03/09

Editor’s Note: March 20^th is the first day of spring. Please send news, ads and items of interest by 3/23 to townclerk@wallingfordvt.com.

Support the Wallingford Newsletter with an ad in the Wallingford News. Rates are $50 for a business card size ad and $75 for a double ad. Your ad will run for 12 issues. For more information, call the Town Clerk's Office at 446-2336. Or, do you have a used car, boat or services to sell? A one-month ad, 25 words or less is $5. Is there anything you’d like added to this monthly newsletter? Let us know. Issues of the newsletter can be mailed to you if you provide us with the self-addressed stamped envelopes (with 59¢ postage on each). The newsletter is also on the Web at www.wallingfordvt.com.

Seller: Arthur & David Seward; Buyer: Roland Seward Jr., 4145 Sugar Hill Road, Sales price: $13,660; assessed value $14,700.

Seller: Lynn David Hebert Estate; Buyer: Robert & Kelly Gaiotti, 133 Elm Street, Sales price: $136,000; assessed value $132,500.

Town Meeting

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

If you wish to vote early, please stop by the Town Clerk’s office during normal business hours. Voted ballots must be returned by 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3^rd.

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.

Free Tax Help

Once again, free tax preparation for taxpayers with middle and low income, with special attention to those 60 and older, is available from AARP-Tax Aide through April 15th at the Wallingford Town Hall. You do not have to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service. Please call 446-2336 for an appointment.

Homestead Declaration

Don't forget to complete a Declaration of Homestead form H-22 in order to be billed the residential school tax rate. The Wallingford School District is 216 and your span # is on your tax bill. The deadline is April 15th. Form HS-122 can be found in the Vermont "2008 Income Tax Return Booklet" or you can file on line at www.vermont.gov.

The Town Clerk’s office mailing address is now 75 School Street. We no longer have a post office box.

Dr. Lisa Hickman will be administering shots for both dogs and cats on Saturday, March 28^th from 10 a.m. to Noon at the Wallingford Town Clerk ’s Office. Dogs can be registered at that time. The deadline for dog registration is April 1^st.

Effective June 1, 2009, U.S. Citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book, U.S. passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security, when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. U.S. Passport Book Cost for First-time Applicants is $100 for adults, age 16 and older; $85 for minors, under age 16. Cost for Renewal is $75 for adults; age 16 and older. U.S. Passport Card Cost for First-time Applicants is $45 for adults, age 16 and older; $35 for minors, under age 16. Cost for Renewal is $20 for adults, age 16 or older. If you apply for a passport book and passport card at the same time, the cost is $120 for adults, age 16 or older, and $95 for minors, under age 16.

{Please note that these meeting minutes are a brief summary and are not the final approved version.}

The Selectboard discussed the current status and future investment strategy of the Fernfield Farm and Ralph Stafford investment accounts with the three Trustees of Public Funds.

Dog Warden Ben Morgan reported on the events that took place over the weekend at Ted Peck’s on Wallingford Pond Road regarding the abandoned animals.

The Selectboard discussed with the three listers the possibility of taking over all the Lister functions. A very speculative budget of $40,440 was presented and discussed at length.

Approval was given to Wallingford Fire District #1 to use the Town’s mailing permit.

The Selectboard discussed the follow up needed for the FEMA Community Assistance Visit.

The Selectboard discussed the status of the freeze on the town highway aid payments.

A draft of the town warning was reviewed. A non-binding article asking voters whether the Town should take over the fire protection budget from Wallingford Fire District #1 was added.

The price per ton paid for commodities (recyclables) has dropped significantly, although it is still cheaper for residents to recycle than throwing it out as trash. Unfortunately, there will be an increase in the Town’s expenses.

There was a lengthy discussion on the pros and cons of the Listers taking over all the functions, increasing the Listers budget, and the terms of the contract with Vermont Municipal Assessors.

The Selectboard voted to increase the constable’s budget by $3,000 and reduce the sheriff’s budget accordingly after a lengthy discussion and a written request by Nelson Tift.

The Selectboard approved the warning, which included an additional article based on the petition received concerning the Post Office.

By a vote of 4-1, the $2,000 budgeted in the current fiscal year for sidewalks will be used by the Town to repair the walkway in front of Town Hall. Also by a vote of 4-1, $2,000 was not included in the FY10 budget since the budget has been pared back as much as possible. The Selectboard approved a total budget of $783,080.56.

Emergency Management Coordinator Charlie Gauthier presented an updated Vermont Rapid Response Plan for Wallingford, which was approved.

