Berlin Community News

Berlin News to Know January 31st

2012-01-31T12:58:00.000-08:00

Sent by Corinne Stridsberg corinnestridsberg@gmail.com
Look back at previous posts below for more information

Facebook user? Check out the Berlin, Vermont Community News page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Berlin-Vermont/205922199452224

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LOCAL BOOK - The Berlin Historical Society announces a new book "The Story of a Small Airportin Berlin, Vermont." written by Richard Turner. It is now available at Town Hall for the price of $20.

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FARMERS NIGHT AT THE STATEHOUSE, Wed, Feb 1st at 7:30pm: An Evening of George Gershwin with Michael Arnowitt.In this performance lecture, pianist Michael Arnowitt explores the music and era of American composer George Gershwin and performs an American in Parisand Rhapsody in Blue, among other compositions. Complete details for Farmers Night which will continue through April 4th can be found at: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/schedule/farmersnight.cfm

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25 Clever Ideas to Make Life Easier - just can't resist sending this along, I sure saw some tips I plan to use: http://angelaadkins.wordpress.com/2011/12/12/25-clever-ideas-to-make-life-easier/

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VERMONTERS URGED TO CLAIM TAX CREDIT to lower taxes or receive refund

http://vtdigger.org/2012/01/27/vermonters-urged-to-claim-tax-credit-to-lower-taxes-or-receive-refundThe Earned Income Tax Credit is so-named because, to qualify, a person must work and have earned income. Vermontfamilies who earn less than $49,078 a year may qualify for this credit.

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WHO WILL BE ON THE BALLOT AT TOWN MEETING?I've contacted folks who submitted petitions for selectboard and school board seats and will share the information they submit to me.Stay tuned!

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BERLINSTREETLIGHTS - The Town of Berlinis conducting a streetlight inventory and would like feedback from area residents. There are 83 streetlights in Berlineach costing at least $11 per month for a total of $10,800 a year. In an effort to trim the municipal budget and conserve electrical use, approximately 11 streetlights have been recommended for removal. The goal is to have a well-lit , safe and functional night time environment without over-lighting. The remaining streetlights may be replaced with LED fixtures which last longer, use less electricity and offer good light rendition with a truer but cooler light tone. A trial outage is planned in February 2012.For more information see the town website http://www.berlinvt.org

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Do you listen to the Mark Johnson Show on WDEV weekday mornings at 9am?Did you know that the programs are kept in a Podcast Archive so that you can listen at your convenience: http://blog.markjohnsonshow.net Quite a variety of topics.

WDEV AM550 and FM 96.1 can also be streamed on your computer: http://www.wdevradio.com/index-home.asp At the right of their page look for "Listen to WDEV on your computer Click here for available programs" Then on the page it brings you to the link is on the bottom at the left.

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KELLOGG-HUBBARD LIBRARY E-BOOKS ANDDIGITAL DOWNLOADS will be available starting March 1st.More information regarding this can be found on their website http://www.kellogghubbard.org

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Dog RiverDynamics, the presentation held down at Norwich Univ on January 26 was well attended.Andrea Chandler tells meinformation on:

Geology, morphology, fish habitat, river corridor planning were woven together so it would be hard to summarize.

Below are links to some of the different topics covered. Understanding how a river works is necessary to move forward. The more a river is armored and dredged, the faster it will run. The Dog is surrounded by steep hills which increase the runoff and flashiness. Development decreases the flood plain that has historically slowed down and absorbed flood waters. Undersized culverts can cause washouts and create barriers for a healthy fish population. Town planning will be important. There is much to be learned.

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River Corridor Protection and Management fact sheet:

http://www.vtwaterquality.org/rivers/docs/rv_rcprotectmanagefactsheet.pdf

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Landowners Assistance Guide:

http://www.winooskiriver.org/Land_Owner_Assistance_Guide

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Dog RiverCorridor Management Plan:

http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/waterq/rivers/docs/FinalReports/155_CPA.pdf

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"Citizens Guide to How Streams Work"

http://www.winooskiriver.org

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Demonstration of the effects of floodplain gravel mining

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tb5may-Ghw

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Laura Morse provided one of the links above and Clark Amadon mentioned that it's best to make more riparian zones, get development away from rivers and build higher and longer bridges and install larger culverts.

The rivers are a topic that there will continue to be many discussions about.

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CHANDLER YOUTH PRODUCTION: The folks at Chandler Music Hall are excited to announce that the summer youth musical for 2012 will be Peter Pan! if you would like information on how to register for auditions and what you need to do to prepare for those auditions please inquire right away as the forms and registration fee is due by February 29.Note that there are feeds involved.Auditions are on Sunday, March 4 and the performance is July 5th, 6th & 7th.Contact Betsy Cantlin at outreach@chandler-arts.org or 802-431-0204. Several Berlin residents have very much enjoyed being part of these annual productions.

(note - Corinne has the paperwork with details on this production if you're interested )

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McDonald to vacate GOP post

Vermont Press Bureau - Published: January 21, 2012

MONTPELIER —Citing personal health problems, Pat McDonald will step down later this month as chairwoman of the Vermont Republican Party.
McDonald announced her departure in a news release Friday afternoon, saying she will remain active in GOP politics by continuing to help with communications and outreach.
“Make no mistake, the ground is fertile for big changes in Vermontin 2012,” she said a written statement. “The people of Vermonthave grown weary of politics as usual, and they have little patience left for politicians who make promises they can’t keep.”
During her year at the helm, McDonald sought to rebuild the party after its unimpressive showing in the last elections. The former representative from Berlin, who managed Lt. Gov. Phil Scott’s successful 2010 campaign, kept a focus on messaging, recasting Republicans as the party of “growth, opportunity and prosperity.”
“This is a time that the Vermont Republican Party needs to expand and prepare ourselves for the elections of 2012,” she said. “It is also a time for me to dial back somewhat on my responsibilities with the party as my husband and I are dealing with some personal health concerns that will keep me out of the office more than I would like.”
According to McDonald, the Republicans’ executive committee will elect a new leader at a meeting in mid-February. Vice Chairman Paul Carrocio will serve as interim chairman.

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From the weekly ReSource Newsletter(http://www.resourcevt.org)

Crossing State Lines to Help Flood Victims

ReSOURCE and Rebuild Waterbury are thinking outside the box…and outside State lines to solicit and collect donated furniture for Tropical Storm Irene victims across Vermont. For the last several months, the two nonprofits have been working together to help Vermonters recover from the August flooding that left many without essential household items, including furniture.
In September 2011, volunteer Mary Miller from Waterburycontacted the Clarion Inn on Martha’s Vineyard in response to an email from their owners offering aid to Vermonters. The Innwas about to undergo a renovation, updating all of the furniture in the 34 room facility. The Clarion Inn wanted to donate their used furniture to Vermontflood victims, but needed to find a way to get the furniture off the island.
By a stroke of fate, the Clarion’s new furniture was delivered by Cape Cod Express, whose owners have family in Vermontand who also wanted to help. They offered to donate their services and equipment to move the furniture off Martha’s Vineyard and from there ReSOURCE contacted Kyle Bellavance of Bellavance Trucking in Barre who agreed to (at cost) pick up and transport the semi (truck) load of furniture store the donations in one of their storage trailers free of charge, until it can all be distributed to families in need.
Once the furniture arrives in Barre, items will be given to families who have already expressed their need to Rebuild Waterbury. The remaining inventory will be sold and/or donated through ReSTORE Barre; a program of ReSOURCE. Residents who suffered a loss of essential household items to their primary residence from Tropical Storm Irene, can apply for a voucher for ReSTORE Barre (or ReSTORE Burlington) to be used to help purchase basic household items, including furniture.
The transport is scheduled for the week of February 6, and although it is not yet confirmed what the entire inventory will include, the donation is expected to contain hard wood furniture, bed frames, dressers, tables, chairs, night stands, and lamps.

For more information about the donation, please contact Milia Bell, ReSOURCE Marketing Manager at 802-658-4143 x25 or mbell@resourcevt.org or Eileen Simpson from Rebuild Waterbury at 802-249-9228 or Eileen.rebuildwaterbury@gmail.com

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Funds requested for volunteer fire department

By David Delcore
Staff Writer - Published: January 26, 2012

BERLIN — A pair of requests that would more than double the community’s contribution to the operation of its volunteer fire department will be on the Town Meeting Day ballot in March.
On a night when the Select Board approved a $2.4 million municipal budget proposal that reflects a 1.4 percent increase in spending, members chose not to force firefighters to circulate a petition. That document would ask voters for a hefty increase, which preliminary estimates indicate will add at least 5 cents to the town’s tax rate.
Firefighters are asking for a total of just over $365,000 this year — up from the roughly $155,000 approved by voters a year ago.
Roughly half of this year’s request — $180,000 — would be used to establish continuous, in-station staffing at the Four Corners fire station. The money would essentially be used by the autonomous fire department to pay its members stipends to cover the station.
The other half — just over $185,000 — would cover the volunteer department’s operating expenses. That figure reflects a 32 percent increase, largely attributable to a $31,000 payment on a new truck.
Board members flirted with forcing the fire department to circulate a petition due to the sheer size of the increase and the effect its approval would have on the town’s tax rate.
The board has historically required outside organizations requesting an increase in their annual voter-approved appropriations to collect signatures from 5 percent of the town’s registered voters to gain access to the ballot. That practice has never been used with regard to the volunteer fire department, though given the size of this year’s twin requests Town Administrator Jeff Schulz said it was worth considering.
“It’s kind of awkward,” Schulz admitted.
Town Treasurer Patty Lewis said the town’s attorney had been consulted and the board was within its rights to require a petition for one or both of the articles requested by firefighters.
“You do have discretion,” Lewis said.
However, board members opted to err on the side of precedent, suggesting the department’s requests were best left between its members and town voters.
“My feeling is if the fire department can make the case that they need a significant increase, I don’t see that we should stand in the way of their being able to make that case to the voters,” Selectman Jonathan Goddard said.
Board member Roberta Haskin worried that absent a thorough explanation of how the money would be spent and what approval of the request would actually mean to the average taxpayer, the town budget could mistakenly be blamed for the rate hike associated with the department’s request.
“I don’t want people all upset because they think it’s the budget,” she said.
Board Chairwoman Sue Gretkowski agreed that firefighters should be invited to more fully explain their proposal in the run-up to town meeting. But, with Thursday’s deadline for filing petitions for special articles looming, she said she couldn’t support denying the department access to the March ballot.
“If we’ve never done this in the past it’s kind of hard to say at this late date we’re not going to put it on the ballot,” she said.
The fire department’s request to pay volunteers to cover the station could be viewed as a step down the path to creating a professional, full-time fire and ambulance service — an idea the department’s members have said they support. Ironically, it comes at a time when the voters will be asked to endorse the continued study of a regional public safety authority that could conceivably merge all emergency services in Barre, Montpelier, Berlin and BarreTown. The nonbinding referendum will appear on the Berlin ballot and the board has included $15,000 in its budget to help advance that project.
The $15,000 line item accounts for nearly half of this year’s total budget increase, which is just over $33,000.
Schulz said savings associated with a shift to a high-deductible health insurance plan and a modest reduction in the capital budget enabled the board to adopt a budget that, based on the current Grand List, would shave roughly 1 cent from the municipal portion of the town’s tax rate.

david.delcore@timesargus.com

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New Vt State Hospital site under review

By David Delcore
Staff Writer - Published: January 25, 2012

BERLIN — A streamlined version of the Vermont StateHospital could be built on the edge of the Central VermontMedical Centercampus or on an open field a few hundred feet from BerlinElementary School.
Administration Secretary Jeb Spaulding told members of the Berlin Select Board that both sites are being considered. The new building would be a downsized replacement for the 54-bed Vermont StateHospital, which was evacuated as Tropical Storm Irene’s floodwaters invaded the state office complex in Waterbury.
Spaulding, joined at Monday’s meeting by state Buildings and General Services Commissioner Michael Obuchowski and Mental Health Commissioner Patrick Flood, told board members that no decisions had been made. But he said appraisal work and title searches were being done for both locations.
“The process is still fluid,” Spaulding said, suggesting Monday’s meeting was something of a courtesy call for town officials. They were alerted nearly a year ago that Berlin was a favored location for what officials said at the time would be a smaller version of the state hospital in Waterbury.
That much hasn’t changed, according to Spaulding, who said flood damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene has created added incentive to construct a new facility.
“Our hope is to develop a small, state-of-the-art psychiatric hospital …very close to a full-service hospital,” he said.
Just how close remains an open question, according to Spaulding, who said the state is interested in land owned by Henry LaGue that is adjacent to the hospital complex on Fisher Road. It is also evaluating the potential of acquiring land next to the former Mid-State Regional Library on nearby Paine Turnpike from Vermont Mutual. The Vermont Mutual property, coupled with the six acres the state owns behind the regional library, could accommodate plans for a 16- to 25-bed facility for Vermonters most in need of round-the-clock psychiatric care.
According to Spaulding, the state is evaluating both sites in the event one or the other doesn’t work out.
“We want to keep our options open,” he said.
Spaulding acknowledged the Central VermontMedical Centerboard might have plans of its own for the LaGue property, and members of the hospital’s board were scheduled to be briefed on the state’s potential interest in the property when they meet today. CVMC officials have promised to make a decision by Feb. 29.
Spaulding said the proposal, which is a key part of a broader mental health plan proposed by Gov. Peter Shumlin, is on a legislative fast track and a determination would likely be made in the next 30 days.
Among the issues that remain unresolved is the size of the proposed facility. Shumlin has proposed a $16 million, 16-bed facility that has the ability to expand, while others have suggested a larger facility is needed to fill the void created when the state hospital in Waterburywas abandoned.
Spaulding acknowledged that building size — like location — is an open question.
“We can’t say for sure,” he said. “It might be 25 (beds) to start with.”
Asked for their opinions, board members generally said the LaGue property next to the CVMC campus seemed more suitable.
Chairwoman Sue Gretkowski said the Paine Turnpike location is more residential in nature and has been eyed as a potential town center, and that its proximity to the school could be cause for concern.
According to Gretkowski, some have quietly expressed those concerns but most town residents aren’t aware the property is even being considered.
“I don’t have a real good sense of what people in town are thinking about this,” she said, noting that it would be helpful to provide an opportunity for residents to weigh in.
Flood said there will be an opportunity to do that as part of the certificate of need process, but he volunteered to meet with residents to explain the state’s plan for what he described as a “model hospital.” Responding to questions from the board, Flood said the facility would be highly secure and heavily staffed. He estimated the proposed hospital would employ as many as 80 people.
“It may appear to be overstaffed to some people,” Flood said.
Even if all goes well, Flood said, it will likely be at least two years before the proposed facility is up and running as part of a plan that involves creating beds at the Brattleboro Retreat and six beds at the RutlandRegional MedicalCenter. Those beds, like the ones proposed in Berlin, would be for the state’s most acute patients. Those with less acute mental health needs, who were formerly served at the state hospital, would be accommodated at residential treatment facilities, like Second Spring in Williamstown, under Shumlin’s plan.
Spaulding said the state will let town officials know as soon as a site is chosen.
“We want to be open and transparent,” he said.

david.delcore@timesargus.com

News to Know January 23

2012-01-23T06:25:00.000-08:00

Posted by Corinne Stridsberg. Please contact her to be added to the email send list. Be sure to take another look at previous postings (below) for upcoming events. Also check out the Berlin, Vermont Community News page on facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Berlin-Vermont/205922199452224
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Has anybody, especially on Route 12, seen huge increases in their electric bills since Irene? I don't mean the typical winter rates increase. If you have, whether or not anybody has figured out why,could you let me know.
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With petition deadlines looming and Town Meeting around the corner, these links could be of interest:

Vermont Elections
http://vermont-elections.org/elections1/voters.html

"It's YOUR Turn, A Call to Public Office"
http://www.sec.state.vt.us/municipal/pubs/your_turn.pdf

Municipal Law Basics
http://www.sec.state.vt.us/municipal/pubs/municipal_law_basics.pdf
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Town of Berlin , Select Board Special Meeting, Monday, January 23, 2012 , 6:30 PM
Selectboard Members: Susan Gretkowski, Chair; Roberta Haskin, Vice Chair; Jonathan Goddard, Secretary; Brad Towne, and Ture Nelson. Times are advisory only. Agenda items may be discussed earlier or later than indicated times. Minutes from this meeting will be available on our website.
AGENDA
6:30 Call to Order
6:31 Public Comment
6:35 FY 12/13 Budget
7:00 Vermont State Hospital – Jeb Spaulding, Secretary of Administration; Patrick Flood, Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health; Mike Obuchowski, Commissioner of Buildings and General Services.
7:20 Executive Session - Personnel
Adjourn
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KELLOGG-HUBBARD LIBRARY will indeed be on the ballot Town Meeting Day, however, they decided NOT to increase the amount they are requesting since last year so the petitions are not needed. Thanks to all of you who went out of your way to sign one for our community library! http://www.kellogghubbard.org
- - More from the Kellogg-Hubbard Annual Report: "Library programs continue to be a highlight. For children we offer Story times on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:30, ”Treasure Tales”, a twice monthly story time for older children, and weekly After-School Activities on Tuesday and Friday. The activities change every few
weeks, to encourage a wider range of learning and discovery! On Thursdays we have reading to Coco (a special dog who loves to be read to) We offer 1-2 Young Adult nights each month, for ages 13 through high school. Special events are also scheduled throughout the year, and we look forward to the 2012 summer reading program, Dream Big for children and Own the Night for young adults. One of our most popular events is the stuffed animal sleep over in August, which is a literacy
promotion and drew 77 animals and lots of community participation. Adult programs planned for 2012 include First Wednesdays, the monthly Transition Town programs, Poem City in April and International Film Series."
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The MONTPELIER SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER, which welcomes folks from central Vermont is looking for registered voter signatures on their petition in support of the request they wish to have on the ballot this year asking Berlin for $700. A petition can be found at the Montpelier Senior Acivity Center on Barre Street in Montpelier and
they are also at the Berlin Town Office and at the Berlin Elementary School (bulletin board in lobby). Are you familiar with the center? They have an exciting variety of low cost activities and even scholarships available so that financial hardship isn't a barrier. Anyone aged 50 and above can join as a member. Those in living in Berlin pay $25 for the year plus activity fees. If it's your first
time, you'll recieve $5 toward a class, activity or trip. Current membership year runs from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012. Most classes will cost just $17 for a three month semester, this is a discounted rate for towns that support the Montpelier Senior Activity Center. There are also events that are free and open to the public regardless of age or membership. More information can be found on their website http://www.montpelier-vt.org/msac
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Berlin Artist Christine Hartman is participating in "The Chair" exhibit at the Chandler Gallery in Randolph, opening January 21st through March 6th. More info at http://www.chandler-arts.org
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YOUTH CHESS CLUB - Longstanding volunteer Robert "Bob" Nichols teaches strategy & leads chess games every Wednesday at 5:30 pm at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library on Main Street, Montpelier. Bob also helps us with the chess tournaments we put on at
Berlin Elementary School.
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Check out Orca Media for Video on Demand where they are posting various meetings in central Vermont http://www.orcamedia.net/video-demand
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2012 FARMERS’ NIGHT CONCERT SERIES, next performance is January 25th at 7:30pm at the Vermont State House – Vermont Symphony Orchestra. All performances take place in the House Chamber. For a complete schedule visit: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/schedule/farmersnight.cfm
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DOG RIVER DYNAMICS (UPDATE) Berlin, VT – On January 26th, The Conservation Commissions of Northfield and Berlin along with Norwich University, the Winooski Natural Resource Conservation District and the Friends of the Winooski River are sponsoring a program to discuss the impact of Tropical Storm Irene and other flood events in the context of how we have traditionally managed streams and what other
options we should consider based on river science to improve flood resiliency. The program will be held on Thursday January 26th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Room 85 on the ground floor, of the Cabot Science building on the Norwich University campus
The program will start with an overview of the geology of the Dog River watershed and lead into a presentation on river dynamics and management. This program will look at the interaction and conflicts between the river and our development and how traditional management practices of gravel extraction, straightening and armoring of banks impacts rivers and downstream communities and infrastructure. There will be discussion on how Tropical Storm Irene impacted the Dog River watershed and its communities and how we can change our management practices to improve flood resiliency of river communities. The program will also include a discussion on Irene’s impacts on the fish population.
Speakers will include a river scientist and watershed planner from the Department of Environmental Conservation, a Norwich geology professor, a Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist and town staff.
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"Members of Colchester Technical Rescue stayed busy saving lives during Irene" recent article in the Burlington Free Press.
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20120115/NEWS07/120114013/Colchester-technical-Rescue?odyssey=tab
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"The Tweed after Irene: How to repair a ruined river" recent article in the Burlington Free Press
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20120115/GREEN01/201150301/The-Tweed-after-Irene-How-repair-ruined-river?odyssey=tab
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BROOKFIELD ICE HARVEST, January 28th 10am (last Saturday of Jan.) at Sunset Lake in Brookfield by the Floating Bridge. The whole family can see how ice was harvest on Sunset Lake at the turn-of-the-century. Demonstration of ice cutting and the ice boom used to move blocks of ice to wagons. Food, fun and an ice hauling contest. There is no admission fee. For info call 276-3959 Check out the 2011 event at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNgGoBqfCW4
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LATIN DINNER DANCE ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 28TH AT U-32 - have you made plans to attend yet? If you're looking to purchase tickets ask a student in music at U-32. If you don't know such a student, there is one in our house so you can contact us! Hope to see you there! It's always a fun evening out and a great cause!
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ICE ON FIRE / CENTRAL VERMONT WINTER FESTIVAL Sunday, January 29th 2pm – 5pm North Branch Nature Ctr, Elm St, Montpelier. Bundle up & head out for this snow celebration of community. Children’s activities, winter games, theater, song & storytelling. Opening parade at 2pm, closing bonfire at 5pm. Food, hot cider, hot chocolate. Snowshoes provided, bring x-country skis & sleds. Suggested donation $1-$5 or bring baked goods in lieu of cash donation. Find on facebook or call
223-0577 for info or to volunteer.
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VERMONT HISTORY EXPO 2012 - Save the date
Tunbridge, VT - The Vermont Historical Society returns to the Tunbridge World's Fairgrounds with the Vermont History Expo on June 16 and 17, 2012. A unique country history fair, the Vermont History Expo features workshops, crafters, musicians, authors, local Vermont historical societies and museums, reenactors, and many more
opportunities to step back in time. Now an every-other-year event, and this year's theme is Vermont in the Civil War.
Tess Taylor, Director of Education and Public Programming, says, "6,000 past participants can't be wrong! The History Expo is down-home fun whether you are 8 or 88." The Expo is a popular two-day event that showcases stories and exhibits from our local Vermont historical societies and museums. Added to that are offerings from cultural heritage organizations, genealogy and research organizations, experts
on Vermont history topics, heritage animals, fabulous food, 19th-century children's games, music, reenactments, a live country auction, presentations and authors make this country fair dedicated to our state's heritage.
Half-price admission is offered for those in period dress as well as special pricing for families. Advance discounted tickets are available for Vermont Historical Society members. Please contact Tess Taylor at (802) 479-8505 for more information or look online at www.vermonthistory.org/expo.
The Vermont Historical Society is a nonprofit organization that operates the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier, the Leahy Library in Barre, and programming throughout the state. Established in 1838, its purpose is to reach a broad audience through outstanding collections and statewide outreach. The Vermont Historical Society
believes that an understanding of the past changes lives and builds better communities. Visit the Society's website at www.vermonthistory.org

News to Know 1/10/12

2012-01-10T18:51:00.000-08:00

Be sure to check out previous posts below.

