Wallingford Property Taxes are due on Monday, October 19, 2009 by 4:30 p.m.   Post-marked dates will not be accepted.

Wallingford Town Office will be closed Columbus Day, Monday, October 12, 2009.  The Transfer Station will be open.

Zoning Permits Issued

Beyhan Perry, 310 Hateful Hill Road; 3-lot subdivision.
Chris Dinnan, 274 School Street, greenhouse

Property Transfers
Seller:  May Graves , 4880 Route 140E, Buyer: Shane & Elizabeth Filskov , Sales price: $55,000; Assessed value: $81,400.
Seller:  Stephanie Biagini, 164 North Main Street , Buyer: Scott Ballard, Sales price:  $224,500; Assessed value: $174,200.
Seller:  Becky Butler, 2780 US Route 7 South, Buyer: Jonathan & Nancy Surette, Sales price: $112,000; Assessed value: $149,000.
Seller:  Derek & Lindsay Larson, 3358 Sugar Hill Road , Buyer: George & Caroline Dimotsis, Sales price: $217,000; Assessed value $224,200.
Seller: Andrew & D. Pax Vlietstra, 282 Centerville Road , Buyer: Thomas & Tammy Heffernan , Sales price: $125,000; Assessed value $153,700.
Seller:  Wallingford Delinquent Tax Collector, 27 Circular Drive , Buyer: TNM LLC, Tax Sale price: $3,000; Assessed value:  $17,200.
Seller:  Carole McClure, 166 Prospect Street , Buyer: Bastian & Rowan Auer, Sales price: $180,000; Assessed value $180,200.

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

Selectboard

09/08/09.  Present:  B. Brooks, C. Angel, J. Crowley and J. Gilman

Since no company could be found to removed the berm on Waldo Lane plus give the town some money for the material, J. Gilman will contact Phil Baker again to see if he’s still interested.  The Selectboard gave the Chair authority to select a contractor for the project at no cost to the Town.   The Whitemore’s will be kept apprised of the situation.

A Green Hill Lane resident requested speed limit signs be installed, the sheriff be asked to pat rol for speeding, and that vehicles be restricted from parking in the cul de sac. The Selectboard took no action until law enforcement reports back.

Recreation Committee Chair K. Shelvey reviewed the wish list for Elfin Lake and the Rec Field and stated that the four priorities for the fall are a new roof for the lake building, a retaining wall on the beach, adding topsoil and grass seed, and adding sand to the beach area.   The Selectboard authorized the purchase of the landscape timber for the wall since that cost was available. There was discussion on the funds available for these projects and the possible merger of the recreation budget into the Elfin Lake budget.

J. Barbieri requested that the Selectboard enter executive session to discuss personnel.

Three caterer permits were approved.

No decision was made on granting a lease for the Wallingford Historical Society.

There are still three remaining properties up for tax sale.

The Selectboard signed a contract to buy winter salt from Cargill at $62.43 per ton for 500 ton, which is the same price offered to the state for District 3.

An issue was brought up about the sheriff stopping cars in an unmarked vehicle. The Sheriff was hired years ago so they could be a visible police presence in Town. The Sheriff confirmed they normally use unmarked vehicles when performing Highway Safety or DUI grant work. The Selectboard asked that Julie obtain more specifics so that the Sheriff can review their log reports.

09/21/09.  Present:  B. Brooks, C. Angel, and J. Crowley

Rec Committee members Tom Phillips and Keith Shelvey discussed the list. K. Shelvey reported the State Police are investigating a break-in at the lake building last week that caused considerable damage to the doors. Mr. Phillips requested purchasing surveillance equipment now and discussed the options available. After some discussion, C. Angel agreed to donate $150 towards the equipment with Mr. Phillips. K. Shelvey discussed the difficulty in finding landscape timbers in Rutland for the lake, and the Selectboard agreed to issue a check up front to Home Depot for $480 if needed. Julie is waiting to receive a second quote for sealing the cracks on the tennis and basketball courts. Mr. Phillips asked the Selectboard to consider having the tennis court paved next year when they are budgeting for road paving.

Nan Dubin, representing the Mill River Odyssey of the Mind team, was given permission to use a portion of the upstairs from October through March in order to prepare for the competition in March.  

The Wallingford Volunteer Fire Dept. received approval to hold a Coin Drop on Saturday, October 10th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a rain date of October 11^th.  

