REMINDER
The Pittsfield High School Class Of 1966 50th Class Reunion
will be held in the Pittsfield Congregational Church vestry on July
23rd from 3-6 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. If you can
attend call Pete Riel at 603-269-8861.
HELP NEEDED
for Pittsfield Old Home Day
Since our theme for Old Home Day is an Olympic one, “Pittsfield Goes
for the Gold”, we would like to organize a TORCH RUN. We need
runners! If anyone is interested in participating in this
event on Sat, July 23, we would like to hear from you. Details
are still being worked out. Please contact ANDI RIEL at
435-6346 or [email protected]
to sign up.
Congratulations to Jennifer Tyrell, of
Pittsfield, who has been named to the dean’s list at Frostburg State
University, Frostburg, MD, for outstanding academic achievement for
the spring 2016 semester.
To be eligible for the dean’s list, a
student must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours and earn a
cumulative semester grade point average of at least 3.4 on a 4.0
scale.
The Drake Field Committee and the PMHS Athletic Department would
like to thank Joe Darrah of Joe Darrah Enterprises for volunteering
his equipment and time to remove the old basketball supports at
Drake Field. Thank you Joe.
Congratulations to Jennifer Tyrell, of
Pittsfield, who recently received a Bachelor of Science degree in
Interpretive Biology and Natural History from Frostburg State
University, Frostburg, Md., during its 148th commencement
ceremonies. FSU President Dr. Ronald Nowaczyk conferred more than
700 undergraduate and graduate degrees at this May commencement.
Rockin’ Daddios Return July 9 To The Scenic Theatre
The Rockin’ Daddios Bo Guyer, Jim Rogato, Angelo Gentile and
Drew Seneca will perform at The Scenic Theatre on Saturday, July 9
at 7:30 pm.
Looking for a fun summer Saturday night?
Come on down to the Scenic Theatre as The Pittsfield Players present
The Rockin' Daddios Saturday, July 9, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are
available at The Main Street Grill and Bar or can be reserved by
calling 435-8852. All tickets are $15 per person.
The Rockin Daddios’ music, sung by Angelo
Gentile, Bo Guyer, Jim Rogato and Drew Seneca will bring you back to
a simpler, happier time. They sing the songs of the 50's and 60's
bringing back memories of sock hops, drive-in theaters and malt
shops. You will smile, tap your feet, and sing along with the truly
American sound of DoWop. And the group has added many new numbers
for your enjoyment.
The group formed after singing together in
numerous musical reviews written by famed director and producer
Irene Deschenes. When not performing as the Rockin’ Daddios, each of
the Daddios perform individually in different theater productions
throughout the state, and Angelo and Jim most recently appeared in
the Winnipesaukee Players’ production of Guys and Dolls.
In this concert, the Daddios will be
accompanied by a rockin’ girls group, The PolkaDots, who will
perform their own 50’s and 60’s medley. The girls are Jean Gentile,
Lena Luongo, Cathy Williams and Maye Hart.
Come and relive the fun and good times of
the 50's and 60's with The Rockin’ Daddios. You'll have a rockin'
good time!
The Friday Night Kayak Group meet Friday June 24, 2016 with 14
canoes and kayaks paddling on Chestnut Pond in Epsom. The
group is open to everyone and meets at different local kayaking
sites every Friday at 6 PM during June, July and August. The
paddling trips last just over an hour and are always in the
Northwood to Barnstead area. Simply show up at this week’s Friday
night’s location. Visit our web site at huffnpuff.info for
information and location of the next trip and put yourself on our
email list. You can also call Paul Oman at 435 -7199 for more
information.
South Pittsfield Community Club’s Supper
Guess what? You are in luck! There is one more Ham & Bean Supper at
the South Pittsfield Community Club (SPCC). We are the other
community center located in the outskirts of town. Please come and
show your support in helping our club with our fundraiser. We are a
small nonprofit organization that has been in existence since the
1920’s. The club house where the suppers are held used to be the Old
Dowboro School House. When the school closed in 1931, the building
was purchased and then generously donated to the club by Joseph
Marston in 1939. It has been the central point of the club
since then.