Check the Berlin, Vermont Community News page on facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Berlin-Vermont/205922199452224

2012 FARMERS’ NIGHT CONCERT SERIES, first performance is January 11th at 7:30pm at the Vermont State House – the 40th Army Band. All performances take place in the House Chamber. For a complete schedule visit: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/schedule/farmersnight.cfm
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TWO FREE SHOWS AT THE SAVOY in Montpelier http://www.savoytheater.com/special_events.html
Monday, January 16th 6pm FREE at the Savoy “A Class Divided” (not rated, 46 minutes) On the day after Martin Luther King Jr. was murdered in April 1968, Jane Elliott’s third graders from the small, all-white town of Riceville, Iowa, came to class confused and upset. They recently had made King their “Hero of the Month,” and they couldn’t understand why someone would kill him. So Elliott decided to teach her class a daring lesson in the meaning of discrimination. (see further details at the Savoy website)
Just discovered this can even be seen on line for free: http://motionempire.com/Watch_A_Class_Divided_Documentary_Online_for_Free_7622.html
Tuesday, January 17th 6:30pm FREE at the Savoy “Miss Representation” (not rated, 90 minutes). This documentary premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and was aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network in October. If you’re interested in the way women are portrayed by the media, you’ll want to attend. More information and a trailer are at:
http://www.missrepresentation.org
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FREE CALENDAR - Visit the Vermont Emergency Management website at http://vem.vermont.gov to request your free 2012 calendar filled with emergency preparedness tips. Also on their website are helpful booklets, of information to become better prepared (http://vem.vermont.gov/preparedness) The Family Emergency Preparedness Workbook can also be sent to you at no charge.

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BERLIN PARENT TEACHER NEIGHBOR ASSOCIATION (PTNA) will meeting on January 19th at 6:30pm in the Berlin Elementary School Learning Center. All are welcome.
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January 19th 7:30pm – 9:30pm DADS’ EXERCISE NIGHT at the Berlin Elementary School gym.
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January 28 – Annual LATIN DINNER DANCE at U-32 6:30pm - 9:30pm hosted by the U-32 High School Music Dept.The evening starts with a gourmet Mexican meal including meat and vegetarian options along with a stellar salsa bar. The U-32 musicians will provide live Latin music throughout the evening during which you might make your way over the virgin margarita bar! Following dinner you will be invited to participate in a brief lesson in latin dance styles such as merengue, salsa and cha-cha. No experience necessary, just wear some styling threads and shoes you can move in. We promise to make you look good! The night will continue with open dancing to latin grooves, and we can't forget the pinata! Tom Cate, Director of Bands and Jazz Bands (and Mexican cook extraordinaire!) says, "The Latin Dinner Dance is a popular event that typically sells out so get your tickets early!" It is an evening of fun music, great food and a great way to show support for all of us that share a common love and purpose in music at U-32. On top of that, the fresh guacamole is FANTASTIC!" Guests are encouraged to reserve their tickets early by calling or emailing the U-32 box office: 223.0321 X5179 or swolf@u32.org . You may also purchase tickets directly from a U-32 High School Music Student. Tickets will be for sale in the atrium during most of the school day in the 2 weeks leading up to the event. Adults $15, Family $35, Student $7.
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Saturday, February 4th “HEARTS FOR THE VALLEY”, a dinner and dance to benefit those affected by “Irene” at the Fireside Inn, West Lebanon, NH. Three choices: DINNER BUFFET ONLY $18/person 5:30pm – 8pm featured entrées – Sirloin Tips, Mediterranean Chicken & Salmon Wellington at the Garden Court Restaurant with entertainment by members of the North Country Chordsmen Barbershop Chorus Quartet: “The Clef Hangers of Hanover” ; DANCE ONLY $30/person 8pm – 11pm “The Moonlighters” 15-piece big band playing classic big band and swing dance music; DINNER AND DANCE $45/person. Each ticket includes: Fireside Dessert Garden Buffet during the dance, one raffle ticket to try for great prizes, displays, dance demonstrations by professions, photos and information regarding the flood. Advance tickets & info Lebanonchamber@lebanonchamber.com or (603) 448-1203. Donations go to Upper Valley Strong – the Long Term Recovery Committee http://www.uvstrong.org/ . Spend the night at the Fireside Inn at a special rate: Call Fireside Inn (603) 298-5900 and ask for “Hearts for the Valley Block”.
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COMMUNITY PRESENTATION OF BERLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUDGET Monday, February 6, 2012, 6:30pm, School Learning Center The Berlin Elementary School Board of School Directors will meet to present the proposed FY 2013 school budget. The Board will review the budget and answer questions. Questions about the meeting may be directed to: Chris Dodge, Principal, at 223-2796.
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BERLIN MALL AIMS TO ‘SUPER-SIZE’ WAL-MART http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120110/NEWS02/701109922 By David Delcore
Staff Writer - Published: January 10, 2012BERLIN — Owners of the Berlin Mall are hoping to super-size the largest store in that central Vermont shopping complex.
The plan to expand the local Wal-Mart — one of four in Vermont — is the subject of a newly filed permit application. It involves the construction of a sizable addition to the right rear side of the store, as well as some restructuring within the mall.
The application was filed with the District 5 Environmental Commission late last month on behalf of the limited liability corporation created when Developers Diversity Realty Corp. sold the mall to its current owners in 2010.
The net effect of the changes would increase the footprint of the local Wal-Mart by roughly 26,000 square feet, according to Berlin Mall LLC's application. It would amend the state land-use permit issued for the mall more than 25 years ago. The size of the store would increase from just over 67,000 square feet to more than 93,500 square feet, according to the application.
The proposal also seeks permission to create 50 parking spaces by adjusting the landscaping along the perimeter of the mall's existing lot.
The expansion plan itself essentially involves an 18,700-square-foot addition to the Wal-Mart store that would be built immediately behind — and connected to — at least three neighboring stores that collectively occupy nearly 7,500 square feet of existing retail space. Two of those stores — F.Y.E. and Payless Shoes — are currently occupied; the third is vacant.
All three would be absorbed by Wal-Mart as part of the expansion.
Both F.Y.E. and Payless Shoes could easily be relocated within the mall.
In a move that could expedite the district commission's review of the project, Charles Storrow, the Montpelier lawyer representing the mall's out-of-state owners, has asked the panel to exercise its discretion to treat his client's request as a “minor application.” That would negate the need for the commission to hold a public hearing on the proposal unless one is requested.
According to Storrow, that is appropriate given the “modest” nature of the proposal and the limited effect he says it would have on any of the criteria that are routinely considered as part of the state's land-use review process, commonly referred to as Act 250.
“The new development will result in only nominal changes to the mall as its overall size (roughly 175,000 square feet) would increase by only approximately 10 percent, the parking areas will not be physically expanded, and the increase in traffic associated with the expanded mall will be minimal,” Storrow wrote.
According to Storrow, his client has completed and submitted a traffic impact study along with a detailed analysis of how the project could affect some of the criteria Act 250 is designed to review. However, Storrow indicated he is confident that the expansion of an existing, approved retail structure would not have a “significant adverse impact” under any of those criteria.
As a result, he argued, there is no need for the commission to do a more thorough, and potentially more time-consuming, review of the proposed expansion.
Susan Baird, the acting coordinator for the commission, said the three-member panel had not yet seen Storrow's request but would be receiving copies this week. Baird said the commission would consider the request and make a decision after a planned deliberative session next week.
The permit for the mall itself was the product of an exhaustive and contentious process. And subsequent amendment applications — including one for what would have been the state's largest grocery store — were highly scrutinized by both the district commission and the state Environmental Board.
All of those environmental reviews occurred long before Wal-Mart arrived at the scene in 1999. Wal-Mart filled the vacancy that was created when the mall's original anchor — Rich's Department Store — closed in 1997.
Wal-Mart has expressed interest in expanding over the years and at one point was rumored to be considering abandoning the mall. The latest iteration of that rumor died down when the mall was sold to its current owners 18 months ago. One of Berlin Mall LLC's first orders of business upon acquiring the complex was to sign a lease extension with Wal-Mart, which also operates stores in Bennington, Rutland and Williston.
Although the Berlin Mall proposal would increase the size of the local Wal-Mart, the store would still be considerably smaller than the average discount department store operated by the nation's largest retailer. The average size of those stores is 108,000 square feet, according to the company's website.
Wal-Mart “super-centers,” which include fully stocked grocery departments, typically run 185,000 square feet. That's roughly twice the size of the expanded store being proposed in Berlin.
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U-32 BUDGET IS UP 3.6 PERCENT http://www.timesargus.com/article/20120106/NEWS02/701069985
By Daniel Staples, Staff Writer - Published: January 6, 2012
EAST MONTPELIER — The U-32 school board approved a $13.6 million budget that will go before voters on Town Meeting Day, representing a 3.59 percent increase over last year, but with negligible effects to the local education tax rate.
While the calculations of the tax rate cannot be finalized until local elementary school budgets are set, towns are likely to see essentially no change in the rate.
In a final amendment to the budget presented by the finance committee, the seven-member board decided to use $50,000 in federal stimulus money to help bolster the AP, or advanced placement, offerings at the school. The board also used $45,000 of the federal money to add a seventh-grade math instructor. The school had $188,267 in stimulus money available and currently has about half of that money it can use for next year’s budget.
Allen Gilbert, a finance committee member, explained to the board that the increases in the budget were paid for from revenue surpluses not tied to property taxes.
The budget represents a 2.37 percent increase in per-pupil spending. The new budgeted rate was set at $14,199, which is a $328 increase over last year’s $13,871, said Lori Bibeau, Washington Central Supervisory Union business administrator.
Some cuts were made to the budget, including a 0.8 full-time equivalent living arts instructor, a 1.0 FTE para-educator, a 0.4 FTE business educator, a 0.5 FTE math instructor and a 0.5 FTE science instructor, both at the high school level. The cuts represent more than $180,000 in savings over last year.
Principal Keith Garrett said the cuts were made because of declining enrollment — a challenge the board has wrestled with for five years as the number of students at U-32 has dropped by more than 10 percent, down nearly 100 students from the recent high of 907 in 2007.
This year’s budget discussion brought on heated debate about the addition of AP courses and teachers, with parents and students rallying to make the courses available. AP courses use College Board-approved curricula and standardized tests allowing students to use the courses to gain college credits.
The school board’s move to increase funding for the programs trumped for now Garrett’s proposal of adding AP chemistry and biology for the 2014-15 school year. Already, U.S. history, physics and computer science will go from being AP equivalents to AP courses for next year.
Before making a final decision on the budget, the board heard the concerns of taxpayers, students and teachers on the proposed budget.
Tony Klein, of East Montpelier, who served for many years on the school board and is a state representative, encouraged the board to maintain the living arts program and to think about making cuts to staff that don’t affect students.
“Be bold, be creative, don’t cut programs, don’t cut things that make this place attractive for tuition students,” said Klein.
“I don’t see any administrative reduction in the budget,” said Klein. “And that is staff that doesn’t affect students.”
According to the budget, salaries in the office of the principal increased a total of $33,494 over last year, with $812,646 budgeted for 2013. The principal’s office represents about 6 percent of the entire budget.
Ed Deacon, of East Montpelier, agreed with Klein’s sentiments.
“Before we cut programs, we need to cut administration,” said Deacon. “We have three principals. Do we need three principals?”
Cindy Bruzzese, of Middlesex, who served on Rumney Memorial School boards for nine years and has two of her children attending U-32, also questioned the cost increases in the principal’s office.
“We could take slight reduction in administrative cost to maintain the status quo in programs,” said Bruzzese.
Brian Slopey, head of the science department, encouraged the board to maintain the math and science department.
John Pandolfo, math department chairman and curriculum leader, also voiced concerns about the cuts to the math department. He said a 0.5 FTE cut to his department would bring the staff from 5.6 full-time equivalent instructors to 5.1.
Several speakers voiced concerns for the cut in the living arts program, but Garrett said the enrollment in living arts has dwindled over the last couple of years, and currently only 65 students are in the program.
When the final decision came, the board rejected an amendment proposal of keeping all the positions that are to be cut in place and added the $50,000 for the expedited AP course additions.
The board approved the money for the additional AP courses but did not direct Garrett on exactly how and where those additions were to be made.
The U-32 board is made up of representatives from East Montpelier, Berlin, Worcester, Middlesex and Calais.

News to Know January 6

2012-01-06T08:38:00.001-08:00

Check the Berlin, Vermont Community News page on facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Berlin-Vermont/205922199452224

TOWN SKATING RINK IS NOW OPEN! The rink is located at the Berlin Town Office on Shed Road . There are lights for night skating and the switch is located on the light post at the inside right angle of the "L" shaped rink. There is a port-o-let and a heated hut but no public phone.
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TOWN BUDGET DISCUSSIONS: Next Select Board meetings is January 9th at 6pm at the town office.
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BERLIN SELECT BOARD SEATS: There will be FOUR seats on the ballot come March. Two 1 yr term seats currently filled by Roberta Haskins and Jonathan Goddard; one 3 year term (Nancy Driscoll resigned and currently Ture Nelson is in that seat) and Susan Gretkowski just announced that she will be resigning from her 3 year term of which two years is left. Now is the time to get a petition from the town office to have your name on the ballot for any of these positions. The petition will need to be signed by 20+ registered voters and submitted to the town by 5pm on January 30th. http://www.berlinvt.org/selectboard.htm

TOWN REPORT – January 13th deadline to submit items to be included for the report to Jeff Schulz (from those on town committees and part of organizations). Look for town reports to be back from the printers the third week of February. The reports are sent home with the oldest student of each family at Berlin Elementary School and can also be found at the town office.
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Forum on “DOG RIVER DYNAMICS” – Thurs, January 26th (save the date - time to be announced). I’m sure many of you along Route 12 will be interesting in this meeting sponsored by Northfield and Berlin Conservation Commissions and Friends of the Winooski will be held at Norwich University. Gretchen Alexander is a river scientist with the state and will explain river dynamics. The draft agenda is as follows:
Welcome – Justin (5 min)
River Dynamics – Gretchen (20-30 min)
Geology – Rick Dunn (15 min)
Impacts of Irene in the Dog River (20 min)
Human – Steve Fitzhugh or Michele Braun
Environmental – Ann Smith
Biological – Rich Kirn
Moving Forward – Karen Bates (10 min)
Open Discussion – Justin (20 min)
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BROOKFIELD ICE HARVEST, January 28th 10am (last Saturday of Jan.) at Sunset Lake in Brookfield by the Floating Bridge. The whole family can see how ice was harvest on Sunset Lake at the turn-of-the-century. Demonstration of ice cutting and the ice boom used to move blocks of ice to wagons. Food, fun and an ice hauling contest. There is no admission fee. For info call 276-3959 Check out the 2011 event at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNgGoBqfCW4
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ICE ON FIRE / CENTRAL VERMONT WINTER FESTIVAL Sunday, January 29th 2pm – 5pm North Branch Nature Center, Elm Street, Montpelier. Bundle up and head out for this snow celebration of community. Children’s activities, winter games, theater, song and storytelling. Opening parade at 2pm, closing bonfire at 5pm. Food, hot cider, hot chocolate. Snowshoes provided, bring x-country skis and sleds. Suggested donation $1 - $5 or bring baked goods in lieu of cash donation. Find on facebook or call 223-0577 for info or to volunteer
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U-32 SCHOOL BOARD BERLIN POSITION OPENING - Mark Berry asked me to share that he is ending his time as a member of U-32 Board of Directors. If you're interested in serving, now is the time to get a petition from the town office for this 3 year term, which will need to be signed by 20+ registered voters and submitted to the town by 5pm on January 30th. The second Berlin seat will also be on the ballot as Jonathan Goddard was appointed to the position and now it will be up for election.
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BERLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOARD has two seats that will be on the ballot - a 3 year term (currently Amy Brewer) and a 2 year term (currently Jonathan Boyd). Registered voters interested in running for board positions should see our town clerk, Rosemary Morse, for a petition.
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BERLIN CHECKLIST TO VOTE: To be added to the Berlin Checklist to be able to vote on Tuesday, March 6th, you must go into the town office by Wednesday, February 29th and fill out a form. Call Rosemary at 229-9298 with questions.
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TOWN MEETING DAY - if you would be willing to help out at Town Meeting over at the elementary school for part or all of the day (10am - 7pm) please contact our town clerk, Rosemary Morse 229-9298.
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CENTRAL VERMONT SPORTS http://www.cvtsport.net – Local sports - check out the highlights on line or order a DVD of an entire game.
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LIBRARY - Our community library is the Kellogg-Hubbard Library at 135 Main Street in Montpelier. Yearly the library asks for financial support from our town on the ballot at Town Meeting. If the voters continue to support this request, all Berlin residents are entitled to a library card and to make use of all their services. Visit the library website at: www.kellogghubbard.org, check out their blog, http://www.kellogghubbard.blogspot.com or their facebook page or call them at 223-3338.
-- This year the library is requesting $12,808 from Berlin, a 2% increase from the $12,557 approved last year. To have this item on the town ballot, first their petition needs signatures of registered Berlin voters – please stop in at the library, our town office, the elementary school bulletin board in lobby, or see me (Corinne) to add your signature of support.
-- In part from the Kellogg-Hubbard Library End of Year Report - “Come enjoy the collection of books, movies, CDs, audio books, magazines & newspapers, use the new and improved public internet stations, attend a great program, use databases and audio-downloads from the web site, or borrow one of the library passes and discover great Vermont museums, parks, and historical sites. (These include the ECHO Aquarium ($2 admission), Shelburne Farms, Vermont History Museum, Vermont State Parks, the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, Billings Farm Museum and Vermont Historic Sites.)” (more details from this report in the next email I send out!)
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FLOOD RECOVERY – Local recovery from the flooding of 2011 continues. Those with losses are still in need of assistance. Many folks who lost so much are still in need of financial assistance and replacing household goods, some have major home repairs and others are still in temporary housing. In the spring, we’re hoping an additional effort can be made to continue the clean-up of debris the flooding caused with a larger Green Up Day effort in early May.
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C.E.R.T - Learn how to help your community during times of emergency! C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team) #5 Basic Training Course in Barre on Saturday, 1/21/12; Registration opens 7:30am; Class 8am – 4pm. Location: Barre Auditorium Classrooms - just to the right of the auditorium-there will be signs!
Please R.S.V.P. to Julie Benedict at Julie.benedict@state.vt.us or at 802-431-5701.
This training is designed to cover disaster preparedness, fire safety, directing traffic, disaster medical operations, triage and treating life threatening injuries. Pizza Lunch will be provided (let Julie know of any special dietary needs)
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MENTORING: The Berlin School is establishing a mentoring program and is seeking adult mentors. Training is included and the commitment is roughly one hour per week during school hours. Community members should not underestimate the potential difference they can make in the life of a BES student. Background check required. Any adults interested in being a mentor may contact Jessica Heinz, School Counselor, at 223-2796 x118.
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SKI EQUIPMENT: The Berlin School is working to establish a collection of skis, boots, poles and associated equipment for use by students and staff. If anyone has gently used ski equipment that they would like to donate to the school, they may contact Jessica Heinz, School Counselor, at 22302796 x118.
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BUDGET UPDATE: The School Board reviewed draft five if the proposed FY2013 budget on January 5th. The good news is, under all scenarios, taxes are slated to DECREASE! The Board is expected to approve a final budget at their meeting on January 9th, at 6:15 p.m., at the school. As always, community participation is encouraged. Anyone wanting to learn more about the budget process or current draft may contact Chris Dodge, Principal, at 223-2796 x120.
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SCHOOL NEWSLETTER: As always, the school newsletter is available on the school website (www.berlinschool.org) each week. This is a great way for families with and without students to keep up to date on school events.
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VOLUNTEERS: The Berlin School offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. Come share your talents with our community's children. Contact Chris Dodge, Principal, at 223-2796 x120.
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VEHICLES: The Government recently released a new calculator that allows user to compare emissions and lifetime operating cost on vehicles.
http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/calc
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GOVERNOR’S CAREER READY CERTIFICATE through CCV http://www.ccv.edu/careerreadyvt

FIRE PREVENTION TIPS –
-- Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home. Test them every month and replace the batteries at least once a year.
-- Keep all potential sources of fuel like paper, clothing, bedding or rugs at least three feet away from space heaters, stoves, or fireplaces.
-- Portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended. Turn off space heaters and make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home.
-- If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes.
-- When buying a space heater, look for models that shut off automatically if the heater falls over as another safety measure.
-- Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
-- Keep fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
-- Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, and furnaces professionally inspected and cleaned once a year.
-- Dispose of wood ashes in a metal container that can be tightly closed, douse with water, place the closed container outside your home away from combustible materials and leave in the container for several days before disposing of them.
-- Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle.
-- Talk with all household members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
-- If a fire occurs in your home, get out, stay out and call for help.
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SNOWSHOE TRAIL AT U-32 - Community Connections Community Prevention Update from Bill Merrylees. As part of our work to create an environment with healthy physical activity options, the VT Youth Conservation corps class at the high school used the concept of a permanent snowshoe trail on the U-32 campus. The instructors built a curricular unit around it, and the students built a trail! These are the kind of winning scenarios we always strive for, where students make change happen a drive projects that are aligned with our community-wide goals. See link: http://school.vycc.org/2011/12/seeing-it-through-from-start-to-end-u-32-snowshoe-trail/ Come enjoy the trail in february - there's GOT to be snow by then...

Saturday, February 11 - Cross Vermont Trail Association Snowshoe Rally at U32, 11:00 am - 2:00pm. Free event for all abilities includes snowshoe lessons, fun snowshoe relays, exploring the U-32 woods on a self-guided trail, plus guided naturalist outings. Warming space, snacks & warm beverages will be served. Free snowshoe use provided. Sponsored by the Cross Vermont Trail Association, Community Connections and U-32 athletics. For more information, call Community Connections at 223-3456.

News to Note November 9, 2011

2011-11-10T05:01:00.001-08:00

Check out Berlin Community News on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Berlin-Vermont/205922199452224#!/pages/Berlin-Vermont/205922199452224

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Hunters Breakfast on Sat. Nov. 12 & Sunday Nov. 13 at the Riverton Fire Station. Families welcome! 4am - 10am $8 all you can eat. There will be pancakes with Vermont maple syrup, home fried potatoes and more! Also take out available - a breakfast sandwich with drink for $3.50. Proceeds benefit the Berlin Volunteer Fire Dept.
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9th Annual Berlin Fall Scholastic Chess Tournament on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at Berlin Elementary School, Berlin, VT. This is an unrated tournament open to chess players of all abilities from Kindergarten through Grade 12, where the focus is on fun and sportsmanship. UCSF membership is not required. Please bring a chess board and chess clock if you have one. Pre-Register by mail by November 10th or online by November 11th --> $8 per player, or $15 per family. Register at the door on the day of the event --> $10 per player or $18 per family. Registration open from 9:00 – 9:30 AM. First round starts at 10:00. Food concessions will be available from 9 AM until 2 PM. Awards given at approximately 3:00 PM. For complete details: http://vtchess.info or contact Mike Stridsberg at mike@vtchess.info
During the chess tournament, the school will have a Scholastic Book Fair in progress in the Learning Center – the community is welcome during this time.

