Pittsfield Youth Baseball Assoc. (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. and 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.
Celebrating Birthdays are: February 5, Marty Friedman, Stephanie
Wolfe; February 6, Melissa Harnden, Andrew Webber; February 8, Ross
Morse; February 9, James Bond, Jr..
A Very Happy Birthday to one and all!
Loudon Young At Heart
Members who have signed up for the Tuesday, February 10th lunch at
“Food For Thought” in Belmont should meet at the Community Center.
We will carpool and leave promptly at 11:30 a.m. for our 12:00 noon
reservation.
Come join The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce as we enjoy our
second 2009 Business After Hours. The event will be held at Exit
Reward Realty on Thursday February 12th from 5pm – 7pm. There will
be light refreshments served and a brief explanation of what Exit
Reward Realty does. Everyone is welcome to come. Exit Reward Realty
is about sharing with the community so they are offering all
business members that come to be able to display their own
individual business information such as cards, flyers or even
arrangements. If you are not a member, this is a great opportunity
to learn what The Greater Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce is involved
in and how it could benefit your business.
Congratulations to Alexandra Elizabeth Young who was named to the
Dean’s List at Keene State College for fall 2008. To qualify for the
dean’s list, Keene State undergraduates must be enrolled in a degree
program; they must have completed a minimum of six credit hours in
the semester, receiving no failing or incomplete grades. Students
must achieve a 3.5 or higher grade point average on a 4.0 scale to
earn dean’s list honors.
Park Street Baptist Church invites you to an affordable (FREE) and
fun Valentine’s Date date night on Friday, Feb. 13th at 7:00 pm. We
will be showing the 2008 movie Fireproof followed by desserts. This
movie encourages family, marriage, and selfless love, and the story
moves right along complete with genuine belly laughs, emotion, and
even some peril. This is an adult only event for singles and
couples. For more info please call 435-8036.
Congratulations to Auston Montville, a resident of Pittsfield, NH,
who has been named to the Fall 2008 Champlain College’s Dean’s List
for academic achievements. Montville is majoring in Electronic Game
and Interactive Development.
School
Lunch Menus
Feb. 9-13
PES
Monday -
Tuna sandwich, chips, fruit, milk.
Tuesday -
Shepherd’s pie, corn, mashed potatoes, fruit, milk.
Wednesday -
Spaghetti w/sauce, veggie, fruit, milk.
Thursday -
Fried chicken, veggie, fruit, milk.
Friday -
Pizza, veggie, fruit milk.
Monday
-
Hamburgers w/rolls, fries, pickles, fruit, milk or yogurt tray, tuna
salad.
Tuesday -
BBQ chicken, mashed potatoes, veggie, fruit, milk or yogurt tray, no
salad.
Wednesday -
Hot dogs w/roll, baked beans, cole slaw, fruit, milk or yogurt tray,
Chef’s choice salad.
Thursday -
Early Release
Rib-O-Ques w/roll, rice, veggie, fruit, milk or yogurt tray, Caesar
salad
Friday -
Crispy fish wrap, salad, fruit, milk or yogurt tray, ham and cheese
salad.
Dorcas
Guild
Submitted By
Joan Riel
The Dorcas Guild of the First Congregational Church met the evening
of January 15th with 15 members attending and Peggy Jacobs
presiding. Nancy Fogg gave a very good reading titled “Friendship”
and led everyone in the Lord’s Prayer.
Secretary Joan Riel gave her report of the December meeting and read
many thank you notes. Several cards were circulated for signing to
be mailed. Reny Boyd, Treasurer, gave her current financial report.
Sally Lewis has the food basket and will pass it on to the next
person on the list. Shirley Bleckmann took the apron which will go
next to Reny Boyd and then on down the list. The Mystery Package
sent in by Kathy Bergeron was won by Audrey Moore.
The Mother’s Day Quilt Tea, tentatively being planned for Saturday,
May 10th from 2 to 4 p.m., was discussed. Committees were lined up.
Several members offered to serve.
The status of the church note paper was questioned. It was reported
that 200 had been printed and 100 of them were given to Pastor Dave
in December and 100 kept by the Dorcas Guild. Following upon
signatures in the guest book was also discussed and Nella Hobson
offered to contact Pastor Dave to see if he would like to be
responsible for that. If not, she has volunteered to handle it.
This was the meeting we customarily vote missions for the year. Due
to the economy outlook for the coming months it was decided to keep
a healthy balance in the treasury in case a need arises within the
church. Monies voted for missions went to the Neighbor To Neighbor
Local Program; Fuel Assistance to two towns and a donation to the
New Tribes Missions.
Elsie Morse assured everyone there will be a November Christmas Fair
and that Wednesday work meetings will begin on February 4th. Joan
Riel will chair the December Craft Fair.
At the close of the meeting delicious refreshments were served by
Elsie Morse and Nancy Fogg. Because this was the annual “Birthday
Meeting For Everyone,” a delicious Italian Cream Cake and ice cream
were also served and Happy Birthday was sung to everyone.
