Have you been considering becoming a Realtor? We are looking for a
few good agents!! EXIT Reward Realty and EXIT Realty Great
Beginnings will be hosting a real estate pre-licensing class!
November 4, 5, 6 and 11, 12, and 13. You will complete the course in
2 weekends! Hours are 1pm to 5pm Friday and 8am to 5pm Saturday and
Sunday. Classes will be held in Concord. Please email Sandy Kelley
to register, [email protected] or call
435-7800 ext. 201.
The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce and The Barnstead Area
WOMEN IN BUSINESS Group are sponsoring a Meet and Greet on October
17th from 6:30 to 8:00p.m. This event is an opportunity for local
businesses and community organizations to introduce themselves to
others in the area or enhance current relationships during this
casual, conversation based meeting. All local area businesses,
community organizations and other interested parties are invited.
This FREE event will be at and hosted by Main Street Grill and Bar,
32 Main Street, Pittsfield NH. To RSVP please contact Lori Mahar at
269-2329 ([email protected]), Louie
Houle at 848-1553 ([email protected])
or visit The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce Event page on
Facebook.
The Scenic Theatre gets a new exterior
lobby and sidewalk as part of the installation of the sprinkler
system as LaFlamme Concrete Stamping creates a cobblestone cement
mosaic. Inside, Carter Sprinkler Systems is putting the finishing
touches on the new sprinkler system. Join The Pittsfield Players at
the Scenic Theatre in November for their fall production of Rodgers
and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! and see what’s new inside!
VA Selects
USDA As Its Federal Shared Service Provider
Submitted Via Merrill
Vaughan
WASHINGTON – The
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has selected the Department of
Agriculture (USDA) as its federal shared service provider to deliver
a modern financial management solution that will replace the
existing system and improve financial transparency and processing
across the Department.
“The Department followed a rigorous
process in selecting USDA,” said Interim Assistant Secretary for
Management and Interim Chief Financial Officer Edward J. Murray.
“Demonstrating a truly integrated decision-making process, subject
matter experts across VA participated in intense week-long workshops
and provided feedback to ensure we selected the right partner for
transformation success.” In making this selection, VA also leveraged
best practices and lessons learned from Office of Management and
Budget (OMB), the Government Accountability Office (GAO), Department
of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD), and others.
Partnering with USDA allows VA to utilize
an established and proven IT solution to better serve its financial
management needs. This partnership demonstrates VA’s commitment to
work with other agency partners to reduce duplication and redundancy
across the government, while also improving both the quality and
agility of administrative services.
“As a top FY17 VA priority, this effort
will increase the transparency, accuracy, timeliness and reliability
of VA’s financial information,” said Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson.
“It’s critical that VA continues to implement solutions that result
in improved care and services to our Veterans with fiscal
accountability to American taxpayers.”
October Is National Audiology Awareness Month
More Than 30 Million Veterans Experience Hearing Loss
Submitted Via Merrill Vaughan
WASHINGTON – Hearing loss, including tinnitus,
which is a ringing, buzzing or other type of noise that originates
in the head, is the most prevalent service-connected disability
among Veterans, with more than 30 million Veterans suffering from a
form of it due to frequent exposure to loud noises from weaponry and
aircraft. Because of the pervasiveness of hearing loss among
Veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is recognizing
October as Audiology Awareness Month by highlighting important VA
research on the subject and advances made in treating Veterans with
hearing loss.
“VA researchers have a rich history of
contributions to audiology,” said VA Under Secretary for Health Dr.
David J. Shulkin. “From working with the National Institutes of
Health to develop and evaluate hearing aids to a comprehensive
protocol for managing tinnitus at VA and other audiology clinics
nationwide, VA is proud to be a leader in this field.”
VA researchers conduct a wide range of
studies in audiology—from biomedical investigations to large
clinical trials and epidemiologic database studies. Much of the work
takes place at VA’s National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory
Research in Portland, Oregon, one of the world’s leading facilities
for research in the field. Studies include older Veterans whose
hearing problems have been compounded by aging and younger Veterans
who may have suffered hearing loss as a result of blasts in Iraq or
Afghanistan.
Recent VA research includes the following:
In 2013, researchers at the VA Puget Sound
Health Care System published the results of a study comparing group
and individual visits for hearing aid fittings and follow up. The
team found no differences in how well the hearing aids performed, or
how often they were worn. They concluded that group visits could
reduce costs while providing community support for patients.
In 2014, VA researchers in Loma Linda,
California, linked exposure to jet propulsion fuel with auditory
processing problems—changes that occur inside the brain rather than
the ear.
A 2015 VA study yielded promising results
on transcranial magnetic stimulation as a tinnitus treatment. The
therapy involves holding a magnetic coil to the head. The team now
hopes to conduct a larger trial.
