2/12

Please send news, ads, and items of interest to the Town Clerk by February 23rd 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.

The Wallingford Town Office will be closed Monday, February 20th. The Transfer Station will remain open.

Wallingford Fire District #1 Annual Meeting will be held Tuesday, February 21^st at 7 p.m. at the Wallingford Town Hall.

Wallingford Fire District #1 Voting will be held Wednesday, February 22^nd from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Wallingford Fire District’s office at Town Hall.

ATTENTION: This year’s Town Meeting on Monday, March 5^th will be held upstairs at the Town Hall starting at 7 p.m. Bring your copy of the town report and any questions you have for the School Board or Selectboard.

Dog Licenses
Don’t forget your dog must be licensed by April 1^st. The fee is $10 for dogs that are spayed or neutered and $13 for non-spayed females and $16 for non-neutered males. Proof of a current rabies vaccine is required. After April 1^st, the fees increase. By State Statute, ALL Dogs MUST BE LICENSED EACH YEAR by April 1. Licenses can be issued through the mail. Call the Town Clerk at 446-2336 to make sure we have a current rabies certificate on file.

Six Used Tires for Sale
17.5R 25 Goodyear – for grader or loader. Call 446-2472 for viewing.

Sellers: George & Willow Feller, 553 Wallingford Pond Road, E. Wallingford, Buyer: Narragansett Indian Tribal Historic Preservation Office, Assessed value $113,500, Purchase price $70,000.

Seller: Joan Browe, 34 Blackwood Road, East Wallingford, Buyer: Jane Gizzi, Assessed value $93,300, Purchase price $78,000.

Seller: Estate of Clifford Peck, 656 Route 103, Cuttingsville, Buyers: Robert Kapusta and Katherine Wade, Assessed value $87,800, Purchase price: $35,000.

No parking ban is in effect through March 31^st. No parking allowed on Wallingford roads between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Free Tax Consultation for Flood Victims
Vermont Society of CPAs has formed a task force to offer free or reduced-fee tax preparation and consulting services to victims of the 2011 flooding. There are special tax treatments for casualty losses, and members of the Society around the state will help taxpayers affected with their 2011 returns to take advantage of any tax provisions available. Contact Carolyn Stevens, CPA at 802-485-6448.

There are also some resources for taxpayers who want to do some research of their own. At the IRS website www.irs.gov, there is a wealth of info, some of which is selected by typing in the search term "disaster loss" and/or by looking for Publication 2194 (Disaster Losses Kit for Individuals) or Publication 2194B (Disaster Losses Kit for Businesses). Pages 23-45 of the individual kit contain the asset listings which could easily be printed out for use as a prompt to develop loss information (or to improve the comprehensiveness of any list already made).

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

The Selectboard discussed the recent repair bill for replacing the grader brakes and will contact Winmill for further clarification on the repairs.

The Selectboard accepted the resignation of Bert Jones from the Energy Committee and Hans Huessy from the DRB. Mr. Huessy is moving out of Wallingford.

The Selectboard received the proposed Town Plan from the Planning Commission. A public hearing will be held on February 20^th.

The Selectboard signed the Co-op Agreement with the Forest Service who will pay for the repairs to Wallingford Pond Road.

The purpose of this special meeting was to review the scope of work presented by NBF Architects to rehab the town garage.

Trustees Dave Ballou‚ Missy Whitmore‚ and Dave Klock were invited to discuss a proposal regarding the Fernfield Farms fund as Joyce is trying to find the easiest way to pay for the rehab of the garage plus the reclamation costs that may be budgeted for next year.

The rules and purpose of the trusts were discussed. Joyce proposed the Trustees amend the agreement to allow for a distribution of $20‚000 per year for five years to go towards the town garage debt. Dave Ballou was against this proposal‚ stating that all Trustees and all Selectboard have to be in agreement to amend the Trust.

Ralph Iovino asked about presenting an article for town meeting asking “…to return the U.S. constitution to the people‚ to designate persons as individuals‚ removing personhood from corporations”. He was asked to submit a petition signed by 5% of the registered voters to the Town Clerk.

Energy Committee Co-Chair K. Welch gave an update on the lighting grant. The funds will be used to relamp some existing fixtures to T-8 lighting. B. Brooks was authorized to sign the contract.

