07/09

Wallingford News - 50th Edition July 2009

Editor’s Note: Please send news, ads and items of interest by 7/27 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 61¢ postage on each). The newsletter is also on the Web at www.wallingfordvt.com.

Zoning Permits Issued
Ames True Temper, 82 Creek Road, new parking lot.
Eric Williams, 275 East Street, new pole barn.

Property Transfers
Seller: Royce Lloyd; Buyer: Wayne Gelinas, Kent Farm Road (30 acres); Sales Price: $54,000; Assessed Value: $82,900.
Seller: Andrew & Elizabeth Palmer; Buyer: Suzanne Healy, 97 School Street; Sales Price $210,000; Assessed Value: $221,300.
Seller: Kerry & Joan Csizmesia; Buyer: Steven & Shannon Pytlik ; 124 Meacham Street; Sales Price: $285,500; Assessed Value: $310,900.
Seller: Estate of Mabel Anderson; Buyer: Rodney Stork; 126 Earl Wade Road (8 acres); Sales Price: $20,000; Assessed Value: $55,200.
Seller: Thomas & Kimberly Phillips; Buyer: Sidney & Denise Clark; 72 Lidstone Lane; Sales price $150,000; Assessed Value: $156,800.

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

Selectboard

05/18/09. Present: B. Brooks, F. Bruce, J. Gilman, C. Angel, and J. Crowley

The Selectboard concurred that the tree at 380 North End Drive is in no imminent danger of falling and will not be cut down.

The FY10 Rutland County Sheriff’s Department Contract was signed with reduced hours because of the reduced budget.

A request by the Seniors Group to have a computer station on the stage for their new laptop and printer was tabled until all groups using the upstairs can plan the space after the HVAC project is finished.

A caterer permit was approved. Revisions were made to the Employee Handbook. The Selectboard were in receipt of the proposed Zoning and Subdivision Regulations from the Planning Commission. A public hearing will be held on Monday, June 15.

Julie reviewed the Highway Garage “hazard identification survey” prepared by VLCT and discussed estimated completion dates or action plans.

The Selectboard reviewed the list of forest roads that would be eligible for one-time stimulus funds through the ARRA of 2009.

B. Brooks is meeting with the Coordinator of the District Environmental Commission #1 Bill Burke on Friday at the “pit” to inspect the property and discuss the reclamation plan.

The Selectboard felt we did not need to implement an Identity Theft Red Flags Rule.

The Selectboard approved the contract with GSK Climate Control, Inc. for the HVAC project.

J. Barbieri presented the paperwork for a Tax Anticipation Loan through TD Banknorth in the amount of $185,000.

Robert Durfee from DuBois & King presented drawings of the proposed pedestrian and structural improvements as well as painting of the Route 140W Bridge Route 140W Bridge Improvements.

C. Maniery, K. Maniery, S. Culbertson, and D. Maniery discussed the plans for the summer recreation program.

Michelle and Lynn Wade addressed the Selectboard with concerns about Elfin Lake.

The Selectboard reviewed the list from the Town Clerk ’s office that showed 25 known unlicensed dogs. The Selectboard approved sending a letter to the dog owners.

The Selectboard denied a request that the Town remove a tree at 758 Roaring Brook Lane as the remaining limbs are healthy with green leaves and do not create a hazard to public safety at this time.

Dennis Smith commented on the Wallingford Fire Department’s multi-town training drill recently held.

B. Brooks and T. Phillips discussed their meeting at the “pit” with Bill Burke from the D.E.C.

The Selectboard agreed with Mr. Phillips’ suggestion to have members from the Conservation Commission, Rec Committee, and Selectboard start discussing ideas for the “pit” property.

The Selectboard read an email regarding some road maintenance along the Class 4 section of Kent Farm Road.

The Selectboard approved hiring Molly Fraher and Jesse Doiron , plus Ian Tally as a reserve as lifeguards. Lifeguard guard salaries were established at $9.25/hr. and the Director’s position at $10.25/hr.

The Selectboard held a public hearing on the proposed Zoning Regulations dated 10/2/08 and Subdivision Regulations dated 09/05/08.

Bob Davenport complained that Waldo Lane has been closed permanently for over a month because of the pedestrian bridge. The Selectboard agreed that a meeting with the engineer be arranged to include the Road Commissioner and Mr. Davenport.

