Thursday, July 31, 2008

 

Rainy day additions of news

TONIGHT - THURSDAY, JULY 31ST 7pm
TOWN OF BERLIN PUBLIC MEETING at Berlin Elem.
Public Community Water System
The Town of Berlin Select Board will hold a second public meeting on July 31, 2008 at 7:00 PM at the Berlin Elementary School to discuss the results and recommendations of a water supply study regarding a public community water system to serve lands bounded by and adjacent to the following roads in Berlin: Paine Turnpike, Fisher Road, Airport Road, Scott Hill Road, Industrial Lane, Granger Road, Comstock Road, and Crosstown Road to I-89.
The Town’s water supply study is complete (see http://www.berlinvt.org ) and the next step for the Select Board is to decide whether to proceed with drilling a test well. It is critical for the Town to determine the level of interest in a public community water system for the plateau service area. Attendance by residents, land owners and business is important to the Town and Water Supply Committee in order to determine how to proceed.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Jeff Schulz, Town Administrator, Town of Berlin 223-4405 jschulz@berlinvt.org

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All Vermonters are urged to do what they can to make their homes more efficient. Efficiency Vermont provides information on home energy savings, rebates for qualifying energy-efficient products, access to reduced-rate financing for home energy imporovements and more. Call 888-921-5990 or visit http://www.efficiencyvermont.com Low-income Vermonters can apply for weatherization assistance to reduce their energy needs. Your local office can be found at http://www.dcf.state.vt.us/oeo/weatherization If you think there is any chance you will need heating assistance, you're urged to apply by contacting the Vermont Seasonal Fuel Assistance Program between July 15 and August 31. To learn more, visit http://www.dcf.state.vt.us or call 800-479-6151

I've added another blog - FOOD, FUEL AND TRANSPORTATION NEWS AND ASSISTANCE http://foodfueltransportation.blogspot.com Lot's of helpful links. If you know of others that should be added, please let me know. I'll be updating it with more news on what's being done specifically in Berlin. Look for a survey which the town is sending out in the town newsletter and I'll send along a copy in email.
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Saturday, August 2nd 5:30pm "Tune in Tomorrow" history of WDEV premieres on Vermont Public Television. This will also be shown on Wednesday, August 6 at 8pm
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FREE Bike Film Fest kicks off on Saturday at the Savoy Theater
As past of the SculptCycle art project this summer, MDCA and The Savoy Theater are hosting Free Bicycle Film Series. Movies will be shown Saturdays & Sundays in August at 4pm atThe Savoy Theater 26 Main Street. For a full schedule, go to www.mdca.org This week catch:
Saturday, August 2: Breaking Away (1979) Dave (Dennis Christopher) dreams of becoming a champion bicycle racer, and since he knows that the best racers in the world are Italian, he sets out to re-invent himself as an Italian, driving his working-class father crazy in the process. However, the more pressing problem for Dave and his family is that neither Dave nor his other close friends (Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern, Jackie Earle Haley) really know what they're going to do with their lives, now that they've finished high school. 95 minutes. Rated PG
Sunday, August 3: Beijing Bicycle (2002) Two boys living in Beijing, one a migrant from the country, the other an urban school kid, are brought together by joint ownership of a bicycle. The iconic Chinese bicycle is the literal vehicle from which it tells the tale of two youngsters disputing ownership while using their bike as transport, instrument of courtship, status symbol and more. 115 minutes. Rated PG13
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FREE Thursday, August 7th 7pm "Circus: A Pircturesque History" Rob Mermin, founder of Vermont's own Circus SMirkus, will entertain with a free evening of personal anecdotes and film clips on circus history at Montpelier's Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Mud, myths, mayhem and magic of Circus are offered from a man who has lived the life and returned to tell the tales!
http://www.circussmirkus.org/ Circus Smirkus will perform in Montpelier outside the high school on August 11-13 with six shows 2 & 7 pm on Monday and Wednesday and 12 & 7 pm on Tuesday.
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This is a quick 3 minute video that I saw on the news the other night - "Bringing Back Pen Pals" http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=4296235n
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TRANSIT SURVEY The City of Montpelier is applying for a grant in partnership with GMTA to extend local transit service, and we need to determine the kind of service that would meet your needs. The grant will primarily serve the City of Montpelier, so we are interested in learning more about the transit needs of residents who commute within and out of town and employees who commute into town. We have developed a short (less than 2 minutes) on line survey for people to take to help us answer these questions. Please feel free to forward this message and the survey to anyone you know who lives, works, or visits Montpelier.
Please click on the link below that is appropriate for your transportation needs.
In-city transit: I commute into downtown Montpelier from within city limits.http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=aZX5G_2f_2fZxY2URxCyP0MKoA_3d_3d
Residents who leave the city: I commute from Montpelier to another community.http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=W7KQej7Qh20_2fIvQ4QpYVlQ_3d_3d
Employees who come into the city: I commute to Montpelier from another community.http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Iubvcfi0Q_2fZLv4u3BJfakw_3d_3d
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Interesting articles:
"Real affordable housing -- in real time" written by Kara Herlihy for the Valley Reporter http://www.valleyreporter.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1702&Itemid=41 (Would you like to be in your own home or have you wondered what Central Vermont Community Land Trust does??)
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"Energy Matters: Neighbors to help neighbors through winter of high prices" July 20, 2008 by Carl Etnier for The Times Argus
http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080720/FEATURES05/807200301

~~~I think many of these places to go in the area I've mentioned however there might be a couple new ones and there's nothing like a reminder!! "At little or no cost" July 31, 2008 by George Malke of the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce
http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080731/BUSINESS/807310308/1006/BUSINESS

Thursday, July 24, 2008

 

Almost August

August is almost here - UNBELIEVABLE!

Here is a link to an Astronomy Picture of the Day. They are always interesting but this one is certainly unique and worth a look. Enjoy. http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap080722.html
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Barre City Homecoming this weekend http://www.barrecity.org includes parade at 4pm on Saturday and entertainment (classic ROCK!) by Native Tongue http://www.nativetonguerocks.com Saturday evening at 7pm. I hope the weather cooperates - this is the band my husband is in and my understanding is it's rain or shine. There will also be a fireworks display Saturday night.
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5th Annual ORS Century Ride needs your help! Every year, the last Saturday of July, Onion River Sports has a century ride that benefits the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. The 5th Annual Century Ride is this Saturday, July 26. The race starts at 8:30am from the Montpelier Recreation area. There are two loops: one is 100k (62 miles) and the other is 111miles. We’re looking for people to bake cookies, (oatmeal, raisin, nuts, dates are all good) and cook up a batch of pasta salad or potato salad or make a lovely green salad. The baked goods are for the food stops along the way in Hardwick, Barton, East Albany, North Wolcott and Elmore. The salads are for the end-of-the-ride BBQ in Montpelier. If you can bake or cook, work at one of the food stops or at the BBQ please let us know! To register for the ride: http://www.onionriver.com/century/ Thanks for helping us out! - Rachel Senechal
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Lamoille County Field Days in Johnson $8 to get in includes entertainment and midway rides! There is also a $1 parking fee. http://www.lamoillefielddays.com/ The Don Campbell Band http://www.doncampbellmusic.com which is playing Saturday night I've gone out of my way to see several times throughout the state and I would recommend.
