11/11

Please send news, ads, and items of interest to the Town Clerk by November 18^th to townclerk@wallingfordvt.com .Support the Wallingford Newsletter with an ad. 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.

Attention Wallingford Property Owners
If your property value was impacted by Tropical Storm Irene flooding‚ you need to request in writing by November 15‚ 2011 that your property be reassessed. (You are still liable to make your October 17th property tax payment.)

Public Hearing – New Town Plan!
The Wallingford Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday November 14th at 7:00 p.m. at the Wallingford Town Hall to receive comment on the proposed Town Plan. A written copy is available for public review at the Town Clerk's Office during regular office hours on at www.wallingfordvt.com.

Volunteer Positions that are currently available: Development Review Board, Planning Commission, Recreation Committee, and Emergency Management Coordinator. Send letter of interest to the Wallingford Selectboard at 75 School Street, Wallingford, VT 05773 . Position descriptions can be viewed at www.wallingfordvt.com under Help Wanted.

VTel is offering up to three months of free basic telephone and Internet service to any current customer impacted by Hurricane Irene. They also have some other offers. Call 1-800-279-4049 for details.

Efficiency Vermont is offering free air sealing and moisture assessments and incentives for new heating systems for a limited time. Call 1-888-921-5990 for an appointment or go to www.efficiencyvermont.com/irene for additional information.

Thank you to those who made financial donations that were passed on to the flood victims. Check the Town Hall's bulletin board for postings of free furniture.

If you have any yarn you don’t need, please bring it by the Town Office to Joyce.

Free Residential Yard Waste Disposal Program
The district is accepting leaves and some yard waste free of charge from residents at the Gleason Road Transfer Station in Rutland until Saturday, November 5^th between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Leaves should be loose or packed in paper bags. Tree limbs and brush up to 4 inches in diameter and 8 feet in length is also acceptable. For more information, contact Rutland Co. Solid Waste District at 775-7209.

Winter Parking
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 Town is not responsible for the sidewalks. Questions or concerns should be directed to the Wallingford Fire District #1 Office at 446-2964.

The Highway Department requests that if you see a problem on a town road, i.e. a sink hole, a tree down, etc., please call the Garage at 446-2472. Don’t assume that someone has already called in to report it. You can leave a message if no one answers, and you don’t have to leave your name.

Seller: Dawn White, 36 Mooney Road, Buyer: Jennifer Hoult, Purchase price: $217,500, Assessed value: $170,000.

Seller: Clement Abatiell et al, Mears Meadow Trail, (50 acres), Buyer: Dean & Tammie McGee, Purchase price: $60,000, Assessed value: subdivision.

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

Selectboard

The Selectboard read a letter from Gary & Pat Jaquith that outlined their concerns and requests in response to Dr. Milani’s report on the Baker/Quigley dog training. F. Bruce and a second Selectboard member will inspect the fencing before any action is taken on this issue.

The Selectboard agreed to have Julie draft a proposed paragraph to add to the animal ordinance regarding dog waste.

Camp owner Eric Vernon reported on the damage sustained to Mitchell Road (a legal trail) during the flood, which is now impassable. He has obtained several promises of financial assistance‚ i.e. material‚ grant funding‚ equipment to repair the road and asked for the Town’s assistance. FEMA confirmed that only culverts and bridges on Class 4 roads are covered.

At Lister Dave Ballou’s request, the Selectboard will direct Vermont Municipal Assessor to reappraise those properties that were damaged during the hurricane if the property owner requests abatement. A notice will be published in the Rutland Herald, etc.

The Selectboard had a tie vote when reconsidering the fire department’s request for a coin drop.

VLCT denied an insurance claim to Martin and Amy Grover for the tree that fell from the riverstream along the Veteran’s Park on to their barn during the hurricane. The Town will pursue removing the tree ASAP.

Ms. Burkett volunteered to help the Merchants Association with the flags along Route 7 next year.

The Selectboard denied a request for the return of a portion of transfer station fees paid by a resident.

No bids were received for the patching of several streets; therefore, the road crew will rent a compactor to get these projects done before snowfall.

The contract was approved NBF Architects to provide a cost benefit analysis on the Town Garage.

The Selectboard reviewed DuBois & King’s assessment of the retaining walls adjacent to Bridge 82 next to the Veteran’s Park on South Main Street. This report will be given to the FEMA rep this week.

The Selectboard accepted the requirements done by Quigley/Baker regarding the dog bite.

