09/10

Wallingford News September 2010

Editor’s Note: Please send news, ads, and items of interest by 9/22 to townclerk@wallingfordvt.com.

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The Wallingford Town Office and Transfer Station will be closed September 6^th in observance of Labor Day. The Selectboard will only meet once in September, on September 13^th at 6:30 p.m.

Please do not park along the front of the junk mail/tin RV’s or building on the west side of the Transfer Station. This makes it difficult for vehicles to exit the station, especially on busy days!

Reminder! The last Hazardous Waste Collection day in 2010 will be Saturday, September 25th from 8:00-10:30 a.m.

The Town needs a volunteer from the East Wallingford area to serve on the Vermont State Police Citizen’s Advisory Committee. The Committee meets one evening each quarter somewhere in Rutland County with the VSP and other town representatives to discuss crime activity in Rutland County, police issues, etc. If you are interested, notify the Town Administrator at 446-2872 or townadmin@wallingfordvt.com.

The last day for the public beach at Elfin Lake to be open was Sunday, August 22^nd. We’d like to thank the patrons and our wonderful workers for a great season! Joyce, Sandy & Julie

Property Tax Bills were mailed on August 18^th. The first half is due by Monday, October 18^th.

2009 Rate 2010 Rate

Town Tax .2228¢ - .2086¢

Fire Protection .0934¢ - .0612¢

Local Agreement .0043¢ - .0041¢

School Tax-Residential $1.2516 + $1.3505

School Tax-Non-Rsdl $1.3042 + $1.3177

GET INVOLVED: The Town is in need of: an Auditor, Emergency Management Director, and Conservation, Planning and Recreation Committee members – please volunteer. Call 446-2872, send a letter or email townadmin@wallingfordvt.com if you are interested.

Sellers: Dennis & Maryann Roy, Tift Road (land), Buyers: Keith & Jennifer Millard, Sales price $80,000, Assessed value $130,000.

Seller: Wade Balla, 1451 Route 103, Buyer: Ryan Wood-Beauchamp, Sales price $130,000, Assessed value $248,900.

Missing from Elfin Lake:
Please contact the Town Office at 446-2336 if you have or know who “borrowed” the binoculars
and megaphone from the lake? Thank You.

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

Delinquent Tax Collector Lee Perry reported that 23 properties totaling $49,560.84 qualify for tax sale according to his delinquent tax policy. He reported that $200,000+ in delinquencies were turned over to him in April and the principal balance is now under $100,000.

New RSSU Superintendent Dana Cole-Levesque came to introduce himself to the Selectboard. He replaced Walter Goetz who retired June 30^th.

The Selectboard reviewed Mrs. Dawson’s response to getting the property cleaned up on River Street.

The Selectboard were agreeable to writing to the State in regards to the inspection report on the underground storage tank.

Keys to Town Hall will be given to the Wallingford Historical Society president for upstairs access and the Planning Commission Chair until a Zoning Administrator has been hired.

Chris Schmelzenbach’s resigned as Zoning Administrator, as he accepted a full-time position with an engineering firm. Tim Chila has resigned from both the Conservation Commission and Recreation Development Committee due to family issues and Tony Esposito and Ed Safford also resigned from the Energy Committee.

The Committee interviewed candidates for the Zoning Administrator’s position. The Planning Commission recommended Peter Hathaway be hired as the zoning administrator.

Dennis and Jim Bowen did a walk through at the lodge to notate things that must be on his checklist after each rental.

Maureen passed on a petition to the Prudential Committee on the merger. The Board found statements made that were not accurate. They were upset at how this was handled as they were willing to work with the Selectboard. The board asked Maureen to contact Attorney John Welch to review the petition and give legal advice.

John West gave his input on the two interviews for the Wastewater Operator position. John discussed requests from people who have always dumped their RV waste tanks at the sewer plant. He explained that this causes problems with the oxidation levels and felt it was time to have the board make a policy this not be allowed. The Board agreed to this request.

Dennis reviewed a very simple checklist he created for Jim to use after each booking at the lodge. The other board members felt it needed more detail and Dennis will revise it and present again.

The board consulted with an attorney on the petition they received. He is going send a letter to the town’s attorney for further clarification.

