10/10

Wallingford News October 2010

Editor’s Note: Please send news, ads, and items of interest by 10/22 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. 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 the 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.

Wallingford Property Taxes are due on October 20, 2010 by 4:30 p.m. Post-marked dates will not be accepted.

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

Weekly Kickboxing Class
If you have any interest in attending a weekly evening kickboxing class in Wallingford led by Lisa Marchinkoski, call 446-2872 or send an email to townadmin@wallingfordvt.com.

Zoning Permits Issued
Michael & Paula Burns, 596 Maranville Road, 2-lot subdivision.

Property Transfers
Seller: Erin Piotrowski, Buyer: Ashley Howard, 1929 Route 140W, Sales price $129,000, Assessed value $128,400.

Sellers: Peter & Georgiann Gongora, Buyer: Timothy O’Brien, 339 Fieldstone Way, Sales price $300,000, Assessed value $346,800.

Seller: Estate of Farwell Perry, Buyers: Kevin & Linda Brown, 55 Hateful Hill Road (55 acres); Sales price: $165,000, Assessed value: n/a.

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.}

Selectboard

Mrs. Dawson’s letter promising to clear up the River Street property in a timely manner was found acceptable by her neighbors.

E. Tofferi, Acting Commissioner of Taxes, set Wallingford 's Homestead School Tax Rate at $1.3505 (up .0989¢ from $1.2516 in 2009) and the Non-Residential School Tax Rate at $1.3177 (up .0135¢ from $1.3042 in 2009). J. Barbieri reported a grand list of $2,347,484,000, compared to last year of $2,344,137,000. The town budget of $489,802.39 equates to a town tax rate of .2086¢, down from last year of .2228¢. The Fire District Tax for 1 and 3 will be .0612¢, down from .0934¢ last year. The Local Agreement Tax Rate dropped from .0043¢ to .003249¢.

Attorney Gary Kupferer forwarded a letter from WFD #1 Attorney J. Welch, who had questions on behalf of the Prudential Committee about the petition that was signed by the legal voters of WFD #1. Since the petition came from the voters, the Selectboard has no response. The proposed merger is up to the WFD #1 voters to pursue further with the Prudential Committee.

At the recommendation of the Planning Commission, the Selectboard hired Peter Hathaway as Zoning Administrator.

In response to an offer made by Tom & Kim Phillips to sell their property at 90 Waldo Lane to the Town for $120,000 plus taxes paid, the Board approved offering the Phillips $30,000, subject to voter approval.

The Board gave approval to the Wallingford Fire Dept. to hold a coin drop on October 9^th, soliciting in only one location on Route 7.

REDC Executive Director Jamie Stewart introduced himself and spoke on the services offered by REDC.

The Selectboard met with the Millards, McMahons and Mr. Schmitt to discuss the new gating of Doty Trail, which runs between West Hill Road and Tifft Road. Although it appears as a Class IV highway on the VTrans map, the town’s highway records show that Doty Road was discontinued by the Selectboard in 1884. Since, the road may not have been thrown up correctly, further research is required.

J. Barbieri’s calculation for the Local Agreement Tax Rate should have been .0041¢. The Board approved this amendment.

The Board signed an agreement for a one-year license with the State for use of a software program.

Wallingford’s request to restudy Roaring Brook and Otter Creek has been added to FEMA’s list through their Coordinated Needs Management Strategy.

At the recommendation of the RDC and CC members at their 8/19 joint meeting, the Selectboard approved of dissolving the RDC and appointing Josh Gilman and Jill Burkett to the CC. J. Gilman discussed the work at the pit that still remains.

The Selectboard chose the lowest bidder, Fuller Sand & Gravel, to pave a portion of Route 140W and all of Pembroke Lane.

The town plan revisions to date were reviewed. All members presented suggested revisions. Revision procedure and review process were discussed.

Ed suggested that the 10 “points” for Town Plan requirement be utilized as a guide during development. Ed will draw map of transportation issues/sites. J. West wants to make sure the only red light in town stays. Ed states that the town plan is an overview and that details go into the zoning regulations.

