11/08

General Election Day is Tuesday, November 4^th. Polls will be opening at a new time this year – 8 a.m. and closing at 7 p.m. at the Wallingford Town Hall . The last day to register to vote before this election is on Wednesday, October 29^th by 4:30 p.m. at the Wallingford Town Clerk ’s Office. Early voting can be done by any registered voter at the Town Clerk ’s office during normal business hours through November 3rd. Stop by to vote and avoid the long lines on Election Day. Wallingford Elementary School ’s sixth grade will be selling cookies, cakes, etc. that day to raise money for their end of year class trip.

Free Residential Leaf Relief Program
Monday, October 20th through
Saturday, November 15th

Rutland County Solid Waste District will accept leaves and some yard waste free of charge from District residents at the Gleason Road Transfer Station in Rutland. Leaves should be loose or packed in paper bags. Leaves in plastic bags must be emptied and the bags disposed of separately. Tree limbs and brush up to 4 inches in diameter and 8 feet in length is also acceptable.

Seller: Christopher Corsones, Willow Heights , 6.39 acres, Buyer: John & Patricia Shaw, Sales price $130,000; assessed value $76,800.

Seller: Christopher & Michelle Poluikis, 95 Circular Drive , Buyers: Shawn & Lawrie Roundy, Sales price $125,500; assessed value $136,800.

Seller: Frank Bruce, Cook Drive, 4.7 acres, Buyer: Gerald & Rita Reynolds, Sales price: $20,000, assessed value: n/a.

Seller: Albert & Claudia Wheaton, 1355 West Hill Road , Buyer: Leroy & Nancy Webb, Sales price: $420,000; assessed value $519,600.

The Town Clerk ’s office will be closed on Tuesday, November 11^th in observance of Veterans Day and Thanksgiving weekend (November 27th & 28th).

It was reported that someone with a large truck left off 20+ tires outside the gates of the Transfer Station one Sunday in early October. What we charge property owners for tire collection is what we turn around and give to Rutland County Solid Waste District for their disposal. Tire disposal is NOT free. If you witnessed this, please contact the Town Administrator’s office at 446-2902.

A thank you to Lois Johnstone for the beautiful mums in front of the Wallingford Town Hall .

Reminder – No Parking Ban goes into effect November 15^th through March 31^st. No parking allowed on Wallingford roads between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

The Wallingford Recreation Committee is offering an Adult/Teen hour-long Cardio Kickboxing class once a week at the Wallingford Elementary School for six weeks at a cost of $30 per person. The class will be held every Thursday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. starting November 6^th for six weeks (11/6 through 12/18) (exclude Thanksgiving).

According to a study by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), cardio-kickboxing burns an average of 350 to 450 calories per hour.

If you are interested, please contact the Town Administrator by calling 446-2872 or email at townadmin@wallingfordvt.com. Pre-registration and prepayment is required.

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

Selectboard Meetings

The Selectboard chose to purchase winter sand from the lowest bidder, Lawrence White Construction. Ethier Trucking was chosen to haul the winter mix from SLC. Initial winter sand costs should total $26,110 vs. a $30,000 budget.

The Selectboard reviewed bids for resetting the gate posts in cement and having the gates re-hung as they are difficult to close. The road crew will be asked to inspect the gates and report back on whether they can repair them.

A request to lower the speed limit on Hartsboro Road from 35 mph to 25 mph. was denied.

Tom Phillips sought approval for an easement through the Town’s property on Waldo Lane in order to install a utility pole for the transmission of electricity.

The Selectboard reviewed a Notice of Alleged Violation issued by the State of VT Natural Resources Board on the “gravel pit”.

The Selectboard approved the Building Committee’s recommendation to hire Giancola Construction to break out the concrete front steps and haul it away and Concrete Alternatives to install new steps

The Building Committee has begun discussions for the next phase of renovations – the HVAC for upstairs.

C. Angel would like to continue discussion on setting sex offender residency restrictions in Wallingford .

Wallingford Historical Society President Chris tine Bannerman met with the Selectboard to discuss their five-year lease which expires 12/31/08 .