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Smoke Detectors - Watch the video on the Barre City Fire Dept. website regarding the difference between photoelectric and ionization smoke detectors: http://www.barrecityfire.org/ Did you know if you have a smoldering fire your ionization smoke detector may not go off in time to save you and the kids? However, ionization detectors are good at letting you know there is a flaming fire. There are combination detectors available. Most people hear the reminder about changing the smoke detector batteries when you change your clocks, but did you know that smoke detectors should be replaced every ten years and carbon monoxide detectors every five years?
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The Berlin Fire Department is in need of volunteers - you don't need to be interested in fighting fires and you don't need experience! They are looking for volunteers for a variety of tasks... training available.... including for fighting fires. Call 223-5531 for more information.
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Swim Lessons - There are still some opening for swim lessons August 4th -15th. The cost is only $20 per child. Lessons are 45 minutes Monday - Friday at First in Fitness. The time varies according to what level your child is. Let me know if you need more details. Have you had anybody move in with kids in your neighborhood this summer - if so, please be sure to let them know about swimming lessons!
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KidWatch will be offering before and after school care for kids starting on the first day of school, Tuesday, August 26th. In order for your child(ren) to participate, you must have completed and submitted the necessary paperwork in advance. More information can be found on their webpage on the school website: http://www.berlinschool.org then click News and Info on the side bar where you will then find a link for KidWatch. I could also send you the forms as an attachment or you can stop by the school for them. You should find the office staffed from 7:30-3:30 this summer, however, if you're going out of your way to drop by, you may want to call in advance.
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Saturday, August 2nd at Towne-Ayr Farm in Berlin - Celebration of Agriculture Day. The Washington County Farm Bureau will host this event to provide education and entertainment for all ages. The day will begin at 9am with an open and 4-H horse show, pony pulling, working steer demo, animals to pet, antique tractors, pedal tractors, food vendors, music and vegetable growing competition. The day will be a fun family event at low cost to exhibitors and spectators. This event will showcase agriculture in Washington County and is dedicated to the memory of Ruth Towne, a long time member of the Vermont legislature and former chair of the House Agriculture Committee. Those wishing to compete or exhibit are invited to contact Bev McMullin at 802-223-3859 or by email, rlmcmullin@verizon.net for information to reserve space to display or sell items. Special rates are offered for Farm Bureau members.
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New low cost spay/neuter clinic in Middlesex to open August 11st - Vermont Companion Animal Neutering "VT-CAN". People who cannot afford to go to a full service vet are eligible for VT-CAN!'s services. Appointments can be made now by calling 802-223-0034. http://www.vt-can.org
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FREE Credit/Budget Counseling - Did you know that the Central Vermont Community Land Trust (CVCLT) offers Credit/Budget Counseling and Foreclosure Assistant FREE OF CHARGE to everyone in their service area which includes all of Washington County. CVCLT's phone is 476-4493 http://www.cvclt.org
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HAPPY NEWS - I haven't mentioned this in a while.... did you know about Happy News http://www.happynews.com, nice site to visit and not be bombarded with what the typical media sources give you. It's especially handy when the older students have weekly Current Events assignments. Other on-line sources for kids to go to for news includes: Time For Kids http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK; Sports Illustrated for Kids http://www.sikids.com; National Geographic Kids http://kids.nationalgeographic.com; Smithsonian Magazine Kids' Castle http://www.si.edu/kids/ and Family Fun which has a lot of fun activities, games, projects, & crafts http://familyfun.go.com This summer may be a good time to start checking out what these resources offer.
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KELLOGG-HUBBARD Children’s Library Summer Events 2008
Remember, every Berlin resident can get a free card at the library! Summer hours are Children's Library M-F 10am-5:30pm and Saturday 10am-1pm and in the Adult Library M-Th 10am-8pm, Friday 10-5:30 and Saturday 10am-1pm. The rest of the year the library is open until 5:30 on Saturday.
Monday, July 28: Cooking and Booking. NECI students will be here to help children make Blueberry Surprise! Program starts at 3:30 pm and is open to all ages.
Monday, July 28: Movie Night! “Bee Movie” is an animated feature and is rated PG. It is the story of a colony of bees who file a lawsuit against mankind for stealing their honey. Monday Movies start at 6:30pm, in the Hayes Room.
Tuesday, July 29, 3:30-5pm: Donald Johnson, beloved children’s illustrator and author of the “Henry Hikes” books will be here to talk about his craft! Appropriate for families and children ages 6 and up.
Friday, August 1: Our Annual Tie Dye Party on the lawn! Bring your white t-shirt and come have a blast! Program is scheduled for 1-3 pm Rain date is August 8.
Monday, August 4: Movie Night! A good old fashioned B Movie. “THEM!” is a terrifying movie about killer ants! Be afraid! Movie appropriate for ages 12 and up. Monday Movies start at 6:30pm, in the Hayes Room.
Friday, August 8: Stuffed animal sleepover! Children of all ages are encouraged to bring in a stuffed ani mal they can live without for one night. The animals will have their very own sleepover at the library (complete with pictures of their night time activities). Animals should be dropped off by 5:30pm on Friday.
Saturday, August 9: Stuffed animal pick up! Come to the library at 9am to pick up your stuffed critter and learn about all the fun stuff they did while you were sleeping! Picture slide show included! A light breakfast and story time will be provided.
Monday, August 11-14: Fairbanks Museum will be here to host Star Quest! An informative program about our night sky. The program runs 5-9 pm each day. Appropriate for ages 6 and up. We will have more info as we get closer to the date.
Tuesday, August 19: Altered Books workshop. Come make an altered book or notebook! Appropriate for adults and children 12 and up. Call Jane at the library for more information at 223-4665
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VENTURE VERMONT 2008 OUTDOOR CHALLENGE Go to the Vermont State Parks website: http://www.vtstateparks.com/ and print out a scorecard - when you keep track of activities that you've completed and reach a total of 250 points, you win free day entry into Vermont State Parks for the rest of the 2008 season and for the entire 2009 season! Entries must be received by October 15, 2008. Some of the activities include identifying animals and birds; becoming a Junior Ranger; going to a Green Mtn Conservation Camp, touring a fish hatchery, create art or write a poem or story, hike, go fishing, visit State Parks and some outdoor challenges such as building a shelter with natural objects, build a fire without matches or a lighter, Green Up, plant a tree. and more.

