Sunday, November 09, 2014
News to Know October 22, 2014
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This
communication is put together and distributed on a volunteer basis by resident
Corinne Stridsberg simply in an effort to share information and build
community, it is not from the town of Berlin
Please share this
with your Berlin
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Check out the "Berlin , Vermont
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Notes:
Have you been wondering
what's in the new tanks down on Route 12?
Question asked and answered in Front Porch Forum - see below.
Below
you will find information about a food drive for the Montpelier Food
Pantry. Did you know the Montpelier Food
Pantry and Meals on Wheels are known as "Just Basics"? Please note the Montpelier Food Pantry
welcomes Berlin Berlin Berlin Montpelier
Below you will find:
FUNDING FOR KELLOGG-HUBBARD
LIBRARY?
LOCAL BOOKS
INTEREST IN HISTORY?
NEW GIFT SHOP
EVERY VOTE COUNTS!
NOVEMBER
1ST FOOD DRIVE AT SHAW'S BERLIN
SCOTT,
CORREN MAKE THEIR CASE FOR NO. 2 POST
3 VIE FOR ASSISTANT JUDGE SEATS
DISNEY CABARET AT U-32
HALLOWEENFUN
HALLOWEEN
FROM BERLIN PAGE FORUM
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FUNDING FOR KELLOGG-HUBBARD LIBRARY?
Hope to see a
strong turnout for the meeting Thursday evening October 23rd 7pm at the Berlin Town Office regarding funding from Berlin
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Thinking about a
birthday or holiday gift? This is an awesome list of Non-Toy Gifts .. which
might make you think kids but it includes items adults would like also. http://www.raisingmemories.com/2013/12/ultimate-list-100-non-toy-gift-ideas.html
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LOCAL
BOOKS
Have you purchased a copy of "from
Barre-Montpelier to E.F. Knapp The Story of a Small Airport Berlin , Vermont 8:30-3:30 ) let me know and I can meet you at
another time. Cash or a check only (check made out to "Berlin Historical
Society"). All the profit from the
sales go to the Berlin Historical Society.
"Established in 1929 as the Barre-Montpelier Airport Vermont
Another
book available is "A
Place Berlin , Vermont
INTEREST IN HISTORY?
Interested
in local history or perhaps your family has a place in our local history? If you'd like to do some research, peruse
various topics of interest, look at old photographs, or take a look at the
scrap books of newspaper clippings - contact Corinne Stridsberg to set up a
mutually convenient time (day / evening / weekend) this fall or winter to spend
some time in the Historical Society.
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Have you found the new local gift shop that
opened at the Berlin Mall this month? Just to the left of where JoAnn Fabrics
was. Stop in and say "Hi" to owners Doug & Julie Fields of Northfield 10am - 9pm and Sunday 11am - 5pm. Note that on Thanksgiving night
Thursday, 11/27 they will open at midnight along with several other stores at
the mall.
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EVERY
VOTE COUNTS!
Did you know that on Town Meeting Day 2014 one
of the new school board members won their seat by ONE vote?!
The last day to register to be able to vote on Tuesday, November 4th, is on Wednesday, October 29th by5pm . The Town Clerk will stay open until 5pm the 29th specifically to be able to sign up any last minute
folks.
On November 4th polls will be open from8am - 7pm at the Town Office.
If you are a registered voter and would like an absentee ballot either stop by or contact the Town Clerk's office. Regular hours are Monday - Thursday8:30am - 3:30pm . Requests can be taken by phone
(229-9298), email (berlintownclerk@berlinvt.org), or by mail and we'll get them
right out to you. Absentee ballots must be received by the Town Clerk by the
close of polls on Nov. 4th to be counted.
The last day to register to be able to vote on Tuesday, November 4th, is on Wednesday, October 29th by
On November 4th polls will be open from
If you are a registered voter and would like an absentee ballot either stop by or contact the Town Clerk's office. Regular hours are Monday - Thursday
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NOVEMBER 1ST FOOD DRIVE AT
SHAW'S BERLIN
Community support for Just Basics Inc.’s Montpelier Food Pantry
continues to grow in the wake of Shaw’s corporate decision to remove customer
donation boxes. Bear Pond Books and the Vermont Tax Department collected 622
and 1,500 pounds, respectively. The Vermont
On Nov. 1, Shaw’s in Berlin will hold an in-store food drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Please support these local businesses and in turn support the Montpelier Food Pantry.
