07/08

Editor’s Note: Please send news, ads and items of interest to townclerk@wallingfordvt.com by the fourth Wednesday in July.

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Or, do you have a used car, boat or services to sell? A one-month ad, 25 words or less is $5.00. Contact the Town Clerk's office.

Selectboard Meeting

The Selectboard reviewed the list from the Town Clerk ’s office that showed 43 known unlicensed dogs who will again be contacted by letter; otherwise, municipal tickets will be issued to the owners.

Road Commissioner Dick Landon met with William Miller of Cumberland Farms to discuss the cement wall that is collapsing adjacent to their store along Maple Street . Mr. Miller submitted a survey copy that showed they do not own that portion of land.

The latest figures reported by the Delinquent Tax Collector show $110,081.68 owed in delinquent taxes since 2001.

A public hearing was held to receive comment on and to consider adopting an interim bylaw on Flood Hazard Area Regulations. The regulations must be compliant with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements.

Health Officer John West reported on a complaint about mounting garbage in someone’s garage, which is leading to odors and rodents. The property owner has promised to have the trash removed by June 18^thor the Health Officer was authorized to take whatever actions to get this cleaned up.

05/12/08 . Present: J. West; W. Brooks; E. Crelin; L. Miller; R. Soule; and A. Tiplady

Ned Swanberg, an Environmental Analyst from the Agency of Natural Resources, spoke on flood area regulations.

Ned recommended that a mailing be done to the owners of those properties identified as being in the newly configured Flood Hazard Area, also called the 100-year Flood Plain, recommending that they purchase flood insurance so they can take advantage of the current lower premiums. He said that an applicant for new construction needs to determine if they are in a Flood Hazard Area or Floodway, and if so, the Base Flood Elevation at the building site to see if it is allowed.

The Subdivision regulations need to be modified to reflect the existence of the Development Review Board by taking out or changing language pertaining to the Planning Commission. Any language regarding septic regulations should be modified to reflect that this is under State control.

Some discussion took place about Rules of Procedure for the Planning Commission with sample language provided. The Commission will have a Floating Vice Chair.

It was also noted that when we are making the minor modifications to the existing zoning regulation, we have to remember to include the specs from interim zoning regarding asphalt plants and crematoriums.

05/15/08 . Present: E. Crelin, L. Miller, C. McClafferty, A. Tiplady, J. West, and B. Brooks

The Board discussed Rules of Procedure and Ethics Policy regarding Conflicts of Interest.

The Board decided that meetings should be called on an “as needed” basis as determined by the Chair and the Zoning Administrator.

Discussion took place about C. Buffum’s permit for an addition to his house and how with the extra square footage his building would slightly exceed the 20% lot coverage rule in the MR district. The consensus was that the Zoning Administrator should withdraw the permit and have it come before the Board for a variance.

J. West handed out two different Rules of Procedure documents that everyone agreed to look over before the next meeting. They also contain Conflict of Interest policies.

05/19/08 . Present: S. Pytlik, R. Nimtz, D. Klock, P. Upton, and K. Blodgett

There was a nice letter to the editor in the Rutland Herald thanking the WCC for hosting green up day. Although the weather was bad and attendance was down, we ended up using 100 green up bags.

Tim is in the process of printing the walking brochure. Possible Upcoming Informational Programs: Bats and an Invasive Plant Walk.

Draft report is available summarizing the Wallingford survey results and providing recommendations for the 20 year build-out analysis for residential, commercial and light industrial uses in the designated Village under the existing zoning regulations.

05/21/08 . Present: S. Duskiewicz, L. Marchinkoski, K. Shelvey, T. Phillips, and T. Petrossi

The street light has been repaired on Meadow St. and the rec field parking lot is being chained at night. This seems to have helped with the vandalism.

The gate to Elfin Lake has been welded and repaired. The sidewalk at Elfin Lake will be repaired.

The Committee approved the use of the field by the Rutland semi-pro football team who will practice two nights per week.

06/11/08 . Attendance: Sue Duskiewicz, Lisa Marchinkoski, Keith Shelvey, Tom Phillips, and Tony Petrossi

The football has been practicing at the field. There has been no issue with this and they will be supplying a port-o-potty for that end of the field. They will also be donating some help with working around the field.

The water to the lake needs to be turned on. One of the doors at the lake building has been installed.

