Summer Help Wanted
The Town of Wallingford is seeking qualified applicants for the 2011 summer season as follows:  our 4-week summer recreation program needs a Counselor I (with lifeguard certification) and a Counselor II (no lifeguard certification required); and our public beach at Elfin Lake needs Lifeguards and Concession Workers.  Applicant must be at least 16 years of age.   

Standard First Aid and CPR certificate required for all positions, excluding concession workers.  Proof of Lifeguard certification required for lifeguard positions.  This is seasonal, part-time; therefore, no benefits will be provided.  

Stop by the Wallingford Town Hall to pick up an employment application.  References required.  Call 446-2872 with questions.  

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 1st.   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.  

Wallingford’s 250^th Anniversary
The Town will celebrate its 250-year anniversary this year.  Plans are underway for a celebration later this summer.  Contact Christine Bannerman if you would like to help out or have ideas.   

Wallingford Election Results 3-1-11 - 303 voters out of 1,554 
Town Moderator J. Kenlan-265 votes
Grand Juror J. Sharon-274
1st Constable J. Tift-187
Selectboard J. Gilman-238
Selectboard N. Tift-185
Town Clerk J. Barbieri-263
Town Treasurer J. Barbieri-269
Tr. of Public Funds M. Whitmore-249
School Moderator J. Kenlan-260
WES Director M. Kenny-239
WES Director D. Klock-263
WES Director (write-in) C. Watts-30
MRUHS Director K. Ross-230
Borrow Money-Yes 216
Adopt School Budget-Yes 179

Special thanks to all who helped on Election Day for  manning the polls all day and counters who came in at night:  Justices of the Peace:  Charlie Gauthier, Geraldine Weeks, Sue Thayer, Kurt Brown, Sandy Eddy, Bill Seward, Chris Dinnan, and Wendy Savery, and Selectboard members Bill Brooks and Charlie Angel, and Rob Barker and Paul Strutz.

Swimming Lessons
We are looking for someone to give swimming lessons to Wallingford kids at Elfin Lake this summer. If you are qualified, please contact the Town Administrator at 446-2874 or email townadmin@wallingfordvt.com.  

Zoning Permits Issued

Scott Anderson, 1060 Church Street , new flooring.

Cumberland Farms, 309 North Main Street , replace existing sign.

Property Transfers

Seller:  Terry & Michelle Diekel-Bruce, 422 Cook Drive, Buyer:  Frank Bruce, subdivision, 10 acres.

Seller:  Frank Bruce, 116 Cook Drive, Buyer:  Terry & Michelle Diekel-Bruce, subdivision, 22 acres.  

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

Selectboard
2/21/11.  Present:  B. Brooks, F. Bruce, J. Crowley, J. Gilman, and C. Angel  

Delinquent Tax Collector Lee Perry reported on the four properties slated for tax sale on March 7th.

Cheryl Maniery gave feedback regarding Selectboard’s proposal to raise the summer rec fee for non residents to $75.  Several parents, who have 2-3 children in the program, stated they cannot pay an extra $15 per week per child. Clarendon has committed to pay for one field trip this summer, and that the new RSSU Superintendent may have found a loophole in providing bus transportation.  Cheryl offered to provide a sample scholarship application form that could be included with the summer rec information. Cheryl has a friend who is willing to write a few grants for the town, which would benefit the summer rec program (i.e. supplies, tables, paddleboats, etc.) at no cost to the Town.                                 

The Selectboard gave approval to the Conservation Commission to submit a $500 mini grant application to the Association of Vermont Conservation Commission.  The Selectboard also approved that the road crew help with moving stone piles and larger stumps/trees (less than one-half day of work).   

The Selectboard approved the Security Policy.

New Town Road & Bridge Standards were adopted by the Board in order to receive more funding through the Town Highway Grant Programs.  

The Town needs to develop a complete infrastructure study, which includes culverts (already done), bridges, retaining walls and roadways.  These inventories have to be kept up-to-date and be less than three years old.  This would be an excellent project for the Road Commissioner to oversee completion in the next year.           

3/07/11.  Present:  B. Brooks, F. Bruce, C. Angel, J. Gilman and N. Tift  

Bill Brooks was appointed Chair and Frank Bruce Vice Chair.   