The process will begin for a mass discontinuance of roads by taking the current VTrans map and declaring it as the Town’s Highway Map.

The Selectboard received copies of other towns’ ordinances on protecting children from sex offenders.

The Planning Commission will apply for a Municipal Planning Grant in the amount of $10,000 to cover the expenses associated with updating the Town Plan that expires next year.

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a summons from Melissa and David Whitmore.

The Zoning Regulations were formatted to include changes made in past PC Meetings. Language on “Conditional Use” was further clarified. Ongoing discussion on subdivisions and subdivision review.

The Zoning Permit itself does not provide adequate information from the applicant. It will need to be redesigned. Discussion on Private Roads vs. Public Roads.

Once Zoning Regulations are finalized the Subdivision Regulation will need to reflect these changes.

09/22/08. Present: D. Scranton, P. Upton, T. Chila, C. MacLeod, and K. Blodgett

Tim will print 50 copies of the walking brochure before the next meeting. Carole will disseminate in local businesses around town and will attempt to monitor whether they are actually getting picked up.

The invasive plants walking tour was attended by 10 people including conservation commission members. The group was disappointed by the attendance because the event was very well advertised. There was some discussion about limiting ourselves to three programs per year and partnering with surrounding towns to share hosting responsibilities.

The WCC feels it is important to set a focused direction for the coming year. The group feels it would be helpful to brainstorm potential activities and prioritize and pick one or two significant projects for 2008/2009.

J. Duchesne had questions about the balance of his department’s annual budget.

Upcoming activities for the Fire Department include a Car Wash on 9/13, a Pig Roast on 9/27to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Vermont, on 10/4 at Home Depot, there will be an event in honor of Fire Safety Month, and the Annual Coin-Drop on 10/11 will be held in Wallingford.

J. Bowen reported on the Wallingford Lodge. The new picnic tables will be stained, and over the winter, the focus will be on improvement of the kitchen floor.

C. Rabtoy noted the new office hours were not reflected on the recent bills. This was an oversight which will be corrected before the next quarter’s bills are generated.

Since there have been a number of issues this year concerning people filling their swimming pools without contacting the Fire District office beforehand, instructions will be added to the booklet at year-end under the “Things to Call Our Office About” section. If a sewer abatement is to be granted, one must call the office before filling or topping-off one’s swimming pool. An appointment must be made for two readings of the customer’s water meter. One before the pool filling occurs and a second after the pool is filled. There will be a single service fee of $25.00, covering both trips.

J. Mudge, WFD Safety Officer, reported that the 1986 Forestry truck is out of service. The 1978 Ford pumper is old and tired, needing replacement or extensive overhauling.

B. Minter reported that VOSHA rules and regulations are enforced yearly. Every member must be fit-tested yearly. Reference was made of the Promise Program. A suggestion was that a professional grant writer might be hired to aid in procuring grant monies.

S. Sendra had nothing to report concerning the search for an accountant for the Fire District. This subject will be revisited during the next meeting.

We have not received a quote for the water line work yet. A request from M. Breznick was presented.

The quote for 334 North Main Street has not been submitted. Fire hydrant #3 in Timber Hills will be addressed by M. Breznick in order to determine whether repairs or a replacement are in order.

Chief Duchesne discussed the condition of several fire fighting vehicles. A brief discussion ensued regarding the fire budget.

Chief Duchesne shared information regarding the proposal of the fire truck and the estimated costs/financing and the estimated cost per household/per $100,000 home value. C. Rabtoy reminded the members that a resolution of necessity had been passed by the committee at a previous meeting.

The Committee approved having a “no trespassing order” issued against suspended members who have been also barred from the Fire District property. Despite their situation, they have been reported to have been seen on the property. The Notice of Trespass is against Lynn Wade, Charlie Woods, Jr., and Matt Burnham.

Chief Duchesne gave additional information on the proposed fire truck. The Committee approved working on formulating a notice for a special meeting and the ballot.

The update on the Hepatitis B shots and cost associated with them were discussed. the quotes were from $50-$80 each for the volunteer fire fighters. No action was taken.