The gutters need to be put up on the building on the front side. The water will wash down the sidewalk and wash the beach out. Two picnic tables are down at Highland Beach . The old raft is not in sight from the beach. Tom will organize pulling the raft out of the lake so we can examine it for repair.

The Elfin Lake building needs to be cleaned out. Sue indicated she is going to work in the afternoons of Thursday and Friday. Everything needs to be taken out and determine what we need to get rid of.

C. Rabtoy is still checking on organizations that he is involved in to assist with cleaning up the sidewalks from the winter debris.

C. Rabtoy will follow up the status of the installation of the t-pad for The Pub.

Mr. Schmelzenbach, on behalf of a property owner, discussed water and sewer options for a single-family dwelling.

Three sheets of tin are needed for repairs to the freezer room floor at the lodge. C. Rabtoy has completed some minor plumbing repairs in the Lodge kitchen. Minor repairs need to be done in the bathroom. The continuity of plumbing repairs over the years is severely lacking at the Lodge. S. Biagini inquired about a CVPS bill for a “kiln” at the Lodge.

C. Rabtoy has checked with organizations that he is involved with, with the possibility of finding some assistance with cleaning up the sidewalks. Winter debris has left them in poor condition.

The Committee approved renting sweeping equipment to have the streets swept before the next meeting.

There have been questions regarding the increased Water Bond payment of $3.28. per water customer. Previously, the Highland Association members (approx. 24 users) paid the Water Bond. Now the Association will pay one Water Bond payment, but will be charged for every bit of water that goes through the line on the Rt. 140W Bridge .

The Clerk/Treasurer needs to have the office open to the public during the business week and has hired Priscilla Raykoske as her Office Assistant.

Notice from VT Department of Transportation that there are several sink-holes in the pavement on Route 7. Some patching has been done. In their right-of-way by permit, they believe that this may be a sewer issue. We will request a Vermont Rural Water inspection.

Fire Chief Warren Allen reported that six members of the Wallingford Volunteer Fire Department (Jeremy Duchesne, Charlie Woods, Lyn Wade, George Allen, Jeffrey Allen, and Matt Burnham, a non-firefighter member) were charged with arson and assisting arson. All confessed to the charges, according to Fire Chief Allen. Matt Burnham was booked at the State Police Barracks. He was charged with 17 counts of arson and one count of structural arson.

Detective Cruise told Chief Allen that he was responsible for notifying the State Police of any and all suspicious fires. According to Chief Allen, Detective Cruise recommended that he would “not push charges against him for failing to report suspicious fires” if the Chief stepped down from his position.

The Committee voted to suspend these six until after their court cases have been settled. Chief Allen resigned his position.

The Wallingford Fire Department elected the following to fill vacancies created by recent events.

A question was raised regarding Fun Day and Fireworks Display this year. C. Rabtoy replied that Fun Day would be held. The current Roster Number of the Fire Department was sought. There are 25 members on the Roster and their response was good on the most recent call.

Carl Buffum visited the Wallingford Lodge recently. There are funds in the Hayes Foundation budget which could be used to address some items of concern.

Russell Lattuca discussed his concerns about his water lines. The Committee will speak with a qualified plumber for the best results.

Fire Chief Jeffrey Duchesne addressed the issue of members joining/rejoining the group.

05/15/08 . Present: D. Baker, K. Fredette, C. Piotrowski, D. Klock, and C. Watts

Wendy Savery of the Wallingford Day Care Preschool spoke about the first year of the preschool. She noted continual improvements were made throughout the year and felt that the collaborative was a success. There were 7 Wallingford students in the program at this time.

Changes will be made to the building to facilitate the program for next year. There is discussion about expanding the program by moving the cutoff date to December birthday.

Wallingford Recreation Committee Walter reported that Don Merrill of VSBIT noted many issues with allowing the buses to be used for non-school activities. The Board agreed that the Recreation Committee could not use the buses for their summer camp.

Diane requested that someone from the administration be present when the Board reviews financials. She also stated that the financial reporting should be more revealing in terms of forecasting for the remainder of the year. The current financial report is thorough, but there is no statement as to the financial health of the school for the year. The Board concurred and noted that it would like a written report with a statement or overview from the administration (principal or superintendent) as to the fiscal health of the school in relation to the budget.

The Board noted that there appears to be a wide range of opinions in town on the relationship between the school budget and property taxes. Ken noted that Bill Talbott, the CFO of the Vermont Department of Education, may be willing to speak with the Board, the Selectboard and residents.

