Those Celebrating Birthdays are: February 15, Lenny Deane, Peggy
Chagnon; February 16, Margaret Snedeker; February 17, Jim Schroth,
Sue Derosier, Craig Paggi; February 18, Ray Lammott, Barbara Clark,
Arthur Harndon, Patty Houle; February 19, Carl Anderson, Ronald
Vien; February 20, Fred Hast, II, Chris Johnson, Amy Thompson, Bill
Plummer; February 21, Amber Ash, Staci Bousquet, Robert Bousquet,
Gail O’Keefe, Ann Strand.
A Very Happy Birthday To One and All!
Aisha Pereira, a resident of Pittsfield, NH, was among more than 260
students from the University of Maine at Machias named to the Dean’s
List for the fall 2011 semester.
JCL’s Teen Game Night, 6:30-8:30 pm,
Friday, Feb. 17th 2012
Looking for something to do during school months? Join us for our
second meeting of Josiah Carpenter Library’s new teen group, open to
those in 7th grade to 12th grade. We will be holding a game night
from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Friday February 17th. We are planning on
holding a Jeopardy game along with a few other game stations. Bring
snacks to fuel the fun!
School Lunch Menus
February 20 - 24, 2012
PES
Monday
Dr. Seuss Week
"Sneetches"
Hot dog in a wheat bun, roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, "star"
cookies
Tuesday
Dr. Seuss Week
"If I Ran the Zoo"
Chicken patty with gravy, seasoned rice, corn off the cobsk, ‘gwark’in
pickles, chocolate pudding
Wednesday
Early Release Day
"Wocket in My Pocket"
Turkey wrap with lettuce and cheese, pretzels, fresh fruit
Thursday
Happy Birthday To
Ms Bourgeois!
Cheeseburger on a bun, oven crisp tater tots, carrot sticks,
brownies
Friday
Fresh Picks Pizza
Cheese pizza, or chef’s topping, veggie sticks with dip, raisins
PMHS
Monday
President’s Day
Luncheon
All American shepherd’s pie, wheat dinner roll, green beans, red
white and blue fruit cup
Tuesday
Washington’s Birthday
Roasted turkey with gravy, roasted sweet potatoes, wheat roll, sweet
peas, baked fruit crisp
Wednesday
Northern Italy
Chicken parmesan pasta with marinara, garlic bread, Caesar salad,
pears
Thursday
Action Station
Burger Bar
Build your own burger on a bun, oven fries, warm winter beets,
spiced apple slices
Friday
Iron City Flats
Calzone Mania, Look for our Chef’s special calzones, garlic parmesan
potato wedges, steamed broccoli, peaches
Letter
To the citizens of Pittsfield:
The Planning Board held its Public Hearing on February 2, 2012
concerning their Frontage definition, which they plan to have on the
ballot this year. There were approximately 25 residents present, all
speaking against this proposal.
The Selectmen’s representative Gerard LeDuc read a statement from
the Select Board stating that they found no positive use for
Amendment #3. Mr. LeDuc went on to state that the Select Board would
not be supporting this item.
The Planning Board members listened to all and then voted for what
they wanted, ignoring the residents. This has been going on for the
last four or five meetings. Jim Pritchard seemed to be running the
meeting through Ted Mitchell and no one was able to stop it.
The Board presented written proof supporting their amendment, which
was written in 2003 and 2004. I hope everyone remembers this is when
Jim presented his Citizens Zoning, which was defeated at the polls.
Jim hopes that the citizens are not too intelligent and will vote
for this after turning it down 3 or 4 times previously. He controls
2 other members so he controls their vote. Jim does not care what
the citizens want, he is only concerned with what he wants. Jim lost
several court cases against the Town over similar issues in the past
and wants to be proven right this time.
Ted Mitchell and Clayton Wood are running for re-election to the
Planning Board in order to keep Jim in control. Is this what is best
for the town? I think not.
Please vote all Zoning Amendments down and vote for anyone but these
two. We all have a right to vote for the Best Interest of the Town
and whoever can help accomplish this.
Henry FitzGerald
Pittsfield
Students at Pittsfield Elementary School gear up for the CCSNH
Reading Challenge with Fungo and the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.
TOPS News
Submitted By Terrie Azotea
We had a great week at TOPS. Kudos to those who lost. We had a
really good weight loss and hopefully, are going to keep it going.