A 2016 study of nearly 200 Veterans with
tinnitus explored the impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD) on how Veterans manage the hearing condition, and offered
guidance for clinicians.
Below are a few examples of ongoing
studies:
VA researchers in Pittsburgh, Sioux Falls,
Omaha, and Portland are collecting data from nearly 470 Veterans to
learn more about auditory complaints in those who have been exposed
to blasts. The team will focus on the interplay among hearing
problems, traumatic brain injury, and PTSD.
A VA trial aims to improve monitoring of
hearing changes caused by the drug cisplatin, used to treat cancer.
Some 4,000 Veterans receive the drug in a typical year, and up to 40
or 50 percent will experience some hearing loss or tinnitus. The
researchers say early detection can prevent significant damage.
Together with a lab group at the
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, VA researchers are seeking
biomarkers—including cellular changes— that could warn of impending
hearing loss. The work is expected lead to new preventive measures
or treatment.
In addition to VA’s audiology research
work, the Department announced last month – ahead of National
Audiology Awareness Month – that Veterans who need routine audiology
appointments will be able to directly schedule them, without the
need for a referral from their primary care provider. The move is
expected to get Veterans into appointments more quickly. The new
expedited process was piloted at three VA sites last year and is now
being rolled out nationwide.
For more information VA’s audiology services, visit
www.ncrar.research.va.gov. Information about VA research on
audiology may be found at
www.research.va.gov/topics/hearing.cfm.
Pittsfield Area Senior Center News
Cat Faulkner is back at the Pittsfield
Senior Center on Tuesday, October 18, at 10:30 AM. Cat is a favorite
performer and she gains new fans at every show. This is a free live
musical performance, where she combines the traditional jazz style
with her interpretation of the American Songbook. You may be
familiar with the iconic songs of that era that include, “It had to
be you,” “Night and Day,” and “My Romance.” Please come, enjoy the
music, and have lunch with us. Call 435-8482 to make your
reservations.
The Concord Regional Visiting Nurse
Association is having a Flu Immunization Clinic at the Pittsfield
Senior Center on Friday, October 21 from 10:00am-12:00pm. If you do
not have an insurance card the cost will be $30.00, but it will be
free if you have a card from Medicare B, Medicare Advantage,
Medicaid, Harvard Pilgrim, or Anthem. The center is located on 74
Main St. in Pittsfield.
Selectman’s Overview
Submitted By Carl Anderson
Select Board meeting 10/4/16-
We met with the Building Inspector
relative to his revised job description and hours, and with a couple
of minor modifications, all agreed on the whole package. Jesse will
have regular scheduled office hours at the Town Hall from 5-7 PM
Mondays and 8-10 AM Wed. mornings. Inspections will be performed as
necessary within the agreed time-table and Jesse’s schedule.
Supt. Of Public Works George Batchelder
came to us with a review of Sept. work done by his crew. He also
touched on his preparation for the hurricane threatening us for next
weekend- by the time this paper comes out, we’ll know the results of
a hit- if any.
The Board accepted Ass’t. Public Works
Supt. Phillip “Sparky” Gordon’s retirement notice to us, effective
the end of the month. His letter said he is excited about his
retirement and thanked the town for his many years on the Highway
Dept. Cara was asked to respond to him with a letter of
appreciation.
Two school scholarships were accepted,
with thanks; one from the Harvey A. Marston Memorial Scholarship and
the other from the Foss Family Scholarship Trust.
A lawn watering ban draft was accepted, in
the event that drought conditions become extreme enough for it to
have to be put in place. We would prefer rain.
Results of a meeting between the building
inspector, Utility Partners from wastewater treatment,a rep. of the
BOS and Rustic Crust were reported on with an agreement to
positively identify the source of the sewer line issue being
experienced on Joy St., wherever it originates and then to remedy it
as soon as possible.
A very competitive bid for 5 years of
general assessing services to be provided by Avitar was accepted.
Going forward we will, however, use Dept. of Revenue Admin.
Guidelines for utility assessments. A contract which requires
considerable additional expenditures for the study of
Municipalization of the Pittsfield Aqueduct Co. was tabled pending
the second public hearing on the proposal scheduled for later this
month. The hearing will be announced in The Sun and all water rate
payers are very strongly urged to attend, ask questions and express
opinions regarding this major purchase initiative.
The Tax Collector’s office will be closed
for training Oct. 20 & 2 1.
VA Announces $3.4 Million in Funding To
Help The Homeless:
Funds will enhance services for special
needs homeless Veterans
Submitted Via Merrill Vaughan
WASHINGTON –
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald announced the award
of $3.4 million in grant funding offered through the Grant and Per
Diem (GPD) Program to 16 community agencies that provide enhanced
services for homeless Veterans with special needs.