Zoning Administrator needed for a maximum of 10 office hours weekly, day or evening, weekly or biweekly, plus at least two evening meetings per month. The Zoning Administrator enforces the Town’s zoning codes and its by-laws and serves as staff to the Planning Commission and Development Review Board, preparing minutes, warning meetings, receiving and responding to correspondence. Acts impartially and without coercion on zoning requests according to Town Zoning Regulations and refers requests for zoning variances and conditional uses to the Development Review Board. Responds to questions concerning zoning regulations, permit requirements, etc. Maintains records, scanning and recording inspected septic systems, and zoning and driveway permits. Experience with Word and Excel needed. This position receives an hourly wage. Send letter of interest to the Wallingford Planning Commission, P.O. Box 327 , Wallingford .

Tree Warden needed to oversee public trees, organizing and implementing tree planting, maintenance and protection programs. Three major areas are: to remove trees that cannot be saved, salvage those that can be saved; and implement a tree preservation program for the Town. This is a volunteer position. Send letter of interest to the Wallingford Selectboard, P.O. Box 327 , Wallingford .

Auditor needed to review the accounts of local officials and report the findings directly to the taxpayers for review. This position receives a small stipend. Send letter of interest to the Wallingford Selectboard, P.O. Box 327 , Wallingford .

Do you need a passport? The Town Clerk’s office is a designated Passport Acceptance Agent. Applications for new passports and passport cards are accepted. For more information, contact the Town Clerk’s office at 446-2336.

Help us beautify Wallingford . Do you have a junk vehicle you want to get rid of … and make money doing it? Call town hall for more information at 446-2336.

Beautiful Elfin Lake , located off Route 140 West, is open to the public throughout the summer. Call 446-2496 for hours, rates, rentals and rules.

Introducing Wallingford ’s new Summer Rec Program……. The Town is offering a new summer recreation program. This five-week program is being offered to children who have completed kindergarten through sixth grade. Hours of operation will be 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. , Monday - Friday. Weekly fee is $60 per child. Registration is limited to 40 children per week. The program will run during the following weeks: June 23-27; July 21-25; July 28-August 1; August 4-8; and August 11-15.

Children will gather at the Wallingford Elementary School 's multi purpose room between 7:30-8:45 a.m. Together, with program counselors, they will walk down to the recreational fields at 8:45 a.m.

Morning activities will take place at the recreation field. Activities will include opportunities for students to participate in group sports such as tennis, basketball, soccer and whiffle ball to name a few. Organized games like capture the flag, kick ball, dodge ball, four square, knock out and freeze tag are all on the list. A variety of craft projects will also be included. Special activities may include fishing, bike hikes, tie dying and mini field trips.

Children will bring their own lunch, morning/afternoon snack and drink each day. We recommend children bring a water bottle to be refilled throughout the day. They will eat lunch at the recreation field. After eating lunch, children will be bussed to Elfin Lake ( 12:30 p.m. )

Afternoon activities will take place at Elfin Lake . Children will be supervised while they enjoy swimming and other beach activities. At 3:45 p.m. , children will be bussed back to WES. Children will be supervised for free play on the playground. Parents will pick children up at WES by 5:00 p.m.

Wallingford Seniors Happenings

Foot and blood pressure clinic on Wednesday, July 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at the Wallingford House.

Wallingford House residents send their thanks to Cynthia Caruso of Americorps and the Southwestern Council on Aging and Tamaki Sakurai, Massage Therapist at Peace of Mind Emporium for the marvelous chair massages given to the residents.

Join the Seniors at the Wallingford House on Monday, July 14th at 1:30 p.m. for a program on recycling by Deane Wilson from the Rutland County Solid Waste District. All are welcome.

Stop by and say hello at the Senior's Table at the Wallingford House on Wallingford Fun Day on July 19th.

Senior trips for July and August, to visit a museum and see a play, are in the planning stage. See the Town Hall and Library bulletin boards, or call Peggy Rice at 446-6050 for details. Also see the bulletin boards for trips planned by the North Clarendon Seniors.

Senior lunch every Monday at noon at the Rotary. Contact Linda Weightman at 446-2301.