Prudential Committee

Maureen reported that the new tractor and snow blower arrived at the dealer but will be delivered in mid October to allow us to get things cleaned up from the flood.

Alicia reviewed the savings for refinancing the water bond which the Board approved.

Maureen went over the progress that has been made at the sewer plant from the flood.

Maureen asked what the committee wanted to do this year about snow plowing. The Board agreed to go out to bid. The deadline is 10/24.

Maureen asked the board to enter executive session to discuss a personnel issue. The Board did so; however, no action was taken. Scott is going to have a talk with both of the employees on behalf of the board.

Maureen reported that the application to refinance was complete and would be sent off to the bank. This will help lower the water bond payments.

The Board entered executive session to discuss a personnel issue. No action was taken.

10/04/11. Present: K. Welch, C. Dinnan, J. White, R. Nimtz, B. Jones, and J. Barbieri

CVPS reps Rick and Todd conducted a “smart grid” presentation that was very informative. There was a good question and answer period where much information was shared.

The Board reviewed our past accomplishments and plan for the future energy challenge project.

There will be a button up workshop at the Town Hall on October 20 at 6:30 p.m. Surrounding town residents will be invited.

09/26/11. Present: S. Pytlik, C. Macleod, A. Tiplady, R. Nimtz, M. Pramuk, J. Gilman, J. Bliss, and D. Scranton

The Boardwalk plan and schedule was reviewed. We have a grant to clean out trash near bog.

We have a grant for additional signage. Will need handicap accessible signage, educational signage for the bog (half the size of the rain garden signage), smaller identification signage for say pitcher plants or explanation of glacial geography, informational signage like why the trench was built.

Help your community – Help yourself

Volunteers to Work at Stone Meadow Recreation Area

Meet us at the Stone Meadow Parking area on Waldo Lane. Families welcome! We need your help clearing walking trails, building a small bridge over the bog area, trail marking, tree trimming, etc. Take a walk through Stone Meadow Recreation Area today (formerly known as the Pit) and see what has been accomplished so far.

Wallingford Elementary School

09/15/11. Present: K. Fredette, M. Kenny, D. Klock, P. Rondinone, and J. Rodgers

Principal Lienhardt expressed a concern about crossing guards at Route 7 and was instructed to take steps necessary to ensure the children’s safety.

Current enrollment is 131. K-18, 1^st- 17, 2^nd- 14, 3^rd- 18, 4^{th -} 16, 5^th
- 19, 6^th- 14/15.

There was discussion on possibilities of providing cooling to classrooms during the warm weeks at the beginning and end of the school year.

Schools opened successfully last Tuesday after an incredible effort by community members, emergency personnel, etc. who made returning to some degree of normalcy possible after Irene’s devastation.

A Transportation Report is being prepared for the RSSU board meeting scheduled for 9/26, which will include servicing options and lease/ purchase arrangements. Field trips are included in the RSSU transportation assessment.

Ken reported on several Vermont School Boards Association events. He will provide proposed resolutions, which will be voted on at the annual VSBA business meeting on October 20^th, for review at the next WES meeting.

Foot and blood pressure clinic on Wednesday, November 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at the Wallingford House.

Our monthly meeting dates to the third Monday of each month, at 1:30 p.m. at the Town Hall.

Senior Program: The bus will leave the Wallingford House at 9 a.m. biweekly for grocery shopping in Rutland on November 4^th and 18th. All are welcome. Questions, call Gwen White at 446-3875.

Remember Seniors’ 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.

A return to crisp autumn days and nights has patrons checking out the stacks for the latest and greatest reads. As of this month the library has over thirty New York Times Bestsellers in Fiction and Non-Fiction currently in circulation. We also have an assortment of magazines that are available for a 2-week lending period. Additionally, patrons can use their barcode identifiers to access audio and e-books on the Listen Up! Vermont website. And, thanks to the Department of Libraries, on line courses through Universal Class are also available for patrons with barcodes. There is a huge variety of courses available free of charge. Don't have a barcode yet? Stop by or call Tuesday through Friday to speak with Wendy, update your information, and receive your individual barcode. By the beginning of next year, the goal is to have all patrons with a barcode as we complete the final stages of automation. If you keep your card at the library, a barcode will be attached this winter without your having to do anything. Exciting times!

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

The catalogs are beginning to arrive in the mail, magazine ads are showing sprigs of pine bough and holly, all of it telling us to think about the holidays, even if we don’t want to – not just yet.

Well, our fund-raising lasagna dinner at the Rotary went well, we’ve had our annual meeting, and a new library year is beginning. New officers for this new year are President Karl Ross, Vice President Bonnie Gainer, Secretary Pat Goetz, Treasurer Bert Jones.

