Pittsfield Youth Baseball Assoc. (PYBA) Sign Ups

PYBA is holding sign-ups for softball (girls ages 4-18) and baseball (boys ages 4-18) on the following dates:

February 21, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

February 28, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

March 4, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

All sign-ups will be held at the Pittsfield Community Center. You can now complete the registration form in advance and bring it with you to sign-ups. The form can be found on our new web site at www.leaguelineup.com/pittsfield.

Click on online forms to access the registration form.
 

American International College in Springfield, Mass., recently announced its Fall 2008 Dean’s List, which included more than 453 students. Among those was Nicholas Brett of Loudon, a freshman Criminal Justice major.
 

Celebrating Birthdays are: February 18, Ray Lammott, Barbara Clark, Arthur Harnden, Patty Houle; February 19, Carl Anderson, Ronald Vien; February 20, Fred Hast I, Chris Johnson, Amy Thompson; February 21, Staci Bousquet, Robert Bousquet, Gail O’Keefe, Ann Strand; February 22, Dan Dunne; February 23, Sarah Hillsgrove; February 24, Daniel St. Laurent, Jr.

A Very Happy Birthday To One And All.
 

You have heard that “News Gets Around.” Well, I guess it does. A note from a friend in Englewood, Florida, recently had an enclosure of a news item from the February 2nd edition of  “The Sun.” In the Northern Report Section under “New Hampshire” - subtitle of “Tornado Furniture” and a Pittsfield dateline - was an article about Dan Schroth and his “new career!” News does travel! And  - maybe one better than that, at the time of the tornado, my grandson and his wife, who live in Barnstead had a call from her parents in Bulgaria, checking to make sure they were okay. They heard it on the news in Bulgaria and at the mention of Barnstead, NH, they were concerned!
 

Pittsfield AREA
Senior Center WinterFest Luncheon Date Change

The FREE WinterFest Luncheon sponsored by the Pittsfield Parks and Recreation Department will be held on “Wednesday, February 25th instead of Thursday the 26th. Activities will begin at 11 a.m. and lunch at 12 p.m. The menu is as follows. Baked Chicken breast, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, beans and carrots, banquet ham with pineapple and cherries, drinks and fresh homemade pies baked by the local 4-H.

Reservations are required by February 18, 2009. Call 435-8482 and reserve your space. You may leave a message.
 

Salty Dog Pottery/Children’s Workshops
School Vacation Week
2/23/09-2/27/09
Different Clay Projects Each Day
For Information
Cost and Schedule
Please Contact
435-6014 Or
[email protected]
 

Winners in the January-February drawing at the Peterson-Cram Post, A.L. were:

January: #9, Willard Bishop, $50; #97, Margaret Weatherbee, $25; #84, Lucia Metcalf, $10; #312, Amanda Stewart, $10; #187, Sandra Osborne, $10.

February: #391, Casey Ward, $50; #254, Edmond Stapleton, $25; #88, Leo Fraser, $10; #66, Robert & Cindy Thompson, $10; #179, Steve McClary, $10.
 

Merrimack County 4-H Youth Development Announces Food Show & Public Speaking Recognitions

Over 150 youth and parents gathered recently at Pembroke Academy for the 4-H Public Speaking and Food Show event. Twenty-one adults from the community served as evaluators of the youth projects. Youth were represented from several towns in Merrimack County including Concord, Loudon, Pittsfield, Chichester, Canterbury, Warner, Boscawen, Penacook, New London, Sutton, Dunbarton, and Webster.

Named to represent Merrimack County at the State Public Speaking event at Pembroke Academy on May 30th are: Ross Lougee, Victory Workers 4-H; Jordan and Molly Dahl, Milleville 4-H; Julia Jones, Sutton; and Jocelyn Tanner, 4-H Junior Leaders.

Invited to the fall 4-H Roundup is: Chad Lougee and Harrison Worster, Victory Workers 4-H. Receiving a judge’s special food award was Julia Jones, Sutton, and Katie Downs, Pittsfield, received the most votes for the 4-H Cook Off.

Letter

I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Colleen Ann Laro, and I am running for the position of Town Clerk/Tax Collector. My children and I are proud to be a part of the Pittsfield community. We enjoy all that our town has to offer such as the Christmas Tree Lighting, to all the children’s sports, swimming at the pool, Old Home Day, the Balloon Rally, the plays, and the list goes on and on. Pittsfield has so much to offer its residents because of the dedication and perseverance of the countless individuals who volunteer their talents. I would like to have an opportunity to serve the community as the Town Clerk/Tax Collector. Throughout my professional career, I have always worked with the public and have enjoyed doing so. I have worked several years in banking as a bank teller and bank researcher. I have also worked as a cashier, customer service representative, cash office assistant and assistant to the Pittsfield Town Clerk/Tax Collector.

