Monday, June 10, 2013

 

News to Know June 9, 2013

BERLIN NEWS TO KNOW JUNE 9, 2013
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Sent by Corinne Stridsberg and also posted at: http://socialenergy.blogspot.com
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If you're not already receiving this news by email, send an email to request this to corinnestridsberg@gmail.com
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Check out the Berlin, Vermont Community News page on facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Berlin-Vermont/205922199452224
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I thoroughly enjoyed attending the Open House at the Berlin Historical Society on Sunday.  I learned a bit about the 250th celebration, purchased some commemorative envelopes with a special cache that was cancelled at the post office on June 8th ($2 each and still available if you'd like to buy one), met a few people and spent quite a bit of time looking through the scrapbooks the Berlin Historical Society keeps.  The scrapbooks are newspaper clippings pertaining to our town.  I was reading about when U-32 considered a four day week back in 1974, when a stunt plane landed on a station wagon (with a special landing roof) in 1978 at Knapp Airport, controversy about the mall being built, water issues, the town debating on whether or not to have a town manager, the selectboard increasing from three to five members and so much more.  All of this information is indexed!   
Many thanks to Norb in particular for doing the special envelopes/postmark to commemorate the occasion. 
The Berlin Historical Society would love to have additional members - more information on them can be found on their page on the town website http://www.berlinvt.org
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Earlier on Saturday I went to two plant sales, stopped at the Farmers Market and then took my portable radio out to work in the garden while listening to WDEV 550 "In The Garden with Ed Smith" (author of the Vegetable Gardener's Bible & The Vegetable Gardener's Container Bible: How to Grow a Bounty of Food in Pots, Tubs, and other Containers) who broadcasts with Joel Najman.  It's great to listen to them and the folks who call in with gardening questions on Saturdays from 12:30 - 1:30, whether you're in the house, at the computer (streaming available), in the car, or actually out in the garden.
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I'm still gathering information for an issue on fresh food available in Berlin.  Please send me details you're aware of.
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Included below please find:

PARADE FLOATS?
SOLAR NEWS
SOLARFEST 2013
VERMONT TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS AND THE FINES ASSESSED
NOTIFICATION OF BAD WEATHER / EMERGENCIES / DANGERS
ROAD AND BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
ONE GOOD THING BY JILLEE
ORCA MEDIA OPEN HOUSE JUNE 11th
BARRE ON WAY TO BUILDING A CO-OP -  "GRANITE CITY GROCERY"
CONTRA DANCE IN BERLIN
NOT DOGGING IT AT DOG RIVER FARM
GMTA DRIVERS ARE EVERYDAY HEROES
BEN & JERRY'S SUMMER OUTDOOR MOVIE FESTIVAL
BARRE CONCERTS IN CURRIER PARK ON WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
MUSIC ON THE PORCH IN WATERBURY SUNDAY AFTERNOONS
NO STRINGS MARIONETTE SCHEDULE
FROM BERLIN FRONT PORCH FORUM
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PARADE FLOATS?
Might there be interest amongst Berlin residents in putting together some special parade floats to further commemorate the special occasion of the 250th Anniversary of Berlin's Charter?   What would be a good float?  What do you think of when you think of Berlin, Vermont?
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SOLAR NEWS
I received a few comments regarding solar.  Recommendations were given for SunCommon http://suncommon.com and Daedalus http://www.daedalussolarworks.com, perhaps there are additional companies some of you have experience with?  It was Sunward http://www.gosunward.com that we looked at when we thought about solar hot water a while back but chose not to go that route.
Also I was told that there is a "Solar Power for Dummies" book that could be of help.

I found this about Solar power in Vermont on Wikipedia.org which seems to hold true in the research we've done: "Solar power in Vermont on rooftops can provide 18% of all electricity used in Vermont A 2012 estimate suggests that a typical 5 kW system costing $25,000 before credits and utility savings will pay for itself in 10 years, and generate a profit of $34,956 over the rest of its 25 year life."