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Jon Gailmor peformance August 6th 6:30pm at the Marshfield Library http://www.jongailmor.com
Circus Smirkus August 11 - 13 at Montpelier High School http://www.smirkus.com
Used Musical Instruments Sale an annual event by CVSM will be on Saturday, August 23rd from 9am-2pm at the Bethany Church on Main St. in Montpelier. Instrument drop-off will be on Friday, August 22, from 4pm-7pm. http://sharethemusicvt.org/sale.htm
Northfield Labor Day Celebration http://www.northfieldlaborday.org
K-9's & Company on the State House Lawn September 6th. Central VT Humane Society offers this annual event http://www.cvhumane.com
Fall Harvest Festival at the Adams Apple Orchard in Williston September 20 & 21 Free admission http://www.upickvermont.com/ includes performances by the No Strings Marionette Company
Ski & Skate Sale October 25th - Montpelier Rec Dept new and used winter recreation equipment sale at Montpelier High School (they'll be taking equipment in on 23rd & 24th)
Gingerbread House Contest - The Central Vermont Community Land Trust will once again be holding a gingerbread house contest in November. Look for more details this fall. http://www.cvclt.org/ CVCLT provides affordable housing, property management, homebuyer education, lending, and community development services to communities in Central Vermont.

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

 

July additions & CC info

Be sure to continue scrolling down to read previous posts that are still very current with information:

There will NOT be daily afterschool Community Connections activities at Berlin Elem. this fall. Students will still have the option of participating in vacation and inservice programs that Community Connections holds. For more information on these programs see http://www.communityconnections.us or call 223-3456
Note: Homework Club, as far as I know, will continue to take place up to four days per week.
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July 12th & 13th - Tax Free Vermont Days http://www.taxfreevt.com/ All non-business purchases up to $2,000 will be exempt from state sales tax EXCEPT automobiles and vehicles. Note there is an extended time of July 14th - 18th for Energy Star-rated appliances costing $2,000 or less. Check out Efficiency Vermont for some tips: http://www.efficiencyvermont.com/pages/Residential/
Note: I hear many businesses in Montpelier are staying open until at least 7pm on Saturday and until 4pm on Sunday to celebrate the Tax Free VT Days this weekend.... you may want to call and check the hours.
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BEAR POND BOOKS - Check out the new and improved website for Montpelier's Bear Pond Books http://www.BearPondBooks.com which makes this store open to you 24 hours a day. They offer "Direct to Home" shipping which is free on purchases over $15. If you still like browsing in person, note that they're on summer hours which includes 9am-9pm Thursday - Saturday, 10-5 on Sunday and 9am-6pm Monday - Wednesday.
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Saturday, July 12th from 8am - 4pm I hear there will be 6 lawn sales on Crosstown Road :)
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July 19th Bean Hole Beans at Morse Farm - they say the pot will be unearthed in time for dinner to start about 5:30pm. Just 2.7 miles out of Montpelier. Summer hours are 8am-8pm. Check out the Woodshed Theater where you can watch the free video on the making of maple syrup and inside there is some free tasting of various grades of maple syrup. You might want to purchase a maple cremee before leaving. The Morse Farm is where you can also see the State House Replica which was in the Montpelier Fourth of July parade. I hear they have some coupons in the Times Argus, World and Bridge for 10% off maple syrup.
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Free bowling for kids at Twin City Lanes http://www.central-vt.com/web/twincitylanes/ 476-6181 This is a program we've participated in and they've kicked it up a notch this year. A parent needs to go in to fill out the paperwork and your child(ren) get a card which entitles them to one free game of bowling per day shoes included . If they bowl any additional games then the charge is $3.25 for each additional game before 5pm and after 5pm and on weekends it's $3.75. Give a call to double check the hours they're open - in the summer they don't open until 4 on Monday, and Tuesday - Sunday I believe they open at noon. Kim is the one to process the paperwork so if you go in when she's there, she may be able to process it while you wait.
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Barre Homecoming July 24-27 http://www.barrecity.org with a parade on Saturday, July 26th at 4pm and Native Tongue playing there on the green at 7pm
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Students entering 7th grade - remember there will be a Meet Your TA night on Tuesday, August 26th at U-32.
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Students entering 7th & 8th grade - note there is a Fall Middle School Parent-Athlete-Coach Meeting for all middle school parents and players on Monday, August 25th 7pm at U-32. MS Football practice starts 8/12 for other MS sports practices start 8/28. Don't forget you need a current athletic participation form filled out to participate http://www.u32.org/v2files/PDF/athletics/partform.pdf
(students entering high school have their Parent-Athlete-Coach Meeting Monday, August 11th 6:30pm at U-32. Football practice begins 8/11 at 4pm while other HS practices begin 8/12)
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Tips to improve your gas mileage http://www.fueleconomy.gov/FEG/drive.shtml

Energy Savers - Tips on Saving Energy & Money at Home
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/pdfs/energy_savers.pdf

For those interested, below you'll find another article regarding the upcoming winter fuel.....