Did you know that our suppers consist
mainly of home cooked/baked food? Our members bake and cook the
awesome beans, brown bread, potato salad, all served family style,
and pies for dessert. The members donate the majority of the cost of
what they make which helps us earn money for the club. The price you
ask is only $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for kids age 6-12. As you can
imagine our suppers basically cover the operating expenses. But we
cannot do this without you! Now that the 4th of July cookouts are
over, come on down for our supper this Saturday July 9th! Our first
sitting starts at 5:00 and we go until 6:30 (unless the food
disappears before that).
We are located at 444 Dowboro Road (also
known as South Pittsfield Road) in Piitsfield at the intersection
with Webster Mills Road. The “Club House” sits back from the road
just a bit. Can’t wait to see you there!
If you can’t make it and want to donate to
the organization we make it real easy. Just make a check out to the
South Pittsfield Community Club and mail to Patty Houle, 42 Dowboro
Road, Pittsfield, NH 03263.
Thanks so much for supporting us!
Hurd
Celebration Of Life
Nellie L. (Marston)Hurd died April 11th, 2016; Donald E. Hurd
died Nov. 25th, 2012; Frederick E Hurd, their Son, died
January 24th, 2012 A Celebration of their lives will be held Monday,
July 11th, at 11:00 AM at the Quaker Meeting House, Dowboro Road,
South Pittsfield. The Rev. David Stasiak, Pastor of the First
Congregational Church of Pittsfield will officiate.
The family suggests, in lieu of flowers,
donations be made to the Harvey A. Marston Memorial Scholorship Fund
C/O Frances Marston, 384 Webster Mills Road, Pittsfield, NH 03263.
An Urn Burial will follow in the Marston
family Lot in Floral Park Cemetery, Barnstead Road, Pittsfield. A
reception will follow at Parker’s Restaurant, Rt. 28, Pittsfield.
The Waters Funeral Home, David Pollard,
Director is assisting with arrangements.
Pittsfield
Economic Development Update
Submitted By Ted
Mitchell, Chair
Pittsfield Economic Development Committee
In light of the joint economic development meeting held on May 25th,
the Economic Development Committee recommended the following goals
and objectives be formally adopted by the Board of Selectmen at its
July 5th meeting. When carefully considered in all development /
revitalization efforts, these common goals and objectives will play
a vital role in the successful economic future of Pittsfield.
1. Tax Rate Stabilization
2. Economic Development
3. Image
4. Neighborhood Stabilization
5. In accordance with Master Plan, town codes and regulations
Pittsfield
Makes The List!
The NH Big Tree list that is. Pittsfield
recently edged out Loudon by recording the Merrimack County champion
high scoring paper birch tree by one point, achieving our only entry
on a list of over 400 record big trees.
Loudon has entries in several other
species. Pittsfield’s tree is nearly 3 feet bigger in circumference,
taping 88” around, and combined with an extra 12’ in crown width,
surpasses the former champ despite the Loudon tree’s 30’ extra
height. The Pittsfield birch is 70’ compared to Loudon’s 102 footer.
This speciman grows on property owned by
Catamount Land & Cattle Co, LLC and if anyone is into trees and
would care to see it, track down Carl or Valerie Anderson, stewards
of #909, UNH Cooperative Extension NH Big Tree Program.
Pittsfield
Officials Attend
“Franklin For A Lifetime: A Year Later“ Thursday, June 23rd,
Pittsfield officials (elected and appointed) met at the Franklin
City Hall to learn first hand what their economic development
project called “Franklin For a Lifetime” is all about. The
officials included representation from the Board of Selectmen,
Planning Board, Master Plan Committee, Economic Development
Committee, School Board, Pittsfield Wellness Coalition and
Beautification Committee.
The event began with a guided walking tour
of the downtown, lasting over one and half hours. During this tour
stops included:
1. The old dilapidated Riverbend Mill that
the Concord Area Trust for Community Housing (CATCH) will be
renovating, creating 45 affordable workforce apartments.
Reconstruction starts soon and will take one year to complete. Note:
From the thinking of what to do with the building to getting ready
for reconstruction it has taken little over one year.
2. The next project stop was at the
largest parking lot in downtown. Since Franklin has the
Winnipesaukee River running through it, pollutants from rainwater
runoff is an issue.
To mitigate this runoff from neighboring
building roofs and the parking lot, a green space along the length
of the lot will be created allowing absorption of water. In
addition, a building at the end of the lot will be removed and a
holding pond to filter the runoff created.