A permit from the State allowing dredging for a canoe avenue on one of the ponds (NOA #2010-085) was reviewed.

Members each offered suggestions on Job duties to the new Zoning Administrator – Peter Hathaway.

Prudential Committee

James Austin informed the board that he has been offered a full-time position for more pay and benefits and will be leaving as sewer plant operator as soon as we have a replacement.

The Lodge Checklist was again tabled until our next meeting as Dennis did not have it completed as yet.

Dennis commented that there was no new information from their attorney about the merger.

The board discussed the sewer plant operator position as James Austin is leaving. They agreed to offer it to Jesse Vaughan as he was the other gentleman that was interviewed. and it was a very close decision in the first place. Alicia will call him to offer the position.

Dennis was absent so we did not get the draft of the checklist for Jim for each rental at the lodge. The board decided this can be tabled as the season is nearly over.

The new sewer plant operator is Jesse Vaughan, and he is working at learning the ropes from Dale.

The dry hydrant at the Weeks’ pond is broken and needs to be dug up so that it can be fixed. The board asked Maureen to see how soon this can be done to get it working again.

08/19/10. Present: For RDC: C. Macleod, J. Gilman, S. Pytlik, R. Nimtz, and D. Scranton. For CC: C. Macleod, R. Nimtz, S. Pytlik, and J. Burkett

There was discussion about combining the CC and RDC into one. All present approved combination of the two committees. Ralph requested that another co-chair be appointed to fill Tim’s vacancy. Carol Macleod was elected co-chair

Josh, Greg Macleod and Ralph will meet at the beach on 8/26 to remove portions of fallen logs that are blocking new trails. Shannon will order rain garden signs. Carol will call Michael Smith at Pine Hill Park to find out where they purchased the colored triangles that mark their trails and the holders for tree identification. Shannon will take care of tree identification and lamination of signs. Ralph, Steve Pytlik and Greg Macleod will construct two kiosks to be placed at Beach and Stone Meadow parking area. Shannon will map the trails. Until plans are solidified for the reclamation of the “slope” in Stone Meadow, Josh suggested that we hold off on further construction of the pathway from the parking lot to the beach. Town road crew has been asked to help in placing surpac on the pathway from the basketball courts to the parking lot at Stone Meadow. Carol will purchase weed filter fabric to place under the surpac.

The Grant for the Rain Garden and trails has approximately $2,500 remaining. Shannon will determine if we can use the funds for some of the projects above. There is $279 available for lumber at Nail It Down and the Conservation Commission has $500 in its budget for 2011. Josh will ask Selectboard about the $5,000 one-time budget item passed specifically for improvements at Stone Meadow at the 2004 Town Meeting.

The CC requests that the Selectboard appoint Josh Gilman and Jill Burkett to the Conservation Commission.

Bert started converting town building energy use data. The school is still missing as is the Fire Department (heating portion). Tim will seek Selectboard approval to give free energy audit to the school.

Tim followed up with Ken Fredette on downsizing of school buses, and Ken said the Board has run the numbers numerous times and the large busses are the most efficient.

We have Rutland Regional and Thetford energy plans. WEC will divide this report into sections and each member will contribute a section.

Two individuals receiving energy assessments followed –up requesting energy audits. Tim will relay these results to RRPC, and we should get $100 for this.

Joyce will produce list of mobile homes in town and contact each owner to get appropriate energy saving products/materials to them.

WECAN conference coming up in December at The Lake Morey Inn and Tim plans to attend. Tim will be working up north, and Ken will chair in the interim.

Wallingford Elementary School

Due to a lack of quorum, official business could not be conducted. Chairman Watts held the meeting as a forum for public input.

Preschool options were discussed. The Board reaffirmed the board's desire to have and support preschool. It was noted that in order for a preschool program to enter into a collaborative with WES, it had to be licensed by the state. Jason noted that the school was still waiting to receive notice on licensure. Representatives of Kids Cove stated that they had not received licensure, nor did they have a building ready for preschool, but they were preparing to hire certified teacher. They inquired about using space in the school. A discussion was had on 3rd party program in the school. A representative of the Peanut Gallery noted that they had a preschool, but was unsure of their license status. Jason noted he will hold a meeting on the preschool issue and invite the town on August 23rd.