The forestry truck was discussed to possibly put it out to bid to see if someone would be interested in buying it.

The Fire Districts portion of the grand list has been received and the figures will be incorporated into the next quarters billing.

Cheryl Maniery reported on the Wallingford Town Recreation Program Summer Camp. There were 24 from town, 10 from Clarendon, 4 from Shrewsbury and 4 from Danby. She reported that the children’s parents were pleased with the program and considered the program a success.

Bill Talbott, Acting Commissioner and CFO of the Vermont Department of Education, has agreed to meet with the School Board and its invitees on 9/23 at WES.

Year end financials were reviewed and Walter discussed the significant variances.

Jason Morse reviewed Requests For Use of Building; Field Trips; Special Events or Programs; and Communication with Parents. A newsletter will be sent home regularly. A Special Ed 1:1 Paraprofessional has been laid off because the student has moved. One teacher will go on maternity leave. Enrollment is at 119 (excluding pre-K). The Security System is installed. Maintenance of the boiler was discussed. The new food service is fairly popular.

Walter Goetz clarified substitute teachers will be paid $65 per day and substitute para-educators will remain at $60.

Chuck P. reported that a handful of resolutions were approved for consideration by the VSBA membership Committee. Chuck W. and Jason appeared on a local radio program and spoke about WES.

Bill Talbott of the VT Dept of Education handed out an outline spoke on the particulars of the formula which determines a VT town’s school tax rate. He also spoke about how Act 82 will have an impact on the voting procedures for school budgets at Town Meeting in 2009.

After Mr. Talbott left, Chuck W. discussed the particulars of Wallingford ’s school tax rate and budget. Ken Fredette shared historical data. Much discussion was had over the meaning and interpretation of these numbers. Members of the Selectboard noted that the school is the biggest expense in the Town and wanted to express their concern that declining enrollment has not meant a declining school budget over the years. Selectboard members also asked that the School Board take into account the economic situation of Wallingford’s citizens when preparing the next budget. The School Board stated that they work to keep the budget of the school down every year. Many factors ranging from fuel costs to building maintenance to unexpected special education needs can impact spending throughout the year. It was also noted that the budget process is a process open to the public and it is discussed openly at school board meetings over a period of many weeks. It was also noted that the final say of approving the school budget belongs in the hands of the voters.

Members of the public expressed various opinions on teacher health insurance costs, the RSSU business office, and opportunities for joining with other towns to educate students at the elementary level.

Carol Geery spoke about the Special Education Collaborative noting the benefits of joining the collaborative. The Board approved participat ion in the Rutland Regional Special Education Collaborative.

Jason Morse, Principal, reviewed his written report. Walter Goetz, Superintendent, discussed minor administrative matters. Chuck W. briefly reviewed Bill Talbott’s meeting with the Town.

Foot and blood pressure clinic will be held on Wed., Nov. 5th at 10:30 a.m. at the Wallingford House.

Join us for a Seniors Trip on Wednesday, November 19th to the Brandon Senior Meal Site and a visit to Kirby's Happy Hoofers, a small, farm producing mohair and raising angora goats. Mittens, socks and yarn are available. The Bus will leave the Wallingford House parking lot at 11 a.m.

We are looking forward to seeing you all at the annual Craft Fair at the Wallingford Elementary School on Saturday, December 6th.

On October 6th, Kathy Upton, Elsie Badamo, and Jay Eddy attended the Rutland-Bennington Council on Aging Summit in Poultney. Each attending group gave a summary of their activities, including ways to raise funds. Our report was incomplete as Peggy Rice, who does the trip program, was unable to attend. However, we relayed some activities including the purchase of an AV projector and the installation of a recycling system at the Wallingford House.

Our November meetings are on the 12^th and 24^th. Dinners are at the Rotary every Monday at 12 noon . Call Linda Weightman at 446-2301.

Bonnie Gainer is holding a Gingerbread House decorating party on Monday, November 10^th at 1:30 p.m. at the Wallingford House. Free and open to the public.