3. Next was Marceau Park, a small green
space with trees, lawn and large sculptures, created by a local
artist, lining the perimeter. This park will be connected to the
parking lot green space mentioned above. Note: All green spaces and
walking paths throughout Franklin will be connected. These connected
walking paths will become the longest in all of New England.
4. From there we visited:
A. Grevior Furniture. The owner is so
community oriented that he assisted a blossoming entrepreneur in
setting up his business in the downtown.
B. Ralph & Joes Pantry. Using little more
that determination and help from family they reused and repurposed
most of what their shop is constructed of, including old doors for
tables.
They are a healthy alternative to food
that other restaurants provide.
C. Central Sweets. The owners and
operators of this shop are husband and wife. They were retired but
was so inspired by the community’s “can do spirit” that they
renovated a vacant building, opening a chocolate and jarred candy
shop. The candy is sold by the pound. They are now waiting for their
state license that will allow them to sell ice cream.
D. ONE - Outdoor New England. The space
for this shop is nearing the end of reconstruction. When open it
will cater to the state and regional Kayaking & Bicycling community.
The owner is single handedly raising $45,000 for the engineering of
two recreational projects. The first is to create white water
kayaking on the Winnipesaukee River. The second project is to create
a highly challenging bicycle dirt course. Both of these will lend
themselves to competitive sporting and draw tens of thousand to the
downtown. Franklin will become the only community in the U.S. that
has both of these venues in a downtown. It is anticipated that the
white water sporting alone, will bring in at least $6,000,000
annually.
E. Toad Hall. This historic building is
being renovated. The first floor will host a restaurant with a micro
brewery. The second floor is officially opening in a few days. “Take
Root Coworking”, an innovative co working space will provide
entrepreneurs and professionals with a unique community centered
working environment. Various types of spaces exist: a common space
where people can rent a desk; a conference room; individual offices
that can be used for a variety of purposes. They even are providing
shower rooms for those who engage in recreational activities during
the day but need to continue their work after. All these spaces can
be rented by the day, week, month or longer. This flexibility helps
fledgling entrepreneurs and those established professional that need
a temporary space to conduct business. Even without advertising and
not yet open, several business people heard about “Take Root
Coworking” and have already rented spaces. This is revolutionary
thinking.
The rest of the evening was presentations
by many of the people who are instrumental in orchestrating
Franklins economic renewal project. This plan is all inclusive:
1. Economic Development
2. Revitalization of Neighborhoods
3. Needed Workforce Housing
4. Creating Green Spaces
5. Protecting Existing Wildlife
6. Improving Residents Health Through Recreation and Healthy
Eating
7. Preserving Historical Buildings
8. Stabilizing the Tax Rate
9. Increase Volunteerism Franklin enlisted volunteers from all
citizen action groups in order to engage the public, solicit ideas
and get input.
The “Take Aways” from our visit include:
1. Franklin’s Unity in their effort to
recreate a prosperous city is amazing. All officials, volunteer
community leaders, businessmen and residents are of one voice.
Volunteerism is through the roof!
2. Unnecessary Delays and Regulations have
been removed. The CATCH Project is an example of this.
3. Innovative Thinking is Vital. “Take
Root Coworking” is an example.
4. A Community’s Revitalization should
include all of the above items that Franklins plan is demonstrating.
5. Private/Public Partnership is Vital.
6. Community Bank Support is Vital.
Note: The Franklin Savings Bank gave
$30,000 in cash to the project and provided other significant
support.
7. Volunteerism is Vital.
Pittsfield can learn much from Franklin.
Student
Centered Learning in Pittsfield
Submitted By Dr. John Freeman, Superintendent of Schools, SAU 51
Visitors from across the country have been attracted to Pittsfield
Middle High School to learn about our school’s student centered
learning practices. Since 2008, we have been working to
transform our school to one that places our learners at the center
of their own learning, developing our approach to one that is more
responsive than traditional schools to individual student needs,
strengths, and interests.
One reason for this is that we’ve learned a lot about how humans
learn since the traditional model of high schools was developed more
than a hundred years ago. Brain science has taught us that
people learn better through firsthand learning, group learning,
practicing, reflecting, teaching others, and making presentations
than we do from sitting and listening to lectures. Baseball
coaches, for example, minimize lecture time and maximize hands-on
learning, practicing, getting feedback, and reflecting when teaching
ballplayers to become better hitters or fielders.