Maureen reported that Lee Perry is going to coordinate with our Delinquent Tax Collector Missy Boyd before he proceeds with his property tax sales.

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

Our next Planning meeting will be Wednesday, September 8th at 11 a.m. at the Town Hall. We hope to see some new faces and we could use your input.

The September Seniors Trip will be held on Friday, September 10^th. The bus will leave the Wallingford House at 9 a.m. and travel to Weston to the Vermont Country Store and adjoining shops. We will then drive to the Townshend State Park for lunch at a cost of $6. You can eat, swim (bring your suit), walk or just sit and chat. We will then travel to Mary Meyer’s for a tour at the Stuffed Toy Factory and to the Stuffed Bun for ice cream.

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

We will hold bingo on the 2nd Monday of each month at the Rotary building at 1 p.m. The public is welcome.

Sun & Mon: closed
Tues: 10 - 5:00
Wed: 10 – 8:00
Thurs & Fri: 10 – 5:00
Saturday: 9 – 12:00

It’s been a wonderful summer, but I’m not quite ready for it to be over. Schools are gearing up to open their doors to the many eager students, and Fall programs are on the horizon. Let us enjoy Labor Day first, though – shall we?

It looks as though fund-raisers will be high on the to-do list for this year in order to help the Library get out of its deficit hole. The annual Fall dinner has been set for October 16^th this year at the Rotary Building. We have decided on Mexican food this year and proceeds will go directly to the Trustees for deficit reduction.

At Christmas time, we will have our Christmas shop in the Klock Room with assorted goodies, not just chocolate. But there will be more to report in the months to come.

We have not organized book discussions for the coming year. We feel this should be part of what the Library offers, but it needs a change in leadership, with younger participants, and a different selection of books. There must be a reader out there who would like to get a new group started! Make yourself known to whomever is manning the desk, and we’ll help however we can.

Whist parties will continue this month on September 3^rd and 17^th. Carol Pratt is still in charge and may call you. If not, you can call her at 446-2843.

I am also reminding you of a meeting of volunteers at 2:00 p.m. on September 7^th. Friends will meet on September 8^th at 2:00 p.m. New members are always welcome.

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.

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

Suicide Survivors Support Group monthly meetings for those who have lost a loved one through suicide are held at the Maple Leaf Clinic, 167 North Main Street in Wallingford (446-3577) on the third Tuesday.

Come join us for lunch at the First Congregational Church of Wallingford at 189 South Main Street every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

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.

An Exciting Kid's Ministry at East Wallingford Baptist Church, every Friday from 6:30- 8:00 p.m. New Club Year Begins on 9/17/10. Call 259-2831 or go to www.ewbaptist.com for more information. Hope to see you there!!

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 $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.

Take a look at the new Angel Food Ministries offerings at www.rutlandangelfood.com. Questions can be directed to Carleen Eaton at (802) 779-8078. Orders will be taken in person by Carleen who will be at the Town Hall on Tuesday, September 7th from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Stop by. Local pick up can be arranged.

The Wallingford Congregational Church houses an Emergency Community Food Shelf. Supplies will be given by appointment only. Contact Robin Milner at 446-3966.

Volunteers needed -- Age 13- seniors for Fundraisers, work details, events! Contact Charlie Gauthier at 353-0996 for details.

Miniature photo of Henri William Belanger dated Oct. 9, 1898. Call 802-446-2154 for its return.

Last year’s event was such a tremendous success with so many wonderful items on display that we’re having it again this year. It will be held on Tuesday, August 31st from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Boy’s Camp on Elfin Lake.

Come and see photos, paintings, quilts, rugs, jewelry, pottery, and baskets and more created by artists from Wallingford. Join your neighbors and bring a picnic to enjoy at the Boy’s Camp on Elfin Lake. We always have excellent weather and a great turn out.

For more information, contact: Diane Cooney (446-2514) or Chris Bannerman (446-3560).

Following the exhibit, there will be a meeting of the Wallingford Historical Society. We will be electing officers for next year. Please join us.

It’s been a really busy summer with exciting programs. Feedback has been positive and encouraging. We have some programs lined up for next year and if you have any suggestions, please call Chris Bannerman (446-3560).