The Selectboard approved the new Zoning & Subdivision Regulations, which become effective 7/6.

VTrans will upgrade the signs and pavement markings at seven Railroad Crossings through Wallingford.

The Selectboard agreed to charge half-price to groups of 10 or more at Elfin Lake.

Mr. Shelvey received approval for the field trips for the summer rec program and reviewed the projected income and expenses.

At the recommendation of the Planning Commission, Ben Clark was appointed to fill the vacancy on the Planning Commission.

As discussed at budget time last year, the Selectboard agreed to look at the current budget to consider a possible one-time payment in lieu of raises for next year. The Selectboard approved these payments.

06/08/09. Present: J. West, A. Tiplady, B. Soule, D. Farmer, E. Crelin and J. Duda

J. West introduced a low-impact development storm water management bylaw model for discussion. B. Soule felt further discussion on this issue was needed. Perhaps a portion of the model introduced by J. West would be beneficial to the Town.

The Board discussed the review process for the Town Plan. Information was given by J. Duda, about using a program called “Survey Monkey”. It was agreed upon that the Planning Commission would like to have a survey available online, in a mailing and at Wallingford Day. B. Soule discussed the results of a survey conducted in town in 1996.

06/01/09. Present: R. Nimtz, C. Macleod, K. Blodgett, S. Pytlik, D. Klock, D. Scranton, A. Miller, and T. Chila

David is planning to attend the Gilbert Hart Library board meeting to propose that the library (with support/help of the WCC) construct and erect a kiosk and picnic table beside the library (a self serve Wallingford welcome center).

Fairly low attendance on Green Up Day but all bags were distributed. Ideas to beef up the advertising next year were discussed.

The Planning Commission asked the WCC help in manning the booth at the Wallingford Fun Day to promote a town plan survey. The Commission would also be interested in helping draft the natural resources section of the plan.

The WCC is interested in hosting a workshop on personal solar (cost/benefits, subsidies, designs, etc.).

Summer/Fall presentations: June: bats; July: Anna’s carbon footprint reading/working group; August/September/October/November: Options include: Efficiency Vermont; Jens Hilke; Personal Solar; and Alan Betz on global warming; Bernd Hienrich on his book Summer World.

Ralph has been walking the trails at the “pit” and has developed a map. He is going to try to write a grant for trail development, a boardwalk, and bridge between the two marshy areas. We need to create markers for the trails.

We may devote a meeting to strategically set goals and objectives for the committee so that we can focus our efforts in a more systematic way.

Anna Tally would like support from the WCC to establish a reading/working group to meet and discuss options for lowering our carbon footprint using the workbook Low Calorie Carbon Diet to lose 5000 pounds.

Dave and Ron Evans conducted a site visit regarding the applicability of Ron’s undershot water wheel (for power production) in the Otter Creek.

05/12/09. Present: K. Shelvey, T. Petrossi, J. Osmer, L. Marchinkoski, and T. Phillips

Sue Duskiewicz has resigned and there is now a vacancy on the recreation committee.

The Summer Rec Program was discussed. Three people have been hired and there are approx. 29 kids signed up.

The Selectboard hired back two lifeguards for Elfin Lake. They are waiting for add’l applications that were going to be completed. Lifeguard salaries and budget were discussed.

The fire department is coming to the lake on June 6th to burn the pile of brush. There is junk that has been dumped by the entrance gate to the lake. We need a clean up day at the lake.

Wilk Sealing said the job at the tennis and basketball court is too small for them.

We have looked into purchasing a load of clay for the rec field. We will need to find trucking.

The barrel that is buried in near the playground needs to be dug out and filled in.

Linda Hudson and Dean Mooney inquired as to the status of the boy’s camp as they have it for the Maple Leaf Clinic for two weeks.

Donnie Boyd requested pay for using his mower and gas for last year to mow the two fire stations. The Board approved paying him $40 every two weeks.

The Board approved giving the Fire Department $50 for a Wallingford “Fun Day” donation.

Delinquent Tax Collector A. Sharp stated that the delinquent taxes were nearly ready so that the billing could go out.

The Board approved looking into getting the Fire District a credit card for emergency use.

The Prudential Committee meeting on June 10th will be cancelled due to Mill River Graduation.

Chuck and Kim Sharp requested lowering the entry age limits to both the Preschool and Intra-District Transfer Program. Board members agreed to revisit the preschool issue.