Our contest has started and is running for the month of February. So
everyone, we all want to get those good grades. I know I sure do and
I am going to try hard at it.
This past week we talked about our upcoming events that are going
on. We have a banquet in March and we also have an upcoming
Inspiration Workshop. It is always a good time and you hear lots of
good success stories from members that are in different Chapters.
Soon enough spring will be here and guess what that means? The
layers of clothes have to be taken off. Bummer! I know that sounds
like a scary thing. Now is the time to get out and start that
walking exercise. Some fresh air is always good to have. I know
after a while when I have been in the house, I need to get outside.
One, because I am going stir crazy and two, it makes me feel good
and refreshed. I know that I am not looking forward to shedding that
sweatshirt or long pants, but I don’t want to sweat to death,
either. Plus, I would look pretty foolish dressed in those clothes.
Someone asks you "Aren’t you hot?" and we foolishly say no. Why? Who
are we kidding? Of course we are. So we have to do it and we want to
feel good about it.
I have noticed each day it gets a little lighter, a little longer. I
love it and hopefully it makes it a little easier for people who
don’t get out of work until later in the day.
If you’re interested in joining us on a Tuesday night, feel free to
stop by for a visit and see what we are all about. We meet at the
St. Stephen’s Church on Main Street in Pittsfield. Please call
Laurel Tiede at 269-8721 or Pat Smith at 435-5333 with any
questions.
"No winter last forever; no spring skips its turn." (Hal Borland)
Hope everyone has a good week and see you all lighter next week!
Rise Again Outreach Makes Preparations For 4th Annual
Gala Silent
Auction Fundraiser Event
Rise Again Outreach, a local faith-based charitable outreach
organization serving central New Hampshire, will host its 4th Annual
Rise Again Outreach Silent Auction Fundraiser event at 6:30 p.m. on
March 24, 2012 at New Beginnings Church, 33 Staniels Road, in
Loudon.
This event raises operating funds for RAO’s mission of taking
donated food, clothing, personal care items and other services to
individuals and families in crisis or poverty. The silent auction
has raised more than $24,000 over the past three years, and grows
each year. Local and national businesses and organizations donate
hundreds of items - more than 200 - to bid on. These include airline
tickets, sports tickets/collectibles, get-away packages, Disney
World tickets, family entertainment, dining certificates, live
shows, cruises, white-water rafting, golfing, camping weekends,
health/beauty certificates, and much more.
Rise Again Outreach’s mission is unique because it takes much-needed
food and clothing directly to the points of need in local
communities in and around Concord, Manchester and Franklin via a
large white school bus that has been outfitted with clothing racks
and storage bins. The bus parks in pre-determined neighborhoods and
those in need, including homeless people, can simply come to the bus
and take whatever they need. Two newly-acquired buses are in the
process of being converted into additional "mobile pantries" to
extend RAO’s reach into more communities.
Please mark your calendars to attend this silent auction event to
help Rise Again Outreach continue its mission of reaching those in
need and raising the quality of life for everyone in our
communities.
If you or your business would like to contribute an auction item
(gift certificate, item or service); donate food, clothing or
personal care items; make a cash donation; or serve as a volunteer;
please contact Bob Pease at 1-899-266-5017 Ext. 709.
Behind The Scenes At The Scenic Theatre:
G2K State Fair And The Iowa Tradition
Appearing at the Iowa State Fair are singers Emily Arden and the
Fairtones. The Pittsfield Players’ Kids Theater Workshop presents
G2K State Fair, and these are the Fairtones (l to r) Chloe Rattee,
Alexis Keyes, Meghan Smith and Kira Wood. Tickets are on sale now at
the Players’ website,
www.pittsfieldplayers.com, or by calling 435-8852.
The Pittsfield Players’ Kid’s Theater Workshop will present G2K
State Fair, an adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical State
Fair for younger performers, in three performances on Thursday,
Friday and Saturday, February 23, 24 and 25, at 7:30 pm each
evening. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for kids under the age of
13, and are now available on the Players’ website at
www.pittsfieldplayers.com,
or by calling 435-8852.
The show tells the story of the Frake family of Brunswick, Iowa and
their trip to the 1946 Iowa State Fair, where Dad, Abel Frake, is
showing his prize boar and Mom, Melissa Frake, is placing her
mincemeat and pickles in competition. Daughter Margy Frake and son
Wayne both meet exciting new friends and romance is in the air.
