05/09

Wallingford News - 48th Edition May 2009

Editor’s Note: Please send news, ads and items of interest by 5/26 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.

Mark Mulflur, 263 Mooney Road; renovate and expand building, add deck and porch.

Seller: Kevin & Linda Brown; Buyer: Brian Finch & Kerry Brennan, 96 White Rocks Picnic Road, Sales Price $300,000; Assessed Value $398,700.

Seller: Susan Giambatista; Buyer: Philip & Janine Rodgers, 140 Prospect Street, Sales Price $192,000; Assessed Value $201,400.

Seller: Douglas & Cindy Feldmann; Buyer: Robert Mabey & Shannon Macdonald; 1226 Dawson Hill Road, Sales Price: $202,500; Assessed Value $196,800.

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.

Green Up Day is Saturday, May 2nd. Stop by the Rotary Building on North Main Street to pick up your bag and gloves between 9 a.m. and Noon. Questions can be referred to Debbie Scranton at 446-2267. The Transfer Station will be open until 1 p.m. that day accepting Green Up Day bags. We’ll also have the GREEN recycling boxes for sale – for $5 each. Stop by and get one.

Wallingford’s two scheduled days are Saturday, May 16^th and Saturday, September 26^th from 8:00 to10:30 a.m. at the Transfer Station. Visit www.wallingfordvt.com/hazardous_waste.htm to review the rules and acceptable materials.

Wallingford ’s recreation field will become the new home for a rehabilitated iron truss bridge this summer, which will see service as a pedestrian walkway. The job was advertised for bids by VTrans in February, and the project completion date is November 2009. This project started in June of 1998 with the Town being offered a 116’ foot bridge from Huntington Village. Unfortunately, there will be some disruption to the recreation fields and traffic will be diverted to the south end of Waldo Lane during some of the project.

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

Selectboard

The Building Committee reviewed the bids for the upstairs heating project. Four bids, which included the cost of air conditioning were received. There was a length discussion on whether air conditioning is really necessary. Wallingford Historical Society is donating $40,000 towards the project. R. Nimtz agreed to get answers to two questions for the next meeting. The matter was tabled.

The Selectboard discussed at length the proposed summer rec program with Rec Committee members Keith Shelvey and Lisa Marchinkoski. One of the principle concerns discussed was that the summer rec employees received $15 and $20 per hour last year, which is high compared to other town employee salaries.

More discussion on the FEMA Community Assistance Visit regarding the Dennis Smith fill issue on Route 7 South.

The Selectboard gave permission to the Gilbert Hart Library to use the town mailing permit for their campaign mailing.

CVPS/VTEL were granted an easement to install an anchor next to the retaining wall of the brook that is in the Town’s right of way near the Wallingford Historical Society’s property on South Main Street .

J. Barbieri briefly reviewed the YTD expense vs. budget report through March 31^st.

Jill Burkett was granted a peddler permit for food concession in Wallingford at special events, ball games, etc.

The Selectboard gave permission for Renaud Brothers to park their trailer and vehicles near the corner of Route 140W and Waldo Lane .

Hartsboro Road residents Don Green and Ann Tiplady informed the Selectboard of a late-night bonfire party on March 17^th at the neighbor’s residence.

The Selectboard reviewed the response from William Burke of the District Environmental Commission regarding the Town’s reclamation plan for the “pit” on Waldo Lane .

The Recreation Committee will be notified that applicants for the summer rec program and Elfin Lake positions will now need to complete employment applications. Preferential treatment will be given to Wallingford residents. The application deadline will be April 30^th. The Selectboard will review the applications, conduct interviews, hire the employees, and set the hourly wage.

The Selectboard approved a contract with DuBois & King for engineering services for Phase II of the Route 140W Bridge rehabilitation.

04/20/09 . Present: F. Bruce, C. Angel, B. Brooks, J. Crowley, and J. Gilman.

The proposed changes to the subdivision regulations were reviewed at this public hearing.