Glendenning did not recommend digging up the sidewalk. They recommended putting sealer on it.

Dana Cole-Levesque noted that state law requires merging all district negotiations into one unit where feasible. He noted that he is encouraging the district's boards to be open to a process that utilizes a single council.

Stan Pawlaczyk shared year end financials for the school year 09-10 showing a surplus of $39,941. Stan noted that the audit of the year will start soon.

Jason Morse reported on the new in-ground tank that collects rain water, causing the water to rise above the filler, and potentially get in fuel. D&M Petroleum, who installed the tank, said the area around the filler needs to be built up, by jack hammering the cement and raising it up and will provide a quote. Cleaning and building maintenance is on schedule. Window shades need to be replaced soon and roof repaired.

Preschool informational meeting at WES on 8/23. School-wide meeting on 8/27. Annual ice cream social on 8/24. Parent meeting to discuss goals for the year and answer any questions on 8/25.

Compressor replacement – the final cost came in $2400 higher than the estimate. Gary is working on this. Received $4,300 for sidewalk insurance claim.

Jason noted that a one-on-one assistant was required for a student and recommended Karen Yarger, which the Board approved.

Dana Cole-Levesque reported VTel has announced the awarding of a $12.2 million NTIA grant to expand VTel’s educational fiber network. VTel envisions a ‘hub’ at Mill River connected via fiber to a number of schools near VTel’s plant. The potential significant enhancement to current infrastructure that this opportunity presents is exciting as we look to a variety of virtual learning opportunities that are now available through on-line providers including the Virtual Learning Collaborative, APEX, and Virtual High School. More information will be coming.

With Congress’ passage of Acts 146/153, the bill providing additional funding to the states, in part designed to avert large-scale teacher reductions, Commissioner Vilaseca may be modifying the recommendations for SU spending targets for FY12. Mr. Cole-Levesque recommended proceeding early with budget preparations; continuing to look at cost savings through collaboration with adjoining districts; and developing budgets that meet the needs of all students, but that are also sensitive to current fiscal realities. We need to continue to assess all opportunities to “right size” our classrooms in all schools in the SU.

He met with the superintendents from Rutland-Windsor and Windsor Southwest SUs to continue the conversation about collaboration with adjoining districts. The only viable collaborative opportunity for RSSU was the possibility of including Mt. Holly Elementary in the Elementary Choice Transfer program that currently exists in RSSU.

Board members were invited to join the faculty and staffs of RSSU for a continental breakfast on the first day of in-service on 8/23 at MRU for breakfast and presentations with the student body and teachers.

RSSU’s new teacher orientation is scheduled for 8/20. There are 7 new certified staff (counting Andy and me) from throughout the SU who have been invited to attend.

Mr. Cole-Levesque will be posting comments on the RSSU blog, accessible through the web site.

Reported that the Challenges for Change request a $226,000 reduction in SU spending. $35-37,000 cuts are recommended for WES.

Jason noted that the school was certified by the state to hold pre-school, but does not have staff. He stated that Kids Cove had a pre-school certified teacher, but not an approved facility. Jason noted three options: Open and operate a pre-school in the school; open a pre-school in the school but operated by 3^rd party through a collaborative agreement with a qualified program, or not open a pre-school in the school and enter in collaborative agreements with qualified programs. Wallingford parents can take their children anywhere for pre-school and noted the Peanut Gallery’s offer for a free pre-school program. If the town is to pay for the pre-school through a collaborative agreement, then the pre-school must be a state-approved program, but there are no state-approved programs in Wallingford. Kids Cove was encouraged to work with WES to achieve a fully licensed program in the school.

The board heard a request to enter a student into the Kindergarten class, whose birthday is very close to the cut-off date. C. Maniery provided information about developmental readiness assessments for kindergarten attendance. The Board approved admission of the student to kindergarten dependent upon a recommendation of the teaching staff and administration.

