Tuesday, June 29, 2010

 

Summer News - MORE!

(use the archive on the side bar to see a recent post "Summer Fun!" under June 2010 with lots of great things going on - don't miss it!)

More summer information and a personal note from me follows:

Native Tongue, a classic rock band, will be playing Saturday, July 3rd at 7:30pm on Langdon Street in Montpelier. This follows the 6pm parade. They will break for the fireworks and then continue until midnight. The Native Tongue CD “FROZEN” is now available for $10 and can be purchased their on Langdon Street or at Nelson Ace Hardware in Barre.
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GMTA – bus fares have been reduced by 50% - the exception being the Link Express to Burlington fare which will continue to be $4. This is “to help Vermonters get to work, services and school in an affordable manner, along with encouraging the use of alternative transportation.” Check for details at http://www.gmtaride.org or call 802-223-7287. Note that there will be a new map & guide available in just a few days, this will include a new mid day Link Express to Burlington. Reduced fare information can be found at: http://www.gmtaride.org/capital-district/fares-cd.html
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PASSES AVAILABLE! Big News! Now the Kellogg-Hubbard Children's Library (CL) offers passes to great Vermont museums, parks, and historical sites! Sign out a pass at the CL desk and make your next family outing cheaper, smarter, and more fun. Sign up at the CL desk for a three-day pass to these great Vermont points-of-interest! Please check for availability before planning your trip. Be sure to double check the details, including the days/hours they’re open:
• ECHO Aquarium & Science Center http://www.echovermont.org this pass gives you $2 admission per family member (regular admission $10.50 adults and $8.50 kids).
• Shelburne Farms http://www.shelburnefarms.org free admission to the children’s farmyard and walking trails (regular admission adults $8, $5 kids).
• Vermont History Museum in downtown Mplr by Statehouse http://www.vermonthistory.org – free family pass (regular admission $5 adults, $3 students, or $12 families) Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm
• Vermont State Parks – free day pass for groups up to 8 http://www.vtstateparks.com (regular admission per day is $3 per person 14 yrs & older, $2 for 4 yr–13 yr olds)
• Vermont Historic Sites http://www.historicvermont.org/sites – free entry to the for one family of groups up to 8
• Fairbanks Museum http://www.fairbanksmuseum.org – free admission for 2 adults and all children in household. Open Monday – Sat 9am – 5pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm. (Regular admission adults $8, kids under 17 $6, under 5 free, or family $20) . The planetarium presentation is NOT included in the pass and costs $5 per person.

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YOUTH CHESS CLUB at Kellogg-Hubbard Library Wednesdays 5:30-7pm.
Chess is on break for the last two weeks of June, it's happening in July, and then on break again in August. Call Robert Nichols for info, 229-1207.

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Help out Berlin fire victim
Many of your readers will recall that Richard Tetreault, the Berlin town highway foreman, had a serious fire at his home on May 24. Fortunately, "Tate," his wife, Cindy, and their children all got out safely, thanks to a quick response from the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department and other area emergency responders. However, their house is currently unlivable and awaiting extensive repairs, and the family lost most of their belongings in the fire.
Although they were covered by insurance, there are always incidental expenses associated with getting one's life back together after a disaster like this. Many of us who work for and serve the town of Berlin wanted a way to help the family, so we have established a fund to collect donations. We wanted to spread the word to your readers in case others in town wanted to contribute.
Donations can be made out to "Friends and Neighbors of Richard and Cindy Tetreault," c/o Patti Lewis, Town of Berlin, 108 Shed Road, Berlin VT 05602-9049.
Our thoughts and best wishes to Tate and his family as they rebuild.

Nancy Driscoll (for the Berlin Selectboard)
Berlin
Sherri's Jubilee will also be holding a Benefit to help the Tetreault family on July 25th at the American Legion in Barre, starting at 1PM. Tickets are only $10 per person and you may pay at the door.

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Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge - earn 250 points or more (by doing outdoor activities) and receive free state park day entry for the 2010 and 2011 seasons! Find a scorecard here: http://www.vtstateparks.com/pdfs/venture_2010.pdf Vermont State Parks has a website http://www.vtstateparks.com/ , a blog http://vtstateparks.blogspot.com/ and they're also on Facebook where they put up activities for bonus points.
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PTNA Collection Programs - The Berlin Elementary School PTNA continues to collect Campbell's Labels for Education (this includes other qualifying products such as Pepperidge Farm) http://www.labelsforeducation.com/ along with Box Tops for Eductation http://www.boxtops4education.com . Besides the collection bin in the lobby at school (it says Campbell's on it but the Box Tops can go in there too) there is also a collection bin at the Town Clerk's office and a envelope to collect them at the Berlin Fire Dept. You could also give them to a neighbor who has a child at the elementary school. The Price Chopper Tools for Schools program allows the PTNA to obtain free school supplies using points earned by registering our PC Advantage cards. Julie Pryce-Kelley is the one to contact with any questions about these programs Jlpk6030@aol.com
Please also note that can tabs are being collected by the Girl Scouts for the Shriners - there is a jug in the school lobby to collect these.