A site visit of the Little Red Schoolhouse was conducted. Jason and Paul reported that the roofline, foundation, and general condition of the main building are all good. There are, however, safety concerns with an outbuilding, certain playground equipment, and a hole in the yard. Chuck will pursue details of the deed, and the board will move forward with securing the property and determining if anyone besides the district has an interest.

06/04/09. Present: C. Watts, D. Klock, C. Piotrowski, P. Rondinone, and K. Fredette

Chuck W. provided a copy of a 1799 document for the Little Red Schoolhouse, which appears to indicate that the town owns the land.

The School Board can not sell the property without approval from a town vote. Walter recommended including this topic on its agenda for the next few meetings to allow the public opportunity to comment. The board addressed the safety concerns and stated that unsafe playground equipment should be pulled. It was noted that the town could do it, but they may charge. Chuck W. will inquire with the town to see if they can assist in ensuring safety at the site.

The most recent financials were discussed. The board authorized the business manager to proceed with securing a tax anticipation note for $400,000.

Interested Parties In The Little Red School House. The Wallingford School Board will be discussing the future disposition of the Little Red School House in South Wallingford at its meetings on:

Thursday, July 2, 7:00 p.m.

The School Board invites interested parties to attend one of these meetings and provide input. The School Board meets in the Music Room at the Elementary School.

Recreation Committee - Is responsible for designing, overseeing and supporting recreation programs and services to fill the recreational needs of the community.

Tree Warden - To act as overseer of 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.

Send letter of interest to the Wallingford Selectboard, 75 School Street, Wallingford, VT 05773.

Foot and blood pressure clinic on Wednesday, July 1^st at 10:30 a.m. at the Wallingford House.

Stop by and say hello at the Senior Table at the Wallingford House on Wallingford Fun Day on Saturday, July 18^th.

Join us for a Senior Trip to the Adamant Music School performance of “Kiss Me Kate” on Saturday, July 25^th. Admission is free. Bring a Picnic Lunch. Bus will leave Wallingford House parking lot at 9:00 a.m. You must sign up by Friday, July 10^th. Contact Peggy Rice at 446-6050.

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

Affordable Housing Options For Senior Vermonters
Several types of housing are available for Vermont Seniors who are thinking of moving into something more convenient and affordable. Most common is Senior Subsidized Housing where rent is not more than 1/3 of the household monthly income. To qualify for an apartment, one must be either disabled or age 62+, and have an income that does not exceed certain limits. Income limits vary from one apartment complex to another, based on regulations. There is no limit on savings or money made from selling a home, but interest income is counted as part of monthly income. There are often waiting lists of six months to 2 years for Senior Subsidized Housing, In order to increase one's chances of finding an opening when it's time to move, it is recommended that folks apply early and to several different complexes.

Other types of apartments for seniors have either market rents or ‘affordable’ rents, with different or no income or age requirements. For more information and a complete list of subsidized and other senior housing in Rutland County, call the Senior HelpLine at 786-5991 or 1-800-642-5119. The Senior HelpLine is a free service of the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging, serving Rutland and Bennington counties since 1974. Web site www.svcoa.org; email seniorhelpline@svcoa.org.

“Low Carbon Diet” Group Forming
The community is invited to learn how to save energy, money, and reduce contributions to climate change. Participants will work with a group of neighbors to reduce their energy use, using the Low Carbon Diet workbook by David Gershon. The first meeting will be an informational meeting held at the Gilbert Hart Library on July 16^th at 7 p.m. If you are interested but cannot make the meeting, please call Anna Tally at 282-4624 or email at atally@rssu.org. Supported by the Wallingford Conservation Commission.

The Gilbert Hart Library – Read the News – July 2009 -- Recreational reading at your library!! Summer is almost here and, I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite things to do is read (that’s lucky for me since I’m a Librarian!). I do it to relax and to escape from the stress of everyday life. I also do it to learn about new things. And you know what else is great about it? It doesn’t cost me anything but my time (and perhaps an annual donation to help out the library!)!

Today, while everyone is concerned about the economy and paying bills, the library is one place you can go for free entertainment. Did you know that the Gilbert Hart Library has almost 20,000 books for you to choose from? We have movies, magazines, audios, puzzles, and good-looking staff members (just checking to see if you are paying attention!). There are books for all ages, interests and reading abilities. If you are a parent with young children, you should check out the library’s children’s area. We have board books for the youngest ages, picture books for you to read with your child, early readers for those just beginning to read on their own, and books for independent readers.

