6/11

Please send news, ads, and items of interest to the Town Clerk by 6/23 at 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 64¢ postage on each). The newsletter is also on the Web at www.wallingfordvt.com.

Attention Residents
Although there is not an official “Poop & Scoop” law in Wallingford, it would be greatly appreciated by all that you pick up after your dogs, especially in the Village and in front of the Town Hall!

The Highway Department is asking 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. It’s not possible for the Highway Department to ride the roads every day to inspect them. Thank you for your help.

Elfin Lake Swimmers
Hurry in to the Town Clerk’s office to buy your family pass for the 2011 season at a discounted price! Wallingford residents: Family pass: $50 purchased by 5/31; $65 after 5/31. Non residents: Family pass: $60 purchased by 5/31; $75 after 5/31.

Summer Recreation Program
This program is offered to children who have completed kindergarten through sixth grade. The program will run the following weeks: June 27; July 5 (closed July 4); August 1; and August 8. Hours of operation will be 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., Monday - Friday. Weekly fee (you choose the week) for residents is $60 for one child, $110 for two children, and $165 for three children plus a one-time registration fee of $25 per child. Non residents will pay $65 for one child, $120 for two children, and $180 for three children plus a one-time registration fee of $25 per child. Registration is limited to 40 children per week. Scholarships are available upon request. Call Camp Director Kim and ask for a scholarship form to fill out and return with your registration form. Or pick one up at Town Hall. Scholarship deadline is June 15th.

Wallingford Memorial Day Parade-Monday, May 30th at 10 a.m.
Anyone interested in marching in the parade (Monday, May 30th) should line up at True Temper at 9:45 a.m. Parade starts at True Temper and goes south to the Green Hill Cemetery on Route 7. (In case of rain, ceremony will be held at the Wallingford Elementary School.) Questions, call Keith Shelvey at 446-2399.

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.

Lamp Shades for Sale
The Town Office is the recipient of many new (free) lamp shades – three different sizes. Stop by to purchase one – you name the price!

Seller: Patrick & Anita Rice, 97 Meacham Street, Buyer: Bethany Bosch, Purchase price: $104,900, Assessed value: $112,500.

Seller: Deborah McGinnis, 90 Nash Drive, Buyer: Kevin Boudreau, Purchase price: $133,500, Assessed value: $162,900.

Seller: Sargent Family Trust, 2920 US Route 7 South, Buyer: Robert & Suzanne Carey, Purchase price: $23,000; Assessed value: $55,000.

Seller: Wells Fargo Bank, 69 Meacham Street, Buyer: Edward Eno, Purchase price: $53,000, Assessed value: $143,100.

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

Selectboard

GHL President Bonnie Gainer reported on the library’s expenses for the first six months.

Road Commissioner Charlie Woods reported on the plugged culvert at the South Wallingford quarry (not the Town’s responsibility), and that the bank on the upper end of Tift Road collapsed into the brook last week.

Rose Regula and Robert McMahon wish to be a Selectboard member. There was no valid vote so the matter was deferred until the next meeting.

CVPS/VTEL was given approval to install new poles along Route 140W to replace the lines going up Cook Drive to Tinmouth.

A proposed Creek Road Bridge engineering RFP was reviewed and will be sent out to bridge engineering firms

The Selectboard will respond to T. Phillips’ written estimate dated 3/21 to reclaim the town’s property on Waldo Lane that he handed to the Selectboard at their 3/21 meeting.

Kim Maniery announced that the Town was awarded a $3,000 grant from the Ronald McDonald House Charities for the summer recreation program.

Scholarship availability for the summer recreation program was discussed. Four scholarships will be given in 2011, which includes the $25 registration fee.

Julie shared an email from Sheriff Stephen Benard regarding available COPS money.

N. Tift donated his $800 Selectboard compensation to the summer recreation scholarship fund.

The Selectboard authorized the Zoning Administrator to contact Attorney John Liccardi to pursue the zoning violation issue on Thomas Phillips.