The only whist party for November will be on Friday the 11^th at 7:00 p.m. Call Carol Pratt at 446-2843 for further information.

The Trustees are talking about having a silent auction for this Christmas season, as they did last year. Items will be on display from November 18^th to December 16^th for you to bid on.

Otherwise, we’ll be having the Carol sing and lighting the front of the Library on Thursday, December 1^st at 6:30. The Elementary School Craft Fair will be on December 3^rd, the following Saturday, and the Friends will have a Christmas tea in the afternoon.

In Rutland , the Vermont Humanities Council offers another First Wednesday on November 2^nd: “In Search of Nirvana: Rock-‘n’-Roll Religion”, is examined by George Dennis O’Brien, former president of Bucknell University. Specifically, the legendary grunge band, Nirvana and Kurt Cohain, will offer insight into the world of rock, its promise, and its dangers.

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

Every Tuesday from 6:30 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.

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

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

First Congregational Church
The Ladies Aid of the First Congregational Church wish to thank all who came to our chicken pie dinner on October 6th. We appreciate your support.

On December 3^rd, we will be having our 5th annual Christmas Bazaar at the church. We still have a few spaces left for vendors. If you or anyone you know is interested in having a space, please contact Evelyn Smith at 446-2341. Thank you.

Community Food Shelf
The First Congregational Church of Wallingford’s Food Shelf will be open on Mondays from 9-11 a.m. and Thursdays from 5-7 p.m. All other times contact Evelyn Smith at 446-2341.

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.

Music Concert
Featuring Tedd Fish
"Tedd’s music ministry extends over many years as a Speaker, Pastor and Concert Artist.
He has traveled extensively around New England and beyond.
You will enjoy a pleasant blend of songs from the past and the present.
His combination of life stories, music and humor with his rich baritone voice will be a blessing to all."

East Wallingford Baptist Church
Sunday, November 6th at 6:30 P.M.
259-2831 or ewbaptist.com

Wallingford has a chance to win up to $12,050
NeighborWorks® of Western Vermont invites Wallingford - and all Rutland County towns to participate in the County Energy Competition. Each participating town has a target number of home energy improvements to reach.

Wallingford will win $50 for every completed improvement regardless if the target is reached.

All towns that achieve their target number are eligible to win one of two $10,000 awards for the following categories:

(Please note that a town can only win one category in the bonus round.) All financial awards must go toward an energy efficiency improvement activity, such as weatherizing a town building; purchasing materials for an energy curriculum at your local school, or helping residents or businesses improve energy efficiency.

The target number for each town is 5% of the number of households owning a home. Wallingford’s target is 41 (and five are already complete!)

All home energy improvements must be finished (with “test-out” complete) by May 31, 2012, and winners will be announced by July 15, 2012.

Join your friends and neighbors. It starts with one call to the NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad for a Home Energy Check-Up. Stop wasting money on utility and energy costs to keep your home comfortable! ACT NOW and make your home count! Call (802) 438-2303 x 227 to schedule your check-up or visit www.heatsquad.org for more information.

Getting It Done Under the banner “NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad”, we have developed a “One-Stop-Shop” for home energy improvements to include:

Help scheduling a “home energy check-up” wherein a certified energy professional conducts a detailed analysis of energy saving efficiency opportunities in their home;

Help from an Energy Advocate about technical and financial resources, and works with the homeowner throughout the entire process

Help with construction management to ensure that the work is done to the homeowner’s satisfaction; and,

Local partners plan to use a wide range of techniques to reach people in their communities, including: door-to-door campaigns, phone-a-thons, and tables at town meeting day, among other outreach methods. To help assist these efforts, NeighborWorks will provide educational packets and marketing materials, conduct workshops, and maintain a website with town-by-town updates on the competition. NeighborWorks will be glad to come to your community to explain how the competition works.

In July 2010, NeighborWorks received a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to implement a county-wide effort to achieve wide-scale energy savings, create jobs, and put in place the infrastructure for long-term energy savings in Rutland County. Within a 3-year period, NeighborWorks will facilitate 1,000 homeowners undertaking home energy improvements.

If you are interested in pre-ordering a Christmas wreath‚ call Carleen Eaton at 446-3101 or WRS at 446-3942 and leave your name and number and a WRS member will get in contact with you.

Frasier Wreath $28; Mixed Wreath $30. Red or Burgundy bow; additional option: pine cones with berries.