For teens, the library’s Young Adult area is a great place to browse. The collection, which includes not only books but audios, ranges from the currently popular books such as Stephanie Meyer’s “Twilight” series, to the classics like “Huckleberry Finn.” There are mysteries, romances, fantasies, science fiction, historical fiction, graphic novels, and more.

The adult collection includes books and audios. We have true crime books, romances, science fact and science fiction, folklore and fantasy, and much more! Looking for a new recipe? The cookbooks at the library should help. Need to write a resume, cover letter or prep for an interview? The library has books with examples and model questions. Need to write an essay or a research paper? Find out how to fix your car? The library can help. If you enjoy “who-dun-it’s” check out the mystery section. If you like reading about vampires or werewolves, take a look at the paranormal section. We also have a Vermont Room that is filled with books about our wonderful Vermont, authors who are native to Vermont, history of Vermont, lovely art to enjoy, AND 2 easy chairs to make your visit more comfortable.

There is something for everyone at the library. Stop in, relax, and enjoy yourself!

Get well wishes to Carol Pratt. The “ever-last bunny” felt a bit run down and had to have her battery recharged. She’s feeling better, almost fully charged, and on-the-run again. Good to know you are feeling better Carol!

Tears in the Darkness: The Story of the Bataan
Death March and Its Aftermath Michael Norman

Movie Review: Some of you attended one of the two showings of the movie “Wallingford the Story of an Ancient Town” that was shown at the Library and sponsored by the Wallingford Seniors. This particular “Wallingford” is located in the UK, Oxfordshire to be precise, and is considered an informal “sister city.” The movie tells the story of Wallingford, a town steeped in history, from the medieval bridge over the Thames to the grassy banks of its ancient fortifications. It proclaims a colorful past and, as proclaimed on the Town’s web page, is “a town of surprises with the bustle of the Market Place and the tranquility of the quiet back-streets - a place to explore.”

It was the river that first attracted settlers to the area and in the Bronze and Iron Ages the rich soils encouraged farming communities. The Romans in turn left traces of occupation - burials, roads, coins and pottery, but it was left to the Anglo-Saxons to build the first town. A large 6th century pagan cemetery found in Wallingford indicates the early presence of the Saxon newcomers but by the 9th century there was another invasion threat - this time from the Vikings. King Alfred, the Saxon king of Wessex, defeated the enemy but to defend his kingdom against further Viking attacks he built many fortified towns or burghs and here the story of the town really begins. The movie tells it all!! Stop by and check out the facts concerning Wallingford – the UK version that is…

The Vermont State Parks “Check out the Parks” pass is available for your use – first come, first serve, and make a reservation - because the pass is frequently in demand. The pass is FREE to our library patrons and admits one vehicle holding up to eight people to a Vermont state park for one day. The pass has a value of $80 so it’s a great deal! As each Vermont library received only 1 pass, the pass may be borrowed for no more than 3 days at any given time. This is to give as many people as possible the opportunity to use the pass. Stop by or call the library to reserve the pass or if you have questions (446-2685).

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
Linda Reeves, Library Director
Kevin House, Assistant
Telephone: 446-2685

As June continues the year’s march through to July – have you ever seen time go so quickly? There are fewer activities to report about. With school out, you are probably ready to enjoy some unscheduled time for family or friendly get-togethers, not always possible during the rest of the year.

So, what is happening at the Library? The Whist Parties are continuing through the summer as was voted on by the participants. In July, the parties will be held on July 10 and 24, 7 p.m., at the Library. Carol Pratt, who has been indisposed, is ready to resume calling, or she may be reached at 446-2843 for further information.

The Friends’ meeting for July will be held on July 8, 2 p.m., at the Library. We continue to work on books for next season’s discussions; also on the October Community Heritage fundraising dinner.

The only program nailed down is scheduled for October 21, and will be given by Helene Lang. The subject will be Carousels, also known as Flying Horses, or merry-go-rounds. Should be fun, but a long time from now!

In the meantime, we have Wallingford Day coming up on July 18. It used to include an art show, quilt show/craft show, and other events – maybe we can do that again? But for this year, at least, it will be mostly a Fun Day at the fire house and the ball field. For the Friends’ part, we will have a tag sale as well as a book sale in the Klock Room. Many books are favorites but a good bargain -- not much money compared to the initial cost.