At C. Gauthier’s request, approval was given for the road crews’ assistance in the spring as the Wallingford Fire Department needs to make repairs to the dry hydrant at the Weeks’ pond on Heritage Hill. In addition, the Department was awarded a grant for a new hydrant to be installed on Hartsboro Road near the Sease/Tiplady property.

C. Gauthier announced that Wallingford Fun Day will be held over two days now, starting Friday, 7/17 at 5 p.m. with games, etc. and then all day Saturday, 7/18 ending with fireworks. The Selectboard approved the fireworks permit.

Dave Ballou reported that during a snowstorm last month, VTrans had a vehicle towed that was parked on School Street while his, as well as others parked in front of the Rotary building before 7 a.m., was nearly towed away. The Selectboard adopted an ordinance in 2001 that prohibits all night parking between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. from 11/15 through 3/31. Mr. Ballou requested that the ordinance be changed to 6 a.m.

It was pointed out that changing the hours would require that the ordinance be published in the Rutland Herald, and we would have to purchase new signs for Route 7. The Selectboard asked Julie to contact the new supervisor to discuss the issue.

Tom Phillips offered to either donate or charge a small fee, for the overburden on his Waldo Lane property, to be used towards the reclamation of the Town’s “pit”. The Selectboard reviewed a draft site plan from Infrastructure Engineering that shows utilizing a 1:2 final slope and a 1:3 final slope. The plan will be sent to Bill Burke for approval.

The Town will apply for a Highway Class 2 Roadway grant for paving on Route 140W.

The Town is hoping the Route 140W Bridge and the pedestrian bridge projects will fall under the stimulus funding program so that no match will be required.

Visitors from Forcier, Aldrich & Associates, a consulting firm specializing in civil & environmental engineering projects throughout the State of Vermont, presented their ideas for our town’s participation in the future “Stimulus Package”. It is their opinion that there may be a unique opportunity for Federal Grants/Loans for infrastructure improvements. Water line replacements identified were High Street & Mill Street, Prospect Street & Hull Avenue, and on South Main Street, from Church Street to Timber Hill Estates development.

C. Baker discussed the Selectboards’ request for a list of the improvements made to the sidewalks during 2008, as they would like to use the $2,000 sidewalk monies towards repairing the walkway to the entrance of Town Hall. As there is no damage to the sidewalk on School Street, the Committee refused their request.

No formal decision has been made to move the fire district office from Town Hall to the Fire Station.

VTEL found no problem with their line at the Lodge and therefore, recommended calling the alarm system company regarding the false alarms.

Chief Duchesne presented information on Knoxbox, a system of lockboxes place outside businesses. Keys to businesses are used by firemen during emergency situations. Ordinances in the future may order participation.

The Board gave approval for the replacement of a broken ladder mount on Engine #3.

No word from Howard’s regarding the alarm system at the Wallingford Lodge. C. Rabtoy will follow up.

The Board agreed to postpone moving the Office from its present location to the Fire Station on Railroad Street.

The Board approved the water rate at $3.92 (per 1,000 gallons) and the sewer rate at $5.38 (per 1,000 gallons).

T. Deblois, Creek Road property owner, requested that an abridged version of M. Breznick’s report be put on her next bill. The high water meter reading of 63,000 gallons was due to pipes freezing and splitting because her tenants allowed the furnace to run out of fuel. She will be charged for water use but given credit for the sewer use.

A new water meter will be installed at the new Wallingford Rescue Squad building. The Board agreed not to charge for water/sewer once they are on line.

Chief Duchesne announced that Rutland City Fire Department has offered the use of an Air Support truck to fill air bottles. It will be stored at the Wallingford Fire Station.

S. Biagini announced that the Annual Report and quarterly bills will be mailed out shortly.

Dennis Stocker defeated Chris Rabtoy for the 3-year seat on the Prudential Committee 15 to 14.

Maureen Duchesne defeated Stephanie Biagini for the 3-year term Clerk/Treasurer positions 18 to 11.

Kurt Brown was elected Moderator, Jeff Duchesne was elected Fire Chief, Charlie Gauthier was elected Fire Chief’s First Assistant, and Dennis Stock was elected Second Assistant, all one-year terms.

The “Funding Vehicles/Vendors Selection and Deselection –403(b) Retirement Plan #3612 Policy was approved.

