None.

Seller: Gerald & Nancy Leach; Buyer: Peter & Linda Mitchell, 952 Parker Road, Sales price: $147,000; assessed value $152,900.

Reminder – No Parking Ban goes into effect November 15^th through March 31^st. No parking allowed on Wallingford roads between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

If you wish to post a Safety Zone - 500 feet - around your house, signs are available at the town office. Stop in and pick them up, they're FREE.

The legal voters of Fire District No. 1, Wallingford, Vermont are hereby warned to meet at the Wallingford Elementary School on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 7:00 pm. for the Annual Fire District Meeting to act upon the following articles. The polls will be open on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Wallingford Fire Station on Railroad Street for the purpose of voting. (Australian Ballot)

Article 01. To approve minutes from previous Annual Meeting dated February 19, 2008.

Article 02. Will the District vote to approve and authorize the Prudential Committee to expend the specific amounts of monies to be appropriated for all necessary Water Fund expenses and apportioned by the Prudential Committee for the several purposes provided as per the proposed 2009 Budget contained in the Annual Fire District No. 1 Report. (Australian Ballot)

Article 03. Will the District vote to approve and authorize the Prudential Committee to expend the specific amounts of monies to be appropriated for all necessary Sewer Fund expenses and apportioned by the Prudential Committee for the several purposes provided as per the proposed 2009 Budget contained in the Annual Fire District No. 1 Report. (Australian Ballot)

Article 04. Will the District vote to approve and authorize the Prudential Committee to expend the specific amounts of monies to be appropriated for all necessary General Fund expenses and apportioned by the Prudential Committee for the several purposes provided as per the proposed 2009 Budget contained in the Annual Fire District No. 1 Report. (Australian Ballot)

Article 05. Will the District vote to approve and authorize the Prudential Committee to expend the specific amounts of monies to be appropriated for all necessary Fire Protection Fund expenses and apportioned by the Prudential Committee for the several purposes provided as per the proposed 2009 Budget contained in the Annual Fire District No. 1 Report. (Australian Ballot)

Article 06. This is a non-binding vote. Which of the following choices would you prefer: (Australian Ballot)

Have the Town of Wallingford take over the Fire District completely?

Have the Town of Wallingford take over the Fire Protection portion only?

No changes to Wallingford Fire District #1?

Article 07. Will the voters approve the expenditure of $88,031.84 be financed over ten years at 0% interest for self contained breathing apparatus to replace outdated equipment. (Australian Ballot)

Article 08. Will the District vote to have all Fire District Taxes, Water Bond, Water/Sewer Rents payable to the Fire District Treasurer when due?

Article 09. Will the District authorize the Prudential Committee to borrow such monies as may be necessary to meet the operation expenses of the District?

Article 10. To elect all Fire District Officers required by law.

Article 11. Will the District vote to approve the reports as submitted.

Article 12. To act on any legal and necessary business.

Town meeting is Monday, March 2 at 7 p.m. at the Wallingford Elementary School. Polls will be open on Tuesday, March 3 at the Wallingford Town Hall from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Selectboard regrets having to reinstate the fees for recycling metal. This decision is a result of the price of scrap metal, which has dropped from $179/ton to $58/ton. This has affected all markets – newspaper, plastics, cardboard, etc. We’re no longer receiving income for these recyclables, but paying for their processing.

Proposed Zoning Regulations

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday, February 9, 2009 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall to allow interested persons to express their views on the regulations. A full text of the proposed changes is available for public inspection at the Town Hall, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. to Noon on Fridays. The regulations can also be viewed at wallingfordvt.com.

Green Hill Lane resident Pete Walczuk came to discuss his neighbor’s complaint against him for plowing snow across the road.

The Department of Taxes equalization study report showed the Town’s equalized education property values at $227,269,000, a coefficient of dispersion of 12.184%, and a common level of appraisal of 103.51% effective 1/1/09. Last year’s figures were $217,398,000, 13.74% and 107.61 respectively.

The 2009 Certificate of Highway Mileage was signed.

