Reminder
Pittsfield Citizen Of The Year 2009
It is time again to honor a deserving person as Pittsfield’s
Citizen of the Year. Please send us a note listing your nominee
and a brief explanation as to why that person/persons deserve to
be Citizen of the Year.
Send your nominations to:
Citizen of the Year.
c/o
Pittsfield Historical Society
PO Box 173
Pittsfield, NH
03263
Celebrating Birthdays are: June 18, Nicholas Shaver, Guy
Derby, Jr., Whiley Clattenburg; June 19, James Dunne; June 20,
Charly Zahn; June 21, Jim Correll, Rob Richardson; June 22,
Robby Welch, Linda St. Laurent; June 23, June Teloian, Peter
Yelle, Walter Bond, Jr.
A Very Happy Birthday to one and all.
Celebrating Anniversaries are: June 18, Robert and Paullette
Chagnon; June 22, Mark and Tanya Portigue; June 23, Rob and
Debra Richardson.
Best Wishes.
Congratulations to Meghan E. Brown of Pittsfield, NH, who
was graduated from Quinnipiac University on May 17.
Kudos and many thanks from the Beautification Committee to
all who helped in so many ways to make our Town Wide Yard Sale,
Bake Sale and Raffle such a huge success. Your donations of
items, your sale purchases and all the time and effort the
workers put in. For all of this we are very grateful. The winner
of the Longaberger Basket and the flower plant raffle was
Barbara Rogers of Barnstead. Again, thank you.
An account has been set up with Citizens Bank and Northway
Bank on Main Street in Pittsfield for the fire victims of 36
Main Street. Any contributions or donations to help the families
affected by this fire would be greatly appreciated. Donations
can be made to: Fire Victims of 36 Main Street, Pittsfield, New
Hampshire, C/O Citizens Bank, 54 Main Street, Pittsfield, NH,
and Fire Victims of 36 Main Street, Pittsfield, NH, C/O of
Northway Bank, 55 Main Street, Pittsfield, NH.
Donations will help the families with costs associated with
the fire.
VA Awards $3.7 Million for New Hampshire Veterans Home
To ensure high-quality health services for Veterans at the
state home in Tilton, N.H., the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) is awarding a grant of up to $3.7 million for upgrades
there, including energy enhancements and asbestos abatement.
The estimated cost the project at the State Veterans Home in
Tilton is $5.7 million, with VA’s grant covering 65 percent of
the total. The New Hampshire Veterans Home agreed to enter into
a contract for the improvements within 90 days of an agreement
with VA.
Last year, VA spent more than $336 million in New Hampshire
on behalf of the state’s 131,000 Veterans. VA operates a major
medical center in Manchester and five outpatient clinics. The
Department’s facilities provided care last year during 189,000
outpatient visits.
The state-run Veterans home in Tilton supplements these
federal services. For more information about the New Hampshire
Veterans Home and other New Hampshire services for Veterans,
visit
www.nh.gov/nhveterans/bene.html.
Josiah Smith, son of Steven and Sonja Smith of Pittsfield, NH,
has been accepted to Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio
for the fall of 2009 where he will be majoring in Political
Science and minoring in Pre-Law.
Preschool Artists Create Stationary
The preschool students at
the Pittsfield Elementary School created teddy bear stationary
this week. Students used their thumbs and index fingers to
create the bear designs on paper. After creating the bears,
children used markers to add details to the bears. These bears
were modeled after Ed Emberly’s artwork. The preschoolers have
been learning about bears throughout the month of June and
seemed to enjoy creating these works of art. Each preschooler
will take home his/her stationary and share it with his/her
family.
Thank You
The Officers and members of Pittsfield Fire and
Rescue Service would like to express our appreciation to
Selectman Larry Konopka for the hospitality provided at our last
Department meeting on Monday, June 1st. We thank Selectman
Konopka for joining us prior to the meeting and serving a great
meal of barbecued hamburgers and hotdogs. We appreciated
the opportunity to get to know him better and we enjoyed the
chance to relax before moving on to the business of the evening.
Thank you, Larry!
Drake Field Summer Recreation Program Free To Pittsfield
Students
Are you looking for something fun, affordable and
educational for your children to do this summer? If so, then we
have the answer - The Drake Field Summer Recreation Program.
Come join us for six weeks of fun. We will begin on June 22nd
and run through July 30. The program is open Monday through
Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and FREE to Pittsfield
students in grades 1-8 for the 2009-2010 school year.