When I put the question out there as to who was already using solar and if there were any tips or advice, we had already booked a visit with SunCommon.  SunCommon has a program where it's with the idea that you will pay a set monthly rate equal to or less than your current electric bill. 
One of the SunCommom Solar Evaluator & Designers took a look at where our house is situated, what type of roofing we have, and any trees of our own or neighbors which would change the amount of sun the solar panels would receive.  In our case the neighbors trees are an issue to making as much use as we otherwise could of our garage and carport roof.  Tools were used to measure the amount of solar exposure.   We talked about panels being installed by roof mount versus ground mount.  We also suggested the possibility of building a "carport" off the back of the house where we could get unblocked sun. 
There was discussion about current and future electricity needs.   We're thinking at some point we won't have as many people living here and therefore the electrical needs would drop.  Currently GMP credits you for energy that goes back into the power grid when you are generating more than you are using.  They are not required to do this but for now they are.  What might extra electricity be used for if in the future you don't need as much as your solar system provides?  You could add something to your home such as a hot tub which would require electricity.  Or maybe switch what you currently have set up for propane to electric.  You could buy an electric car.
There are both purchase and leasing options with SunCommon.   The initial cash/finance amount for the system subtracts the state rebate and the $500 down payment required.  There is also a Federal Tax Credit they estimate for you.
Another way to find out more about solar systems and companies and what they can offer you is to attend the annual Solarfest. 
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SOLARFEST 2013
This year the very popular SolarFest will be held July 12, 13 and 14 in Tinmouth, Vermont at 12 McNamara Road.  Cost is $15 per person, children 14 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.  Weekend passes are available.  When we attended a few years ago we enjoyed the booths with many knowledgeable people to discuss solar options along with workshops, vendors and music.  Complete details can be found at:  http://www.solarfest.org/
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VERMONT TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS AND THE FINES ASSESSED
Recently I posted a chart "Vermont Traffic Violations and The Fines Assessed" on the Berlin, Vermont facebook page which hundreds of people have checked out.  The details it gives are both what the fine will be depending on how much of the speed limit you're traveling (both general speeding fines and work zone speeding fines) and also there is a list of traffic violations and the fines assessed for these infractions.  To see the chart go to the following link and scroll down to find it: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Berlin-Vermont/205922199452224
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NOTIFICATION OF BAD WEATHER / EMERGENCIES / DANGERS
The recent bad weather is a great example of why it's helpful to be part of the Berlin Emergency Management Google Group. By receiving a notice both by text and email I turned on WDEV for updates and was able cut my errands short and get home just as a big storm was breaking. "The Berlin Emergency Management Team has an email group to better keep you informed on emergency situations and dangers facing the town. To join this list click on http://groups.google.com/group/berlin-emergency-management/and click on “Join this group” in the right hand column."
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ROAD AND BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
Vtrans has a facebook page which offers information on road and bridge construction, Amtrak train service changes and more: https://www.facebook.com/pages/VTrans/143848835653728?ref=ts&fref=ts
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ONE GOOD THING BY JILLEE
There are lots of good blogs out there.  One I enjoy is One Good Thing by Jillee.  She has a variety of ideas, recipes, homemade solutions, do it yourself (DIY), and crafts.  http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com
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ORCA MEDIA OPEN HOUSE JUNE 11th
ORCA Media, located in City Center down in Montpelier is having an open house on Tuesday, June 11 5:30-7:30pm.  They will have a tour of the facilities, introduce some of their staff and also present their annual report.  ORCA provides content on cable channels 15, 16 and 17 and on orcamedia.net.  ORCA is a nonprofit providing free and reduced rate video production and distribution services to local community organizations, municipalities, schools and individuals.
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BARRE ON WAY TO BUILDING A CO-OP - "GRANITE CITY GROCERY"