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Nov 12 9am – 3pm Crafters Edge Craft Fair at the Main Street Middle School in Montpelier. Featuring products made by local craftsmen and products designed and constructed by their 8th graders. 225-8622 craftersedge@mpsvt.org
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Annual Barry Chouinard T-shirt Sale Nov 12 & 13 and Nov 19 & 20 8am m- 4pm. National Guard Armory Norwich Univ. Campus (Disney Field – by Kreitzberg Arena). Prices start at $2 – on a wide selection of cotton apparel, t-shirts, polo chirts, sweatshirts, etc. A portion of the proceeds benefit Youth & HS Hockey in Northfield.
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Cabot Hosiery 32nd annual factory sock sale. Nov 12 & 13 and Nov 19 & 20 8:30am – 4:30pm. 364 Whetstone Drive, Northfield Take Doyon Rd off Rt 12 in Northfield, turn irght on Whetstone Dr. to the top of the hill. 485-6066. Men’s, women’s & kid’s socks. Hunting, hiking dress and sport socks. Merino wool, cashmere, cotton & acrylic blends. Coolmax and Outlas. Holiday and Novelty patterns. Most at last year’s prices.
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When the town of Berlin mails out information (for instance, the town newsletters that used to come out once or twice a year) it is mailed to the grand list which is property owners. If you, or somebody you know is renting - they need to call the town 223-4405 and ask to be added to the mailing list. If you’re a landlord perhaps you didn’t know your tenants weren’t also receiving the same information.
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Our community library is the Kellogg-Hubbard Library at 135 Main Street in Montpelier. Yearly the library asks for financial support from our town and because the voters support this, all Berlin residents are able to get a library card and make use of all their services. Visit the library website at: www.kellogghubbard.org, check out their blog, http://www.kellogghubbard.blogspot.com or call them at 223-3338.
ANNOUNCEMENT from Kellogg-Hubbard - Our apologies: Downloadable audios and ebooks will not be available on the KHL web site temporarily. We apologize for any inconvenience, and hope to have a viable alternative in place in the near future. Thank you for your patience. General info about audio and ebook downloads: http://www.kellogghubbard.org/avdownloads.html, including a few free sources.
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Vermont Unclaimed property: http://www.vermonttreasurer.gov/unclaimed-property The primary function of the Unclaimed Property Division is to locate and return various forms of unclaimed property to the rightful owners. Lots of Berlin residents are listed, I’ve contacted some folks directly to give them the heads up they may have a few dollars waiting to be claimed.
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Did the affects of Tropical Storm Irene leave you feeling STRESSED? Starting over Strong (SOS) is a short-term effort designed to find healthy ways to deal with the stress from the flood – Call 855-sos-vt00 (855-767-8800). When you call the toll free number, you will need to leave your name and number to get a call back. They will then provide you with the name and number of the person you’ll be connecting with. SOS will provide up to six opportunities to get together and talk with somebody – it can be at your place or another convenient location. To find out more about taking care of your mental and emotional health, go to http://healthvermont.gov and choose “After the Flood”.
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Morse Farm – The day after Thanksgiving the Morse Farm will have an Open House with some sale prices, free tasty samples, tractor drawn ride and door prizes. 10am – 4pm. Look for Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks on facebook!
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Greater Barre Craft Guild will have it’s annual show at the Barre Auditorium the weekend after Thanksgiving. Saturday, Nov 26th 9am – 5pm and Sunday, Nov. 27th 10am – 4pm. http://www.greaterbarrecraftguild.com The crafters and their crafts are listed and many have websites or email addresses.
The Berlin Volunteer Fire Dept Ladies Auxiliary is looking for donations of baked goods for this craft fair. Baked goods can be dropped off at the Berlin Four Corners Fire House on Nov 25th and 26th. Your support is greatly appreciated.

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Be prepared for when the next disaster strikes – make a plan, prepare a kit, have a portable radio with batteries to listen to WDEV AM 550, and flashlights and batteries. Your kit could include: first aid kit, emergency food & water supplies for 3 days including a non-electric can opener, essential medicine for at least 7 days, whistle for emergency signaling, contact information for friends, family, doctors & pharmacists. Details can be found in the Family Emergency Preparedness Workbook available on the Vermont Emergency Management website: http://vem.vermont.gov/community_preparedness a booklet will be mailed to you free of charge by calling 800-347-0488.

also visit:
http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/checklists/Be_Red_Cross_Ready.pdf

Emergency Contact Card
http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/ECCard.pdf
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FREE Button Up Workshop, Thursday, November 17th 6:30pm – 8:30pm at the Capital City Grange Hall, 6612 VT Rte 12 in Berlin. Are you worried about heating costs for this winter? Do you want to save money and make your home more comfortable for the cold weather? This workshop includes an overview of why building efficiency is so important here in Vermont, illustrates how homes lose energy, and outlines clear steps that homeowners can take to address this energy loss. A Building Performance Institute-certified contractor is the main presenter and questions are encouraged. Owners of homes and businesses in the area are invited to attend. http://capitalcitygrange.org/calendar

http://www.efficiencyvermont.com/for_my_home/ways-to-save-and-rebates/energy_improvements_for_your_home/ButtonUp/general_info/overview.aspx
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DINOMAN - Saturday, November 19th 10:30am at Berlin Elementary. Tickets $5 per person, available only at the door. Dinoman and his dinosaurs haven’t made a public appearance in the area since 2003 – usually they’re touring schools, museums and libraries across the US. This production takes the audience on a fast paced trip through the Mesozoic Era. The changing earth, how fossils are created, and the newest paleo discoveries are brought to life with music, magic, and incredible props. Ultimately three life-size dinosaurs, a duckbill, longneck, and T-Rex will be displayed. Bob Lisaius the show’s creator will perform the production. An avid fossil hunter, Mr. Lisaus has dug for dinosaurs in South and North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming. Dinoman is presented as a fundraiser for the Berlin Elementary School Parent Teacher Neighbor Association. Please call 496-6109 for more information.
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The Central Vermont Long Term Recovery Committee is starting a campaign to get flood victims much needed footwear. Please help their efforts and make a donation so that our neighbors in need can have a new pair of shoes or boots. Donations are being accepted at Lenny’s located in on Main Street in Barre next to Rite Aid. If you would like to mail a check, make the check out to Lenny’s and mail it to: JoEllen Calderara, RSVP, PO Box 433, Barre, VT 05641
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There is still much to do to help our neighbors here in Berlin to recover from Tropical Storm Irene. Some projects can still be worked before winter settles in, while others will need to wait until spring. If you’re able to help out with physical labor, please let us know. If you’re able to make a monetary donation to the Berlin Flood Relief Project, please contact the town office at 223-4405.
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Be sure to check out “Berlin Granted by Wentworth in 1763” by Senator Bill Doyle on page 11 of the November 9th issue of The World.
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My favorite potato farmers, Barb & Bob Chappelle, are the cover story for the fall issue of Vermont Fences http://www.vtfb.org/vermont-fences.html Can’t wait to get a copy to read! Don’t forget they have 50lb bags of potatoes available at their warehouse in Williamstown on South Hill Road throughout the season. Cost varies depending on what class of potatoes you choose – 50lb bags #1s $16, chefs $20, bakers $22, unclassifieds $6 and unclassified chefs $9. Call the Chappelle’s at 433-5930

Speaking of farmers, you can choose to have your bottle redemption money can go to Flood Relief for Farmers down at M&M next to Shaw’s in Montpelier

Have you heard about “Going to Bat for Vermont Farmers” http://www.battingforvermont.com Spread the word to others – somebody is going to end up with the awesome items that are up for auction. The money raised is benefiting the Vermont Farm Disaster Relief Fund.
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NEED HELP WITH A RENT OR MORTGAGE PAYMENT? The Vermont Association of Realtors along with the National Association of Realtors’ Realtor Relief Foundation has grants of up to $1,500 for housing. Awards are made on a first-come first-served basis and recipients must use the money to pay mortgage payments for their primary residence or rent for temporary housing. Simple application, no income limits. Info: 229-0513, www.vtrealtor.com.
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Multi-Family Rental Repair Program: The State of Vermont and FEMA are seeking multi-family properties uninhabitable before or undamaged by Tropical Storm Irene. FEMA is willing to pay to rehabilitate properties with a minimum of four units that could accommodate Vermonters displaced by the storm. Information: Lou Narciso at louis.narciso@dhs.gov or 571-449-1821.
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BEFORE YOU TOSS THAT SBA LOAN APPLICATION … Know that Small Business Administration low-interest loans are NOT just for businesses. Homeowners, landlords, tenants -- anyone who received a loan application is encouraged to complete it and return it by NOV. 15. Despite thousands of applications mailed to Vermonters, fewer than 1,000 have been returned. Residents could miss an inexpensive loan or even additional FEMA grant money if they ignore the application. Know that:
• If you do not qualify for a loan, you may be eligible for more FEMA grant money (as long as your FEMA award is less than the maximum $30,200).
• You can decide later whether to take a loan. Applying gives you time to figure that out.
• The SBA can structure a loan in various ways including working with existing mortgages.
• Loan approval is based on flood damage and ability to pay, not on personal assets.

Call the SBA Help Line 800-659-2955; or find forms online at www.sba.gov .

News to Know October 28

2011-10-28T19:38:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out prior posts for additional news. Berlin residents please contact me at corinnestridsberg@gmail.com if you'd like to receive this news by email.

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Your help is needed Saturday, Oct. 29th! There is more debris (downed trees / brush) at 2664 Rt 12 to be cleared (where mini golf used to be). Folks will meet there at 9:30am. There is 2- 3 hours of work although even joining the effort for an hour would be helpful! We'll need some folks with chainsaws and a couple of rakes would be good, maybe a wheelbarrow or cart too. Also needed are a few folks with trucks or perhaps a trailer for logs that need to be carted away and also to haul other debris to the dumpsters. There will likely be other folks who need assistance and we can work on going from here to other locations. Please note that for many of us we do not get cell service down past M’s RV Sales.
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Replacement furniture needed: “I lost two large vintage wooden office desks that I used in my office/studio. I am looking for a nice solid wood replacement for at least one of them - the kind that have a large top surface and drawers down both sides (similar to a roll top desk, without the top). I could also use a smaller desk with drawers for the computer, and book/storage shelves.” - if you might be able to help this person out or have suggestions, please let Corinne Stridsberg know.
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Laundry Assistance – There is still a family affected by Tropical Storm Irene hoping for assistance in getting a large amount of laundry done.
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SENIOR PORTRAIT or other Portrait Photography Services needed? Check out the Wiggoddess http://www.wiggoddess.com/seniorpics.html Scroll down to the bottom of the page for package details. WOW photos! 229-1112
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Season opens for the Vermont SledCats – Jacob Lavigne 
http://www.wcax.com/story/15786259/the-vermont-sledcats
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Monday, October 31st is the deadline to submit letters of interest to our town regarding the open BERLIN SELECTBOARD POSITION along with volunteer committee positions. Letters should go to Town Administrator, Town of Berlin, 108 Shed Road, Berlin, VT 05602, or via email at jschulz@berlinvt.org . Please include in your letter or email the committee or position you wish to serve. Other positions include an alternate on the Berlin Development Review Board; representative for the Regional Transportation Technical Advisory Committee; and a participant for a hiring committee to review & recommend qualified candidate for the Town Treasurer position to the selectboard. http://www.berlinvt.org
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Our daughter, Minda, received a gift certificate for a 75 min Dr Hauschka Relaxation Facial, a $95 value at Holistica organic facials & skin care at 4 State St. Mplr www.holiticafacials.com . Being 15 yrs old she's not really needing this. Anybody out there want to purchase it from her for $40 or best offer? – Contact Corinne Stridsberg
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Saturday is “Scary Barre”, their second annual halloween celebration! Kids Kave activities up at the Barre Auditorium from 10am to 2pm, including bounce houses, games, coloring contests, free halloween cookies, free children's books, No Strings Marionette showing of "Handsome & Gretel" at 10:30 & 12:30, Halloween Stories with Carol Dawes and much much more. Admission is only $5 for adults, free for children under 12. Admission to Scary Barre also includes a kid-friendly daylight tour of the Haunted House at the Vermont Granite Museum (tours are at 11am, 12, and 1pm). On Halloween there will be trick-or-treating at the Barre businesses from 4pm-5pm.
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Efficiency Vermont – Irene Relieve Aid and Resources
• Sign up by Nov 15 for a FREE Flood Repair Assessment with Air Sealing for Homes and Small Businesses.
• Free Workshops around Vermont: Buttoning Up After A Flood – understanding the steps to make your home safe, healthy, and energy-efficient
• Rebates for appliances and heating and hot water systems
See details at their website: http://www.efficiencyvermont.com/about_us/efficiency_vermont_news/Irene/general_info/irene_recovery.aspx or call them at 888-921-5990
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In order to move its inventory of gently used clothing, toys and housewares, the Distribution Center on Rt. 100 in Waterbury Center (across from Sunoco) is making everything available to the entire community. Items are still free to families and individuals who were flooded (ALL families no matter what town you were flooded in). In addition, anyone who was not affected by the flood may shop there in exchange for a donation to the Good Neighbor Fund. Open Mondays and Wednesdays 9-noon, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Saturdays 9-noon
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FEELING STRESSED? Interested in some one-on-one counseling? Looking for stress reduction techniques and coping strategies? Wondering how to talk with your kids about what’s been happening since the flooding? Starting over Strong (SOS) is a short-term effort designed to find healthy ways to deal with the stress from the flood – this is a FREE service – Call 855-sos-vt00 (855-767-8800). To find out more about taking care of your mental and emotional health, go to http://healthvermont.gov and choose “After the Flood”.
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PUMPKINS!
http://vtdigger.org/2011/10/28/a-paucity-of-pumpkins-in-the-patch-not-really
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Current U-32 Newsletter - November
http://www.u32.org/grades9-12/images/pdf/current.pdf

New line of Raider apparel from the Boosters at
http://www.u32.org/grades9-12/index.php/athletics/boosters/290.html?page=dept&newcatid=137&newsec=46

Berlin Elementary Current Newsletter (Oct 28)
http://www.berlinschool.org/images/stories/pdfs/Current%20Newsletter.pdf
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Welch seeks USDA funding for farmers damaged by Irene
http://vtdigger.org/2011/10/26/welch-seeks-usda-funding-for-454-farms-damaged-by-irene/
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State officials outline progress, challenges post-Irene
http://vtdigger.org/2011/10/25/state-officials-outline-progress-challenges-post-irene/

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NOVEMBER 15 is the NEW DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR DISASTER ASSISTANCE
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended the application deadline for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance to Nov. 15. Those with flood damage may register with FEMA at the Disaster Recovery Center at the Main Street Fire Station, by phone at (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or online at www.disasterassistance.gov. Hours at the FEMA center are 9-5:30 Monday-Saturday. Closed Sundays. FEMA representatives can register those who had flood damage, answer questions, review claims and update information, particularly regarding housing. FEMA assistance decisions also may be appealed through the same channels if a recipient is dissatisfied or believes there is an error.

BEFORE YOU TOSS THAT SBA LOAN APPLICATION …
According to statistics released Monday, more than 5,800 Small Business Administration loan applications were sent to Vermonters who registered with FEMA for disaster assistance but only 842 have been returned. Federal officials worry that residents may not realize that filling out and returning the application could give them financial options to help pay for their recovery – and they may be missing out on benefits by not sending it in. A few key points:
• The SBA helps renters, homeowners,and businesses with low-interest loans.
• If you do not qualify for a loan, you may be eligible for more FEMA grant money if you have not already received the maximum $30,200 FEMA award.
• You can decide later whether to take a loan. Applying gives you time to figure that out.
• The SBA can structure a loan in various ways including working with existing mortgages.
• Loan approval is based on flood damage and ability to pay, not on personal assets.
• As of Monday, 276 SBA loans worth more than $16 million were approved in Vermont.

Fill out an application with an SBA representative at the Main Street Fire Station Monday-Saturday 9-5 or call the SBA Help Line at 1-800-659-2955; forms online at www.sba.gov.

Rental Assistance
•With winter approaching, Vermonters who have registered with FEMA and who are currently staying with family, friends or neighbors or in a non-winterized or unsafe home should consider whether they may need temporary rental assistance until they can relocate into permanent housing.
•Those who have already registered with FEMA and informed us earlier they did not need rental assistance will have received a letter saying they are ineligible for assistance.
•If their situation has changed – for example, they can no longer stay with family or friends – they should call the FEMA Helpline 800-621-FEMA (3362) and report the change in circumstances.
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HOME SHARE NOW OFFERING HOUSING ASSISTANCE - Home Share Now is facilitating short- and long-term home sharing matches for people displaced by Irene. They are offering their services free of charge when arranging short-term matches to house Vermonters with immediate needs. If the flood has left you homeless, or you know of people with room in their home to share during this time of crisis, please have them call Home Share Now at (802) 479-8544. Learn more about home sharing at http://www.homesharenow.org

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CASE-MANAGEMENT TRAINING: The New England Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church and Vermont Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is conducting training in Disaster Case Management next week in Barre. Having local volunteers trained in case management could help get long-term recovery efforts in full swing. Case managers would work one-on-one with those affected by the flood to develop and carry out recovery plans for that individual or family. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is offering the course Basic Disaster Case Management Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at the Hedding United Methodist Church, 40 Washington St., Barre. A Tuesday session will cover case-management forms. Interested? Ask questions or request an application from vtvoad@yahoo.com . Or call Katie Halliday, of FEMA, 617-816-6351.
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National Weather Service in Burlington, VT http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/btv/
Roger Hill’s “Weathering Heights” http://www.weatheringheights.com
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Local River Gauges: http://www.montpelier-vt.org/page/332
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Nationwide EAS (Emergency Alert System) Test Nov 9th 2pm eastern standard time. This event should serve as a reminder that everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves, their families, pets, and businesses.

Some good links to help be prepared are http://vem.vermont.gov/community_preparedness

Red Cross preparedness
http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=72c51a53f1c37110VgnVCM1000003481a10aRCRD

On one of the Red Cross pages from the above link there is this link for making emergency contact cards of info to keep on you: http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/ECCard.pdf

News to Know October 20

2011-10-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

News to Know October 20, 2011

(Berlin residents may contact me at corinnestridsberg@gmail.com to be added to my email send list.)

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Moonlight Madness is today (10/20) in Montpelier with discounts at many stores. Note that at Woodbury Mtn Toys the savings extend through Saturday
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TED Talks – Ideas worth spreading. TED stands for “Technology Entertainment Design”. These are talks given at conferences and can be found at http://www.ted.com/talks or go to http://www.youtube.com and search on “TED Talks”. Lots of topics to pick from, there is bound to be several of interest. Some are just a few minutes long but others may be 15 – 20 minutes. I haven’t had time to watch many recently but some of my favorites are Sixth Sense Technology – it’s a mini-projector coupled with a camera and a cellphone – quite the demo on what is possible with technology http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUdDhWfpqxg ; Malcolm Gladwell on spaghetti sauce (have you wondered why we used to get by with just a couple brands and now the choices go on and on?) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIiAAhUeR6Y and I just watched; “Facebook and Google / Secret Revealed” talking about information being filtered / edited http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLXa1kEMooU Let me know what your favorites are!

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22ND is the Big moving sale. 1727 Crosstown Road, Berlin. Tools, antiques, air hockey table, kitchen items, couches, holiday decorations, books, twin beds, bookshelf, kids games, etc. Stuff for kids and adults. 20 year collection from the attic to the basement and it all has to go to make it easier on the folks helping the family move just a few miles away! 9 a.m. start time. Rain or shine. No early birds. Indoor/outdoor sale. A pickers dream come true.
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A Dad's Exercise Night at Berlin Elementary school has been started by Craig Frazier. It will run every other Thursday from 7:30pm to 9:15pm. A different sport will be picked for each night (hoop, hockey, volleyball, indoor soccer, wiffle ball). There will be a sign up list at the school for any interested dads. The next Dad’s Exercise Night is on Thursday, October 27th.***
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The deadline for FEMA Individual Assistance is now November 15, 2011. The initial deadline was Oct. 31. With cold weather approaching the deadline has been extended to allow more Vermonters – many of whom have been distracted with storm cleanup – to seek federal assistance. Individual homeowners, renters, businesses, or others who suffered losses as a result of flooding at the end of August are eligible for assistance to repair their homes or to recover other losses. Even if damage is minor, or if you are unsure whether damage will be covered by federal grants, individuals should apply as soon as possible, the Governor said. To register for Individual Assistance disaster assistance, call 800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with a speech disability or hearing loss who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585 directly, or 800-621-3362, if using 711 or Video Relay Service. Registration can also be done online anytime at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or through web-enabled mobile phone devices or smartphones at m.fema.gov.
The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) remains open in Waterbury at the Fire Station. Monday – Saturday 9am - 5:30pm (note change in hours)
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FREE ITEMS
http://www.vtexchange.org - if you’re looking for items or have items to offer

http://www.freecycle.org – this website for free items has been around for years. Look for Washington County, Vermont.

Times Argus classifieds has a section “Vermont Recovery Resource” of free items and services to folks affected by the flooding.

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At the October 17th Selectboard meeting it was decided to lift the Emergency
Health Ordinance at Westons Mobile Home Park.

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FEELING STRESSED? Starting over Strong (SOS) is a short-term effort designed to find healthy ways to deal with the stress from the flood – Call 855-sos-vt00 (855-767-8800). To find out more about taking care of your mental and emotional health, go to http://healthvermont.gov and choose “After the Flood”.
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Vermont Clean Up Day is October 22nd and several projects will be worked on in Berlin. The Town of Berlin will also continue Clean Up on Saturday, Oct 29th. If you need assistance or can offer assistance (physical labor along with equipment such as chainsaws including person to run it, backhoe/bulldozer, trucks for hauling away debris such as trees, etc. Please be in touch by return email or to socialenergy@yahoo.com . Another way you may be able to help is that there is one family who needs assistance with quite a bit of laundry that still needs to be done from the flooding.

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If you’re participating in Clean Up Day 10/22, after you’ve worked up an appetite volunteering, stop by the Old Labor Hall from 2:30 to 5 for some free BBQ. Democratic members of the House of Representatives will be grilling up burgers and hot dogs for the volunteers. The food has been generously provided courtesy of the Vermont NEA, VSEA, Professional Firefighters and AFT.
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Also remember the Music Fest over at ReStore Saturday 10/22 1pm – 8pm Adults $10 / kids free http://restorevt.org (802) 477-7800 (details in 10/16 posting)
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From Shaun Gilpin at the CVOEO Mobile Home Project sgilpin@cvoeo.org
Regarding the $1500 mobile home removal program:
Due to successful fundraising efforts, this removal can be provided to residents of mobile home parks at NO COST
We are going to need to ensure that homeowners have done a few things before homes can be removed from the park. Homeowners are going to have to:
- Be finished with their FEMA process (or decide that they don’t want to wait any longer)
- Ensure that there are no mortgages or other liens on the home
- Go to the Town Clerk and get documentation that all property taxes have been paid or abated
We are also going to need homeowners to provide:
- Proof of Identification (photo copy of driver’s license or some such document)
- A signed release form (which we will provide)
If you haven’t already, please ensure that there is nothing owed on the home (or request a release from the lender) and check with the Town clerk to ensure that no property taxes are owed. Once we finalize the release form and checklist, I will send those to you and we can set up a date to have your home removed.
There will be two opportunities on Monday, October 24th to meet with folks regarding removal of homes – at 2pm and again at 5pm. They are hoping to see the homes be torn down starting on Thursday.
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On pm the Berlin School will be open to distribute food and other donated items to Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 9:00 am till 12:00 anyone in Berlin affected by the recent flooding. During our High Water Ho-Down Flood Relief fund raiser we collected many items for donation. Some of these include; bed linens, clothing, toiletries, small appliances and televisions. Each family will also receive a grocery bag of food. Please stop by the Berlin Elementary School on Saturday, October 22, from 9-12 to pick up anything that you may need. If you are not able to make it due to transportation, please call Jessica Heinz at 223-2796 ext. 118 at the school for assistance. Thank you so much and hope to see you on 10/22.

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Thursday, October 20 – Clothing Donation Collection at the Berlin Congregational Church 8am – 6pm. Good, clean clothing needed for victims of the flood. Call to volunteer 229-4042 FREE Distribution on Saturday, October 22nd 8am – 2pm***
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Multi-Family Rental Repair Program: The State of Vermont, in partnership with FEMA, is looking for multi-family properties uninhabitable before Tropical Storm Irene or not damaged by the flood. They prefer properties with a minimum of four units that, with some improvements, could accommodate Vermonters needing housing since Tropical Storm Irene. This unique opportunity will allow FEMA to fund rehabilitation activities for eligible properties that will, in turn, be made available to those displaced by the storm. For more information, please contact Lou Narciso at louis.narciso@dhs.gov or by phone at 571-449-1821

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Many redemption centers are participating in a bottle drive to support the Vermont Farm Disaster Relief Fund set up to provide flood-relief grants to Vermont Farmers. Clean returnable bottles and cans can be brought in to M&M Beverage Center or another participating center.

