Celebrating
Birthdays are: February 11, Joshua Rogers, Dale Derosier, Jennifer Blais;
February 12, Daniel St. Laurent, Richard Frost, Dwight Morse; February 13,
Lorrie Cornell, Jesse Giordano; February 14, Russ Courtemanche, Ogden Boyd,
Jr.; February 15, Lenny Deane, Peggy Chagnon; February 16, Margaret Snedeker;
February 17, Jim Schroth, Sue Derosier, Craig Paggi.
A Very Happy Birthday to one and all.
School Lunch
Menus
Feb. 11-20, 2009
CHICHESTER
Wednesday - American chop suey, green beans, bread & butter, pineapple,
milk.
Thursday - French toast sticks, sausage links, oranges, applesauce, milk.
Friday - Hamburger with roll, pasta salad or veggies, pears, milk.
Monday - Chili with cheese, corn bread, fruit, milk.
Tuesday - Pizza sticks, marinara sauce, garden salad, fruit, milk.
Wednesday - Chicken taco boat, lettuce, tomato, & cheese, green beans,
baker’s choice, milk.
Thursday - Hot dog with roll, tater tots, corn, pudding, milk.
Friday - Nachos & cheese sauce, baked beans or veggie, fruit, milk.
EPSOM
Wednesday - Hot dog with roll, baked beans, cole slaw, fruit, milk or
yogurt tray, Chef’s choice salad.
Thursday - Early Release - Rib-Q-Ques with roll, rice, veg., fruit, milk or
yogurt tray, Caesar salad.
Friday - Crispy fish wrap, salad, fruit, milk or yogurt tray, ham & cheese
salad.
Monday - Chicken stir fry, rice, fruit, milk or yogurt tray, Chef’s choice
salad.
Tuesday - Baked macaroni & cheese, baby bread sticks, veg., fruit, milk or
yogurt tray, cheese salad.
Wednesday - Homemade pizza, tossed salad, fruit, milk or yogurt tray, no
salad.
Thursday - Roast pork with gravy, mashed potato, veg., fruit, milk or yogurt
tray, nacho salad.
Friday - Spaghetti with meatsauce, bread & butter, veg., fruit, milk or
yogurt tray, cheese salad.
PES
Wednesday - Spaghetti with sauce, veggie, fruit, milk.
Thursday - Fried chicken, veggie, fruit, milk.
Friday - Pizza, veggie, fruit, milk.
Monday - Burgers, fries, fruit, milk.
Tuesday - Ravioli, veggie, fruit, milk.
Wednesday - Mac & cheese, veggie, fruit, milk.
Thursday - Hot dog with bun, veggie, fruit, milk.
Friday - Pizza, veggie, fruit, milk.
Letter To The
Editor
To The Editor:
On January 29 the Planning Board voted 4-3 to place a Zoning Ordinance
proposal on the 2009 ballot. This proposal was brought to a hearing two
weeks earlier and found to contain major errors. Attempts to make
corrections were not successful. So rather than withdraw the flawed proposal
and try again next year - the Board decided that a revision filled with
mistakes was better than nothing.
I question this decision, because the Board has not yet explained why any
revision is needed.
The Zoning Ordinance is a means of implementing the Master Plan and
responding to needs expressed by other town agencies. The Planning Board
which created the proposal admitted that it was not responding to any Master
Plan changes, nor to other requests from within the town. So why have it?
It appears that the Board has been influenced by some special interest
groups within itself.
The Board which created the revision contained two members who own parcels
of land which will certainly increase in value if the Cluster Development
article of the proposal is put in place. There is another group which
believes that the Planning Board needs to relax use restrictions to enable
unrestricted business development anywhere in town, without regard to
negative effects on surrounding property values.
Board members have countered my objections by saying that there are
unwritten safeguards in place which the Board will use to prevent abuses. I
am skeptical. State law requires that an ordinance be clearly written
regarding how it will apply. Implementation which depends on the mood and
make-up of the Board on a particular night is not acceptable, and is a
likely invitation to lawsuits.
Pittsfield deserves better.
