or as government officials. These scammers ask for a payment in order to get power restored or speed along the delivery of assistance. Legitimate officials will never request such payments.


There are several steps that individuals can take to avoid being victimized by such scam artists:


• Request identification from anyone who visits your home. Actual officials will be able to provide their name and identification.


• Do not provide credit card or banking information to anyone who comes to your home unannounced.


• If you have a concern about a person claiming to be a contractor, contact your state Attorney General’s office.


If state or federal disaster assistance is made available to individuals in the areas affected by the ice storm, that announcement will be heavily publicized by state and local officials and the news media. There will also be full explanation of the process to apply for assistance and what types of aid will be available.


FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

 


 

South Pittsfield Community Center


Submitted By Mary Cote

The South Pittsfield Community Club Ham and Bean Suppers are

very popular with the locals as these full tables suggest.

 

This year diners enjoyed music with their ham and beans.

 


It’s hard to believe another year has past and what a wonderful year it has been for us at the SPCC. We would like to share with everyone our end of year recap of events. We had terrific Ham & Bean suppers, many successful Rotary suppers and the Fall Turkey supper had an amazing turnout! We were greatly blessed this year with the help of Dan Ward and his crew for the repairs and painting on the schoolhouse. We would like to thank John Ward, Maxfield’s Hardware, Barton Lumber, Donna & Steve Keeley and Jack’s Pizza for their help and generosity for this project. We couldn’t have done it without you.


Live entertainment was also provided during some of the suppers. Everyone was able to enjoy wonderful music and singing by George Bogosian and White’s Farm String Band. It was a wonderful addition to the hometown atmosphere and some even sang along!


A couple of our other events included catering Ruth Kimball’s 90th Birthday party, providing cookies for the Christmas Tree Lighting and many generous donations to Old Home Day, 4H, Food Pantry, Breast Cancer Walk, Children’s Store and Secret Santa.
One of our last events was the annual eatout/meeting at Johnson’s Restaurant, many members attended and enjoyed a wonderful meal. A brief meeting was held where discussion of the groups annual Yankee Swap/Meeting would take place at the home of Nancy Wheeler. That event took place on Dec 9; 16 members attended the last meeting of the year. It was a potluck supper and Yankee swap. The food was delicious and the swap was entertaining! The meeting consisted of old business and some new business, things to think about for next year. We all agreed to meet in April for our Spring meeting.


As you can see it was a busy year for us. We would like to thank everyone who helped us in any way they could; nobody goes unnoticed. As always, our thoughts and prayers are with Polly Barton and her family. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. Hope to see you in the Spring!

 


 

Pittsfield Fire and Rescue Service News November 2008


During the month of November, fifty-one calls for emergency assistance were received. Fire and EMS personnel responded to 32 medical emergencies, 1 appliance fire, 1 mutual aid structure fire, 5 motor vehicle accidents, 3 hazardous conditions, 3 service calls, 4 good intent calls, and 2 alarm activations. Two of the calls were simultaneous responses. Three mutual aid calls were given to other communities and two mutual aid calls were received from other communities.


Members participated in the following  in-house trainings: EMS training -  Pediatric Emergencies; CPR training; Engineers Dril l-  Cistern/Pump training; and Personally Owned Vehicle (POV) Operations. Several members attended an EMS Medical/Legal Issues class at Concord Hospital and others attended a PEETE Program at Concord Hospital.   Pittsfield jointly hosted a COMPACT mutual aid drill with Chichester, with Chief Johnson instructing.


Many meetings and events were held and attended during the month, including an EMS/Fire cross training committee meeting, the Central NH Forestry Warden annual meeting, and an Award Ceremony at the NH Fire Academy.  Members participated in the Veterans Day ceremony and also represented the community in Concord’s annual holiday parade.


Fourteen follow up inspections and  2 Life Safety inspections were conducted.  

 
Safety Tip: Alternate sources of home heating are a major contributing factor in residential fires.  Many of these fires can be prevented.  Make sure kerosene heaters are in good working condition. Never use fuel burning appliances without proper room venting. Use only the fuel recommended by the heater manufacturer.  Never introduce a fuel into a unit not designed for that type fuel and never fill the heater while it is operating or hot. If you have any safety questions related to home heating, please do not hesitate to call us 435-6807.

 


 

Dorcas Guild


Submitted By Joan Riel
The Dorcas Guild of the First Congregational Church in Pittsfield met the evening of December 9th for its annual Christmas meeting. President, Peggy Jacobs opened the meeting which began with devotions. Reny Boyd read “Give Me An Old Fashioned Christmas followed by all joining in the Lord’s Prayer.


The Secretary gave her report of the previous meeting and read a thank you from the Friendly Kitchen in Concord for the recent donation of warm clothing. The Treasurer gave her report of the Christmas Fairs as to the financial gains as well as the Guild’s financial standings to date.