The GPD Program promotes the development and provision of supportive
housing and services to help homeless Veterans to have stable
residences, increase their skills and income, and achieve
independence. Specifically, GPD special need grant funding
assists with additional operating costs of transitional housing and
services for special need groups such as women, chronically mental
ill, frail elderly, terminally ill, and those with minor dependents.
“GPD Special Need Grants exemplify VA’s response to the wide range
of needs of subpopulations of homeless Veterans,” said VA Secretary
McDonald. “These 16 grants strengthen the continuum of VA
services to help the most vulnerable Veterans become stably housed
and achieve greater self-determination.”
As a result of these and other efforts, the number of U.S. Veterans
experiencing homelessness has been cut nearly in half since 2010.
As of September 16, 2016, 29 communities and two states have
confirmed and publicly announced that they have effectively ended
Veteran homelessness, serving as models for others across the
nation.
More information about VA’s homeless programs is available at
www.va.gov/homeless.
Community organizations seeking details and/or more information may
visit VA’s National Grant and Per Diem Program website
www.va.gov/homeless/GPD.ASP
Dorcas Guild
The September meeting of the Dorcas Guild
of the First Congregational Church of Pittsfield began with a call
to order and welcome to the 14 attendees by President MaryJo
Powelson.
Freda Jones presented the devotions from
Norman Vincent Peale’s The Rewards of Positive Living. All joined in
“The Lord’s Prayer.”
Mary Jo read correspondence and there was
an update on the ill and shut-ins; cards were sent around for
signing. The May and June minutes and the treasurer’s report were
accepted.
The food basket brought by Audrey Moore
went to Kathy Bergeron and will go next to Linda Stasiak. The
mystery package brought by Kathy was won by Reny Boyd.
We broke for delicious refreshments
provided by Freda Jones and Audrey Moore, and reconvened to discuss
some old business including our service project of providing
twin-sized spreads, blankets, adult hats and mittens for the VA. Our
last call will be the next meeting, October 11.
We are reminded that our group has taken
on the responsibility of the World Day of Prayer, Friday, March 3,
2017 with the focus on the Philippines.
We next discussed our Christmas Fair,
which will occur November 19. New chairpersons are Peggy Jacobs and
Kathy Bergeron. All donations to the fair should be received by
November 9.
A 2016 program booklet was passed around
for members to check their names and addresses for accuracy for next
year’s booklet. Linda Towle asked for volunteers for the nursery and
also requested prayer for young families to attend our church.
We enjoyed a further time of fellowship
with our “Pound Auction.” The meeting adjourned at 8 p.m. The next
meeting is October 11 at 6:30 p.m. Hostesses are Corine Miller and
Carolyn Davis.
Left to right are: Rob Freese, Owner and
Senior Vice President of Marketing at Globe; Gef Freese, Owner and
Senior Vice President of Manufacturing at Globe; Senator Kelly
Ayotte; Jay Timmons, President and CEO of NAM.
Floral Park Cemetary Fence Fund Update
Submitted By Carole Richardson
Now that vacations are over, schools are back in session and fall is
upon us, I wanted to give you an update on the Floral Park Cemetery
Fence Fund. Phase 3 was completed by the Fourth of July as
promised, and now it’s on to Phase 4, the final phase of the
project. I have collected $3,800 so far for Phase 4, so that
means I have to collect another $16,200 before May 31, 2017 to
complete the fence as initially proposed three years ago. When these
funds are collected it will bring the grand total to $80,000.
The fence looks absolutely beautiful and adds so much splendor to
this beautiful section of Pittsfield. A special thank you to
Rick Sykes from Superior Fence for all his crew and their hard work.
This project has been a true testament of your faith in me and to
all those individuals and organizations that have contributed.
Again, I thank each and every one of you for your generosity and
kind words. This fence is something we can all be proud of for
years to come.
Thanks again for your inquiries, and please continue to send your
tax deductible donations for Phase 4 to the “Floral Park Cemetery
Fence Fund” P.O. Box 98 or 595 Tilton Hill Road, Pittsfield, NH
03263. If you should have questions, please call me at
435-8351.
Catamount Womenaid Holds Annual 5K at the Deerfield Fairgrounds
Enjoy the scenic, autumn beauty of New England’s Oldest Family
Fairgrounds at the second annual Catamount 5k at the Deerfield
Fairgrounds on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at 9 am. The course is a
cross country-type run on dirt, gravel, grass, and a little
pavement. About 90% of the route is in open view of spectators and
there’s only a slight incline along with a decent downhill. The
route is challenging enough for seasoned racers, but also
appropriate for families and groups of walkers. This 5k is offered
by Catamount Womenaid and designed to bring the community together
and promote health and wellness while supporting the small
Deerfield-based nonprofit. Register now at
www.catamountwomenaid.org
Online registration is available until 11/5/16 for $22 and the first
100 registrants will receive free fleece hats. Race day registration
for adults is $30 and starts at 7am and the 5k begins at 9am.