03/11/09 . Present: S. Duskiewicz, K. Shelvey, L. Marchinkoski and T. Petrossi

Keith explained that the State is proposing to put in a temporary road to be able to bring the pedestrian bridge and ramp over Otter Creek. We want to be sure that the road will not interfere with the baseball fields and keeps the proper distance from the well. Rodney will put the dugout at the softball field on hold until more information is learned about the actual distance needed.

The Rec Committee will discuss with the Conservation Commission what their plan is for cleaning Otter Creek and planting a buffer to see if both can coordinate clean up work.

A letter from Robin Milner looking to create community networking was reviewed. They’d be happy to discuss any ideas and input she may have at a future recreation meeting.

The flier has been sent on the Wallingford Summer Recreation program. Cheryl spoke to the First Student bussing company as they’d like to make a small field trip once per week with maybe one or two big trips over the summer. One possibility may be for each town or have an affiliation sponsor a trip. There is $4,000 budgeted for recreation salaries and $1,900 for the recreation program. The $1,900 budget pays for the cost of the port-o-potties and electricity at the field. The recreation summer employees have always been paid through the town in the past. In the past, any money that was made through the summer program never came through the town. It was used to purchase snacks, crafts, etc. Keith will contact Clarendon, Rotary, etc. to see about sponsoring field trips.

04/07/09 . K. Shelvey, T. Petrossi, J. Osmer, T. Phillips, and L. Marchinkoski

The Committee agreed to recommend to the Selectboard that Paul DiIonno be appointed to the open seat on the Recreation Committee.

Reorganization: K. Shelvey was elected chair; T. Petrossi elected vice chair; and L. Marchinkoski elected secretary.

Tom believes the Recreation Committee members should be involved in creating some walking trails in the pit with the Conservation Commissions.

Keith shared a quote for the cost of filling the cracks on the tennis and basketball courts from Bendig Paving. In order to resurface the tennis and basketball courts completely, the cost would be $12,617. These courts are in very poor condition, and if they are not attended to, they will certainly be completely lost. The Committee will ask the Selectboard for help in finding the money.

C. Maniery discussed the Summer Recreation Program. Keith shared the concerns brought by the Selectboard discussion. One concern was the number of Wallingford children that took advantage of this program. There were 30 Wallingford children, 9 children from Clarendon, 3 from Shrewsbury , and 4 from Danby that attended the 2008 program.

The point was raised that in previous years the recreation program salaries were completely paid for by the town with no revenue returned to the town for the program. This year the amount that actually came from the town money was about half of the cost of what was paid in previous years.

Discussion revolved around the pay rate, and options were discussed. B. Brooks indicated that he would be supportive of a reduced pay rate for those who the recreation board has already hired. The Rec agreed to rehire the previous three employees of the summer recreation program at a rate of $17.00 for the director and $15.00 and $12.00 for the other positions.

The committee discussed having background checks completed for employees who are working with children.

Family resident passes for Elfin Lake will be $50 before May 29 and $65 after May 29. Nonresidents would be $60 before May 29 and $75 after May 29.

T. Petrossi shared examples of family passes that can be used and a daily report to possibly use at the lake. Positions and responsibilities for lake director and lifeguards were discussed and voted on to pay a director $14 per hour and lifeguards $10 per hour. Between the hours of 11-1 and 6-7, there will only be one person on duty with a ‘no lifeguard on duty’ sign.

Jim Bowen discussed the caused of the fire. The Fire Marshal said the chimney and fireplace will need to be replaced. J. Duchesne read the fire investigator’s report stating it was an electrical fire in the kitchen. He also stated they had damage done to some of their fire equipment which will need replacing.

Chris Kieper, public insurance adjuster, stated he could help us get the most for our loss for a 5% commission.

S. Goulet submitted a copy of the SCBA contract. The down payment is $13,204.78. They we will attempt to get a TA Loan for this.

Dennis Stocker will serve as the representative from the Prudential Committee on the Scholarship Committee.

There was some talk about changing from a calendar to a fiscal year. Scott will talk with Gail Fallar as they just went through this in Tinmouth.

Don Philips sent paperwork to apply for stimulus funds for an upgrade to the water system. The Committee agreed to wait until next year.