Corinne Stridsbergcheck out: http://socialenergy.blogspot.com to find out what's happening in Berlin and beyond
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Below are a couple of articles from Sunday's Times Argus. Anything you see in BOLD, was bolded by me :)
In addition to the links given, I found info on "Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to be informative (sidebar link from http://www.helpforvt.org under Heating Assistance) along with the link for Central Vermont Community Action Council http://www.cvcac.org/ and another link, http://www.dcf.state.vt.us/esd/fuel_assistance to be very helpful in understanding what is currently available. The link for Efficiency Vermont is http://www.efficiencyvermont.com/pages/
It's not too soon to prepare for coming winter fuel bills
July 6, 2008
BY BRIAN DUBIE AND NEALE F. LUNDERVILLE
July seems like an unusual month to start thinking about winter. We are busy enjoying the rites of summer – BBQs, fishing, mowing the lawn – and want to chase away the thoughts of snow and cold.But this summer is unusual in many ways: Gasoline is over $4 per gallon, diesel is topping $5 per gallon, and the cost of food is inching up daily. At every turn, we are confronting the pervasive effects of rising energy prices. These prices are not a blip or a passing bubble; most experts agree that the reality of high fuel costs is something we'll need to deal with into the future.This brings us to the winter ahead. Since most Vermonters heat their homes with oil, the cost of fuel will be a real shock to the family checkbook. While there is little we can do as a state to influence the price of oil on the international markets, there are tangible and practical steps we can take – right here at home – to prepare for the coming challenges.Gov. James Douglas recently challenged his administration and the state's network of service providers to work together to harness all available resources and ideas to fight back against rising fuel costs. The governor asked us to co-chair a cabinet-level task force designed to bring outside partners together and coordinate the initiatives for maximum effect.The focus of our efforts is twofold. First, we aim to help Vermonters take proactive steps to reduce their heating bills through weatherization and efficiency. By encouraging Vermonters to invest in projects to button up their homes, we can kickstart fuel savings right away. Second, we are working to provide more resources for individuals and families who may need assistance in the coming months. As the governor has made clear, we want to ensure that no Vermont family is cold in their home this winter.Between state, federal, nonprofit and private assistance programs, Vermont has an extensive menu of weatherization and efficiency options to fit all income levels. Weatherization upgrades run the gamut, from low-cost, do-it-yourself fixes that could save 15 percent to more comprehensive improvements that can save many times more in heating bills. Every home is unique and every family situation is unique, so the key is to match Vermonters with right improvement for their home and budget.To facilitate this step, we partnered with Vermont's 2-1-1 service to create a "one-stop shop" for folks to determine their best choices. 2-1-1 is a local call that connects Vermonters to the vast network of state resources. It is more than just a referral service, but rather an all-around helpline that will provide answers and advice based on individual needs. The 2-1-1 service has a companion Web site – www.HelpForVt.org – that offers information and links for weatherization and heating assistance.Another important partner in this effort is Efficiency Vermont. Through Efficiency Vermont, we are making it easier for homeowners to take a strategic approach to lowering energy bills. Their energy auditing teams focus on the complete energy picture: from how to bring down electric bills through smart electricity choices (compact fluorescent light bulbs, etc) to practical thermal efficiencies (insulation in attic, cleaning your oil burner, diversifying your energy sources). This kind of full-circle thinking can lead to a very quick return on investment and substantially lower energy costs in the years ahead.Education is also a crucial component of our efforts. Partnering with the Central Vermont Community Action Council and town energy committees, we are hosting 100 workshops around the state starting later this summer. These two-hour workshops will be focused on practical knowledge Vermonters can use to save 10 percent to 20 percent on heating bills. Energy specialists and certified contractors will demonstrate tricks of the trade – no-cost changes to low-cost improvements – that can really make a difference.While thinking ahead for this winter is crucial, we understand the need to explore all contingencies and look for additional resources to support Vermonters who are struggling to make ends meet. We are working closely with the Legislature to assist our congressional delegation in pursuit of additional federal money for the low-income heating program known as LIHEAP. We also recognize that the cost of fuel is affecting many other programs across the state – like Meals on Wheels – and are exploring creative approaches to ensure that essential services are not interrupted.By working together, planning ahead and taking some common sense steps during the summer months, we'll be best prepared when the snow flies again. For more information about any of these programs, please call 2-1-1 or visit www.HelpForVt.org.Brian Dubie is Vermont's lieutenant governor. Neale F. Lunderville is the Secretary of Transportation. Both co-chair the Governor's Fuel & Food Partnership.
Update on food and fuel emergency preparationsJuly 6, 2008
By CARL ETNIER
Oil prices continue to rise, and the administration, Legislature, and nonprofit agencies continue their work to prepare Vermont for what everyone seems to be describing as the approaching fuel emergency this winter. "In addition, the state has drawn together information about assistance, weatherization, and related programs at a Web site launched Thursday afternoon: www.helpforvt.org."The relatively new telephone referral service that you can access by calling 211 is already being used for referrals. MaryEllen Mendl, program director for Vermont 2-1-1, advised they have seen a dramatic increase in calls for service.Home performance audits and more thermal insulation in homes are for many people the most cost-effective way to lower fuel bills.Eric Rutz, customer service manager with Efficiency Vermont, explains, "The homes in our state are among the oldest in the nation, which means there is tremendous opportunity to enhance the efficiency of the structures. A home performance audit will help property owners better understand where they can obtain the most value for their money — insulation and compact florescent light bulbs are an affordable way to start saving immediately. The best single thing people can do to protect against future energy price increases is to lower their overall energy usage any way they can."A group representing nonprofits and local governments met recently at the Central Vermont Community Action Council, and one of the more urgent messages was that the window for planting a garden with an extra row of food for the food bank or yourself is still open but closing.Beans, peas, and potatoes can still be planted and yield harvests, as well as many transplants. And if you grow zucchini, this is the year to stop lurking in parking lots, looking for unlocked cars to fill with your extra production. Don't be shy about taking them to the food bank or local food shelf!

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

 

July Events and more

VENTURE VERMONT 2008 OUTDOOR CHALLENGE Go to the Vermont State Parks website: http://www.vtstateparks.com/ and print out a scorecard - when you keep track of activities that you've completed and reach a total of 250 points, you win free day entry into Vermont State Parks for the rest of the 2008 season and for the entire 2009 season! Entries must be received by October 15, 2008. Some of the activities include identifying animals and birds; becoming a Junior Ranger; going to a Green Mtn Conservation Camp, touring a fish hatchery, create art or write a poem or story, hike, go fishing, visit State Parks and some outdoor challenges such as building a shelter with natural objects, build a fire without matches or a lighter, Green Up, plant a tree. and more. ~~~
Berlin Community Swim Lessons - there are still some spots, especially for upper levels, open. Lessons are from July 7 -18 OR August 4 - 15. Contact Corinne
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If you need any information on Reading Incentive programs this summer please let me know and I can send you the information on several.
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Thursday, July 3rd "The Ant Bully" will be shown in the children's room at the Aldrich Library in Barre at 1pm. An animated feature rated PG. Story of a child who destroys ant mounds and is taught about bullying by shrinking to the size of an ant in the colony. Appropriate for ages 8 and up.
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Thursday, July 3d -
Free afternoon swim at Montpelier Pool on Elm Street &
"Riddles in the Dark" No Strings Marionette performance 3:30pm on the State House Lawn in Montpelier
Kids are invited to decorate their bikes and ride with Onion River in the Montpelier parade. Kids under 5 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 229-9409 for details.
for more 4th of July events on the 3rd in Montpelier see separate email
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4th of July parades and activities afterward
Worcester 11am parade - chicken bbq, music, children's games, food vendors, K-9 demo, strawberry festival and more with fireworks at dusk
Randolph 10am parade followed by music and entertainment, food vendors, chili challenge, etc.
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9th Annual Butterfly Count Saturday, July 5, starts at 9:00am Fee: $3 to NABA; donations to North Branch Nature Center welcomeJoin us for the ninth annual Central Vermont Butterfly Count! Whether you are a complete beginner or an avid expert, we need your help searching for Baltimore Checkerspots, Eyed Browns, Coral Hairstreaks and more. Much like a Christmas Bird Count, participants spend the day identifying and counting all the butterfly species in a predetermined area. Starting and end times are flexible. All are welcome http://www.northbranchnaturecenter.org/
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Sunday July 6, at 12:30 p.m. Middle Ages demo - Ever wondered what life was like in the Middle Ages? The Society for Creative Anachronism(SCA) is an international group of people who recreate the middle ages; its arts and crafts, food, music, battles and archery. The local Vermont shire of the SCA, known as Panther Vale, will be hosting a demonstration of some of what its members do on Sunday July 6, at 12:30 p.m. at Brookfield's Old Town Hall.