Bill Miskoe
Secretary
Shinseki Announces Choice For Deputy Secretary Of Veterans Affairs
Submitted By Merrill Vaughn
Peterson-Cram Post 75 Of Pittsfield
Recently, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki praised President
Barack Obama’s intent to nominate W. Scott Gould as next Deputy Secretary of
Veterans Affairs. Gould is currently vice president for public sector
strategy at IBM Global Business Services and a former intelligence officer
in the naval reserve. He has public service experience at both the
departments of Commerce and Treasury.
Shinseki said, “Scott and I share a reverence for those who have served in
uniform. He is fully committed to fulfilling President Obama’s vision and my
goals for transforming the Department of Veterans Affairs into a 21st
Century organization, and he understands the fundamentals that will drive
that transformation: Veteran-centric, results-oriented and forward looking.”
Shinseki further said that Gould possesses a unique and wide-ranging set of
skills in information technologies, acquisition, budget, human resources and
leading the modernization of large, complex organizations. “Scott’s
expertise in these areas, as well as his broad experience in the public
sector, the private sector and the military, will prove invaluable for
better serving our Veterans,” Shinseki added.
Gould worked in the public sector as the chief financial officer and
assistant secretary for administration at the Commerce Department and deputy
assistant secretary for finance and management at the Treasury Department
from 1994 to 1999. As a White House Fellow, he worked at the Export-Import
Bank of the United States and in the Office of the White House Chief of
Staff.
P.T.O. Sponsors
Nigerian Artist In Residence
Third graders at Pittsfield Elementary School are in for an artistic special
treat. Partnering with P.E.S. art teacher Lisa Stevens, Yoruba artist Segun
Olorunfemi will spend the week of February 9-13 as an artist in residence
working with the third grade team. Olorunfemi, a classically trained artist,
educator, and arts administrator from Ibadan, Nigeria, works in a variety
media including sand painting, batik on rice paper, and linoleum prints.
Olorunfemi will teach each third grader how to create his or her own
individual batik. The traditional process of batik involves a wax-resistant
dyeing technique used on textile. Batiks can be found in several countries
in West Africa. While creating the batiks with students, Olorunfemi will
also teach them about the Yoruba and other Nigerian cultures by exploring
stories, symbols, patterns with meanings, and traditions illustrated in his
own work. For a view of his work visit
www.segunfemi.com.
The artist in resident program is sponsored by the Pittsfield Elementary
School P.T.O. This year Pittsfield Elementary School will welcome two
visiting artists, both from West Africa. After Segun Olorunfemi visits in
February, Drummer Sowah Mensah, from Ghana, will visit at the end of March
to work with fourth, fifth, and sixth graders.
PES
Grade 6 Poems
The following three poems are from students in Mrs. Kaplan’s sixth grade
class (Pittsfield Elementary School):
Dawn
I awoke to find an angel in soft satin,
I saw it kiss the night.
Night awoke with a blush that
The early birds saw;
And they sang out that the blush was dawn.
Dawn soon disappeared and day soon came.
By Adrianna Wells
Laugh
I laugh, I giggle, I chuckle with my friends;
A little smile is not a big thing,
But it can change a big part
Of a person’s day.
By Paige Stockman
Hold On Tight
Hold on tight – we’re going to miss you.
Hold on tight – we’re going to love you.
Hold on tight – we’re going to thank you.
But then we look and we see all your beautiful faces
And we say that it just shouldn’t be,
That you shouldn’t have to go to the hateful war.
Peace. I know I’m only in sixth grade
And you probably think I don’t understand,
But I do – you do it all for us.
By Willard St. George
Pittsfield Meet
the Candidates Night
The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce is hosting the annual “Meet the
Candidates Night” on Monday, March 2 at 7:00pm at the Pittsfield Middle High
School Lecture Hall.
All registered candidates were handed a letter at the town hall inviting
them to participate in Candidates Night. The letter is asking them to
prepare and submit a one page letter for inclusion in an information packet
that will be handed out that night. CANDIDATES - if you did not receive a
letter, please contact Andi Riel at 435-6346.
Please note that we will not allow candidates or other parties to distribute
additional handouts or materials to the audience at the meeting.
Please come meet the Candidates and show your support. Each candidate will
have time to address the audience and then there will be a question/answer
time. The Chamber does not, as a body, support any individual running for
election. We are only providing a platform for the Candidates and the
Community to meet.