Children under 12 will pay $15 for online preregistration and $20
the day of the race. Don’t forget to set your clocks back; daylight
savings time ends 11/5/16 allowing an extra hour of sleep.
Parking is close and easy; turn into the fairgrounds at a main gate
at 34 Stage Road, Deerfield.
There will be an emcee with music and
announcements to start out the day and to motivate runners during
the race. After crossing the finish line, there will be an
assortment of baked goods, fruit and beverages. One More Cup will be
offering hot and iced coffee. Medals will be awarded to the top male
and female runners and for top racers in different age groups.
All proceeds benefit Catamount Womenaid, providing emergency
financial assistance to men, women and children in Deerfield, Epsom,
Pittsfield and Strafford NH. Visit
www.catamountwomenaid.org for
more information and to register. Generous area businesses
sponsor this event: Platinum Sponsor Deerfield Veterinary Clinic;
Gold Sponsor Northeast Delta Dental; Silver Sponsors Abbey Run
Construction, Debbie Kelley of Verani/Berkshire Hathaway Realty, and
Northeast Eye Care; and Bronze Sponsors, Candia First Stop, David L
Malone Jr of Edward Jones, Plumbing-N-Heating Solutions, LLC
and The Robertson Insurance Company. Thanks also to the many
individual donors and volunteers who make this event possible.
Social And Emotional Learning
Submitted By Dr. John Freeman, Superintendent, Pittsfield School
District
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) seems to be one of
those vague ideas that educators use to mean a lot of different
things. The importance of SEL has received a boost with the
new federal legislation known as the Every Child Succeeds Act
(ESSA).
Under the requirements of ESSA, states and schools are required to
establish multiple measures of accountability. This signals a
shift from traditional measures. States have typically relied
on large-scale standardized tests – like the Smarter Balanced
Assessment or the New England Common Assessment Program – with which
most parents are familiar.
With the new law – ESSA – states must include a non-academic
measure; this is generally seen as a measure of social and emotional
learning. So, it’s important that both educators and parents
have a clear, agreed-upon knowledge of SEL so we can work together
to help our children and youth best prepare for their futures.
SEL helps prepare students for success in
school and in life beyond life by helping students learn how to:
• Make responsible choices;
• Manage their emotions;
• Empathize with others;
• Establish and maintain positive
relationships with others; and
• Establish and accomplish suitable
goals.
In Pittsfield, our Responsive Classroom curriculum at PES and our
student advisory curriculum at PMHS promote SEL learning.
However, with new research becoming available, we will be
considering ways to strengthen SEL for our students.
Parents, of course, have a strong interest in supporting SEL in
their children and youth. Fortunately, a number of websites
provide very helpful information and strategies:
• http://www.edutopia.org/SEL-parents-resources
•
http://www.parenttoolkit.com/index.cfm?objectid=50A8EC10-32D8-11E4-B03B0050569A5318
•
http://www.casel.org/library/a-parents-resource-guide-to-social-and-emotional-learning-2014/
•
http://www.learningliftoff.com/the-3-best-home-based-social-and-emotional-learning-sel-resources-for-parents/#.V_FIx_krKJA
•
http://www.edutopia.org/social-emotional-learning-parent-resources
With attention to SEL at both home and
school, our children and youth can look forward to happiness and
success in school and in life.
Obituaries
Michael Corey Murphy
LACONIA - Michael Corey Murphy, 69, of 66
Landing Lane, died Wednesday, October 5, 2016.
He was born on March 10, 1947 in Concord, the son of the late D.
Edward and Viola D. (Hall) Murphy. He was a graduate of Pittsfield
High School and also graduated from the University of New Hampshire
with a BA in economics and the University of Maryland Law School.
Michael worked for many years as an attorney, beginning with
Nighswander, Martin, Lord & Killkelley, P.A. from 1972 to 1975.
He also worked as Belknap County Probate Judge from 1982 to
1988. Afterwards, he became a partner, forming Murphy, McLaughlin,
Hemeon & Lahey, P.A. in Laconia from 1975 until 1993. In 1993, he
became sole proprietor of Michael C. Murphy Law Offices in Laconia.
He is survived by his three daughters; Maura B. Murphy and her
husband Michael Pike of Hampton, Erin K. Decato and her
husband Jamie of Belmont and Kara E. Murphy of Canterbury, one
brother, Dennis E. Murphy Jr. and his wife Anne Bailey of Center
Harbor, two grandchildren; Emerson and Cullen Decato, both of
Belmont and two nieces.
There will be no calling hours.
A private graveside service will be held
at Floral Park Cemetery in Pittsfield.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services,
164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the
arrangements. For more information and to view an online
memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.
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