I would welcome the opportunity to use my abilities to serve my community in this position. I will bring my honesty, compassion and strong work ethic to this office. I look forward to the challenge of learning and performing all the aspects to this position in the years to come. I will be at the Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce annual Candidate’s Night on March 2nd and at the Polls on March 10th. I would be my pleasure to meet you at those times and to serve you in the future.

Colleen A. Laro

Letter
A New Selectman in Pittsfield

Having just recently heard that not long ago, the Selectboard appointed Fred Hast as Selectmen to fill a vacant seat on the board.

I wondered about how many other Pittsfield residents might not realize this appointment had taken place?

Were proper rules of procedure employed to appoint an interim Selectman without public notification?

How many other people might have been interested in the position?

Susan Willoughby

Pittsfield Police Department Arrest Log
1/25/09-2/7/09

On January 27, 2009, Brian Gage, 25, of Main Street, Pittsfield was arrested on a Warrant, and was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 1/27/09.

On January 27, 2009, Christopher Beaulieu, 19, of Depot Street, Pittsfield, was charged with Forgery and Receiving Stolen Property.  Beaulieu was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 2/5/09.

On January 30, 2009, Darrell Peach, 50, of Depot Street, Pittsfield, was charged with Possession of Illegal/Narcotic Drugs, and given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 2/13/09.

On February 6, 2009, Scott Boynton, 26, of Main Street, Pittsfield, was arrested on a Warrant, and charged with Criminal Mischief (Vandalism).  Boynton was given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 2/20/09.

On February 6, 2009, Tara Abbott, 27, of Depot Street, Pittsfield, was arrested on a Bench Warrant for not showing up in Court, and was given a court date to appear in Laconia District Court.

On February 7, 2009, William Morel, 37, of Depot Street, Pittsfield, was charged with Violation of a Protective Order, and given a court date to appear in Concord District Court on 5/1/09.

Respectfully Submitted,
Chief Robert Wharem

New Pittsfield School District Website

The new Pittsfield School District website - http://pittsfield-nh.com/sau/ - became operational in early January.  School district residents are encouraged to visit the new website to keep informed about Pittsfield’s schools.

Parents will be interested to know that the website includes basic day-to-day information, such as the school district calendar, school lunch menus, and contact information for school and SAU administrative staff.

On snowy mornings, students and parents can log on early to find out if school will be open or closed.  Information about and links to community events – such as Pittsfield’s upcoming Winterfest – can also be found on the website.

Looking ahead to the annual school district meeting on March 12, town voters will find information on the school district’s proposed budget that includes a summary of changes, brief explanation of warrant articles, and cost comparisons to last year and this year.

New information is being added each month.  Students, parents, and all residents will find the district website - http://pittsfield-nh.com/sau/ - a convenient way to stay current with school events.

Letter To The Editor

Dear Editor:
Kudos to our Pittsfield schools!  I hope everyone read the front-page article in the February 4, 2009, edition of the Sun: “NH Education Commissioner Tracy Visits Pittsfield Schools.” 

Dr. Tracy was here for a full day, visiting a total of 10 classrooms:  3 elementary, 3 middle school, and 4 high school classes.  Everywhere he saw students actively engaged in learning, and he commented on the positive atmosphere of the schools and the quality of the lessons he had observed.

The last sentence in the article sums it up:  Dr. Tracy observed that, “NO SCHOOLS PERSONALIZE INSTRUCTION BETTER THAN PITTSFIELD’S SCHOOLS.”  (emphasis mine) What a compliment and affirmation of the achievements of our administration, teachers, staff and, most importantly - our students. Hats off to our schools - they make me proud to live in Pittsfield!!

Sincerely,
Nancy Christie

From The Desk Of The Board Of Selectmen
Budget Year 2009

Dear Citizen,
The frailty of our national economy is no secret. Pittsfield is no exception. The Board of Selectmen (BOS) continues to witness the repercussions of the recession as banks foreclose, businesses struggle, citizens lose jobs and prices progressively rise. The BOS has determined to do its part in attempting to stabilize our community during these financially challenging times.

