BEWARE
SCAM ALERT!
Please
be aware that scam phone calls have been recieved in the town of
Pittsfield.
The
caller has access to names of relatives and is asking for money to
help them out.
If you
receive a call, please contact your local police department.
Cindy’s Hair Affair is now a distributor for Your Oil tools. Come in
for your bottles cases and make and take packages. Look for more
make and take classes coming soon for dogs, cats, children, mental
health, and wellness.
Come out and enjoy Winterfest with Grace Capital Church and your
neighbors. Friday, 3/17, starting at 5:30.There will be a
bonfire, games, food, prizes, and most of all, a lot of free family
fun!!! 55 Barnstead Road, toward the back of the Atlantic
Safety Products building.
VA Partnership Provides Community Organizations With Path To Support
Homeless Veterans
Submitted Via Merrill Vaughan
WASHINGTON — Military Outreach USA, a partner of
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), recently launched a program
to encourage communities to connect with local VA facilities and
help VA provide support to homeless or recently homeless Veterans
and their families.
The
Adopt-a-VA program, which began in February, connects individuals
and community organizations, such as schools, faith-based groups and
businesses, with a local VA Homeless Program case manager at the VA
Medical Center or community-based outpatient clinic in their area to
help meet Veterans’ non-medical needs.
“VA
remains committed to preventing and ending Veteran homelessness, but
we cannot achieve this goal alone,” said Anthony Love, senior
advisor and director of Community Engagement for VHA’s Homeless
Programs Office. “Partnerships are critical to providing the support
needed to help Veterans exit homelessness, and to identifying local
housing and employment opportunities that help them remain stably
housed. Military Outreach USA’s Adopt-a-VA program makes it easier
than ever for everyone to get involved and support Veterans in their
communities.”
In
2016, to help formerly homeless Veterans successfully transition to
permanent housing, VA formed a partnership with Military Outreach
USA, a national, community-based organization that celebrates and
supports military and Veteran families. During the first year of the
partnership, Military Outreach USA secured donations of services,
beds and household items valued at more than $700,000 for homeless
and at-risk Veterans in all 50 states.
Building on those successes, Military Outreach USA streamlined the
process of securing and distributing donations from faith-based,
nonprofit and other organizations to Veterans who are transitioning
from homelessness.
“Adopt-a-VA gives those who want to help our Veterans a way to
help,” said Joseph Palmer, executive director of Military Outreach
USA.
No
financial obligation is required for community organizations
interested in participating in the Adopt-a-VA program. Forms of
assistance can include donating household items and assisting with
collection drives for move-in essentials, such as cleaning products
and small appliances.
Since
2010, VA’s efforts to end Veteran homelessness have resulted in a
nearly 50 percent reduction among this at-risk population across the
country. Between 2015 and 2016, Veteran homelessness decreased
nearly 17 percent, four times the previous year’s decline. The
efforts of state and local governments, federal partners and
nongovernmental organizations have been instrumental in producing
these outcomes.
For
more information about how to help Veterans through Adopt-a-VA,
visit
www.adopt-a-va.com. To learn more about VA programs and services
that support homeless and at-risk Veterans, visit
www.va.gov/homeless.
VA Secretary Announces Intention To Expand Mental Health Care To
Former Service members With Other-than-honorable Discharges And In
Crisis
Submitted Via Merrill Vaughan
WASHINGTON – Department of Veterans Affairs
Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin while testifying in a House Veterans
Affairs Committee hearing on March 7, 2017, announced his intention
to expand provisions for urgent mental health care needs to former
service emembers with other-than-honorable (OTH) administrative
discharges. This move marks the first time a VA Secretary has
implemented an initiative specifically focused on expanding access
to assist former OTH service members who are in mental health
distress and may be at risk for suicide or other adverse behaviors.