At the recommendation of the Planning Commission, Jane Krate Duda was appointed to the Planning Commission.

Rutland Printing was the lowest bidder for printing the town report. West Rutland prints their town report in house and only prints copies on request, usually only 300 copies. They mail a 4-page summary to each household. The Selectboard agreed to include a blurb in their report that they are considering this change, making copies for pick up, along with publishing the town report on the website. The Selectboard discussed the cover and dedication for the Town Report. Changes were made to the first draft of the Selectboard report.

The VTrans Enhancement Grant Agreement was signed.

Given the current scrap metal market, which has dropped from $179/ton to $58, the Selectboard reinstated the metal fees charged at the Transfer Station.

F. Bruce gave his Road Commissioner’s Report.

Charitable requests were all level funded for the budget.

As an act of protest because the Legislature’s Joint Fiscal Committee’s is holding the January state highway aid payment, which is $19,311 for Wallingford, the Selectboard voted to hold back all state payments until the state highway aid is addressed.

B. Brooks relayed that the Wallingford Fire District #1 Prudential Committee agreed in concept to include three non-binding articles in their annual meeting warning as follows: 1) should the fire district merge with the town; 2) should the town take over the fire protection services; and 3) should WFD #1 remain as is.

The Revenues Budget was completed.

Joyce announced that the town’s investment portfolio has decreased significantly during 2008. She would like to put some of these funds into the general fund to keep the budget level. The Selectboard will invite the three Trustees to the next meeting to discuss the future strategy of the portfolio.

Joyce suggested another idea to increase revenue for the Town would be to change to a town manager form of government. Wallingford had a town manager in the 70’s. The Selectboard could take on the responsibilities of the Road Commissioner, and her office could collect delinquent tax payments so that the Town would receive the 8% penalty payments. The Selectboard reviewed the duties of a town manager and agreed with Joyce to put an article before the voters. She volunteered to research the wording for the town meeting warning.

The Administration budget was completed.

12/08/08. Present: J. West, L. Miller, A. Tiplady, B. Soule, and B. Brooks

A brief discussion took place about the Planning Commission budget for next year.

On the update to the Zoning regulation; we need to get the Industrial Zone description that was produced by Rick Smith showing the Industrial Zone as it existed in 1971 at the time of the adoption of the original Zoning regulation. This should be included on page three of the update. Also, we need to be sure the maps we are getting from Regional accurately reflect this information.

01/12/09. Present: E. Crelin, J. West, R. Soule, L. Miller, B. Brooks, A. Tiplady and J. Duda.

J. West introduced the new Planning Commission member, Jane Krate Duda.

Reviewed the Town of Wallingford’s Zoning Regulation changes:

Typographical changes and wording changes were made to reflect the Town changing from a Zoning Board of Adjustment to a Development Review Board.

The Wallingford Zoning Regulations will be presented to the public at a hearing on February 9, 2009. Copies will be available on line and notices will be posted 15 days prior to the hearing date.

The Board had discussions on the definition of simple subdivisions and complex subdivisions. What determines a full subdivision review with the DRB, and what subdivision would necessitate a simple administrative review? If an administrative review is done, abutters should be notified by mail.

The permit application may need to be changed. Information required on the form may not reflect the information needed to make a well informed decision on approval or denial.

11/26/08. Present: C. Rabtoy, C. Baker, and S. Sendra

C. Rabtoy has spoken with excavator on the Route 7 project, and there is a plan in place to complete this project by year in.

Plans are in place to compete the Circular Avenue project by the end of this year. Funds are in the budget.

Notices will be mailed out to all those property owners who are affected by winter water blow offs.

Dates for Budget Meetings for Water, Sewer, Lodge, and General Funds were set.

There was a discussion on the subject of the dedication of the Annual Report.

Chief Jeff Duchesne discussed a health issue concern-- year-round Hepatitis shots for the firefighters. The Air Packs and turn out gear are still needed.

The Board waived the sewer hookup fees for C. Dawson as he has done quite a bit of gratis work for the Fire District (maps, helping to fix hydrants, etc.).