Z. Horvath of McKernon gave a presentation on rebuilding the kitchen at the lodge. He was hired by the Prudential Committee. John Russell and Greg Jennings asked to keep them in mind for any future projects.

J. Duchesne requested early payment for the camera and the valve for the pumper truck.

S. Goulet asked for an update on the air packs loan. The bank did not want to loan such a small amount. The Committee decided to borrow from the general fund to pay the down payment. S. Goulet said he is looking in state and federal grants.

B. Brooks reported the Selectboard is still interested into taking over the fire protection budget. He is also looking into getting us the $2,000 for the sidewalks.

The Selectboard will allow the road crew help the Fire Department make repairs to a dry hydrant and to install a new one at no charge.

Maureen will notify everyone when the pre-construction meeting concerning the pedestrian bridge in the ball field as it may affect the road to the lodge. Will send email with date and time to prudential committee.

Art Teacher Ms. Fredette gave a presentation on standards, art at the elementary level and her goals in the classroom. Ms. Fredette noted that the Teacher in Residence Program is a great value to the students. The program allows WES to bring in an artist to work with the students on creative and unique projects. She noted that the students raise money for this program.

Fred Thurlow came to discuss comments he made at Town Meeting. The board explained that negotiations were still in progress, and putting monies in the budget for salaries did not mean that was an offer to the teachers. There was discussion around interpretation of test scores and how they are used to improve instruction.

The board recognized that the Schoolhouse is the property of the Town School District and it is the board’s responsibility to review its status and value to the Town and act accordingly. Discussion ensued on the future of the building. The board noted that it needed to refresh its understanding of ownership.

Jason Morse noted that WES’s spelling champ, Arthur Conover, made it to the 4^th round of the state spelling bee, finishing in the top 20 of 45. Odyssey of the Mind came in 1^st at the state competition.

We are looking at needing to change the glycol for our heating system in the near future. The Cub scouts would like to use the building every other Tuesday evening until the end of April for a meeting. U-14 girl’s indoor soccer would like to use the building for practices this week. The kindergarten will once again visit the Bowlerama on March 19^th. The district “Music in our Schools” program will take place on March 25^th at Mill River . Jay Cook and Steve Leicach performed “African Rhythms and World Music” at WES on March 16^th. P. Bowen and C. Starinskas celebrated Pi week last week with many great math activities. Paw Print sent home March 6^th and also will be sent home March 19^th. Julie Fredette will be here on Thursday and the 1^st and 2^nd grade team (K. Stanley, K. Valente, and W. Wentz, our student teacher) will be here April 2^nd. Two new students have enrolled, bringing enrollment to 126.

Chuck W. announced that on March 25, there will RSSU prep meeting for negotiations mediation.

Arthur Conover will compete in the state Geography Bee at Middlebury College on April 3^rd. The 5^th annual WES Talent Show is scheduled for April 3^rd.The Action Plans in grade level teams (K-3 and 4-6) were discussed. Paw Print will be sent home April 3^rd. Spring Lifetouch pictures are happening on April 2^nd.The 1^st and 2^nd grade team (Kevin Stanley, Kerry Valente, and Wendy Wentz, our student teacher) will be here April 2^nd. Mary Grabowski and Steve Allen have inquired about coming to the meetings in May for a program/educational report. Jason will be attending a curriculum audit training at Green Mountain College with the other district administrators from April 7-10. Gary Schmidt, our long term music sub, will be finished here on April 10^th. We will hold a school-wide meeting to provide a few songs for him.

The Board approved $390 for Patty Bartlett to compensate her for an extra curricular activity of benefit to the school.

Wallingford Seniors Happenings

Foot and blood pressure clinic on Wednesday, May 6th at 10:30 a.m. at the Wallingford House.

Senior Planning Committee will meet on Wednesday, May 13th at 10 a.m. in the Klock Room at the Gilbert Hart Library. All are welcome to join us.