“The president and I have made it clear that suicide prevention is
one or our top priorities,” Shulkin said. “We know the rate of death
by suicide among Veterans who do not use VA care is increasing at a
greater rate than Veterans who use VA care. This is a national
emergency that requires bold action. We must and we will do all that
we can to help former service members who may be at risk. When we
say even one Veteran suicide is one too many, we mean it.”
It is
estimated that there are a little more than 500,000 former service
members with OTH discharges. As part of the proposal, former OTH
service members would be able to seek treatment at a VA emergency
department, Vet Center or contact the Veterans Crisis Line.
“Our
goal is simple: to save lives,” Shulkin continued. “Veterans who are
in crisis should receive help immediately. Far too many Veterans
have fallen victim to suicide, roughly 20 every day. Far too many
families are left behind asking themselves what more could have been
done. The time for action is now.”
Before finalizing the plan in
early summer, Shulkin will meet with Congress, Veterans Service
Organizations, and Department of Defense officials to determine the
best way forward to get these Veterans the care they need.
“I
look forward to working with leaders like Congressman Mike Coffman
from Colorado, who has been a champion for OTH service members,”
Shulkin added. I am grateful for his commitment to our nation’s
Veterans and for helping me better understand the urgency of getting
this right.”
Veterans in crisis should call the Veterans Crisis
Line at 800-273-8255 (press 1), or text 838255.
Opening
Night Dinner And Show Combo
The food is good, the drink is good,
and the comedy of the human situation does not pause in the
Pittsfield Players’ coming production “Eat Your Heart Out” by Nick
Hall. And a special dinner offer is available on the play’s opening
night, March 24.
Highlighting the restaurant-themed comedy, an
opening night “dinner and show” offer is arranged with the Main
Street Grill and Bar, 32 Main Street, Pittsfield. A three-course
dinner there before the play plus a theater ticket for the show is
$35. This offer can be reserved by calling the Scenic Theatre box
office, (603) 435-8852. Meal choices are made at the
restaurant. Tickets for the show only are $15, available
through the box office.
Director Mike Hobson and producer Jon
Martin head a happy cast and crew that cannot stop laughing as they
rehearse this show. Set in six Manhattan restaurants, the play
depicts the interactions of a waiter and his customers as he hopes
to be discovered in show business. The cast of five are Jonathan
Flower, Vicki Watson, Tony Pfaff, Alexis Keyes, and Mike Towle.
Show dates and times are March 24, 25, 31, and April 1 at 7:30 p.m.
and April 2 at 2:00 p.m. at the Scenic Theatre, 6 Depot Street,
Pittsfield.
What’s
Happening At PYW
Submitted By Paula Martel
PYW Volunteer of
the Year!
Each year, PYW likes to recognize someone that has made
a lasting impact, and helps make our organization the best it can be
for the youth and the community. We are very proud to announce that
William (Bill) Mitchell is our Volunteer of the Year for 2016. Bill
started to work at PMHS 9 years ago as the middle high school art
teacher. It wasn’t long after that he started volunteering at PYW.
Bill is also is a printmaker and painter, he has been a juried
printmaker in the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen since 1991 and
currently sits on their Board of Directors. He is a listed artist in
Who’s Who in America. His work is included in many
private and corporate collections. His prints have been commissioned
by New Hampshire Public Television, The New Hampshire Sierra Club
and the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen. Some of his limited
edition holiday greeting cards are included in the James Mullen
Holiday Collection within the permanent collection of the
Smithsonian Museum.
During some of his free time he has spent
many hours after school volunteering on various projects
large and small. One of our favorite larger projects was helping us
make the PYW mural. You can see it on our FB page
or hanging above the entrance to PYW as you enter the drop-in area.
Having these opportunities can help the youth expand their
knowledge, and explored many new
skills in the art field. We feel that he is a caring and committed
part of the PYW family; we are so lucky that he is willing to spend
that time with us. We appreciate all that Bill has done in the past,
and all he continues to do — Congrats Bill and thank you so much!