The
summer program consists of sports activities, arts and crafts,
children’s games, board games, field trips, water games,
storytime and many other fun and educational activities. Thanks
to the Sanderson Trust Fund and the National Guard the
following field trips will be possible this year - Chuckie
Cheese, Children’s Museum of NH, Roller Skating, Wallis Sands
State Park, Liquid Water Planet, National Guard Station in
Newington, Albacore Park, Hammond Castle in Gloucester, MA, M.S.
Mt. Washington, Duck Boat Tour, Coast Guard Station, Ft.
Constitution, mini golf, Wentworth State Park, Ellacoya State
Park, Six Gun City, and the town pool. Many of our trips are
free and other have a small discounted fee.
Don’t let your
child miss out on all the fun the summer has to offer. Look for
papers to come home from school with your child or call Mrs.
Sawyer to register.
For more information and registration
forms please contact Mrs. Louise Sawyer at Pittsfield High
School, 435-6701 x 1110.
DESPERATE!
Submitted By John Lenaerts
The hanging
flower baskets are gracing the streets of Pittsfield once again.
This is the thirteenth year for this very worthy project.
We
have a total of forty baskets, which includes the two on the
steps at the Town Hall, and as usual we are desperately short of
watering volunteers.
The watering is best performed by a two
person team, and we do have some volunteers who don’t own a
pick-up truck. Please call me at 942-8879 if you can help.
We
are offering to compensate waterers for gasoline which is new
this year and also we are still accepting contributions.
Pittsfield Flower Fund, c/o John Lenaerts, 520 Clough Road,
Pittsfield, NH.
Pittsfield Old Home Day
Save the date, July 18, 2009 is
Pittsfield Old Home Day and the theme of the day is “Down on the
Farm…. Off to the County Fair."
Plans are underway for a fun
filled day…Actually, the fun starts the night before with the
Pittsfield Player’s presentation of Encore! 2009. (time
and cost TBA). On Saturday, the Park Street Baptist Church will
be hosting their fabulous breakfast starting at 7:00am.
The Craft Fair will begin at 9:00am in Dustin Park – anyone who
would like to set up a table or booth, please contact Tammy
Colby at 435-6629. The cost is $10 for the space. Along
with the Craft Fair, members of the Farmer’s Market will set up
their wares. There will be food, face painting, music and a
(free!) kids’ craft table. What would a County Fair be
without a few games of chance – for kids and adults? You can
take a picture at the “Farmer time” photo stop. Free
photos will be taken and can be downloaded from the town
website. We’re also working on some musical
entertainment….so watch The Sun for more information about that.
We are planning to host a few different contests this year…a Pie
Eating Contest will be held at 10:30. There will be a
Youth Division (ages 8-15, accompanied by a parent) and an Adult
Division (ages 16+). A Scarecrow Decorating Contest –
where everyone and anyone is encouraged to decorate a scarecrow
and bring it to Dustin Park by 9:00am and let the judging begin.
Prizes will be awarded for the scariest, the funniest and the
best use of “green” material. The Cook-Off this year will
be an Any Fruit Crisp/Cobbler Cookoff. The public can
taste and vote for the best entry – cash prizes will be awarded.
The Historical Society will be open for people to stop in and
check out all the great items housed at the headquarters.
The
Parade will begin at 1pm. Groups, organizations, clubs,
teams, businesses, friends and neighbors – please get together
and enter a float for the parade! Contact Louie Houle for
information about the parade.
An Old Fashioned Ham and Bean
Supper at the South Pittsfield Community Club will be the
highlight of the evening. There will be 3 sittings
starting at 5:30pm and tickets will be sold at the SPCC, first
come, first served. The cost is $6.00 for adults, $2 for
kids 6-12 and under 6 are free. There will be fiddle music
during supper for your entertainment. Also, while you are
waiting for your turn to eat….the Historical Society will be
conducting tours of the South Pittsfield area including the
school house, church and other “famous” buildings in the area.
After you’re full and fully informed, make your way back to
Drake Field for the Fireworks display….and possibly some more
entertainment.
The “must have” item for Old Home Day this
year will be the traditional red or blue bandanas. They
will be available shortly at local merchants for $2 each or
2/$3. This is a fundraiser for the Old Home Day event.
Speaking of fundraising, donations are gladly accepted for the
event…checks may be made payable to the Pittsfield Old Home Day
Fund and mailed to Louie Houle, 42 Dowboro Rd, Pittsfield.
Thank you for your continued support of this great community
event.
For more information or if you have any questions,
please contact either Louie Houle at 435-6938 or Andi Riel at
435-6346.