Gilbert Hart Library by Linda Reeves, Library Director

Kids, if parents are “bugging” you to read – “squash” their complaints by participating in the summer reading program. Discover what is “buzzing” at the library this summer by participating in our children’s summer reading program. The program is intended to encourage children to read over the summer. Register anytime during the summer for one of the following programs:

Pre/K - Children not yet reading on their own may join our Read-to-Me program. Each child will receive a reading log and a set of stickers. Moms & Dads can write down what they read to you and you can put a sticker on your record.

Elementary School - Record what you read over the summer in your own "Catch the Reading Bug" book log.

Read 40 books and win a certificate, free lunch and ice cream sponsored by the library! Call the library at 446-2685 for more information.

July 15 - 1-3 p.m. Special guest appearance – Jerry Schneider – The Bugs in Your Back Yard Program

The Bugs in Your Back Yard program will be presented by Jerry Schneider on July 15 at 1 p.m. This is an exploration into the wonderful world of insects that frequent our back yards and neighboring fields. The talk and slide show cover life stages, adaptations such as camouflage, and interesting features of our most common insects such as beetles, bees, dragonflies, butterflies and moths, praying mantis to name a few. The program also covers insects that sing such as crickets, field grasshoppers, katydids and cicadas, and explores what makes them sing. The program includes insect specimens, live insects and possibly a tarantula! Buzz on over and join the fun!!

While you’re buzzing around the library, be sure and place your bid for items in our Silent Auction. For example, we have a 1-week vacation at a cabin on Prince Edward Island , a braided rug, homemade quilt, pottery, autographed books, and much, much more. Stop by and place your bid!! Funds raised will go toward the automation of library services. Items will be awarded after Wallingford Day, July 19.

Book Review: Green Guide The Complete Reference for Consuming Wisely by National Geographic. Paper or plastic? Organic or conventional? In a world that is rapidly going "green," how does the average person make decisions that are smart for the family—and good for the planet? The Green Guide boasts that it is here to help, with the concepts and choices for Earth-conscious living. Presented in concise, information-packed chapters, this up-to-the-minute resource touches on every aspect of our lives, from grocery shopping to housecleaning to work, travel, and investing—enabling consumers to make informed decisions and simple changes that impact the planet in big ways.

With school out and graduations over for another year, children and parents must be gearing up for summer activities of all kinds. I know the Town has an ambitious program, even including swimming, for children. Probably that schedule was sent home the last day of school. Also, there is a program at the library, called “Catch the Reading Bug.” Wouldn’t it be fun to do both programs!

For adults this summer, you can start cleaning out closets and attics for flea market items, or weed out bookcases for items to offer at our flea market and book sale on Wallingford Day, July 19^th. Items may be dropped off at the library starting July 1.

If you have too many things to donate, consider having your own sale on the south lawn of the library. We are renting spaces for $8 each—just bring your own table. So, get into the swing of things this year—how about a lemonade stand, or bake sale? Do you have extra veggies from your garden? Do you make bird houses? Bootjacks? Planters? Doll clothes? Fudge? Make something, and make a little cash, and have a fun summer day! Call the library at 446-2685 to reserve your space.

The Friends will be raffling off a picnic backpack, fitted for four, which includes food and drink items appropriate for anyone’s picnic. It will be on display soon at the library. Price per ticket is $1 each or 6 tickets for $5. The picnic backpack will be awarded at the end of Wallingford Day, July 19.

The Friends continue to welcome new members – female AND male to our library Friends group. Please join us in planning activities and raising funds in support of the library. The Library/the Friends need your help!

Library Hours
Sunday & Monday - closed
Tu, Thu, Fri – 10:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Wed – 10:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Sat – 9:00 – noon

Mark Your Calendars!

Line Dancing

Beginners & Experienced
Maple Valley Grange Hall

Every Tuesday, $5.00 per person
6 – 9 p.m.
Snack Bar Available

Wallingford Family Fun Dog Show
(Raising Funds for the Rutland County Humane Society)
Saturday, July 12, 2008 – 11 a.m.
Open to Children & Adults with their Dogs
Fox House Antiques
74 North Main Street, Wallingford

Classes will include:
Best Costume, Owner Look-a-Like, Best Trick, Most Obedient, Best Wage & Smile

Entry Fees are $2 per class
All dogs must be on leashes
No aggressive dogs please

Also – Agility Dog Demo’s & Games

BBQ & Grill catered by The White Dog Tavern

More info, call Cindy at 446-3779

We have made it 6 years! We started in 2002 and have grown a little bigger each year with the help of companies and people like you! We would like to invite you to this year’s Fun Day and Fireworks Show

Every year this event has grown bigger, with your help, we would like to grow even bigger. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2008 at the ball field on Meadow St in Wallingford .