Vermont Mountaineers Baseball Tickets - Buy your VT Mountaineers baseball tickets through the Berlin ELementary PTNA. Tickets are $4 each, of which PTNA keeps $2 for each ticket sold. Contact Trudy Marineau at 229-4030. Tickets will be available for the whole season, just contact Trudy.

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Please check out the following link for information about Good Karma Rescue. I would be glad to forward along an email I received from them a few days ago if you're interested in more details regarding their foster animal program.
http://goodkarmarescue.rescuegroups.org/info/display?PageID=6431

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There are a few slots still available for Berlin Community Swimming Lessons in the July 12th - 23rd session at First in Fitness. See more details at http://www.berlinschool.org/userfiles/file/newsandinfo/swim%20sign%20up%202010.pdf or email me back for more information.
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Corinne is officially unemployed - I don't believe everybody knows yet that three positions were cut at Berlin Elementary School (BES) because of declining enrollment and the need to cut the budget. This includes the paraeducator position I was in. We also had a teacher retire who is not being replaced. Even though I had worked at BES for 9 years I was "low man on the totem pole" (for paraeducators and teachers there is a clause about senority in the contracts). In addition to the 9 years I was employed, there were another 7 years that I volunteered in my kids classrooms, worked with the PTNA and served on committees. These cuts were part of the budget that went to voters in March. I encourage our community to follow along with budget planning for the school, the last couple years in addition to the school budget being presented at more than one meeting, a video of the budget being presented has been available on line. In order to really have a voice in what goes to the voters, you need to attend school board meetings during the time the budget is being created - the board certainly welcomes you to all their meetings. Agendas are posted on the school website http://www.berlinschool.org
I'm not yet sure of my plans. I'll be continuing my work with Berlin Emergency Management and I'm also working on becoming a Red Cross Volunteer - both could use more folks if you're interested!

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Friday, June 25, 2010

 

Summer Fun!

Summer in Vermont goes by oh so quickly ... here are some events and places to visit:


For my listing of places in Vermont to be sure to visit, check out:

http://www.berlinschool.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=86&Itemid=149

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SWIMMING:

Wrightsville Beach Recreation Area - summer information: http://www.wrightsvillebeachvt.com/ (located 2 miles north of Montpelier heading out on Elm Street)

Montpelier Rec Dept Pool on Elm Street http://www.montpelierrec.org/info/facilities/details.aspx?FacilityID=10993#Usage

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Kellogg-Hubbard Library on Main Street is hosting their summer book sale ongoing now. This popular book sale spans at least two rooms and has high-quality new and used books for sale and basement prices. This sale runs through July 17th and all proceeds benefit the library. For more information, please call 223-3338.

Remember - Berlin taxpayers help support the Kellogg-Hubbard Library and all Berlin residents are able to sign up for a library card and make full use of the library. http://www.kellogghubbard.org/ Find out what's going on at the library for kids and adults!

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Saturday, June 26th - Waterbury Independence Day Parade

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Saturday, June 26thi is Strawberry Day at the Montpelier Farmers' Market 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the summer location on State Street Julio's. Come celebrate the first berries of the summer with strawberry shortcakes, kids activities, and a puppet show by Ben Matchstick. http://www.montpelierfarmersmarket.com/

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June 26 & 27 - Vermont History Expo at the Tunbridge Fair Grounds 10am - 5pm Admission: $10 adults, $5 students, 5 and under free, family pass $20. tickets good for the whole weekend and if you dress in period costume you'll get in for half price! http://vermonthistory.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=190&Itemid=101

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Saturday, July 3rd Independence Day Celebration in Montpelier - day long celebration including free admission to the Montpelier pool in the afternoon, parade at 6pm, vendors and entertainment on State Street, classic rock band Native Tongue 7:30pm on Langdon St, fireworks and more! Full schedule: http://montpelieralive.org/independenceday#Schedule

On the third Capitol Stationers will be celebrating their 60th anniversary from 9am until about 1pm - come to the store to have some fun, talk about the old days and meet up with familiar faces. Free balloons for the kids, close up street magic by Marko from 11-12, free samples (chocolates and mapled goodies), cupcakes, popcorn, prizes, giveaways and more!
http://www.capitolstationers.com/

FREE SHUTTLE on July 3rd The Green Mountain Transit Agency (GMTA) will be providing two free shuttles open to the general public approximately every 15 minutes on July 3rd in Montpelier. Beginning at 4:00PM-11:00PM, both shuttles will transport to/from the National Life parking lot to the corner of Governor Davis Avenue and State Street. http://montpelieralive.org/independenceday#shuttle

