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Pittsfield NH News

November 22, 2017

The Suncook Valley Sun News Archive is Maintained by Modern Concepts. We are NOT affliated in any way with the Suncook Valley Sun Newspaper.



 

The Northwood CrankPullers Snowmobile Club will be hosting a Snowmobile Safety Course for ages 12-15 at the Lake Shore Farm (275 Jenness Pond Rd, Northwood) on Saturday, December 2nd from 8 am to 3 pm. Lunch will be provided. To register, contact Jeremy DeTrude @ 603-833-7063 (no charge for course but donations are always welcome).  Space is limited so call early. And as always, we really appreciate our landowners and are always looking for new members. www.northwoodcrankpullers.com

 


 

Letter To The Editor

 

The Pittsfield Board of Selectmen recently voted “to rescind administration of zoning ordinances from the office of the building inspector effective November 1st.” This vote makes the board of selectmen the zoning administrator in some situations.

 

The selectmen’s vote is curious. I have attended almost all meetings of the zoning board of adjustment (ZBA) for 14 years, and I have been an unpaid volunteer working in the zoning office for a year and half. None of the five selectmen has attended ZBA meetings regularly or even sporadically. None of the five selectmen has worked in the zoning office. By contrast, the building inspector was on the ZBA for several years, and he has several years’ experience in zoning administration.

 

Since the building inspector assumed the administrative responsibilities of former zoning secretary Dee Fritz--a board of selectmen employee--the zoning office has made substantial improvements. Applicants get more help with their applications, the zoning office processes applications very quickly, the office keeps full electronic copies of all applications, and the office forwards the electronic copies to ZBA members promptly. But despite the building inspector’s experience and the improvements made under his leadership, and despite the board of selectmen’s almost complete lack of experience, “The board [of selectmen] feels it can develop more effective and efficient systems to enhance customer service.”

 

This goal seems unlikely to happen. Zoning administration by a committee that has almost no on-committee experience and that must give 24-hour public notice before every meeting is likely to be tedious, inefficient, and chaotic. Zoning administration will be better and fairer if a person with experience does it.

 

Jim Pritchard

 


 

Letter To The Editor

 

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 107:1

 

You may ask yourself, “How can God be good when there is so much evil in the world?” You may even find it difficult to be thankful with all the pain, sickness, sorrow and suffering.

 

As the thief on the cross appropriately put it, “we receive the due reward of our deeds.”

 

You see, Scripture tells us that all have sinned and come short of God’s standard (Romans 3:23) with the wages of sin being death (Romans 6:23). From the time Adam and Eve “did eat of the apple” we have been condemned (eternally separated from our Creator). This is the bad news.                          

 

Now for the good news…

God has revealed throughout the pages of Scripture His perfect plan of redemption. Jesus Christ is our Passover Lamb. He came to earth (in the form of a man) to do the will of the Father. He lived a perfect (sinless) life, died on Calvary to pay the penalty for our sin, and rose from the grave in three days, overcoming death. He is the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in Him, though he were dead, yet shall he live (John 11:25). If you believe this you have been eternally reconciled to your Heavenly Father through the blood of His Son (Jesus Christ), nevermore to be separated. 

 

“Our forefathers had it right when they proclaimed, “Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His protection, aid and favors…” 

 

Thank you, Lord, for dealing lovingly with us, withholding what we deserve and giving what we don’t deserve. This is where grace and mercy meet!

 

Eternally Grateful,

Linda Small

 


 

Letter To The Editor

 

To The Editor: 

I attended the 14 Nov. Select Board meeting and learned that Pittsfield is not a town that respects the goals and intentions of people who donate for the good of the town. 

 

In 2016 I made a proposal to the Select Board to provide land for an addition to the Carpenter Library. I made it entirely clear that my primary objective was to benefit the library. 

 

The town accepted my proposal and I did all that I stated I would. I purchased two lots, demolished some structures and realigned the boundaries to create two conforming lots. I donated one to the library and the other to the town.

 

The lot donated to the town would be sold for redevelopment. With the expectation that any such development would not hinder the library’s ability to use its lot. 

 

It didn’t work out that way. Selectman Carl Anderson is promoting a proposal that will build back some of the structure which was demolished to allow space and access for a library addition. The construction which will occur if the proposal is accepted, will work against this.