The Selectboard reviewed the 2011 summer rec program with Kim and Cheryl Maniery.  Position descriptions for summer rec and Elfin Lake were approved with a few changes  The program will run four weeks this year because of the snow days.  Residents will pay $60 per week with a discount for two or more children.  Non residents will pay $65 per week with the same discount.    The $25 registration fee per child will remain in place.  All monies should be given to the Treasurer and that she and the Director should meet weekly to review finances as well as combine forces to see how much funding is available for scholarships. Three employees will be needed for 40 children, and possibly a fourth as a back up if over 40 children. Lake fees will remain the same.  

The Selectboard agreed to apply for funds to pave a portion of Route 140W and the Creek Road, and to reconstruct the retaining wall along Maple Street through VTrans.  

F. Bruce was reappointed to serve on the Scholarship Committee.  C. Wood was appointed Road Commissioner. Annual appointments were also made.  

The Stork property was sold at tax sale today.  Saturday’s Cabin Fever Fun Day held at Stone Meadow was a huge success. 

Prudential Committee

2/15/11.  Annual Meeting
The moderator Kurt Brown called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Those present were the Prudential Committee members: Dennis Stocker, Scott Sendra, Alicia Sharp, and Maureen Duchesne the Clerk/Treasurer. There were twenty-five (17) Fire District Residents, along with six (6) visitors in attendance.

Moderator Kurt Brown read the warning.  The legal voters of Fire District No. 1, Wallingford, Vermont are hereby warned to meet at the Wallingford Elementary School on Tuesday February 15, 2011 at 7:00 pm. for the Annual Fire District No. 1 meeting to act upon the following articles. The polls will be open on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Wallingford Fire District Office at the Town Hall for the purpose of voting. (Australian Ballot)  Kurt at this time gave an overview of the rules and asked for a motion from the floor to allow non district residents to speak at the meeting.  Dennis Stocker made the motion and it was seconded by Joel Mudge, with no discussion a voice vote was called for and the motion carried.  Kurt then introduced the members of the Prudential Committee and the Clerk/Treasurer.

Article 01.  Will the District vote to approve and authorize the Prudential Committee to expend the specific amounts of monies to be appropriated for all necessary Water Fund expenses and apportioned by the Prudential Committee for the several purposes provided as per the proposed 2011-2012 Fiscal Year Budget contained in the Annual Fire District No. 1 Report.  (Australian Ballot)

Charlie Baker made a motion to open the floor for discussion it was seconded by Dennis Stocker.  The voice vote was called for and it carried.

Rose Regula asked a question as to why there was no beginning and ending balance shown for the budget.    Alicia explained that the dollar amount at the very end of the budget under income or loss will be the ending of one budget and the beginning of the next one.

Rose asked what the estimated budget column is.   Alicia stated that it is because we have not gotten to the end of our budget year and we are estimating what will be spent.  Scott stated that we are tracking the expenditures to date and trying to see where the revenues and expenditures will be at the end of the fiscal year.   This will also give a reference for a proposed budget for the next year. Rose then wanted to know why then are our taxes going up?  Scott did say that the expenditures are up, but did state the overall the combined water and sewer budgets are only going up a little over $1300 from last year.

Rose wanted to know what was uncollected receivables was?  Alicia stated that they are bad debts that we will not ever be able to collect.

Rose then wanted to know why there was no delinquent tax report in the Annual Report.  Scott stated we had to go to print and we did not have the report at that time. Alicia stated that we do have copies of the report now.

Noreen Booska made a comment that she felt if you know it has to go to print at a certain time every year than it is a lack of responsibility on those people not to have it ready, but she did thank us for having copies to hand out at the meeting tonight.

Rose then asked why there was no breakdown of how much was water and how much was sewer on the delinquent report and how far back in years?   Kurt then stated that unless it pertained to the water budget it was not the time to discuss the delinquent taxes that comes under article 9.

Rose then stated she wanted to know how much was collected under water. Alicia said that a delinquency is delinquent and it makes no difference whether it is water or sewer. Rose then asked if it goes back to far why we are not pursuing it.  Scott at this time stated we will be doing that this year.

Kurt then again stated we would not get into delinquent tax procedures now but can be asked under article 9. Kurt did ask the board how the $89,000 in delinquencies affected the budgets.  Both Scott and Alicia stated if all money was collected it would decrease the budgets.

Kurt asked if there were any more questions on article 1 and with no Charlie Baker made a motion to cease discussion, it was seconded by Kandi Stocker.  The vote was called for and with none opposed the motion carried.

Article 02.  Will the District vote to approve and authorize the Prudential Committee to expend the specific amounts of monies to be appropriated for all necessary Sewer Fund expenses and apportioned by the Prudential Committee for the several purposes provided as per the proposed 2011-2012 Fiscal Year Budget contained in the Annual Fire District No. 1 Report.  (Australian Ballot)

Dennis Stocker made a motion to open the floor for discussion and it was seconded by Charlie Baker.  The voice vote was called for and the motion carried.