The internationally acclaimed Iowa State Fair is the largest event
in the state, and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and
industrial expositions in the country. The fair is known as
"America’s Classic State Fair" because it features all of the
traditional elements associated with a state fair, from farm
machinery to food exhibits, grandstand performances and competitive
events. Approximately 85,000 ribbons, including 30,000 blue ribbons,
are awarded annually to winners of the many competitions. The New
York Times best selling travel book wrote, "It is one of the 1,000
places to see before you die."
The first Iowa State Fair was held in October, 1854, twenty years
before the Great Westward Movement began. It was estimated that
7,000 people attended the event, arriving in covered wagons and
camping along the road. The total expense for that first fair was
$323. Six years later, the Civil War had a dampening effect on the
fair, but the directors resolved to carry on as best they could,
offering guards to protect the fairgoers and giving special
consideration to ladies. In 1879, the fair moved permanently to Des
Moines and, by the turn of the century, a Fair Board was created to
make certain that no tax money was used to finance the fair. The
fair was, and still is, operated entirely by the profits it
generates. From grandma’s pickles to new farm implements inspiring
the next generation of Iowans, the fair reflects what is best about
Iowa and its people.
G2K State Fair will also run two afternoon shows, on Tuesday and
Wednesday, February 21 and 22, for local schools and home schoolers.
Special reservations are required for those shows by calling
736-9563. The Kid’s Theater Workshop is a program by kids, for kids,
open to boys and girls ages 8 to 18, designed to introduce theater
arts to both the participants and their peers who come to see the
show. Don’t miss out on this great show – order your tickets now.
Letter
Amendment #3- Who’s protecting what?
Just because someone else is doing something (surrounding towns) is
almost never a good reason to do something. "Is it really
necessary?" is a much better reason.
Nationwide we are buried under an avalanche of unnecessary
legislation and Amendment #3 will just add to that pile in
Pittsfield. During the public hearings for Amendment #3 the Planning
Board offered no options which support the interests/freedoms of
present Class VI property owners. If this amendment is passed it is
akin to eminent domain, minus the compensation. With the stroke of a
pen, those elected to represent all of the Pittsfield residents will
have devalued the property of roughly 50 families and at the very
same time seriously reduced the already small pool of potential
buyers for these rural properties. This is purportedly to "protect"
the town of Pittsfield. The town of Pittsfield is not some vague
entity, it is people. Amendment #3 would not "protect" the economic
health of these families at any time, but especially during a
recession.
For some eye opening statistics about population growth in
Pittsfield since 1990 (which is lower than both the state and
national averages) and the projected negative future growth, go to
www.clrsearch.com and search
for Pittsfield demographics and population growth.
Let’s keep the families we have and welcome a few new ones.
Diane Rider
Pittsfield
Pittsfield Middle High School Wins Big In State Reading Report
Submitted By
Katie Loud
The Pittsfield School District has received its NECAP scores, and
it’s great news for Pittsfield Middle High School as reading scores
increased 10-20% in grades 7, 8, and 11.
79% of juniors tested in the fall of 2012 scored Proficient on the
Reading NECAP, up an astounding 20% from last year and 2% higher
than the state average. Good news abounds from the middle school as
well, with 75% of 8th graders and 68% of 7th graders achieving
grade-level reading proficiency.
This is excellent news for a district that has worked hard to
incorporate literacy into all aspects of the curriculum. It also
reflects well on the administration’s use of resources made possible
by a School Improvement Grant (SIG) and bodes well for exciting
district plans moving toward student-centered learning through the
recently-awarded Nellie Mae Planning Grant.
As evidenced by the test scores, there is still work to be done in
the area of English Language Arts, with 44% of 11th graders (2%
short of the state average) and 34% of 8th graders scoring
Proficient in the NECAP writing assessment. However, the dramatic
increase in reading proficiency shows that, with continued vision,
hard work, and dedication, these percentages will grow as well.
There is also a Mathematics section of the NECAP test, with the 11th
graders again giving a strong showing. 46% of PMHS juniors
demonstrated proficiency in math, up 2% from last year’s score and
10% higher than the state average. 59% of 7th graders are scoring
Proficient (10% short of the state average) with 8th graders showing
54% proficiency.