A variety of demonstrations and displays are expected including; youth combat, thrown weapons, bow making and bowstringing displays, a fencing demo, displays of medieval crafts such as illumination, glasswork, embroidery, and nal binding, music and more. Children can make blunt arrows, try on the chain mail and other armor.
The event is free and open to the public and of interest to both children and adults. Hope to see you there. http://www.panthervale.com/

(Can't make this one? There will be a demo at the Christ Church lawn on State Street, Montpelier by the Farmers' Market on Saturday, September 6 or 13, 2008 from noon to 3pm )
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Wednesday, July 9th 10:30 am –11:30 am Story Time at Berlin Elementary School!!! Presented by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library's Books on Wheels Rain or Shine! Kellogg-Hubbard Librarian Jane Napier brings the magic of books alive with potions that will turn you into something nasty, disgusting, dangerous, smelly and sweet! Kids of all ages (and grown-ups too) will enjoy the silliness!
COME JOIN THE FUN !!! For more information, call 223-4665
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Thursday, July 10th - Middlesex "Maddub" 6:30pm - Funky, electronic rhythms, part of Free Summer Concert Series. Lawn seating, bring a picnic. Middlesex Bandstand. Info 223-4136 Rain site: Rumney school
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July 11th at 3pm the clock starts ticking for .... The Montpelier BioBlitz - a project of the North Branch Nature Center. http://www.northbranchnaturecenter.org/
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Kellogg-Hubbard giant summer book sale continues through July 12th. You will find used, nearly-new and brand-new books, as well as audio books, music, videos, DVDs and more. Books are all arranged by subject for easy browsing. http://www.kellogghubbard.org/ Don't forget to get your FREE library card while you're there!!~~~
July 11, 12, 13 SOLAR FEST in Tinmouth, VT (near Rutland) - for 14 years they've been celebrating the power of renewable energy, the arts, and community action to change the world. Learn how with over 60 workshops on renewable energy, sustainable living, the art of community, agriculture skills, green building, plus two solar-powered stages featuring great music. (Bare Foot Truth who the kids enjoyed this last year at Berlin Elem. will be performing there on Sunday) Tickets for the Solar Fest can be purchased at the gate. http://www.solarfest.org/
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FREE MOVIES ON THURSDAYS THIS SUMMER THANKS TO BEN & JERRYS
at the top of the parking garage at dusk on East State Street in Montpelier
(note: if the weather is not good they tend to start them earlier than dusk inside the City Center)
Bring chairs or blankets to sit on and bring a snack with you also!
July 3rd - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire rated PG13
July 10th - Back to the Future rated PG
July 17th - Madagascar rated PG
July 24th - Sixteen Candles rated PG
July 31st - Shrek 2 rated PG
August 7th - Three Amigos rated PG
August 14th - Daddy Day Care rated PG
August 21st - Ferris Bueller's Day Off rated PG 13
These same movies show on other days at their Waterbury facility and at a parking garage in downtown Burlington - check with B&J for the days.
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Free Monday Movies at Kellogg-Hubbard Library - July 7 - documentary "Microcosmos" 6:30pm appropriate for ages 8 and up. July 14th "The Ant Bully" an animated feature rated PG. Story of a child who destroys ant mounds and is taught about bullying by shrinking to the size of an ant in the colony. Appropriate for ages 8 and up. Don't forget to get your FREE library card while you're there!!

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Free Monday Movies at Brookfield Old Town Hall will run now through Labor Day (not on July 7th). Every Monday beginning June 23rd there are two films scheduled, a family film at 7pm and a 9pm film favorite. Refreshments will be sold with the proceeds - and any donations from movie patrons - benefitting the work on the Old Town Hall. For more info including a schedule of films and film times: brookfieldmovies@gmail.com. Some of the upcoming movies are: July 14 - The Secret of Roan Innish and His Girl Friday; July 21 The Kid and North by Northwest; and July 28 August Rush and Once.
Note: The Floating Bridge in Brookfield is currently closed to traffic although people can enjoy walking across!
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Wednesday evening recreational family soccer 6-8pm this summer at East Montpelier Elementary School.
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Wednesday evenings at 7pm free Band Concerts are held on the State House lawn in Montpelier from June through August. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and maybe a snack and ENJOY!~~~
Wednesday evenings in Barre there are also free concerts.7/2 Lewis Franco7/9 Colin McCaffrey & Jim Pitman7/16 Cold Country Bluegrass7/30 Rusty Romance8/13 Jon Noyes DJ8/20 Radio Rangers8/27 Sherri's Jubilee
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Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vermont Admission is half-price for Vermont residents, thanks to a generous grant by Lois McClure. This makes it $9 for adults and $4.50 for kids 6-18 (free under 6). A family day pass for 2 adults and their children 6-18 would be $24. Hours are 10am - 5pm daily. Free parking. Check out the special events coming up http://www.shelburnemuseum.org/
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Interesting places to go in Vermont:
http://www.berlinschool.org/userfiles/file/stridsberg/interesting%20places.pdf
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Berlin Community News http://socialenergy.blogspot.com/
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Vermont Summer Camps: http://sportsactivities.blogspot.com/
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Vermont Mountaineers baseball with home games at the Montpelier Rec Field on Elm Street. Shuttle busses running from various locations in Montpelier. $4 adults, $3 sr, student or military, or Family ticket pack $10. Schedule: http://www.thevermontmountaineers.com/~~~
FREE QuarryWorks performances at the Phillips Experimental Theater on the grounds of the Adamant Music School:Brigadoon - A Musical July 17-20 and July 24-27. Evening performances Thurs, Friday, Sat, Sun at 7:30pm. Matinees at 1pm on Sat. and 2pm on Sunday.Cinderella, Cinderella - for young audiences July 31 - August 3 and August 7-10. Evening performances Thurs & Fri at 7:30pm and Sat. at 5pm. Matinees at 1pm on Saturday and 2pm on Sunday. All QuarryWorks performances are FREE, thanks to the Adamant Community Cultural Foundation. http://www.adamant.org/ 229-9297
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Lake Champlain Ferry to Ausable Chasm - I'm seeing a coupon in the Times Argus today (7/2) for round trip Burlington to Port Kent ferry and including admission to Ausable Chasm for four people in a car $65. Has anybody done this trip? Sounds like fun but I'd like to hear from somebody who has gone.~~~
Planning ahead.....