Having said this, Department Heads were asked to come to the BOS with a level funded budget proposal for 2009. Through work sessions and careful scrutiny the BOS is proposing a budget that members believe to be sufficient, practical and responsible. This has not been an easy process and some tough decisions have been made. We thank the staff for their cooperation and assistance along the way.

Over the past few years the BOS has made numerous improvements towards maximizing the efficiency of town operations. The BOS has also had a freeze on all discretionary spending since November in order to be certain of the absolute necessity of purchases. While much progress has been made, there is much that requires attention - the BOS will persistently work on these items throughout the year. Although financial enhancements take time to work through the cycle, the Board is confident that we will begin to reap some benefit in the 2009 budget year from these on-going efforts.

In 2008 we turned approximately $48,000 unexpended budget appropriations back to the general fund, despite the fact that we had unanticipated over-expenditures including natural disaster materials, equipment & subs ($16,497), increased overtime due to personnel turnover, training and  emergency operations ($25,000), hydrant fee back charges ($22,000) and overall inflation. Below is the Board’s proposed 2009 budget, which we believe will maintain adequate town operations.  We ask you to support this budget.

2009 Proposed Budget Summary      Over/Under 2008 Budget
Operating Budget: $3,728,640 ‘Increase 63,526*   (Over actual voted 2008)
Warrants Articles: $282,845  “Decrease 551,223
Total Proposed: $4,011,485 “Decrease 487,697 Total “Decrease in budget
 

Town Tax Impact:
Total Proposed Budget $4,011,485
Less estimated revenues ($1,527,090)
Estimated to Be Raised by Taxes - $2,484,395
Divided By Amount Raised Per $1 - $312,482 
Estimated Gross Tax  7.95 per thousand
Current Tax Rate 7.98 per thousand
Estimated Gross Tax Decrease .03/1,000

*Note: The sole reason there is an increase in the operating budget is because Pennichuck Water Works sprang a last minute significant hydrant fee increase on the Town.

Sincerely,
Linda Small,
Vice Chairman Board of Selectmen

Suncook Valley Soccer Club News

The Suncook Valley Soccer Club will be hosting a U.S. Soccer “G” License Coaching Course on Saturday March 7th, 9:00a.m.- 12:00 p.m., at Pittsfield Middle High School. Anyone interested in coaching youth soccer should take the course. To sign-up and to get more information go to our website: www.suncookvalleysoccerclub.synthasite.com. The club will pay the course fee for all members (anyone who has a child that plays for the club) interested in taking the course.

The spring meeting of the Suncook Valley Soccer Club will be held on Sunday March 29th, 6:00 p.m., at Pittsfield Middle High School. At this meeting there are three proposed additions/changes to the clubs By-Laws.

Proposed Amendment #1: 2 year term limit for the President of the Suncook Valley Soccer Club.

Proposed Amendment #2: Add Position of Fundraising Director to the Board of Directors.

Proposed Amendment #3: Add Position of Past President to the Board of Directors.
All members of the club are encouraged to attend the meeting and vote on the proposed amendments. Also at this meeting coaches and level coordinators will be discussed. Hope to see everyone at the “G” course on March 7th and at the spring meeting on March 29th.

Letter To The Editor

To The Good Citizens Of Pittsfield:
Regarding Bill Miskoe’s Letter, 2/11/09, in The Sun. Bill would like you to believe that the Planning Board is there for their personal gain. Not true. The fact is we believe we need to turn the direction of our town. From higher taxes and less property rights, to keeping  taxes level, and slowly over five years gain our property rights back slowly, but continually.

Regarding John Lenaert’s letter, 2/11/09. It has taken us eight years to finally get a zoning proposal that changes the direction of our town. To help show our commitment to the taxpayer we raised through a raffle around $800.00 to advertise for legal review for the newly elected Planning Board’s proposal. What Planning Board in Pittsfield ever cared enough to do that.

Regarding Jim Prichard’s (sic.) Letter, 2/11/09. Jim’s zoning is from Manchester. He says it’s to make everything fair.

Ask Jim how much he has cost the town in lawyer fees. My guess is around $20,000. Ask him how many times he has won. My guess is zero.

These three are part of the gang that can’t let go of old ideas, either due to lack of imagination or narrow self interest. It doesn’t surprise me they attack the Planning Board’s proposal.

We have started a movement in our town. Will you please help us. Call for a copy of the big picture. It describes our predicament and with enough help changes the direction of our town. Call Dan, 435-6048.