Rose Regula was appointed to fill the vacancy on the Selectboard created by the resignation of Charlie Angel.

John Chaffee came to discuss the many potholes and lack of gravel on Sugar Hill Road.

The Board approved $50 towards the Zoning Administrator’s attendance at the VT Town & City Management Assn.’s two-day spring conference in Burlington .

Ed Crelin resigned from the Planning Commission. The membership was reduced from 7 to 5 per John West’s request.

Approval was given to Wallingford Elementary School Teacher Kevin Stanley for his class to visit the lake in early June.

J. Gilman asked how the $3,000 grant awarded by the Ronald McDonald House Charities will be spent. Don Glendenning measured the lake building roof and will provide estimated pricing. The cost for the summer rec program held the week of July 4th (holiday) will be for four days instead of five.

The Town chose to offer dependents up to age 26 dental coverage to the dental plan eligibility to the Town’s health insurance eligibility.

A crew of teens and adults from the VT Youth Conservation Corps will be working at Stone Meadow for two weeks this summer to make the existing trail ADA compliant. They were given permission to camp in the meadow.

The Town is being recommended for our two grant applications for paving a portion of Creek Road and Route 140W.

T. J. Phillips & Sons Construction, Inc. rescinded the estimate for reclamation of the pit.

The Selectboard signed a thank-you letter to Carrie Becker for writing the Ronald McDonald grant application.

Julie distributed a letter written by Nelson Jaquay to Jane Quigley about her dog that bit him.

The Selectboard were asked to participate in the festivities planned for the town’s 250^th celebration on August 28^th.

Joyce reported receiving almost $55,000 in delinquent tax payments. Cash flow is about $5,000 after she makes the Fire District #1 payment.

The $1,000 town funding budgeted from the Forest Service will not be paid due to budget issues.

NeighborWorks has announced a county-wide town-by-town competition to compete for one of two $10,000 awards to be used for the energy efficiency project of choice.

Attorney John Liccardi will be contacted regarding the settlement agreement relative to the activities on the Thomas Phillips property

Prudential Committee

Shane St. Claire discussed testing his water to see how hard the water is at the well site. F.W. Webb will do the test for free.

Lindsey Kennedy complained that our water and sewer are high compared to other towns.

The Caretaker’s agreement is being revised. The lodge will open for the season on April 30^th.

Maureen presented the information on VMERS (pension) that the Fire District voted to join several years ago. All full-time employees will need to sign up.

Approval was given to Joel Mudge to use the tent for his son’s wedding for $75 plus a refundable damage deposit of $75.

Pyrofax sent in their pricing for diesel, propane, and fuel oil in the coming year. A decision would be made in the summer.

The Board will meet with each employee and let them know about the retirement account.

Maureen presented the inventory list that Dale compiled with everything that the district owns.

On behalf of Dale, Maureen reported that the riding lawn mower for the sewer plant is very old and rusting. The Board decided they will start looking for a used one that is in good condition.

Mr. Jay White addressed the committee about inclusions into the town plan of items from the Energy Committee.

The 2011 Green Up Day in Wallingford was a huge success with over 150 trash bags filled in town! The Golden Egg Extravaganza was a hit and lots of great prizes were given out to those who found the eggs around town. The Wallingford Conservation Commission would like to thank the following local businesses for their generous donations to the egg hunt prizes: Wallingford Country Store, Sal’s Restaurant, Mom's Country Kitchen, The Stone Shop, Izapa Burrito Bar, Carl Buffum Pottery, The Thrive Center and Hands for Hope. Special thanks also go to Jillian Bliss for organizing the event and getting all of the donations!

05/03/11. Present: K. Welch, J. Barbieri, J. White, B. Jones and D. Blodgett

Giancola hasn’t conducted the repair estimates yet for the Town Garage. We will probably go with a retrofit of existing structure. We’ll wait to hear back from Giancola; otherwise, we’ll find another contractor.