12/09/08. Present: C. Rabtoy, C. Baker, and S. Sendra

The Water Budget was approved for $213,921.11, an increase of $333.29.

The Sewer Budget was approved for $155,204.99, an increase of $6,083.57.

12/10/08. Present: C. Rabtoy, C. Baker, and S. Sendra

The General Fund Budget was approved for $82,056.44, an increase of $2,974.16.

12/10/08. Present: C. Rabtoy, C. Baker, and S. Sendra

The Lodge Budget was approved for $17,850, an increase of $1,130.

12/17/08. Present: C. Rabtoy, C. Baker, and S. Sendra

The Fire Protection Budget was approved for $84,717, an increase of $7,683.

12/31/08. Present: C. Rabtoy, C. Baker, and S. Sendra

S. Sendra had been working on gathering information on Sewer Operator Mark Breznick so that he would be have the annual report be dedicated to him. Mark said he was not interested in being dedicated.

The Selectboard members in attendance were in agreement with the Fire District members about putting a non-binding vote on the ballot in February that would offer the Fire District constituents three choices:

a.    Have the town take over the FD completely

b.    Have the town take over the Fire Protection

c.    Do nothing and have everything stay separate

Howard’s Fire Control has tried to determine why the alarm at the lodge is going off. The telephone company will be asked to check the line.

12/18/08. Present: C. Watts, D. Baker, C. Piotrowski, and D. Klock

The School Wellness Committee requested permission to explore an exercise/walking path around the playground. Funding would not come through the school; there are grants available for this type of program development. The Board gave approval.

Joyce Barbieri sought feedback regarding the Little Red Schoolhouse as to what is going on with it; is the water on; heat on; is it being maintained? The Board will look into this further and find out who is responsible for it at this time and then take appropriate action.

The Board worked on the budget. Walter prepared a sheet of different percentage increases for staff. The bottom line of the proposed budget, at this time, is down 6.35%. The CLA has dropped from 107.61 to 103.51. Equalized pupil last year was 137.99; this year is 132.33. This translates into higher student spending. Salary and benefits had changes; general education changed due to the notice of retirement. Special education has a position that has been reduced to .75, but is listed in EEE at .25. On a net basis, there is a $10,000 savings with the changes to EEE. Walter explained the changes in the EEE program over the last few years and what is going to be happening in the upcoming year. Carol Geery recommended that the RSSU EEE position be cut back to a .6 position which would serve Clarendon and Shrewsbury. Wallingford will be using an in-house educator for this position and this will result in a lowered assessment from RSSU. The children being served are at the Wallingford Pre-school.

Jason gave an update on suggested budget reductions. Testing materials, document cameras, and reducing staffing hours. The budget should be approved at the first January meeting unless a special meeting is held. Discussion on sinking funds which is normally $8,000 for building. The revenue is not going to be as great as anticipated. There is a spending threshold that needs to be met. Looking at education spending per pupil of $15,123 as the budget stands right now. Have to use your actual equalized pupil figures. In order to get these down to an acceptable level, the board will need to cut approximately $150,000. There was a difference of $13,303 in the cost of the underground storage tank. Discussion opened on the cuts that Jason has proposed. 1) $8,000 sinking fund - Walter will get exact figures for the next meeting. Board agreed to remove. The board agreed to reduce test materials, band instruments and books and periodicals. It was asked if they could live a year without $9,000 for document cameras for the media computers. Made the 1^st cut and then get information from Jason to see if they want to cut deeper. Item 6-Improvement for Instruction of $6,000 is for workshops, non-credit - the Board would like to bring this down to $4,000. Item 7-part-time custodian. The board gave Joyce permission to look into whether a grant can be obtained for this. Diane feels that the custodial budget needs to be cut somewhere. The board agrees to take this out ($4,806), but grants will be looked into. Items 8 and 10-Library Assistant – the Board agrees to reduce to .6 in the library. Open library would probably cease, but the teachers could take students to the library for this. Item 9-reducing music to 4 days, a reduction of $14,828. The Board agreed.