Chuck P. noted that he would resign his position as he is moving out of the district. Chuck W. noted that a negotiation council had been established in the SU and that it decided to pursue the contract negotiations separately for the high school and the elementary schools.

“Wallingford Seniors Happenings”
Foot and blood pressure clinic on Wednesday, October 6^th at 10:30 a.m. at the Wallingford House.

Our October trip will be on Friday, October 15^th. The bus will leave the Wallingford House at 10 a.m. for Aldi’s in Bennington. Lunch (on your own) and shopping in the nearby area. Sign up sheet is at the Wallingford House or call Gwen White at 446-3875.

We’ve changed our meeting dates to the 4^th Wednesday of each month. Our next Planning meeting will be Wednesday, October 27th at 11 a.m. at the Town Hall. We hope to see some new faces and we could use your input.

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.

The Gilbert Hart Library
The Gilbert Hart Library in Wallingford is looking for a friendly, people-oriented person to be its librarian. The work is 30 hours a week and requires some computer knowledge and a desire to work with patrons, volunteers and the community at-large. Previous library or library-related experience is a plus, but not required. Please send a resume to PO Box 69, Wallingford, VT 05773 or email to gilberthartlibrary@yahoo.com before October 8.

The Library has been wonderfully busy this summer. We see that readership is up and folks are enthusiastically borrowing from all areas of the library.

We thank the many volunteers who have made keeping the library open a top priority!!! What would we do without you? Many people from town have commented on the volunteer library, it seems they think it's great. Both Carol Pratt and Priscilla Auer have fallen this summer. Carol is almost healed and will be starting back to volunteer very soon. Priscilla is also on the mend and we wish them a quick and full recovery.

As listed above, we are, beginning our search for a new librarian. If you would like to apply or know someone who would like to work for the library, please talk to volunteers at the library and leave your name and contact information at our desk. We are looking for a friendly person who enjoys reading. We will train and there will be support staff to help.

More good news.... the fuel costs at the library have gone down by more than 30% over the summer. We have compared degree days and even though it was warmer this summer, we still used much less energy. We have been looking at even more ways to conserve our precious dollars. Many ideas are on the table and it will be great to implement as many as possible.

Thanks for your support of the library. We have a great resource in our small town!!!

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

Hart Lines By the Friends of Gilbert Hart Library
I do so much love summer. I hate to see it slipping away so soon! There are some wonderful days to come, however, as well as the gorgeous color.

The Friends are at work, finding activities for this community of ours, and always ready for any of you to join us in that effort.

In keeping with the whist parties, which occur every two weeks, our first one in October is on Friday, the 1^st at 7:00 p.m. October 15 there will be another one, but not one on Oct 29^th, probably because of Halloween doings. Carol Pratt is still in charge at 446-2843.

In October also is our annual fund-raising dinner at the Rotary Building. This year our proceeds will go toward reducing the debt the Library has somehow amassed. Having adopted a more austere program, with volunteers and curtailment of expenses, we are determined to get ourselves on a more practical footing. So the dinner will be on October 16^th from 5 to 7 p.m. and it will be a Mexican menu this year. We will have quesadillas, burritos (meat and vegetarian) and chili, also vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Green salad, guacamole, corn bread, salsa and chips will go with this, as well as limeade and coffee, with pie for dessert. All of this at a cost of $10 for adults, and $5 for children, 10 yrs. and under. Sounds like great food for Fall weather! Hope to see you!

October is also the month for “teacher’s convention” which occurs some where around the 20^th – 23^rd. So, taking advantage of the fact that children will be out of school, the Library is offering a program on Friday, October 22^nd on the “Wonderful World of Bats” presented by Jerry Schneider. This will be from 10:30 to 11:30 in the Klock Room. Generally recommended for children K thru 6, it is free and will include slides and t-shirt art. We hope you’ll come and learn about these mysterious nocturnal animals in our midst.