If you have books, or tag sale items, to donate bring them to the Library preferably after the July 4 holiday weekend (storage is a problem). Also on Wallingford Day, you can rent space on the south lawn of the Library for your own mini-yard sale. Cost for space is $8.00 (bring your own table). Hopefully, we have some good weather!

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

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

Join the community and businesses on Saturday, July 18^th in celebration of “Wallingford Fun Day”. This day long event will feature multiple yard/tag sales and Wallingford Volunteer Fire Department and Maple Valley Grange #18 Family Fun Day at the Recreation Field on Meadow Street to include rides, games, refreshments, BBQ & Street Dance from 10 a.m. to Midnight and much more. A fireworks display will be at dusk.

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

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.

Lunch, Love & Laughter
Come join us for lunch at the Wallingford Congregational Church on South Main Street every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Wallingford Historical Society Presents: Land Surveys Now and Then. Or Whose Land is this Anyhow?
Private lands, settlements and towns have been surveyed from the early days. How were the surveys performed? Who performed them? What kind of experience did they have? How should we evaluate their findings? If you are curious about these questions and more come to the July 28th meeting of the Wallingford Historical Society.

Hear Vermonter Mike Bradley share his experiences beginning in the US Army, followed by over 25 years providing Vermont land surveyors with records and more. He has lent his expertise in court cases, assisting in disputes as well as issues large and small in rural areas and towns throughout Vermont. His keen interest in surveying has been imbued with a love of history about the land that has served to fill in gaps that records have at times omitted.

Don’t miss this Wallingford Historical Society presentation. The talk will be held at the Wallingford Baptist Church on School Street in Wallingford on Tuesday, July 28 at 7:00 p.m.

Free and open to the public and accessible to people with disabilities. Call Diane Cooney at (802) 446-2514 for information.

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 with a little twist.

Besides photos, paintings, quilts, rugs, jewelry, and baskets, we’re asking collectors to bring a few pieces from their collections to display. We have lined up someone who collects colorful Quimper pottery from France and are looking for others with small collections that they would like to display.

The event will be held in the evening on the last Tuesday of August (the 25^th to be exact), so mark your calendars. Please look for specifics regarding venue. It will be in Wallingford.

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)

Monthly Discussion Regarding Current Events……..
We live in some rapidly changing times and there is a need for each of us to be better versed on the local and state problems we face. Mainly, things that we have some control over. Examples would be population trends in Vermont, the transition from dependence on oil to renewable resources, and the decline of the church to mention a few.

If a group got together once a month, we could have a moderator to keep the discussion orderly. We could decide on a topic a month in advance so that we would be prepared for discussion. If any one has any interest, please call Fred Thurlow at 446-2880. Thank you.

Wallingford Neighborhood Watch
If you’d like to receive emails under the Wallingford “ Neighborhood Watch ” system, send an email to townadmin@wallingfordvt.com and keep updated on vandalism, thefts, etc. in Wallingford and surrounding towns.

Elfin Lake
Beautiful Elfin Lake located off Route 140W, opened Saturday, June 20th and is open daily to the public from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Lifeguards will be on duty from 1:00-6:00 p.m. throughout the summer. Call the lake at 446-2496 for daily and group rates or family season passes, rentals and rules.

Vermont Arts Council
All of Wallingford is invited to participate in the Vermont Arts Council’s ongoing statewide community arts project called Art Fits Vermont. Join 60,000 others throughout the state, who will have their work displayed in the July 11^th Puzzle Palooza in Burlington where the goal is to make the world’s largest puzzle (check out www.vermontartscouncil.org for more information). We’re hoping to have a display at the Gilbert Hart Library to be on exhibit in the fall so stop in to pick up your paper puzzle now if you haven’t gotten it already. We’re encouraged to use media of our choice and any imaginative materials to create a piece of art which will be returned to us. Some families are planning on a group activity while kids are visiting over the summer and there seems to be enough for all. Puzzles should be returned to the library by September 1^st, which will come along much too quickly, so start thinking and get started soon.

Have Some Family Fun!
Learn about our beautiful Wallingford Village. Take a walking tour by following clues of our Historic Quest. You can get a paper with the clues from the mailbox in front of the Wallingford Elementary School, at the Wallingford Town Hall, or Gilbert Hart Library . Created by Ms. Nauton's 4th grade class.