Chairmen of the two fairs gave their reports and thanks to all who gave of their talents and time, helping them to be successful. The nominating committee presented a slate of officers and the following were elected: President, Peggy Jacobs; Vice President, Kathy Bergeron; Secretary, Joan Riel; Treasurer, Reny Boyd.


The Food Basket is with Evelyn Richard and will pass next to Elsie Morse. Peggy Jacobs took the apron and will move it on to the next name on the list. The Mystery Package, brought by Sue Case was won by Kathy Bergeron. The cookbooks were discussed. The original order of 100 was depleted in no time.


It was voted to order 100 more copies. Twenty cards of Holiday Greetings were signed to be sent to church members and friends of the Guild who are away or shut-in. The guestbook at the back of the sanctuary was discussed, regarding a follow up with people who sign it.


Nella Hobson would be happy to do it, unless Rev. Dave prefers to. Note papers with the church print on it were discussed and it was voted to place an order for 200.


A Mother’s Day, Quilt Tea was proposed and the discussion that followed was very favorable. More information will be forthcoming as time goes on.


At the close of the meeting a bountiful, delicious buffet lunch of great variety was served to the eighteen members attending by Reny Boyd, Corine Miller, and Nella Hobson. Next, a gift exchange was held and everyone received a dainty, gold ornament with a poem attached, from Reny’s “Charlie Brown Tree.”


The next meeting will be held in the church vestry on January 13th at 7 p.m. at 7 p.m. with Nancy Fogg and Elsie Morse serving as hostesses.

 


 

Letter


To The Citizens Of Pittsfield,
The Select Board is proud to announce Brian Eldredge as October’s employee of the month. Brian has worked for the public Works Department for almost three years as a heavy equipment operator. Brian strives hard to achieve an exceptionally high output of work in a short amount of time. This allows the department the ability to complete projects well ahead of schedule. Brian is dependable, prompt and punctual. When conditions are at their worse, you can be assured that Brian will work nonstop until the situation is under control. Brian is a self starter and is safety conscious. Brian promotes safety in the work place especially when it comes to using equipment. He never allows anyone to be in an unsafe position or to use equipment for something it is not designed to do. Brian is exceptionally keen and alert and is dedicated to keeping our roads safe to travel on during the winter months. Brian shows a great interest in the job and requires minimal supervision with all phases of work. Brian is maintenance conscious with the town’s equipment to ensure its durability and longevity. Brian is a true asset to the Public Works Department and we are fortunate to have him as an employee for our town.


Respectfully Submitted By
Denise Morin

 


 

Pittsfield Police Department Arrest Log
11/23/08-11/29/08


On November 30, 2008, Matthew Pineault, 25, of Swiggy Brook Road, Chichester, NH, was charged with 2 counts of Driving While Intoxicated, and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 1/9/09.


On November 30, 2008, Abraham Sanborn, 27, of Chestnut Street, Pittsfield, was charged with Driving After Revocation or Suspension, and Arrested on a Bench Warant. Sanborn was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 3/6/09.


On December 1, 2008, Matthew Antonucci, 18, of Hampshire Court, Ctr. Barnstead, NH, was arrested on a Bench Warrant, and given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 12/1/08.


On December 3, 2008, Sakari Ruutikainen, 45, of Eaton Road, Pittsfield, was charged with Possession of Controlled/Narcotic, and given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 1/15/09.


On December 4, 2008, Ryan Sherman, 26, of Johnson Road, Pittsfield, was charged with Simple Assault, two counts of Criminal Mischief and Default or Breach of Bail Conditions. Sherman was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 3/6/09.


Respectfully Submitted,
Chief Robert Wharem

 


 

Letter


Zoning in Pittsfield
This letter is in response to Dan Schroth’s recent letter to the editor in which he indicated it was a good idea to allow heavy equipment repair in any zone in town, including residential. I am an environmental engineer with 20 years of experience doing investigation and clean up work where groundwater (and residential drinking water wells) have been contaminated by industrial activities. These include industries related to automobiles (gasoline stations, repair facilities, storage facilities, etc), and other activities such as salvage yards. 


Most cities and towns across the nation have decided to keep industrial activities separate from residential and rural land uses.  Even industrial activities that properly operate have occasional problems such as unintentional spills that result in soil/groundwater contamination.  Hundreds of such cases exist in New Hampshire. Once land or water is contaminated, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services gets involved to identify the problem and conduct clean up to preserve our state’s water resources for their best use (drinking water and wildlife). Some problems take years to clean up and may never attain pre-contamination conditions.


The State’s involvement is a cost to all of us taxpayers. Taxpayers pay the salaries of the environmental scientists and engineers to oversee the investigation and environmental clean up. Also, the State manages a clean-up fund based on a gasoline tax that goes toward remediating groundwater and drinking water that has been contaminated by gasoline. So, we all pay something for accidents that happen as a result of industrial practices. 