Energy audit scheduled for the Town Hall on May 4^th – includes blower door test.

Mary and Richard from Neighborworks explained their grant initiative program and the HEAT Squad programs.

Jay and Ken will attend the next Planning Commission meeting to present some examples of our energy plan draft sections for the Town Plan.

Wallingford Elementary School

4/21/11. Present: C. Watts, K. Fredette, D. Klock, and P. Rondinone, M. Kenny

Jason reported that special education needs had increased during the year and requested that the board approve hiring a SPED Teacher Assistant through the end of the school year. The Board hired Karen Yager.

Jason reported that the school has received a $1,000 grant to support the student garden.

Ken read a letter of resignation, effective at the end of the 2011 school year, from Principal Morse.

The Elementary Transfer Agreement between RSSU elementary schools and Mt. Holly has been approved by all boards.

A meeting was held at Rutland City ’s central office with Mary Moran and her staff and a team from RSSU to discuss where we might be able to share resources. We spoke about IT, transportation, and the possibility of offering to share superintendent responsibilities with RCSU as that SU begins another search for a new superintendent.

Dana reported he had more than 100 applicants for the one-year classroom teaching position and 35 applicants for the principal’s position.

A tentative date has been set for a mediation session with the elementary teachers and the federal mediator.

Steve Fowler is learning the new Transfinder software program and will be meeting in May with the Transportation Committee to create the criteria for assessing the success of Phase I. Stan will be helping us identify a process for equitable transfer of buses into the RSSU on July 1, 2012, if Phase I of the program works as planned.

The full board will interview principal finalists prior to the superintendent nominating his candidate of choice.

Bonnie Wood was selected as a community representative on the Principal Search Committee to replace Janine Rodgers.

Foot and blood pressure clinic on Wednesday, June 1st 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.

Bus Trip: The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) in Quechee on Tuesday, June 21^st. The bus will leave the back of the Wallingford House at 9 a.m. VINS admittance is $9. Lunch will follow at The Thompson in Woodstock – cost $4. Sign up at the Wallingford House or by calling Elsie Badamo at 259-3130.

Senior Program: 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. June dates are: 6/3 and 6/17.

The Gilbert Hart Library
There is lots to do at the library during the summer months. Join us for a book and movie discussion series, with copies of the first book, Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat available at the library beginning June 1st. Read this fascinating story and then come out to see it captured on the screen in the Klock Room on Wednesday June 22nd at 6:30 p.m. Folks are welcome to attend whether or not they have done the reading. Other books and movies follow on July 20th and August 17th.

Six weeks of summer programming around the theme "One World, Many Stories" are being planned for area children ages 4-10 years. The tour of various nations and tales begins Tuesday June 28th from 10:30-11:30 a.m. with a trip to Holland. The program meets again on July 5th, then for three Fridays from 1-2 p.m. (7/15, 7/22, and 7/29), with a wrap up on Tuesday August 2nd (again at 10:30) where we will celebrate the cultures and books we have visited. This includes reading records, special crafts and activities, and performer Jackson Gillman on Friday 7/15, and plans are in the works for at least one other musical presentation. All programs are in the Klock Room and are free.

Here at the library patrons may also check out a discounted admission pass to the Echo Center in Burlington, as well as a pass for free admission to VT Historic Sites and a pass offering free day use admission for up to eight people in one vehicle to any VT state park. Patrons may come in on a Friday and take a pass for the weekend returning it on Tuesday. Of course, they are subject to availability and there is only one pass of each type, so call ahead to reserve or if you want to be sure the pass you want is not already in use.

In addition to the above, a yoga class is lead in the Klock Room on Thursdays (however NOT June 9) beginning at 9:45 a.m. Instructor Jen Coleman charges $8 per hour one session and leads the group through a time of gentle stretching and relaxation. Anyone may drop in on a class, all you need is to wear loose clothing and bring a yoga mat or towel. This is getting rave reviews by participants and part of your fee is donated back to the library.