Information on this endeavor can be found through several links:
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CONTRA DANCE IN BERLIN
All dances taught; no partner necessary. All ages welcome. Bring shoes not worn outdoors.  8–11 p.m. Capital City Grange, 6612 Rte. 12 (Northfield St.), Berlin. $8. 744-6163 or capitalcitygrange.org. Event happens every first, third and fifth Sat.
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NOT DOGGING IT AT DOG RIVER FARM
Note: The owner's name is George Gross, not Cross as this article state
Pub 6/7/13  Times Argus by Kathryn Eddy
   The strawberries and tomatoes are ripening fast at Dog River Farm on Route 12 in Berlin, and with a great 2012 season under their belts the outlook for this one is good — and that means a lot to owner and operator George Cross after being hit hard by both the May 2011 storm and Irene that August.
   “I lost my shirt. But we got through it, everybody rallied. My goal is to recover 100 percent by the end of this year. With the crew I have now, I think we’ll be able to do it,” says Cross. “Last year we had an awesome year, spectacular year. It was the best season I’ve ever had.”
   Cross started farming in 1996, with business partner Tony Lehouillier, while at Johnson State College getting his master’s in education. They started Foote Brook Farm in 1997, then a few years after Cross left to find a teaching position he and Lehouillier bought Dog River in 2001. While teaching middle school science in his native New Jersey, Cross slowly transformed the 200 acres, refurbishing, rebuilding and clearing. In 2004 he met his wife, Julie O’Keefe, moved back to Vermont and started teaching in Williamstown, where he stayed until last year.
   They recently bought out Lehouillier’s share of Dog River. 
   The farm now offers a full line of certified organic vegetables and berries. Cross hopes eventually to be a year-round operation, offering pick-your-own pumpkins in the fall, and when the farm’s Christmas trees reach maturity it will be open until Dec. 26.
   “We’ve got awesome strawberries and the best organic sweet corn in central Vermont,” Cross says.
   Cross and his crew rotate and farm about 30 acres every year; winter rye is their main cover crop, which they use for mulch and strawberries and sell the surplus as straw. Cross says that after the floods he has continued to invest, putting in a new irrigation system, another greenhouse and a cooler. He has plans for a new farm stand, which he hopes to break ground on in the fall.
   “There’s a little agricultural revival going on here in the Dog River Valley. Our hope is to have a stand that the neighborhood could sell products. We have folks up the road who have beef, organic chicken, bees, wine — there’s a bunch of startup ag things going on. We could have a place to pull it all together and then do spring and fall festivals centered around our strawberries and pumpkins,” he says. 
   “But no corn mazes,” he adds.
   For now, the farm stand is a self-serve building — cash or check — that is filled with fresh produce daily and continuously restocked throughout the day. Dog River is offering different community-supported agriculture options this summer, June 27 through Oct. 10, including a vegetable, fruit and local product share; a fruit and veggie-only share; and, new this year, the Dog River Farm season pass. The card sells for $250, is loaded with $300 and is reloadable in $100 increments after that; customers can go to the farm on Thursdays and Fridays between 4 and 7 p.m., pick out whatever they want and swipe their card.
   “It’s exciting and a win-win. We get to move away from packing boxes and bags, and the customers, if they don’t want kale one week or their garden is flush with something, have much more flexibility,” says Cross.
   Cross enjoys wearing the many hats a farmer must in order to keep things going, but he admits it is one of the most challenging professions out there.
   “Farmers work so hard, and there is nothing in their favor; you cannot control anything. And then to top it off people get upset about prices. I feel like farmers are so unappreciated, and not in Vermont, more like in the country as a whole,” says Cross.
   “You have no problem spending whatever you spend on a cellphone each month and yet gripe about the price of food. It really surprises me. I think if people got their hands into a garden and more connected they would appreciate the farmer a heck of a lot more.”
   Cross says the connection to the outside through his land is one of the best things about what he does.
   In about two weeks Dog River’s strawberries will be ready, with some pick-your-own offerings this year and more to come next year. Salad greens, spinach and tomatoes will also be ready; whatever the farm is offering is always on its sign.
   Cross posts updates on his website, www.dogriverfarm.com, as often as possible, and you can find Dog River Farm on Facebook.
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GMTA DRIVERS ARE EVERYDAY HEROES
(letter to the Editor - published in Montpelier Bridge)