Dan Schroth

Letter To The Editor

To The Editor:
Be Careful What You Vote For
Articles 2, 3, 4, and 5 of this year’s Town Meeting Warrant are a summary of a lengthy proposal for changes to the Pittsfield Zoning Ordinance.

Unfortunately, the summary does not tell the voters about many important details in the proposal, which if adopted will have negative effects on property values.

Article 2 mentions Heavy Truck Repair and Commercial Greenhouses, but does not explain that these, and other uses would be allowed in any residential area of the town. Cluster development is also mentioned but not the fact that it would allow apartment houses in zones previously reserved for single family houses.

Article 3 refers to Table 2 concerning lot dimensions and house density, but does not specify what they will be. The most important of these changes would allow a cluster development to put over 40 units on a 30 parcel, even if it was 50% wetland. This could mean 42 units on 15 acres. Not open rural living and not what someone on a rural lot would expect to have next door.

Article 5 refers to a single proposed amendment - the adoption of a definition for frontage. But it does not explain what the definition will be. That is buried in the proposal, and it is a real zinger. If Article 5 is approved it will allow the development of major subdivisions on Class VI roads - roads not maintained by the town. It has been policy to not allow such development. This has served the town well and should not be changed.

Pittsfield Deserves Better.
Bill Miskoe

Pictured is Joseph Darrah of Darrah Enterprises. Mr. Darrah has just made a major contribution to the renovation and enlargement of Pittsfield Youth Athletic Park on Tilton Hill Road. The Youth Baseball extends a hearty thank you.
 

Letter To The Editor

Dear Editor:
With regard to Warrant Article 7, I urge all voters to VOTE YES. We need to go back to what worked so well for so many years. Let the members of the Planning Board again be appointed.

With regard to Warrant Articles 2, 3, 4, and 5, please VOTE NO. I suggest that no voter will read or try to understand the lengthy changes proposed by the Planning Board, not in the voting booth anyway. These Articles change too much; property usage will, in my opinion, become a building density multiplier. This is not good.

Sincerely,
Jim Thyng

Letter

On January 7, 2009, the Pittsfield Planning Board advertised in the SVS a zoning amendment that the board was proposing. The proposal was advertised as a single amendment, heard as a single amendment, and voted as a single amendment.

But on February 5, the draft town meeting warrant had FOUR amendments allegedly proposed by the Planning Board. I brought this matter to the Planning Board’s attention that night, and the board agreed that it had intended a single amendment.

At the Selectmen’s meeting on February 10, 2009, Fred Hast said that the Town Attorney had written the ballot questions and that they were to be left as she had written them.

Since when does the Town Attorney get to overrule the Planning Board? Since when does the Town Attorney get to create her own zoning amendment proposals?

At the Selectmen’s meeting, John Lenaerts explained masterfully that the voters would not be able to know what each ballot question would do. I asked which amendment contained the Planning Board’s proposed change to “Auto Body Shops.” No Selectman knew. If they do not know, obviously voters will not know either.

The Planning Board has proposed a monstrosity. Auto body shops will be permitted by right in the Suburban and Rural districts. Cluster development will be permitted by right and have large density multipliers, multi-family dwellings, and no open space requirements. Manufactured housing parks meet the new conditions for cluster development and will thus be permitted by right. Subdivision on driveways will be permitted.

Please vote AGAINST ALL proposals from the Planning Board. Please vote FOR the citizen-petitioned amendment, which, not surprisingly, is not recommended by the Planning Board.

Jim Pritchard
Candidate for Planning Board
Governor’s Road
Pittsfield

Student Art Show/ Open House at the Carpenter Library

The Friends of the Josiah Carpenter Library will be hosting an Open House, in conjunction with PMHS Art Teacher, Bill Mitchell, on Saturday March 7, 2009, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., to kick off the Pittsfield Middle High School Student Art Show, on exhibit at the Carpenter Library.  The show will run from March 7-26, 2009.  A closing reception is also planned for the students on March 26th, 5-7 p.m.  Come support our talented young artists with a meet and greet.  Refreshments will be provided at both occasions.

The Friends and Trustees would like to welcome Roza Benoit to the Carpenter Library. She has taken over the position of Library Director. Welcome Roza! 

With Election Day coming up soon, The Friends will be sponsoring another Spring Raffle at the Town Hall on March 10, 2009.  A bright red wheelbarrow filled with everything you’ll need to start your garden this year, will belong to one lucky resident. Be sure to bring your wallet. Tickets will be $1 each or 6 for $5. Spring is on the way !
Thank you for supporting your library!!