Rose wanted to know what the office equipment line item was for.  Scott stated it was for the printer rental.

Kurt then asked if there were any more questions on article 2 hearing none Kurt then asked for a motion to end discussion.  Charlie Baker made the motion and it was seconded by Noreen Booska.  The voice vote was called for and with none opposed the motion carried.

Article 03.  Will the District vote to approve and authorize the Prudential Committee to expend the specific amounts of monies to be appropriated for all necessary General Fund expenses and apportioned by the Prudential Committee for the several purposes provided as per the proposed 2011-2012 Fiscal Year Budget contained in the Annual Fire District No. 1 Report. (Australian Ballot)

Charlie Baker made a motion to open floor for discussion and it was seconded by Kandi Stocker.  The motion carried when the voice vote was called for.

Rose wanted to know why the Prudential Committee was not doing the same as the town and level funding the salaries.  Scott stated that the town did give their employees bonuses last year that were not in the budget.  Bill Brooks did confirm this.  Scott said this is the first increase in two years. 

Rose then wanted to know why the Prudential Committee gave themselves a raise.  Alicia stated they get a stipend and not a salary and they were not getting an increase.  The dollar amount includes the FICA tax for all the salaries and stipends.  This is new this year to the budgets as it is not a separate line item.

Rose asked what we paid the CPA.  Scott stated that Jeff Bradley was the most reasonable at about $6900 as the board did get quotes from other CPA’s and they were well over $10,000.

Rose stated that she felt the financial aspect of the district was not being done properly as she was paying a lot of money but she did not see anything being done, like new water lines, no sidewalk work.  Where is the money going?  Alicia stated that the money being collected is just to keep the systems running as well as all the legal government mandates. Scott stated he totally agreed with the fact that we have not been able to do any work on the systems, but that we had a tough year with employees out hurt.  He does hope to be able to do some work this year.

Rose wanted to know why nothing is being done to the sidewalks and where is the sidewalk fund money.  Scott stated we used to get $2000 from the town for maintenance of the sidewalks but that has been stopped.  Alicia stated we do not have a separate account for the sidewalks. 

Noreen Booska asked why we no longer are getting the money from the town for the sidewalks.   Scott said he did not know the reason they stopped. 

Kurt asked if there were any other questions on article 3 hearing none Charlie Baker made a motion that discussion cease and Kandi Stocker seconded.  A voice vote was called for and the motion carried.

Article 04.  Will the District vote to approve and authorize the Prudential Committee to expend the specific amounts of monies to be appropriated for all necessary Fire Protection Fund expenses and apportioned by the Prudential Committee for the several purposes provided as per the proposed 2011-2012 Fiscal Year Budget  contained in the Annual Fire District No. 1 Report.  (Australian Ballot)

Charlie Baker made a motion to open the floor for discussion it was seconded by Noreen Booska.  Motion carried after a voice vote.

Rose wanted to know that when grant applications are being done whose signature goes on as authorized to file.  Scott said that the Fire Chief comes to the board and asked for permission to apply for the grants and it is the grant writer that signs them as there is no paperwork.  Stephane Goulet is the grant writer and he is responsible for any grants that are awarded.

Kurt then asked if the grant money awarded that shows in the budget if we have to pay any of that back.  Stephane stated that it depends on the grant itself as some have a matching funds amount.

Rose wanted to know then where in the budget do we get the matching funds. Stephane said like the equipment grant they took the $4700 matching funds from the equipment line item.  Scott then asked and was told they received $87,000 of free equipment that the people did not have to pay for.  Scott then gave Stepane Goulet a thank you for all his work on the grant writing.

A guest Mark Tessier asked who votes on the Fire Budget, and why voters outside the district vote on the fire budget can’t.  Scott states we have contacted the Secretary of State and there are laws that do not allow this to happen.  Scott then gave the names of the three representatives from outside the district that work on the budget.

Kurt did then state that the only way everyone will get to vote on the fire budget is to have the fire district be absorbed by the town, and that is a very lengthy process.

Charlie Baker made a comment that it is a lengthy process to come up with a fire budget and takes a lot of give and take on both sides.  Kurt said that maybe one of the three representatives should attend the annual meeting to answer questions.

Rose wanted to know what is included in the equipment line item as it is $10,000.   Stephane gave a brief description and also stated that they are being hit with a lot of mandates that cost more money.