SVSR Appreciation
The Suncook Valley Sno-Riders would like
to express their gratitude to all who helped make our recent
Benefit Spaghetti Dinner a huge success on May 30th.
The
weather cooperated, which allowed us to have additional seating
outside. We would like to say Thank You to club members as
well local residents’ who made donations of desserts, money,
water, bread, spaghetti, soda and their time. Also to
everyone who attended and expressed their support for our
families, we appreciate your thoughtfulness.
A special Thank
You to the following who gave donations towards our raffle:
The Loudon Country Club, Dunkin Donuts/Wolfe family, Route 28
Bakery, Sanel Auto Parts, UNH Sports, Manchester Monarchs,
the Puritan BackRoom/Izzy & Terry Piaseczny, Larry & Mel
Williams, Lisa Adams, Arnie & Shirley Hayes, Donna Keeley, Brian
& Denise Towle and Dana & Lori Elliot. And especially to
The Suncook Valley Sun and The Baysider who helped us with
advertising.
F.B Argue Recreation Area Opening
On Friday, June 19, 2009
the F.B. Argue Recreation Area will open for the 2009 summer
season at 1:00. This year we will be open Monday - Saturday from
12:00 - 5:00 PM and Sunday from 1:00 - 5:00. Tuesday and
Thursday night we will stay open until 7:00 PM for families.
Children 11 years old or younger must be accompanied by an adult
during this time. All children under age 8 must be accompanied
by an adult. We will be offering Red Cross swimming lessons
again this summer. Registration for swimming lessons will
be held at the recreation area from 12-5 the week of June 22.
We will run three 2 week sessions (pending adequate enrollment).
The dates for the sessions are as follows:
June 29th - July
10th (10:00 AM – Noon).
July 27th - August 7th (10:00 AM
Noon).
July 13th –July 24 th (5:30 – 7:00 PM).
The cost
for the swimming lessons for residents is $20 per child, not to
exceed $60 per family. Children under 5 years old will be
admitted free with a paid adult. The cost for
non-residents is $25 per child not to exceed $75.
The daily
admission for residents is $0.75 per person or a family season
pass can be bought for $40. Daily admission for
non-residents is $1.00 per person. All persons entering the area
will be expected to pay.
There will be activities during the
summer which will be advertised at the recreation area.
Contact the Parks and Recreation Committee at 435- 7540 or
Forest B Argue Recreation Area at 435-7457 with questions.
Summertime... And The Reading Is Easy!
The Josiah Carpenter
Library invites everyone to join us in our summer reading
program, Summer... And The Reading Is Easy! Each week the
library will have a craft, puzzle and coloring sheets for
children and families to complete at the library or take home.
Readers of all ages can enroll and work toward earning a free
ice cream cone which has been generously donated by Appleview
Orchard. Young children who have not yet learned to read can
earn an ice cream cone with the help of adults or older children
reading to them or talking about the books they like.
Our
program will begin on June 22nd and continue through August
15th. The summer reading program is sponsored by the Children’s
Librarians of New Hampshire and the Friends of the Josiah
Carpenter Library.
The NH Fisher Cats and Fidelity
Investments are offering a fun reading program this summer and
you can earn two tickets for a game at Merchantauto.com Stadium.
TD Banknorth is also encouraging children to reading this
summer. Read 10 books and they will deposit $10.00 into a new or
existing Young Savers Account. More information about either
program is available at the library.
Victory Workers 4-H Club 2009 Presentation Day
On March 7,
2009, many members of the Victory Workers 4-H Club with
families attended this year’s Merrimack County Presentation Day
at Merrimack Valley High School. Member entering the
Poster Contest was Karyn Veinotte.
Members entering the
Photography Contest with their many wonderful photos were: Kayla
Corliss, Ashley Foss, Alma Hallowell, Katharina Hallowell,
Daniel, Jessica and Marisa Kimball, Weston Lemay, Alyssa and
Deitrich Mahlstedt, Jordyn Pinto, Jackson Riel, Adrianna Wells,
and Harrison Worster.
Those doing Demonstrations: Ashley Foss
and Katharina Hallowell, “Chocolate Chip Cookies,” Nathaniel
Huse, “Hare Care,” Jordyn Pinto, “Doggie Delights,” Kayla
Corliss, “Fruity Kabobs,” Kalvin Corliss, “Hawaiian Smoothies,”
Shelby Riel, “Cupcake Fun.” All wonderful and exciting to see.