We’re looking for board members and a Treasurer for the upcoming year. Call Chris if you would like to be on the board.

Our collection of clothing needs to be preserved and archival boxes and materials have been ordered and received. We just need a few helping hands to pack them way for the future. We need your help and if you are interested in the history of Wallingford,

help us care for the collection. Call Chris or Diane Cooney (446-2514) if you can give us a few hours.

The Ladies Aid of the First Congregational Church of Wallingford will be holding their annual Country Ham Dinner at 189 South Main Street on Thursday, September 30^th from 5:00 - 7:00.

The menu includes Wallingford Locker ham, raisin sauce, creamy potatoes, baked beans, garden salad, corn bread, rolls, homemade pies, along with coffee, iced tea or apple cider all for $10.00 per adult and $5.00 per child (under 7 eat free). Take out orders will also be available.

All are welcome and we thank you for your support. All proceeds will go towards our steeple repairs and restoration.

BURIAL LOTS FOR SALE

By Time Sale; Interest Free

GREEN HILL CEMETERY

South Main Street ~ Wallingford, VT

Call Charles Gauthier at 353-0996

Terms: 20% down; balance paid in 10 monthly payments. Deed will be written when last payment is made. If APPLICANT FAILS TO MAKE FINAL PAYMENT AS AGREED, APPLICANT WILL FORFEIT 20% DOWN PAYMENT. ANY ADDITIONAL MONEY PAID WILL BE RETURNED TO APPLICANT.

The Little Red Schoolhouse is excited to bring you a wonderful array of programming for all ages! The LRS Board & their families have been busy painting, cleaning and putting together great programs for this fall! Be sure to check our online calendar for events and sign up for automatic updates! The web address is http://lrschoolhouse.wordpress.com. Brochures with the schedule of programs will also be available around town.

I am pleased to report that from February 22 to June 6, 2010 there were 36 events at LRS, and 4 off-site events. Total attendance for these events was a whopping 569 area adults & children who benefited and enjoyed our programming! Thank you all for your continued support and attendance!

The Little Red Schoolhouse is delighted to once again be offering a cooperative program for preschool age children. A Parents meeting will be held Monday, August 30th at 6:30 to finalize plans. If you are unable to attend, please contact us for information!

Fall programming for families include events such as Movie nights, A Fairy Festival, Halloween Party, Lego Necklaces, Learn to Sew events, Community Playgroup, and the return of Cookies with Santa!

Adult programs include a Knitting/Yarn group (children who are participating are welcome too!) and Squash Books! Grab photos from this summer and come create a lovely memento for your memories! We anticipate the return of our popular Zumba class in the late fall…so be watching!

Please keep the LRS in mind when purchasing school supplies this year! Also take a peak at our Wish list and to see if items we need are sitting in your leftover garage sale pile! As always, our building and programs continue to be FREE and are financed solely on donations and fundraising. Consider purchasing a pizza kit from our Fall Little Caesars Pizza Sale, or better yet, take a brochure and ask a friend if they too, would like a pizza kit! Donations of time, supplies and money are always greatly appreciated, and we are happy to provide you with a donation letter for your tax purposes.

Remember that The Little Red Schoolhouse is available for rent for private functions and birthday parties! Or if your non-profit group or organization needs a place to meet, we are happy to share our space with you!

If you have a talent, hobby or special interest that you would like to share with the community then we NEED YOU! We are looking for community members to offer a program at the Little Red Schoolhouse! Examples include: craft events, trade project, men’s gathering, choir group, story telling, fitness activities, fly tying, theater group, drumming or dance. We are also looking for help and support with our Cooperative Preschool Program. The more folks step forward, the more our community will benefit! If nine people offered to share their time, that is one program a month at LRS! It can be a one-time event or a series of events! IDEAS WELCOME!

The board and I anticipate a great and prosperous fall! Be sure to stop by our Open House on September 12^th! I look forward to seeing you at The Little Red Schoolhouse!