The next meeting will be held on February 10th with Peggy Jacobs and
Gailann Newton serving as co-hostesses. A pound auction will be held
so items should weigh a pound and be wrapped for secrecy! Members
were also asked to bring a warm pair of sox.
Attending
Public Hearing For Pittsfield’s School Budget A Must
Submitted by the Pittsfield School Board
Please plan on attending the public hearing for Pittsfield’s
proposed municipal and school district budgets. The hearing will be
held at 7:00pm on Wednesday February 11, 2009 in the Pittsfield
Elementary School cafeteria (snow date February 12th).
The School Board’s proposed budget is $168,578 lower than the
current school year, but due to anticipated income reductions,
primarily from the State of NH and the federal government, the
estimated property tax impact is 50 cents per thousand.
Major portions of the budget increases include $413,410 for payments
such as utilities, contractual salary increases, health insurance,
the NH retirement system, special education tuition, and
transportation. Major decreases include costs for debt service (the
bond for Pittsfield Elementary School has been paid!), relocation of
the SAU office to PMHS, reductions in textbooks/supplies, and the
elimination of nine positions, totaling $789,855. The personnel
reductions include one half of an administrative position, 5
teachers and 3.5 support staff positions.
The School Board is very concerned about the tough financial
conditions of the current recession. At the same time our schools
are adjusting to a decline in student enrollment. During the past
five years total enrollment has gone from 727 students to 616.
During the next few years our schools will be changing. We will be
exploring all options for providing quality education while seeking
to lower the cost per student.
Come to the public hearing and learn more about our plans.
Especially during the next twelve months we want, and need, all of
your ideas, large and small, to help the schools decide what to
change and what should stay the same. If you are unable to come to
meetings talk to the superintendent, school principals and school
board members whenever you can and make sure that your idea is heard
as we plan for the future.
Pittsfield Fire and Rescue Service News
December 2008
During the month of December, sixty-seven calls for emergency
assistance were received. Fire and EMS personnel responded to 33
medical emergencies, 3 motor vehicle accidents, 1 mutual aid
structure fire, 7 hazardous conditions, 5 service calls, 8 good
intent calls, and 10 alarm activations. Five of the calls were
simultaneous responses. Two mutual aid calls were given to other
communities and three mutual aid calls were received from other
communities.
Members participated in an EMS training and Haz-Mat Awareness
review. An ice storm survey of the community was conducted as a
review of activity and response.
Members assisted with Breakfast with Santa at PES and the annual
Christmas Tree Lighting, as well as providing coverage at the
Christmas Eve service at the Congregational Church. A big “thank
you” goes to the staff and members who organized the Secret Santa
program and to the many people and businesses of the community who
contributed to make it a success.
Six code consultations and four follow up inspections were
completed. One Foster Care inspection was conducted. Seven
permits to kindle a fire were issued.
Please visit the Fire and Rescue Service page on the Town website
through the direct link –
http://fire.pittsfield-nh.com.
Safety Tip: Carbon monoxide is the “invisible” killer – you cannot
see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill you in
minutes. Never run a portable generator under windows or indoors,
including garages, basements, and crawlspaces. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for your generator. Install
battery-operated or plug-in CO alarms with battery backup in your
home.
Meet
Officer John Webber Of The Pittsfield Police Department
Officer
John Webber says, “Hard work and making good decisions can take you
far in life.”
Officer John Webber has been in law enforcement for seven years.
Webber joined the Pittsfield Police Department because he wanted to
have the opportunity to work with youth both in the community and in
the schools. Officer Webber has been working with children for
twelve years and especially likes being involved in community
activities that help show both children and adults another side of
the police department.
Officer Webber is married and has two children and enjoys spending
time with his family. He is not a big fan of the cold and looks
forward to summer.
The Pittsfield Police Department is proud to have Officer John
Webber as a member of the team that is helping to make the
Pittsfield Police a stronger department.
Officer
Justin Swift recently graduated the Police Standards and Training
Academy as a part-time police officer. Swift works for the
Pittsfield Police Department. Chief Robert Wharem and The Pittsfield
Police Department are proud of Officer Swift’s achievement.
Supporting Our Military Families
MANCHESTER VA Medical Center is excited to sponsor the NAMI NH
(National Alliance on Mental Illness) “FAMILY to FAMILY” Education
Program. This free, 12-week educational series is designed to help
spouses, parents and any friends or family members gain more
information and understanding of mental health so that they can be a
support for the veterans in their life. Family members who
participate in the “Family to Family” course are better equipped to
cope successfully and provide the necessary support for their loved
one who is diagnosed with a mental illness such as Posttraumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Disorder, Depression, or
Schizophrenia. The course teaches family members about brain biology,
medications and skills such as problem solving, communication
techniques and self care. Classes are taught by trained family
members who have completed NAMI NH’s extensive training program and
have years of knowledge and personal experience to share with other
VA families. These evening classes will meet once a week from
February 16 to May 4 and will be held at the Manchester Veterans
Affairs Medical Center at 718 Symth Rd, Manchester, NH. Registration
is required. For more information or to register call Diane Guidi at
424-6819 or e-mail Marge Galvin at
[email protected]
Once Upon
A Mattress In Full Rehearsal
“Once Upon a Mattress,” the musical based on the story of “The
Princess and the Pea,” and directed by Maye Hart, is now in full
rehearsal for performances scheduled later this month.