Dennis Stocker reported on the Citizens Advisory Meeting of September 16^th. He also requested that the Selectboard consider obtaining a Knox-box, which allows non-destructive emergency access to the building. However, the Town purchased a box years ago, and it is mounted on the front of the building. A key was given to Chief Warren Allen.  

A Caterer Permit was approved for Fitz Vogt for a party on 9/29. 

B. Brooks obtained copies of WFD #1’s charter and subsequent charter changes from the State.  VLCT is reviewing them to see whether or not the agreement can be modified or if it will require a charter change.  

Conservation Commission  

08/27/09. Present: T. Chila, S. Pytlik, C. Macleod, R. Nimtz, D. Klock, D. Scranton and K. Blodgett  

Fred Thurlow has organized a discussion group which meets the 3^rd Monday of every month and discusses all kinds of different topics.  Anne Tiplady, Don Green, Laurie Systac, and Fred are the core members but they would like more folks to attend.  Don will get in touch with Tim to develop a poster that advertises their next event in concert with our Efficiency Vermont talk on September 10th  

Tim made a list of all the locations where we should distribute the walking brochures.  Each member will take responsibility for 1-2 locations and keep the brochures stocked.   

No survey was done for the town plan.  The CC would be willing to host a meeting and invite Jens Hilke to discuss the town’s Natural Resources. Tim will email the Planning Commission and offer to set up a meeting if they will attend. 

Tim printed out pages from the Hartland website to see if we wanted to use any of them for our website.

Ralph will ask the railroad folks if they plan to replace their buildings soon. If not, he will ask permission if the CC could them with a sprayer.   

Next meeting should be devoted to developing a strategic plan.  Review the mission statement and brainstorm action items we want to accomplish this year.

Kim will continue to look into purchasing a kiosk from the state.  Carol will find out about a picnic table. 

David will try to get back to Ron Powers and suggest he talk to Tim.

The CC feels that a separate energy subcommittee should be formed.  Tim will check with the Selectboard regarding the development of a local committee.  Tim talked to Ken Welch and he is interested in partici pat ing.  Perhaps the Carbon Diet group would be interested in working on something once they complete their workbook. 

Debbie has the Vermont Conservation Commission handbook. We currently belong to the Association. 

Conservation Commission is hosting Efficiency Vermont on Thursday September 10^th with Bob Murphy. 

Sharon Nimtz did not feel that enough people would attend a talk on canning and freezing.  Tim will call Anna Tally to speak on Composting with worms/Community Composting/family composting in October.

Ralph passed around an email he received from Josh. Overburden from the berm removal will be used to fill in around the well. Seed and mulch will be applied if the town buys the supplies. Ralph felt the proposed parking lot was too large so he developed a new design that would hold 40 cars. The group endorsed Ralph’s design. 

Content for October Newsletter should include: Advertisement for October speaker and “Energy saving highlights” from Fred’s meeting, from Bob Murphy’s presentation, and from the Carbon Diet Group.           

Bar-b-que for committee members is September 27^th around 4:00 .  Debbie will provide the meat.  The rest will bring the side dishes.   

Prudential Committee

08/26/09. Present:  S. Sendra, C. Baker, and D. Stocker

Jeff Duchesne gave an update on hepatitis shots. Stephane has to obtain a release from the doctor that got the serum to allow the nurse from the hospital to administer the shots. Jeff said that this would be taken care of by the end of September.

Jeff also asked about the Knox-Box for the Boy’s Camp and the board said they would look at the contract to see if it was included.

Alicia Sharp gave an update on delinquent taxes. She stated that she has collected several delinquent bills and is working on many to set up payment plans.

It was recommended that Steve Baker be invited back to see if he would be interested in logging some of the Fire District land that he is going to tap.

Scott received some chairs from the Town for the Lodge.  

Dennis reported that Johnson Energy had a used diesel tank that the Fire Department could have for $300 (delivered and installed). The Board approved purchasing the tank and having it installed inside the fire department.  

Maureen reported on the big leak at the Timber Hills Estate pump house that is being worked on.  All residents affected were notified.  

Wallingford Elementary School Board  

09/03/09.  Present:  C. Watts, D. Klock, C. Piotrowski, P. Rondinone, and K. Fredette  

A lengthy discussion was held on the status of the Little Red Schoolhouse from the status of the building, maintenance costs and possible use.  The public expressed its desire for the LRSH to renew its function as a facility for play groups for children (ages of 3-5) administrated and staffed by volunteers of the South Wallingford Youth Community Group. The Board expressed its support for the reestablishment of a community based volunteer play group and other community activities on the site and noted that it needed to ensure that the site was safe for such activity.