Another important reason for our shift to student centered learning
is that our approach will better prepare our students for their
careers. So when we organize students into small groups for
learning activities, we are not only utilizing what we’ve learned
from brain science, but we’re also providing opportunities for
practice of critical work skills like speaking, listening,
questioning, collaboration, leading, and following. Instead of
simply teaching students to prepare them for an end-of-unit test,
we’re combining subject-area learning with practical lifelong
skills.
And, we’ve also gotten used to the idea that most of our students
will not learn everything they’ll need throughout their lifetime in
school. (Is this true of any of us?) The rapid pace of
change that we’re experiencing is not only likely to continue, but
is also likely to accelerate. Our students will be changing
jobs and changing roles as demands upon them change and as our world
continues to change. To continually adjust, students must
learn about their own learning and be willing to take charge of
their learning pathways. When we put students in the drivers’
seats of their own learning, ensuring much more personal
responsibility, we’re getting them ready for the rapidly-changing
world of their futures. Again, our students are being prepared
for life, not just for short term memorization of facts.
Our students are so fortunate that our community has set the course
for student centered learning back in 2008, before it became a
national movement. In doing so, the citizens of Pittsfield
show our students that we’re concerned about their long-term
learning and lifelong success. We are honored by the many
visits to Pittsfield by educators from across the U.S., but remain
totally committed to our students’ preparation for learning
lifetimes.
2015-2016
Pittsfield Middle High School Honor Roll
Pittsfield Middle High School is pleased
to announce its honor roll for the 2015-2016 school year. High
school students with the distinction of high honors had a minimum
GPA of 3.7 (A-) for the school year. High school honors students had
a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B) for the school year. Honors students in
grades 7 and 8 had all final grades of A or B.
High School:
High Honors
Emily Dunagin, Joeanna Emerson, Chase
Gaudette, Savannah Godin, Kyle Hamel, Tucker Wolfe, Colby Wolfe
High School:
Honors
Gabriel Anthony, Zachary Bissonnette,
Sydney Booth, Kegan Brooks, Kaylee Brooks, Megan Callicoat, Casey
Clark, Lucas Conway, Hannah Conway, Joseph Cox, Cameron Darrah,
Mackenzie Desilets, Emily Fisher, Colton Gaudette, Brienne Hill,
Colt Johnson, Gavin Knight, Alex Lamere, Noah MacGlashing,
Christopher Marcotte, Lauren Martin, Lindsey Massey, Samantha
Nevins, Jordan Paggi, Frederik Pantis, Jordyn Pinto, Jessica
Rainville, Kathleen Rollins, Bryce Rowell, Jesse Slater, Emma Smith,
Benjamin Stephens, Alyssa Sullivan, Emily Thompson, Jack Tobin
Grade 8:
Honors
Courtney Butler, Niklas Cantatore,
Gwendolyn Clough, Abigail Cote, Brandon Desilets, Julianna Hodson,
Cora Lemay, Michael Nevins, Paige Provencal, Rebecca Smith
Grade 7:
Honors
Caleb Bojarsky, Harrison Hill, Amber
Johnson, Jesse Macglashing, Jr., Savannah St. Martin, Ryan Stephens,
Caleb Stopyro, Benjamin Stopyro
New
Priest For St. Stephen’s Church In Pittsfield
The Vestry of St. Stephen’s Episcopal
Church in Pittsfield is pleased to announce that The Reverend Ted
Rice of Barnstead as Priest-in-Charge. Says Rev. Rice, “I am excited
to be called to share in parish leadership responsibilities, get to
know its parishioners, and become more active in the community in
which I now reside.” The priest and parishioners will be involved in
The Episcopal Church of New Hampshire’s planned program for the
formation and preparation of people seeking ordination.
Rev. Rice most recently served at parishes
in Wolfeboro and Dover. A native of New York, he attended The
Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. While
preparing for priesthood he ran a job training center and a
vocational school. His experience includes ministry to youth and
young adults, leadership development, and training crisis and
suicide prevention counselors and volunteers. Before coming to New
Hampshire he ministered in churches in Michigan, Massachusetts,
Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. He and his late wife, The Rev. Pat
Stelz, also an Episcopal priest, moved to Barnstead in 2014.
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