Join us Monday, May 18^th at 1:30 p.m. at the Rotary Building for a talk by Bill Baker with models of the 1800’s Freight and Migrations West. If you would like to join us for a senior lunch at 12 p.m. , contact Linda Weightman at 446-2301 by Thursday, May 14^th.

Senior Trip is Wednesday, May 27^th, to the Wells Senior Meal Site and a visit to the Penber Museum of Natural History in Granville , NY . The bus will leave the Wallingford House parking lot at 10:15 a.m. Contact Peggy Rice at 446-6050.

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

It’s that time of year again when we clean, organize and makeover our homes, yards, and gardens! The Library has a large selection of books, magazines, and videos available to get you started! We have books by Black & Decker, Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Country Gardens , and many, many more. Before you begin that project, stop in and “check out” some imagination! Remember – it doesn’t cost anything to plan and dream!

AND while you are at the library don’t forget to ask about our other services and benefits. Following is a summary:

· Inter-library Loan Program: Interlibrary loan ( ILL ) is the process by which a library borrows materials from another library. If the Gilbert Hart does not have a book you need, we can borrow it from another in-state or out-of-state library.

FUNDRAISING and MEMBERSHIP DRIVE ! The Library will soon be mailing our annual fundraising and membership drive letters. We need your donations so we can continue to provide high-quality services and benefits. Please help. Our community will benefit from your contributions!

Q&A (the inspiration for the
major motion Picture
Slumdog Millionaire) Vikas Swarup

Book Review: It is said The Unforgiving Minute is the ultimate soldier's book—universal in its raw emotion and its understanding of the larger issues of life and death. The author is Craig Mullaney, and he writes an admirable, literate autobiography, that of a veteran of combat in

Afghanistan

. His story adds much to the knowledge of the modern army and makes a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate over what a “warrior” is these days. Mullaney wryly recounts his years at West Point and as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford , then writes eloquently of infantry combat and the persistent burden of guilt for not bringing all his men home even as he makes his account a tribute to his fellow warriors. He concludes with sidelights on his teaching post at the U.S. Naval Academy and the moving story of his younger brother’s graduation from West Point and subsequent passage into the ranks of the warriors himself. This is a riveting story, impossible to put down for anyone interested in the modern U.S. Army or in modern warfare in general. I’ve read that “The Unforgiving Minute is the Three Cups of Tea of soldiering.” Stop by and check out the audio and decide for yourself…

Just a reminder that the library is open until 8 p.m. on Wednesday evenings!!

Library Hours
M – closed
Tu, Thu, Fri – 10:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Wed – 10:00 – 8 p.m.
Sat – 9:00 – noon
Su – closed

Our book discussion for April was especially interesting as we allowed ourselves to look back to our own growing up years between the two World Wars. Russell Baker’s book, Growing Up, was the stimulus for the discussion and perhaps for considering that they were pretty good times after all (except for the Depression, that is).

Which brings me to promote book discussions in general: they get you to thinking about all sorts of things and how you feel about them. In May, our discussion will be based on Tim Brooke’s A Hell of a Place to Lose a Cow. This is a hitchhiking odyssey. The author, an Englishman, entranced by all he knew about

America

, came over in 2973 to travel and see what we were all about. It all captured his heart and imagination. After 25 years, he decided to repeat his journey to find out whether the

America

of his fond memories still existed. It sounds like good fodder for the discussion in May, which is scheduled for May 20, at 7 p.m.

Other events coming up in May are Whist parties on May 1 and May 15; May 29^th was ruled out as it is too close to Memorial Day. The parties are held in the Klock Room and begin at 7 p.m. The contact person is Carol Pratt, telephone 446-2843.

Our spring plant sale will be held at the library on May 16 from 9-noon. We hope to have annuals and perennials, vegetables as well as flowers, sometimes even roots from bushes to get you started. Surely, inter will be well over and the ground warm enough to put seedlings in by that time.

First Wednesday at Rutland and Manchester is on May 6, at 7 p.m. The Rutland talk will be about the “Great Camps of the Adirondacks ”, the architecture and colorful stories of the Gilded Age Millionaires who summered there. In Manchester , the topic is “The Truth about Happiness – what is it and why is it so elusive?” This program starts at 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church. This is the final program in the series.