The Revenue and Administration budgets were completed. There was more discussion on the special projects budget under Highway.

The Winmill company will not take any discount on their invoice for the grader repairs.

Mike Bird resigned from the Energy Committee and Kathleen Ross as Auditor. John Armstrong was appointed to the Energy Committee.

The Conservation Commission was given approval to seek a grant to have the VYCC crew work for two weeks upgrading some trails in Stone Meadow and plant trees and landscape plantings near the parking area. They were cautioned to avoid any work on the north side and near the parking lot until reclamation is completed.

Ralph Iovino asked to submit an article for town meeting asking the U.S. Congress to repeal certain provisions of the Patriots Act. He can submit a petition to the Town Clerk by January 26^th.

This year’s town meeting will be held at the Town Hall. The Selectboard will include an article asking for stabilization of real estate taxes for the Masonic Temple. An article to fund renovations at the town garage and reclamation expenses will be discussed later with Jay Kenlan.

The proposed FY13 budget was reviewed and altered in some areas. Joyce discussed the estimated loss carryover due to unplanned FEMA expenses and ways to offset it.

Julie received permission to hire a temp for the Transfer Station at minimum wage to cover medical leaves.

B. Brooks was given authorization to attend VLCT’s Local Government day next month.

The Board completed the Lodge budget. FY12 was $133,653; proposed FY13 is $143,180.

The Board completed the Water Fund budget. FY12 was $200,300; proposed FY13 is $214,393.

The Board completed the Sewer Fund budget. FY12 was $150,500; proposed FY13 is $171,870.

The Board completed the General Fund budget. FY12 was $91,205; proposed FY13 is $86,400.

Maureen reported we were still waiting on the final numbers for our refinance of our Water Bond so they will know what the new payments will be to finalize the Water Budget. We will know by the next meeting.

The board worked on the General budget, which will have the chart in the annual report, as it is coming in lower than last year due to our final payment on the clarifier bond.

Maureen showed the board the paperwork from the refinance of the water bond. We will see a savings of $70,000+ in interest.

The board reviewed the contract from Mark Simon of Simon Operation Services. After some review of the numbers and the benefit it would be to the fire district, the board voted to end the contract that they had with John West.

The board approved the warning our annual meeting on February 21^st to be held at the Town Hall.

Alicia presented an invitation from the fire department for the awards banquet to be held at the Palms Restaurant on January 14^th.

01/03/12. Present: S. Pytlik, C. Macleod, A. Tiplady, M. Pramuk, J. Burkett, R. Nimtz, D. Scranton, and D. Klock

The Committee reviewed the boardwalk grant, budget and deliverables. Approximately $5,000-$6,000 remains unspent because much of labor was done by WCC. Request sent to extend grant to June 15^th. Suggestions for additional work: Additional signage $1,000; Trench area Birds at bog, meadow, and lake areas’; Benches $2,000; Stockpile of cedar posts/spikes for trail reinforcement $200; Brochures (trail maps and Wallingford walking brochure) $2,000; Tools: Three hazel hoes $400; Platform by bog $400.

Ralph suggested new trail between 2 bog bridges in the spring. A bulk mailing of trail map and walking tours to households. Signage –Correct scientific designation of bog area. Tropical Storm Irene damage will get repaired. Parking lot expansion by Stone Meadow has led to partying, illicit activities and dumping. Would like parking lot made smaller by moving large stones. Would like to install a surveillance camera.

The town has stockpiled material in Stone Meadow. No firm plans have been made for reclamation.

We have lost an invaluable member in Josh Gilman. Thus, the WCC has an opening for another member. WCC will explore expanding the present trail system from the end of the bog boardwalk to the boundary of the boys’ Camp property.

01/05/12. Present: K. Welch, J. White, R. Nimtz, J. Barbieri, and J. Armstrong.

The board reviewed the proposals by Rob Stubbins for the lighting in Town Hall. After much discussion, it was decided to accept option one with the following modifications – the Town will take care of the removal of the recycling – 11 fixtures will have T-12 replacements and 3 fixtures will be replaced in the hallway with pendant globe fixtures. The cost is not to exceed $3,000.