Principal Morse gave his report. Planned field trips were discussed. Action Plan Progress, a student data tracker that tracks a student progress throughout their time at WES, is being worked on. Gary Schmidt, their long-term substitute for Kathy Luzader in music, was welcomed. The students will watch the presidential inauguration.

02/05/09. Present: C. Watts, K. Fredette, C. Piotrowski, D Baker, and D. Klock

Keith Shelvey of the Wallingford Town Recreation Committee received permission to use the building during the summer for the summer recreation program. WES busses can not be used for the Town’s program, due to insurance issues. Keith inquired about the possibility of the RSSU camp and Wallingford’s camp working together. Walter stated that he would be glad to discuss options.

School Moderator Jay Kenlan discussed administrative procedures and ballot content of the forthcoming Town Meeting.

The Financial Management policy was reviewed with questions. The policy was referred back to Chuck P. for further revision before the next meeting.

Principal Jason Morse reviewed the requests for use of the building; field trips; special events or programs; and action plan progress, etc. Kindergarten registration day is planned for Feb. 6; Parent Conferences are being held on Feb. 5. The student council held a movie night on the 30^th and they received many donations for the Rutland County Humane Society. The student council has started a school-wide reading challenge for the next two weeks. A lockdown drill was done last week. Jason discussed energy savings and efficiencies.

The Board declined reimbursing a teacher for taking a master gardening class at UVM.

The 6^th grade trip involves a trip to Boston where they will spend a night at the Museum of Science, visit the Aquarium, and ride the Duck Boats.

Superintendent Walter Goetz noted that the RSSU is working to make more town residents aware of the preschool program. VAC does not have certified teachers required by state law for a certified preschool program and thus the town would not be able to pay for students sent to VAC’s preschool program.

The lawyers for both sides are working to engage a mediator for teacher contract negotiations. Ken commended the Principal for his letter to editor correcting WES’s NECAP scores that had been reported incorrectly by the paper. There will be a SafeRoutes informational program February 13 at the Rutland Free Library.

The Selectboard will be making annual appointments at their second meeting in March or at their first meeting in April. Some of the volunteers, who already serve as town officers and/or on town committees, will most likely continue to serve, but if you would like to serve, please let the Selectboard know.

Auditor
Building Committee
E911 Coordinators
Emergency Management Coordinator
Fire Protection Budget Committee
Grand Juror
Planning Commission
Rutland County Solid Waste District Representative & Alternate
Recreation Committee
Road Commissioner
Rutland Regional Planning Commission Representative & Alternate
Rutland Regional Transportation Council Representative & Alternate
Sanitation Inspector
Town Agent
Town Service Officer
Tree Warden

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

Senior Planning Committee will meet on Wednesday, March 11^th at 10 a.m. in the Klock Room at the Gilbert Hart Library . All are welcome to join us.

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

Check the Town Hall or Library bulletin boards for information on the Senior Trip for March or call Peggy Rice at 446-6050.

Budget Cuts…Can Vermont Elders afford it?
One of the budget reduction considerations in Montpelier is the elimination of State Prescription Drug Program (VPharm).

Who will be affected? Between 12,000 and 14,000 older Vermonters. Roughly one out of every five seniors not eligible for Medicaid. People on VPharm 2 ($23) and VPharm 3 ($50).

How will older Vermonters be affected? Impact will vary greatly among individuals depending upon the number of prescription drugs they take and their costs.

What can you do? Ask your local legislators to get additional data so that they fully understand the impact of this proposed change on individuals and on overall health care spending. Don’t accept blindly the administration’s assertions about the impact that this policy decision may have on individuals.

What is RSVP TeleCare?
The RSVP TeleCare Program provides check in, telephone reassurance and friendly phone calls to area seniors or challenged adults who are homebound and/or isolated. This program targets our most vulnerable and needy population i.e., the elderly, who are trying to "age in place", remain independent and require support services to do so.

Who is eligible to be a TeleCare participant/client?
Individuals may self-refer or be referred by a caregiver, family member or service provider. The service is FREE of charge to Rutland and Addison County residents. This program is intended to serve area seniors or disabled adults who are homebound, isolated, living alone, or otherwise in need of daily contact to ensure personal safety. This may be temporary while recuperating from an illness or it may be a permanent situation. For information call 802-775-8220

Get Connected…Just dial 2-1-1

2-1-1 is a number to dial for information about health and human services and organizations in your community. It is your link to resources. This is a local call from anywhere in Vermont. It is free and confidential. It is available 24 hours a day.
http://www.vermont211.org.