Theresa Murray-Clasen
Montpelier
On Nov. 1, Shaw’s in Berlin will hold an in-store food drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Please support these local businesses and in turn support the Montpelier Food Pantry.
Theresa Murray-Clasen
www.justbasicsvt.org/JBI/Our_Programs.html
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Pub. 10/18/14 Times Argus by David Delcore
Town Administrator Dana Hadley said that Mark Youngstrom of Otter Creek Engineering is reviewing the seven bids the town received by Wednesday’s deadline and might be ready to make a recommendation to the board at its Monday meeting.
“That’s kind of what I’m expecting, I just haven’t heard from (Youngstrom) yet,” Hadley said Friday.
Munson Earth Moving Corp. of
Though it wasn’t part of the base bid, the project also contemplates tying into the spring-fed system operated by the Berlin Water Co. That work was bid as an alternate to the project.
Munson Earth Moving’s bid was just under $4.12 million for the bulk of the work and $150,860 to make the connection to the Berlin Water Co. system that the town hopes to acquire. Munson’s combined bid for both phases of the project was less than the base bids submitted by all but one of the other contractors.
Dale Percy Inc. of Stowe submitted a base bid of just over $4.21 million but offered to make the connection to the Berlin Water Co. for $78,640. Percy’s combined bid of $4.29 million was within $21,000 of the price quoted by Munson.
Both bids, and perhaps as many as three others, appear to be comfortably in the range town officials were hoping for, though Select Board Chairman Ture Nelson said the test will be whether Youngstrom concludes the town can build a system that produces water at the promised annual rate of between $500 and $600 for an equalized residential unit.
“It sounds like we’re in the ballpark,” Nelson said, deferring additional comment until the board had an opportunity to consult Youngstrom on Monday night.
The board obtained voter approval to spend up to $5.5 million on the new municipal water system and has locked up favorable federal financing that will cover more than $400,000 in costs — from property acquisition to engineering — that have already been incurred, as well as construction.
The board has pledged that the cost of covering the debt service will fall on water customers, not town taxpayers. The goal is to deliver potable water at an affordable rate to an area that is primed for development but saddled with water quality issues that have plagued many private wells.
The service area includes portions of Airport, Crosstown, Fisher, Granger, Scott Hill and Shed roads, as well as the full length of
Even if the board awards a construction contract Monday night, the bulk of the work on the system is expected to be completed next summer.
Two of the seven bids were well in excess of $5 million, and two others were pushing $4.6 million and $4.7 million.
david.delcore @timesargus.com
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Pub 10/22/14
Times Argus by David Delcore
The 4-1 decision to sign what was described Monday night as “a written handshake” capped a discussion that saw some question whether it was prudent to execute the agreement without additional information.
The goal of the agreement is to develop a public fishing access area on a yet-to-be-defined parcel the town believes it owns on the north end of the pond, which serves as
Though Jeremy Hansen cast the lone vote against signing the agreement, a majority of the board concluded that — at a minimum — the town should take steps to clarify its property interests with respect to the pond. That, they said, means commissioning a survey, and they agreed the town should take the department up on its offer to share that expense.
Among other things, the agreement indicates the department is prepared to pay up to $5,000 for the cost of any survey work needed to determine whether it is feasible to develop an access area on the north end of the pond for kayaks and canoes.
“The first step is to determine ownership,” Chairman Ture Nelson said.
However, some residents argued the document they were being asked to approve went well beyond that.
“You’ve agreed with the state that you’re going to move ahead with the access (area) before you even know if you own the land,” one resident complained, describing the proposed agreement as premature.
Another resident, Cathy Hartshorn, called it “backwards.”
According to Hartshorn, the town doesn’t know whether
Hartshorn and others were told they were overcomplicating the intent of the agreement, which was crafted to create a comfort level between the department and the town as they jointly pursue the access area.