If you have any questions about the event, please contact Andi Riel at
435-6346 or visit
www.pittsfieldchamber.org.
Attention All
Volunteer Organizations!
Come set up a display at the first Pittsfield Volunteers Open House! Here is
a chance to toot your own horn or maybe entice new members to join your
group or display what your group does and answer questions.
Community members Erica Anthony and Andi Riel are hosting a volunteer
organization open house on SATURDAY, MARCH 21 FROM 9 - 2 PM AT THE PMHS GYM.
Groups and organizations are invited to set up a table and display in a 10'
space. There is no cost to you - you just supply your own table and
displays.
We have tried to contact all the organizations in Pittsfield either by email
or mail but if you have not received a flyer from us, please consider this
your invitation. For more information and to RSVP please call Erica at
435-8563 or at
[email protected] or call Andi at 435-6346 or
[email protected].
Pittsfield High
School
Honor Roll
Second Quarter
2008-2009
GRADE 12
Highest Honors
Deena Hallock, Kelli Webber.
High Honors
Vuk Mirasevic, Kristine Scott.
Honors
Monica Bento, Amanda Caron, Joseph Osborne, Angela Sherman, Mercedes Valdez.
Honorable Mention
Sarah Buchanan, Jillian Fennessey, Kelsey Flinkstrom, Donna Lee Grant, Chris
Haire, Kenneth Piaseczny, Sandy St. Laurent, Michael Tuttle, Nicholas
Tuttle.
GRADE 11
Highest Honors
Paige Corliss, Victoria Duquette, Kara Gingras, Allison Laflamme.
High Honors
Michael Adams, Liam Etchells, Shannon Racicot, Irene Vogt.
Honors
Desiree Dumond, Samantha Gage, Nikki Grunst, Briahanna Metcalf, Matthew
Tuttle, Nathan Vincent.
Honorable Mention
Stephanie Baburins, Emily Davidson, Kurt Fisher, Kelley Hussey, Stephanie
Joyce, Joseph Suchomski, Brendon Ward.
GRADE 10
High Honors
Craig Paggi, Brian Ward.
Honors
Meghan Mulcahy, Allison Quigley.
Honorable Mention
Brian Eastman, Delina Lawrence, Savanah Martineau, Ben Polizotti.
GRADE 9
Highest Honors
Colleen Corliss, Taylor Gosse, Robert LeBel, Adriaunna Towle, Kelsey Wrye.
High Honors
Eric Chapman, Trevlyn Gosse, Sebastian Manteau, Kayleen Rojek, Emily Tyler,
Jennifer Tyrell.
Honors
Dominic Brooks, Garrett Young.
Honorable Mention
Paul Kennepohl, Taylor Kiss, Ryan Perras, Ethan Smith, Indigo Wearing.
GRADE 8
Highest Honors
Ashley Pence
High Honors
Sage Anthony, Emily Buchanan, Brittany Cassel, Elizabeth Cyr, Janice
Negron, Justin Quigley, Aaron Vien.
Honors
Allyson Brown, Macy Chagnon, Keith Duclos, Ashleigh Garland, Seth Gosse,
Travis Guest, Cassidy Kearns, Lydnsey Milton, Thomas Williams.
Honorable Mention
Tyler Booth, Ashley Connor, Russell Cox. David Haynes, Timothy Laflamme,
Alyssa Moody, Christianne Thompson.
GRADE 7
Highest Honors
Maxwell Tuttle
High Honors
Victoria Averill, Gabrielle Bachelder, Danielle Bourgeois, Jacey Darrah,
Stefani Gauthier, Katlyn Gonzalez, Katrina Haynes, Nathaniel Jackson, Ryan
McLennan, Katie Small, Tiffany Summerford.
Honors
Brett Merrill
Honorable Mention
Alexander Pelletier, Alexis Samaluk.
Justin Greene
Does It Again!
Justin Greene on
Chinquapin Allie
4th grader at Pittsfield Elementary School, Justin Greene has done it yet
again! Justin the son of Carole Dodge Greene and Daniel Greene, is an
accomplished rider. For the 2008 year, he and his horse Chinquapin Allie,
finished in the top ten in Walk Trot Poles for the Appaloosa Horse Club,
showing at only 3 of the breed shows.