Rose wanted to know what line item 5435 Fireman’s Stipend is?  Scott explained that this is to try and get some new members and give an incentive to keep the ones we have.  He also stated this is done in several different towns and it is done with a point system.  This is a common practice in several towns.

Kurt asked if there were any further questions on article 4 and hearing none Charlie Baker made a motion to cease discussion, it was seconded by Kandi Stocker.  A voice vote was called for and with none opposed motion carried.

Article 05.  Will the District vote to have all Fire District Taxes, Water Bond, Water/Sewer Rents payable to the Fire District Treasurer when due?

Charlie Baker made a motion to accepted article 5 as presented and it was seconded by Donnie Boyd.  Kurt then asked if there was any discussion and hearing none a voice vote was called for and with none opposed the motion carried.

Article 06.  Will the District authorize the Prudential Committee to borrow such monies as may be necessary to meet the operation expenses of the District?

Donnie Boyd made a motion to accept article 6 as written and it was seconded by Dennis Stocker.  Kurt asked if there was any discussion. Rose felt that it needed to go before the voters in order to borrow money.  Kurt then made a statement that this does not mean they can just go and borrow money whenever and it can’t be above the budgeted amount and the board agreed.  Noreen Booska then asked how many times in the past 5 years have we had to borrow money.  Scott stated none. With no more questions a voice vote was called for with none opposed the motion carried.

Article 07:  To elect all Fire District Officers required by law.

Dennis Stocker nominated Scott Sendra for the 3yr. term on the Prudential Committee it was seconded by Charlie Baker.  Bill Brooks nominated Charlie Baker who then declined the nomination.  With no further nominations Kurt called for a voice vote and Scott was elected with only 1 opposed.

Dennis Stocker nominated Kurt Brown as Moderator for 1yr and it was seconded by Melissa Boyd.  With no other nominations a vote was called for and Kurt was elected with none opposed.

Donnie Boyd made a motion and it was seconded by Jeremy Duchesne to elect Jeff Duchesne as the Fire Chief.  The voice vote was called for and with none opposed Jeff was elected.

Charlie Gauthier made a motion and it was seconded by Jeremy Duchesne to elect John Thomson as the 1st Assistant Chief.  A voice vote was called for and with none opposed John was elected.

Dennis Stocker made a motion and it was seconded by Melissa Boyd to elect Stephane Goulet as the 2nd Assistant Chief.  A voice vote was called for and with none opposed Stephane was elected.

Article 08:  Will the District vote to approve the reports as submitted?

Charlie Baker made a motion to accept article 8 as written and Donnie Boyd seconded the motion.  Kurt asked if there was any discussion and hearing none a vote was called for.  The motion carried with none opposed.

Article 09:  To act on any legal and necessary business.

Charlie Baker made the motion and it was seconded by Noreen Booska to open the floor for discussion.  Kurt then asked if there was any discussion on article 9.

Alicia Sharp then made the comment that at last year’s annual meeting we voted to add the 8% penalty to the bills right after the due date and we found out this is illegal to do so we need to change it back.  Kurt then stated a vote was not needed but we will be going back to adding the 5% late fee after the due date and then the 8% when the bills go delinquent at the end of the fiscal year.

Rose then wanted to know why in the fire chief’s report it stated that station 2 is in need of new doors and the approximate cost of $13,000.  Scott said that according to our lease we are responsible for all maintenance issues.  Rose then wanted to know why the station is not closed down.  Scott then stated that if we closed it down the ISO rating would go up to the highest level for homeowners insurance and we are trying to not have that happen.  Scott then let them know that this is not in the budget it is only a heads up to let people know it is coming down the line.  The doors are not safe and need to be replaced.

Rose then had a question about the remodel at the fire station.  Scott explained it was not a remodel but a repair due to the water tank upstairs breaking and flooding the chief’s office.  This was done through the insurance all except the water tank which was not covered by the insurance. 

Noreen Booska asked about how much it cost for the new water heater.  Maureen stated it was about $1,000 for the new tank and installation.

Charlie Baker made a motion to end discussion and it was seconded by Kandi Stocker.  A voice vote was called for and with none opposed the motion carried.

Kurt then asked for a motion to recess the legal meeting until 10 a.m. Wednesday for the purpose of voting by Australian Ballot.  Noreen Booska made the motion and it was seconded by Charlie Baker. A voice vote was called for and with none opposed the motion carried.  The meeting recessed at 8:10pm.  