We are looking to restoring the morning story hour for our nursery school and day care tots. Who would like to volunteer? Let us know by calling or speaking to someone at the Library (446-2685).

There are two books for which we’d like to lead a discussion. Would you volunteer? The Vermont Reads book for 2010, The Day of the Pelican by Katherine Paterson is one; the second is The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver. Again, we need a volunteer to do this. Please help the cause of good reading and healthy interchange of ideas. If you offer, readers will come!

Other projects by the Friends: new railing on steps to sidewalk, and protection for our stained glass windows (and energy conservation).

As ever, we invite you to get involved in our Library. The Friends meet on the 2^nd Wednesday of each month from 2:00 p.m. to about 3:30. We will soon be making plans for our Christmas events (can you believe it?)

P.S. I almost forgot to remind you of First Wednesdays, which are programs by the Vermont Humanities Council put on locally for those in the Rutland area. They are at the Rutland Free Library at 7:00 on the first Wednesday of each month, October 6^th, “The Unseen Alistair Cooke” is the topic this time, as presented by his daughter, Susan Cooke Kittredge.

In Manchester at the First Congregational Church, 7:00 p.m. you can hear David Sanger’s assessment of Obama’s Promise of “Engagement” around the globe.

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.

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.

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.

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, October 5th from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Stop by. Local pick up can be arranged.

Wallingford Congregational Church Food Shelf
The Wallingford Congregational Church houses an Emergency Community Food Shelf. Supplies will be given by appointment only. Contact Cindy Daubenspeck at 446-2412.

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

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

I would like to add a thank you to Diane Cooney for all her work on this annual program. The program requires a lot of organization and time on her part. This has been a wonderful addition to our summer program series.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say that we are in need of some new board members and also a treasurer. There are a lot of programs and activities the Historical Society could do, but they all require organization and help. If you have the time and are interested in keeping the history of Wallingford alive and well, please contact me at 446-3560 or any other board member.

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 away 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.

It turned out to be a beautiful day for our 4th Wallingford Arts Show sponsored by the Wallingford Historical Society. Thanks to everyone who participated at the Boy’s Camp on Elfin Lake in August. The show featured photos, quilts, rugs, jewelry, and pottery, to name a few.

We have many people to thank for their efforts and participation. Thank you to Chris Bannerman, Marlene Dawson, Jay Eddy, and Joyce Barbieri for their help with setting up and refreshments.

Thanks to the exhibitors who had some truly fabulous things for all to see: Lisa McClafferty (children’s books), Susan Cobleigh (quilts), Jay Eddy (letters), Lowell Klock (photography), Sue Carol Schmitt (jewelry), Cathy Doty (crazy quilts), Sumio and Kate from Hartsboro Pottery (pottery), Susan Carey (felt animals), Louise Seward (postcards), Bill Baker (miniatures), Elsie Badamo (bird pictures) Mary Holden (knit items), Sandy Marquis (needlework), Ann Lattuca (quilts), Rita Brooks (folk art), Carl Buffum (pottery), Lois Johnstone (braided rug), Sue Jern (hooked rugs), Nancy Neyerlin (paintings), Noreen Booska (cookie jars), Shirley Graves (Christmas crafts and crocheted items), and Marlene Dawson’s friend, Lena Drzewiczewski (dolls).

A special thanks goes to the Wallingford Fire District for the use of the building.

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.

Little Red Schoolhouse News
What a fantastic start to fall we've had! Work and improvements have continued at The Little Red Schoolhouse with the demolition and removal of the old shed behind the building. The shed had originally been a farm stand on route 7 many years ago and had fallen into a serious state of disrepair. A handful of treasures were found among its remnants, but sadly mostly items that had soiled and needed to be tossed. Our playground equipment has been cleaned up and repaired complete with a sandbox! Slowly, we are making progress.

At our Open House on September 12th we welcomed Ellie Frederick to recognize the dedication of the LRS space to Chuck Rist for his long time support and maintenance of the building. Ellie had lovely stories to share of the history and events at LRS and we look forward to hearing more from her.