We will open at 10:00 a.m. The kids tractor pulls will start at 2:00 p.m. with four age groups; 3-4 , 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 (top two places of each age group receive trophies). Adult tractor side by side drag races to start after kids pulls ($1.00 entry fee for adults only).

All day events: cook shack with burgers, dogs, sausage onions and peppers, french fries, and soda. Also available: ice cream, lemonade, rides and bouncies, games, Vegas rip tickets, raffles, and more. Fireworks begin at dusk.

Some prizes for the raffle include four VIP Yankee Stadium tickets for August 1^st, $250 in cash, $125 Home Depot gift card, camping kit, and Hubbardton Forge lighting. Many others gave great prizes and cash donations. Stop by our “ticket tent” for a complete list of sponsors and contributors and other great prizes.

Ø The Ladies Aid Society will be hosting a Bake Sale & Attic Treasures from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 19^th, featuring cakes, pies, cookies, pickles, some collectibles, furniture, knickknacks and toys. Also jewelry and cutlery and the Church History Books.

The youth group is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner at the Wallingford Congregational Church on Saturday, August 16th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm . The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children under 12. The money is going towards the registrations for the 16 kids that are going to Camp Berea in August.

Wallingford Historical Society presents

Last year’s event was such a tremendous success with so many wonderful items on display from paintings to quilts and hooked rugs that we’re repeating it this year.

The Boy’s Camp also proved to be a great location. Indoors at the lodge the setting is magical and outdoors there are picnic tables and a lovely view of Elfin Lake for those who want to bring a picnic.

When: Tuesday, August 26 from 5 to 7 o’clock . Items for display need to be brought to the Boy’s Camp between 12 noon and 3 pm .

What: Photos, paintings, prints, quilts, jewelry, rugs, pottery, and baskets

For more information, contact: Diane Cooney (446-2514), Chris Bannerman (446-3560), Marlene Dawson (446-2904), or Joyce Barbieri (446-2336).

The 2008 Legislative Session ended on May 3^rd – two weeks early - saving taxpayers about $500,000. Lots of good work was accomplished – even if it got messy at times. A more complete report will appear in a future issue of Tales.

On a slightly different note, I’d like to express my appreciation for the honor, opportunity, and privilege I’ve had for the past six years to serve as your representative. For a number of reasons, (including the arrival of three grandchildren this summer!), I’ve decided not to seek re-election. Your confidence and support has meant a great deal to me. Thank-you.

My name is Chris Dinnan and I am running as a Democrat for State Representative for the Rutland - 3 House District, which is comprised of Shrewsbury , Tinmouth and Wallingford . I have decided to run because of my experience, education and commitment to public service. I served on the Wallingford Selectboard for seven years (two years as Chair) and the Wallingford Planning Commission and continue to serve on the Wallingford Building Committee. I am presently in my fifth year of service on the Mill River Union High School Board. I have also served on a number of private non-profit boards over the years, including the Rutland Dismas House and the Rutland County Women's Network and Shelter, and have been active as a volunteer in many other ways. I have worked in state government for the past 33 years, from 1975 – 1984 for the State of Alaska and from 1988 - present for the State of Vermont . In between those stints, I was a non-traditional student earning my B.S. degree in Business Administration (Management) at CCSU and my Master's degree in Public Administration at UVM. I am at present a Program Supervisor for the Department of Corrections at the Rutland Office of Probation & Parole. Please feel free to call me at 446-3126 or e-mail me at di2nan@comcast.net if you have any questions. Thank you!

Robert “Bob” Emerick

Robert F. "Bob" Emerick, a long-time Tinmouth resident has announced his candidacy for then House Seat in Rutland-3, currently held by Rep. Gail Fallar who will not be seeking re-election. The district consists of the Towns of Shrewsbury, Tinmouth, and Wallingford .

Bob's career spans several decades, and he has a background in Surface Transportation (Rail, Road and Water), and Public Safety, with service in various agencies, the most recent of which was the Rutland Police Department, where he retired after a career of over 20 years. Since his retirement, Bob has been a substitute teacher in the Mill River School District , and has taught in other schools throughout the County.

Bob's concerns are for the necessity of developing additional jobs, improving our infrastructure, downsizing the bureaucracy in the Education department, and directing the saving to the Schools where the resources can be more efficiently used.