Th Gilbert Hart Library by Linda Reeves , Library Director It seems we could all use a few well wishes these days and, considering March is the month for St. Patrick’s Day, I have an Irish blessing to share with you:

May there always be work for your hands to do,
May your purse always hold a coin or two,
May the sun always shine on your windowpane,
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain,
May the hands of a friend always be near you,
May god fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

Each time a girl opens a book and reads a womanless history, she learns she is worth less. – Myra Pollack Sadker.

March is also the month that has been designated as Women’s History month. History helps women learn who we are, but when we don’t know our own history, our power and dreams are immediately diminished. In our own personal lives, girls and women should be encouraged to discover stories about our mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers to help us better understand their lives, the challenges they faced, and ultimately, ourselves and our own times. Recognizing the dignity and accomplishments of women in our own families and those from other backgrounds leads to higher self-esteem among girls and greater respect among boys and men. The results can be remarkable, from greater achievement by girls in school to less violence against women, and more stable and cooperative community. To ignore the vital role that women’s dreams and accomplishments play in our own lives would be a great mistake. We draw strength and inspiration from those who came before us – and those remarkable women working among us today. They are part of our story, and a truly balanced and inclusive history recognizes how important women have always been in American society. Stop by the library and check out our Women’s History display!

Roof repair: You might have noticed posters around town advising the community that the Library would be closed for a couple of hours so work could be done on the roof. The work had to be postponed due to bad weather (surprise! surprise!) but it will be rescheduled. Watch the bulletin boards around town for date and times that the library will be closed to pat rons. Kevin and I will be working during this period so give us a call at 446-2685 if you have questions.

Hours of operation: Effective Wednesday, March 11 (first Wednesday after Daylight Savings Time goes into effect), the Library will begin our non-winter hours of operation. We will be open each Wednesday evening until 8 p.m. Stop by and say hello and check out a good book, audio, movie, puzzle, or magazine, and take a look at the materials on sale in the Klock Room.

Angels and Ages                               Adam Goopnik
Moon Maine’s Southern Coast        Hillary Nangle
The Women                                       T.C. Boyle
Cutting for Stone                                   Abraham Verghese
A River Of Words (children’s book)    Jen Bryant
Airman (young adult)                            Eoin Colfer
Sky Sweeper (children’s book)            Phillis Gershator
Prehistoric Park (DVD)
The Dark Knight (DVD)
The Help                                                 Kathryn Stockett

Book Review: The Help was written by Kathryn Stockett. Hattie McDaniel, the Academy-Award winning actress who played Mammy in Gone with the Wind reportedly once said: “Why should I complain about making $700 a week playing a maid? If I didn’t, I’d be making $7 a week being one.” Well, this book has much in common with that statement. It takes place in the early-‘60s Jackson, Mississippi, where black women were trusted to raise white people’s children but not to polish the household silver. Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan is just home from college in 1962, and, anxious to become a writer, is advised to hone her skills by writing "about what disturbs you." The white, budding social activist begins to collect the stories of the black women on whom the country club set relies -- and mistrusts. Skeeter enlists the help of Aibileen, a maid who “raised” 17 white children, and Aibileen's best friend Minny, who's found herself unemployed more than a few times after mouthing off to her white employers. These three unforgettable ladies launch a crusade to collect the stories of the town's silent servants, and try to tear down the unspoken racial barriers that traverse the homes and hearts of everyone in Jackson. The Help is a timeless story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we do not. Stop by the library and check it out!

Isn’t that sun wonderful? It looks warmer out than it really is, but no matter, it bodes well for things to come. Even Daylight Savings Time starts March 8 – can you believe it?

So, what’s happening in March? On Friday, March 6 and again on March 20 (when spring begins!), there will be Whist parties in the Klock room at 7 p.m. With people getting over their winter illnesses and problems navigating streets and sidewalks, more folks are coming to these parties. Give Carol Pratt a call at 446-2843 if you wish to be included.

Rug-braiding classes will be held on Saturday, March 7 and 14, from 9 a.m. until noon.

A note on the plans for Saturday, March 7: Braiders (and others) finishing up at noon, will carpool over to Proctorsville for lunch at the Black Crow Café (on Depot Street, near the Green), and then walk the short distance to the Fiber Arts Center called “Six Loose Ladies” where you can experience almost everything in creative arts from knitting to pottery. Following our time there, we can visit Black River Produce (now under a new name) if you want and then come back to Wallingford about 3-4 p.m. The Friends are sponsoring this trip, but all are invited who are interested.