The next Friends’ meeting will be held on May 13, at 2 p.m. Again, the meeting has two focus points: our usual business of planning for the coming months, and planning a menu for the Community Heritage Dinner set for October 17. We are sharing both the work and the profits with the historical Society, so we will peruse some of the local cookbooks to make an attractive menu for the occasion and honoring some of our long-time cooks as well. Some of you reads may have suggestions or recipes to look at. You may come to the meeting and/or offer the recipes you have. See or call a “Historian” or Friend” with your suggestion. You may also contact the Library at 446-2685.

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

Texas Hold'em Tournament
Sunday, May 17^th
Noon Sign In - Tournament starts at 1:00 pm
Buy in $50 No re-buys Optional $10 high hand
For more info, call Dennis 446-2263

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 ……

Chicken Barbeque
Saturday, May 9^th
2:00 p.m.
$8 full meal
$5 chicken only
Eat in or take-out available
Call 446-2295

Attention Wallingford Residents: Fun Day was going to be held over two days this year – Friday evening and all day Saturday ending with fireworks. However, we’ve changed it back to just one day – Sat., July 18^th.

If anyone would like help burning their brush piles or filling their swimming pools, please call the Fire Station at 446-2295.

The Wallingford Volunteer Fire Department, along with East Wallingford , Danby, Clarendon, Tinmouth and Rutland City Fire Departments, will be holding a multi-town training drill in the center of Wallingford on Saturday, May 30^th. Please be advised that there will be traffic congestion. Detours will be in place so please plan accordingly.

Finally, after many, many years of planning and preparing, Wallingford Rescue Squad has a new home located at 99 Maple Street . There has been much buzz around the community about the new building. The members have decided to schedule an Opera House so all of you can come down and see for yourself what the new headquarters are like.

The date has been set for Saturday, May 30^th from Noon to 4 p.m. Stop by for a tour of the facility. It will give Wallingford Rescue a chance to say thank you for helping to make all of this possible. Without the constant support from the community through the years, this huge step would not have been possible. This move is only the beginning of better things for Wallingford Rescue. We look to you for your support in the future as well. Hope to see you at 99 Maple Street on Saturday, May 30^th!

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.

88^TH MAY BREAKFAST
Wednesday, May 6^th from 6-9 am
First Congregational Church of Wallingford

In 1921 the Ladies Aid of the Wallingford Congregational Church came up with the idea to help cover the cost of installing a function room in the basement of the church.

Eighty-eight years ago, the Ladies Aid held their first May Breakfast for the church families and for the local fishermen before they headed off early to start trout season.

There have been few changes over the years. Everything is homemade including corn beef hash and muffins. Bacon and sausage comes from the Wallingford Locker, with eggs cooked however you would like them. Pancakes and waffles are topped off with local Vermont maple syrup. The menu also includes coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juice, toast and a friendly atmosphere. In honor of our 88th breakfast, coffee will be ten cents this year. Please join us for a Homemade Country Breakfast, you won’t be disappointed. Reminisce with friends who meet every year and help us celebrate this great tradition. Money earned will be used for the upkeep and maintenance of the church.

2009 Summer Recreation Program
For children entering first through 7^th grades
$60 per week plus a $25 registration fee.

Activities include swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, sports, games and field trips.

Location: Drop off at Wallingford Elementary School . Morning sessions are held at the Wallingford Red Field with swimming at Elfin Lake in the afternoons. Children will stay at the school on rainy days.

The Program will run the weeks of June 22, June 29, July 27, August 3, and August 10.
Pre-registration is required as the limit
is 40 children per week.

For registration packet or more information, call Cheryl or Kim at 770-8122 or email cmaniery@rssu.org.

Angel Food Ministries
now available in Wallingford

Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing substantial grocery savings to communities
throughout the U.S.