The energy challenge plans were reviewed, and Jay will write up a brief informational handout explaining the project. Joyce will print 100 copies for the elementary school. The class with the highest number of responses will receive $50.

A plan for distributing the door knocker information about energy savings was discussed. It was agreed who will canvass streets in the village. Ken gave a brief history of the committee to John.

12/19/11. Present: K. Fredette, J. Rodgers‚ M. Kenny, D. Klock and P. Rondinone

Policies: #6155, Parent Participation in Title I Programs and #5111, School Entry Age and #4330, Salary and Benefits for Support Staff were reviewed and are being warned.

A test broadcast on 12/20 using our AlertNow phone system will be done to make sure we have parent/guardian calling information correct and that all of our lists are up-to-date.

Jeff Everett and Darla Shumace from the Wild Branch Solutions, Inc. talked about how to improve education to help the students.

Stan Pawlaczyk and the board discussed the new budget for the year, and the changes made. There was also discussion on how to improve technology in the school within the budget.

The Principal’s report was reviewed. Current enrollment is 129: K-18, 1^st- 15, 2^nd- 14, 3^rd- 18, 4^{th -} 16, 5^{th -} 19, 6^th- 14/15.

There was extensive discussion on public use of the school building, particularly the gym. It was affirmed that building use must be in accordance with policy in order to avoid damage and liabilities to the district.

Foot and blood pressure clinic on Wednesday, February 8th at 10:30 a.m. at the Wallingford House.

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.

Grocery shopping trips are back on! The bus will be at the Wallingford House at 9 a.m. on Friday, February 3^rd for shopping at Price Chopper with lunch following. Call Gwen White at 446-3875 with any questions.

A Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group is held the first Monday of each month to share stories, provide support, suggest strategies, etc. We meet on the first floor of the RSVP/FGP/One-2-One office at 6 Court Street - next to Grace Congregational Church. Please park in the church parking lot, walk down the driveway next to the office and enter in the side door off the ramp. Any questions, please call Nan at 775-8220 ext. 101 or Email Nan at nmhart14@aol.com.

The big news at the library is that the catalog is now online. Visit the library from home at ghlib.kohavt.org and see for yourself what's available. Each patron entered in the system has a log in id (your first and last name in lower case, separated by a period) and the default password is simply password. Once logged in, you may opt to change your password, view your reading history, see when your items are due back, place a hold on an item, and more. You may need to call or stop by the library if you haven't been by in a while, in order to activate your patron id. Later this spring several information sessions will be offered, and you can always stop by during the week for a virtual tour from Wendy. The card catalogs will be replaced by a computer designated for access to our online catalog, where you can perform searches by author, title, or subject. Coinciding with the online launch, we have received generous donations of new audios and children's books which are now ready for check out. In the coming weeks more new bestsellers will be available as well. More patrons have been using their new id to check out e-books and audio books from listenupvermont.org. We have a great selection of magazines, DVDs, and large print books. And if you are looking for a certain title, we will make an effort to find it for you. This valentine's day, remember nothing warms the heart and mind like curling up with a good book. And no worries if you don't have a computer our online access~ the library is here for you to use as always!

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
The Friends did not meet during the month of January, so I have little inside information on what’s new! We will be showing a movie from the best-selling book of last year called The Help. That will be on January 23^rd at 1:30 p.m. following the Seniors meal at the Rotary Building . It will be shown at the Town Hall.

Coming up in February and March, however, are the Saturday rug-braiding sessions, as in former years. From 9 – 12 each Saturday those interested will meet in the Klock Room with Lois Johnstone and Ellen Moyers where they can instruct you as you do your braiding projects. Bring your own materials; they often have other items you may need for sale. This will happen on the first two weeks of February, the 4^th and 11^th and the first two weeks of March, the 3^rd and 10^th. For further information, you can call Lois at 446-2442.

In April, we have scheduled an old-time fiddler to come and give us a program, sponsored by the Vermont Humanities. I will have more information in future newsletters about that.

Whist parties will continue in February on the 10^th and 24^th at 7:00 p.m. in the Klock Room. Carol Pratt is the person to call: 446-2843.