Mike Wichrowski, who works for the Department of Fish & Wildlife, said his employer stands ready to design, permit, develop and manage a modest access area at its sole expense if the survey confirms the town owns the land in question. Those commitments are reflected in the agreement.
However, Wichrowski said the state isn’t interested in wasting money and wants to know town officials actually plan to pursue the creation of a state-run access area if the survey shows it owns suitable land. The agreement, which Wichrowski described as a written handshake, suggests that is the case and includes a provision that would require the town to reimburse the state for its investment in developing the access area unless the project is derailed by “circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the town.”
According to Nelson, a legislative change would qualify, but a change of heart would not.
“If the (Select) Board decides not to go forward, we would be on the hook for any of those (development) costs,” Nelson said.
The agreement caps the town’s exposure at $20,000 — a figure that would include money the state has agreed to provide for the survey — if the town elects to unilaterally pull a project that Nelson said wouldn’t require much development.
“It’s a couple of parking spots and a path to the water,” he said.
According to Wichrowski, Nelson’s description probably wasn’t far from the truth. He said the access area would likely involve some off-road parking — possibly on mowed grass — and could be as simple as tipping existing granite blocks located along the shore- line to create a way for people to step out into the water and launch their canoes and kayaks.
Since the Vermont Supreme Court struck down long-standing recreational restrictions on the use of Berlin Pond more than two years ago, the favored access has been on the opposite end of the pond near a culvert on
The agreement the board approved Monday night was proposed in response to that effort but shelved earlier this year while the state Department of Environmental Conservation evaluated two petitions for renewed restrictions on use of the pond. One would have restored historic prohibitions on boating, fishing and swimming; the other called for more modest restrictions, including a ban on gas-powered augers and internal combustion engines.
The state agreed to
Nate Smead, an outspoken proponent of recreational use that he considers safe and reasonable, said it was time for the board to act.
“At some point we just need to move forward,” he said, noting those who oppose recreational use weren’t going to go away.
Select Board member Pete Kelley agreed.
“If we don’t take this step we’re going to sit in this limbo here forever,” he said.
On a night when the board agreed to pursue a plan to create an access on
Pending review and approval of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development agency, the board accepted the bid submitted by Munson Earth-Moving of Williston. The company’s two-part bid totaled just under $4.3 million — including nearly $4.12 million for the bulk of the work and $150,260 for connecting to the Berlin Water Co. The town’s plans to acquire the spring-fed system are being held up by its inability to obtain a required easement from Berlin Health and
The board agreed to accept the bid based on the glowing recommendation provided by Mark Youngstrom of Otter Creek Engineering.
According to Hadley, Youngstrom, who has served as the consulting engineer on the
In other business Monday, the board agreed to pay $10,219 for an extended warranty for the new truck it recently agreed to purchase from
@Tagline:david.delcore @timesargus.com
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SCOTT, CORREN MAKE THEIR CASE
FOR NO. 2 POST
Pub. 10/19/14 Times Argus
Two-term incumbent Republican Phil Scott and Progressive challenger Dean Corren will face off in the Nov. 4 election for the job of lieutenant governor.
In the profiles below — in alphabetical order as they will appear on the ballot — each man lays out his vision for Vermont.
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Dean Corren
For the 59-year-old former member of the Vermont House, health care is the paramount issue for the state.
“This is the number one economic sustainability issue in
Corren noted studies showing a move to single-payer would result in a savings in health costs of $500 million, compared with what Vermonters pay in health care premiums.
“Spending $2 billion in taxes is better than spending $2.5 billion on something, just we don’t call it a tax,” said Corren, adding that his support for single payer runs contrary to the position held by his competitor.
“I think we should have a lieutenant governor that is working for the economic reform we need instead of just dragging his feet,” Corren said.
Noting the Vermont Constitution details the minimum duties for lieutenant governor but does not place any maximum, Corren argued that the state could use a more high-profile lieutenant governor who took a greater role in promoting job growth and economic development.
“In this office, we have untapped potential. I think if you do a good job, they (Vermonters) wouldn’t want to go back.”