Members putting on Action Exhibits: Ashley Foss and Katharina
Hallowell, “Foam Door Hangers,” Jennifer Ordway and Gabrielle
Bachelder, “Windmills,” Nathaniel Huse and Kayla Corliss,
“Creative Candles.” Action Exhibits are the members teaching
others to make the item and have a finished product to take
home.
Other families enjoying the day were Harrison, Sophie
and Griffin Worster, Derek Ladd, Korie and Evan Driscoll, Weston
and Cora Lemay, Savannah Godin. Daniel Kimball Attended as a
Room Chair. Kayla Corliss and Nathaniel Huse both helped with
set and clean ups. Leaders, Corine Miller and Carolyn Davis
attended as judges, while leader, Pamela Clattenburg attended
the registration table.
Members receiving special awards for
their accomplishments were Karyn Veinotte for her photo “Pink
Beauty.” Karyn will be recognized in the fall at Honors Evening.
Kayla Corliss and Shelby Riel will be going on the State
Activities Day for their Demonstrations. Ashley Foss, Katharina
Hallowell, Jordyn Pinto, Nathaniel Huse, Kalvin Corliss will all
be receiving awards for their Demonstration at Round Up in the
Fall. Jennifer Ordway, Gabrielle Bachelder will be recognized at
Honors Evening for their Action Exhibit. Ashley Foss and Katrina
Hallowell will be recognized at Round Up for their Action
Exhibit and Kayla Corliss and Nathaniel Huse were chosen to go
on to State Activities Day with their Action Exhibit. Great job
all! Can’t wait to see your next year’s projects.
Ladies Aid
Submitted By Joan Riel
The Ladies Aid of the
First Congregational Church in Pittsfield held its annual “Eat
Out” on June 8th at Johnson’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant in
Northwood.
Arlene Martin offered devotions with the reading
of “Serenity of Nature” and all joining in the Lord’s Prayer.
Several cards were signed for members unable to attend for one
reason or another.
A regular business meeting was not held
but a donation was voted for Pastor Dave in honor of his
Ordination Service and Installation as Minister of the First
Congregational church of Pittsfield, “A Mountain Top Experience”
as he described it. A donation was also voted for Ashley Morgan
who has resigned as Music Director to become effective June
30th.
It was voted to postpone payment of dues until the
September meeting which will be held on the 14th in the church
vestry at 1:30 p.m.
The meeting closed with all joining
hands and reciting the Mizpah Benediction.
Dorcas Guild
Submitted By Joan Riel
The Dorcas Guild of
the First Congregational Church in Pittsfield held its Annual
Banquet Meeting on June 9th at the Red Blazer Restaurant in
Concord with nineteen members attending.
Devotions were given
by Joan Riel and included a reading from “Our Daily Bread”
entitled “Making the Cut,” taken from Matthew 4:19. This was
followed by a moment of silence for the fire victims, after
which all joined in the Lord’s Prayer.
The Secretary’s and
Treasurer’s reports were omitted due to the large gathering
seated at a very long banquet table. Many cards were signed to
be sent to away, sick, and shut-in church family members.
Final plans were made for the upcoming ordination and
Installation Ceremonies to be held on June 14th for David
Stasiak who will be ordained and then installed as minister of
the First Congregational Church in Pittsfield. A monetary
gift was voted for Ashley Morgan who has resigned as
organist/music director of the church, effective June 30.
Members were reminded of the Baccalaureate Service to be held in
our church Thursday evening, June 11th at 7 p.m.
This is the
last meeting of the season until fall when Maddy Rogers and
Marge Stapleton will serve as hostesses on September 8th.
Members are asked to bring an item for the Food Pantry.
Though this is the last evening meeting, the Wednesday Work
Meetings will be held weekly from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
PES Kindergarten News
The last few weeks have been very busy for Pittsfield Elementary
School Kindergartners. On May 30th, our annual Author’s Tea was
held. Everyone dressed fancy, read the first book they had
written, and enjoyed a real formal tea party. Many parents and
guests came!
On Monday, June 1st, we enjoyed our annual
walking field trip to Drake Field for our field day fun. The
weather was perfect and we had fun playing outside. It was a
great day to play ball, do bubbles, climb, swing, and try some
parachute games.
We had our final big event of the year on
Thursday, June 4, 2009. It was the 19th annual Kindergarten
Teddy Bear Picnic. All three Kindergarten classes, their parents
and friends met behind the elementary school for a fun evening
of singing, eating their supper, having cake, and visiting with
the Pittsfield Middle High School Panther! It was the
culminating event for a great first year in elementary school.