2/23/11.  Present:  S. Sendra, D. Stocker, and A. Sharp

Scott reported on the final quote from Giddings for a Kubota tractor at approximately $28,000.  He will contact Hendy Brothers as well.

Dennis was elected Chair.

The board reviewed the audit recommendations in detail.  The main item was to compile a procedure manual for the clerk/treasurer, delinquent tax collector, and the prudential committee. We will begin working on these immediately.

The board will need to adopt an asset capitalization policy.  The water/sewer operators will begin compiling a complete inventory of what the district owns.  The next  step will be to increase the capital funds to provide for infrastructure upgrades by increasing the budget. This is something that will have to be considered in the near future.

3/10/11.  Present:  S. Sendra and A. Sharp

Jennifer Pascal and Carol Eaton came to see what was going to be done to get water to Carol on Depot Street as the pipes have frozen, and we can’t dig yet.  Jennifer was told had she run her blow off that she is supposed to have going, we may not have had this problem.  Alicia will call Kevin Brown and have him get water as a temporary fix until we can dig up the road.

Delinquent Tax Collector Melissa Boyd reported that since letters went out the first part of February, about $11,000 has been collected.

Scott gave an update on the tractor issue.  A new tractor can be leased quarterly or monthly with a good down payment.  The Board will discuss later in the year since the winter is almost over, and we do not want to have to store a new one for the summer.

The Caretaker’s Agreement was tabled until the next meeting when the entire board is present.

Maureen reviewed information on changing banks from Citizens to Merchants.  Merchants Bank will pay us a higher interest rate, and it will also be more convenient to do business.  The Board gave their approval.

GREEN UP DAY – SATURDAY MAY 7

The Wallingford Conservation Commission is again sponsoring "Green Up Day" activities on morning of May 7th.  Our tent will be set up at the Rotary Building lawn from 10 a.m. to Noon with bags for trash and maps to coordinate routes for volunteers.  Special events include our “Golden Egg Extravaganza”.  Join in and if you find a golden egg, it will contain a number.  Bring the egg back to the Wallingford Green Up tent and claim your prize!  Donations for the prizes are from area business.

The transfer station will be open until 1:00 pm. 

(Thank you for helping make Wallingford more beautiful.)

Conservation Commission

2/22/11.  Present:  R. Nimtz, S. Pytlik, D. Scranton , D. Klock, J. Bliss, J. Gilman, M. Pramuk

Mark Pramuk was introduced; his name will be submitted to the Selectboard for appointment.

Watershed Grant application was approved for $8,500, with a $1,000 match from the town.  The grant is three-fold: to clean up the dumping site by the bog; to install educational signage; and to build a boardwalk from the existing trail system to the bog.

The Fire Department will flood the proposed ice rink for the Cabin Fever Fun Day scheduled for 3/5. Intent is to introduce Stone Meadow via a fun community event Weather permitting, activities will include ice-skating at newly Flooded rink, sledding, bonfire, food (toasted marshmallows, hot dogs, hot chocolate).  

AVCCVT Tiny Grant application was prepared by Carol Macleod and will be presented to Selectboard by Josh.  The goal is to present Stone Meadow Park to the public.  The grant will be used to print 500 brochures, to clean-up the meadow and mow it.

Jillian planning a “Find the Golden Egg” contest for Green Up Day. 

Debbie will put up poster of WCC work at beach and Stone Meadow at town meeting.

Scenic Byway designation status will be considered by WCC.

Sledding at Stone Meadow on Cabin Fever Fun Day.

Roasting hot dogs on Cabin Fever Fun Day.  

Wallingford ’s Cabin Fever Fun Day is featured on Peg TV.  Go to http://www.pegtv.com/ipegvideo.php.  Click on “Access” News Magazine on right-hand side. Click on March 10 Episode #24.  It’s a 30-minute program and Wallingford is featured at about 26 minutes into it.

Energy Committee

03/07/11.  Present:  T. Chila J. White, R. Nimtz, J. Barbieri, K. Welch, D. Blodgett, and visitor Josh Gilman

Tim Chila offered his resignation.  Jay White and Ken Welch were elected Co-Chairs.  Doug is secretary and Bert is treasurer. 

Jay has put together a scope of work including spray foam application on the town garage.  When the cost estimates come in, it will be presented to the Selectboard as a  feasibility study for re-hab option.

Street lighting project is deferred till summer as there are still questions on the necessity of some of the lights and their locations. 

CVPS will be developing a tariff for the public service board. Once the tariff is in, Efficiency VT will replace old bulbs with LED’s for no cost to town. 