We are looking to increase our group as well as give it a snappy name. We are very open to collaboration with other groups in town. Contact Kathy Upton at 446-2750 [ wallton@vermontel.net ], Jay Eddy at 446-2538 [seddy@vermontel.net], or Elsie Badamo at 259-3130 [ebadamorn@webtv.net].

Pneumonia & Flu Shots
Thursday, October 30th
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
St. Patrick's Church Hall

For those enrolled in Medicare B, just bring your card.
For all others, call RAVNA for this year's rates at 775-0568.

Aahhhh! October and November – autumn-- my favorite time of the year. Color everywhere; nice, crisp days, and as I write this, a slow, first-snow, is falling – and Thanksgiving is coming. Life is good!

I want to begin this issue of Read the News by reminding everyone that November 11 is Veteran’s Day. And there is no better way to salute and remember our Veterans than voting on November 4! Please exercise the right that Veterans fought and died to keep for us. Thank them and remember them ALL by voting!! Thank you veterans for your service to our country!

Life at the Library is good also! Lots of activities happening such as the very successful Friends dinner; felting classes; the book discussions; health and wellness workshops provided by bone builders, Tai Chi, and the Thrive Center; children’s programs provided by Sue and, each Wednesday morning, the Wallingford Day Care staff; and, of course, Whist parties. We are truly a community “center” thanks to all of you!

Books, movies, magazines, and audios, all for sale! And we’ll make you a deal! All the books/materials that will fit into 1 bag can be purchased for only $5!!

Yes, there are some free items such as paperback books and magazines AND new materials, available for sale, are being added EACH DAY. All proceeds go toward Library automation. Many children’s books are for sale!!

Chil Children and the Internet. Besides checking out books, one of the main reasons children and young adults are visiting the Library is to make use of the 3 public computers. I want to take this opportunity to remind parents that the Library staff will NOT monitor any user’s Internet use. This includes web sites visited by children. The child and their custodial or legal parent are responsible for their use of the computer at all times. This is the Gilbert Hart Library ’s policy and the policy followed by the Vermont Department of Libraries. This policy is also in compliance with the requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

Parents who believe that their children cannot responsibly use the Library’s Internet access are requested to monitor their children’s Internet use. The Library’s policy is posted near the computers for all to read. Please stop by and discuss any concerns you might have with me or call me at 446-2685.

The Library will be sponsoring a monthly morning and after-school children’s program beginning on November 13. Sue Carey will lead the children in arts and craft activities, telling stories, reading seasonal stories, and much, much more! The first programs will be held on Thursday, November 13, at 10:30 – 11:30 for preschool children AND 3:15-4:15 for elementary school children. Please come and join the fun!! Call the Library if you have questions.

You also need to stop by and check out the awesome felting display at the Library! Sue Carey is conducting felting classes at the Library on October 22 and October 29, and she graciously agreed to display some of her work during the month of October. There are some great looking owls, sheep, and other items on display. If you are interested in taking the class, please call the Library at 446-2685. Class starts at 7 p.m. and usually ends about 8:30 p.m.

New Arrivals at the library:

Book review: The World is Curved: Hidden Dangers to the Global Economy was written by David M. Smick and, it is said, picks up where Thomas Friedman’s The World is Flat left off. The book takes readers on an insider’s tour through the private offices of central bankers, finance ministers, even prime ministers. Smick reveals how today’s risky environment came to be—and why the mortgage mess is a symptom of potentially far more devastating trouble! He wrestles with the two questions on everyone’s mind: How bad could things really get in today’s volatile economy? And what can we do about it? Good questions! Stop by today and check out the book to find the answers!

Winter hours! We are all dealing with the rising cost of gas, fuel oil, and just about everything else! Well, the Library is no different. To help save money, we will be going to our winter schedule effective Wednesday, November 26, or Thanksgiving Day Eve. This means the Library will be closing each Wednesday at 6 p.m. (currently we are open until 8 p.m. ). The winter hours will continue until mid-March or until the snow slows and the weather gets warmer.