Health care costs, and the improvement of Vermont 's Rail and Highway System need to be addressed. There are numerous concerns that are of importance to Vermonters.

Bob feels that his background and experiences will enable him to look at issues in a logical and practical way.

Bob asks for your support in the Primary and General Elections. Your input, opinions, and concerns are earnestly welcomed. Bob can be reached at home at 235-2201. Please leave a message if he is not at home. Your call will be returned within a short time.

I would like to thank Gail Fallar for her six years of service in the Vermont Legislature. I considered a run for office six years ago myself, but was more than happy to support Gail. I believe she did an excellent job representing us, and now I'd like to do my part.

I am a 35 year resident of Shrewsbury and the owner/operator of a small tree service company, Acorn Tree Service. My wife, Lily, and I raised our three daughters in Shrewsbury , and have been active members of our community.

Serving as Shrewbury's Town and School Moderator for the past 9 years, I've come to appreciate the value of opinions from all sides of an issue. Seeking common ground and avoiding polarization in government is a priority for me and I intend to work hard for it.

One thing I've learned running a small business and climbing trees for 36 years, is that there is no substitute for hard work. You can rely on me for that. I hope to visit with many of you in the months ahead.

Gail Fallar has announced that she will not be seeking re-election to represent Tinmouth, Wallingford , and Shrewsbury in the Vermont House of Representatives. Many thanks to Gail for her six years of dedicated service.

The residents of our three towns must now choose a new Representative, and I want to declare my candidacy to represent our District in Montpelier . I look forward over the coming months to meeting those of you I do not know and listening to the hopes and concerns of everyone about the issues facing our communities and our State.

I am pleased to announce that I am a candidate for the Vermont House of Representatives from Rutland 3 District which includes Tinmouth, Shrewsbury and Wallingford . I have wanted to run for the house for several years and with Gail’s announcement that she is not standing for reelection, I feel it is a good time for me make a run for the seat. I believe my engineering background, experience in town government and involvement in many civic and non-profit organizations provide me with a good basis to understand and act on issues that face the residents of the District and the people of Vermont .

Growing up in East Dorset , attending a small grade school and graduating from Burr and Burton in Manchester gives me a sense of what small town Vermont was and what it can be today. Although Rene and I left Vermont for 10 years while I completed my engineering education and internship, we knew we would be coming back to Vermont . Upon returning, I was fortunate to find a good position with a Vermont engineering company and spent 35 gratifying years providing engineering services for transportation, water supply, wastewater treatment and development projects for state, municipal and private clients. Retirement to Tinmouth has given me an opportunity to change my focus from professional to volunteer activities.

I have always felt a need and desire to be involved in the community. In addition to serving on the town’s Select Board and as a Justice of the Peace, I am active in the Historical and Genealogical Society, the Community Fund Board, the Church and the Community Day Committee.

Outside of Tinmouth, I am a Guardian ad Litem advocate for youth in Rutland Family Court, member of the Wallingford Rotary Club, member of the United Methodist Troy Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry, and a trustee of the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation. Recently, I completed nine years as a Green Mountain College trustee.

I am looking forward to talking and working with all of you to address the challenges that will be coming before the legislature in the next session.

Please feel free to stop me on the road or contact me at 13 Bliss Road , telephone: 446-3953 or e-mail: wilburs@greenmtn.edu.

(1^st row: l to r – Aurora Burroughs, Carly Ward, Taylor Worcester, and Olivia Burroughs. 2^nd row: l to r – Haley Hull, Anjelica Carroll, Marie Whalen, Stephanie Sharp, Alyssa Carey, Monica Schmelzenbach, Melissa Williams, and Hope Ahearn. Coaches Vikki Ward and Andy Worcester.)

Congratulations! The Wallingford Minor Softball Team went undefeated for the 2008 Rutland County Minor Softball season. This team of 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th grade girls, coached by Vikki Ward and Andy Worcester, improved their fielding and hitting throughout the season. Two games were shutouts. Carly Ward, Taylor Worcester and Stephanie Sharp pitched with speed and accuracy to strike out many. The defense in the field contributed to the low scoring of our opponents. They outscored their opponents 217 to 55. There were some grand slams and many home runs. These girls hit the ball hard and far and were relentless base runners.

A special thank you to Karen Williams for keeping the scorebook and maintaining control on the bench. Thank you to the following umpires, who volunteere