Jon Gailmor peformance August 6th 6:30pm at the Marshfield Library http://www.jongailmor.com/
Circus Smirkus August 11 - 13 at Montpelier High School http://www.smirkus.com/
Used Musical Instruments Sale an annual event by CVSM will be on Saturday, August 23rd from 9am-2pm at the Bethany Church on Main St. in Montpelier. Instrument drop-off will be on Friday, August 22, from 4pm-7pm. http://sharethemusicvt.org/sale.htm
Northfield Labor Day Celebration http://www.northfieldlaborday.org/
K-9's & Company on the State House Lawn September 6th. Central VT Humane Society offers this annual event http://www.cvhumane.com/
Fall Harvest Festival at the Adams Apple Orchard in Williston September 20 & 21 Free admission http://www.upickvermont.com/ includes performances by the No Strings Marionette Company
Ski & Skate Sale October 25th - Montpelier Rec Dept new and used winter recreation equipment sale at Montpelier High School (they'll be taking equipment in on 23rd & 24th)
Gingerbread House Contest - The Central Vermont Community Land Trust will once again be holding a gingerbread house contest in November. Look for more details this fall. http://www.cvclt.org/ CVCLT provides affordable housing, property management, homebuyer education, lending, and community development services to communities in Central Vermont
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GIGANTIC PARADE at 6:30PM
FANTASTIC FIREWORKS at 9:30PM
AROUND TOWN:8-10AM Pancake Breakfast at Christ Church(sponsored by Christ Episcopal church)Noon Brown Bag Concert featuring Starline Rhythm Boys, Christ Church Park(sponsored by Coldwell Banker Classic Properties for MDCA)
1-2PM MDCA's Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony with free ice cream, Christ Church Park(sponsored by Casella Waste Management)
1-3PM Annual Library Lawn Party with Jeh Kulu Dance & Drum(sponsored by Kellogg Hubbard Library)
1:30-4 Family Fun Day at the Montpelier Pool--Free admission!(sponsored by Montpelier Recreation Department)2PM Lost Nation Theater performs "The Importance of Being Earnest" at City Hall Arts
3-5PM Mad Bavarians, strolling band(sponsored by Aubuchon Hardware)
6-6:30 Montpelier Mile Road Race, State St.(sponsored by Onion River Sports & the Montpelier Rotary Club)
8-Midnight Langdon St. Dance Party featuring Blue Fox & the Rockin' Daddies8-Midnight Julio's World Beat Dance Party with Mango Jam(sponsored by Julio's Cantina)

STATE HOUSE LAWN STAGE:(sponsored by National Life Group & Montpelier Pharmacy)3:30-4:30 PM No String Marionettes(sponsored by Northfield Savings Bank)
4:30-6 PM Rick & the Ramblers(Sponsored by Vermont Mutual Insurance Company)
7:30-8 PM Catamount Pipe Band(Sponsored by Times Argus)
8-9 PM Green Mountain Youth Symphony(Sponsored by Chittenden Bank)
9-9:20 PM PanAshe Steeldrum Band
3-10 PM Food & craft vendors, demonstrations & children's activitiesWe would like to thank our sponsors:

PARADE SPONSORS: Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Vermont; Capitol Plaza; Casella Waste Management; Cody Chevrolet; Community National Bank; Denis, Ricker & Brown; First in Fitness; Hunger Mountain Coop; Maple Capital Management; Noyle W. Johnson Insurance; Heney Realtors; The Shoe Horn; Union Mutual Fire Insurance; Lansky Family Dentistry

ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Betsy's Bed & Breakfast; Beavin & Sons; Calmont Beverage; Connor contracting; DuBois Construction; Fecteau Homes; Inn at Montpelier; Julio's Cantina; Morse Farm Maple Sugar Works; Phyllis Rubenstein; Salaam Boutique; Capital Deli; The Knitting Studio; William Shouldice & Associates; World Publications; Diamond & Robinson, PC; Downs, Rachlin, Martin; North Country Federal Credit Union; McKee, Giulliani & Cleveland

LIVE MUSIC AFTER THE FIREWORKS
Of course there is great live music around town every night this week and weekend. On Thursday July 3rd, stay late and enjoy some fun:
*Positive Pie: Money Jungle. Jungle-jazz/ska/swing 10 pm 21+ no cover http://www.positivepie.com/
*Black Door: Polyester. Retro kinetic groove at 9:30 pm http://blackdoorvt.com/music.php
*Langdon Street Café: 6pm The Amity Front and 10pm Bow Thayer and the Perfect Trainwreck. http://langdonstreetcafe.com/events.cfm
*McGillicuddy's Langdon St. Dance Party featuring Blue Fox & the Rockin' Daddies 8-Midnight *Julio's World Beat Dance Party with Mango Jam 8-Midnight
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Below are some interesting articles you may have missed since I know many of you don't see the paper daily. A summary of the articles is as follows:
The Montpelier Food Pantry welcomes Berlin residents. The pantry is located at the Trinity United Methodist Church while registration is at the Bethany Church.
Barre lunch sites are open to drop-in kids (no questions, no cost to kids) and there are other lunch sites throughout central Vermont as part of specific programs.
There is a wood-chopping operation in Montpelier that is helping people in central Vermont with wood needed to heat their homes.

Food Pantry - The Montpelier Food Pantry welcomes residents of Adamant, Berlin, Calais, East Montpelier, Middlesex, Montpelier, Putnamville, Shady Rill and Worcester. Register Monday through Friday from 9am - noon at Bethany Church, 115 Main Street. Bring proof of residence, like a current bill with your address on it. For more information, call 223-2424.