It is a far better idea to keep the industrial activities separate from residential uses and as far away from surface water sources as possible. We have an opportunity to consider this in developing our zoning regulations, and to make appropriate decisions for all citizens. 


Susan Willoughby, P.E.

 


 

Meredith Village Savings Bank gives $85K to Lakes Region United Way

 

 

Meredith Village Savings Bank employees present a check for $85,466.20 to Lakes Region United Way President Jack Terrill (left center), representing the amount the bank contributed during its successful 2008 United Way fundraising drive.


For the second consecutive year, the team at Meredith Village Savings Bank has raised more than $85,000 for the Lakes Region United Way. Employees at the bank presented a check totaling $85,446.20 to LRUW President Jack Terrill on Friday, Dec. 12. This amount represents more than $42,000 contributed by approximately 90% of the bank’s 200-plus employees – plus a dollar-for-dollar match from the bank. 


To achieve this outstanding level of giving, MVSB staff gave an average of more than $233 each.


“We’re thrilled with Meredith Village Savings Bank’s outstanding efforts this year on behalf of the Lakes Region United Way,” said Terrill. “Year after year, we’ve been able to count on MVSB to come through for people throughout the Lakes Region who depend on the United Way. This year is no different. Despite a major downturn in the economy that has made things more difficult for everyone, the bank has followed through on another successful campaign.” 


MVSB President Bill Beyer thanked the bank’s United Way campaign coordinators Lori Groleau and Briana Stroud for their efforts on the fundraising drive. 


“Lori and Briana put together a terrific campaign this year and our employees responded with generosity and compassion,” noted Beyer. “In tough times, it’s more important than ever to support the United Way and its work to lift up our communities. I applaud the entire MVSB team for their commitment to this important effort.”


The Lakes Region United Way mobilizes and invests resources back into the Lakes Region community, with emphasis on education, income and health. For more information, please call 524-6864 or visit www.lruw.org.


Meredith Village Savings Bank is an independent mutual savings bank with 11 offices serving individuals, families, businesses, organizations and towns around Lake Winnipesaukee and the Plymouth area. MVSB has offices in Alton, Ashland, Gilford, Center Harbor, Laconia, Meredith, Moultonborough, Plymouth, and Wolfeboro. More information about the bank can be found at www.mvsb.com.

 


Obituaries


 

Vaughn V. Siel

 

Vaughn V. Siel, highly respected law enforcement officer, died at his home in Bow on December 16, 2008, surrounded by his loving family.


Vaughn was born in Sterling, Colorado, August 10, 1920, to Frank Edward and Eva (Long) Siel. He was raised primarily in Yuma, Colorado, and graduated from Yuma High School in 1939.


He joined the Navy in October, 1939 and was on the USS California when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Later, he was on an underwater demolition team in the South Pacific and was in cold-water training at Oceanside, California preparing for the invasion of Japan when President Truman ended the war.


Following his discharge, Vaughn was a policeman in his home town and earned his private pilot’s license. In 1948, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, later the USAF, where he pursued a career in air police operations and investigations. It was in a Combat Intelligence Office at Sheppard AFB in 1948 that he met and married Mary Lee Daniels, now his wife of almost 60 years. He later served a tour with Far East Air Force in Tokyo and a three-year recruiting assignment in Dallas, Texas, where he was Recruiter of the Year in 1959.


His last duty station was Hanscom AFB in Massachusetts where he and his family fell in love with NH and bought a farm in Pittsfield. After retirement from the Air Force, Vaughn became Pittsfield’s first full-time police chief in 1964 where he served until 1978.


He then became Director of Security at NH Technical Institute until he retired in 1989. He enjoyed excellent rapport with the State Police, Merrimack County Sheriff’s Department and other local officers.


Vaughn’s comment regarding his work was “I never had a job I didn’t like.”


He was an optimist. Though he had numerous medical challenges during the last six years of his life, he trusted God and was always thankful for the blessings of excellent care. His delight was his family, especially his grandchildren. He and Mary Lee enjoyed Scrabble and duplicate bridge. They worshipped at Trinity Baptist Church whenever possible and were uplifted by the sermons broadcast each Sunday.


Vaughn was predeceased by his parents, his son Barney Von in 1983, his granddaughter Brooke E. Blanchard and his beloved parents-in-law Lonnie and Eula Daniels.


Vaughn leaves his beloved wife, Mary Lee; a son, Lon Siel and his wife Patti; two daughters, Georgia Lee Millot and her husband Marc Dean, and Sally Lee Blanchard and her husband Steve; three granddaughters, Allison Ginwala, Lauren Lossani and Emily Siel; and two grandsons, John and Andrew Blanchard.


A Memorial Service was held at Trinity Baptist Church on Friday, December 19, 2008.
Interment, with military honors, was at Soucook Cemetery in Concord with a reception which followed at the Church.


The family requests that any memorial donations be made to Trinity Christian School, 80 Clinton Street, Concord, NH 03301.

 


 
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