The Kids’ Theater Workshop of The Pittsfield Players is thrilled
with this fun-filled, lively musical production. “This show is
extremely funny,” said Hart. “And by the way, kids rock!” she added.
The award-winning director has been involved with the Workshop for
the last decade.
With over 35 children involved, this show is really something to
witness. Nikki Del Valle plays Princess Winnifred with Justin
Quigley as Prince Dauntless. The queen is played by Shayna Sweezy
and the king by Tim Osborne. Celeste Banfill and Travis Pitcher play
Lady Larkin and Sir Harry, respectively. The cast fills out with
many local children, some veterans of previous shows with still
others new to the Scenic Theatre stage.
This show will certainly clear away your winter blues with its
heart-warming music and dance, colorful set, great costumes and
funny storyline. Everyone just loves a kids’ show by kids and for
kids. Don’t miss this one!
“Once Upon a Mattress” is produced under special agreement with
Rodgers and Hammerstein Theatricals. Music is by Mary Rodgers,
lyrics by Marshall Barer and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and
Marshall Barer.
Performances are Thursday, Feb. 19, Friday, Feb. 20 and Saturday,
Feb. 21, all shows at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 and available at
TicketLeap at:
www.pittsfieldplayers.com or by calling the Scenic Theatre at
435-8852. The box office will be open Feb. 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to
purchase tickets. The theater is located at 19 Depot Street,
Pittsfield.
Letter To
The Editor
To the good citizens of Pittsfield,
Just got back from a planning board meeting, Jan. 29th.
The board voted to put the planning board’s proposal on the ballot.
One of the biggest changes is the use table.
The planning board has been working on this all summer and decided
to propose an increase in uses of what you can do on your property.
The most common complaint I hear around town is there is not enough
work.
We need opportunity here in our town and the surrounding rural area.
This proposal might help if it is voted in.
This proposal is going to be attacked by the gang that refuses to see
what’s coming down the road and wants things to stay as they are.
Please consider voting for the planning board’s proposal on March
10th on the ballot at the Town Hall.
There are many people in this town that are desperate for
supplemental income. I do not think that the government is going to
save us. We had better get to work if we want opportunity in
Pittsfield. The planning board (the first elected board since I don’t
know when) has done their part, now it is up to the voters to do
their part. Stay informed and vote.
Respectfully,
Dan Schroth
Pittsfield
November
Employee Of The Month
Submitted by Denise Morin
The Select Board is proud to announce Ron Vien as November’s
Employee of the Month. Ron has been with our town for seventeen
years and is presently the superintendent at the Waste Water
Treatment Plant. Ron is professional, respectful of others and has a
very helpful attitude. Ron is dedicated to his job and is rarely
ever absent. Ron is efficient and keeps accurate timely records of
all required tests.
Ron’s broad knowledge and creative thinking ensure that all the
operations at the WWTP run smoothly and successfully with desired
results. Ron is a solid supervisor with a good sense of balance when
making important decisions. Ron is dependable, open minded and is
willing to try new technologies to save money and improve
operations. Ron is a positive thinker who embraces solutions and
compromises rather than standing still.
Our town is extremely fortunate to have such an outstanding employee
and we appreciate all that he does.
A Letter
To
Bird Watchers
During the recent bitter cold spell, I scattered a mixture of
various seeds over my front walkway, to assist our feathered
friends.
I was amazed at the variety of birds that were attracted, after only
a few minutes.
Among those spotted were: a Canadian Robin, a Variegated Woodpecker,
a Deviated Septum, two Truncated Digits, and the rarest of all, a
Foliated Yew.
R. Lincoln Burns
Loudon
Resident Sworn In As Merrimack County Commissioner
Leo R. Bernier of Cross Brook Road in Loudon, was sworn in as
Merrimack County Commissioner on January 7, 2009. Leo is looking
forward to representing you and the other residents of Merrimack
County in his new role. Prior to running for Commissioner, Leo was
elected County Treasurer and enjoyed that position very much. Since
the Treasurer position was more ceremonial in nature than that of a
Commissioner, Leo decided that he would run for the Commissioner’s
position in order to be able to have more of an impact.
County Commissioners are responsible for running County government.
That responsibility includes oversight of the County Offices such as
the nursing home, the county jail, the Sheriff’s Office, Registry of
Deeds, Human Services, etc. etc. A big issue to Leo is to watch over
the County budget to keep taxes as low as is possible while at the
same time, ensuring that County services continue to meet the needs
of the residents.
Prior to his retirement, Leo was employed in the public sector for
over 26 years. His public sector experience as the Welfare
Commissioner for the City of Manchester, as well as the City Clerk
for Manchester, will be a definite asset to him in his success as a
Commissioner. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact
Commissioner Bernier at 228-0331.