The new pantry hours are:
Tuesday 9am - noon
Wednesday 10-11am and 4-6pm
Thursday and Friday 10-11am
Closed Monday

Montpelier Food Pantry expands with the needJune 25, 2008
By Mel Huff Times Argus Staff

MONTPELIER - At noon Tuesday volunteers Olive Franzi and Peg Monley held the ends of a wide, white ribbon across a basement corridor in Trinity United Methodist Church that leads to the Montpelier Food Pantry. Victoria King, the pantry director, wielded the scissors while guests laughed.The occasion was the inauguration of the pantry's new late afternoon hours: Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m.The additional hours are intended to make it easy for families to shop when they get off work – and reflect the stresses that rising costs and stagnant wages are having on Vermonters employed in low-paying jobs.The pantry has also benefited from an "extreme makeover." The space now has the look and feel of a cozy neighborhood market, complete with grocery carts donated by Onion River Co-op – a boon to the elderly who had difficulty carrying and filling baskets. From the corridor, shoppers enter a room filled with United States Department of Agriculture commodities. A refrigerator in a corner is filled with bags of leaf lettuce. "They can help themselves to as much as they want," Monley said. Families can take a week's supply of food once a month.Hanging on a hook in the adjoining room are laminated guidelines indicating how much meat, bread, canned goods and soups families of various sizes can choose. Thanks to donors – businesses, individuals and fraternal organizations – the pantry is able to offer eggs and cheese. Franzi, who has been volunteering at the pantry since it opened in 1984, orders 60 dozen eggs from a local farmer every week or two.Recipes fill an envelope on a shelf lined with staples. Pauli Brousseau, who has volunteered at the pantry since 1984, observed that clients are often at a loss as to how to use dried beans. Being able to add a little cheese to foods makes it a lot easier to prepare tasty meals, King said. Soon samples of food will be provided along with the recipes.Food Works donates extra produce to the pantry, and King wants to make sure that people know about the availability of vegetables. Anne Maule, the food and nutrition educator for Food Works, brought samples of a vegetable dish featuring spinach and sweet salad turnips to the ribbon-cutting. "If people can see how to cook and prepare vegetables, they are more likely to take them home," she declared."Manghi's the hero in this community," said Joseph Kiefer, Food Works' co-direc-tor. King noted that the Montpelier baker doesn't merely give the pantry burnt or surplus bread: "They said, 'Tell us if you're ever low on bread and we'll make some."The food pantry operates exclusively on donations – it gets no funding from the city or state. Visits have increased 22 percent over last year, King said. A couple of weeks ago, 18 families came though in one morning; 78 of the May food recipients were children. King is considering giving families a supplemental bag of "kid food" during the summer months when children don't eat breakfast and lunch at school.The community's response has kept pace with the growing need, King said. The pantry received 7,500 pounds of food this year from a postal drive, nearly double the 4,000 pounds it got last year. That has meant no empty shelves. Still, some things are always in short supply – cereal, jelly (for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches), dried milk, canned soup, baked beans and any kind of meal in a can.Garden tomatoes "go like psssttt," King said."The backbone of this system is the local churches that support it," Kiefer said. However, some supporters like Monley have no church affiliation. One dedicated volunteer, Tim Noonan, is a state employee who comes nearly every day on his lunch hour to stock shelves and organize food in the storage room. King likes the fact that the pantry reflects the community.Adding the afternoon hours for working families was Monley's idea, King said."I want people to know that it's easy and that there really is help. I just want them to know that it's okay to come," Monley explained. "There are a lot of people have never been here before, who never thought they'd need to use a food pantry, and it's so nice to know that it's just your friends and neighbors helping.”

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Barre school lunch program finds a summer nicheJuly 1, 2008
By Mel Huff Times Argus Staff

BARRE – A small girl in a pink bathing suit padded up to a long table in the bath house of the city swimming pool and asked the man holding a pair of tongs, "Could I have a hamburger or hot dog?"She took a paper plate with a grilled hamburger, walked past a tray of watermelon slices and large bowl of pasta salad and helped herself to a carton of milk buried in ice in a cooler at the end of a table.The barbecue at the pool Monday marked the kickoff of the city's free summer lunch program, a crucial weapon in the fight against childhood hunger.This year, Barre has six drop-in sites open to children 18 and under. The pool just began offering lunch and an afternoon snack as part of its program, joining Aldrich Library, Hedding United Methodist Church, Barre City Elementary School, Highgate Apartments, and Green Acres. There is no eligibility screening of children at any of the sites."We ask no questions," said Stephanie Quaranta, Barre's recreation director.Northfield Boys and Girls Club and Brown Public Library in Northfield also provide meals that are open to all children. The county's open sites will serve meals for at least eight weeks.Meals are being offered for the first time to children enrolled in shorter programs at three other sites: Barre Auditorium (the Frost Heaves camp), the Kellogg-Hubbard library in Montpelier, and Williamstown Elementary School's camp. Spaulding High School continues to provide meals for Rosie's Girls, and the Montpelier Recreation Department feeds it campers.All in all, 13 sites in central Vermont now offer summer meals for children."We decided to open the pool at noontime so parents could come on their lunch hour and drop their children off," said Quaranta. "It makes it easier for the parents and children."If it's raining, children can eat in the bath house or under the gazebo, she observed. If it's a very cold day or pouring rain and the pool is closed, children can eat at the elementary school."We're promoting it," Quaranta said of the meals program. "For parents, it's ideal."When both parents work, or if a family is headed by a single parent, it can be hard to make good lunches. "Now they can bring (their children) here and know that they'll get a healthy lunch and a good snack to hold them until mom or dad is home for dinner."Menus, which are available at the pool, include chicken nuggets, turkey hoagies, chef salads, lasagna and baked barbecue chicken, plus salads, fresh fruits and fresh vegetables.

food management company Fitz, Vogt and Associates provides the meals for the programs, said Steve Marinelli, the man behind the tongs and the company's northern Vermont manager. This is the first year the company has provided summer meals for the area. "We revamped the whole program," he said. "In years past, it was strictly cold meals. We offer hot meals three days a week."Sarah Kunz, the summer nutrition outreach and policy specialist at the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger, said her organization expects that up to 360 children will be fed daily through the Washington Country programs this summer – 150 more than last summer.Kunz believes that more Vermont families are struggling to put food on the table, based on the increased use of Food Stamps, which is nearing record levels, and the growing number of families turning to food shelves.The number of children who rely on free and reduced-price school meals – another measure of food insecurity – is sobering. In Barre City, 761 students use the school meals program. In Washington County as a whole, the number is more than 2,300. During summer vacation, that food is no longer available."National studies show that summer is really a high-risk time for kids," Kunz observed. "Especially, low-income kids are at risk of falling behind academically and tend to put on weight at two to three times the rate that they do during the academic year. What we know is that the summer food program is really protective."A 2006 study published in the Journal of Children and Poverty found that food insecurity rates go up during the summer months, and that the impact is greatest in households with children. The same study concluded that food insecurity was mitigated in states with high participation in the federal summer food program."In addition to providing a consistent source of nutrition," Kunz noted, "all of the summer meals programs in Washington County have some kind of fun enrichment or activities that go with the meal, so they're feeding kids' bellies and also feeding their minds and providing a place for kids to socialize."Squeals rising from the pool, Quaranta said that the meals program complements her exercise programs – swimming, volleyball and basketball – in building healthy children."The food's a hit. It's very rewarding," she said. "I got out on the playground and round them all up, and once they understand it's a free meal, they're like 'Wow!' They're so appreciative – their faces just light up!”