Jason Morse , Principal reviewed the sidewalk repair; announced the WES Open House for September 16 and the first day packet went home with parents including the student handbook and free and reduced lunch applications.  Opening day enrollment was 115 with 10 Wallingford students are in various Preschool programs. Two interns are working-Reeve Basom from Upper Valley Educators Institute working with Sandi Reardon, and Sarah Hampton from CSJ working with Mary Grabowski.  259 substitutes were used last year. The Board approved the continuance of the Substitute Coordinator’s role and noted that the budget included money for this role.  

Jason noted that the inaugural after-school program has 43 students and is exceeding expectations.  

K. Fredette noted VSBA Regional Meeting9/29 at Manchester Elementary School and VSBA Annual Meeting 10/15-16.  

      Town of Wallingford

Planning Commission Member
Recreation Committee Member
Tree Warden

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

“ Wallingford Seniors Happenings”

Foot and blood pressure clinic on Wednesday, October 7th at 10:30 a.m. at the Wallingford House.  There will be a Flu Clinic following the Foot and Blood Pressure Clinic sponsored by the Rutland Area Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice. 

Join the Senior Planning Committee on Wednesday, October 14^th at 10 a.m. upstairs at the Town Hall. 

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

Senior Trip – Friday, October 9^th.  The Marble Valley Players present the comedy, “Noses Off” at the West Rutland Town Hall.  Admission is $12.  Dinner at the Ponderosa.  The bus will leave the Wallingford House parking lot at 4:45 p.m.  

Senior Trip – Friday, October 23^rd.  Visit the Hathaway Farm Corn Maze and pumpkin patch.  Admission is $7.  Lunch at Table 24 in Rutland .  The bus will leave the Wallingford House parking lot at 11:30 a.m.  

Contact Peggy Rice at 446-6050.  

Sharing Circle (repeat) on Monday, October 26^th at 1:30 p.m. at the Wallingford House.  Each tell highlights of a remembered incident growing up including photos!!  All come!!  

Gilbert Hart Library –by Linda Reeves , Director  

Happy FISCAL new year that is!  The Library’s 2010 fiscal and budget new year began October 1 and, to be honest, the financial outlook for the Library is not that rosy.  Donations are down, investment earnings are down, and the level of funding from the Town has not increased in the last    5 years.  Did you know that the State of Vermont does NOT provide funding to their state libraries? The Gilbert Hart Library relies on funding from the Town of Wallingford and monetary donations made by our loyal supporters to stay in business.  

Due to inadequate funds, the Board of Trustees has already made some tough decisions such as not hiring a Children’s Program Coordinator and is currently considering other cost-saving options such as reducing the number of hours the Library is open to the pubic.  We could be forced to close the Library on Saturdays or other days and not remain open on Wednesday evenings until 8 p.m.   The materials budget (books, movies, etc.) might have to be slashed.  The Board is working to avoid taking these actions but will be left with no options unless the library receives additional monetary support.  

Did you know that patron use of libraries usually goes up during economic down turns because many people depend on the services and materials libraries such as the Gilbert Hart Library provide for free?  Patron use of the Gilbert Hart Library has increased over the last year.  The number of patrons borrowing books, movies, magazines, and other materials and using the free computer service at the Library continues to grow.   

The Board is researching federal and state grants that are available to non-profit libraries and exploring other fund-raising opportunities BUT we need the support from the Town and our loyal  patrons to continue providing quality services and materials to the Wallingford community.

Please help!  Donations may be mailed to Gilbert Hart Library , PO Box 69, Wallingford, Vermont, 05773; dropped off at the Library, or, heck, I’ll even come by and pick up your donation so just call me!  AND remember, donations are tax deductible.  Help us in our efforts to provide high quality library services and materials to the Wallingford Community.  We appreciate it!!  

The Board of Trustees will be hosting the Library’s annual meeting on October 13, 2009 , at 7 p.m. , in the Klock Room AND every one is invited!  Please join us and learn more about the interesting activities that occurred during 2009 and the plans for the library in 2010.    We welcome your ideas and opinions.  

Kevin and the Volunteer Patrons Committee are planning the next children’s program for Saturday, October 10, from 10:30 – noon .  The program features lots of magic with a real magician!  Mark your calendars and join the fun!! 