Jason reviewed the stats for nurse’s office. David asked if any of the services provided are reimbursable. C. Piotrowski prefers to have someone here all day to cover the student population. Walter stated in the past, there was a nurse 5 days for fewer hours per day, but there was someone in the building that was EMT certified.

Some of these items may be revisited in 3 weeks when finalizing the budget. Agreed to add it to the list of cuts.

Item 11-$10,745 - Full-time nurse has already been cut some. The Board would like to leave as is now. Item 13-Art-$7,015, class instruction would still be the same with this cut, extras like program sets would suffer; decided to put this on hold until all is decided. Item 14-Gen’l Elementary Asst. $25,359-discussion on educational assistants; this issue will be addressed at the next meeting. Asked if kindergarten could be reverted back to ½ day; Walter stated no. It has proven to be more effective in the long run to have early education. Item 14, works with small groups and one on one. A lengthy discussion on how things would work without the position. The consensus was to take out both Item 14s. Item 15-Support Teacher $32,943 -Jason is unsure about having this one on the list. Discussion on custodial staff – Item 16 $,7072. Discussion on guidance from .8 to .6; health/PE - can health be absorbed by another means (because of some of the cuts already the number of individuals able to cover this may not be there) possibly to .8; media/library is at .7/.3 (question raised on the amount of tech support). The board would like to see the numbers associated with all of these cuts and a comparable of whether the backup is still going to be there in any position cut. Diane asked what systems are in place for fixing Technology problems within RSSU. Walter stated that the system in place is called HelpDesk and the level of need is triaged. Jason would prefer not to touch this position. A list will be emailed to the Board members with estimates of what these cuts would total. Roughly at this time it would be about $120,000 without the fuel cost lowered. Decided to cut $1/gallon on fuel which would cut another $14,000. Diesel will be put in at $3.25/gallon to save about $8,000. Discussion on use of sinking funds for building repairs and maintenance.

Discussion on special ed, assistants, etc. Jason does not feel that this can be cut any further. A check needs to be done on the amount in the bus sinking fund.

Changes were made to Policy: 403B.

Jason reported that a candidate to substitute for the music teacher for 8 weeks will be interviewed tomorrow. There are two new students and the ice jams on the roof are fixed.

Jane Crosby notified Walter Goetz of her retirement.

1/08/09. Present: K. Fredette, C. Watts, D. Klock, and C. Piotrowski

Walter reviewed the changes made to the budget since the last draft. There will be no increase in cost for health insurance next year, and dental insurance will not exceed 4.5%. Both of these changes are reflected in the newest draft.

Carla Gallus submitted a letter accepting the early retirement offer, and Walter reviewed how this affects the budget. At this time the budget is still pretty close to threshold, but under the 2^nd vote figure.

Sinking funds reviewed and discussed. At the end of the 09 fiscal year, the building fund would have $39,900. C. Watts asked for a review of staff counts with the proposed changes. Joyce Barbieri did look into grants for the custodial position and there is nothing available at this time. The reduction in positions totals 5.2. The Early Retirement Offer closed on 01-06-09. Discussion on comfort levels with the changes figured into the budget at this point. The equalized pupil number is 132.36. C. Watts questioned the compensation paid to Board members because at this time it is not in the budget. Jason questioned whether the following could have further reductions: telephone and postage; repair and maintenance/sinking fund; general ed supplies. The Board would like to make a reduction in telephone and postage; repair and maintenance; and leave supplies at the same level. Walter explained the requirement under the State for a certified person in the library. What is the role of the Library Media Specialist? Discussion again on the .35 custodial assistant position and whether that could be put back in at $3,000 and continue looking for grant funds. With these changes, the budget is still under the threshold. The Board thanked Jason for his hard work on getting this budget where it is at this point. The amount of $2,472 was added to the budget tonight. This brings the budget total to $2,209,638.

The School Board approved a FY10 expenditure budget in the amount of $2,209.638 and the school warning.