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FREE & Open to ALL who were affected by the flooding. There is still plenty of gently used winter clothing, outerwear, shoes and household items at the Flood Distribution Center on Rt 100 in Waterbury Center across from Sunoco. Stop by to replace items lost in the flood. Hours: Mondays and Wednesday 9-noon and 5:30-7:30pm; Saturdays 9-noon. The center also has a message board to connect people with larger items to donated with those who need furniture, appliances, etc. Information changes often there.
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Flood diaries: After the bucket brigades, Irene losses sink in: http://vtdigger.org/2011/10/19/flood-diaries-teens-help-and-cope-with-irene

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Weston’s park moves closer to full reopening
By David Delcore http://www.timesargus.com/article/20111019/NEWS02/710199938
Staff Writer - Published: October 19, 2011
BERLIN — Weston’s Mobile Home Park is inching ever closer to reopening.

Barely 24 hours after persuading the Select Board to lift the emergency health order issued immediately after Tropical Storm Irene, Weston’s owner, Ellery Packard, was scheduled to meet with another town board Tuesday night to discuss local flood hazard regulations.

Town Administrator Jeff Schulz said Packard’s hearing before the Development Review Board probably wouldn’t result in an immediate decision. However, he said it should provide the basis for the board to swiftly issue findings and the permit Packard needs to reopen a substantial section of his 83-lot park. The park has been uninhabited since it was evacuated in the devastating August floodwaters of Irene.

Town officials promised Packard an expedited review that will presumably establish the ground rules for replacing or repairing nearly 70 mobile homes “substantially damaged” by Irene flooding along the Route 12 corridor in Berlin.

Select Board members briefly discussed that prospect at a Monday night meeting. They unanimously agreed that an emergency health order, which has barred overnight access to 70 mobile homes at Weston’s since Aug. 31, was no longer needed.

Although board members were told Packard is still removing oil-tainted soil from the property, they agreed sufficient progress had been made to justify lifting the order.

“It’s either safe or it isn’t,” board member Brad Towne said, adding that he believed the health order had served its purpose.

The board concluded as much after hearing from Packard; his environmental consultant, Brad Wheeler; and Schulz, who has worked with both men and monitors the park’s post-Irene status.

Schulz told the board that the park’s water system, disabled when a wall of water wiped out its pump station, was back on line. The water had been tested and cleared by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

“It’s my opinion, based on the documentation, that the water issue for that park has been addressed,” Schulz said.

Although Schulz was unable to tell the board that contaminated soils have been removed from the site, he said he was comfortable enough with the plan outlined by Packard to recommend that the board lift the health order.

Packard told board members that with Wheeler’s help, he started excavating contaminated soil earlier in the day and had cleared 12 of the 70 affected lots before coming to the 7 p.m. meeting. In all, Packard said, he excavated 56 cubic yards of oil-tainted soil that was immediately trucked off site.

Packard said he was hoping to complete the excavation work the end of this week or early next week, though Wheeler, of Wheeler Environmental Services LLC, said that timeline may be optimistic.

According to Wheeler, some “hot spots” were cleared with a couple of passes with an excavator, while others required digging down 10 feet.

“It’s pretty unpredictable right now,” he said. “It’s entirely possible it could be two weeks’ worth of work.”

However, Wheeler said that in his professional opinion nothing about the levels of contamination or the ongoing excavation work posed a hazard to the park’s residents.

“I don’t think there should be any real concern with people occupying the site,” he said.

Packard assured the board he would not cut corners when it came to excavated contaminated soils atop the underground aquifer that feeds the park’s drinking water supply.

“I have a lot of money invested in this,” he said. “We will not stop until it’s completed.”

Packard said he had a vested interest in removing as much of the contaminated soil as possible.

“The more (contaminants) I get off my property, the less I’m going to own for the rest of my life,” he said of the soil contaminated when floodwaters toppled dozens of fuel tanks, spilling the contents onto the saturated ground.

The board’s decision eliminates a key obstacle to reopening the vast majority of the 83-lot park and should allow at least a couple of its tenants to immediately reoccupy their flood-damaged mobile homes. According to Schulz, those homes did not sustain flood damage that exceeded 50 percent of their value and, as a result, did not need to be brought into compliance with the town’s flood hazard regulations.

The same cannot be said of most of the 70 lots subject to the health order and part of a permit application that was scheduled to be considered by the local review board Tuesday night. Those lots remain off-limits until Packard obtains an umbrella permit for the park and zoning permits are issued to those renting individual lots.

Fees for obtaining the latter permits are a growing source of consternation, according to Schulz, who said several of the park’s tenants complained about paying the town an estimated $80 to $100 fee for a permit to flood-proof their mobile homes.

“Folks have been a little bit upset that they would be subject to the fee,” Schulz said.

After discussing the matter with the town’s attorney, Rob Halpert, Schulz said the board could opt to waive the fees. Due to concern about the potential precedent that might be set by such a decision, the board tabled action on the fee issue Monday night.
david.delcore@timesargus.com

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Affordable housing crunch, FEMA rules hurt flood victims
by Andrew Nemethy | October 18, 2011 http://vtdigger.org/2011/10/18/housing
WATERBURY — When it comes to housing damaged by tropical storm Irene, the numbers tell quite a story.
But so do the mind-numbing rules and regulations, obstacles and misunderstandings, and twists and turns that displaced Vermonters face as they try to cope with restoring homes or finding new housing.
All of that and much more was spelled out to key housing lawmakers in the Vermont House during a marathon session held Monday in Waterbury’s Congregational Church. And to punctuate what they were hearing, Rep. Tom Stevens, a member of the panel, took the General, Housing and Military Affairs committee on lunch and post-meeting tours to see with their own eyes the devastating impact Irene had on his town.
At Patterson’s mobile home park, opened in 1957, 19 units were destroyed and 33 people left homeless when the Winooski River backed up and circled in to flood the park, Ed Patterson told lawmakers. Owner of the park with his two brothers and mother Ramona, he wondered where many of his tenants were going to live now, noting one woman only paid $175 for rent, a bargain she was unlike to find anywhere else.
All day long the panel heard about the complexities and challenges Vermont agencies faces in rebuilding housing stock after Irene, and about the mismatch between what many of those who lost homes can pay and what replacement housing and rentals actually cost, or how rental housing is scarce in areas with the highest need.
“We’re all in this together and trying to push every lever” to find solutions, said Gus Seelig, executive director of the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board.
Perhaps no one put a starker face on the situation than Jennifer Hollar, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Economic, Housing & Community Development, who came armed with the latest tally of Irene’s toll.
She called the numbers she presented “staggering” and the impact on Vermonters’ “heartbreaking.”
Her Irene list included:
• 225 communities impacted, 45 severely
• More than 1,300 residential properties damaged, many severely, primarily in Washington, Windsor, Windham and Rutland Counties .
• 433 mobile homes damaged or destroyed in 15 mobile home parks
• 1,200 homeowners permanently or temporarily displaced, according to the latest FEMA figures
• 986 homes recorded by FEMA that received more than $10,000 in damage.
She said approximately 70 percent of the damage done by Irene was inflicted on private homes, and 40 percent of those were lived in or owned by low-income Vermonters.
In what Hollar called “a very good development,” she revealed that plans to use FEMA trailers for temporary housing had been dropped and they were no longer being considered because they were deemed inappropriate in Vermont’s winter climate.
She said a plan to purchase mobile homes as a replacement is under consideration. She also said a housing task force with 25 members is working to identify how to address all the problems created or exacerbated by Irene.
A FEMA official told the panel that more than 6,400 Vermonters had registered with FEMA and the number of new registrations for damage assistance were slowing down. The deadline to register is Oct. 31 and he said a big push is planned for outreach to alert all homeowners that time is running short.
“We really want folks, even if they don’t think they need to register, to register,” said Hollar.
While a parade of speakers including FEMA representatives praised extensive cooperation and organization across numerous agencies, there wasn’t much sugarcoating of the difficulties that face the state and homeowners.
Mobile homeowners are caught in a Catch-22. They must not remove their damaged trailers if they hope to get FEMA funds. However many mobile home owners face being charged rental for destroyed homes they are not living in. The state is pushing a program to assist mobile home owners who want to dispose of their property, said Shaun Gilpin, a mobile home advocate with the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity.
But if they go ahead and remove the mobile homes, they put any FEMA money in jeopardy, he said.
“Some people are definitely going to lose out,” he said. “But frankly, at this point, eight weeks out, there’s a lot of people tired of waiting.”
Another wrinkle is the way FEMA and the Small Business Administration work in tandem, according to Carl Sherrill of the SBA. He noted that many homeowners don’t bother to apply for an SBA low-interest loan, not realizing that sometimes rejection by SBA can lead to more funds from FEMA.
Sherrill said the SBA can provide triple the funds that FEMA does but many don’t take advantage for various reasons. SBA loans have a very low interest rate of 2.5 percent and can even be rolled into existing home mortgages, he said.
Sherrill said the SBA has disbursed $13 million in loans compared to $17 million to $18 million in FEMA grants, but only 13 percent to 15 percent of those who register with FEMA fill out a “15 minute” SBA application.
Arthur Hamlin, who oversees mobile homes for the Department of Economic, Housing & Community Development, said mobile home owners aren’t the only ones in crisis. Park owners are facing their own disaster, since they are not eligible for FEMA loans and many have lost all their rental income. He cited two parks that need loans of $400,000 and $600,000 to rebuild. The cost of reconstruction will have an impact on future rents and affordable housing availability for low-income Vermonters.
Also, because of many parks are often located close to a river, they face thorny flood zone issues. Most were built before 1970 and were grandfathered in before zoning and floodplain regulations that now may make rebuilding difficult, he said.
Gilpin said the future of mobile home parks “is a huge issue for a number of reasons.”
Seelig echoed that concern, noting that rebuilding the infrastructure or building a mobile home park from scratch is going to be financially tough.
“The numbers just don’t work very well,” he said.
In one encouraging note, Gilpin said the state is progressing on a plan to remove damaged mobile homes for $1,500 each or less, using economies of scale, which perhaps may bring the cost down to zero. Average costs to remove a damaged mobile home are $4,000-8,000 but the average FEMA grant was $5,000-$10,000, so removal would eat up most of the payment, at a time when some renters are still liable for a mortgages or rent, he said.
Sarah Carpenter, director of the Vermont Housing Finance Agency, said homeowners face “a very painful process” with finding refinancing mortgages for repairs, especially if they want to buy mobile homes, where there is little financing available.
Rep. Helen Head, D-S. Burlington, the chairwoman of the Housing Committee, said the daylong hearing was intended to get a “snapshot” of the issues as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming session. She said the goal was for legislators to get a clearer sense of the major public policy issues facing the state before the Legislature convenes

News to Note October 16th

2011-10-16T20:23:00.000-07:00

Please be sure to check previous postings at http://socialenergy.blogspot.com. There has been so much news lately that I just can’t possible repeat it all in each update.
*
On Friday a letter was sent out to all Berlin residents on the grand list – they were headed “Town of Berlin, Important Flood Information – Read Carefully October 13, 2011” Most folks should have received them Saturday or perhaps will on Monday. A copy of it can be picked up at the Town Office if you did not receive one. Please note in the letter we did let an error get by us – the ReStore in Barre would love household items, furniture and building materials, however, they do NOT take clothing. Clothing can go to either the Berlin Congregational Church this week (see below) or the Drop N Swap at Norwich Univ (see below)
Have your calendar handy…

******
We’re working out the logistics of getting some physical labor type of help to Berlin residents who were affected by the Irene flooding. We’re primarily focused on what can take place on Saturday the 22nd but will continue to match up volunteers and those needing help on other days. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, please contact Corinne Stridsberg by reply email or corinnestridsberg@gmail.com ; IF YOU CAN PROVIDE ASSISTANCE, please also contact Corinne. In particular folks are needed who can bring and operate a chain saw and also a backhoe would be extremely useful. We may need folks with trucks. We also need just general assistance – folks should wear appropriate clothing including gloves and preferably boots.
******

FEELING STRESSED? Starting over Strong (SOS) is a short-term effort designed to find healthy ways to deal with the stress from the flood – Call 855-sos-vt00 (855-767-8800). To find out more about taking care of your mental and emotional health, go to http://healthvermont.gov and choose “After the Flood”.

***
Very sorry to share the news the Ellie’s pumpkin display will not take place this year.
West Berlin, Vermont - October 7, 2011
One of Vermont's oldest and largest Halloween pumpkin displays has been canceled this year.
The folks at Ellie's Farm Market in West Berlin have been wowing visitors for the past 33 years by lighting up to 1,000 jack-o'-lanterns in the woods and fields around the farm stand.
The pumpkins are all hand-carved in a labor of love led by owner Karen Moynihan. But the Moynihans say the show will not go on this year due to an illness in the family.
***

Heather’s Nearly New – still has some funds available to use for store items for folks who were impacted by Tropical Storm Irene. Stop by and see Heather at 62 River Street At Heather’s Nearly New you’ll find baby clothing and equipment, children’s clothing up to size 16, trendy maternity wear, toys, books, shoes and women’s clothing & winter coats. They’ll always looking to buy gently used clothing by appoint, paying in cash or store credit. Hours: Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm and Saturday 10am – 4pm. There’s even some Halloween costumes! Find Heather on facebook where she posts photos of some of her new items:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002841771233#!/profile.php?id=100000659766872

*** BERLIN APARTMENT
$600 / 2 bedroom (625 sq ft) cute and funky barn apartment with picture window. Slayton Ave off Rt 12 South
This second floor apartment has a good-sized studio/living room with a big picture window looking out at beautiful farmland, with an efficient kitchen, one main bedroom and another smaller bedroom with the small bathrooom off this room. The drive to town takes under 5 minutes, so you have the best of the country without long drives to work or shop--we are on a paved, well-traveled road. The heating system is a brand new oil furnace, and with plastic on the windows, you'll be toasty this winter. Ceilings are new and tight, and the barn beams give this space a rustic feel. Commune with nature on 75 acres of forest and farmland complete with snowshoe trails and swimming hole, or commune with your neighbors--we are friendly! If you're handy and want to do some of your own maintenance, I'll negotiate it off the rent. Heat and utilities are paid by the renter, trash removal and parking space included in rent. Animals are negotiable. First month's rent and $300 deposit, and agreement in writing that one month's notice or equivalent rent will be given if moving out. $300 deposit will be returned if apartment is undamaged when tenant leaves. Call Gale at 802-223-5658 until 9:00 pm.

*** BERLIN APARTMENT
$975 / 2 bedroom – 1200 sq ft Townhouse in Berlin. 4479 Route 12 South 5 minute drive to Montpelier. Large cozy 2 bedroom townhouse in country setting. Off street parking, rubbish, plowing, heated storage unit, coin-op laundry, no pets/smoking. $975 plus utilities. If you want heat and hot water included we can do it for $1075. This 2 bedroom townhouse style apartment has 1200 square feet of space. On the first floor is the kitchen that has a dishwasher, full size fridge and electric stove. The living room is large with which includes a very large closet. There is a 1/2 bath is on the first floor . The second floor has a full bath and two bedrooms with large closets. 802-793-6828
***

Thursday, October 20 – Clothing Donation Collection at the Berlin Congregational Church 8am – 6pm. Good, clean clothing needed for victims of the flood. Call to volunteer 229-4042 FREE Distribution on Saturday, October 22nd 8am – 2pm***

FREE Karen Kitzmiller Memorial Winter Coat Drive – until Oct 21st donate clean good quality winter coats, snowpants, boots, ats, and mittens. All sizes-Adult & Children. Also collecting quilts, comforters and blankets. Donate at Community National bank 95 State St. Montpelier or 316 N. Main St Barre 8am – 5pm. On Saturday, October 22nd 9am – NOON pick-up locations: Montpelier City Hall or Community National Bank in Barre.
***

FREE Annual Drop N Swap of clothing at Norwich Univ at Plumley Armory.
Drop: Friday, Oct 21 noon – 6pm, Swap: Sat. Oct 22nd 9am-3pm.
Please separate clothing from rags and label bags: “women’s,” “men’s,” “children’s” or “rags” No boxes or hangers, please. Shes, bags and coats are accepted. This FREE clothing Drop ‘N Swap diverts clothing, linens, and rags from the wase stream and redistributes quality items through the community thanks to the Salvation Army of Barre.
***
Big moving sale. 1727 Crosstown Road, Berlin. Tools, antiques, air hockey table, kitchen items, couches, holiday decorations, books, twin beds, bookshelf, kids games, etc. Stuff for kids and adults. 20 year collection from the attic to the basement and it all has to go. 9 a.m. start time. Rain or shine. No early birds. Indoor/outdoor sale. A pickers dream come true. (see previous post for details regarding this home which is for sale)

***
Montpelier Ski & Skate Swap at Montpelier High School Saturday, October 22, 9AM - 2PM Bring items to sell: Thurs, Oct 20th from 4 – 7 PM and Friday, Oct 21st from 9AM-7PM The Mplr Rec Dept reserves the right to refuse any equipment. Pick-up for items not sold will be from 4:30-6PM after the sale. Volunteers will be needed for this event.***
Saturday October 22nd 11am at Bear Pond Books – Katherine & John Paterson are welcomed back – have you seen their new book, “The Flint Heart”.
***
RESTORE IN BARRE WORK MORNING AND MUSICAL AFTERNOONWe will begin the day participating in "Vermont Clean-Up Day" on Oct 22 - a day for Vermonters to come together and help those who were most affected by Tropical Storm Irene.
ReSTORE Barre. Both groups are meeting at 8:00AM Saturday morning and we would love to have you join us. For more information about the meet-up, please call ReSTORE Barre at 802.477.7800 x20
We will complete the day with a ReSOURCE Fall Music Festival! Please Join us for a great line-up of music, food, and fun! We’ll have Jerry Greenfield scooping FREE Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Balloon Animals, Face Painting, Paper Mache Petting Zoo, Sausage from Vermont Smoke & Cure, and MORE! Our music line-up includes:
The Re-Bops | 1:00PM; Jon Gailmor | 2:00PM ; Lewis Franco and The Brown-Eyed Girls | 3:00PM ; Cold Country Bluegrass Band | 4:00PM ; Kat Wright & the Indomitable Soul Band | 6:00PM - 8:00PM ; Tickets | Adults $10.00 | FREE for Children
Proceeds from this event benefit ReSOURCE: A Nonprofit Community Enterprise. ReSOURCE is raising funds to restore a historic granite shed located at 28 Granite Street in downtown Barre. Purchase tickets in advance or at the door. Call (802) 477-7800 for more information.
***

WEEKEND BEFORE HALLOWEEN WEEKEND:
October 22, 2011Kids can dress up in their favorite costume for trick or treating. From 10:30 - 12:00 trick-or-treat at participating stores in the mall and on Church Street in Burlington. Then at noon enjoy a street parade. Pick up a free Halloween bag from the gorilla at Burlington Town Center at 10:30am. Trick or treat at stores with pumpkins in the windows from 10:30am-Noon Wear a costume and join the parade leaving City Hall at Noon***

HALLOWEEN WEEKEND:
FREE Saturday, October 29th 5:30pm – 7pm Costumed kids and their parents are invited to the annual fun evening at the Recreation Department on Barre Street in Montpelier. There will be Games, Fun, Marco the Magician, and refreshments. This event is co-sponsored through the combined efforts of Montpelier Recreation Department, Police Department, Fire Department, and the VFW.
***
FREE Sunday, October 30 2pm – 4pm Malloween celebration at the Berlin Mall. Trick-or-treat throughout all the stores in the mall starting at 2pm sharp! Enjoy all the spooky festivities with radio stations FRANK-FM and FROGGY-FM including costume contests, bouncy house fun, and a parade through the mall.
***
Sunday, October 30, 10am – 1pm Haunted Happenings @ Shelburne Museum -Calling all young ghosts, goblins and witches! Come celebrate Halloween at this annual event on the grounds of Shelburne Museum. Come in costume and enjoy a fun filled family day filled of trick-or-treating at the museum's exhibit buildings. This year the as Museum staff recreate scenes from your favorite Saturday-morning cartoons! Members: Free; Non-Members $5, parking is free. Please help them make their event more environmentally friendly by bringing a reusable bag for trick-or-treating.

If you go to the Shelburne Museum then you might want to also to to the Annual Town of Shelburne Halloween Parade and Festivities also on Oct 30th.
12:45 Floats line up at Shelburne Shopping Park
2:00 Parade Begins on Falls Road
3:00 Music, Hot Dogs, & Popcorn at the Fire Station
3:30 Costume Contest in town gym (ALL AGES!)
3:30 - 4:30 Trick-or-treating, games, candy, raffle prize in Town Gym
Food Drive to stock the Shelburne Food Shelf - Please bring a non-perisable food donation to the Town Gym and get a special prize
***

October 30, 2011 Night Before Halloween Family Party @ U-MallThe annual Night-Before-Halloween Family Party at University Mall. Kiddos from the local community and beyond can enjoy a safe, indoor environment for Halloween fun.
2:00pm - 5:00pm: Bouncy Castles by BouncearoundVT.
3:00pm: Spooky Story Time with Thea Lewis.
3:30pm: Haunted Bingo: Kids can win cool prizes playing bingo in center court.
4:00pm: VT Children's Hospital/Kohl's check presentaion with Dr. Lewis First and Monty Moose.
4:10pm: Spooky Music Time with "Gigi and Joni". Gigi Weisman is an educational consultant and story teller who uses her years of experience to engage children and families in singing and movement activities. Joni AvRutick is a songwriter and an elementary school teacher at the Schoolhouse in South Burlington.
5:00pm: Trick-or-Treating store to store.
Mall closes at 6:00pm. Food Court REMAINS OPEN until 7:00pm. IHOP and Applebee's also open until 10:00pm.

***

FEMA Myths and Facts about the National Flood Insurance Program. Interesting and informative read for those recently affected along with other folks who I think are checking into the details of what they have for insurance coverage http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=58749
***

ReSOURCE ReLIEF VOUCHER PROGRAM
Residents who suffered a loss of essential household items in their primary residence, can apply for a voucher for ReSTORE Burlington or ReSTORE Barre to be used to help purchase the following items: washers, dryers, refrigerators, stoves, furniture, and other basic household essentials. For those who have suffered structural damage, vouchers are available for building materials through ReBUILD Burlington and ReBUILD Barre. These items include lumber, doors, flooring (if available), and water heaters (if available).
How to apply: ReLIEF Essential Goods Vouchers in the greater Barre area:
ReSTORE Barre | 28 Granite Street, Barre Contact: (802) 477.7800 x20
Note: they will hold the voucher for you so that you can shop when you're ready but know that it will be available to you.