Yours in Community ~ Samantha Spoth & LRS Board of Directors (Jill Stone-Teer, Rachel Burch, Elaine Warzocha, Betty Barrows, Helen Wood, Felicia Knapp, Dana Jones, Mara Adair, Sandy Tyminski, and Monica Smith)

PRESCHOOL PROGRAM PARENT MEETING: At LRS, 6:30, Monday, August 30^th. Come for information and to discuss program, set up initial parent schedule, discuss topics/themes…. Children welcome!

PRESCHOOL AGE COOPERATIVE PROGRAM: at LRS, Mondays & Thursday’s. 8:45-11:15. Cooperative program for children ages 3-6. Program includes free play, snack, cooperative activities, outdoor play, music, arts & crafts and exposure to early learning topics. Parents/caregivers must be available to volunteer a minimum of 1 shift a month (i.e. a Monday or Thursday a month). The quantity of participants determines if parent participation is less frequent. Children are NOT required to participate in both days to participate, so if only one day works for your families needs let us know! No fee required… Yup, It’s FREE! Just time, willingness to help/participate in a fundraiser or two, and maybe some toilet paper!

KNITTING/YARN GROUP: at LRS, 6:30 1^st Thursday of every month. Bring your yarn, a project to start, or one you’re working on! Want to learn to knit or crochet? We can help with that too! Come sporadically, come late… just come and have fun!

OPEN HOUSE: At LRS, 6:00-7:00 pm. Sunday, September 12^th. Stop by and say hello, find out about upcoming programs, register for programs, drop off donations or just bring the kids to hang out and play! Plaque dedication to Chuck Rist. Snacks provided.

SQUASH BOOKS: At LRS, 7:00 pm, Tuesday September 7, 14^th (& possibly the 21^st if folks need more time) Create a beautiful keepsake of this summers memories! Squash books fold up into a mini photo album! Tools (stamps, ink, paper, paper crafting tools etc) and paper will be supplied, however if you have some you’d like to use, or your own adhesive feel free to bring it!

WHAT TO BRING: 6 - 10 photos, WALLET SIZED (*Tip: Pick a theme, i.e. a summer trip, a visit with family, camp out, or be as broad as summer fun, etc.) (You can use your computer software or visit a photo kiosk such as WalMart or CVS to shrink your photos.)

COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP: at LRS, Wednesday’s, 9:30-11:00. Begins September 15^th. For children ages birth and up with a parent/caregiver. Come visit with other adults/families, let your children play in a safe and fun environment! Pack a snack!

MOVIE NIGHT: at Wallingford Elementary School. 6:30 Friday, September 17^th. Admission with a non-perishable food item. Bring a pillow/blanket to sit on! All ages’ welcome! Concessions available. Movie to be announced…. Check the website!

FAIRY HOUSES: at LRS, 2:30-5:00 Saturday, September 18^th. Come enjoy an afternoon of magical fun! Build a fairy house, face painting, bubbles, crafts and stories. Concessions will be available as well as other fairy related items. Dress in your favorite fairy wardrobe and join the fun! Volunteers still needed! Let us know if you’d like to help!

LITTLE CAESAR PIZZA SALE : September 13^th to October 7^th. We need to sell 100 items! Check the link on our site; place an order at one of our events, the Town Hall or by calling 802-259-7817. Delivery date is: October 15^th 8:00 am.

ASPERGER’S /AUTISM PARENT SUPPORT GROUP: at LRS, 7:15-8:30 4^th Tuesday of every month. Open to any families wanting to gather and discuss issues relating to Asperger’s, high-functioning Autism or NLD.

SEW WITH ME: at LRS, 5:30-7:30 Monday, October 4^th, Monday, November 1^st & Monday, December 6^th. Parent/Caregiver (not only parents, but could be grandma/pa, aunt, uncle, a neighbor) and child ages 7 and up. Help a young person learn to sew, or learn you! Sewing Machines, cutting tools, and instruction will be provided as well as a materials list for each project. If you are not able to pick up your materials there will be a small quantity for purchase when you arrive. If you would like to bring your own sewing machine, please do! Stay tuned for project lists! PRIOR REGISTRATION REQUIRED! Maximum 8 pairs.

Please think of LRS when you purchase BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES! Or as you pack up any garage sale remainders!