A reprint from the June newsletter…….
Legislative Report This was going to be my adjournment report but, as most of you must know, the governor will probably veto the Budget we passed. I will be returning to Montpelier on June 2nd. At this writing I'm not sure if it will be to vote to override the veto, or to try and come up with another budget.

It was not a perfect budget - it's not a perfect world. As we like to say in Montpelier, there was something in the Bill for everyone to hate. I thought it was a good, responsible combination of cuts and new revenue, particularly in this extraordinary, economic climate. It's easy to find fault with any piece of legislation, easier with one as broad as a budget. There is criticism abounding on our failure to "make the hard decisions" and how "this is no time to tax Vermonters". I'd like to address these sound bites with some facts about the budget we passed.

Before trying to solve the revenue shortfall, the State already made over 100 million dollars in cuts and pending adjustments. The proposed 2010 budget includes an additional 59.3 million dollars in
cuts to State programs and services. These were "hard decisions".

The Legislature, through the Conference Committee, put together a revenue package that includes collecting money owed to the State already, closing two loopholes to make our tax system fairer and some moderate consumption tax increases. With the revenue raised we were able to give an income tax break to lower and middle income Vermonters. To put the revenue package in some context, only 21.3 million dollars in new taxes are raised to solve a 281.5 million dollar budget problem. That's just 7.5% of the total problem raised by increased taxes. Our budget provided a middle and lower income tax break for struggling Vermonters in these tough times. 7% of Vermonters would have their state income taxes lowered or remain neutral. The Governor proposed moving 63 million dollars from the general fund to the education fund. This included the teacher's retirement fund. His proposal effectively asks local school boards to balance the State budget with increased property taxes. We didn't believe Vermonters could afford this. Our proposed budget, in the spirit of compromise, and recognizing that everyone has to share the load, does move 18.4 million from the general fund to the education fund. However, because of the hard work done by our school boards this year, and by using some reserve funds, the homestead tax rate and the base per pupil grant will remain exactly the same as school boards anticipated when they passes their budgets on Town Meeting Day.

Even as we made difficult choices and cuts, new revenue and tax shifts, our budget sheltered important programs that protect our most vulnerable citizens:

1. VPharm - helps senior citizens with prescription
medication. The Governor proposed eliminating the program, we kept it intact.2. June Grads Program - helps developmentally disabled students transition out of high school. The Governor's proposal provides no funding. We budgeted 1 million dollars. 3. The Governor proposed slashing 1.3 million from Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled Vermonters. The Legislature restored half of the cut.

These are just a few facts about the budget we passed. Next month, we'll know more. I just wanted you to understand why I supported the budget and get some real information about its impact. I'll also report about other legislation we passed next month. Keep in touch.

Happy Gardening, Rep. Eldred French

Wallingford Congregational Church
The Wallingford Congregational Church Ladies Aid needs items for the white elephant table at Wallingford Days on July 18. People can call Evelyn Smith 446-2341, Shirley Graves 446-2787 or Joyce Bailey 446-3277.

Camp for Rent on Tinmouth Pond
Two bedrooms (sleeps 5-6), 1 bath, with phone/cable, kayaks and paddleboat. $500 per week (7 days/6 nights) or $150 per weekend. Payment due upon reservation. 802-446-2902.

Important Notice on Passport Books & Cards
Children: As of June 1, 2009, U.S. citizen children under age 16 arriving by land or sea from contiguous territory may present an original or copy of his/her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card.

Groups of Children: As of June 1, 2009, U.S. citizen children under age 19 arriving by land or by sea from contiguous territory and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization or sports team, may present an original or copy of his/her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card. The group should be prepared to present a letter on organizational letterhead with the following info: the name of the group and supervising adult; a list of children on the trip, primary address, phone number, date of birth, place of birth, and name of at least one parent or legal guardian for each child; and a written and signed statement of the supervising adult certifying that he/she has obtained parent or legal guardian consent for each participating child.

Wallingford Family Fun Dog Show
(Raising Funds for the Rutland County Humane Society)
Saturday, July 18, 2009 – 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 Wag & Smile

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

Also – Agility Dog Demo’s & Games
Booths Representing
Rutland County Humane Society Adoptions
Caring Canine Therapy Dogs
Dog Grooming by Cindy Cather

Great food available all day.