Jason reported there are approximately 12 students for Kindergarten next year. Chuck Piotrowski donated two subscriptions to the National Geographic Kids to the 2 top winners of the Geo Bee.

Walter reported that Carla Gallus accepted the Early Retirement Offer, and the Board accepted her notice.

Ken reported that he had done a rough calculation on the cost of the lawsuit with the tax commissioner.

Chuck Watts reviewed the Director’s report for the Town Report. The Report should have some discussion on the 2-vote ruling and the work done to stay away from that.

There was discussion on the Selectboard’s question on whether to make a much abbreviated town report that would be mailed to taxpayers as a cost savings.

Auditor - plays a vital role in preserving the democratic nature of Vermont's local government by ensuring that local officials are accountable for their expenditures of taxpayers' money.  It is the auditors' job to review the accounts of local officials and report the findings directly to the taxpayers for review.  This position receives a one-time small stipend.

Foot and blood pressure clinic on Wednesday, February 4th at 10:30 a.m. at the Wallingford House.

Senior Planning Committee will meet on Wednesday, February 11^th at 10 a.m. in the Klock Room at the Gilbert Hart Library. We welcome new members and new ideas.

Join us on Monday, February 23^rd at 1:30 p.m. at the Wallingford House for a Senior show and tell. Share your experiences, and we will have a laugh or shed a tear together.

Anyone who has a suggestion for a Senior Trip in Rutland County and some place for lunch, please contact Peggy Rice at 446-6050.

Remember the Seniors lunch every Monday at Noon at the Rotary. Contact Linda Weightman at 446-2301.

The Gilbert Hart Library by Linda Reeves, Library Director

The holidays are over and the staff and Board members of the Gilbert Hart Library have already started working hard to meet our New Year’s resolutions. Our top priority is to continue providing high-quality services and materials to the Wallingford community.

 Our past efforts and hard work have paid off as the Library has been advised by the Department of Libraries that we again meet the Vermont Department of Libraries (DOL) Minimum Standards! What does this mean? It means the Library meets DOL’s criteria and high expectations of providing high quality service to the local community. The Minimum Standards define a basic level of service and outlines four elements essential to the provision of community-oriented public library service. The four elements include: (1) Public access to the library; (2) Interlibrary loans with other Vermont libraries; (3) Community involvement and support of the library; and (4) Public service provided by the library to the community. The Standards also stress a philosophic approach to service and offer criteria and direction for assessing and upgrading library service at the local level. Also, public libraries that meet Minimum Standards are eligible to receive state grants!

Speaking of grants – the Library was selected by the DOL from among other Vermont libraries to apply for a grant from the Melinda and Bill Gates Foundation. The grants range in amounts from hundreds to thousands of dollars. If we are selected, the money would be used to purchase new computers and to speed up the library automation process. Wish us luck!

New Arrivals at the Library:

Title Author

How to Live – A Search for Wisdom from Old People        Henry Alford

3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows (YA)                                 Ann Brashares

Black Ops                                                                                 W.E.B. Griffin

The Ultra Mind Solution -Fix Your Broken Brain                   Mark Hyman, MD

by Healing Your Body First

The Independence of Miss Colleen McCullough                  Mary Bennett

The Secret to True Happiness                                               Joyce Meyer

We Went to War – New Hampshire Remembers                Meg Heckman

Book Review: We Went to War New Hampshire Remembers was written by Meg Heckman and Mike Pride. In 2007, the authors set out to find members of the World War II generation still living in New Hampshire sixty-two years after the war ended. Stories about bomber crew members shot down and captured, infantrymen who survived beach landings, sailors who saw an American carrier go down with terrible loss of life are all stories included in the book. You’ll meet men whose wounds still pain them, a daughter who lost her father to a sniper’s bullet in France, and nurses who comforted the wounded. And you’ll get a picture of how the war changed life on the home front. The knowledge that I gained from the book was that the World War II generation saw their "job" to do their part in fighting for their country, giving their lives if that’s what it took to keep our country free, and to come home safely. And one other thing – to remember, no matter how much they wanted to forget…

Our first children’s program of the new year is scheduled for February 17 from 10:30-noon at the Library. Plans are being made as we go to press so please call the Library for more information!