 

Anderson justifies his support for this proposal by saying that it should occur because it is not specifically prohibited. But if the Board honours the intention of the donations - benefiting the Library - this construction is prohibited.

 

It is discouraging to watch this attempt to undo what I created for the town. When others contemplating donations observe how the town treats such efforts, they may well put their efforts elsewhere. I am no longer motivated to help Pittsfield, even though I am at a stage in life when I can.

 

Once again - Pittsfield loses. All because Selectman Anderson is determined to Make Pittsfield Greedy Again.

 

Bill Miskoe

 


 

Letter

Select Board meeting 11/14/17

 

We were introduced to the newly hired firefighter/emt Joseph Anderson who replaces Ken White on the department. He strikes us as capable, enthusiastic and respectful and we welcome him to Pittsfield.

 

Fred Endler was appointed to the Community Development Committee.

 

A $500 contribution to the Floral Park fence fund was accepted with thanks from Nathan Robinson in memory of his grandfather Dr. Fred Robinson who is buried here.

 

Most of the evening was taken up with the first of two public hearings relative to a proposal by Jim Gamble to purchase 33 Main St. to rehab, with one or two businesses on the first floor and two residential apartments above. Mr. Gamble proposes to restore the present building adding a wheelchair access to the first floor and another means of egress at the rear. The second hearing for Mr. Gamble’s proposal will be at our next meeting 11/28.

 

A submission by Larry Berkson to purchase the property, demolish the building and then deed the land to the Historical Society was accepted for consideration and submission to the planning board and conservation commission for their recomendation. Timing may be an issue, given the requirements for hearings and recomendations imposed on us by law and policy, as well as bad weather sure to come. I guess we’ll see how it all shakes out- both proposals have merit and we will have tough decisions to make.

 

Carl Anderson

 


 

Letter To The Editor

Planning Board Public Hearings

 

On November 2, the Pittsfield Planning Board had its first public hearing on the proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance, and the planning board would like to thank the people who attended the meeting. Unfortunately, the business of the night kept the public hearings on the zoning amendments from starting until 9:30 PM. We apologize to those people who attended the meeting but had to leave before the public hearings began.

 

The planning board has scheduled a second public hearing for Thursday, November 30, at 7:00 PM at the town hall. To ensure that no delays happen on November 30, the board will schedule no other business for the November 30 meeting. The public hearing will start promptly at 7:00 PM.

 

For the convenience of people who cannot attend the November 30 meeting, the planning board will accept written testimony and questions prior to the meeting. The planning board looks forward to our discussions regarding these issues. Full copies of the amendments can be found online at pittsfieldnh.gov or at the town hall.

 

Clayton Wood

Pittsfield Planning Board Chair

 


 

From The Farm - Power Outage And Generators

Submitted By Carole Soule

Pittsfield fueltank+generator.jpg

 

Pittsfield PowerHouse-adjusted.jpg

Next to us at the gas pump, a man was filling a container with gas. The guy in front of us pulled a container from his car and filled that as we pumped fuel into the generator strapped to our flatbed truck. Two days after the tree uprooting storm that flattened much of New Hampshire we were all trying to cope by keeping generators filled with fuel.

 

We have a large generator that kicks in a minute after the power cuts out. This generator is in a concrete building built into the hillside. It is so quiet we only see the lights flicker as it takes over powering the farm during its regular Sunday test run. Test runs are important to make sure the unit functions in an emergency. One generator in the neighborhood was not so silent so for four days, while the power was out, we slept to the purring of what sounded like a loud lawnmower. The rumble from our neighbor’s generator was a constant reminder that the power was out.

 

Our generator is fueled by a two-hundred-fifty-gallon tank which we had topped off with diesel the day after the storm. While this generator kept our farm fences charged, freezer and refrigerator units running and most importantly, provided water for our livestock, it was not much help to our remote pastures. The fence at a remote pasture in Gilmanton, where 18 head of our cattle were still grazing, needed power. The cattle had already discovered they could escape through the un-charged wire so it was critical we get power to the fence energizer which was why we were filling our portable generator that day at the fuel pumps.