First Wednesday this month at the Rutland Library is an exploration on February 1^st of the Vermont State House, it’s architectural, cultural, and political significance by Vermont State Curator, David Schütz. It’s at 7:00 p.m.

And finally, despite all the books we have for sale in the Klock Room, we still welcome good, clean books to put in the book sale. Please, no encyclopedias, musty, torn, yellowed items, textbooks or magazines.

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

Maple Valley Grange in South Wallingford is having an Elegant Valentine’s Dinner on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 5 p.m. $14.95 per person. Reservations are required – contact Goldie at 446-3836 or Debbie 446-2665. Stuffed Pork Loin Dinner. Also – reservations for take-out. Please respond by February 1^st.

Maple Valley Grange is looking for items to auction off on May 26, 2012. If you have any to donate, please call Goldie at 446-3836/leave message.

Wanted for the Maple Valley Grange – good used kitchen cabinets (tops and bottoms); sink base; and good working electric stove. Contact Goldie at 446-3836/leave message.

We would like to thank our past members for their hard work and dedication to the Grange.

As we move forward and conquer our new goals of raising money to put in a new kitchen in the basement along with two bathrooms and a dining area, fixing the stage back to what it used to be, adding new curtains and lighting.

Our plans are community service, donating to different organizations, having talent shows, plays, dinners, square dancing, basket parties, chicken BBQ, and so much more.

The hall rental is $200. If left clean and trash is removed, you’ll receive $50 back. Make checks payable to the Maple Valley Grange.

If there’s a time when we need you, it is now. Come and join us at our new functions and see how they’re run and have a great time.

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.

Wallingford Memorial Rotary Club Dinner
Pork Roast Dinner on Saturday, January 28th from 5 to 7 p.m. $10 adults and $5 child under 12. Take-outs available – call 802-353-5323. Benefit: Community projects and MRUHS Scholarships.

Community Food Shelves
The First Congregational Church of Wallingford’s Food Shelf will not have regular hours during the winter. For food access‚ contact Evelyn Smith at 446-2341.

St. Patrick’s Church in Wallingford ’s Food Cupboard is open in the rectory on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to Noon. Call Jerry at 446-2161 with questions.

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.

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.

Last day to order: March 1st, flowers delivered week of March 19th. Money due at delivery. Call Julie at 446-2336 to order or stop by the Town Hall.

Tinmouth Pond Camp for Sale – 9 West Shore Drive
Seasonal camp with two bedrooms on .28 surveyed acres with 53' of lake frontage and dock on a private road at Chipman Lake . There is no public access to this private, quiet 79-acre lake. New bathroom with shower, living and kitchen combo, two bedrooms and storage shed. Septic, filtered lake water. Move-in condition. Being sold furnished, including a paddleboat, two kayaks and life jackets. New grill, almost new propane stove and electric refrigerator. Great view of the lake from a 10' x 35' porch. Road plowed year round for winter use - great ice fishing. Motor boats allowed. For sale by owner – call (802) 446-2902.

Tom French is receiving visitors on Wednesdays between 12:30-2:00 p.m. at his sister’s store – The Stove Shop – now located at Ladabouche Furniture which is located at 162 South Main Street in Rutland between the Rutland Bowlerama and Trolley Square .

Home Heating Assistance for Seniors
Is the cost of paying for your winter heating fuel becoming difficult? The State of Vermont ’s Home Heating Assistance Program might be the way to get some help. All types of fuel - wood, pellets, electric, oil, gas, kerosene or coal – are included.

To qualify, the gross monthly income limit for all households, regardless of age, is $1,680 for one person and $2,269 for two people. There is no limit on one’s resources, or savings. However, interest and dividends on any resources or savings are considered part of the gross income.

You are strongly encouraged to apply by January 31^st, but February 29th is the final date to apply.

If you are a Senior (age 60+) in Rutland county, the Senior HelpLine is ready to assist you with information and the form needed to apply for Vermont Home Heating Assistance. Call 802-786-5991 or 1-800-642-5119. All others should call Vermont Economic Services at 1-800-479-6151 or go to www.dcf.vermont.gov/esd/fuel_assistance . The Senior HelpLine is a program of the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging, serving Seniors since 1974. www.svcoa.org; seniorhelpline@svcoa.org.