Okay, I’m trying to think of something catchy to say about the winter so far. It’s much too soon to even think about Spring, even if the seed catalogs are arriving, and it would be a diversion to plan my garden. This winter is a good time to stay in, by a fire, and READ. The snow doesn’t bother us too much, but the ice is very treacherous this winter. And there are plenty of selections for readers at the Library.

There are even some books you can BUY from those being weeded from the collection in preparation for automation. They are very inexpensive (cheap! $1 for a nice hard bound book!!) and of all genres. Stop by and take a look!

February sees the resumption of book discussions starting on Wednesday night, February 18, at 7 p.m. Books have arrived and are free to borrow at the Circulation Desk. This month’s selection is My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin. I have not looked at it, so I’ll repeat the blurb in the catalog: The story is about a literary personality who many readers will immediately recognize and identify with. Sybylla flees her parent’s home in Australia only to find she must choose between a safe, comfortable marriage and the career she wants so fiercely.

Whist card parties for February are on February 6 and February 20, Fridays at 7 p.m., in the Klock Room. Call Carol Pratt at 446-2843 for more information.

Don’t forget the rug-braiding classes during the months of February and March. The classes are Saturdays, from 9 – noon, February 7 and 14 and March 7 and 14. This is getting to be a tradition! Open to all braiders, bring your materials, or get them there, and learn the tricks of the trade. Lois Johnstone is coordinating the classes, and you may call her at 446-2442 for more information.

There will be another movie matinee in February! The date is February 11. We will be meeting for "soup ’n’ such" at the Congregational Church at noon; at 1 p.m., we will convene at the Library for a brief Friends’ meeting; and show time is 2 p.m. No selection of the movie has been made, but it will be of general interest and light entertainment. Maybe we will get our truffles out of the freezer for a Valentine’s Day celebration!

First Wednesday lectures this month sound interesting (the First Wednesday is February 4): Rutland: "Book Clubs, Tupperware, and Oprah." Manchester: "Ikebana as a Contemplative Path". Both are at 7 p.m. The Rutland lecture is held in the Fox Room at Rutland Library and in Manchester at the First Congregational Church. Telephone numbers for more information in Rutland are 773-1860 and Manchester (802) 362-2607.

Every Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. Line Dancing. $5 per person. Snack bar available. Beginners & experienced.

NEW! Monday, 2/9 & 2/16 Line Dancing for "BEGINNERS" at 6 pm.

Suicide Survivors Support Group meetings for those who have lost a loved one or friend through suicide are held at the Maple Leaf Clinic, 167 North Main Street, Wallingford, 446-3577 on the third Tuesday of each month.

The Chipman Lodge 52 FAM holds meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Lodge.

The Thrive Center is pleased to announce that Dr. Joseph Donohue is now accepting State of Vermont Health Insurance for Chiropractic Care.  This includes Medicaid, Primary Care Plus (PCP), VHAP, & Dr. Dynasaur.  This partnership with the State of Vermont Health Insurance program went into effect November 1, 2008.   For all inquiries, please call 802.446.2499. 

[Wednesdays 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM], January 21st. - March 11th. [21 hours / 7 weeks / 1 credit.

Facilitator: Lisa M. Donohue, MA, LMT

 For more information, go to: http://www.castleton.edu/; http://www.castleton.edu/spring/spring09courses.pdf.

Giving from the Heart: Now through Friday, February 13th. Join the Thrive Center staff, the 3rd. grade of Wallingford Elementary School, and give from the heart....By bringing in to our office, non-perishable food and/or monetary donations to support the Rutland Community Cupboard. Monetary donations will be used to purchase Rutland Natural Food Market, "The Co-Op" vouchers, allowing for RCC patrons to access options at "The Co-Op".