Highlights from Neighborhood Watch Meeting June 11^thLtn. Craig Hanson, RCSD, stated that the popular items being stolen these days are drugs and weapons. He urged that all unused prescriptions be disposed of and to take pictures of your guns, computers, TV’s, jewelry, etc. and write down the serial number.

Household Security Tips:
Leave a light on when you’re gone away; better yet – leave the T.V. on.
Install a motion light.
Tell your neighbors when you’re going away and stop your mail/newspaper delivery or have them collect it for you.
Lock your doors.

Do you feel safe in your own home? Many people don’t think about until after a burglary. Prevention is often common sense, but the methods are easily overlooked. According to FBI reports, only one in four burglaries involve forced entry; most intruders gain access through unlocked doors or open windows. Here are some tips to keep your family and belongings safe.

Take a look around your house from the viewpoint of someone who might like to commit a crime. If you have trouble thinking objectively, ask a friend or neighbor to search for ways a burglar might enter. Do you leave your front door or open while doing yard work in the back? Make sure no ladders are left out and that all ground floor windows have locks that work. Even if you’re only leaving home for a few minutes, close and lock windows that are easy to access.

Check your doors. If the doors aren’t solid metal or wood, a burglar could easily kick them in. Consider replacing a door that has a lot of glass in it. Deadbolt locks offer the best protection and come in two varieties: one that requires a key on both sides, and one that only requires a key on the outside. If your door has a pane of glass within arm’s reach of the lock, choose a deadbolt that requires a key to open from the inside as well.

Make sure that all windows have locks in good working order. If they’re left partially open on a regular basis, the windows should have locks that prevent them from being fully opened from the outside. If this isn’t an option, a simple solution is to install a peg in the window frame so that the window can’t be fully opened. This should be removable so family members can open the window to escape in case of fire. A wooden dowel inserted in the track is also an easy method to secure a window or sliding door.

Landscaping can play a part in crime prevention as well. Spiky or thorny plants in front of ground floor windows can discourage intruders. Trim bushes and trees that block the view from neighbors or from the street, and consider open fences rather than privacy fences so that it’s more difficult for a burglar to hide. Outdoor lighting is important as well. Make sure all potential points of entry are lit. Consider installing lights with photoelectric sensors that come on automatically when the sun sets or motion sensors that detect movement nearby.

When leaving your home for an extended period, make your home looks occupied. Keep a car parked in your driveway if possible. If needed, arrange for someone to mow your lawn or shovel snow. Use automatic timers for inside lights, and close curtains and drapes. Turn off the ringers on phones and turn down the volume on answering machines. If your answering machine can be accessed remotely, check the messages regularly and clear the memory; many “beeps” after the message indicate that it’s been left unattended for a long time. Avoid discussing your travel plans with anyone who doesn’t need to know.

Observant neighbors may be your best defense against burglary. Ask neighbors to keep an eye out for your property, and offer to do the same. Organize a block watch, and ask people to call 911 when witnessing anything suspicious.

No matter how safe your neighborhood may seem, there’s always the potential for burglary or other residential crime. Be observant, practice common sense, and keep safe habits.

P.S. Our local hardware store sells a wireless motion sensor alarm for under $40 wherein the alarm sounds after detecting motion within a protected area.

Vermont In Transition
There will be a meeting in the Klock Room at the Gilbert Hart Library on Monday, July 20^th at 7:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to show a 20-minute DVD on Vermont in Transition. This DVD was shown on WCAX . It was prepared by Saint Michael’s College professors Vince Bolduc Ph.D. and Herb Kessel, Ph.D. for the Council on the Future of Vermont. After the DVD is shown, we can have a discussion on information shown on the DVD. If you want more information, call Fred Thurlow at 446-2880.

Bowhunter Education Course-Ladies Only
August 8, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Instructor: Jason Morin. Location: E. Kehoe Conservation Camp, 626 Point of Pines Road, Castleton, Vt. Registration begins July 13. Please call (802) 241-3720 after July 13 to register and obtain home-study materials.

Bowhunter Education Course
September 5, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Instructor: Jason Morin. Location: E. Kehoe Conservation Camp, 626 Point of Pines Road, Castleton, Vt. Pre-registration is required; however, registration does not open until August 1st. Please call (802) 241-3720 after August 1st to register.