To the Editor: Each day, volunteer drivers for Green Mountain Transit Agency (GMTA) provide hundreds of miles of service to those needing access to medical appointments, shopping, community centers and other essential needs.  So many that we serve are without any other source of transportation, living alone and with limited friends and family. Our drivers become more than a reliable connection to their daily needs, they become an everyday hero. Recently, a longtime GMTA volunteer driver went to pick up a client in a rural town for his dialysis appointment. As the volunteer had done numerous times before, he knocked on the door to let the client know his ride was there. After waiting with no response, he peered in the window and saw that the client was slumped in a chair and unresponsive. He immediately entered the house and woke the client with some success but noticed a slur in speech and inability to answer simple questions. He feared that the client had begun to go into a diabetic coma or worse. He called 911, waited for the ambulance to arrive and comforted the client while keeping him awake and calm. Because of his actions and, more important, because he was there, we were told he most likely saved this man’s life. Now what is a hero? A handsome person in a cape with extraordinary strength? A three-point shot to tie the game? Or is it the quiet and humble person who each day volunteers his or her time to care for those who sometimes have no one else. It wasn’t a superman who saved a life today, and the papers will not offer a headline in his honor, but to me this man is a hero and someone I am very proud to have as part of the GMTA family.
—Tawnya Kristen, Community Relations Manager, Green Mountain Transit Agency, Berlin
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BEN & JERRY'S SUMMER OUTDOOR MOVIE FESTIVAL
Free movies at the Ben & Jerry factory in Waterbury.  Shows begin at dusk.  Bring your own blankets/chairs.  Also receive free ice cream samples.
6/29 - The Hobbit
7/6 - Rise of the Guardians
7/13 - The Lorax
7/20 - Brave
7/27 - Wreck It Ralph
8/3 - Madagascar 3
8/10 - Escape from Planet Earth
8/17 - The Avengers
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BARRE CONCERTS IN CURRIER PARK ON WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
Barre outdoor concerts start this Wednesday at 7pm.  In case of rain they move to the Universalist Church at 19 Church Street.
June 12 - Starline Rhythm Boys
June 19 - Green Mountain Swing Band
June 26 - Still Kickin'
Check out the complete listing at: http://www.thebarrepartnership.com/
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MUSIC ON THE PORCH IN WATERBURY SUNDAY AFTERNOONS
On Sunday afternoons from 1pm - 3pm Green Mountain Coffee presents Music on the Porch
June 16 - Don & Jenn
June 23 - Doug Perkins
June 30 - HouseRockers
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NO STRINGS MARIONETTE SCHEDULE
A schedule I always keep tabs on is when I might next be able to attend a puppet show put on by the No Strings Marionette folks - Dan & Barbara.   They make their own puppets and sets and do a phenomenal performance.  Two shows that are nearby this summer are:
August 2 Nick of Time at 7 pm at the beautifully refurbished Old Town Hall in the lovely Pond Village of Brookfield, Vermont.
August 31 The Snowmaiden at 1 p.m. on the Green in Northfield as part of Northfield Vermont's Labor Day Celebration.
Check out their complete schedule though as it's worth the drive to go see them whenever it might fit into your schedule: http://www.nostringsvt.com/schedule.html
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FROM BERLIN FRONT PORCH FORUM
Below is just one posting... there have been many more
Membership is free - to join go to visit http://frontporchforum.com
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Plastic Bags
Cassandra Hemenway-Zero Waste Outreach Coordinator, CVSWMD, Central VT
Posted to: Berlin, Middlesex  No. 143  May 30, 2013
Please note that all plastic bags that we have been accepting at the Additional Recyclables Collection Center (ARCC) can go into all major supermarket bag recycling containers. Our ARCC staff is currently overwhelmed with plastic bags and requests that people drop those items off at their supermarket bins during your next shopping trip.
Here is a list of bags you can bring to your grocery store plastic bag recycling:
- Polyethylene plastic bags with the #2 or #4 recycling symbol (But NOT water softener salt/potassium bags)
- Other retail single-use plastic “shopping bags” (no cardboard bottoms or handles made from string or other materials)
- Dry-cleaning bags (NOT Gadue’s Dry Cleaner’s of Chittenden Co.)
- Over-wraps from newspapers and bulk purchases of toilet tissues and paper towels
- Bread and veggie bags (clean and dry)
- Clean garbage bags
Go to the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District website for a complete list of what we accept at the ARCC:
http://www.cvswmd.org/arcc-additional-recyclables-collection-center.html

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