Angel Food is available monthly to any household in a quantity that can fit into a medium sized box at a cost of $30. Each month’s menu is different and consists of both fresh/frozen items with an average retail value of $60. Generally, one box of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. Angel Food gladly accepts debit/credit cards, cash and food stamps. Order online at rutlandangelfood.com or call (802) 342-2703 Mon-Fri 8:30-1:30 . Order deadline for May is Sunday, May 17^th. Distribution Date is Saturday, May 30th at the Rutland Area Christian School on Lincoln Avenue from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Call Carleen Eaton at Roadside Chapel for pick up instructions – 775-5805 or 342-2703.

Come join us for fellowship at the Wallingford Congregational Church on South Main Street on the second Wednesday of every month for Lunch. Soup ‘n’ Such at noon . It’s free and open to the public.

Rutland Area Lecture Series
Spring 2009
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Lectures are held on a Friday afternoon from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the Godnick Adult Center at 1 Deer Street (off Woodstock Ave. ) in Rutland .

Call 773-0184 for information.

Cost is $40 for all 12 sessions during the spring 2009 or $5 at the door.

May 1 – Lake Champlain , A Natural History
May 8 – Samuel de Champlain, Explorer
May 15, Shipwrecks of Lake Champlain
May 22, 10 Years at Valcour Bay

The Wallingford Memorial Rotary Club, in collaboration with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department's Let's Go Fishing Program, is again hosting a Fishing Clinic on 6/13/09 at Glendenning Pond, West Hill Road , Wallingford .

The children's program will run from 9 am to noon . From noon to 2 pm , residents of Lenny Burke's Farm will participate. Food, drinks and prizes will be available. Participants can keep the fish they catch. For more information, contact Gary Jaquith - 446-2404.

WALLINGFORD RESIDENTS: Family Pass : $50 purchases by 5/29; $65 after 5/29
NON RESIDENTS: Family Pass : $60 purchased by 5/29; $75 after 5/29

Hurry in to the Wallingford Town Office to buy your family pass for the 2009 season.

Helmets will be free and fitted to the first 200 attendees. In addition, there are a variety of educational stations, bike safety inspections, an obstacle course, fabulous bike & prize give-a-ways, face painting, refreshments and much more! For more information and/or to get involved, contact Rotarian Russ Lattuca at 446-2693.

Between April and July 2009 U.S. Census employees will be visiting every housing unit in Wallingford to conduct the 2010 Decennial Census. Census employees will wear official identification and carry hand-held computers to capture physical addresses and their GPS coordinates.

As most of you know, we've had a very busy month in Montpelier . In addition to the big bills--Transportation, Budget, Budget Adjustment, Marriage Equality, and Revenue, our Judiciary Committee passed out bills on highway safety, increased use of automated external defibrillators, fees for diversion programs to name a few.

The Bill that received the most public attention was of course the Marriage Equality bill S-115. I was fortunate to be on the Judiciary Committee for this legislation, as I got a first hand, front row seat for all the testimony. We heard from citizens, members of the clergy, the court, tax and statistics officials, business organizations, VT Association of Pediatricians, VT Association of Psychiatry, law professors, sociology professors and others. The testimony was persuasive and compelling that including same-sex partners in the institution of marriage was good for families, good for children, good for society, good for Vermont. I know this has been a controversial issue and in the interest of full disclosure I was personally predisposed to be in favor of its passage. That being said I can't emphasize enough how compelling the testimony we took was on the issue. I am very comfortable with my vote.

We passed a transportation bill out of the House a few weeks ago that is currently in committee in the Senate. Our transportation committee recommended a $0.05 gasoline tax which I supported. Everybody agrees that our transportation infrastructure is in tough shape. Roads and bridges are in dire need of repair. Town governments are struggling to keep up their roads with diminishing resources. The governor proposed an increase in license and registration fees to raise some money. I believe the gas tax is fair. For one thing, it is a more true, "user" fee. Fees on license and registration only raise money from Vermonters who use the roads. A gas tax gets revenue from whoever drives on our roads. A typical driver (one who has a vehicle that gets 20 miles per gallon and drives 15,000 miles a year) would pay $35 PER YEAR. or about 10 cents a week to support this tax. The revenue generated from this would be used exclusively for transportation needs--leveraging a 120 million dollar bond that would be spent over a three year period.