May has meant more new materials, including several new movies, so be sure to visit. Your library card can really take you places!

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
We are surely having spring weather – it seems to rain all the time; leaves are out on the trees, and the flowering shrubs are spectacular. Gardens need some sunshine and dry weather!

Our annual plant sale seemed to go well, and there were many people milling about, asking questions, and buying plants all morning. Even the weather cooperated, and it didn’t rain until late in the afternoon! Several Friends took advantage of the weather and pruned the bushes in front of the Library which had grown too large. It looks so much better!

We were hoping to have a garden tour in June this year, followed by a tea in the Klock Room, but this has been cancelled; people simply haven’t had a chance to get into their gardens and yards to do the pottering around to make them presentable. It’s not even fun in this weather! Maybe we’ll do it later in the summer or just skip it for this year.

The Friends are contemplating our usual book and tag sales this summer, but have set no dates. We will always welcome books you wish to donate, however, at any time. No encyclopedia, old computer books, or text books. Tag sale items you need to hold on to until we announce a date for such a sale; we don’t have storage space for such items.

Whist parties will continue on June 10^th and 24^th 7:00 p.m.
Joyce Barbieri will take over our project of presenting board books to babies.
Watch for Wendy’s summer book and movie program, dates & titles to be announced.
Watch for possible town-wide yard sales .

The series from the Vermont Humanity’s Council, First Wednesdays, has concluded for this season. Watch for new listings for the fall.

Wallingford Historical Society
We are delighted to have Jim Marquis our own antique appraiser par excellence join us for our June 28^TH Historical Society meeting Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM. at the Town Hall in Wallingford. Cost is $5.00 per item. Please no jewelry. Proceeds from the evening will go to help pay expenses for our 250 year celebration of Wallingford ’s charter. Don’t miss this event. Jim is not only extremely knowledgeable, but supremely entertaining.

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.

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.

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

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

WVFD Sponsors Town Wide Tag Sale Day June 18
The Wallingford Volunteer Fire Department is looking for participants to join them for a day of town-wide tag sales . Now is your chance to clean out the clutter you’ve been accumulating for years in that basement, barn, attic or garage.

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.

May Breakfast
The Ladies Aid of the First Congregational Church of Wallingford would like to express our sincere thank you to those who contributed time, food and money to make our 90th May Breakfast a financial success and to the Fire Company for the use of their steamers. Thanks also to all attended in spite of the rainy weather. It's nice to live in a community that is so supportive of our endeavors. Congratulations to Nancy Lattuca who was the winner of our door prize.

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.

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.

Summer Camp for Rent on Tinmouth Pond
Two bedrooms (one double bed/two bunk beds), 1 bathroom, with phone, TV w/cable, kayaks and paddleboat. Fully furnished. $500 per week (7 days/6 nights Sat to Fri). No pets allowed. Payment due upon reservation. Call (802) 446-2902.

Wallingford Rotary Club
Rotary International is the world's first service club organization, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto Service Above Self.

Wallingford Rotary meets every Monday, 7 – 8 a .m. at the Rotary Building on North Main St. Members are professional men & women (active or retired) who live in Wallingford, Tinmouth, Shrewsbury or Danby or work in the area.

Our Club is involved in many local and international projects. We have been sponsoring exchange students since 1981. Julia Huessy is our current outbound exchange student who is living in

Chile

with host families and attending high school. Grigor Dumbovic is our inbound student from Croatia , currently living with the Beattie family and attending Mill River union H.S. Grigor’s family recently visited for a week.

Our Club sponsors the Wallingford Bike Safety Day with GE Volunteers, local businesses and many local Community volunteers. The children are given free helmets, learn about bike safety, and are eligible to win bikes, US Savings bonds and many other prizes. Free refreshments are available.