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Combining food and funSummer programs step in to help combat hunger June 30, 2008
By Susan Allen Times Argus Editor
BARRE – More than 29,000 Vermont children rely on free or reduced meals at school during the academic year, sometimes the only food they receive in a day, prompting anti-hunger advocates to scramble to ensure kids don't go hungry when the school year ends."Food is the most flexible item in the budget," said Sarah Kunz, Summer Nutrition Outreach and Policy Specialist with the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger. She said costs such as transportation and housing are fixed, making food one area where families can cut back when times are tough."That flexible piece of the budget is getting stretched more and more. Families rely on low-cost, high-calorie, low-nutrition cheap foods," she said. Kids might be eating, but they are consuming low-cost, low-nutrition calories rather than a balanced diet."The face of hunger is not the extended bellies and wasted limbs that people often think about when they hear the words childhood hunger," she added. "It's a different face, something you might not recognize if you passed the child on the street."Today at noon, Kunz and Barre summertime lunch providers (folks from all eight city sites that provide summer food programs to children) will hold a free barbeque for kids under 18 at the Barre City Pool. Families are welcome, too, but only the kids eat free.Kunz said the event is designed to let people know that the pool is the newest site for a summer food program, and to get the word out that many places where kids gather in the summertime – such as the Aldrich Library – will also offer meals and snacks in some cases this summer."We hear stories from our partners across the state about what's happening" when school closes, Kunz said. One Brattleboro teacher said she asked students if they were excited school was finally over, and one responded, 'Summer is no lunch and nothing to do,' Kunz said.During the school year, breakfast and lunch is free to children of families of four earning less than $26,000 annually. Vermont lawmakers this year passed a law ensuring children in families earning between $26,000 and $37,000 pay only 40 cents per meal.Those children receive breakfasts and lunches that include milk, protein, fruits and vegetables, and a carbohydrate. But come summertime, that quality nutrition – and the programs that might otherwise provide food to hungry children, such as camp — often ends, Kunz said."So a lot of kids are home alone, home with older siblings, home in the care of relatives," Kunz said. "Summertime as a time for kids to be going to camp or involved in sports is not the reality for low-income families."The average cost of a day camp in New England is $193 a week per child, and $780 for a week at a residential camp, she said, citing statistics from the American Camping Association"For families having a hard time already buying fruits and vegetables, $75 a week (for camp) on scholarship is just not on the family budget," she added."When the doors to school close in the spring there is a lack of statewide programming for kids that is age appropriate, cheap or free — it just doesn't exist for a lot of kids," Kunz said. "Libraries, Parks and Recreation (departments) and churches are picking up the pieces."She said the Campaign to End Childhood Hunger works with communities "to ensure wherever there's a concentration of low-income kids, there's access to balanced nutrition. From Richford to Barre to Burlington … it can be done."She said Burlington has implemented a program in conjunction with the city's Intervale farm to allow children to help grow the foods they will eat during the summertime. The Children's Library at Aldrich in Barre pairs nutritional food with reading and craft activities. And kids at Highgate Housing in Barre enjoy meals along with gardening, free book giveaways and more."There are wonderful examples of all different summer programs," she said.Adding those activities to a meal program also reduces the stigma children feel about participating in low-income programs."Stigma is an issue. It's an issue with every nutrition assistance program," Kunz said. "But a lot of kids just view summer food as one more element of a fun day. It's going to the pool and oh, you get lunch, too."She said the number of children participating in summer food programs is expected to increase significantly this summer for two reasons. First, the economy is tight, with the rising price of gasoline and other expenses putting unusual pressure on family budgets. In addition, the number of programs offering summertime meals to low-income children has also increased, expanding access to good food.Some statistics Kunz cites include:* Vermont ranks 9th in the nation for participation in summer food programs;* This year there will be 13 summer food sites throughout Washington County, up from 9 last summer;* This year, meal sites are located in Barre, Montpelier, Berlin, Northfield and Williamstown.* And Barre is the only community in Washington County with drop-in summer food sites, allowing kids to stop by for a meal and activities without being enrolled in a particular camp or program.Starting today, add the Barre City Pool to the list of sites that combine food and fun.The ultimate goal of summertime meal programs, Kunz said, is to "nourish their bellies and nourish their minds.""In my job, there's nothing more satisfying than going to a food site in July on a hot day and see a child who has been running around and having a great time sit down and have a balanced meal," she said. "It's always really rewarding.”
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Although the following article focuses mostly on Morrisville there is mention of a local man who I had heard about that tries to help people out with wood to heat with...

Group looks to chop fuel prices United Way, RSVP plan to cut wood for the needyJune 29, 2008 By Peter Hirschfeld Vermont Press Bureau
MORRISVILLE - At the United Way in Lamoille County, executive director Dawn Archbold won't have enough money to keep needy families from going cold this winter.But she's hoping stacked cord wood is as good as hard cash."Last year, we ran out of fuel assistance money in January," says Archbold. "I'm worried we could run out in November if things stay like this."Money may be scarce in Lamoille County, but trees aren't. And a new program seeks to harvest that resource to curb winter heating costs for low-income residents in the area."It's going to be a very difficult winter, and this is one way to maybe defray heating costs for people," Archbold says. "The more people can heat with wood, the less they have to rely on heating oil."The United Way is partnering with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program in Morrisville to pull off the project. They have yet to split a single log. And Dan Noyes at RSVP says they're going to need a lot of help to make it work."As a community, we're going to have to figure out how to take care of our neighbors with heating oil prices like they are," he says. "If we can take some of the burden off programs that help people pay for heating oil by providing wood, then it's something we have to try to do."Noyes and Archbold have identified a possible wood suppliers: electric utilities and the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers, which log nearby forests to clear rights of way and trails."When they go in and do that work, we're asking them to ask landowners if they'd be willing to donate the trees to the project," Archbold says.The organizations will transport the donated wood to a processing site, where volunteers will spend a week in late July chopping, splitting and delivering the wood to needy families."This is going to be kind of our trial to see if this works," Archbold says. "If it does work, we'd like to make it a permanent project."The idea isn't unprecedented. James "Buzz" Surwilo has run a one-man wood-chopping operation out of his Montpelier property for three years now. He estimates he's chopped 50 cords worth of wood for low-income families in the area. With heating oil prices in the range of $4.50 a gallon, Surwilo says, the need is greater than ever."I'm not out promoting it because I'm sure I'd get swamped. It's just me and three volunteers, so there's a limit to what we can provide," Surwilo says. "But I think it's great to see better-organized organizations doing this on a bigger level, because there's certainly people who would use the help."On Thursday, an official in the Douglas administration announced a new program called "Wood Warmth" based largely on the same premise. The state would harvest wood from state and town forests, and transport it to concentration zones around the state. Eligible Vermonters could then chop their own firewood at a deep discount."This is something we need to get going sooner rather than later," Neale Lunderville, co-chair of a cabinet-level task force on heating issues, told a panel of lawmakers last week.Noyes recognizes that not every family can heat with wood, and that his small organization probably won't be able to chop enough of it to fill every wood stove for the winter. Still, he says the project could make a difference."This is just one small piece," Noyes says. "If we can fill some gaps with this, then that's awesome."

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