REMINDER
Citizen
of the Year
It is
time to make nominations for Pittsfield’s 2018 Citizen of the Year.
Please let us know who you feel deserves this honor for their
actions and activities benefiting our town. A panel of former
Citizens of the Year will decide from the nominations submitted who
will get this honor. Please send your nomination as to who and why
your nominee should be honored to:
Citizen
of the Year
PO Box
173
Pittsfield, NH 03263
Nominations must be received by June 13, 2018. Thank
you.
BCEP
Solid
Waste District
EFFECTIVE
JULY 1,
2018
Due to
escalating costs for disposal of trash and construction debris, the
District Committee has voted to increase the scale fee to $0.10 per
pound, effective July 1, 2018.
Anyone
who does not separate their refuse under the mandatory recycling
guidelines, MUST pay for disposal at the facility regardless if you
are a resident or property owner in the District. The same
applies to construction debris. This policy has been in effect
since January of 1991. **********************
Recycling markets worldwide are in crisis and it is getting harder
and harder to sell an acceptable load for shipment. Some loads we
are paying to ship to market. This has had a very negative
impact to our budget. More and more recyclable materials are
going back into the trash purely because we cannot sell them, the
cost to ship them is too high or we do not have enough room to store
them indefinitely. On the other side of the issue, New
Hampshire is running out of landfill space to bury all this trash.
The committee is actively exploring options to secure the shipment
and movement of all our waste and recyclables.
Don’t put up a stink – tell us what you think!
The
BCEP Solid Waste District Committee is hosting an informal survey to
gather input on changing hours of operation. We would like to
know if opening earlier by one hour each day would be helpful or
remaining open later one evening during the week would be more
beneficial. Evening hours would only be available from April
1st – Columbus Day weekend. Please call 435-6237 or email
[email protected] with
your opinion.
Letter
To The Editor
Select
Board Meeting 6/2/18
This
meeting was hastily called Saturday night to meet with our interim
Police Chief. Responding to the urgency of our critical personnel
situation, Mr. Collins left his home and family in Nashville and
hopped a flight to report for work Monday.
Incumbent on us to sign a contract immediately, we held a meeting
that was not previously scheduled- with just time to get it legally
noticed.
Several
residents attended to meet our acting Chief or renew past
acquaintance with him. The Barnstead native who went to school in
Pittsfield, married a Pittsfield girl, and served Barnstead,
Effingham and Gilmanton as police chief over the course of nearly 20
years, Joe is well known in the area and will be shaking lots of
hands as he's warmly welcomed back.
After
being sworn in, he was issued a cruiser, answered questions, chatted
with a number of people, then left to spend Sunday with relatives
before tackling his job.
Advertising the permanent Chief's position will begin immediately,
for either a full or part-timer. There's pros and cons to both and
we'll consider them all as we review applications. Going forward,
the chief won't be in the union, so contract negotiations will be
with the BOS.
We
anticipate a good response to our ads as we go through the process
thoroughly and deliberately. All qualified applicants will be given
equal consideration in our search for the very best for Pittsfield.
Because
we must now pay severance packages to past Chief Cain and Sargeant
McCormack, staying within the budget will be an ongoing challenge,
so we'll continue reduced patrols, which will remain temporary,
random and unannounced. Chief Collins will be "on call" while
off-duty, so he can respond to an emergency and request help from
another town while he's responding, giving us that extra comfort
which mutual aid provides.
We
remain cautiously optimistic.
Carl
Anderson
From
The Farm
Submitted By Carole Soule
Grass-fed cattle might be more vegan than you think.
As we
unrolled an 800-pound round bale of hay, a dead fawn fell to the
floor of the feed bunker. The fawn was all in one piece and must
have been accidentally scooped up by the hay baler. I’m sure the
farmer would have tried to save this fawn if he had seen it, but you
would be surprised at how many animals are killed during each
harvest of hay or grain.
No
farmer wants to hurt wildlife or domestic animals in the course of
planting and harvesting. Even so, the death toll caused by creating
food for humans is enormous. An article I recently read titled,
“Grassfed Beef – the Most Vegan thing in the Supermarket,” by Drew
French (https://medium.com/@drewfrench/grass-fed-beef-the-most-vegan-item-in-the-supermarket-8c46b45a0d47)
makes the point:
“Sadly,
in the practice of agriculture it is impossible to avoid causing
suffering to many living creatures. One could argue that the most
suffering of all is caused by annual agriculture; the cultivation of
vegetables, including grains, beans, and rice, that only takes one
year to grow from seed to food. We displace countless wild animals
from their homes and lands when we cultivate annual crops. Not only
that, we also kill thousands of creatures when we till the soil.”