He also earned many year end champions in Walk Trot games for the Lakes
Region Show Series. He was High Point overall Walk Trot rider, and he and
his horse earned the High Point Appaloosa as well. Justin and Allie actually
accrued the most points of all riders at the show series.
Justin is no rookie to the show ring. He has been riding since very early
on, and he has been in the national top ten for the past 4 years. His horse
is a 20 year old registered Appaloosa mare who has many national credits
herself, and carried Justin’s older brother to national top ten standings as
well. Justin and Allie make quite a team. We will see what they can do in
the 2009 season.
Letter
In Response to R. Lincoln Burn’s Letter to Birdwatchers:
Wow. You’ve seen an impressive selection of winter birds. Hope you’re
planning to take part in the New Hampshire Backyard Winter Bird Survey, as
described on page 7 of the February 4th issue of the Suncook Valley Sun. The
only other person I know of who’s spotted a truncated digit is my son, and
that was early one winter morning when he was snowblowing the driveway. Are
you sure it wasn’t an exfoliated yew that you saw? - they’re sometimes
difficult to distinguish from the foliated yew. Keep those eyes peeled!
Leigh English
Letter
Dear Pittsfield Voter:
My name is Jim Pritchard, and I am running for the one-year Planning Board
seat.
I became active in Pittsfield politics six years ago when I noticed the town
overtaxing rural properties. I also noticed that the overtaxation scheme
benefited residential housing developers.
Since then, I have battled the town government for citizens’ rights on
issues of overtaxation and land use. I have helped several other people with
problems before land use boards.
I believe that I can be more effective as a planning board member. I know
the State and local laws that govern planning board activities. For several
years, I have attended land use board meetings regularly. This past year, I
and I alone attended ALL land use board meetings.
I am also the principal author of the citizen-petitioned zoning amendment.
Please vote for this amendment on March 10. The amendment implements my
stand on land-use issues:
* Well-defined regulations that do not permit favoritism.
* Home occupations permitted by right but with standards that protect
neighbors.
* Class V highway frontage on NEW residential subdivision.
* Cluster development standards that protect open space.
* An elected zoning board.
An elected land use board is vital to fairness. Land use board members must
be accountable to the people if we are to avoid favoritism.
For more information, visit my web site
http://czop.wordpress.com
I am new to running for political office. Please honor me with your vote and
the chance to serve you.
Jim Pritchard
Meet Officer Di
George Of The Pittsfield Police Department
Officer Di George has been in law enforcement for seven years. Di George
joined the Pittsfield Police Department after serving with Milton Police
Department. Di George enjoys the midnight shift and is an active member of
the Pittsfield Police Association.
The Pittsfield Police Department is proud to have Officer Di George as a
member of the team that is helping to make the Pittsfield Police a stronger
department.
Pittsfield
Seniors Learn Real-World Skills, Give Back To Community
By Carin J. Plante
Pittsfield Middle High School
This spring, Pittsfield Middle High School students in the English 12
classes are getting more than reading and writing skills, they are getting
valuable life experience through a project they have to complete prior to
graduation on June 13. The assignment asks that each student identify a need
in their school, town, or larger community, then create, plan, and implement
a community service project that addresses that need. Students must write a
formal proposal and present it to a panel chosen by both the student and
his/her teacher, which could be made up of students, community members,
teachers, administrators, etc. This meeting must happen prior to the
students putting their project into motion. They are expected to consider
projected outcomes, timeline, budgeting, fundraising, managing volunteers,
as well as evaluating the project after completion. While students will
spend a good deal of time reading, writing, and speaking, all typical tasks
for English class, they will also be gaining invaluable work and life
skills: managing teams, planning, reporting, managing time and budget,
confidence, working with outside resources, and much, much more.
Students must avoid duplicating programs that already exist; this must be a
project of their own design as much as possible to demonstrate the
identified skills. They are completely responsible for every aspect of the
project, including setting their own deadlines, finding funding, volunteers,
getting permission for resources, communicating with school or town
officials, etc.