DONATE: Those of you who are able to donate in the form of donated goods (used furniture, building materials, home goods) and cash donation would be greatly appreciated to help with this ReSource / ReLief Voucher Program.
***

VT Public Health Dept website has lots of information. Topics include: drinking water safety and free test kits, food safety and flood affected crops, safety during clean-up, detailed guide for home clean-up, N95 masks and gloves at district offices and good general information http://healthvermont.gov/enviro/water/flood.aspx . Check the Vermont Department of Health’s facebook page for the most recent health alerts. http://www.facebook.com/HealthVermont

***
Chappelle potatoes – you can still purchase pre picked 50 lb bags of potatoes from their warehouse in Williamstown on South Hill Road throughout the season. Cost varies depending on what class of potatoes you choose – 50lb bags #1s $16, chefs $20, bakers $22, unclassifieds $6 and unclassified chefs $9. Call Bob or Barbara Chappelle at 433-5930
***

Liberty Orchard, West Street, Brookfield. Short, easy-to-pick trees. Monday – Thurs. 1pm m- 5pm, Friday – Sunday 10am – 5pm. 802-276-3161 http://www.libertyorchardvt.com Final days may be Friday Oct 21 and Saturday Oct 22 – check their website for any updates.
***

The UVM Horticulture Research Center's annual fall apple sales will occur every Friday through October from 10am to 4pm at the farm. Available varieties will change each week as the ripening season progresses. Apple pricing is $1 per pound for all fruit. Bulk orders and interdepartmental purchases are welcome. Proceeds help fund research and education programs at the Hort Farm every year. Apples from the Certified Organic crop, the product of a major USDA-funded project led by Plant and Soil Science professor Lorraine Berkett, are available while limited supplies last. Information: tbradsha@uvm.edu , 658-9166. Directions can be found at: http://www.uvm.edu/~hortfarm/?Page=directions.html
***

American Red Cross public meeting - Oct 26th 6:30pm-7:30pm at the Barre Auditorium. This meeting is to provide people with an overview of the challenges faced in the wake of a disaster and how the Red Cross is prepared to respond. If you have an interest in becoming a Red Cross volunteer, it's a chance to find out more about what that might entail.
***

A Dad's Exercise Night at Berlin Elementary school has been started by Craig Frazier. It will run every other Thursday from 7:30pm to 9:15pm. A different sport will be picked for each night (hoop, hockey, volleyball, indoor soccer, wiffle ball). There will be a sign up list at the school for any interested dads. The next Dad’s Exercise Night is on Thursday, October 27th.
***

In accordance with the provisions of 24 V.S.A. §§ 962, 963 and the Berlin Town Charter, the Berlin Select Board hereby announces a vacancy on the Berlin Select Board. In addition, the Town of Berlin is seeking a volunteer to serve as an alternate on the Berlin Development Review Board, and a volunteer to represent the Town of Berlin on the Regional Transportation Technical Advisory Committee. For more info. Regarding these positions, please contact the Town Administrator at 223-4405. Individuals interested in these positions should submit a letter of interest to the Town Administrator, Town of Berlin, 108 Shed Road, Berlin, VT 05602, or via email at jschulz@berlinvt.org. Please include in your letter or email the committee or position you wish to serve. The deadline for submitting a letter for the Select Board position is 10/31/11.
Town of Berlin Select Board is seeking volunteers to participate in a hiring committee to review & recommend to the Selectboard qualified candidates for the Town Treasurer position. Pursuant to the Town Charter, the committee shall consist of 3 Select Board members & 4 residents of the Town of Berlin. This process will take approx. 2 mos & a new treasurer will be hired by 1/25/12. For more info., please contact the Town Administrator at 223-4405. In addition, the Town of Berlin has vacanies on the Planning Commission & Economic Development Committee. Individuals interested in serving on a committee should submit a letter of interest to the Town Admin., Town of Berlin, 108 Shed Road, Berlin, VT 05602, or via email at jschulz@berlinvt.org. Please include in your letter or email the committee or position you wish to serve. Deadling for submitting letters for the Treasurer Hiring Committee is 10/31/11.
***

In the October issue of KidsVT there is not only lots of great information of family events and activities, there is also a Kidstown coupon for “$5 off any purchase of $20 or more” and 3 coupons for Zachary’s including the Waterbury location. Kidstown has kids toys, clothing and furniture and is located on Farrell Street in South Burlington. KidsVT can be found online http://www.kidsvt.com
***

Vermont Tech Jam 2011 “Careers – Education – Networking” presented by Dealer.com
Friday and Saturday October 28 & 29 at the Borders Building 29 Church St, Burlington. Meet up with Vermont’s most dynamic and innovative companies; apply for a job or an internship; learn about tech-related educational opportunities; network with other like-minded professionals; they’re even advertising to bring your middle and high school students on Friday to see IBM fellow John Cohn with his “Jolts and Volts” presentation at 11am and a “Women in Science and Technology” panel at 12:30pm. Hopefully some of the schools are bringing students to this. They say you could win an iPad 2 just for attending. Visit http://www.techjamvt.com more info. regarding these positions, please contact the Town Administrator at 223-4405. Individuals interested in these positions should submit a letter of interest to the Town Administrator, Town of Berlin, 108 Shed Road, Berlin VT 05602, or via email at jschulz@berlinvt.org . Please include in your letter or email the committee or position you wish to serve. The deadline for submitting a letter for the Select Board position is 10/31/11.***

The Central Vermont Swim Club still has space available at both the First in Fitness and Norwich facilities. If you’re interested, please register as soon as possible so we can reserve a spot for your swimmer. (CVSC) offers competitive and non-competitive swim programs for youth ages 6-18 in the Central Vermont area. All participants must be able to swim at least one pool length (25 yards) without stopping. There are two locations to choose from: Norwich University and First in Fitness Berlin. The competitive program swims at Norwich only. Non-competitive can swim at either location. Norwich is on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 6:30pm -8pm Oct 24- Feb 23. (Comp. $480 / Non-Comp $345) First in Fitness is on Monday & Wednesday 6pm – 7:15pm Oct 24 – Feb 22 ($230). For more details and registration form contact: contact.cvsc@gmail.com
***

NO MORE BARRE ROTARY SPRING HOME SHOW
Letter to the Editor Published: October 15, 2011Describing what the Barre Rotary Spring Home Show has meant to our community presents its challenges.
It has meant many different things to the businesses and consumers who have come to the Civic Center on Auditorium Hill each spring to experience and participate in this annual event.
It has been more than a stage for businesses and organizations to present their products and services. It has also been a Health Fair, a playground, a Country Kitchen, a meeting place for neighbors and friends. It has been an opportunity for consumers to make a deal, or to learn about a project they hope to do.
The Home Show has been a fundraiser for the Barre Rotary Club. Net proceeds have always been given to charitable organizations and programs, benefiting our communities. With more than 50 years of Home Shows, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised and donated.
It is with a great reluctance that we have come to a decision not to continue with the Barre Rotary Spring Exposition or Home Show. We would like to thank the many businesses, current and in the past, who have supported us by being a vendor.
If you have ever attended a Home Show as a visitor, we’d like to thank you, too. This has always been a community event and Rotarians merely created a framework for the people of Barre and Central Vermont to support one another.
Rotarians will continue with community service. Rotary will explore new ideas for fundraising and we will continue to provide people an opportunity to come together in the spirit of community.
We will look for you at the Aldrich Library Breakfast each year. We plan to volunteer in helping other organizations where we can. If you see a Give-A-Gallon paint can in a business, dropping a few dollars or coins will help with fuel assistance and flood relief.
Rotarians will be helping out at the Vermont Granite Museum, and with other service clubs, to honor the volunteers and heroes in Barre at the annual Joint Service Club Recognition dinner.
We will clean up Quarry Hill on Green Up Day, and we will create other projects designed to build our community.
As we close the doors of the Home Show at the BOR, we are looking to open other doors of opportunity that can be as lasting and meaningful as the Barre Rotary Home Show has been.
Roy Somaini
Barre Town

News to Know Oct 12

2011-10-11T21:33:00.000-07:00

Please email me at corinnestridsberg@gmail.com if you're a Berlin resident who would like to be added to my email list to receive this information.

Additional information can be found on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Berlin-Vermont/205922199452224

~~~

American Red Cross public meetings - Oct 13th 6:30pm-7:30pm at Montpelier City Hall (City Council Chambers) and Oct 26th 6:30pm-7:30pm at the Barre Auditorium. These meetings are to provide people with an overview of the challenges faced in the wake of a disaster and how the Red Cross is prepared to respond. If you have an interest in becoming a Red Cross volunteer, it's a chance to find out more about what that might entail.
~~~

Oct 13th at the Brown Public Library Community Room at 7pm in Northfield - FREE Button Up workshop specifically for building owners in flood affected communities. Attend and get answers to questions about repair and rebuilding for energy efficiency and health & safety. There will be a presentation by a Building Performance Institute certifed contractor and additional experts on hand to answer questions about dealing with drying walls and basements, addressing mold, and improving building efficiency while rebuilding. http://www.buttonupvt.org/ Please take advantage of this great opportunity!
~~~

ARE YOU REPLACING YOUR HEATING AND/OR HOT WATER SYSTEM? Homeowners and small business owners doing so should check out the rebates offered by Efficiency Vermont for furnaces, water heaters and storage units, even pellet central heating systems. This rebate is for residential and small business heating system installations up to 250 mbh. Those installing larger systems may use Efficiency Vermont’s standard rebate. Funding for the flood-related rebates is limited. Call Efficiency Vermont to ensure there is funding for your request and to receive a rebate reservation number which will hold a rebate for you through Nov. 30. Efficiency Vermont is also offers rebates on clothes washers, refrigerators and dehumidifiers. And it can send technicians to your home to conduct a free energy-efficiency assessment to help with rebuilding to reduce heat loss, guard against mold growth, and ensure carbon monoxide safety. For information on all of these programs, call 888-921-5990 or visit www.efficiencyvermont.com

~~~

FEMA DEADLINE APPROACHING: Oct. 31 is the final day to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for flood disaster assistance. FEMA reps are still working at the Main Street Fire Station Mon-Sat 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you had flood damage, register. And if you have registered and have changed housing arrangements, update your information with FEMA so you can receive the full benefits you qualify for. Residents who have not returned home or have not found a new permanent home may qualify for ongoing FEMA rent assistance and FEMA also has updated housing information. Stop by or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or visit http://www.disasterassistance.gov

Please note that Oct 31st is also the deadline for SBA

~~~

PET ANIMALS: Central Vermont Humane Society is able to help your cats, dogs, or other small domestic companion animals receive the food, litter, basic supplies, and/or financial support they need to begin to recover from the impact of flooding caused by Irene. Support levels are determined by CVHS. Please apply online or in person at their Adoption Center on Rte 14 in East Montpelier. http://cvhumane.com/news/hurricaneflooding-update Call the animal shelter at 476-3811 x103, or email operations@cvhumane.com CVHS newsletter on Animals in Disasters: http://cvhumane.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CC-Final-8.11.pdf

~~~

Oct. 22 VERMONT CLEAN UP DAY - is to help all families and communities impacted by the storm to prepare for the upcoming winter season. The Governor said Clean Up Day will signal an aggressive single-day push for financial donations for Irene recovery, coordinate volunteers with communities that need help cleaning up from the storm, and allow people to donate to specific families who were impacted by Irene. In future years, the event will become a way to help all Vermonters in need prepare for the coming winter. For Vermont Clean Up Day 2011 on October 22nd, there will be three ways people can help. By visiting www.vtcleanup.org, you can:

1. Make a monetary donation to the VT Disaster Relief Fund or other charity of your choice. Details for organizations involved in the relief and rebuilding effort can be found on the web.

2. Sign up to volunteer on Clean Up Day by joining a volunteer team designed to tackle a project in one of our affected communities, or organize a volunteer effort in your town if you are aware of a need. In addition to volunteer labor, we are also looking for skilled laborers like plumbers, electricians, and heavy equipment operators who are willing to donate their time on this one day to help their neighbors in need.

3. Donate to a specific need for a Vermont family through the "goods exchange" or through your local volunteer coordinator or food shelf. This list and your local coordinators will match needs with goods to help families who lost their homes and belongings get reestablished.

~~~

Tuesday, Oct 25th - Team Up "For Flood Relief" at The Wayside Restaurant sponsored by UPS & Keating Construction. Food drive between noon & 5pm - drop off a non-perishable food item for local food shelves at the UPS Flame Car and from 5-9pm DINNER BENEFIT with 25% of dinner proceeds will be donated to Green Mtn United Way for local flood relief needs.
~~~

TRAVELING IN VERMONT - If you’re looking to make a trip somewhere in Vermont (or out of Vermont), be sure to check out some of the websites available regarding road closures:

http://crisislanding.appspot.com/?crisis=2011_flooding_vermont and http://www.511vt.com

~~~

In previous emails I’ve mentioned ReStore in Barre and the Donation Center in Waterbury for items you may need, another source for some reasonably priced furniture:

Second Chance Wood Furniture, 64 Middle Road, South Barre, VT 802-476-6882 or 479-1319 They list a lot of the furniture they have on http://burlington.craigslist.org (then go to “for sale”, “furniture”, and you can narrow down your search either by the type of item you’re looking for or the town you hope to find it in) . If there are items you’re looking for, call or go by and they just might be able to help you with items they have tucked away. Cash only.

~~~

Homeshare - you never know, it might at least help out in the short term http://www.homesharenow.org There are folks who are willing to have somebody stay with them for just 2 weeks, others for longer, some even a year. When you call Homeshare at 479-8544, you will have about a 15 minute conversation with them and if you called in the morning, they should be able to let you know by the end of the day if they believe they have a home that might be a fit for your situation. http://www.homesharenow.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/flood-handout.pdf

~~~

Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA)

VSHA may have the ability to serve an additional, approximate 140 households. VSHA proposes to use this funding to serve displaced individuals and families affected by Hurricane Irene in Vermont. As such, public notices (available at www.helpingtohouse.org under “Informational Resources”) serve two purposes:

1.Proposal to establish a new Presidentially Declared Disaster Preference; and

2.Proposal to open the VSHA Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waitlist to serve households that are eligible for the Presidentially Declared Disaster Preference. In addition, it is anticipated that VSHA may be able to serve some additional households, with other preferences, who are already on the VSHA Sect. 8 HCV waitlist. For additional information, call 802-828-3295 (voice); 800-798-3118 (TTY); 800-820-5119 (messages).

~~~

BERLIN HOMES FOR SALE

Great family home located at 1727 Crosstown Road, Berlin VT is 3,000 plus square feet, new roof, very attractive architectural design, large custom cherry kitchen, 3 baths (master bath just redone with custom tile and high end fixtures), office, four bedroom, balcony, year round sun room, full basement, oversized two car garage with second floor storage area (could be large office?). Grounds include stone walls, perennials and fruit trees. Hardwood or tile flooring through out, second floor sitting area, living room, large dining room, two wood fireplaces (Avalon insert in one), partially paved driveway, custom spiral stair way (plus second primary stairs), mud room , and lots of windows. Privacy yet convenient to all of Central VT. Located high above any potential flood lands. Lots more to offer -must see. Base board oil hot water boiler system. 200 amp electrical entrance and high speed Internet. In ground septic and drilled well. Combo of open and wooded land. Small out building/shed (older construction, good for a bit of storage) Priced at $445k and being sold by owner. Shown by appointment only, please call 802-229-5174 to schedule. Many pictures are available upon request.One of the finest looking homes in Berlin. Current owners have loved living here for the past 17 years. Available for immediate sale. See a few photos at:

http://burlington.craigslist.org/reo/2640898031.html

***

One of a kind property: four bedroom manufactured home on 1.8 acres at 109 Glinnis Road in West Berlin, with an attached 500 sq ft accessory apartment. Level land, peaceful privacy and an apartment that's perfect for a family member, houseguests, surly teenagers or to bring in a little rent. This home is 2,580 square feet and has a convenient handicap ramp out front. The master bedroom has a large walk-in-closet, a garden tub and a "parents retreat" room. Lots of possibilities with this home. Located near the Cox Brook, you've got to see it to believe it. The apartment has its own entrance in the back with a small deck and handicap ramp along with an eat-in kitchen, full-size fridge, small stove, full counters and cabinets, living room, separate bedroom with closet and large handicap accessible bathroom. Listed price $185,000 and the owners are prepared to move as soon as it sells. You can find lots of photos at: http://www.heneyrealtors.com

Help Needed

2011-10-08T07:52:00.000-07:00

Help is Needed for some of our friends and neighbors -

The top issue for many folks is that they need housing and affordable apartments are in short supply.

Several folks along Route 12 need some help (this weekend if possible or sometime soon) clearing some debris on their property. People who have chainsaws and are willing to come run them would be extremely helpful although just folks who can lift and carry would help too.

One gentleman lost his chicken coop and would greatly appreciate assistance in building a new one. Any lumber that could be donated to help with this effort would also be appreciated.

Another person needs help from somebody with a power washer. This may be a need that others have also.

There is at least one person (and I'm thinking others) who lost tools and several cords of wood.

There are many who need appliances and furniture. It seems the best way to do this would be to donate items to the ReStore at 28 Granite Street in Barre where they are doing a fanstatic job with their voucher system of getting what's needed where it needs to go. It's also a good place to donate household goods. Many folks aren't in a position yet to get the items they need so please know that there will be continued needs to be met over the next few months for all of these items.

Monetary donations are still needed - donations are going from our town down to Central VT Community Action where they are being placed in a fund which will help folks with their long term needs. Checks can be made payable to Berlin Flood Relief and sent to our town.

We're still working on determining what needs folks have - folks have been busy with many immediate needs such as getting a working furnace.

Are you willing to donate your time? Whether it's physical labor or other help such as making phone calls or visits to check in with folks, please let me know and we'll try to match it up with the needs.

Although I've lived in town for years and lived here as a teenager, there are many, many folks I am just now meeting who live in our town. Folks need help. Winter is around the corner. A couple of your hours will make a difference.

Berlin Flooding

2011-10-08T07:45:00.000-07:00

A couple of these items say to see the attached documents - please contact me and we can try to connect with the details.
~~~
Please see that attached documents about a concert to be held next Monday 10/10 in Stowe - tickets are regularly $25-$50 per person but are being offered FREE for flood victims. Have any interested individuals or families fill out the attached voucher and bring it with them to the event. I've also attached the press release and flyer with details about the event. Please distribute widely! concert details: http://www.stowetoday.com/this_week/music/article_bf6f248e-ef79-11e0-9081-001cc4c03286.html
~~~
For your convenience, please find attached a copy of the ReStore Voucher Request Form in case you haven't filled one out yet. If you are able to print it out and fill it out before going to the store you may find that easier. They do however have forms at the ReStore which is located at 28 Granite Street in Barre. You do need to BRING the form in with you, please don't mail them. Vouchers that they award can be kept on file if you're not ready to actually get what you need yet - it will "reserve" the money from the fund for you though.
On the form where it asks "What essential items do you need?" - this would be where you would mention if there are particular appliances or furniture that you are in need of or maybe it's something else like a kids stroller. And where it says - "Please explain what special circumstances brought you here today" please note here that it's Irene Flooding.
~~~
Northern Vermont http://www.vtbuilders.com/ Associated General Contractors of Vermont: http://www.agcvt.org/ These links with with lists of contractors was passed along to me to potentially help residents still in need of estimates for FEMA.
~~~
Notes on housing:

Vermont Housing Task Force - apparently they believe most people are all set on housing, please call and let them know if you still are in need of short and/or long term housing
http://www.vermont.gov/portal/government/article.php?news=3015
*
Homeshare - you never know, it might at least help out in the shorterm http://www.homesharenow.org There are folks who are willing to have somebody stay with them for just 2 weeks, others for longer, some even a year. When you call Homeshare at 479-8544, you will have about a 15 minute conversation with them and if you called in the morning, they should be able to let you know by the end of the day if they believe they have a home that might be a fit for your situation. http://www.homesharenow.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/flood-handout.pdf
*
Craigslist - the ads you see here are not necessarily in the newspapers
http://burlington.craigslist.org/apa/
*
Don't forget to check community bulletin boards for ads - such as at the Co-op
*
Vermont State Housing Authority
http://www.vsha.org/Irene.htm
*
Vermont Housing DATA - well worth checking this page!
http://www.housingdata.org/resources/ /
http://www.housingdata.org/doarh/tenant-based.php
*
Times Argus http://www.timesargus.com/section/CLASSIFIEDS
*
World http://theworld.coolerads.com/classifieds/view_all
*
Ask family and friends to check the bulletin boards and newsletters where they work for information about housing - National Life, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, the State, and others have ways they share information.
*
Vacancy lists
http://www.dhca.state.vt.us/Housing/vacantmhlots.htm
http://www.vsha.org/pdf/vacancies.pdf
~~~
The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Waterbury at the fire station is now the only close DRC what with the one in Barre and Northfield closing. Please note it's only open 6 days a week Monday - Saturday 8am -6pm and will be closed Monday for Columbus Day.

We are encouraging everyone at Weston MHP to register with FEMA before the October 31st deadline. This includes the folks up in the back on the "Extensions" and on First Street. I got around and spoke to most of them today. Best to have registered just in case then to wish you had. Register by calling toll-free 800-621-FEMA (3362), online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via a web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov.
~~~
Following is a summary of some disaster assistance available:

Legal Services. Those facing legal issues due to Tropical Storm Irene may call 800-889-2047 for free legal advice. Those who qualify for assistance will be matched with Vermont lawyers volunteering their time. Legal assistance may include help with insurance claims, home repair contracts and contractors, building permits, replacement of wills and other legal documents destroyed in the disaster and counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems and landlord/tenant problems.

Disaster Unemployment assistance is available to those whose jobs were permanently or temporarily lost due to the disaster, including those who are self-employed. To apply call the Vermont Department of Labor’s Claim Assistance Line at 877-214-3330. The deadline has been extended to November 21, 2011.

Renters – not just homeowners – who had damage due to the storm are encouraged to register with FEMA. Renters may receive grants to replace lost property or if they were displaced from their homes, they may be eligible for temporary rental assistance. These funds are for a limited period until the renter’s previous home is again habitable or they find another permanent rental.

Well and Septic Repair assistance is available for those whose wells were contaminated or septic systems damaged as a result of flooding, including repair or replacement. Funds may be available to pump a septic tank, or reimburse renters forced to vacate their homes due to septic problems.

Flooded Basements: Homeowners who had their basements flooded are encouraged to register with FEMA because they may be eligible for grants to cover uninsured damage. In situations where families do not use their basements as an essential living space, the agency’s ability to assist may be limited. However, residents may be eligible for a low-interest disaster loan from SBA to cover what FEMA cannot.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes, as well as private non-profit organizations with property damaged by the disaster. If you are referred to SBA after you register with FEMA, you should fill out the paperwork to see whether the SBA can offer you a loan. If you do not fill out an SBA packet it may close the door to other FEMA grants. For more information, call 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people with speech or hearing disabilities). Applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov or completed online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ele/.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and certain private non-profit organizations of all sizes suffering substantial economic injury may be eligible for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan of up to $2 million to meet necessary financial obligations – expenses the business would have paid if the disaster had not occurred.

Insurance information. For questions regarding insurance matters, contact the Consumer Services Division at the Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities & Health Care Administration at 800-964-1784 in state or 802-828-3302.