While these numbers are exciting in their own right, it’s also
notable that they provide valuable data points to focus professional
development areas for teachers. Using specific areas of need to
guide trainings, consultants, and professional learning communities
such as faculty focus groups is logical and far-thinking … and
clearly successful as can be seen by the strong showing in NECAP
reading proficiency at Pittsfield Middle High School.
There is also good news on the NECAP front from Pittsfield
Elementary School. This year’s third grade has the highest
proficiency rate in both reading and mathematics of any cohort group
at that grade level for the past five years, with students only 4%
from the state average in both subjects.
There are small gains and small increases at other grade levels, but
the success of the third graders shows that the instruction in
grades K-2 is paying off. All PES teachers will be receiving student
level data to further analyze individual student scores and seek to
personalize instruction based on student need.
PES will be using a process from Richard DuFour’s Learning by Doing
where grade-level teams develop specific, realistic, measurable
goals based on the current reality.
These test scores are both a remarkable achievement for PMHS and
valuable information to guide future instruction. This is definitely
a reflection on the hard work by students, teachers,
paraprofessionals, staff, and administration. All involved should be
congratulated.
Letter
To Residents of Pittsfield:
I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is
Colleen Laro and I am running for the position of Town Clerk/Tax
Collector. Having lived in Pittsfield for the first ten years of my
life, I returned to Pittsfield to raise my family. My daughters
(Elizabeth and Cassandra) and I have been proud to call Pittsfield
our home for the last 11 years. We have enjoyed all of the
activities and services Pittsfield has to offer.
I would like an opportunity to give back to our community by
offering my services. I graduated from Pembroke Academy in 1990 in
the top 10 of my class. I successfully completed a certificate
course as an Executive Assistant which opened the door to my 14+
years of office experiences ranging from receptionist, office
assistant and bank research associate. With more than 10 years of
cash handling experience and accounting knowledge from being a
cashier, bank teller, business office clerk, and bank research
associate, I would be a great asset in this position. Customer
Service has been one of the most important aspects of the jobs I
have held professionally. I have always enjoyed working with people.
I am accustomed to meeting deadlines and dealing with a fast paced
environment. I have always enjoyed the challenge of learning and
mastering new skills. I know that this position holds both, since I
worked as the office assistant to Liz Hast for 1 year prior to the
birth of my second daughter.
I would welcome the opportunity to serve our community as the next
Town Clerk/Tax Collector. I want to thank you for your time and
consideration. The Town Elections are on March 13th. I look forward
to meeting you there.
Sincerely,
Colleen Laro
Letter
To the good citizens of Pittsfield:
I went to the Public Hearing on the Town and School budget last
week, and a Selectmen’s meeting last night. I’ve got all these
thoughts swimming around in my head.
I just finished reading the Sun. I read a letter from Denise Morin
explaining her resignation from the Board of Selectmen; personal
attacks, and an administrative order against her. Denise made it
four years. I only made it two years. Denise was twice the Selectman
I was and I don’t mean because of the amount of time served. Denise
always puts her town first and worked harder than 90% of the
Selectmen in general. She is a professional in every sense of the
word. I’m thinking of resigning too, except I don’t have anything to
resign from. I miss her already.
At the Selectmen’s meeting Paul, our Town Administrator, promised he
would come up with a dollar figure I could propose at Town Meeting
to keep our tax rate even.
Thanks to the School for proposing a 51¢ decrease in the tax rate.
I thought for sure the school would need a trim. Come to find out,
it’s the town this year that needs a haircut. No real reassessment
until 2016. Hold onto your wallets.
Dan Schroth Piermarocchi
Letter To The Editor
There were two letters in the Sun last week supporting the Planning
Board’s proposal for a definition of Frontage on the 2012 ballot.
One was from the PB Chairman, the other from the spouse of a member.
Not much objectivity there.
Here’s my view of this proposal, and how it got onto the ballot.
Last year the Planning Board decided that the Zoning Ordinance,
which lacks a frontage definition, now needs one in 2012. The Board
proposed a ballot article, and proceeded to hold public hearings on
the proposal.
I attended all of the public sessions and not one person showed up
to speak in favour of the frontage proposal. As the sessions
proceeded more and more people arrived and spoke against the Board’s
proposal. The hall was full of these people.