While students have only just begun working on their projects, so far there
are great possibilities in the works, including: a local spay and neuter
program; a Locks for Love drive; a benefit concert for Cerebral Palsy; a
play to teach elementary students about bullying and its negative effects; a
school spirit mural; a fundraiser to help send students without the means on
a white water rafting trip; a presentation for teenagers on healthy choices
for their bodies; a water plant pollution education program for fishermen; a
town clean-up and beautification project; improvements to the local teen
drop-in center; as well as several surveys trying to glean more information
before students start developing their projects.
For more information on this project, you can check out the entire
assignment at:
http://www.pittsfield.k12.nh.us/HS_Subjects/English/English12_CP/project_files/project.htm.
If you have a project idea that you think might be something a senior could
work on to help improve their school or community, or know of a resource
that might help students as they work on any of the above projects, you may
send your information to:
[email protected] or call the school at (603) 435-6701.
Letter
Elsewhere in this edition of The Sun is an ad that recommends a yes vote on
a citizen’s petition to have the Pittsfield Planning Board appointed rather
than elected. The ad lists the names of the signatures to the petition; all
of them having served or are now serving in town government.
The Planning Board had always been appointed by the Selectboard until March,
07’, when a citizen’s petition was approved to have the board elected.
I believe, as do many others, that the elected board has not served
Pittsfield well. As evidence I cite the Zoning Ordinance change that will be
on the ballot in March. I find the changes frightening and I urge residents
to obtain a copy of the proposed ordinance before voting.
I offer as an example the auto body shop/auto repair in the table of uses.
This use is allowed in rural land suburban zones - by right. Not next door
to me, I hope!
A developer who elects to cluster will be allowed a multiplier of five to
one in the suburban zone and of eight to one in the rural zone. The board’s
intent was for rural to be four to one but knowing of this error it was
left in the ordinance to be seen as low-hanging fruit to any enterprising
developer.
The rural cluster permits buildings containing up to four units per building
- read apartment buildings - and this is meant to make Pittsfield a better
place to live.
The example in the proposed ordinance shows 28 units for ten acres and I ask
you to think of the 100 acre lot down the road from you.
In summary, I ask you to vote YES to the appointed board and NO to the
proposed zoning ordinance.
John Lenaerts
Pittsfield
Elementary School
Honor Roll
2nd Quarter
2008-2009
3rd GRADE
Ms. Mazza
Brandon Bojarsky, Casey Clark, Margaret Lamy, Kathleen Rollins, Meredith
Smith, Matthew St. George, Jack Tobin.
3rd GRADE
Ms. Elliott
Derek Boudreau, Hannah Conway, Alex Cooper, Cameron Darrah, Mackenzie
Desilets, Weston LeMay, Kegan Vincent, Kylie Wages.
3rd GRADE
Ms. Kilar
Sydney Booth, Gavin Knight, Cody Schreier, Lexys Soto, Emily Thompson,
Zachary Thoroughgood, Jaden Vincent, Tucker Wolfe.
4th GRADE
Ms. Barry
Gabriel Anthony, Kailey Boivin, Kegan Brooks, Miranda Chaffin Michael
Duquette, Mehrin Hueston, Emily Little, Lindsey Massey, Jordyn Pinto, Jevaun
Welcome.
4th GRADE
Ms. Bouchard
Xenthios Cyr, Savannah Godin, Brienne Hill.
4th GRADE
Ms. Lasky
Makayla Emerson, Kayla Jury, Noah MacGlashing, Shauna Miller, Dylan Moody,
Samantha Nevins, Danielle Pelletier, Erik Rye.
5th GRADE
Ms. Ragazzo
Marc Koulouras, Rachel Thompson, Alison Wolfe.
5th GRADE
Ms. Stewart
Colby Boudreau, Lucas Conway, Kyle Hamel, Keaton Heath, Jasmine Pina, Alyssa
Rushford, Jordan Samaluk.
5th GRADE
Ms. Harvey
Davis Duquette, Eziekiel Langevin, Noah Manteau, Breanna Merrill, Lily
Plummer, Erica Radzik, Zachary Webster.