Corren has a prior history in
On the issue of skyrocketing property taxes, Corren said he would support a system in which property owners pay based upon their income, shifting a greater tax burden to the wealthy. He said he differed from Shumlin by supporting raising income tax as a revenue source.
“For me, everything should be on the table, both on the spending side and on the revenue side,” Corren said.
For more information, visit www.deancorren.com.
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Phil Scott
The 56-year-old former state senator from
Take K-12 education, which is driving dramatic increases in property taxes through the state’s education-funding formula.
“They (Vermonters) want the formula changed. They think that’s the answer,” Scott said of the recent groundswell of support to revisit Act 60 and Act 68. “But regardless of the funding method, we need to address spending or we’ll be facing the same issues down the road.”
From Scott’s perspective, he is in the minority, and if the state can’t cut costs, it had better increase revenue through economic growth.
“I don’t think there is a will to cut, so we have to grow our economy,” Scott said “We have to provide a business climate that is conducive to growth.”
On health care, Scott has described himself as a skeptic, both of Vermont Health Connect — which has cost $109 million as of Aug. 31 for a system that isn’t working — and Shumlin’s yet-to-be-unveiled single-payer system.
“Most Vermonters don’t have a clue what single payer is, but they know the current system doesn’t work,” Scott said. “For employers, the burden isn’t choosing a health care plan, but paying for it.”
Scott said
“It’s a natural impulse to get out and see the world, but then there are the realities of jobs and how much they pay and how much houses cost,” Scott said of the exodus of young adults. “Those are the people that pay taxes, that pay the bills.”
For more information, visit www.philscott.org.
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3 VIE FOR ASSISTANT JUDGE SEATS
Pub. 10/22/14 Times Argus by David Delcore
MONTPELIER — There is a race to
serve as assistant judge in Washington County this year, and for the first time
in a long time Barney Bloom won’t be part of it.
Elected to three consecutive four-year terms as one of the county’s two “side judges,” Bloom resigned over the summer and will be replaced by voters on Nov. 4.
Deputy Sheriffs Otto Kinzel and Tony Lolli have joined Assistant Judge Miriam “Muffie” Conlon in a three-way countywide race that will produce just two winners.
The elected position of assistant judge is unique toVermont
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Miriam Conlon
Conlon has run the race before, only the last time she was the challenger, and her opponents were both incumbents. She managed to get the better of the one not named Bloom.
In 2010 Conlon ousted Michael Zimmerman in what turned into a close-fought race for second place with Bloom easily pacing the field.
Four years later, Conlon, 80, ofMontpelier
One of two Democrats in the running, Conlon began working with the court system in 2000 as a guardian ad litem, appointed by the court to protect the rights of children in family court and to provide a voice for children in proceedings. She served in that capacity for nine years and described it as a natural segue to her initial run for assistant judge.
“Given this experience, and because I am the only incumbent in the race, I’d like to continue my position as assistant judge inWashington County
Before retiring in 2000, Conlon was a professor atVermont Technical College Washington County
Conlon served as a Peace Corps volunteer inHungary Vermont
Since retiring, Conlon has devoted much of her time volunteering as a guardian ad litem, as well as serving on the boards of theVermont Vermont Montpelier
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Otto Kinzel
Kinzel would like to add assistant judge to an already diverse resume that ranges from bank executive and small business owner to select board member and deputy sheriff.
Kinzel, 69, ofMontpelier Washington County
“I think I can bring a lot to the table,” said Kinzel, a formerBerlin
Kinzel is a deputy sheriff inWashington County
“I think I have a good understanding of the system and how it works,” he said.
Kinzel, who moved toVermont Berlin Montpelier
Before moving toVermont Delaware
Kinzel said his banking background, coupled with his experience as a business owner and his service on the Select Board, equipped him for the budget-building and administrative role of an assistant judge.
“I’m very familiar with finances, and I believe I can bring a layperson’s common-sense perspective to many of the issues that come before a judge,” he said.
Kinzel has served on the boards of theUnited Way
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Tony Lolli
Lolli, 67, of Cabot, has worked as a deputy sheriff in Caledonia and Washington counties for the past decade, and, like Kinzel, has spent a fair amount of time in family court.