3 components are available for the energy portion of the Town Plan – solar, hydro and biomass, with other portions still not done. Doug will talk to John West about providing a significant portion of the energy section of the town plan and give him a status update on our progress.

The Committee discussed new potential members: Mike Bird and Chris Dinnan.   

NeighborWorks is challenging towns to beat other towns in the number of audits/retrofits. Prize is up to $10K awarded to winning town. Ken will get more information for us for next meeting.   

Wallingford Elementary School

2/17/11.   Present:  C. Watts, K. Fredette, D. Klock, M. Kenny and P. Rondinone

Dana Cole-Levesque (via e-mail) reported on: Long term substitute for S. Reardon, recommended Megan Coloutti, at the per diem rate of $200.39 which was approved.  Dana also reported on a presentation on the use of iPads in the classrooms. A conversation with the board followed relating to the future delivery of educational services.

Ken reported on his trip to D.C. as a representative of the VSBA, noting that the news from Washington was not good from a financial perspective for the states given what is going in the House and Senate, and one of the keynote presenters, Jamie Vollmer’s message for state school board members is that Washington needs to Stop, Shift, and Share.  Ken went on to explain that the basing needed to Stop, our educators needed to Shift to a positive message, and everyone needed to Share that positive message in order to help turn the ship of state to a new direction.

Ken testified to the Vermont House Education Committee that the VSBA was carefully weighing the pending legislation relating to Independent School Funding.

3/03/11. Present: D. Klock, P. Rondinone, M. Kenny, and K. Fredette

K. Fredette was appointed Chairman and Paul Vice Chair.

Principal Morse’ written report included requests for use of building and scheduled field trips.  Weaver Diane Yelton will be here as the artist-in-residence to work with the 5th and 6th grades for the next two Thursdays.  Our 4th graders will take the NAEP test on March 2nd.   The annual WES talent Show will be held on March 11th.  The PTO Book Fair will run from March 15th – 17th.  Parent /teacher conferences will be held on March 17th.   Current K-6 enrollment is 116.

Superintendent Cole-Levesque’s written report included: no earth-shattering news coming out of Montpelier just yet.  A bill to tighten the conditions that are applied to independent schools receiving public tuition money to insure compliance with federal and state anti-discrimination laws (504s) and IDEA has been introduced.

I’ve asked Andy Pomeroy to be the point person for following through on the technology recommendations that were included in the Technology Report prepared through the supervisory union.  Since many of the issues with technology SU-wide are driven by MRU’s use of technology, I have asked Andy to coordinate the MR tech committee efforts with those of the District Technology Committee.  Investigating the possibility of outsourcing technology support, and following through on a number of other recommendations contained in the report will be the focus of this group in the coming months.

It has been more than five years since the last committee reviewed the supervision and evaluation process for teachers and other certified personnel that is currently in use in the supervisory union.  Deb Fishwick has agreed to chair this effort since she was a participant on the committee. Dana is seeking two board members to participate on this committee.

Jason has agreed to work with Steve Fowler to insure that the criteria for assessing the success of the RSSU Bus Consolidation process are developed this spring.  

We are trying to coordinate a meeting at Mt. Holly Elementary School for the first discussion of the Elementary School Choice Programs in the two Supervisory Unions. 

There is a vacancy on the board that needs to be filled in order to have a full board.

“Wallingford Seniors’ Happenings”

Foot and blood pressure clinic on Wednesday, April 6^th 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.

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.

New program for the seniors:  The bus will leave the Wallingford House at 9 a.m. biweekly for grocery shopping in Rutland. All are welcome.  Questions, call Gwen White at 446-3875.  April dates --1^st, 15^th and 29^th.

There are plans for a Seniors bus trip on April 28th to the Brandon Artist Guild in downtown Brandon, who is featuring Lowell Snowdon Klock ‘Manipulations’.  Call Gwen White at 446-3875 or Elsie Badamo at 259-3130 for the bus departure time/location.

The Gilbert Hart Library

Spring is arriving and soon the Japanese Lilac outside will be blooming with poetry.  Everyone is invited to help with this effort to create a Poetry Tree in celebration of National Library Week April 10-16th.  Simply bring a slip of paper with your favorite poem handwritten or typed to the library and we'll weatherproof it and hang it from the tree.  There are also materials available at the library for this project if you prefer to come in and select a poem here.

The season of renewal has meant also renewing many subscriptions to the fine magazines available for patrons to check out for a two week period.  Publications featuring cooking and travel, Newsweek, Time, and much more are displayed as you enter.  And we have acquired more new books, through purchases and donations.  The new books come in and out quickly, and there are new arrival lists in the library so you can shop the list and ask to have a book held for you when it returns.