The Appropriations Committee worked extremely hard to develop a responsible budget that both addressed the need to keep spending in check and make sure Vermonters received the resources they need and rely on. After reducing the spending by nearly $100 million in cuts and rescissions they came to the floor with what I and a vast majority of members thought was a good thoughtful bill. It passed by a large margin. Despite our efforts their still was a $24 million dollar gap that had to be filled.

The Ways and Means Committee is in charge of raising money--Appropriations decides how to spend it. I should mention from the onset that the governor's budget proposal contained a 63 million dollar shift from the General Fund to the Education Fund. Make no mistake this would have resulted in a property tax INCREASE on the average property owner of over $200 per year. We didn't believe this was a fair way to increase needed revenues. Our Ways and Means Committee looked for revenue sources in many places to raise the necessary $24 million to balance the budget. They decided to use an income tax surcharge to do the bulk of this. Let me put this decision in some historical perspective before I talk about the impact. In 1983 and again in 1991 when Vermont was experiencing economic recessions then Republican Governor Richard Snelling got together with the House Leadership--in 1983 a majority Republican leadership and in 1991 a Democrat majority leadership. In both cases an income tax surcharge was used to get through the economic hard times. This surcharge was used for a limited time period--three years in both cases, and later rescinded. The House Bill-442 that passed on the floor with my vote does the same thing. An average Vermonter making $38,000/year would pay $11 per year, or about 3 cents per day. We felt that this was a fair method to keep programs like VPharm and other safety net programs that impact our most vulnerable neighbors from falling through the cracks. Nobody likes to hear about tax increases--I pay them just like you. If this small increase can help keep my less fortunate neighbors healthy and hopeful I'm happy to do it. As always, you may contact me to further discuss issues at 492-3304 or eldredfrench@vermontel.net.

Anyone interested in marching (Little League, Soccer, Softball, Girl Scouts, etc.) should line up at True Temper at 9:45 a.m. Parade starts at True Temper and goes to the Green Hill Cemetery on Route 7 South. (In case of rain, ceremony will be held at the Wallingford Elementary School .) Questions, call a member of the Recreation Committee.

Our first program is planned for East Wallingford . The topic will be “THE SEWARD FAMILY ENTERPRISES”. This program will be held at the Mount Moriah Masonic Lodge in East Wallingford .

The Power of Positive Energy: The Paramount Theatre and SolarFest Unite For a Two-Day Benefit, May 28th and 29th

Thursday, May 28^th features a performance by the legendary Grammy Award Winning blues great JOHN HAMMOND. An acoustic guitar, donated by Be Music and autographed by John Hammond, will be raffled off at the event. Caitlin Canty, an engaging and talented singer songwriter, born and raised in Vermont , will open for Hammond . The show begins at 7:30 PM and all tickets are $25.

Friday, May 29^th features a screening of “Leonardo DiCaprio presents” THE 11^th HOUR, a film documentary which probes the environmental meltdown facing our planet, produced, narrated and co-written by Leonardo DiCaprio. Prior to the film, a “Trashion Show”, fashions made from trash, will be presented. On both evenings the lobby and Brick Box will host displays, area high school science fair projects, and information from local students, organizations, and activists. The film screening and “Trashion Show” begin at 7:30 PM and tickets are $10 Adults and $5 for Students and Children 12 and under.

Michael Morgan, age 10, of Wallingford won his fourth consecutive state championship title at the Vermont Youth Wrestling state championship tournament held in Vergennes on April 11. Michael’s wrestling record for the 2009 year was 16-0, 14 of which he won by pin. He has been wrestling for four years, and holds an overall record of 58-3. Michael, a fourth grader at Wallingford Elementary, wrestles for the Mill River Mighty Minutemen youth wrestling program, which is coached by Charlie Pritchard, Dave Allen, Lee Tyminski, and Mike Roberts. Congratulations, Michael!

Selectboard

Wallingford Seniors Happenings