Groundhogs, rabbits, mice and other wildlife build their homes and
communities in open fields. When those fields are cultivated and
planted the lucky ones escape but others are killed. As crops grow
wildlife returns. Birds build nests on the ground, fawns - like the
one I found - seek safety, insects, rodents and larger mammals build
communities in these fields. At harvest time there is no warning
about the impending disaster. One local farmer I know walks his hay
fields before harvesting to chase out wildlife. Another farmer waits
until the birds, such as Bobolinks, have finished nesting before
mowing. Larger commercial farms don't do this and during harvesting
thousands of animals die, some quickly, others suffer.
Consider this: that a diet of grass-fed beef, free-range eggs, and
perennial plants - based on grass that is never cultivated with
machinery - gives wildlife to an opportunity to prosper. Given the
annihilation associated with cultivating, planting and harvesting ;
is it possible that a pound of grass-fed beef is more vegan than a
pound of grain?
I think
the answer is that whether vegan, vegetarian or carnivore we should
accept that eating is a violent act. We should respect all creatures
- be they insect, bee, rabbit or cow - that gave their lives so we
can live. We all need to take responsibility for being humans who
must continuously eat to survive. I mourned the fawn that gave its
life so my cattle could have hay. I will respect that fawn and all
the animals who have given their lives for my sustenance. You may
choose a different route, but whatever path you follow; we must all
pay attention to the lives that have been lost to support our need
to eat.
Carole
Soule is co-owner of Miles Smith Farm, in Loudon, NH. She can be
reached at [email protected].
Central
VNA Offers New Program for Parents Grieving Loss of a Child
A new
Parents’ Circle will begin in Wolfeboro this summer for parents who
have lost children at any age due to any circumstance or reason.
All are welcome. Parents are encouraged to come with partners or on
their own to connect and share with other bereaved parents who are
walking this journey.
The
group will be co-facilitated by Dan Kusch, Bereavement Care
Coordinator at Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice and the Rev. Gina
Finocchiaro, Pastor at First Congregational Church, UCC in
Wolfeboro.
Gina
and Dan have been leading bereavement supports group together for
some time. This group emerged through the request of local
parents who have said how vital and nourishing it is has been to be
with other parents who have suffered a loss like theirs – to listen,
to share, to remember, to give and receive support, and to bear
witness to each other.
The
Parents’ Circle will meet monthly on the fourth Tuesday of the month
from 6:00 – 7:30pm at the First Congregational Church, 115 South
Main Street, Wolfeboro. “The group is non-religious and is
based on a deep commitment to honor each person and family’s
experience,” Dan notes. “Support means I will walk with you.
I will not try to change how you feel. I will simply be here
beside you.”
To
register or for more information please be in touch with one of the
facilitators - Rev. Gina Finocchiaro (569-1555,
[email protected]) or Dan
Kusch (524-8444, [email protected]).
This program, as with all Central VNA offerings, is free and open to
the public.
Central
VNA Offers Summer Grief Support Groups & Arts Workshops
Pittsfield Old Home Day – Annual Cook-Off
Pittsfield Old Home Day is Saturday, July 14 – Mark your calendars!!
The theme of the day is “Once Upon A Time, Favorite Fairy Tales.”
The
Cook-Off for the Pittsfield Old Home Day this year will be “ANY KIND
OF BREAD” (think… Hansel & Gretel left breadcrumbs to find
their way home…) We would prefer that you submit loaves of
bread (not just breadcrumbs!) – any kind you’d like (flavored quick
breads, squash bread, zucchini bread, etc.)
This
event is sponsored by the Victory Workers 4-H Club. Anyone and
everyone is invited to submit their BEST loaves of bread and bring
them to the 4-H Booth at Dustin Park by 9am on Sat, July 14.
The winners will be selected by the public by popular vote.
CASH prizes will be awarded: 1st- $75, 2nd- $50 and 3rd- $25.
The First 10 people to call or email will be registered.
Please contact Andi Riel at 435-6346 or email at
[email protected]
to register.
Letter
to the Editor
“Now
faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things
not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
I was
listening to talk radio last week when a gentleman called in to ask
the host his thoughts on life and death. How bleak the conversation
was listening to the desperation in their voices as they attempted
to define “faith.” The truth is, apart from Jesus Christ there is no
hope. The Scriptures reveal our Creator’s perfect plan of redemption
and His faithfulness in carrying out that plan throughout history,
despite man’s infidelity. Genuine faith is the bridge between
religion (endeavoring to work our way to God) and relationship
(understanding we have fallen from His grace, embracing the
restoration He offers through His Son, Jesus Christ).