In March a discussion of The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver was led by C. J. Sloane.  Join us April 20 for a VT Humanities Council presentation.  Continuing from last month, children are invited for a story and spring fingerplays on April 1 and April 15 at 10:30.  Make the library a place where you blossom this spring!

Library Hours

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

Telephone 446-2685

Hart Lines      By the Friends of Gilbert Hart Library

I have not promoted the Bone Builders Exercise Group in this column for a long time. I think it’s about time I did! About this time of year we want to prepare ourselves for the spring and summer so we can get our gardens dug and planted and otherwise enjoy the outdoors when green grass and young blossoms finally appear. It’s also good to get off the couch and MOVE, after a fairly sedentary winter. The benefits are many. At bone builders, you lift weights-only what you are capable of – strengthening those muscles, which in turn make the bones stronger to stave off osteoporosis. There are no aches or pains from this type of exercise. You have a better chance of preventing crippling falls which are so hazardous to older ages. This group meets on Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. each week. Currently, we are about 12 in number, but welcome any of you out there who might like to start your day in a different way. All you need to do is come! It is sponsored by RSVP. There is no charge and equipment is provided. Even better, you get a chance to meet new friends.

Whist parties continue to meet on Friday nights at 7:00 p.m. In April they are on the 1st, 15th, and 29th. Carol Pratt is the person in charge of these, so call her at 446-2843 for more information.

The program for April is one from the Vermont Humanities Council. You may have seen fliers on various bulletin boards asking Ma’s Vermont or Pa’s Montana ? The Shipman Family Dilemma of 1881. Linda Peavy and Ursula Smith have a unique way of presenting this story of westward migration which we all can enjoy on Wednesday, April 20th at 7:00 p.m. in the Klock Room.

“When Rochester native Clark Shipman gave up farming in the east and set out for Montana territory in 1881, he took his son but left behind his wife and four daughters. After nine years of a family tug-of-war, Augusta Perham Shipman gave up management of the farm in Bethel and joined her husband in Montana playing a key roll in the accumulation of over 7,000 acres of land.” We will hear of these experiences and quotes from letters that went between.

First Wednesdays: “Courting Disaster” from the Vietnam War to 21st century terrorism. Related by Robert Hazer, veteran network journalist of 40 years, at Rutland Free Library, April 6, 7:00 p.m. In Manchester: The Unseen Alistair Cooke presented by his daughter. April 6, First Congregational Church 7:00 p.m.

2011 Baseball & Softball

Long Trail baseball and Wallingford softball sign up was held on March 17th at the Wallingford Elementary School.  If you missed it, registration forms are at the Wallingford Town Hall.  

Baseball:  T-Ball - Ages 5/6; Mighty Mites - 1st and 2nd grade; B-Ball - 3rd and 4th grade; A-Ball - 5th and 6th grade.

Softball:  Minors-3rd, 4th and 5th grade; Majors -- 6th, 7th and 8th grade.

Volunteers needed to coach, umpire, run concessions and field clean-up. 

Field Clean Up is scheduled for Saturday April 23; Sunday is the rain date.  Questions? Contact: Vikki Ward at rward1@vermontel.net or 345-6691.

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.

Every Wednesday Bingo at 7 p.m.

Every Thursday Martial Arts at 6:30 p.m.

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. Local pick up can be arranged.

Wallingford Volunteer Fire Department News

HELP WANTED      HELP WANTED

Jr. Firefighters – Age 13-18

Senior Firefighters – Age 18 - ?

We will train.

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

Help the Fire Department clean out fire hydrants in front of your home. Thank you.

ATTENTION!  The Wallingford Volunteer Fire Department’s Annual Fun Day and Fireworks Display have been cancelled for 2011 due to lack of manpower and funds.  We are sorry for this and hope we can hold it again next year.

Community Food Shelf

The Community Food Shelf is located in the Fellowship Hall of the Wallingford Congregational Church on South Main Street.  If you or someone you know of is in need of help in this respect, contact Cindy Daubenspeck at  446-2412 or Evelyn Smith at 446-2341.

Cystic Fibrosis Walkathon

Wallingford resident Emma Baker suffers from cystic fibrosis.  Her mother, Carol, is organizing a walkathon to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on May 14th from 10 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m.  The walk route will start at the Wallingford Elementary School on School Street down to Elfin Lake and back.  If you would like to participate in the walk or pledge a donation, please contact her at 446-3653 or cwebaker@gmail.com.