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Sunday, July 4th - Worcester Fourth of July Celebration at Ladd Field, parade 11am, chicken barbecue at noon, strawberry festival 1-3pm, fireworks at dusk http://www.worcestervthistoricalsociety.org/

Sunday, July 4th Randolph Parade at noon! http://www.randolph-chamber.com/index.php?id=35#jul4

Looking for other fun on the 4th of July weekend - http://www.visit-vermont.com/events_fourth.html

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Wednesday, July 14 in Brookfield at the Old Town Hall - Willem Lange and Salad Supper - $10 per person New England's master storyteller joins us for an evening you don't want to miss. We'll begin with a make-your-own salad supper at 6 PM.
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Effective immediately, the Washington County Railroad will be running additional trains along the rail line between Barre Town and the railyard in Montpelier Junction. Please remember that it is illegal to be on the tracks or within the railroad right-of-way. The Vermont Agency of Transportation and local law enforcement urge that you abide by these laws for your safety and the safety of others. For more information, please call 828-2628.

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Activities for kids this summer through Community Connections: http://www.communityconnections.us/

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Wednesday August 11 & Thursday August 12 - Circus Smirkus in Montpelier - http://www.smirkus.com/ They'll set up their big tent at Montpelier High School. Adults 13+ $20, children 2-12 $15, under 2 free. Note that the group rate of 15+ people is $2 off each ticket. Buy your tickets in advance and get there early for a good seat!

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Shelburne Museum http://shelburnemuseum.org/ When was the last time you spent the day at Shelburne Museum?! All ticket prices include admission for a second consecutive day - adults $20, children 5-18 $10, under 5 free, family day pass $50 (2 adults and their children ages 5-18) ALL VERMONT RESIDENTS HALF PRICE (1/2 of the price you see listed here) Hours are daily 10am - 5pm and on Thursdays from June 17-Aug 12 they stay open until 7:30pm.

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Vermont State Historic Sites - http://www.historicvermont.org/sites/

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Vermont Marble Museum in Proctor - For a second summer, the Vermont Marble Museum is offering free admission every Saturday and Sunday through the end of August.
The museum at 52 Main St. normally charges $7 for adults with reduced admission for seniors and teenagers. Children always enter for free.
On weekends through Aug. 29, visitors can have a free tour of one of the most significant stops on the Vermont Marble Trail.
Among the exhibits on display is one dedicated to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier which tells the story of the marble carved in Proctor in 1931 that would make its way to one of the nation’s most honored monuments.

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Chamber promotes free attractions By George Malek (Chamber of Commerce) - Times Argus Published: June 17, 2010

There are numerous things to see and do in Central Vermont that cost nothing. These include a variety of outdoor activities, hiking, biking and more, but they also include attractions that people travel hundreds of miles to see – things visitors plan an entire vacation around. The Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce will focus its summer promotion on this important segment of attractions.
Following the granite trail is a daylong adventure that doesn't have to cost a dime. View Graniteville's roadside quarries, the Rock of Ages Visitors Center and manufacturing plant. Check the artifacts on display at the Millstone Shops.
Enjoy three sculptures in downtown Barre. Wander Hope Cemetery and admire the fine granite carvings. Stop and enjoy the outdoor stonework at the Vermont Stone Arts School in the former Jones Brothers granite shed. It's been a very full day, and the wallet hasn't been touched.
Splurge a little and the visitor can add a hiking pass for the miles of Millstone Trails that provide access to abandoned quarries, discarded equipment, and industry remnants. An inexpensive ticket at Rock of Ages buys a bus ride and guided tour of active quarries.
Tours of the Vermont State House are free. A tour encompasses history, architecture, sculpture, paintings, and military campaigns. The grand old building contains scores of flags, ornamental fixtures, period furniture, cannons and carvings. Next door is the nearly free Vermont Historical Society Museum, and Montpelier City Hall houses the U.S.S. Montpelier Museum with no admission charge.
There are historic walking tours of Montpelier, Barre, Waterbury and the Mad River Valley. A single brochure provides insight into the historic and architectural significance of buildings in all four communities. Both the brochures and the tours are free.Those with a weakness for food can enjoy (or torture) themselves touring Route 100. Few can enjoy the free samples without dipping into their wallets – but it can be done. Cheese, wine, coffee, ice cream, cider, candy, and more can be seen, sampled and purchased along just a few miles of Route 100.
As both a guide to free vacationing and a challenge to visitors and residents to enjoy Central Vermont's variety, the Chamber is offering $15-off tickets to Lost Nation Theater for those who verify their visits to six or more of the region's free attractions.
Registration forms for the Chamber's Free Rewards program are being printed and are already available at www.central-vt.com/freerewards where you'll find a great listing of where to visit.


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and don't forget the Venture Vermont 2010 Outdoor Challenge: http://www.vtstateparks.com/pdfs/venture_2010.pdf


Corinne Stridsberg

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