Join us at the Vagina Monologues for one night only, Saturday February 14th. Enjoy the wild ride, support an end to violence against women, and celebrate St. Valentine's Day at the theatre!  All net proceeds to benefit Rutland County Women's Network and Shelter.  For tickets, while they last, go to:   www.paramountlive.org.

VRA Reiki & Tea Share [FREE]. Sunday, March 22nd, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, 68 South Main Street [Thrive], Wallingford.  Participants will Experience: A hands-on opportunity to learn about, receive, and experiment with Reiki; and share some tea.  This event is for everyone, not just Vermont Reiki Association [VRA] members.  Call 446.2499 to register. 

Home Wisdom: Hands on Health With Household Items. Wednesday, April 15th, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, at RRMC.  De-Stress and end tax day energized; by learning some self care skills and techniques with rolling pins, tennis balls, apple cider vinegar, sea salt & more.  A feel good, uplifting night guaranteed.  Facilitator: Lisa M. Donohue, MA, LMT.

Starting January 1, the eligibility limit for Food Stamps expanded so that more people can qualify for food assistance funds. There are no restrictions on the amount of resources one can have with a gross income under 185% of the federal poverty level. That is equivalent to a monthly income of $1,604 for one person and $2,159 for a couple. Those with higher incomes might also qualify, but their resources cannot exceed $3,000.

Food Stamps help people of all ages to eat better. Rules are more flexible for older adults to qualify. Their Food Stamp eligibility is based on their net income, instead of gross. The following living expenses are taken into consideration to get down to a net figure: medical bills and insurance premiums, rent, mortgage, property taxes, home owner's insurance and utilities. For a person age 65+, the Food Stamp benefit comes as a check, directly deposited into the recipient’s bank account. Those under 65 are issued debit cards for use at the grocery store.  People age 60+ can get more information from the Senior HelpLine, Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging, serving Rutland and Bennington counties: 800-642-5119 or 802-786-5991.

Rutland Regional Medical Center’s Community Education & Wellness Department announces the new schedule for the Safe Sitter Program. The Safe Sitter Program is available for 11-13-year-old boys & girls interested in becoming a safe sitter. The Safe Sitter Program offers instruction on many topics that an individual caring for a young child should know: child care essentials, preventing injuries, care of choking infants and children, rescue breathing, behavior management, and more.

The schedules for the upcoming classes are as follows:

Location: Rutland Regional Medical Center

Time: 9:00am-4pm

Dates: Wednesday, February 18 & Thursday, February 19;

Saturday, March 14 & Sunday, March 15;

Wednesday, April 15 & Thursday, April 16;

Saturday, May 2 & Saturday, May 9;

Monday, June 29 & Tuesday, June 30.

Registration is required, with a $50.00 tuition fee due before the class begins. To register, contact Susan Lebel, Program Coordinator, at 802.747.3771. No one will be excluded for an inability to pay.

Stroke, Vascular Disease & Heart Rhythm Package;
all 4 tests for only $139
Add an osteoporosis screening for $10 more;

All 5 tests for $149 (66 savings!)

Saturday, February 21^st

Noon

Wallingford Volunteer Fire Department

Railroad Street

$50 buy in; pay out 66%.

Spaghetti Dinner
First Congregational Church
Wallingford

Saturday, February 21st
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
$8 adults/$5 children under
(family discounts available)

All proceeds will benefit the Youthworks Mission trip
to Cincinnati, Ohio

The Wallingford Recreation Committee is offering its second Adult/Teen hour-long Cardio Kickboxing class once a week at the Wallingford Elementary School for six weeks at a cost of $30 per person. The class will be held either Tuesday or Wednesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. starting as soon as we have 10 registrations.  

Most aerobic kickboxing classes begin with light stretches and a cardio warm up. Typical routines include a series of repetitive punches, hands strikes, kicks and other self-defense moves, interspersed with a bouncing 'base' move, to potent music. Even though one is thrusting through the air rather than working against resistance, it qualifies as a total body workout because it use several muscle groups and is intensely aerobic. Classes end with a cool down period.