6th GRADE
Ms. Kaplan
Colby Clark, Daniel Colon-Pagan, Morgan Corliss, Joshua Fraser, Matthew
Marcotte, Courtney Philbrick, Anthony Rojek, Willard St. George, Paige
Stockman, Adrianna Wells.
6th GRADE
Mr. Patsos
Matthew Buchanan, Jeremy Kennepohl, Ryan Marquis, Danielle Martin, Jessica
Massey, Josaphine Towle, Amanda Vanslette.
6th GRADE
Ms. Venetos
Gabrielle Bartlett, Star Chagnon, Katelynn Hunt.
Letter to the Editor
Moses stood in the entrance of the camp and said, “Whoever is on the
Lord’s side-come to me! Thus says the Lord God of Israel; ‘Let every man put
His sword on his side…, and let every man kill his brother, every man his
companion, and every man his neighbor.’” So the sons of Levi did according
to the word of Moses. And about three thousand men of the people fell that
day. (Exodus 32:26-28)
We are undoubtedly living in disconcerting times. With the focus of news
being on the strains of war and an unstable economy, there is much to be
apprehensive about. In times like these, we have to wonder, “What will
tomorrow bring?” While administrative officials search for ways to reconcile
things of the world, the world continues to crumble around us. Truth be
told, government can not save us. So what is the solution?
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and
seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven,
and forgive their sin and heal their land” (II Chronicles 7:14).
Scripture is very clear on the destiny of the world. This doesn’t mean,
however, that we can’t have revival. The Lord has proven Himself merciful
time and time again. However, one day He will return to judge mankind. Only
those who put their trust in Him will escape His wrath and condemnation.
“For whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).
“But the cowardly, unbelieving…shall have their part in the lake which burns
with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). So,
whose side are you on?
Linda Small
Pittsfield
Letter
Thank You For Your Help!
It was a terrible night on the 27th of January. I still can’t believe it
happened. We lost our little barn to fire. If that’s not bad enough, there
were four head of cattle that perished in it. The fire was so quick and
intense there wasn’t much we could do to save the building or the animals.
All those fond memories gone in one hour!
I just wanted to thank all of you firefighters from Pittsfield, Northwood
and Epsom. I was too distracted to see exactly who was there, but you all
know and I want to let you know that we are a very grateful for your help. A
building fire is a hellish thing and you people are known to enter these
infernos at times to save humans and animals, risking your own lives while
doing so. Although heroic action was not necessary in our case because there
was nothing to save due to the intensity - I realize if there was hope you
folks would have gone into the building. So, thank you again and may God
protect you all as you do your duty (I hope not too often.)
Thanks again!
Gene Matras and Family
Pittsfield
MoonShadow Farm
Residential Care Home In Pittsfield
Maybe Moonshadow
Farm is the right place for you.
An alternative to traditional assisted living is opening in Pittsfield this
spring. Laurel and Steve Bissonnette and their family are opening up their
home to a few select seniors who are unable to live on their own any longer.
The Bissonnettes are located at the old Sanderson homestead. It’s a
beautiful, rural setting on a 20-acre family farm in Pittsfield, NH.
Laurel and Steve have been raising their two elementary aged boys in this
wholesome environment. They raise their own eggs, pork, chicken, turkey and
beef. Steve’s garden provides a plentiful supply of fresh, canned and frozen
treats throughout the year.
The farm has been lovingly restored to reflect its historic charm. The
resident’s warm and cozy rooms are in the process of being completely
renovated and have spectacular views.
Included in the offering of a family based alternative to Assisted Living
the following amenities are available:
• Spacious, Newly Renovated Semi-Private Room
• Activities and Outings
• Transportation to Medical Appointments
• Transportation to Community Center for Senior Activities
• Management of Medications
• Personal Assistance
• Meals - All Natural, Fresh Produce Raised on our Farm
• Laundry
• Housekeeping
• Staffed, 24 x 7
If you or someone you know is looking for that special living situation and
would like to return to a simpler lifestyle with animals, kids and delicious
home cooked meals, please contact Laurel at Moonshadow Farm.
Laurel
Bissonnette
[email protected]
28 Sanderson Dr.
Pittsfield, NH 03263
603-435-9393 or 603-540-4417