The Friends’ meeting will be held on March 11 at 2 p.m. We have dates to set and plans to make for spring and beyond. New members are always welcome.

On March 18, there is another book discussion. The book is Bubbles Unbound by Sarah Strohmeyer, who is a Vermont author. This is the first of a series of detective stories, where Bubbles is a hairdresser and also a detective. It sounds like fun. Time is 7 p.m. in the Klock Room at the library.

Concerning First Wednesdays, the Vermont Humanities Council Outreach Program: The program scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, at Rutland, was cancelled and has been rescheduled for March 25, 7 p.m., in the Fox Room at the Rutland Free Library. The topic is “Book Clubs, Tupperware, and Oprah.

For March, the First Wednesday programs are on March 4 at 7 p.m.: In Rutland, “Mr. and Mrs. Prince”, Dartmouth professor Gretchen Gerizina tells of this accomplished African-American couple in pre-Civil War New England.

In Manchester, Reeve Lindbergh talks about “leaving middle age and other unexpected adventures. This program will be at the First Congregational Church and begins at 7 p.m.

Coming Events for the Maple Valley Grange #318 on Route 7 South in South Wallingford……

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

Coming Events for the Wallingford Volunteer Fire Department on Railroad Street in Wallingford……

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.

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.

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.

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.

Keep space heaters at least three feet away from things that can burn, such as curtains or stacks of newspaper. Always turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.

Have a service person inspect chimneys, fireplaces, wood and coal stoves and central furnaces once a year. Have them cleaned when necessary.

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department operates week-long residential camps at the Edward Kehoe Conservation Camp located at Lake Bomoseen during June through August for youth age 12 through 14. Advanced sessions are offered for youth age 12 through 16. The mission of the camps is to educate youth about Vermont's natural resources by learning about fish and wildlife and the safe use of firearms, and receiving an introduction to fishing and other related outdoor activities. Applications are available at www.vtfishandwildlife.com under Conservation Camps, which is under "Education and Training". Or you can call (802) 241-3768.

Have you ever wondered about who will be responsible for promoting the heritage of Vermont lifestyles, traditions, conservation of our natural resources and the future of hunting? If you have special knowledge or skills of firearms, wildlife management, archery, survival or conservation, why not share it? Contact the Vt. Fish & Wildlife Department to find out how you can help ensure the future of hunting. Hunter Instructor Training is being held February 17th and Bow Hunter Instructor Training will be held July 18th. Call (802) 241-3720.

Hunter & Bow Hunter Classes

Hunter Safety Course - Ladies Only, April 18th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Bomoseen. Registration begins April 1st by calling (802) 241-3720.

A public forum on public safety will be held at the Wallingford Elementary School on Wednesday, March 11^th at 7 p.m. Representatives from the Rutland County Sheriff’s Department, Rutland Board of Aldermen, Rutland City Police Department, Vermont State Police, Rutland United Neighborhoods, and the Vermont Department of Corrections as well as the Town’s Constable should be in attendance. This meeting will be tied into our quarterly Neighborhood Watch Program.

I have been in Montpelier almost two months now and want to share my initial thoughts and impressions with all of you. Let me say first that I am having a great time, working very hard, and learning a ton every day. My strongest first impression is that, contrary to what many people may believe, the Legislature is a group of very hard working people, trying to make difficult and complicated decisions in a mostly non-partisan way. That is not to say that politics doesn't rear its head occasionally, but mostly folks are trying to pull together to do good work. I have been assigned to the Judiciary Committee, which was a surprise and has become a pleasant one. Lots of different types of bills come through this committee, so I'll be getting a great introduction to the process. Thus far, we have worked almost exclusively on S-13, a bill that comes from the Senate addressing Vermont's sexual abuse response system. There was enormous public and political pressure to get this bill passed. I have every reason to believe it will pass in the House this week and be on the Governor's desk before Town Meeting. This is a very important and thoughtful piece of legislation. Working on the bill was an education for me, particularly as to the thoroughness and thoughtfulness that goes into making decisions that will affect us all. It reaffirms my conviction that serving you is a serious business and a rewarding one as well. I plan to see constituents at the Town Meetings in Shrewsbury and Tinmouth. Due to conflicts between the Wallingford and Shrewsbury town meetings and my role as Town Moderator in Shrewsbury, I will be available to chat at the polls in Wallingford. This will be an opportunity to come and bring any concerns or thoughts you may have to share with me in person. I do read my e-mail and respond as is necessary, but nothing beats face to face contact. I'll try to keep you informed via the local monthly papers as well.