As I write this, we are seeing our first snow flakes of the season. It won’t be a snow storm, by any means, but does remind us of what is coming. It has been a really beautiful Fall, and for that we can all be thankful.

The months of September and October always seem to be very busy, and this year was no exception. To backtrack a little, the back-pack raffle was concluded, and the winner was Maria Garland, who was happy to receive it. Congratulations, Maria!

Our book-discussion series is well-launched and our Ethnic dinner fundraiser was a success. This month’s book discussion will be held on November 12 at 7 p.m. Death in a Tenured Position is the title of this book, and it was written by Amanda Cross. A mystery, Newsday says it is ‘funny, well-plotted, even delicious.” Books are available at the Circulation Desk; sign-out your book and join the discussion in the Klock Room at the Library.

Whist card parties have resumed on Friday nights and will be held on November 7, December 12, and January 9. Dawn Morse is coordinating the events. She may be reached by calling 446-2571. All parties begin at 7 p.m. and are held in the Klock Room at the Library.

The Vermont Humanities is again sponsoring the First Wednesday. Programs will be held in Rutland and Manchester on November 5. The topic in Rutland is Stark Decency: German POWs in a New England Village by Dartmouth professor Allen Koop. New Hampshire had the only prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. Hear how bitter division turned into camaraderie at this camp in Stark, New Hampshire . Venus is Rutland Free Library at 7 p.m.

The Manchester program will be Jefferson and Madison in Vermont by Willard Sterne Randall. Venue is the First Congregational Church, 7 p.m.

On November 12, the Friends will have their next meeting. We will be discussing our “Chocolate Shop” event which will be happening on December 6, the same day as several other organizations in town will be having craft fairs and food sales . We will be offering all things chocolate. If you have a chocolate recipe to suggest, please come to the meeting and see how you can help. Marlene Dawson is coordinating this effort. Our meeting is at 2 p.m. at the Library. Please come!

Our annual tree-lighting and carol sing will be held on Monday, December 1, on the front steps of the Library. Refreshments will follow, with cookies and cocoa to warm us all!

The Board of Trustees, Friends of the Library, and the Library Staff (Sue and I) wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving! We’ll be closing on Wednesday, November 26^th at 6 p.m. for the Thanksgiving Holiday; returning on Tuesday, December 2^nd.

11/13 10:30 a.m. Children’s Story Hour (pre-school)
3:15 p.m. Children’s Program (elementary school)

Linda Reeves , Library Director
Sue Carey, Library Assistant
Telephone/Fax: 446-2685
Library Hours
Sunday & Monday - closed
Tu, Thu, Fri – 10:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Wed – 10:00 – 8:00 p.m.
(effective November 26, 10:00 – 6:00 p.m. )
Sat – 9:00 – noon

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

Saturday, November 15 – Hunter’s Breakfast - 5:30 - 10:00 a.m. - $6.00 per person. Eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, pancakes, french toast, and a beverage.

Suicide Survivors Support Group meeting for those who have lost a loved one or friend through suicide at the Maple Leaf Clinic, 167 North Main Street, Wallingford, 446-3577. November 18th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and the third Tuesday of each month thereafter.

The Chipman Lodge 52 FAM holds meetings the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. The next meeting is November 6th.

CANCELLED The Third Annual Wallingford Holiday Historic House Tour

Elect
STAN WILBUR
State Representative
Shrewsbury , Tinmouth & Wallingford

“Serving in the Vermont House has been a dream of mine for many years. I decided to run this year because I believe my business and engineering background, experience in town government, and involvement in many non-profit organizations will allow me to approach the job from a broad and balanced perspective.

We face many challenges. Concerns about the economy, good jobs, taxes, state and local infrastructure needs, availability and cost of health care, quality and cost of education and safety of our children are common themes I hear from voters. We need to bring Vermonters together to find solutions. Government should be a catalyst for positive change, not a barrier to progress.

These are the perspectives I will bring to the state legislature in Montpelier , and I hope to have your support on November 4.” Stan Wilbur

Paid for by Stan Wilbur for Vermont House of Representatives Committee
Thomas French, Treasurer
Paid Political Advertisement

from: [Arbonne, Chris topher Laughs, Homagerie,
Lia Sophia, Pampered Chef, Party Lite & More!]