The month of October also brings Banned Books Week, celebrated this year during the period September 26 through October 3.   Observed since 1982, this annual event reminds us not to take the precious democratic freedom to READ for granted.  It is also intended to celebrate (1) our freedom to read an author who expresses his or her opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular; (2) it stresses the importance of ensuring the availability and accessibility of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them.  After all, intellectual freedom can exist only where these two essential conditions are met. 

The positive message of Banned Books Week is that due to the commitment of librarians, teachers, parents, students and other concerned citizens, most challenges are unsuccessful and most materials are retained in the school curriculum or library collection available to all individuals who make the choice to read them.

I think it was Voltaire who said “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”  This statement can be associated with banned books weeks in that I might not agree with the contents or message in the books you choose to read, but I would never encourage action that would take away YOUR freedom to read them or your right to choose what you read!

Stop by the Library and check out our Banned Books Week display and get a copy of the list of books that have been challenged or banned during 2009.  You will be surprised at some of the books on the list. Banned Books Week is sponsored by the American Booksellers Association, American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, American Library Association, American Society of Journalists and Authors, Association of American Publishers, National Association of College Stores, and is endorsed by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.

You can also celebrate your freedom to read by stopping by the Library and getting your FREE library card.  A library card could be the most important school supply for your child!  Stop by and get a card for each member of your family. 

New Arrivals at the library:

Title                                                                                                  Author

Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mother of the Civilization of Love             Carl Anderson
Too Good to be True: the Rise and Fall of Bernie Madoff               Erin Arvedlund
The Day the Falls Stood Still                                                           Cathy Buchanan
Homer’s Odyssey                                                                            Gwen Cooper
Hope for Animals and Their World                                                  Jane Goodall
A Big Little Life: a Memoir of a Joyful Dog                                       Dean Koontz     
The Last Song (book and audio)                                                     Nicholas Sparks

Book Review:  Lifting the Yoke: Local Solutions to America ’s Farm and Food Crisis was written by Vermont author Ron Krupp, who started the Brattleboro Farmers’ Market back in the early 70s.  A few years ago, Mr. Krupp decided to spend a year feeding his family solely from food grown locally.  While debating taking the plunge, he writes he heard that the local brewery, Otter Creek, was brewing beer made with local wheat and producing a high-quality, economical product.  Encouraged by Otter Creek’s success, he decided he would give it a try.  Mr. Krupp writes that the last few years were the best “eating years” of his life -- not just because the food was delicious, but because the food meant something.  He and his family knew where the food had come from, and by whose hands it was produced. 

The book also deals with many of the farm and food issues that are in the news on a daily basis, such as globalization, hunger and obesity, and discusses local, sustainable solutions to these problems.  Mr. Krupp writes that the “country’s food supply is increasingly under the control of a handful of global corporations that, like the financial institutions before them, are under-regulated and aided by powerful lobbying groups in Washington.”  The result, he says, is a “growing epidemic of obesity fueled by heavily subsidized products that crowd out healthier foods, and an economic strangled-hold on the mass food market that’s pricing out family growers.”

The book devotes a large section to solutions, many of which can be found in our own backyard or, perhaps, in our neighbor’s back yard.  We don’t need large, global, corporations, we need locally grown carrots, and corn, and cheese, and wheat, and beer, and to buy local when we can!  We need our neighbors!  Stop by and check out this interesting read.  You will learn something!!

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

Hart Lines by the Friends of Gilbert Hart Library  

This Fall is shaping up to be a busy one.  I still feel we were cheated out of a real summer, but it’s all behind us now, and we’ll hope for better next year.

First off, we have set up Whist parties for the rest of the year. Here is the schedule:

            October 2 and 16
            November 6 and 20
            December 11

Games start at 7 p.m. in the Klock Room at the Library.  Carol Pratt is the coordinator so call her at 446-2843 if you are interested in playing.

Most of the Friends’ attention recently has been centered around the annual fund-raiser, this year a community heritage dinner being held at the Rotary Building on October 17.  We have sought out recipes from well-known local cooks for this, both past and present.  There will be several menu choices to make, some of them for vegetarians (which wasn’t always the case), but we think there is something for everyone to have a good dinner.  Seatings are at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.   Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12 years of age.  