“Since
the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly
seen,” and so man is without excuse in denying His eternal power and
Godhead. “Although [man] knew God, they did not glorify Him as God,
nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their
foolish hearts were darkened” (Romans 1:20,21)). From the beginning
and throughout time man has kicked against God’s goading. The wages
of sin is death (Romans 6:23), and yet God is compassionate and long
suffering toward us, wishing for none to perish.
While
the Almighty is merciful, He is just. He is holy. He cannot live
with sin. Since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden we have been
separated from our Creator, condemned to an eternity of darkness. In
His sovereignty God has provided a remedy to all who will believe in
the finished work of Jesus Christ. “May the God of hope fill you
with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the
Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13).
Because
of Him alone,
Linda
Small
Drake
Field Summer Recreation Program
Are you
looking for something fun 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 26 and end on August 2. The program is open Monday through
Thursday with some Fridays and FREE to Pittsfield students in grades
1-8.
The
summer program consist or sports activities, arts and crafts,
children's games, board games, field trips, water games, story time
with the Carpenter Library, and many other fun and educational
activities. Thanks to the Sanderson Trust Fund, the Foss Family
Foundation, and Irwin Motors, the following field trips are now
being planned - The Cog Railway (ride to the top of Mt. Washington
and visit the weather observatory). MS Mt. Washington family fun
boat ride leaving fom the Weirs, NH Children's Museum in Dover,
Shaker Village, the flume and Tramway, Wallis Sands State Park,
Ellacoya State Park, Candia Springs Water Park, the Town Pool, a
visit to the Pittsfield Fire Department, and York Wild Animal
Kingdom. Many of the field trips are free and some have an
admittance fee. We are also expecting to have Ann Taylor come to the
park and talk about animals with the children.
Registration forms and calendars have been sent home through the
school and may be returned to the Elementary School or the Middle
High School. You may also register on June 26th at the park.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided free of charge, except on
Fridays.
Students in need of Community Service are encouraged to see Mrs.
Sawyer. This is great way of helping other children and having run
at the same time. Come join us and sec for yourself!
For
more information please contact Mrs. Louise Sawyer at 267-6733.
Concert
Salutes Our Country
With
rousing American melodies, a salute to our Armed Forces and many
other national favorites, everyone will certainly enjoy “Salute to
America!,” a free patriotic concert this Friday, June 15, 7 p.m. at
the First Congregational Church, 24 Main Street, Pittsfield.
It will
feature the church’s Chancel Choir and JuBellation Handbell Choir
and other musicians. You will even have a chance to join in on a
special song or two. Light refreshments will be served.
Join us
for this delightful event – an evening of great American music.
Parking and wheelchair accessible entrance located at rear of church
on Chestnut Street. Call the church office for more information:
435-7471. God Bless America!
FB
Argue Recreation Area 2018 Opening
On
Friday, June 22, the FB Argue Recreation Area will open for the 2018
summer season at 1:00. We will again be asking parents to give us
contact information, if their child will be coming to the pool alone
without an adult.
We will
be open Monday through Friday 12:00- 5:00 and Saturday and Sunday
1:00-5:00. The Saturday and Sunday hours may be with gate and beach
attendants only. We will not be open nights this summer. All
children under the age of 11 will need to be accompanied by an adult
on Saturday and Sunday. Children under the age of 8 must be
accompanied by an adult at all times.
We will
be offering swimming lessons again this summer. Registration will be
held at the recreation area. We will run two 2-week sessions and
each lesson will run for about ½ hour. The dates for the sessions
will be as follows:
Session
1 Daytime: Friday, June 29 – Friday, July 13 (no lessons July 4)
Session
2 Nighttime: Monday July 23 – Monday, August 6 (No lessons August 3)
The
daily admission for residents is $1.00 per person. A family season
pass may be bought for $50.00. Daily admission for non-residents
will be $1.50 per person. All persons entering the area will be
expected to pay. Children under 5 will be admitted free with a paid
adult. Said paid adult will be responsible for supervision of said
child.
The
cost for swimming lessons for Pittsfield residents will be $15 per
child per session. The cost for non-residents will be $30 per child
per session.
Questions may be answered by calling 435-7510 or 435-7457 (during
hours of operation).
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