“I’ve had a chance to see the assistant judges in action,” said Lolli, who believes he is up to the job and intrigued by the opportunity.
“It is one of the few opportunities that a layperson has to participate in the legal system,” he said.
A freelance writer who has written books and writes a column about fly fishing, Lolli, a Democrat, has a doctorate in educational psychology and worked for more than 20 years as a college administrator.
According to Lolli, who worked atCornell University University of Rochester
“I know something about the notion of due process and fairness and listening to people,” he said.
Lolli said his duties as a college administrator included budget and project development and that he is up to the challenge of creating and managing the county budget.
“I think I can bring a fresh perspective in terms of carrying out the abilities of the office,” he said.
A veteran of the Vietnam War, Lolli served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967-71.
@Tagline:david.delcore @timesargus.com
Elected to three consecutive four-year terms as one of the county’s two “side judges,” Bloom resigned over the summer and will be replaced by voters on Nov. 4.
Deputy Sheriffs Otto Kinzel and Tony Lolli have joined Assistant Judge Miriam “Muffie” Conlon in a three-way countywide race that will produce just two winners.
The elected position of assistant judge is unique to
*
Miriam Conlon
Conlon has run the race before, only the last time she was the challenger, and her opponents were both incumbents. She managed to get the better of the one not named Bloom.
In 2010 Conlon ousted Michael Zimmerman in what turned into a close-fought race for second place with Bloom easily pacing the field.
Four years later, Conlon, 80, of
One of two Democrats in the running, Conlon began working with the court system in 2000 as a guardian ad litem, appointed by the court to protect the rights of children in family court and to provide a voice for children in proceedings. She served in that capacity for nine years and described it as a natural segue to her initial run for assistant judge.
“Given this experience, and because I am the only incumbent in the race, I’d like to continue my position as assistant judge in
Before retiring in 2000, Conlon was a professor at
Conlon served as a Peace Corps volunteer in
Since retiring, Conlon has devoted much of her time volunteering as a guardian ad litem, as well as serving on the boards of the
*
Otto Kinzel
Kinzel would like to add assistant judge to an already diverse resume that ranges from bank executive and small business owner to select board member and deputy sheriff.
Kinzel, 69, of
“I think I can bring a lot to the table,” said Kinzel, a former
Kinzel is a deputy sheriff in
“I think I have a good understanding of the system and how it works,” he said.
Kinzel, who moved to
Before moving to
Kinzel said his banking background, coupled with his experience as a business owner and his service on the Select Board, equipped him for the budget-building and administrative role of an assistant judge.
“I’m very familiar with finances, and I believe I can bring a layperson’s common-sense perspective to many of the issues that come before a judge,” he said.
Kinzel has served on the boards of the
*
Tony Lolli
Lolli, 67, of Cabot, has worked as a deputy sheriff in Caledonia and Washington counties for the past decade, and, like Kinzel, has spent a fair amount of time in family court.
“I’ve had a chance to see the assistant judges in action,” said Lolli, who believes he is up to the job and intrigued by the opportunity.
“It is one of the few opportunities that a layperson has to participate in the legal system,” he said.
A freelance writer who has written books and writes a column about fly fishing, Lolli, a Democrat, has a doctorate in educational psychology and worked for more than 20 years as a college administrator.
According to Lolli, who worked at
“I know something about the notion of due process and fairness and listening to people,” he said.
Lolli said his duties as a college administrator included budget and project development and that he is up to the challenge of creating and managing the county budget.
“I think I can bring a fresh perspective in terms of carrying out the abilities of the office,” he said.
A veteran of the Vietnam War, Lolli served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967-71.
@Tagline:david.delcore @timesargus.com
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DISNEY
CABARET AT U-32
On Friday October 24, our very own Disney Cabaret will come to U-32 High School.
Please join us for an evening of song and good things to eat and drink as the U-32 Theater students perform the songs of Disney and other music close to your heart. There will be a special preview with face-painting, games and singing for those 8 years old and under from6:30 to 7:00 pm , with the regular show starting at 7:15
pm.
Come dressed as your favorite Disney character!
Make sure to bring your voice for the sing-a-long!