Wednesday, November 19th, 2008
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Mason's Hall, Wallingford

Instructor: Phil Smith, Msc, MBA, The Vermont Raw Chef. Participants will Experience: A facilitated program to: Explain the basics of raw vegan cuisine (i.e. what it is and what it is not); The health benefits associated with such preparations and the importance consuming whole foods ~ from a chef who improved his own health status by changing his focus and habits; Demonstrations to allow participants to "taste the flavor" of food prepared in this manner, to see that it goes well beyond fresh fruit and salads; and Ideas around the broad spectrum of what one can do ~ from easy to elegant ~ to "bring one dish with a twist" to your holiday table.

The Wallingford Rotary Pork Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2009 . Mark your calendar.

Come see the Power Team at the Rutland Intermediate School , 63 Library Avenue , Rutland Wednesday, November 12^th through Sunday, November 16^th.

The Power Team is a group of world-class athletes; comprised of former college and professional athletes, military personnel, bodybuilders, powerlifters, and world record holders. As the Original Strength Team, recognized by over 100 government officials for their positive contributions to our nation’s youth, The Power Team’s athletes perform feats of strength for live audiences and have been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CNN, ESPN, MTV, Walker Texas Ranger, Ripley's Believe it or Not, Steve Harvey's BigTime, America's Got Talent, and more. Knowing the impact positive role models can have on

America

’s students, Power Team Members are mandated to be steroid-free; being randomly drug-tested by an independent agency according to stringent Olympic standards.

By now many of you know a little about me either through my recent mailings or personal encounters. If you have questions, ask a neighbor who knows me. I believe they will characterize me as fair-minded and hardworking. The difficult financial situation we face makes it especially important for common sense decisions about State spending. I promise to be a thoughtful steward of our hard earned tax dollars. I'm ready to serve you to keep Vermont a place of pride and prosperity. I'm asking for your vote on Nov. 4th.

Could your business advertisement be working for you in this space? Support the Wallingford Newsletter with a 12-month ad. Rates are $50 for a business card size ad and $75 for a double ad. For more information, call the Town Clerk 's Office at 446-2336.

It is unlawful to plow snow across a town highway or street in a way that leaves snow in the roadway. Violation of this law may result in a $100.00 fine plus the actual costs of repairing any damage resulting from such obstruction of the highway. (Title 19 V.S.A. 1105)

It is unlawful to cause water or ice to run onto a town highway or street in such a way that it causes damage to the highway or street, obstructs traffic, or creates unsafe conditions. (Title 19 V.S.A. 1111)

The Town of Wallingford is not responsible for vegetation, structures, fences, or mailboxes within town highway rights-of-way damaged during snowplowing. (Title 19 V.S.A. 904, 1111)

Vermont’s Youth Deer Hunting Weekend
is November 8 and 9

This special weekend is set aside for our next generation of hunters to learn from adults how to hunt safely and responsibly and enjoy great hunting opportunities.

Young resident hunters who qualify can obtain a free youth deer hunting tag application from the Wallingford Town Clerk’s office. A qualifying hunter is anyone 15 years of age or younger who has successfully completed a hunter education course and who has at least one parent or guardian who is a legal resident of Vermont. The hunter safety course certificate must be shown when the application is presented to the license agent. The parent or guardian must sign the application.

The young hunter must also have a valid Vermont hunting license and be accompanied while hunting by an adult over 18 years of age who holds a valid Vermont hunting license. The adult may not carry a gun or bow. A youth hunting license costs $8.00. The adult may take up to two young hunters out at a time.

Landowner permission is mandatory on private land before hunting with a Youth Deer Hunting Tag. The tag is good for one deer of either sex anywhere in the state.

Selectboard Meetings

New Arrivals at the library:

Vermont’s Youth Deer Hunting Weekend is November 8 and 9

Vermont’s Youth Deer Hunting Weekend
is November 8 and 9