April
Programs And Events At
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
Nature Play Time
Wednesday, April 5, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Holderness, NH - Squam Lakes Natural Science Center holds a program
for children ages 2 and 3. Explore the natural world with your
little one! Using the five senses the group will investigate mud and
water. Adults get to play too! This program will be held outdoors;
please dress in warm waterproof layers with rain/mud boots for
spring.
Cost: $5/member child; $7/non-member child
For details
about this event, upcoming programs, and membership go to
www.nhnature.org or call
603-968-7194.
Homeschool Series: All About Series
Thursday,
April 6, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Holderness, NH - Squam Lakes Natural
Science Center holds a program for homeschool students ages 4 to 6.
Programs are all about New Hampshire wildlife. Each session
considers a different group of living things through activities,
hands-on experiences, and a meeting with a live animal. April will
focus on turtles. An adult must participate with children at no
additional cost. Each additional adult pays child fee. Program
offerings are aligned with the New Hampshire Science Framework.
Cost: $9/member child; $11/non-member child
For details about
this event, upcoming programs, and membership go to
www.nhnature.org or call
603-968-7194.
Homeschool Series: Get HAPI!
Thursday, April 6,
10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Holderness, NH - Squam Lakes Natural Science
Center holds a program for homeschool students ages 7 to 10. The
primary interpretive focus of the Science Center’s programs and
exhibits is community ecology, which has four major concepts:
Habitats, Adaptations, Populations, and Interrelationships (HAPI).
Each session will investigate a different topic in depth. April will
focus on ecosystems. An adult must participate with children at no
additional cost. Each additional adult pays child fee. Program
offerings are aligned with the New Hampshire Science Framework.
Cost: $9/member child; $11/non-member child
For details about
this event, upcoming programs, and membership go to
www.nhnature.org or call
603-968-7194.
Understanding Bobcats in New Hampshire
Wednesday, April 19, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Holderness, NH - Squam
Lakes Natural Science Center and Holderness Recreation Department
invite the public for an evening focused on understanding bobcats in
New Hampshire. Learn more about bobcat natural history, related
research and management activities, and the federal Wildlife and
Sport Fish Restoration Program that makes the work possible. The
program is presented by two specially trained volunteers with New
Hampshire Fish & Game’s Fish and Wildlife Stewards Program.
There
is no charge to attend this program but advance registration is
requested.
For details about this event, upcoming programs, and
membership go to
www.nhnature.org or call
603-968-7194.
Natural Shelter Building
Tuesday, April 25,
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Holderness, NH - Squam Lakes
Natural Science Center invites the public for an expedition into
shelter building. Participants will venture out to learn different
techniques and ways to construct shelters. The land around the
Science Center will determine what’s best to use to make the
shelters. The group will determine if it is enough to survive the
night if needed.
Cost: $8/member; $10/non-member
For details
about this event, upcoming programs, and membership go to
www.nhnature.org or call
603-968-7194
Letter
To The Editor
I am voting Yes for SB 2 for both school and town,
time to get out of the stone ages. SB2 will allow you to attend a
deliberative session and then vote a month later in privacy from 7
am to 7pm. All this talk about how wonderful the meetings are and
how you get to see your informed neighbors and be social- Blah,
blah, blah. I hate these meetings to tell you the truth. With the
amount of voters not showing up, I don’t think I’m the only one. All
these meetings do is elevate my blood pressure. I usually end up
leaving near tears because as always, my taxes just went up again,
and a lot. I don’t go to these meetings to see my friends and
neighbors, I go because I have to; I try to keep my taxes from going
up. Yes, I’m bitter; I’ve got a huge tax problem that’s not going
away.
Will SB2 keep my taxes from going up? Not likely, I don’t
see taxes going down here ever again. If you would like to vote in
privacy and hate raising your hand at these meetings, and feel
pressured, vote yes for SB2. If voting is hard for you to do on
Saturdays and you can’t always make it, vote yes. I want more people
voting, not just a handful.