Visit with Tom French

Wednesday's with Tom - Tom French is always eager and wanting to catch up with old friends.   The Wednesday Afternoon gathering place is 87 North Main Street in Rutland - the Win Thomas Insurance Building.

Tom and sister, Sue, hope you can join us for healthy snacks Wednesdays from One O’clock on.  Even though there will be pellet stoves around us, we will just ignore them.  Absolutely no stove talk on Wednesdays.  That is the truth.   Please do not think this is a ploy to make you uncomfortable. 

Truly, Sue does not want anyone to get the impression that inviting folks to be with Tom is anything but what it is -- a way for Tom to get to see more of his pals.  If you can stop by for a quick visit or longer, we would welcome catching up.  Tom will probably show you some photos in his I-Pad and share with you the Marine Reunion web site that sister Debbie has been working on.  Great conversation openers are photos or maps that you might want to bring along.   We know you will have a good time, but please call first to ensure that Tom's plans have not changed.  Numbers for Sue are:  home:  293-5213     cell: 779-2861   shop:  747-0440.

Wallingford Gives to Help Others

The 4th  Annual Community Cupboard Food Drive, sponsored by 3rd grade, was a great success due to the generosity of the Wallingford community.  This year, we collected 528 items, up from 285 from last year.  Many thanks to all who helped in this effort, including kindergarten, 1st  grade and 2nd grade for helping in the collecting, sorting, graphing and counting of the items. Appreciations go to the Thrive Center of the Green Mountains and the Gilbert Hart Library for their support as we all worked together to make a difference for our neighbors in need.   

East Wallingford Baptist Church Easter Services

Our Easter Sunrise Service will be held at 7 a.m. on Easter morning with an Easter Breakfast to follow at 8 a.m.

Wallingford High School Alumni News

Even though the building was torn down in 1975, there is still a Wallingford High School Alumni Association that meets regularly.  There are still approximately 850 graduates remaining from W.H.S.

The Wallingford High School newsletter has been sent out and replies are coming back for the Annual W.H.S. Alumni Banquet.  This will be held at the Franklin Conference Center in Rutland on Saturday, July 9th.  Social hour is from 5-6 p.m. with dinner beginning at 6 p.m.  The deadline for replies is July 1^st.

The Third Annual W.H.S. Alumni Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, July 8th at the Lake St. Catherine Country Club.  If you would like to play, contact Kevin Fredette at 446-2224 for more information.  If any business would like to donate prizes such as golf balls, tees, hats, shirts, umbrellas, or things that have your logo on them, contact any member of the Board. If you would like to sponsor a hole, the cost is $50.  Just notify Kevin or any of the directors.   All proceeds go to the W.H.S. Alumni Scholarship Fund.  $1,200 was raised last year.

Members of the Board are: Alice Munson, President, Marge Eddy, Vice President, Rita Reynolds, Secretary/Treasurer, Sharon Seaver, Stearns Stewart, Linda Weightman, John Colvin, Ruth Dana, Conrad Waite, and Richard Stewart

Wallingford High School Alumni Scholarships Offered

The Wallingford High School Alumni Association is offering several scholarships again this year to students who are continuing their education.  Last year $3,600 in scholarship money was awarded.  The application deadline is May 1^st.

If you are a direct descendent of a graduate of Wallingford High School (child or grandchild) or if you attended the W.H.S. as part of his or her education, then you are eligible to apply for a scholarship.

To be eligible for a Laura Smith Burnham Scholarship, a student must be a resident of Wallingford and must be enrolled in a place of higher education.

You may apply for the scholarship as many years as you are continuing your education.

To obtain an application, you can contact Debbie Munson at Mill River Union High School at 775-3451, Ext. 60 or call Rita Reynolds at 446-2138.  Winners will be announced in mid June.

East Wallingford Fire District #2 Annual Meeting

The Wallingford Fire District #2 will be holding their annual meeting on Monday April 25, 2011, 8:00 P.M. at the fire house in East Wallingford .

Wallingford Historical Society Hosts Evening Of Poetry

April is national poetry month.  To celebrate, the Wallingford Historical Society will present a night of poetry.  The  event will be held at the Wallingford Town Hall on School Street from 7-8 pm on Tuesday, April 26.

We encourage you to bring a poem about Wallingford or Vermont to be read at this event.  Participation is not required for attendance.  For more information, contact Chris Bannerman at 446-3560.

Free and open to the public and accessible to people with disabilities.   

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