The menu is Seafood Newburg, Beef Stroganoff, Chicken and Biscuits for main dishes; vegetable lasagna and macaroni and cheese for vegetarians.  This will be accompanied by deviled eggs, baked beans, and potato-spinach casserole.  Salads will include Waldorf, 3 bean, and a variety of molded salads.  Assorted homemade breads and homemade pies will be offered as well as cider, milk and coffee. 

Book discussions continue on October 14 with Seize the Day by Saul Bellow.  This is a very short book (compared to Lincoln’s Virtues in September which was long and hard-going) and is available at the Circulation Desk.  The discussion will begin at 7 p.m. in the Klock room

On October 21, Helene Lang will make a presentation on Carousels (or merry-go-rounds) which should entertain almost everyone.  We hope you again will give her a warm welcome.  We will have refreshments, and the program will start at 7 p.m. in the Klock Room.

The next Friends’ meeting will be held on November 11, at 2 p.m. , in the Klock Room.  The October meeting was cancelled due to the heritage dinner so closely following the date for the meeting.  We’ll be making plans for the annual holiday tree lighting, which will be held on Tuesday, December 1, and our second annual chocolate shoppe effort, scheduled for Saturday, December 5.  The year is moving altogether too fast!!  

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.  

Craft Fair-Flea Market
Saturday, October 17th
Tables $20 each.  Contact Robyn at 446-3095.  

Maple Valley Grange Haunted House October 23^rd & 24th. Tours start at 6:30 p.m. $5 per person.

Wallingford Volunteer Fire Dept.

Texas Hold'em Tournament, Friday, October 2^nd starting at 6:45 p.m. at the Fire Houes.  For more information, call Dennis Stocker at 802-353-4651.  

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 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.  

Wallingford Historical Society Program
Join us for a talk by Betty Ann Lockhart on her newest book, Maple Sugarin' in Vermont: A Sweet History, on Tuesday, September 29^th at 7 p.m. upstairs at the Wallingford Town Hall at 75 School Street .  The presentation is free and open to the public. 

Come and Welcome Our New Pastor!!
You are cordially invited to join us on Saturday, October 10^th at 6 p.m. for an evening of music, fellowship, and finger food and to meet our new pastor, Brad Kelsey , at the East Wallingford Baptist Church located near the Intersection of routes 140 and 155 in East Wallingford .  Please call if you have any questions (802) 259-2831.  We hope to see you then!!  

Winter Is Coming.  Button Up Vermont !

Come to a free Home Energy Saving Workshop to learn about:

~The most effective strategies for saving energy

~What you can do yourself and when you need a professional

~Where to find technical and financial resources

--------FREE LIGHT BULB EXCHANGE--------

Bring a 100 watt (or less) regular light bulb to exchange for an energy efficient one for FREE. 

Where:  Wallingford Town Hall, Second Floor
When: October 29^th at 6:45 PM
Contact: Shannon Pytlik 446-6005
Light refreshments will be served!

Produced by Central Vermont Community Action Council.  

AARP Driver Safety Program
Community Education at Rutland Regional is hosting the AARP Driver Safety Program. The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation’s first and largest classroom refresher program designed for drivers 50 and older. Some of the benefits of attending this program include adjusting driving to age-related changes for hearing, vision and reaction time; defensive driving techniques; new laws; auto insurance discount (auto insurance companies in most states offer discounted rates for AARP graduates); and learning how medications may affect your driving.

This class will be offered Saturday, November 14, 8:15am-12:30pm at Rutland Regional in the CVPS/Leahy Community Health Education Center, 160 Allen St. , Rutland . Space is limited, and you must be registered to attend. There is a $12 Member and $14 Non-Member materials fee that is due by Friday, November 6. Checks should be made payable to AARP.

For more information or to register for this class, please call Community Education at Rutland Regional 802.772.2400.

Angel Food Ministries 
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.

You may have heard that they no longer require the purchase of a Signature Box, Allergen Free or Senior Convenience Box to order specials, like the fresh produce box, the chicken or the beef grill boxes, so please take a look at the new Angel Food Ministries offerings at www.rutlandangelfood.com.  Order deadline for next delivery is October 12^th.  A Thanksgiving Holiday Box is also available now for pre-order.

Questions can be directed to Carleen Eaton at (802) 342-2703.  Gift cards are now available for Angel Food!

For Sale
Cub Cadet Tractor (Model 2166) with snowthrower, chains and weights.  Less than 40 hours of use.  Hubby got sick.  $3,000 or B.O.  Call 446-2066.

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