The Cooperative Preschool Age Program is off and running! It is so exciting to hear the laughter and voices of little people in our treasured space and to build new friendships!

The first annual Fantastic Fall Fairy Festival was lovely! Some new & old faces running around in face paint, children working together to build natural creations and in general families just playing and having a good time. We hope you will join us next year, as our event will slowly continue to grow. Pictures will be posted soon to our website!

Planning is under way for the Halloween party Saturday, October 16th. This will be a family event complete with dancing, costume contest, games, a wagon ride and yummy treats! We are welcoming community involvement and support in the planning of this event. If you would like to contribute in some way call 259-7817.

Have you bought your pizza yet? Our Little Caeser Pizza & Cookie Dough Fundraiser is well under way, but we need to sell 100 items! Can you help us do this? Stop by one of our programs, ask a board member or at the town hall to check out all the yummy options available! You have until October 4th, but don't wait until the last minute!

New programs have been added since our brochure began circulating including the return of ZUMBA! Be sure to visit our website for details of programs, program additions and other helpful information! If you sign up for our email you will be notified of upcoming events and updates.

The goal of operating as a community center is becoming a reality as program offerings build and the community rallies behind us in support and participation in our activities! Many thanks to you all for your continued support and all the lovely donations! Be sure to pop your head in and say "hi" or join us for one of our programs and bring a friend! See you at Little Red!

ZUMBA IS BACK! Thursdays from 6:00-7:00 pm October 7-November 18. At LRS. Please wear comfortable clothing and sneakers. Jessie Lucas is a fitness trainer at Vermont Sport & Fitness. She has extensive experience instructing Zumba and Yoga.

Sew With Me: October 4 5:30-7:30. Grab Mom, Dad, Grandma or an adult friend and come learn to sew! Join us in making a tote bag. See our website for materials list if you would like to bring something specific, if not just show up, we'll have assorted material there for you to use!

Halloween Party: 10/16/10 6:30-8:30 at LRS. Family Friendly! Join us for dancing, carnival games, treats and more spooky surprises! Costume contest too! Check our website for more details!

Community Playgroup: Every Wednesday from 9:30-11:30. Come let the kids play and enjoy some adult company! Pack a snack! At LRS.

Knitting/Yarn Group: 1st Thursday of every month, 7:00 pm (October 7). Bring your yarn, supplies, a project to start, or one you’re working on! Want to learn to knit or crochet? We can help with that too! (This was originally at 6:30 but has been moved to 7:00 pm to allow for the Zumba class)

Asperger’s/Autism Parent Support Group: 4 Tuesday: 7:15-8:30. Open to any families wanting to gather and discuss issues relating to Asperger’s, high-functioning Autism or NLD.

Beaded Flower Pin: Join Bonnie Sue Smith from Sew Bead It in Pawlet in creating a lovely gift idea for mom, grandma, aunt, sister, friend or yourself! Ages 8 & up independently. Age 7 and under welcome with adult accompaniment 12/6/10 3:30-5:00 at LRS.

WISH LIST FALL 2010
Please think of LRS when you purchase BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES! Or as you pack up any garage sale remainders!

Crayons; Colored Pencils; Washable Markers
Watercolor paint sets; Paint Brushes; Tempera Paint
Glue sticks/bottles
Outdoor toys, frisbee, balls, jump ropes, hula hoops
Gently used board games; Puzzles for older kiddos
Baby dolls and clothes
Easel paper
Kids music cd’s; DVD player
Adult sized folding card table
Hand towels
Snow shovel
Picnic table
Legos
Sewing Machine
Yarn/Knitting needles/crochet needles
Juice boxes/water bottles/cans of soda

Home Heating Assistance for Seniors
Qualifying for Vermont Home Heating Assistance has become easier. The gross income limit for everyone, regardless of age, is $1,671 for a household of one, and $2,248 for a household of two. Unlike past years, there is now no limit on one’s resources, or savings. However, interest and dividends on any resources or savings are considered part of the gross income. To get the maximum amount of heating assistance for which you might qualify, you must apply before November 30. February 28 is the last date to apply.