News to Know Oct 2nd

2011-10-02T20:44:00.000-07:00

Berlin, Vermont Community News facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Berlin-Vermont/205922199452224#!/pages/Berlin-Vermont/205922199452224

Mobile Home Park Residents for Equality & Fairness facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Berlin-Vermont/205922199452224#!/groups/167886926626970/
~~~
Berlin Select Board meeting on Monday, October 3rd at 7pm at the Berlin Town Office. Flood Damage Update and Discussion is estimated to start at 7:25pm. Remember you can stream the meeting in progress at: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/Berlin-school-news Or you can watch it at this same link at your convenience.
~~~
If you have items to donate: washers, dryers, refrigerators, stoves, furniture, and other basic household essentials, the ReStore on 28 Granite Street in Barre is a great place to bring them. See information below regarding their voucher program for those impacted with flood damages.
~~~
Central VT Community Action Center (CVCAC) helps folks who are having difficulty paying housing costs, heating their homes, facing overdue utility bills, or putting food on the table. They can also help people prepare their taxes or resolve disputes with the IRS, offer individual financial counseling, locate new rental housing or find other support through community partners, and they have a home weatherization program. (see further info in comments) First thing in the morning is a great time to get to CVCAC for services. I also hear the 2-1-1 can sometimes assist with emergency housing after 5pm. http://www.cvcac.org
~~~
Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Healther Care Administration or BISHCA – Flood Insurance Coverage Information FAQ including the last question at this link which is how to file a complaint: http://www.bishca.state.vt.us/insurance/insurance-consumer/vermont-flood-information-faq
~~~
The FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers no longer have Sunday hours. The centers at the Northfield Library Community Rom at 93 So. Main Street and the Waterbury Fire Dept at 43 So Main Street will now be open Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
~~~
If you’re needing to dispose of your flood damaged mobile home, call the CVOEO (Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity) which is a Community Action Agency that houses the Mobile Home Project - an advocacy group. They are collecting the info on people interested in the $1500 deal to take out trailers. You will need to leave your name, #, where the trailer is, & that you are interested in the project. You are not required to pay up front. 802-660-3455 x 204 http://www.cvoeo.org
~~~
Housing Hotline: The state and FEMA have established a toll-free number and a fax number to receive calls from anyone who has rental housing available or wishes to offer housing at no cost for Vermonters displaced by the flood. Housing hotline is 866-330-5286. Fax is 540-686-4467. Please, if you're able help a fellow Vermonter!

Notes on housing:

Vermont Housing Task Force - apparently they believe most people who were affected by Irene are all set on housing, please call and let them know if you still are in need of short and/or long term housing http://www.vermont.gov/portal/government/article.php?news=3015

Homeshare - you never know, it might at least help out in the shorterm http://www.homesharenow.org There are folks who are willing to have somebody stay with them for just 2 weeks, others for longer, some even a year. When you call Homeshare at 479-8544, you will have about a 15 minute conversation with them and if you called in the morning, they should be able to let you know by the end of the day if they believe they have a home that might be a fit for your situation. http://www.homesharenow.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/flood-handout.pdf

Craigslist - the ads you see here are not necessarily in the newspapers http://burlington.craigslist.org/apa

Don't forget to check community bulletin boards for ads - such as at the Co-op

Vermont State Housing Authority http://www.vsha.org/Irene.htm

Vermont Housing DATA - well worth checking this page! http://www.housingdata.org/resources

Times Argus http://www.timesargus.com/section/CLASSIFIEDS

World http://theworld.coolerads.com/classifieds/view_all

Don't forget the publications you may find in each town (even if they don't have classifieds they might give you some folks to be in touch with to find out if they know of anything) such as the Middlesex Newspaper http://www.middlesexnewspaper.org/Images/PAGES.pdf , The East Montpelier Sign Post http://emsignpost.com , The Worcester Grapevine and others.

Ask family and friends to check the bulletin boards and newsletters where they work for information about housing - National Life, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, the State, and others have ways they share information.
~~~

ReSOURCE ReLIEF VOUCHER PROGRAM
Residents who suffered a loss of essential household items in their primary residence, can apply for a voucher for ReSTORE Burlington or ReSTORE Barre to be used to help purchase the following items: washers, dryers, refrigerators, stoves, furniture, and other basic household essentials. For those who have suffered structural damage, vouchers are available for building materials through ReBUILD Burlington and ReBUILD Barre. These items include lumber, doors, flooring (if available), and water heaters (if available).
How to apply: ReLIEF Essential Goods Vouchers in the greater Barre area:
ReSTORE Barre | 28 Granite Street, Barre Contact: (802) 477.7800 x20
Note: they will hold the voucher for you so that you can shop when you're ready but know that it will be available to you.
~~~
In Waterbury there is the Flood Relief Donation Distribution Center on Rte 100 across from Sunoco. Open M&W 9am-noon and 5:30pm-7:30pm along with Saturday 9am to noon. All items are FREE to to anybody affected by the floods in Vermont. They have a large collection of clothing, shoes, outerwear, bedding, toys , etc. This center will be open until at least the first week in November.
~~~
Sally's Second Act Thrift Shop on Rt 2 in Middlesex (across from Camp Meade) is offering clothes, shoes, toys and bed linens, free of charge, to families affected by flooding from tropical storm Irene. Sally's is closed on Mondays.~~~
See the September issue of the Vermont Emergency Management monthly newsletter http://vem.vermont.gov/home/newsletter for information regarding Irene Recovery
~~~
Central Vermont Runners – Tuesdays, 5:30pm May – October, Open to All – Runners and Walks. 1-,2-,4- and 6-mile distances. Distances are on an out-and-back course. Montpelier Recreation Path (off Green Mtn Drive). http://www.cvrunners.org/funrun.htm~~~
Oct 7th – 9th 10am – 5pm Baked Beads 19th Annual Columbus Day Weekend Fashion Accessory Clearance Portion of proceeds to benefit Tropical Storm Irene Flood Relief / Jewelry $3-$5, coin purses 3/$5, scarves 3/$20. Michael Stars Tops, Fleur’t Lingerie, Pashminas, Sunglasses, Reading Glasses, Handbags, Key Chains, Hair Accessories, Beads / All over 75% off retail! Tented location on Rte 100 at 46 Carroll Rd, Waitsfield (next to Big Picture Theater & Café) 10% of sales can go to the Berlin PTNA if you bring or send your receipt from the sale to Berlin Elem. School in an envelope marked “Baked Beads” Like them on Facebook to qualify for 1 of 12 $25 gift certificates~~~
Oct 7 & 8th Marko the Magician will be doing a Magic Show at the Haunted Corn Maze at 7pm in Danville
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The Milk Bowl will be one day event - next Sunday, Oct 9 the 49th Annual People’s United Bank Milk Bowl will kick off with Booth Bros./H.P. Hood time trials at 12 noon. General admission gates will open at 10:00am
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The 17th Annual New England Conference on Gifted & Talented Education will be in Burlington at The Sheraton Hotel on October 13-15. Please check for details at the conference website: www.necgt.org In addition to Dr. James R. Delisle and Colleen Harsin being the two keynote speakers, Commissioner of Education Armando Vilasecca and Governor Shumlin also might be in attendance. Vermont has a non-profit organization, VCGE (Vermont Council of Gifted Education) that is an advocate for families and children. We are a small group, seven or so individuals from around the state who get together a few times throughout the year. Dr. Carol Story was on WCAX "The 30" last week highlighting gifted education in Vermont http://www.wcax.com/category/196978/the-30
~~~
Annual Drop N Swap of clothing at Norwich Univ at Plumley Armory. Drop: Friday, Oct 21 noon – 6pm, Swap: Sat. Oct 22nd 9am-3pm. Please separate clothing from rags and label bags: “women’s,” “men’s,” “children’s” or “rags” No boxes or hangers, please. Shes, bags and coats are accepted. This FREE clothing Drop ‘N Swap diverts clothing, linens, and rags from the wase stream and redistributes quality items through the community thanks to the Salvation Army of Barre.~~~
Montpelier Ski & Skate Swap at Montpelier High School Saturday, October 22, 9AM - 2PM Bring items to sell: Thurs, Oct 20th from 4 – 7 PM and Friday, Oct 21st from 9AM-7PM The Mplr Rec Dept reserves the right to refuse any equipment. Pick-up for items not sold will be from 4:30-6PM after the sale. Volunteers will be needed for this event.
~~~
2011 Berlin Vermont Fall Scholastic Chess Tournament. The tournament will be held Saturday, November 12, 2011 at Berlin Elementary School, Berlin, VT. This is an unrated tournament open to chess players of all abilities from Kindergarten through Grade 12, where the focus is on fun and sportsmanship. UCSF membership is not required. Please bring a chess board and chess clock if you have one. http://vtchess.info This is a great opportunity for a student who may not have attended a tournament yet as it’s a smaller event. In April we also host the State Scholastic Chess Championship.
~~~
2011/2012 Buy Local Resource Guide and Coupon Book $15 http://www.vbsr.org List of businesses where you can purchase the book and businesses in the book can be found at the link. Businesses that caught my eye: Angeleno's Pizza, Bear Pond Books, Ben & Jerry's, Capitol Stationers, Gardener's Supply, Global Gifts, Guys Farm & Yard, Lenny's Shoe & Apparel, Onion River Sports, Red Hen, Skinny Pancake, Small Dog Electronics, The Drawing Board, The Knitting Studio and Woodbury Mountain Toys.... and there are LOTS of others!
~~~
The Onion River Exchange helps Central Vermonters to exchange goods and services without using money. Instead, members buy and sell services for Community Credits, a time-based currency. Services can vary from mechanical work to home cooked meals to yoga lessons, and each service is worth the time you spend providing it. As a member, you could earn an hour of credit for giving someone a ride to a doctor’s appointment, and use that credit to have someone make you dinner. In ORE, the currency is time, and everyone’s time is equal. http://www.orexchange.org Members are encouraged to make a yearly donation to ORE to help us keep up with operating costs. Suggested rates are $25 for an individual membership or $40 for a household membership.
~~~
FREECYCLE is a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by local volunteers (them's good people). Membership is free. http://www.freecycle.org
~~~
Current U-32 Newsletter http://www.u32.org/grades9-12/images/pdf/current.pdf
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Current Berlin Elementary Newsletter http://www.berlinschool.org/images/stories/pdfs/Current%20Newsletter.pdf
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Fall Adult Education Classes at the Barre Technical Center 155 Ayres St, Barre 476-6237 http://www.barretechnicalcenter.org/pages/adult/adult_b.htm
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Dairy Creme on lower State Street will be open through October 31 this year. Note they have now reduced their hours to noon - 8pm http://www.dairycreme.com
~~~
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. This link is also on the town website down in the right corner. I have the information come to me both in email and I have it sent as a text to my phone... the message in the text is usually cut off but gives me enough to know something is going on.

Irene Recovery & Other News

2011-09-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

To the email I sent out I attached information regarding the emotional response to storms and flooding and techniques for managing stress and anxiety - if you'd like a copy of it, please let me know.

If you're a facebook user go to the Berlin, Vermont page for updates made on an almost daily basis. https://www.facebook.com/groups/167886926626970/#!/pages/Berlin-Vermont/205922199452224

~~~
Check Becky's Blog for information: http://gmunitedway.wordpress.com/

~~~
If you, or anybody you know in Berlin, had flood damage to their home or property, the town would like to know!!! Please be in touch.

Monday, Oct 3rd Select Board - folks who experienced damage from Tropical Storm Irene (outside of Weston MHP) are being specifically invited to this meeting. Agenda will be posted on the town website http://www.berlinvt.org .

Select Board meetings are now streamed live at this website or you can watch it at your convenience: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/Berlin-school-news

The town stump dump can be used on a very limited basis by contacting Jeff Schulz if you have trees and stumps from the Irene storm that you need to dispose of.

A select board position will be opening up at the end of October. If you're interested, and would like to be considered, please send a letter of interest to Jeff Schulz. A person will be appointed to fill the position until the elections in March. Deadline for letters to be announced.
~~~

Do you need some assistance with your pets?

I was at a meeting with Anne from the Central Vermont Humane Society and she asked us to please spread the word - the animal shelter is able to help your cats, dogs, or other small domestic companion animals receive the food, litter, basic supplies, and/or financial support they need to begin to recover from the impact of flooding caused by Irene. Support levels will be determined by CVHS. Please apply online or in person at our Adoption Center which is on Rte 14 in East Montpelier. http://cvhumane.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CC-Final-8.11.pdf Check out their Sept. newsletter which is on Animals in Disasters.
~~~

If you missed out on the Carhartt Clothing given away on Saturday, if you were affected by flooding, we'd still like to get you connected up, please let us know if you're interested by reply email or contacting our town clerk, Rosemary Morse.

Carhartt Clothing for those who were flooded in May and/or August
Lenny’s has received a shipment of Carhartt clothing to be given to people who were flooded during the May flooding as well as Irene flooding. This distribution will be for Berlin and Barre residents ONLY. There will be more distributions in the different towns on future days. You will need a voucher for this distribution of clothing which will be on Saturday, September 24th, at the Berlin Elementary School from 9am to 1pm Each person in the household will be eligible for clothing but they only have Men’s and Women’s sizes.
To the best of our knowledge each man will receive 2 pairs of pants, a jacket and 2 pairs of gloves. Each woman will receive 2 pairs of pants, 2 shirts and 1 pair of gloves. If there are teenagers who may fit into adult size clothing, they are welcome to get a voucher also.
The vouchers, which should be picked up by 3pm on Thursday, are at the Berlin Town Office with Rosemary and also at the Flood Center at 126 N. Main Street in Barre (next to Wobby Jewelers) which will be open noon to 4pm on Wednesday & Thursday.
If you absolutely can’t get to where the vouchers are by 3pm Thursday please call the Flood Center at 479-4526 by that time to register.

~~~
http://www.vermont.gov/portal/government/article.php?news=3015
September 27, 2011
Vermont Housing Task Force Seeks Those in Need of Housing and Available Housing Units

Hundreds of Vermonters are still without a permanent place to live after their homes were destroyed by flooding caused by Tropical Storm Irene at the end of August. Many of these individuals are currently in temporary housing – staying with friends and family, or in hotels with help from FEMA or the Red Cross. These are only short term solutions and each of these Vermonters need a more permanent place to live.
Governor Shumlin has activated an Irene Housing Task Force to work with FEMA to develop a short and long term housing recovery plan. The group is charged with first identifying everyone who needs housing, and matching them with available rental housing, or other long-term solutions. The goal is to find everyone in need a safe, warm place to live this winter and until each can find new permanent housing or repair a damaged home.
In order to reach this goal, The Irene Housing Task Force urges anyone displaced from their home and needing help finding housing now, or may in the weeks and months to come, to register with FEMA. The number is 1-800-621-3362 (1-800-FEMA) or visit www.disasterassistance.gov In addition to providing information about possible grants and other assistance, a FEMA representative will help individuals find housing. The Irene Housing Task Force is working with FEMA on identifying every available unit in the state. All individuals impacted by the storm should take the time to register, even if they are unsure that they qualify, for grant or loan assistance. Registering with FEMA will also allow Vermonters to access possible resources in the event that their living situation changes at any time before they find permanent housing.
“We’re unaware of anyone who is still without shelter, but we are sure we haven’t heard about everyone in need, so it’s important to register with FEMA,” Agency of Commerce and Community Development Secretary Lawrence Miller said. “We know that while most people are okay right now, not everyone wants to stay in a hotel or even with family for months at a time. They want a place to call their own and that’s what the task force is looking for – a place for these displaced people to call home, even if it’s only temporary.”
The Housing Task Force is working to keep families within or close to their communities to help maintain as much normalcy as possible. Making sure children are able to stay in their school and keeping people close to their place of work are top priorities.
The IHTF is asking everyone who has rental housing available to contact FEMA at 866-330-5286 so they and FEMA can match people with available units. FEMA also has a Rental Rehabilitation program that provides funding for owners of multi-family properties that are interested in making rentals available to individuals displaced by Tropical Storm Irene. If you have such a property, contact FEMA at Christian.Oakes@dhs.gov. Information can also be faxed to 540-686-4467
“We believe there is sufficient housing in Vermont to find everyone a place to stay,” Vermont Emergency Management Director Mike O’Neil said. “We just need to connect those who have housing to offer with those who need long-term or permanent housing.”
In the event a sufficient number of existing housing options cannot be found, a limited number of temporary mobile housing units are being staged in Vermont to ensure everyone has a safe, sanitary, and warm place to stay until permanent solutions can be found. These units would be winterized with heat, water, and sewer.
For more information media can contact Lawrence Miller, Secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development at (802) 371-9075.
Source: Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Last Updated at: September 27, 2011 07:55:41
~~~

Pick Your Own Apples

Vermont Technical College (VTC), Randolph Center, McIntosh, Cortlands & Liberty. Orchard hours Monday and Friday 3pm – 5pm; Saturday & Sunday 10am – 5pm weather permitting. Orchard opened Sept 24th.

Liberty Orchard, West Street, Brookfield. Short, easy-to-pick trees. Monday – Thurs. 1pm m- 5pm, Friday – Sunday 10am – 5pm. 802-276-3161 http://www.libertyorchardvt.com Orchard opened Sept 23rd.

~~~
Berlin Elementary School http://www.berlinschool.org
October 10th – 6:15 p.m. , School Board Meeting
October 11th – 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., Open House
October 13th – 6:30 p.m., Berlin Elementary School Parent, Teacher, Neighbor Assoc (PTNA) Meeting
~~~
Montpelier Ski & Skate Swap at Montpelier High School Saturday, October 22, 9AM - 2PM Bring items to sell: Thurs, Oct 20th from 4 – 7 PM and Friday, Oct 21st from 9AM-7PM The Mplr Rec Dept reserves the right to refuse any equipment. Pick-up for items not sold will be from 4:30-6PM after the sale. Volunteers will be needed for this event.

News to Know follow-up

2011-09-14T18:29:00.001-07:00

**** PLEASE NOTE **** (how closely do you read these emails?!)
There is some concern that since I made mention of a meeting on Friday, folks may have the wrong idea. Just to clarify the intent of the 5pm meeting is to have a small group of folks get together regarding fund raising and to develop a plan of action to assist the local folks affected by the flooding. If you think you have something to contribute toward this effort - your help would be appreciated. This is NOT meant to be a large public forum. Also of note: I'm told the town is sending out a letter to the folks in the Route 12 corridor to better understand damages and needs. If you live (or somebody you know) lives in another part of town and sustained damages, please let the town know.

While I have your attention: if you were paying close attention to my last email, the place that I am hoping to see LOTS of folks is the Chappelle potato field on Sept 25th!

and of course there is more news to share... seems like I just hit send and several more things come to my attention

**** **** **** ****
In additional to the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) located at the Barre Aud. there is also one located at the Northfield Library (Community Room), 93 South Main Street, Northfield, VT 05663. Folks are welcome to visit the one more convenient to them.
The recovery centers are staffed with disaster recovery specialists from various federal, state and local agencies and organizations who can answer questions about disaster assistance programs. The FEMA’s individual assistance program covers expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs, such as medical, dental or transportation costs not covered by insurance or other programs. Applicants who would like to speak to disaster specialists face-to-face can visit a center between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. FEMA 800-621-3362

~~~
Flood Photos Online: Helicopter operator Mansfield Heiliflight of Milton, Vt has posted an online gallery documenting flooding across Vermont http://www.mansfieldheliflight.com (link at top of page) Many aerial photos.
~~~
Health & Safety

VT Public Health Dept website has lots of information. Topics include: drinking water safety and free test kits, food safety and flood affected crops, safety during clean-up, detailed guide for home clean-up, N95 masks and gloves at district offices and good general information http://healthvermont.gov/enviro/water/flood.aspx

Check the Vermont Department of Health’s facebook page for the most recent health alerts. http://www.facebook.com/HealthVermont

Keep your kids away from flood damaged areas / kids should not be part of clean up efforts

Dr. Lewis First from Vermont Children's Hospital on Channel 5 http://www.wptz.com/firstwithkids/29163235/detail.html 4 minutes long with lots of great tips
Adults wear proper safety equipment including: respirator masks, safety goggles, long sleeves, long shirts, work gloves, work boots, shoe covers and take them all off before you go into your home. Be sure to shower off and wash your hands!
~~~

If you're in need of housing or have housing available: http://www.housingdata.org/resources/

~~~

The Donation "Store" is Open on Rt. 100 in Waterbury Center!
The Distribution Center for donated items collected by Clyde Whittemore Little League volunteers is open MONDAY and WEDNESDAYS, 9am-noon and 5:30pm-7:30pm, SATURDAYS 9am-noon. Come browse the amzing collection of clothing, shoes, outerwear for men, women and children. Also, toys, linens, bedding, dishes, electronics and more. ALL items are free to anyone affected by the floods in Vermont. All are welcome to "shop" to replace the things they have lost. Bring a list so volunteers can help find what you need. They also can deliver.
location: 2802 Waterbury-Stowe Road (formerly Hillside Florist), the red building across from the Sunoco Station on Rt. 100.
Want to help? Each shift needs 3-5 volunteers for the coming weeks. Contact Lara Lonon, 244-8708 or laralonon@gmail.com . PLEASE NOTE: No further donations can be accepted at this time.
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Free Legal Help: The VT Bar Association, VT Legal Aid, Legal Services Law Line of VT and the VT Volunteer Lawyers Project have volunteer lawyers willing to help those affected by Tropical Storm Irene. If you have a legal question or problems call 10800-889-2047. Through this intake number, a client may be connected with a Legal Aid attorney; receive legal advice from a Law Line attorney by phone; or be assigned an attorney through the Volunteer Lawyer Project. Also, visit Vermont Legal Aid's webpage with answers to frequently asked questions for flooding victims at http://www.vtlawhelp.org/disaster_Irene
~~~

Household Hazardous Waste Disposal (HHW) with dates and locations

Efforts are in place to remove flood waste from your home.
Residents that have been impacted by flooding caused by hurricane Irene need to separate their household hazardous waste (HHW). Improper disposal of HHW can pose a threat to human health and/or the environment. Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be HHW.
Some HHW that cannot be disposed of in normal rubbish containers:
· Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides that contain potentially hazardous ingredients.
· Car batteries & Rechargeable Batteries
· Hazardous Waste
· Mercury products – fluorescent bulbs, thermostats, thermometers
· Oil, Brake Cleaner, other toxic car products
· Oil Based Pain, Stain, Varnish, Paint Thinner/Stripper
· Propane cylinders, other gas cylinders
· Tires

Local transfer stations near you are working in coordination with EPA to collect HHW.
Central Vermont Solid Waste District is holding an HHW collection event this Saturday 9/17 for district members (Berlin is in the district). They should contact Central VT SWMD at 229-9383 or visit their web site.
September 24 / 9am- 1pm Hazardous Waste Collection / Montpelier Dept of Labor Lot
Northfield is part of the Mad River Alliance, which is hold a HHW collection event soon, I think on Oct 1. They should contact John Malter at 244-7373.

News to Know

2011-09-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

When I transferred from one email account to another I seemed to have inadvertently dropped some folks - don't assume your friends and neighbors are on my list - please share!
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If you're receiving this email as a forward from a friend, please contact me at corinnestridsberg@gmail.com to be on my direct email send list.
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Also be sure to check out the following local websites: http://www.berlinvt.org and http://www.berlinschool.org and also consider joining the "Berlin Community" facebook page (a newspaper is the profile picture)
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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. This link is also on the town website down in the right corner. I have the information come to me both in email and I have it sent as a text to my phone... the message in the text is usually cut off but gives me enough to know something is going on.

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Thursday, September 15th 7pm - Community Response & Recovery Meeting Thursday night to make sure that all the families at Weston Mobile Home Park in Berlin get the help and information needed to rebuild their lives after the floods of Irene. Thursday, 7 - 9 p.m. at the Old Labor Hall, Granite Street, Barre.
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Friday, September 16th 5pm - meeting to discuss possible local fund raising / collection efforts for Berlin residents impacted by flooding. If you're interested in helping in these efforts, please join us.

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Make a Plan, Be Informed, and Make a Kit with Central VT Humane Society
Saturday, September 17th, 11am-3pm
September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. Are your pets prepared for disasters? - Being ready for disaster means being prepared in advance. To help you get started without getting overwhelmed, we’ve devoted a day to helping you with disaster preparedness. Join us at the Adoption Center to get your free rescue alert sticker, pet emergency information form, resources on local pet-friendly boarding, and discounts on emergency supplies. Bring your pet! There will be a photographer on hand to take current photos for your kit. We’ll also be offering low-cost microchips, pet first aid/CPR demonstrations, and much more! Join us and be prepared before the emergency strikes!
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‎3 Squares Program - Vermont's Department of Children and Families says households that received food benefits in August and then lost food during Tropical Storm Irene are eligible for extra benefits. Renee Richardson is director of Vermont's food and nutrition programs. She says people in the ‘3SquaresVT' program will be reimbursed for the value of their food loss up to the amount they were eligible to receive in the month of August. "This is really important, because some folks stockpile their food. And so, even though the storm hit us about 3 days before the beginning of the next month for some folks who had stockpiled their food or who lost their entire homes or whatever, they will be able to get their full August benefit replaced, if that's the value of their food."
Contact the Vermont Department for Children and Families to request a replacement benefit.
Call 1-800-479-6151. Deadline for replacement benefits is September 17th.
Also anyone who needs N95 masks or gloves for flood cleanup can get them at the Berlin Town Clerks Office or Barre district office of VDH (479-4200)
~~~
Kellogg-Hubbard Book Sale started on September 12th, continues through October 15th. The library is located at 135 Main Street in Montpelier and is our community library. Many, many wonderful resources available to you - check them out in person or on-line at http://www.kellogghubbard.org . They also have a facebook page. All Berlin residents may get a library card at Kellogg-Hubbard at no charge since at the last Town Meeting we chose to help fund the library.
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Montpelier Contra Dance at the Capital City Grange in Berlin http://capitalcitygrange.org/contradances Contra dances are the 1st , 3rd and 5th Saturdays at 8pm. Rt 12 just 1/2 mile south of Montpelier. Admission $8, $5 for dancers 15 and under. Help preserve the dance floor by bringing a pair of clean, soft-soled shoes and change into them downstairs before joining the dance on the main floor.
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Kellogg-Hubbard Library and Bear Pond Books are co-hosting New Yorker cartoonist and local author/illustrator HARRY BLISS on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th at 11 am at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Harry's new picture book is both written and illustrated by him, and centers on a day in the life of one fun-loving dog named BAILEY at school. Bliss is the illustrator of many beloved books including Diary of a Worm, Diary of a Spider and Diary of a Fly, Kate DiCamillo's Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken, and A Very Brave Witch by Alison McGhee. Join us at the beautiful children's library for some picture-booking fun!
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Hi-Water Ho-Down Flood Relief Jam Session at Berlin Elementary on Friday, September 23rd. 6pm – 9pm – Help raise funds to benefit Berlin families who have damages from Tropical Storm Irene. Details to date: allotting about 30 minutes or so per performance with about 10 minutes in between each act. A PA system and equipment available, each act will have 30 minutes. Several musical groups have signed up but they are looking for more! Contact Jessica Heinz at jheinz@u32.org223-2796 if you're interested in participating. Donations of the following items will also be accepted: housewares, non-perishable food items, linens, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. The money and any donated items collected, are for Berlin residents who were affected by the flood. It is not specific to just families with school kids. There will also be a 50/50 raffle, silent auction and desserts & refreshments available.. More details to come.
~~~
Pick-your-own potatoes behind the digger at the Chappelle farm fields in Williamstown
Sunday, September 25th 9am - 5pm. ONE DAY ONLY!
Bring some 5 gallon buckets (or milk crates or other type of containers) to put your potatoes in. You get to pick whatever size or quantity you want. It's good to have some grain (or coffee bean) bags to put your potatoes into (they try to have some on hand). It will be "Reba" round white potatoes and the cost will be around 30 or 35 cents per pound! Drive to Williamstown and head south of town where you'll find signs pointing you to the field they'll be using. If you want more details, please ask - the Stridsberg family has been going to the Chappelles for potatoes for over 20 years! If you can't make it on the pick-your-own day and you want some of these fresh potatoes we can bring back extra... it will just cost you more than the pick-your-own price - send us an email and we can work out the details.
It's also possible to purchase pre picked 50 lb bags of potatoes either on the pick-your-own day or at the Chappelle warehouse throughout the season. Cost varies depending on what class of potatoes you choose.
~~~
Tuesday, September 27th 7pm Berlin Historical Society - program - Dave Perrin will talk about the Perrin family in Berlin. Looking ahead to October the program will be Manny Garcia on Transportation in Central Vermont which will ilnclude information on the portion of Berlin that was annexed by Montpelier in 1899. Date for October to be announced. Programs will be held at the Berlin Town Hall.