 

As I watched the others fill their containers with gas and we filled our generator I thought about how lucky we were to have fuel to buy. Our power was out for four days but there are people in Puerto Rico who are still powerless after more than forty-five days with limited fuel to fill their generators. St. Croix, a US Virgin Island, isn’t doing much better. Telephone poles knocked over by Hurricane Irma were repaired only to be taken down again two weeks later by Hurricane Maria. Even with the poles replaced there is a shortage of transformer boxes used to convert power from the transmission wires so that homes can use it. Half of St. Croix is still without power, the hospital is damaged, generators have been running so long they’ve broken and everyone is waiting for FEMA inspectors and insurance inspectors. Compared to St. Croix’s trials, our storm seemed like a breeze.

 

We did get power to the electric fence at our remote pasture in Gilmanton but then the farm generator overheated on Thursday and quit. As we were working to fix it, thankfully, our power was restored. Most everyone has power now and we just have to finish cleaning up the downed trees to get back to normal. I guess it’s time to start preparing for the next power outage to keep those cows from running down the highway or worse, having pigs terrorize the neighbors. After all, good electric fences make good neighbors and quiet generators make even better neighbors.

 

Carole Soule is co-owner of Miles Smith Farm, in Loudon, NH, where she raises and sells beef, pork, lamb, eggs and other local products. She can be reached at [email protected].

 


 

Festive Christmas Concert

 

Plan to attend the annual Christmas concert coming Friday, December 8, 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 24 Main St., Pittsfield. This special concert entitled, “Christmas Jubilation,” will feature the church’s Chancel Choir and the JuBellation Handbell Choir. Add this fun, festive family event to your holiday celebrations! Parking and wheelchair accessible entry located at rear of church at Chestnut Street. For more information, call the church office at 435-7471.

 


 

Thanksgiving Eve Service Wednesday

 

A community-wide Thanksgiving Eve service will be held, Wednesday, November 22, 6:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 24 Main Street, Pittsfield. It’s a good way to think about your blessings and give thanks. Pastors of First Congregational and Joy Church are participating. Special music provided by Linda Stasiak, soloist, and the JuBellation Handbell Choir. Parking and wheelchair accessible entrance are available at the rear of church (Chestnut Street). For more information, call the church office, 435-7471.

 


 

TOPS News

Pittsfield TOPS.jpg

Left to Right- Sister Claire, Sister Janice, Sister Denise, Sister Mary

 

Our TOPS chapter recently honored the Sisters of Berakah with a meal of a variety of appetizers.   Gift bags were also given to show our appreciation to them for graciously allowing us meet in their facility for several years.  It has been a great meeting space for us.  We have also enjoyed their hospitality to the chapter at various times.  Beginning Dec. 5, our chapter will be meeting at the Joy Church, 55 Barnstead Rd. Pittsfield.  We still meet Tuesdays 6:30. If you have questions, call Pat 435-5444 or Beth 435-7397.

 


 

Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice Helps With Holidays

 

Central New Hampshire VNA and Hospice will hold celebrations of life in five different locations on Saturday, December 9th at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome to attend.  The Tree of Memories celebrations provide an opportunity for people to remember the lives of family, friends and neighbors by placing an inscribed porcelain dove, a symbol of serenity, peace and tranquility, on one of five lit trees. A dove need not be purchased – anyone experiencing the loss of a loved one can be comforted at one of the commemorations.  Services will be held at the Alton Town Hall, in the lobby of the Medical Arts Building at Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro, the Wakefield Town Hall, the Main Street Building in Ossipee and Moulton Farm in Meredith.

 

A moving ceremony will be held at each location. There will be music and moments of remembrance, devotions, and the placing of inscribed doves on a lit tree. Those who participate in this poignant ceremony often experience a deep sense of renewal and a new feeling of unity and closeness to their loved ones and friends. 

 

Hundreds of doves are requested each year and they stay on the trees throughout the month of December. The proceeds from the sale of the doves are used to improve the lives of people living in Lakes Region communities served by Central New Hampshire VNA and Hospice. To purchase a dove in the name of a loved one or friend, contact Central New Hampshire VNA at 800-244-8549. In order to ensure that your dove will be ready for the ceremony, please do so by December 1st.

 

Today, hospice continues to carry out the work of Dame Cicely Mary Saunders, known as the founder of the modern hospice movement. In 1967 she opened St. Christopher’s Hospital in South London, the first purpose built hospice. Her work continues on today throughout the world. Hospice is a special kind of care unlike any other. The hospice philosophy recognizes that the dying process is a part of the normal process of living and focuses on enhancing the quality of remaining life. For more information about the hospice program, go to www.centralvna.org.

 


 


 

 











 

 

 

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