When I go to a town meeting, I’m
informed, I know when I’m going to raise my hand, I don’t plan on
changing my mind just because someone steps up to the podium and
belts out their opinion. Opinions are pricey.
Party at my house
when the taxes go down, I can guarantee it will be a heck of a lot
more fun than these meetings.
Dulcey Miller
Pittsfield
Letter
To The Editor
Select board meeting 3/7/17
Some general
housekeeping items approved in preparation for voting day.
Police
Officer John Webber’s resignation was accepted.
Fred Okrent from
the Aqueduct Committee reported on work done to date and their
intention to move forward with bringing this major purchase to the
voters next year.
FEMA notified us that they will have survey
crews in our area this spring doing flood mapping along the Suncook.
They will have identification.
A letter from the union that the
Police Chief belongs to was read by Sgt. Digeorge with regards to
what the union perceives as untrue representations by a Budget
Committee member. The subject of the letter, Jacob Kitson, then
responded publicly to the accusations, and his denial of
wrong-doing. Both were made as public statements and it was not a
‘hearing’ by the BOS.
Public input included concerns about Main
St. paving, which the state is responsible for, with Rep. Brewster
addressing as being on a ‘10 yr plan’ which frankly didn’t sound
hopeful. Other concerns included dilapidated buildings and a looming
cost for repairs coming on the Joy St. sewer pumping station.
The
newest full-time hire on the Highway Dept, expressed concern for his
job considering the new budget being proposed. He was assured that
the BOS had unanimously approved his hiring and intended to keep him
on.
We all hope for a good turnout for Elections on Tuesday,
School Meeting on Thursday, and of course, everyone should try to
make Town Meeting at the PES gymnasium on Saturday at 10AM.
Carl
Anderson
Concord
Regional VNA Offers Caregiver Support Group In Concord
Concord
Regional VNA is offering a Caregiver Support Group for caregivers of
a loved one living with dementia on Mondays beginning April 3 from
2:30 to 4 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 79 Clinton Street
in Concord.
This eight-week support group is for family and
friends of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other
types of dementia. We provide an opportunity for learning, and a
space for sharing your concerns and questions with others who are
facing similar challenges.
Pre-registration is required and space
is limited. To register, please call (603) 230-5673 or (800)
924-8620, ext. 5673 or e-mail
[email protected].
Please,
ready to order?
Charlie the waiter, center, portrayed by Jonathan
Flower, tries unsuccessfully to get the attention of two amorous
lovebirds, played by Tony Pfaff and Alexis Keyes, in rehearsal for
the upcoming play “Eat Your Heart Out” at the Scenic Theatre, 6
Depot Street, Pittsfield. The comedy production by The
Pittsfield Players, showing March 24, 25, 31, and April 1 at 7:30 pm
and April 2 at 2:00 pm, is directed by Mike Hobson and depicts a
waiter’s relationships with numerous customers in six Manhattan
restaurants. An opening night dinner and show offer is
available for a three-course dinner at Main Street Grill, 32 Main
Street in Pittsfield, plus a show ticket for $35. Tickets for the
show only are $15. Reserve tickets at the box office number (603)
435-8852.
Youth
Leaders with Pittsfield Listens’ Pittsfield Youth Voice in it
Together (PYViiT) presented about their work and experienced campus
life at the Harvard Graduate School of Education March 3- 4.
They highlighted their work in sharing their stories, practicing
leadership, and creating change in their community, including the
Learning Studio they developed and are facilitating at Pittsfield
Middle High School. PYViiT leaders presented in collaboration
with leaders from Youth in Action of Providence, RI, as inspired by
their experiences at The Youth Leadership Institute. Pictured:
PYViiT Youth Leaders- Jessica Rainville, Amber Ricci, Courtney
Butler; Pittsfield Listens Youth Organizing Fellow- Christopher
Marcotte; and Youth Leaders with Youth in Action.
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