Our concession will include homemade chocolate delights and other treats from our Theater Family.
The U-32 Theater students are heading toScotland
On Friday October 24, our very own Disney Cabaret will come to U-32 High School.
Please join us for an evening of song and good things to eat and drink as the U-32 Theater students perform the songs of Disney and other music close to your heart. There will be a special preview with face-painting, games and singing for those 8 years old and under from
Come dressed as your favorite Disney character!
Make sure to bring your voice for the sing-a-long!
Our concession will include homemade chocolate delights and other treats from our Theater Family.
The U-32 Theater students are heading to
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HALLOWEEN
FUN
10/23 - WONDER CARDS & COMICS
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10/24 - BERLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Halloween Family Dance 6:30pm - 8pm
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10/24 - KELLOGG-HUBBARD
Know some teenagers who like ghost stories?
Friday, October 24th at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, join Vermont 6:30pm .
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10/25 BEN & JERRY'S WATERBURY
Halloween Fest at the Waterbury Factory Store
with free tours, come in costume and receive 20% off gift store purchases. Free fun includes donuts-on-a-string, pumpkin
bowling, and spooky photo op
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10/26 - BERLIN MALL Malloween
Sunday, Oct. 26th 2-4pm Trick-or-treat at the
mall stores and Frank-FM and Froggy-FM will be there.
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10/26 - ONE STOP PET SUPPLY
Halloween Party for the pets - bring your pets
trick-or-treating at One Stop from 12noon - 3pm Sunday
October 26th, pet costume judging at 2pm
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10/26 - CHILDREN'S ROOM
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10/26 BILLINGS FARM
21st Annual Family Halloween at Billings Farm
& Museum, Sunday, October 26, 10am - 5pm Children in
costume admitted free when accompanied by an adult (adults pay regular
admission fee)
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10/30 Montpelier High School
From 5pm - 6:30pm the MHS Cafeteria is the place to be with family
fun - toss games and refreshments for everyone.
6pm - 6:30 Marko Magic Show
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10/31 DOWNTOWN
Barre - Trick-or-Treating
at downtown merchants 4pm - 6pm
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11/1 SUNRISE
Halloween Sleepover
Saturday, Nov 1st 7pm until Sunday,
Nov 2nd 8am $40 first child, $20 sibling. Gymnastics, games, open gym.
FROM BERLIN
Below are some recent posts .... there have been many more about a
variety of topics, looking for services, garage sales, meeting announcements,
events, etc. Membership is free - to join go to: http://frontporchforum.com
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Cleaning Jobs Wanted - FPF #458 10/17/14
Posted
to: Berlin
Do you have a business that you could use
a good cleaning every other week or once a month? I can get this done for you
nights/weekends, references available upon request. Prefer in
Montpelier/Barre/Berlin area. Contact me for questions or to discuss your
needs. nicoledaniels@outlook.com
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What's in the Tanks? FPF #453 10/13/14
Posted
to: Berlin
Hey there neighbors,
My curiosity was piqued when a small
foundation went in near the Riverton Fire Station. (Where the old rusted train
car used to be) We played the game of "guess what's going there" at
our dinner table for weeks. My favorite guess was a very small railway museum.
:) When the ugly tanks went in, I was very disappointed. Thanks for painting
them who ever you are. And thanks for making a spill-catching foundation.
But my questions are... Who owns those
tanks? What's in them? What are they for?
Anyone know?
Anyone know?
peg e.
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What's in the Tanks - FPF #454 10/14/14
Posted
to: Berlin
Heating Oil. White heating Inc. applied
for a permit to construct a truck terminal for home heating oil. The project
consists of a 10,000 and 20,000 gallon tanks in a confinement area to contain
spills. See the minutes of May 6 and June 3 on the Berlin
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Irish Hill Raw Honey for Sale
Beth Daut • Crosstown Rd
Posted
to: Berlin
Our bees have produced a bumper crop of
honey. Collected by Dave and Beth Daut and ready for you to enjoy.
Call 223-3675 for information
Call 223-3675 for information
# posted by Corinne's blog of Berlin and area happenings @ 7:35 PM 