Special thanks to Mrs. Grady (the music teacher), Ms. Stevens
(the art teacher), the Panther, our classroom assistants, and
the custodians, because without them, it wouldn’t have been
possible. The children get to enjoy a summer break and then
return for more fun in first grade.
Obituaries
Specialist Matthew W. Ward
Specialist
Matthew W. Ward, age 23, died unexpectedly on June 6, 2009,
while serving on active duty in the United States Army.
Matthew was born on June 6, 1986, at Fort Bragg, NC.
He attended school in Pittsfield, NH, and later graduated from
Chestatee High School in Gainesville, GA in 2004. Matthew
was a Diagnostic Calibration Specialist assigned to the 6 32nd
Maintenance Company, 87th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion
in Fort Stewart, GA. Matthew recently returned from a 15
month deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Matthew’s family was an important part of his life and he
especially enjoyed his summers in New Hampshire spending time
with them. Matthew was a positive role model to his siblings and
cousins and they all looked up to him. He proudly carried on the
family tradition of serving in the armed forces. Matthew always
had a smile on his face and was well liked by all who met him.
He had a big loving heart and an even bigger sense of humor.
He was devoted and loyal to the protection and love of his
family.
He leaves behind: his parents, Scott W. Ward and his
wife Donna of Pittsfield, NH; his Mother Virginia Lewis of
Gainesville, GA; his sister Melissa McKeen and her husband
Samuel of Pittsfield, NH; his brothers: Andrew, Evan and Wesley;
his grandparents Bradley W. Ward and his wife Mary of Port
Charlotte, FL; grandmother June Valentyn of Pittsfield, NH;
maternal grandmother Joyce England of Gainesville, GA; great-
grandfather LTC(R) Wendell F. Bennett and his wife Cleo of
Largo, FL.
His extended family includes uncles, aunts and
cousins located in Pittsfield, NH, Gainesville, GA and Port
Charlotte, FL.
The full military honors funeral took place on
June 14, 2009, in Gainesville, GA, with Pastor Brian Gower of
Center Barnstead Christian Church officiating the service.
A
local memorial service will take place on June 22, 2009, at 6:00
PM at the Center Barnstead Christian Church.
In lieu of
flowers, donations in Matthew’s memory can be made to: Center
Barnstead Christian Church, P.O. Box 190, Center Barnstead, NH
03225.
Heidi M. Johnston
Pittsfield - Heidi M. Johnston, 26,
of Main Street, died in a house fire Monday, June 8, 2009.
She was born in Nashua, the daughter of Richard A. and Diane (Parkhurst)
Johnston.
She lived in Concord and attended Concord High
School. She was a 2004 graduate of the Child Development Center
in Rochester. She will be remembered as a very cheerful and
loving person.
Members of her family include her mother,
Diane of Pittsfield; a brother, Kevin of Pittsfield; a sister,
Michelle of Pittsfield; three nephews; a niece; and her longtime
caretakers, Zeke and Ruth Bara of Chichester.
A memorial
service was held Friday, June 12, 2009, at Perkins &
Pollard Memorial Home, Pittsfield.
Burial will be at the
family's convenience at Last Rest Cemetery in Merrimack.
Memorial donations may be made to the Richard and Heidi Johnston
Family Fund, c/o Citizens Bank, 54 Main St., Pittsfield 03263.
Perkins & Pollard Memorial Home is assisting with
arrangements.
Richard A. Johnston
Pittsfield - Richard A. Johnston, 54,
died Monday, June 8, 2009, while trying to rescue his daughter
from a house fire.
He was born in Cambridge, Mass., the son
of Edwin S. and Marie M. Johnston. He lived in Concord before
moving to Pittsfield in 2001. He was employed by the Corner View
Restaurant in Concord for more than 10 years. He also spent much
of his time caring for his disabled daughter, Heidi M. Johnston,
who also died in the fire.
Other members of his family
include his wife, Diane (Parkhurst) Johnston of Pittsfield; a
son, Kevin of Pittsfield; a daughter, Michelle of Pittsfield;
four grandchildren; a brother, Walter Johnston of Merrimack; and
two sisters, Barbara Applegate of Manchester and Priscilla Drevo
of Olney, Md.
He was predeceased by a brother, William
Johnston.
A memorial service was held Friday, June 12,
2009, in Perkins & Pollard Memorial Home,
Pittsfield.
Burial will be at the family's convenience at
the Last Rest Cemetery in Merrimack.
Memorial donations may
be made to the Richard and Heidi Johnston Family Fund, c/o
Citizens Bank, 54 Main St., Pittsfield 03263.
Perkins &
Pollard Memorial Home is assisting with arrangements.