Wallingford Rotary is holding the annual Fishing Clinic and Derby on June 11, 9 a .m. – 12 noon for children age 12 and under at Glendenning’s Pond on West Hill. Fishing poles and other prizes are given out as well as free hot dogs and drinks. TBI members of the Lenny Burke farm are invited to fish from 12 p.m. to 2 p.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 9^th. 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 8^th 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

Housing Options For Senior Vermonters
Spring is a popular time to think about moving. Several types of housing are available for Vermont Seniors who wish to move into something more convenient or affordable. Most common is Senior Subsidized Housing where rent is not more than 1/3 of the household monthly income. To qualify for an apartment, one must be either disabled or age 62+, and have an income that does not exceed certain limits. Income limits vary from one apartment complex to another, based on regulations. There is no limit on savings or investments, but interest income is counted as part of monthly income. There are usually waiting lists for Senior Subsidized Housing, from six months to two years. In order to increase one's chances of finding an opening when it's time to move, it is recommended that folks apply early and to several different complexes.

Other types of apartments for Seniors may have somewhat higher rents, with different or no income or age requirements. For a list of subsidized and other Senior housing in Rutland County , and for more information, call the Senior HelpLine at 802-786-5991 or 1-800-642-5119. The Senior HelpLine is a free service of the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Monday, June 20th at 6:30 p.m. at 6 Court Street, Rutland . The purpose of our group is to share stories, provide support, suggest strategies and tips for dealing with RA, invite speakers to attend who can offer disease management advice and to simply socialize with others living with RA. We will meet on the first floor of the RSVP/FGP/One-2-One office at 6 Court Street. The office is 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.

Grow An Extra Long Row
Last spring, farmers and home gardeners in the Rutland Region pledged to grow a little extra food for community members in need. Over 6,000 pounds of fresh, locally grown produce was collected and distributed to 14 area food shelves and meal programs for people in need of food assistance including The Community Cupboard, BROC, The Women’sShelter, Dismas House, Fair Haven Concerned, Bardwell House, The Mission, Serenity House, Grace House, Rutland County Parent Child Center, Turning Point, The West Rutland Food Shelf, The Poultney Food Shelf and Saltis House.

Produce was collected at area Farmers' Markets, stored in Thomas Dairy's coolers over the weekend, and delivered to drop off locations the following Monday. Meadow Squier coordinated the program and the many volunteers essential to each step of this process.

The Community Gardens in Rutland also played in important role. There were three plots planted this season specifically for the Grow the Longest Extra Row effort. There were drop-offs at the gardens for other community gardeners to drop off extra produce.

Whether you operate a farm and are preparing to plant on a large scale, or you are buying seeds for a smaller home garden, the Rutland Area Farm and Food Link (RAFFL) encourages you to plan ahead and this year, to Grow an Extra Long Row of vegetables for local children, families, and individuals in need.

We invite you to become a part of the process by planting an extra row – large or small – or by donating cheese, eggs or meat to the program. RAFFL volunteers will be stationed at both the Rutland and Poultney Farmers Markets to accept product or monetary donations. Volunteers can also pick products up at your house or farm, or with additional planning, can organize a formal gleaning. We are tremendously humbled by the generosity of our local producers, and the recipients of the fresh food continue to be very grateful. We hope that through increased awareness and outreach, we can continue to help our neighbors in need. Please consider visiting the RAFFL volunteer at the Rutland and Poultney Farmers Markets, or call our office at 802-417-7331 to discuss ways in which you can donate fresh, nutritious, local food to people relying on food assistance.

Vt. Days – June 11-12
During this weekend, all Vermont State Parks Day Use areas and all Vermont Historic Sites is FREE! There will also be free park interpretive programs and events statewide. Saturday is free fishing day, where everyone can fish without a license. For more info, go to www.vtstateparks.com and visit the Events page.

Congratulations Graduates
Mill River Union High School – June 8^th, 6:30 p.m.
Wallingford Elementary School - June 20th, 6:00 p.m.