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Where do you get your local sports news? Have you checked out Central Sports Net? Berlin resident Carl Parton brings a great variety of sports news, including racing at Thunder Road! http://www.cvtsport.net/home?task=videodirectlink&id=615

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For the racing fans out there look at http://www.victorylaneforum.com/forums/content.php Blogtalkradio - at 30 minutes into the Program from Monday, Sept 5th they interview Michael Stridsberg regarding how he and Aaron Maynard became announcers at Thunder Road and some stories of note coming out of TRoad this year.
~~~
Scholastic Chess - annual fall chess tournament on Saturday, November 12th at Berlin Elem. School and open to students grades kindergarten through 12th grade from throughout the area. Details will be posted to http://vtchess.info

http://www.vnews.com/09102011/8027237.htm Article about young teenage girl from Norwich who attended the Susan Polgar Foundation Girls Invitational chess tournament... Mike is mentioned/quoted

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Dairy Creme on lower State Street will be open through October 31 this year. Note they have now reduced their hours to noon - 8pm http://www.dairycreme.com

~~~

ReSource (formerly ReStore in Barre and Recycle North in Burlington) does a fantastic job with a variety of services along with getting goods into the hands of who needs it. After the May flooding they offered vouchers to those affected by the flooding and I believe are doing this again for the Irene flooding. Are you signed up for their weekly email newsletters? http://restorevt.org/restore/services

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Fund makes $5,000 grants available to businesses hurt by Irene. This is through the VT Irene Flood Relief Fund and the Central VT Community Action Council is providing free administrative services. http://networkedblogs.com/mZ9GN

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Fund for Farmers who sustained damages from Irene - Farm Disaster Relief Fund now has grants of up to $10,000 available . This will be to help replace infrastructure, seed, feed, livestock, supplies, and equiipment lost in the storm that are not covered by insurance or other sources of income. http://www.vermontagriculture.com/news/2011/irene_help.html Consider making a donation if you're not one of the ones in need!
~~~

Becky's Blog of Irene Recovery News and Resources http://gmunitedway.wordpress.com/

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Both Central Vermont Community Action Council http://www.cvcac.org and the Council on Aging http://www.cvcoa.org have received funding to hand out WalMart gift cards and gas cards.
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Vermont Community Foundation http://www.vermontcf.org/ has some good information on Responding to Irene
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Questions and answers on Sanders website: http://sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/news/?id=159ac3bc-40f9-4d03-b26b-c7e345321d33#1
~~~

Berlin Special Select Board Meeting Regarding Irene Flooding held on Thursday, September 8, 2011. Focus on Weston Mobile Home Park Rt 12

WCAX coverage http://www.wcax.com/story/15423871/berlin-residents-frustrated-with-lack-of-answers-from-fema

WPTZ coverage http://www.wptz.com/news/29126485/detail.html

Meeting in full: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/17147089 88 minutes

Berlin Maps http://www.berlinvt.org/maps.htm
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Internet Played a Big Role in Flood Response http://www.addisonindependent.com/201109internet-played-big-role-flood-response
~~~
For those who haven't had time to watch the news regarding Irene or perhaps didn't have power... news on CBS just after Irene came to town: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/08/30/eveningnews/main20099512.shtml
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Lots of Irene in Vermont footage on YouTube
~~~
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal (HHW)

Efforts are in place to remove flood waste from your home.
Residents that have been impacted by flooding caused by hurricane Irene need to separate their household hazardous waste (HHW). Improper disposal of HHW can pose a threat to human health and/or the environment. Leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients are considered to be HHW.
Some HHW that cannot be disposed of in normal rubbish containers:
· Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides that contain potentially hazardous ingredients.
· Car batteries & Rechargeable Batteries
· Hazardous Waste
· Mercury products – fluorescent bulbs, thermostats, thermometers
· Oil, Brake Cleaner, other toxic car products
· Oil Based Pain, Stain, Varnish, Paint Thinner/Stripper
· Propane cylinders, other gas cylinders
· Tires

Local transfer stations near you are working in coordination with EPA to collect HHW.

Irene Recovery Resources

2011-09-07T21:21:00.000-07:00

Berlin Friends & Neighbors -

There is SO MUCH information to share regarding recovery from Tropical Storm Irene. I anticipate sending out more information in the next few days when I have more time... I've been working more than 12 hours a day with VT Emergency Mgmt which has been open 24x7 since Irene hit on the Augusut 28th and just now we're starting to cut back the hours. I've thrown together some information (see below) and hope you will share with those who need it. If you have information to share, please send it along to me. If this email is forwarded to somebody not on my email list, please let me know if you'd like to join the send list. It's always nice to know who is getting the information. There is also a Berlin, VT Community facebook page (newspaper as the profile picture) - if we can grow the number of folks on that page I would like to use that to help get out information.

Grab hold of your calendar!

Berlin Elementary School to Offer FEMA Registration Kiosk
Families requesting flood assistance from FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, must first register online or by telephone and receive a confirmation “case” number. Recognizing that many members of the Berlin community may have lost their access to telephone and internet services in the recent flood, the Berlin Elementary School will establish a FEMA registration kiosk at the school beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2011. The area will include a telephone and computer with internet access. Staff at the school will be available to support residents in the use of the technology and in navigating the FEMA registration process. This service is provided free of charge and will be available during school hours through September 30, 2011. For more information, contact Chris Dodge, Principal, at 802-223-2796 ext. 120

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Berlin Select Board Meeting with Residents 9/8 at 6pm at school

On Thursday, September 8th at 6 pm, the Berlin Select Board will meet at the Berlin Elementary School with residents impacted by the recent flooding. The purpose of this meeting is to update residents on the recent flood damage. In addition, representatives from FEMA and the Vermont Floodplain Management Program will be in attendance to discuss floodplain concerns. Specifically, FEMA and the Vermont Floodplain Management Program will discuss the issue of homes in the flood hazard zone and what type of flood hazard mitigation may be required prior to the replacement of homes or performing substantial improvements to the homes. All residents are encouraged to attend and to get the word out to others about the meeting. Contact Jeff Schulz at 223-4405 with any questions.

This Special Berlin Select Board meeting regarding flooding will be able to be viewed LIVE!! What a great option on your computer if you're not able to be there in person! http://www.ustream.tv/channel/berlin-school-news Thursday night 9/8 at 5:55 PM. Thanks to Sonia and Carl Parton for doing this and getting the word out!

09/07/2011
Berlin residents with flood damaged homes urged to attend meeting
BERLIN – Town residents whose homes were significantly damaged or destroyed in recent flooding are encouraged to attend a Thursday night meeting with flood hazard experts at Berlin Elementary School .

Arranged by the Select Board the meeting will provide residents displaced in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene to quiz federal and state officials about the rules for repairing or replacing substantially damaged homes that are located in the designated floodway.

Representatives from Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Vermont Floodplain Management Program are expected to attend the 6 p.m. session to answer questions that largely – if not exclusively – pertain to dozens of residents of Weston’s Mobile Home Park on Route 12.

Flooding caused by the downgraded hurricane wiped out the majority of the park – prompting town officials to issue an emergency health order restricting access to 70 of the park’s 83 lots until further notice.

When issuing the health order last week, town officials conceded they couldn’t’ say precisely how much of the park is actually located in the floodway, though they guessed as much as 80 percent of the property could be subject to strict federal regulations, state law and Berlin’s own bylaws.

Among other things, those bylaws state: “… Replacement of manufactured homes located in the designated floodway shall not be permitted unless a registered professional engineer certifies that the replacement home has been designed to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement due to flood flow velocities.”

In handling late-May flooding that wiped out the lower portion of River Run Mobile Home Park on the Barre-Montpelier Road, town officials concluded that standard would likely require elevating mobile homes on concrete “stilts” and anchoring them to the ground.

Another portion of the town’s bylaws state: “… New manufactured homes shall be elevated on properly compacted fill such that the top of the fill (the pad) under the entire manufactured home is above the base flood elevation.”

Ignoring those regulations could jeopardize the town’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, while enforcing them creates an expense that would have to be borne by the mobile home owners, the park owner, or both.

That problem resolved itself at River Run where affected mobile homes were abandoned by their owners and the company appointed by the court to operate the park indicated it had no intention of upgrading the 12 lots that were located in the floodway.

Given the size of the park and the number of lots potentially affected, the stakes are much higher at Weston’s where owner Ellery Packard has been working to repair damaged infrastructure – including the park’s drinking water supply – while his tenants have cleaning up their damaged mobile homes.

Most of those mobile homes are believed to have suffered “substantial damage” in the latest flood and, if they are located in the floodway, would have to be flood-proofed in accordance with the zoning bylaws and other applicable regulations.

“Substantial damage” is defined as damage that exceeds 50 percent of the fair market value of a home – a figure that is relatively easy to hit when dealing with relatively inexpensive mobile homes.

By David Delcore / Staff Writer

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Register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621- FEMA (3362)

Assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help recover from the disaster. Even those with insurance may be eligible for help from FEMA if their insurance policy does not cover all their needs.

It is helpful to have the following information handy:

Current telephone number;

Address at the time of the disaster and current address;

Social Security number, if available;

A general list of damage and losses;

If insured, the name of insurance company, agent and policy number;

Bank routing number for any direct deposit.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center:
DRC #2 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre, VT 05641
Hours of operation: 8am – 6pm seven days a week

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If you had damages from Tropical Storm Irene and you have not already registered with 2-1-1 please still give them a call. By calling 2-1-1 that let’s the state know you have damages and can potentially access help from agencies such as Red Cross, VOAD, etc. They are basically collecting your name, contact information and what type of damages there were.
Register with FEMA & 2-1-1 even if you’re not if you qualify for any assistance.

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Flood Center reopens in Barre – In response to the increased need for help and information, RSVP, the Green Mountain United Way and the City of Barre will reopen the Barre Flood Help Center on Main Street in Barre for at least a two week period. “We are committed to helping our community recover from this disaster” says JoEllen Calderara of RSVP, “we know this will be a very long process and we want to help get accurate information to people as quickly as we can.” The Flood Center will be open from 9am to 4pm on weekdays starting Tuesday, September 6th. 479-4526 126 N. Main Street next to Wobby Jewelers http://www.cvfloodhelp.org/

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Weston Trailer Park – supplies available on Saturday / Donations needed Friday!

On Saturday, 9/10/11 from 10 am to 12 pm, a capital candy box truck will be available on 2nd street in Weston with clothes, food, water and cleaning supplies for disaster victims. The clothes will be broken down by sizes and everything is free for disaster victims in central Vermont. If individuals have a request for clothing sizes, please email Jon at vt4floodrelief@yahoo.com

From Jon: “We have a Stuff A truck event at Rent A center Friday 8am to 8pm. We really need food, water, cleaning supplies...more than clothes now...we GOT ALOT (of clothes) already....here is the information for the stuff a truck: Rent A Center, 347 North Main Street, Barre, Vermont 05641”

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Road Closure Info: 511 or http://www.511vt.com/

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Agency of Transportation http://www.aot.state.vt.us “Google Map of Irene Related Transportation Issues in Vermont”

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VTDigger Guide to Flood Relief Help

http://vtdigger.org/2011/09/02/vermontaid-a-guide-to-flood-relief-help-for-vermonters/

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Central VT Community Action Council http://www.cvcac.org/

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VT Irene Flood Relief Fund - Helping Vermont's small businesses hit by Irene http://www.vtirenefund.org/

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News from the Governor’s Office: http://governor.vermont.gov/

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Vermont Emergency Management updates via Facebook and their website: http://vem.vermont.gov/

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Images and stories of the damage and recovery efforts: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com

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List of places that need resources and assistance: http://vtresponse.wordpress.com/

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Flood Cleanup Guide http://nchh.org/Portals/0/Contents/FloodCleanupGuide_screen_.pdf

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Red Cross: http://www.redcrossvtnhuv.org/index.asp?IDCapitulo=44W8UXGL8L

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PHISH – A Benefit for Vermont Flood Recovery on September 14th at Champlain Valley Expo. Tickets on sale this Saturday 10am for $75 each, in-person, cash. Locations of ticket sales will be announced on their website on Friday. http://phish.com/#/news/2011/06/phish-a-benefit-for-vermont-flood-recovery-september-14th

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Vermont depends on tourists: Roads to leaf-peeper season sidetracked by Irene http://networkedblogs.com/mCNAp and http://www.vermontvacation.com

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Voices for Vermont: A Special Flood Relief Benefit Concert

Saturday, September 10 · 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Vermont State House Lawn, State Street, Montpelier, VT

The line-up:

Banjo Dan & The Mid-nite Plow Boys
Jon Gailmor
Pete Sutherland & Friends
Rik Palieri & Rebecca Padula
Nationally acclaimed vocal ensemble, Counterpoint (founded by VSO Chorus Conductor, Robert DeCormier)
Young singers from communities around the state including the VT Youth Orchestra Chorus
Vermont-based, international Soprano Shyla Nelson
(more artists to be announced)
100% of funds raised will be donated to the United Ways of Vermont and the Red Cross of VT&NH. Volunteers will be onsite collecting cash or check donations during the concert.

Gov. Peter Shumlin will kick-off the concert to recognize what our State has endured these past several days and to honor those lives lost in this tragedy. He will join with Vermont’s finest artists to celebrate our resolve and commitment to helping our neighbors and communities rebuild.

Check for updates at the Good Earth Singers Blog http://www.goodearthsingers.org/blog.html
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National Life $120,000 donation to support the relief and rebuilding efforts in Vermont from Tropical Storm Irene. They will also match donations from employees to flood relief organizations.

Northfield Savings Bank $100,000 donation to the Green Mountain United Way for immediate disaster relief. Funds will be distributed to community-based organizations in central Vermont that are providing immediate assistance to those in need. The intention is to help community organizations facilitate the delivery of basic human needs; food, clothing and shelter. Individuals in need of assistance should call VT 2-1-1 in order to be directed to the appropriate community organizations.

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High-water Ho-Down Flood Relief Jam Session to benefit the Berlin Community affected by recent flooding. Friday, September 23rd 6pm-9pm at the Berlin Elementary School. Come listen to great music from local bands and musicians and help out your community by donating much needed food and supplies. High demand items include: Housewares, non-perishable food items, clothing, linens, toiletries, cleaning supplies. For more information email Jessica Heinz at jheinz@u32.org or call her at the school 223-2796. This event will include a 50/50 raffle. Desserts and refreshments will be sold.

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Restaurants Reach-Out Post Irene

http://7d.blogs.com/blurt/2011/09/restaurants-post-irene-how-you-can-help.html?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social%2Bmedia&utm_campaign=blurt

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ReSOURCE Flood ReLIEF

ReSOURCE has established a flood relief fund to provide essential services free of charge to low income Vermonters who lack insurance and the necessary support needed to recover from the devastating flooding in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene. ReSOURCE reached out in response to the widespread flooding in May in order to provide critical support to low income families and received overwhelming feedback confirming the need of essential goods and services. We expect even more demand in the wake of the recent flooding due to the scope of destruction and are committed to providing help in the following ways:

1. Rebuilding help through our YouthBuild construction crews. We are a BPI certified contractor and do both home construction, weatherization and solar thermal hot water installs (if folks need to replace their hot water heater, perhaps they should consider going solar).

2. Deconstruction Service: one way to increase the amount of materials available for rebuilding is to deconstruct buildings that must be removed rather than demolish and put in landfill.

3. Essential Goods: we will offer vouchers through our ReLIEF program for our used major appliances, furniture, housewares, and building materials. Also, if folks have insurance money or government aid, but have a fixed budget/cap, then they could obtain replacement goods much more cheaply through our Barre and Burlington ReSTOREs.

To meet this need, ReSOURCE is committed to providing the services above and with your help will be able to provide more ReLIEF Essential Goods and Building Materials, and help to ReUSE and ReBUILD.
ReSOURCE seeks to raise $50,000 the form of donated goods (used furniture, building materials, home goods) and cash donations.

Please donate: http://resourcevt.org/contribute Thank you.

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From the Office of Senator Patrick Leahy:

http://leahy.senate.gov/issues_and_legislation/issues/issue/?id=9bc8549f-c174-41e2-b67f-fffbaa364439

Flood Resource Guide: http://leahy.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/090611%20Updated%20VT%20Flood%20Resource%20Guide.pdf

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GMTA BUS

The GMTA Berlin offices sustained substantial damage during the recent Irene-related flood. This damage has required GMTA to temporarily move administrative functions to another location. Due to our temporary relocation, you may experience phone and service delays. However, we are operating and appreciate your patience.

If you have any questions about GMTA services, please continue to contact us at (802) 223-7287 between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM.

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Vermont Foodbank

During this time of natural disaster in so many areas across the state, the Vermont Foodbank is working to provide additional supplies of shelf stable foods to you as soon as possible. We are partnering with Feeding America, along with federal and state emergency management programs to help you keep needed items in stock. This week we have sent our trucks out to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and across Vermont to bring donations back to our distribution centers in Barre and Brattleboro. We will also be receiving donations from C & S, Hannaford and Hormel in the next week or so, along with supplies from our sister food banks and additional generous donors. We will be bringing in truckloads of water, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, bleach, ice, and other applicable products specifically for those agencies that have been hit hard by the flooding caused by Hurricane Irene.

We realize that many of your locations have been flooded. It is critical to dispose of any food that has been compromised by flood waters or food that has been out of the temperature safety zone for too long (due to loss of electricity). If you are disposing of TEFAP food, please be sure to take an inventory of what is being disposed and report that back to us. The general food safety guidelines say that you may be able to salvage canned goods that have only been touched by flood waters, not submerged, by sanitizing the cans in a bleach and water solution. But remember; when in doubt throw it out.

All of us at the Vermont Foodbank wish you the best. Chris

Christine Meehan, Chief of Programs and Network Services

802-477-4130 http://www.vtfoodbank.org/

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Facebook page: Vermont Hurricane Irene Lost & Found https://www.facebook.com/search.php?q=irene+vermont&init=quick&tas=0.33030073275218874&ref=ts#!/pages/Vermont-Hurricane-Irene-Lost-Found/171093546298027

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How You Can Help Farmers

Offer your service to help farmers clean their fields and barns (if not one in Berlin, there are others nearby).

Buy whatever the farms have available for sale. Pay them more than what they are asking.

The money that you give farmers now is likely the money that they will have to live on until they have salable crops in the future. Many farms have not only lost crops this year, but they have also lost valuable land and soil that will make it difficult for them recover fully next year or possibly even in the next several years.

If you are a CSA member, don't expect to receive any more food for this year. Don't ask for a refund from your CSA farmer. The idea of a CSA is that shareholders share in both the bounty and losses with the farmer.

Do a fundraiser for a farmer / make a financial donation.

Call congressional representatives and ask for grant money (not low interest loans) to help out the farmers.

Events to consider

2011-07-23T09:48:00.000-07:00

Lamoille County Fair and Field Days is taking place this weekend in Johnson, VT at 203 Wilson Road. $10 per person takes care of your entrance, entertainment, exhibits, demonstrations and midway rides. Parking is free. More details can be found at: http://www.lamoillefielddays.com/
More fairs, festivals and field days can be found at: http://www.vermontagriculture.com/buylocal/visit/fairs.html

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Ben & Jerry FREE movies Saturday nights in Waterbury
Have you ever attended? When there was a local scoop shop we went frenquently but not as much now that it means a trip to Waterbury. Still, it's a fun time. Bring chairs or a blanket, the movie is projected on a wall outside the scoop shop at the factory. Bring a snack or buy some icecream (there may be some free samples but not positive). Movies are Saturday at dusk. The time varies, I think tonight is about 8:30. Go early to get settled. Tonight 7/23 is Iron Man 2. Movie schedule http://www.benjerry.com/scoop-shops/factory-tours/ 7/30 Yogi Bear; 8/6 Toy Story 3, 8/13 TRON Legacy and 8/20 is Gnomeo & Juliet. This happens every summer, every week in July & August. Ben & Jerry's also shows the movies on Tuesdays up in Burlington.

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DANCING! Quite a while back I put out a message about ballroom dancing. I have a high confidence level in making ballroom dance lessons available in Berlin in the near future - who wants to participate?! This Sunday evening there is an opportunity to join in on some ballroom dancing in Brookfield. It's high recommended Mike and I have been enjoying the lessons down there at the Town Hall for several years. The cost is $10 per person and you don't have to come as a couple. It's Sunday, July 24th 7:30-9:30pm. This week Carolyn Pedrick will give mini-lessons in the waltz and the rumba. You don't need to have previous experience. It's fine to bring your own snacks / drinks. There will be some soda type of beverages for sale there. The waltz lesson will be at 7:30 and at 8:30 will be the rumba. A night of ballroom dancing will also take place on Sunday, August 28th with the tango and a second dance which will be decided this Sunday. Don't miss out on this fun opportunity and make sure to let me know if you're interested in something local... I'm not sure whether it would be during the week or on the weekend. Need to find out the instructors availability. This Sunday is your chance to check it out!
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Has everybody heard about Simply Subs now having a location at the Berlin Mall in addition to their Route 302 in Berlin location and their Main Street in Barre location. They're offering the same menu of subs, salads and pizza (by the slice) at all three locations!

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Barre Heritage Festival July 27 - 31 in downtown Barre. Extensive entertainment schedule - two stages this year! This includes Native Tongue on Friday evening! All the details can be found: http://www.barreheritagefestival.org/

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Annual Used Musical Instrument Sale - mark your calendars now for Saturday, August 27, 2011 9am - 2pm at the Bethany Church in Montpelier. http://www.sharethemusicvt.org/index.htm New to the event this year: with the purchase of a stringed instrument from the Annual Used Musical Instrument Sale (a mandolin, guitar, bass guitar, fiddle, ukulele, or banjo) you will receive one free 1/2 hour introductory lesson from the teachers at Woodbury Strings. Coupons available at the sale.