Instead of listening and making changes, the Board ignored all the
public input and voted to put on the ballot a definition that will
confiscate the property value of people who own land on Class VI
roads.
The Board’s reason seems to be that because some other towns around
don’t allow development on Class VI roads, Pittsfield should now
cease doing that.
Pittsfield has long allowed limited development on its Class VI
roads and property owners have planned accordingly. This proposal
will take away their rights to complete those plans.
The Planning Board dismisses those in opposition as an ignorant
minority.
Class VI owners are a minority, but they are not ignorant or wrong.
And minorities have rights which the town ordinances should respect.
The Zoning Ordinance needs a Frontage definition, but not the one
the Planning Board is putting on the ballot. We deserve better.
Bill Miskoe
Pittsfield
Letter
Dearest Citizen:
As some of you may be aware, I am running for another term on the
Board of Selectmen.
First, to summarize my credentials: During the 17 years I’ve been a
resident of Pittsfield I have served on the Board of Selectmen,
Budget Committee, Welfare Guidelines Committee, Pennichuck Water
Committee, Economic Development Committee and the Suncook Valley
Regional Development Corporation, the latter two of which I continue
to serve.
Additionally I have actively participated in a series of workshops
hosted by the SAU in its on-going effort to improve educational
practices as introduced by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation
Grant. I also took part in the community charette planning work
sessions put on by Plan NH as part of our continuing economic
development accomplishments. I hold a degree in accounting and
finance and am well skilled in the Municipal Budget process.
The role of the Board of Selectmen is to steward your tax dollars.
"When a man assumes a public trust, he should consider himself as
public property." (Thomas Jefferson)
My burden for the community remains my motive for serving. Although
much progress was made during my previous tenure as your public
servant, there is still room for improvement. I am refreshed and
ready to continue forward with the task of bringing accountability
to your local government if you will allow me the privilege of
serving you once again! In addition, I also anticipate potential
implementation of some economic development strategies in the near
future and would covet the opportunity to oversee those efforts as
well.
I believe my qualifications are to Pittsfield’s benefit and ask for
your vote on March 13th. If elected I will continue to selflessly do
my best in representing the community as a whole. "Thou shalt love
thy neighbor as thyself" (Matthew 22:39b)
Sincerely,
Linda Small for Selectman
A Reminder From Josiah Carpenter Library
Why buy magazines or newspapers when you can read them here for
free? All you need is your Josiah Carpenter Library eight-digit
Patron ID number.
Online Newsstand offers 86 magazines for you to view right on your
computer screen!
You can also use NewsBank to read: Concord Monitor; New Hampshire
Union Leader / New Hampshire Sunday News; and some of America’s
Favorite News Magazines.
Letter
To the citizens of Pittsfield:
My name is Larry Konopka. I am running for Pittsfield Selectman on
March 13, 2012 and I am asking for your vote. My previous years of
service in Pittsfield include: 4 years as Selectman, 7 years on
Planning Board, also served as Deputy Health Officer, Deputy Welfare
Director, Deputy Building and Code Officer. I feel my talent and
experience will be beneficial to Pittsfield during these difficult
economic times.
If elected, I look forward to serving you the citizens of Pittsfield
once again. It is rewarding to serve the good people of this town
and to work alongside our town officials and employees as we
continue to strive to make our community a better place to live.
Pittsfield has some very knowledgeable department heads and staff in
Town Hall. Working with them, as well as, state and federal agencies
during times of crisis (specifically floods and the tornado) has
caused me to see firsthand how our community is able to pull
together in times of crisis.
I have been honored to serve you in the past and I look forward to
receiving your vote to serve you in the future. I am your candidate
for Selectman, allow me the opportunity to once again serve you in
our town and to maintain government accountability. Vote for Larry
Konopka for Pittsfield Selectman on March 13.
Thank you,
Larry Konopka
Pittsfield
Letter To The Editor
Dear Editor:
It is a bit sad to see Liz Hast step aside as our long time Town
Clerk/Tax Collector. Thanks, Liz for all your years of service. We
are fortunate that Erica Anthony has stepped up to fill this
position for our Town. Erica has the perfect background to fulfill
the demands of this office. She has the education, experience and
pleasing demeanor to interact with the public in this most visible
elected office. Please join me in voting Erica Anthony to be
out next Town Clerk/Tax Collector.
Art Morse
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