If you are a Senior (age 60+), the Senior HelpLine is ready to assist you with information and applications related to Vermont Home Heating Assistance. Call the Senior HelpLine at 802-786-5991 or 1-800-642-5119. www.svcoa.org; seniorhelpline@svcoa.org

Friends and Neighbors,
As I am seeking re-election as your Representative, I’d like to share a little of how the first two years went, and my hopes and intentions for the future.

There is definitely a learning curve in any new job and the Legislature is no exception. I worked extremely hard to understand the policy issues we considered. I was always on time in committee meetings, paid close attention to the testimony and read reams and reams of information. My votes were always thoughtful and based on what I truly believed to be in the best interests of my constituents. There will always disagreements about any vote, and one of the lessons for me was that many other opinions are as valid as mine. This enables you to make compromises in good faith. I am sure that I made some mistakes along the way. With so many bills being considered simultaneously, it is almost impossible to keep up on all of them. You have to rely on people you trust to keep abreast of some issues.

Considering everything, I am proud of my work and of the work of the Legislature in general. Faced with record revenue holes, we managed to balance the budget while lowering the Marginal Tax rate and keeping the Education Property Tax rate from going up. This was not easy – it required many cuts to programs and services that are important and essential to Vermonters. I believe that we were fiscally responsible without crippling essential services.

If re-elected I promise to continue my pledge to work hard and honestly to better our lives. I have the energy and experience to more effectively represent you and I am anxious and eager to do so. I believe in government. I believe in the Social Contract where citizens pay taxes and their government provides services. Services that, because of their scope and size (highways, schools, defense – to name just a few), can only be performed by government. It’s easy to say “no”. It’s much harder to work hard to figure out what will benefit us all and say “yes”. If you honor me with another term, I promise to continue to work hard to improve our lives. Eldred French

Mount Holly Bus Driver Needed
Mount Holly School is seeking part-time bus driver (Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.). Competitive wage. School board will pay for bus driver licensing for candidates without a bus endorsement. Contact Craig for more information at 802-259-2392.

Upcoming Election Information
Don’t forget that General Election Day is Tuesday, November 2^nd. Polling hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voting takes place on the second floor of the Wallingford Town Hall at 75 School Street . The last day to register to vote is Wednesday, October 27^th.

PLEASE NOTE: if you have registered to vote through any outside source, such as the DMV, voter registration drive or other means, be sure to check with our office to be certain that your application was received by us!

First Congregational Church of Wallingford
We would like to take this opportunity to say farewell to the Wallingford community as we move on to our next assignment for our Lord Jesus Christ. It has been an honor to serve you and get to know some of you. We pray God's richest blessings on you and yours, Pastor Jim and Robin Milner

Rutland-3 residents (Wallingford, Tinmouth & Shrewsbury), we all have a stake in Vermont working more efficiently. Higher property taxes, utility rates, unemployment taxes, payroll taxes, income taxes, and loss of good jobs seem to be a bane on our state's economy. However, we can have an effect on all of these things. In talking to so many of you, I know the concerns that we all have. We cannot continue to spend money we just don't have. Deficits can only go on for so long before coming due. I wish I could talk to every one of you in person - but unfortunately I, like yourselves, work at an occupation that affords little time to go door to door. I assure you that should I be elected I will adjust my work schedule to be there for your interests in Montpelier. I also will be available to you whenever you need me. I'm in the phone book, and I hope you will avail the opportunity to contact me with your ideas and concerns as I will represent YOU directly. Thank you for your consideration / Nelson Tift

Selectboard

Prudential Committee

Wallingford Elementary School

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

Upcoming Election Information Don’t forget that General Election Day is Tuesday, November 2nd. Polling hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voting takes place on the second floor of the Wallingford Town Hall at 75 School Street . The last day to register to vote is Wednesday, October 27th.

Upcoming Election Information
Don’t forget that General Election Day is Tuesday, November 2^nd. Polling hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voting takes place on the second floor of the Wallingford Town Hall at 75 School Street . The last day to register to vote is Wednesday, October 27^th.