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In the event of an emergency, this email group would NOT be utilized - the way it's set up makes it too time consuming. There are other ways for you to be connected:
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.

Berlin Emergency Management is now on facebook. Help the team keep you informed by joining this page and sharing it with others.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Berlin-Emergency-Management-Vermont/171111496282836

WDEV Radio AM 550 and FM 96.1 is also a great source of local information.

Would you like to help the town in the event of an emergency or disaster? Berlin Emergency Management is looking to expand our team to update our emergency plans and staff the emergency operations center in the event of an emergency. We are looking for strong individuals with experience in operations, planning, and especially logistics. Emergency management experience is not necessarily, just a willingness to serve your town and help your neighbors. There are some trainings that will be required but have no cost to you other than your time.

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I pulled out my handy listing of fun for the family - I've double checked the links and added a few new ones. Do you have some family favorites to share? Please let me know.

Interesting Places to See / Events To Participate In Whether you’re new to the area, have grown up here, or if you’re hosting people from other parts of the state, country, or world, these are some places our family recommends. We came up with this listing when we were recently hosting a teenager from another country.
¨ State House tours http://www.vtstatehouse.org:80/tours.htm
¨ Hubbard Park - map at this link if you need one: http://www.montpelier-vt.org/parks/index.cfm
¨ Morse Farm http://www.central-vt.com/web/morse/index.html Maple creemies, kettle corn, taste various maple syrups, movie in woodshed theater, replica of State House. In the winter there is cross-country skiing.
¨ Farmer's Market - Montpelier Sat. 9am-1pm State St, http://www.montpelierfarmersmarket.com/ Other markets in the area and throughout Vermont can be found at: http://www.vermontagriculture.com/buylocal/buy/farmersmarkets_map.html
¨ North Branch Nature Center http://www.northbranchnaturecenter.org
¨ Floating Bridge Brookfield http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tips/getAttraction.php?tip_AttractionNo==1375
¨ Cold Hollow Cider http://www.coldhollow.com (their video about cider making is available to view in various languages)
¨ Ziemke Glassblowing Studio http://www.zglassblowing.com
¨ Ben & Jerry's http://www.benjerry.com
¨ Covered bridges http://www.virtualvermont.com/coveredbridge
¨ Apple picking in the fall - VTC Orchard Randolph Ctr 728-1276; Liberty Orchard Brookfield short trees
¨ Vermont Tech. College Mon – Fri 9am- 4pm Call ahead first Visitors can tour sugarhouse, apple orchard (pick your own) and working 90-cow free stall dairy complex. 728-1265 or 728-1000. Welcome school tours.
¨ Potato picking http://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/WebMkt/chappellefarm.html Likely pick your own potato Sunday is the same or near Tunbridge Fair weekend Barbara & Bob Chappelle 433-5930
¨ Tunbridge Fair http://www.tunbridgefair.com Sept 15 - 18, 2011
¨ Quarries http://www.rockofages.com
¨ Cabot Creamery 9-5 daily http://www.central-vt.com/web/cabot/index.html
¨ Corn Maze Danville http://www.vermontcornmaze.com / Rutland http://www.hathawayfarm.com
¨ Hike - Mt. Elmore (south of Morrisville); Hunger Mountain (Waterbury); Spruce Mtn (Plainfield); Camels Hump; Mt Mansfield (gondola and short boulder hike to Chin $$), Owl’s Head (Groton) http://www.vtliving.com/hiking/. Information on Irish Hill (Berlin) including a map: http://www.berlinvt.org/IrishHill.htm. Green Mtn Club https://www.greenmountainclub.org;
¨ University Mall http://www.umallvt.com M-S 9:30am – 9:30pm Sunday 11am-6pm\
¨ Book stores Rivendell Books http://www.central-vt.com/web/rivendell with locations in both Montpelier and in the Berlin Mall; Bear Pond Books in Montpelier http://www.central-vt.com/web/bearpond
¨ Church St Marketplace http://www.churchstmarketplace.com & Burlington Square Mall
¨ Lake Champlain Chocolates http://www.lakechamplainchocolates.com free factory tours M-F on the hour from 9am – 2pm (groups of 10 or more need to contact them)
¨ Geocaching http://www.geocaching.com
¨ Camping http://www.vtstateparks.com (be sure to check out details regarding Venture Vermont!); http://www.campvermont.com
¨ Unicycle http://vtunicycle.com
¨ Vermont Fairs and Festivals http://www.vermontagriculture.com/buylocal/visit/fairs.html
¨ Shelburne Museum http://www.shelburnemuseum.org Adm. 1/2 price for VT residents; with purchase of a full-price ticket, admission for a second consecutive day is free.¨ Vermont Teddy Bear Factory http://shop.vermontteddybear.com ¨ Shelburne Farms http://www.shelburnefarms.org
¨ Vermont Farm Tours http://www.vermontfarmtours.com/
Billings Farm & Museum http://www.billingsfarm.org
¨ Quechee Gorge “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon” View from VT 4 highway bridge to the Ottauquechee River 165 feet below. http://www.newenglandwaterfalls.com/waterfall.php?name=Quechee%20Gorge
¨ Montshire Museum of Science http://www.montshire.org
Vermont Art Studios - Open Studio Weekend end of May http://www.vermontcrafts.com/links/open.html

Look at these sites to see their current schedules:

No Strings Marionette Co. http://www.nostringsvt.com
Marko the Magician http://www.markomarko.com
Jon Gailmor http://www.jongailmor.com
Native Tongue – classic rock band http://www.nativetonguerocks.com
Circus Smirkus http://www.smirkus.com
Chess Tournaments and club information http://vtchess.info including a local fall event and the State Scholastic Chess Tournament in April.
Farmers' Night Concert Series from January through early April, Free events on Wednesday evenings at the State House http://www.leg.state.vt.us/ (link to schedule can be found to the bottom right side of the page)
Visit a grocery store; elementary school; Montpelier Rec Field; Woodbury Mountain toys in Montpelier; music store; flea market/garage sale; go to a chicken pie dinner; fish; bike ride and look for shape stones in a brook; star gaze; toast S’mores over a campfire. Check the local newspapers for special events such as festivals, plays and more.

For more family activities visit:

KidsVT pick up your copy at the grocery store or visit http://www.kidsvt.com - go to their Event Calendar
Find and Go Seek http://www.findandgoseek.net/

Spring is coming

2011-04-04T21:39:00.001-07:00

Red Cross needs your help.

We're in search of donated or low cost space. Ideally we're looking for a space where Disaster Action Team supplies can be stored but easily accessed and meetings/trainings can be held. A room that's about 12 x 12 that some shelving and a large table and chairs could go into would be fantastic. However, a small room that would just work for storage would suffice as we could find other spaces to meet. What's important is that we have 24x7 access to the space as you never know when disaster will strike and we'll need the supplies.

We also have an Emergency Response Vehicle that needs a place to park that can be accessed to go out on calls. It's about the size of an ambulance but is for transporting supplies.

Currently we're aware of meeting space possibilities at Berlin Elem. School, the Berlin Fire Department, and CVMC. If you have a conference room that a non-profit can use free of charge, please let us know. We tend to have meetings and trainings in the early evening and sometimes day long trainings on Saturdays.

Red Cross money all comes from donations and with Vermont disasters up 30% this year, we're trying to save every dollar we can to help families recover from disaster.

Please note that the Berlin DAT actually covers many towns throughout central Vermont in both Washington and Orange Counties. Our team would benefit from additional members joining us. Let me know if you'd like more information.

Thank you for your consideration to any space you may have available, or suggestions you can make as to where to look for some.

Corinne Stridsberg
Red Cross County Coordinator
Berlin Disaster Action Team
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Have you stopped by our community library recently? All Berlin residents are able to get a free library card at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library since Berlin taxpayers voted to appropriate funds for this wonderful resource. Check out what Kellogg-Hubbard has to offer you by visiting them on-line at: http://www.kellogghubbard.org/ or on their blog http://www.kellogghubbard.blogspot.com/

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Saturday, April 9th - State Scholastic Chess Championships at BES for students grades K-12 details at http://vtchess.info

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It’s Finally Easy and Affordable to Go Solar, through Solar Berlin.
VPIRG launched our Solar Communities program last Fall, and our organizing efforts more than doubled the number of solar homes in Waterbury and Williston in just three months. Having proved the concept -- we’re now rolling it out to Montpelier, East Montpelier, Berlin and Middlesex with a new discounted solar hot water program.
The average Vermont home spends more than $600 every year on oil, propane or electricity to heat hot water. A solar system for your home can save you thousands of dollars over the expected life of the solar panels. But, not everyone has the time or the expertise that it takes to select the right installer, pick the right equipment, secure the permitting and arrange financing. So we decided to help.
We created VPIRG Energy to make it easy and affordable for Vermonters to go solar – by bundling steep discounts, government rebates and discounted financing all in one package. Using solar hot water panels can end up costing the same or less than you’re paying for electricity, oil or propane today to heat your water. It’s a good deal for the planet and it’s a good deal for your wallet.
Check it out at www.solarmontpelier.org, and if it makes sense to you, sign up for a free site visit to get all the details for going solar at your home.
Trying to do our bit,
James Moore & Duane Peterson, Co-Directors
VPIRG Energy
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Mrs. Stridsberg Returning to Berlin Elementary
Some of you have already found me back at school working some part time hours in the school office. Next week I will be full time in the office ... even though it's just to finish out this school year. The challenge is all the new student and parent names and faces, and even some that I used to know but are not right on the tip of my tongue.
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End of School Year
Please be sure to keep your eye on the calendars coming home in the school newsletters (these can also be seen on the school website http://www.berlinschool.org ) and look at the on-line school calendar.
Dates of note:
April 9th - State Scholastic Chess Championships at BES for students grades K-12 details at http://vtchess.info (BES closed to all other activities that day)
April 14th - PTNA Meeting 6:30pm at BES
April 18th - 22nd - Spring Vacation
May 5th - Spanish night at BES
May 19th - PTNA Meeting 6:30pm at BES
May 25th & 26th is when the 5th & 6th grade production will take place at BES, also the same night as the U-32 MS & HS concerts.
June 6th - BES Spring Concert
June 10th - U-32 Graduation
June 14th - Schoolwide Picnic at BES
June 17th at 6:30pm - BES 6th grade graduation - NOTE this is an evening event

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Tuesday, April 26th - Berlin Historical Society 7 PM
Tuesday, May 24th - Berlin Historical Society Potluck/Program Meeting Potluck 6 PM at the Congregational Church Parish Hall
7 PM Program: "Berlin Retreat, Kings Grant to State Forest" by Sylvia Parker and Jim Sumner
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Counterpoint
Have you attended a Counterpoint concert recently? Always a great time. They can now be found on facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Counterpoint/22185165744

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Unicycling Sundays in Montpelier
http://vtunicycle.com
Have you always thought it would be great to unicycle or perhaps already do and are looking for a spot to ride.
Final inside ride is this weekend 4:30-6pm on Sunday. $2 per person, $5 per family. They'll continue to meet but it will most likely be outside. "It is all about just dropping in. A bunch of fun people ages 7 to 60+ who enjoy trying to balance. Sometimes 5 people show up, sometimes 20. I learned to ride from these guys when I was 45 - I had been trying since I was 10. It took me about 3 Sundays.
They have loners. Bring a helmet and some elbow and knee pads - you might even consider a pillow in your pants.....Bill Merrylees will most likely have you riding in three sessions. Do it! Also much easier to learn in the gym where to floor is wood, the road is much harder..."

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fall calendar of events

2010-09-13T04:22:00.000-07:00

I continue my volunteer work on the Berlin Emergency Management Team and I am also now a member of the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department and of the American Red Cross. All three organizations could use more volunteers - please consider volunteering with me! ~ Corinne

Please check out the town website at http://www.berlinvt.org and the school websites http://www.berlinschool.org and http://www.u32.org for lots of information

TOP PICK - Please note out of all the following events - if I had to pick just one, it would be the potato picking down at Chappelle's in Williamstown on Sunday, Sept. 19th - see details below!!

It's that time of year, get out those calendars....

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Please note that all event dates are subject to change.
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Apple Orchard at Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center is open for Pick Your Own Apples Saturday & Sunday 10am - 5pm; Monday & Friday 3pm - 5pm 728-1276

Liberty Orchards in Brookfield http://libertyorchardvt.com is also fun to go to for apple picking as they have low trees making picking great for the kids. Opening September 18th and probably picked out by Columbus Day weekend. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10am - 5pm and Monday - Thursday 1pm-5pm 276-3161

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Dairy Creme lower State St http://www.dairycreme.com/ they were open 11am -9pm all summer long, however, fall hours Sept 13th - Oct 3rd 12pm-8pm 7 days a week;
Oct 4 - Oct 31st 12pm - 8pm ONLY Thurs - Sunday (closed Mon - Wed)
Did you know you can buy CASH CARDS and get FREE CREEMEES, what a great gift! WOODEN NICKELS are great gifts too. Check out the details on their website.
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Morse Farm http://www.morsefarm.com/ Always a good place to visit - open 7 days a week.
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Shelburne Museum is open 10am - 5pm until October 24th http://shelburnemuseum.org/
Thanks to a generous grant by Lois McClure, Vermont residents can get in for half price.
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Cold Hollow Cider in Waterbury http://www.coldhollow.com free samples of cider and other items to taste. If you're buyings - top picks would be their cider and cider donuts - yum! Always great to visit during pressing season to watch but off season they do have a video tape that shows the process (also available in other languages).
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Cabot Cheese Annex (on the way to Cold Hollow Cider) Another tasty stop - cheese and other products to sample http://www.cabotcheese.coop/pages/visit_us/cabot_annex.php OR drive to Cabot and not only sample but take the tour of the factory: http://www.cabotcheese.coop/
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Great Vermont Maze - Corn Maze in North Danville
http://www.vermontcornmaze.com
Adults $12 (ages 16-59); children (ages 5-15) $9; seniors (60+) $9; 4 and under free. All children 15 and under MUST be supoervised by an adult (radios and cell phones are not considered supervision). The actual corn maze covers 8/5 acres with about 2 miles of trails, situated on a hill. Most visitors spend 2 - 5 hours on the property enjoying the different attractions. Hours: maze opens 10am and last people enter at 3pm. Everyone is helped out of the maze by 4:30 closing time is 5pm. The corn maze will be open through October 24th.

Hathaway Farm Corn Maze in Rutland http://www.hathawayfarm.com /
http://www.hathawayfarm.com.php5-2.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/hours-and-rates/
Come find your way through 12 acres of corn and miles of paths & solve our "Food for Thought" maze. Most days it's open 10am-5pm (out of maze by 6pm). Closed Tuesdays.
Saturdays 10am - 9pm (out of the maze by 11pm) - moonlight madness!
Adults $10; children 4-11 $8
for the Saturday evening maze you also get a glow stick (bring a flashlight) and there is marshmallow roasting

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Central Vermont Swim Club will soon be starting for swimmers ages 6 - 18 years old. Swimmers meet multiple evenings per week (6pm-7:30pm) at either First in Fitness in Berlin or Norwich University. Season runs end of October to mid February. Contact Kathie at kpaterson@myfairpoint.net for more information.
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Local Sports Coverage brought to you by Berlin's Carl Parton http://www.cvtsport.net/home

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Central Vermont's Classic Rock band, Native Tongue, has released their debut CD "Frozen" - details at http://nativetonguerocks.com/ Look for them to play at Mulligan's soon and Oct 8th at Gusto's.
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Senior Portraits - the Wiggoddess right here on Route 2 in Berlin has portrait services http://www.wiggoddess.com (yes, they have wigs too!) Check out the photos they have on line along with their pricing. Other portrait options include - family, children, prom, portfolios, holidays, pets, etc. Give Clare a call at 229-1112

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Monday, September 13th is the start of the Autumn Book Sale at Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Thousands of books, divided by subject at low prices.
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Monday, September 13th 6:15pm Berlin Elementary School Board meeting
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Tuesday, September 14th at 1:30pm at the First Congregational Church, Berlin Corners, Vermont History Through Song. Singer and researcher Linda Radtke, joined by pianist Arthur Zorn, brings Vermont history to life with engaging commentary about the songs found in the Vermont Historical Society's collection of sheet music. Dressed in period costume, Ms. Radtke takes listeners through state history using the songs Vermonters published in their communities. This Vermont Humanities Council Speaker's Bureau program hosted by Kellogg-Hubbard Library http://www.kellogghubbard.org is suitable for all ages. FREE, open to the public and ADA accessible.
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Tuesday, September 14th - Berlin Elementary School Open House 6:30-7:30pm
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Saturday, September 18th Dodge Farm in Berlin, Barn Dance and Open Farm. 45 Scott Hill Road, 224-9039 "Save the Barn" is a fundraiser to match a state grant to restore the leaking barn roof. Find event info and bidding for silent auction items at http://www.laurieshelton.com This barn dance features "Cats Under the Stars" an awesome local Jerry Garcia tribute band. Open Farm 12 - 4 by donation; barn dance 7pm - 11pm $15 BYOB. Meet the animals, make paper, enjoy cider, donuts and other great snacks, bid in the silent auction and get your groove on! Ms. Kristen Gallagher and Mr. Loren Thompson, owners. (Dodge Farm also has a farm stand)
Silent Auction - you are invited to bring a bit of harvest or a craft for the Barn Dance Silent Auction - a jar of jam, an apple pie, a plate of cookies, a hand knit hat or a piece of pottery. These fun items will be put out for the evening's bidding. Final bids for the Silent Auction will take place, continuing on line and at the dance until 10pm. Some items to bid on will be exclusive to the evening's event.

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PTNA Fundraiser - Genevieve catalogue orders will go to support the Berlin PTNA. Orders can be placed on line http://www.genevieves.com using the number 5355 to credit Berlin ELementary PTNA

Campbell Soup labels and Box Tops for Education continue to be collected to support the Berlin PTNA and in turn the elementary school and students. Even if you don't have a student at the elementary school, please donate these items! Check out these links for detials on what is being collected: http://www.labelsforeducation.com/ http://www.boxtops4education.com/default.aspx

There are also programs through two grocery stores, again, you need not have students at Berlin Elementary for the school to benefit:

Price Chopper Tools for Schools
http://www2.pricechopper.com/toolsforschools/

Hannafords Helps Schools
http://www.hannaford.com/content.jsp?pageName=HHS&leftNavArea=AboutLeftNav

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September 16th - 19th - Tunbridge World's Fair, Tunbridge, VT http://www.tunbridgefair.com
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Thursday, September 16th - Financial Literacy Classes on eight Thursdays 6-8pm Community National Bank in Barre. See details at end of this email.
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Sunday, September 19th 9am-5pm Pick Your Own POTATOES! One day only at Chappelle's in Williamstown. Watch for the signs as you drive south out of Williamstown on Route 14. Bring 5 gallon buckets and grain or coffee bean bags to gather your potatoes behind the digger. Pick up whatever size potatoes you prefer. Only 25 cents per pound. 50 lb bags of potatoes can be purchased from the Chappelle warehouse seasonally at the following prices: No. 1's $14, Chef's $18, Bakers $20 and Unclassifieds $5. Barbara & Bob Chappelle 433-5930
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Thursday, September 23rd 6:30 - 8pm U-32 Open House

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Friday, September 24th Central Vermont's Classic Rock Band, Native Tongue, appearance on Frank-FM at 7am
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Saturday, September 25th 10am - 1pm Open House at Chandler Music Hall in Randolph - http://www.chandler-arts.org/ performances, refreshments, self-guided tours of the renovated spaces. More details regarding this open house can be found on their website
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Saturday, September 25th 10am - 2pm Safe disposal of unused or expired medication. Locations: Washington County Sheriff's Dept, 10 Elm St, Montpelier; Northfield Police Dept, 110 Wall St, Northfield; Barre City Police Dept, 15 Fourth St, Barre; or Vermont State Police, 1080 Route 2, Middlesex
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Saturday, September 25th 7pm COUNTERPOINT - FREE - "Sing for Peace" http://www.counterpointchorus.com - Come raise your voices for Peace in a Vermont Choral Festival featuring six Vermont choruses. At the First Unitarian Universalist Society Church, Pearl Street at the top of Church Street in Burlington.
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September 30th 1:30pm at Kellogg-Hubbard Library "The Commercial History along the Winooski River Valley in Montpelier". This slide presentation with Manuel Garcia shows many of the earlier business establishments, large and small, along the Memorial Drive, Berlin Street, River Street, and Barre Street area neighborhoods. View the Manufactured Gas and Electric Generating plants along with some pictures of the Railroad and Trolley systems that traversed this Valley, as well as the early single span bridges that crossed the Winooski River. Did you know that some of this area used to be part of the Town of Berlin? This program is an encore presentation-don't miss it!
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October 2nd - COMIC BOOK EVENTS! http://www.kellogghubbard.org/ec.html
CAN YOU CREATE A 24 PAGE COMIC BOOK IN 24 HOURS?
The Kellogg-Hubbard Library has teamed up with the Trees & Hills comic group to host a 24-Hour Comic challenge on October. 2. Participants will create a 24 page comic book – story, art and lettering – in a consecutive 24 hour period.
The event is free and open to cartoonists and artists who are at least 16 years old. Anyone interested in participating is asked to pre-register by emailing their name, address and telephone number to organize@treesandhills.org at Trees & Hills comics http://www.treesandhills.org/

For younger cartoonists, NH cartoonist Marek Bennett will lead a three-hour interactive teaching session on comics storytelling. Bennett, the creator of the popular newspaper comic strip “Mimi's Doughnuts,” will end the lesson with each participant creating his or her own mini-comic book. This workshop is from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, October 2. Please register in the children’s department or call 223-4665.
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Friday, October 8th Central Vermont's Classic Rock Band, Native Tongue, at Gusto's in Barre http://nativetonguerocks.com
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October 8 - 10 10am - 5pm Baked Beads Clearance Sale Route 100 at 46 Carroll Road, Waitsfield VT Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, toe rings, eyeglass chains, hair accessories, beads and much, much more! Prices are over 75% off retail. Bring your purchase receipt to Berlin Elementary School and the PTNA will receive 10% of the sales. Receipts should go to the school office in an envelope marked "PTNA Baked Beads"
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Saturday, October 9th - Crafty Second Saturdays at the Vermont Historical Society Museum in Montpelier (109 State St, Pavilion Building) http://www.vermonthistory.org 1-3pm try the craft of William B. Closson by creating your own engraving and print. Free with museum admission. ($5 adults, $3 seniors, students and children 6-17, free for children 5 and under) See the complete listing of Crafy Second Saturday on their website.
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October 14th - Berlin PTNA meeting at 6:30pm
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Shelburne Museum is open 10am - 5pm until October 24th http://shelburnemuseum.org/
Thanks to a generous grant by Lois McClure, Vermont residents can get in for half price.
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October 27th - U-32 Middle School Fall Concert 7pm
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October 28th - U-32 High School Fall Concert 7pm
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October 29th - Halloween Family Dance at Berlin Elementary School 6:30-8:30pm
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Saturday, October 30th, 11am Chandler Music Hall in Randolph, Marko the Magician Admission $10 adults, $5 kids http://www.markomarko.com/

Saturday, October 30th & Sunday, October 31st Both evenings there will be hundreds of Jack-O-Lanterns on display at Ellie's Farm Market on Route 12 in West Berlin. If you've never been, check out these photos from a previous year for an idea of what to expect http://jackchinook.smugmug.com/gallery/2077372_LfcVf#107057807_kRWun
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November 12th - Game Night 7-8:30pm
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November 18th - Berlin PTNA meeting at 6:30pm
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Saturday, November 20th 10am - 2pm Thanksgiving Farmers' Market at Montpelier High School
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November 20th - December 22nd at 11am only on Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturday Candy Cane Making Demonstrations at Laughing Moon Chocolates in Stowe http://www.laughingmoonchocolates.com/index.cfm?page=11
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Saturday, November 27th 11am Chandler Music Hall in Randolph, No Strings Marionettes presents "Handsome and Gretel" Admission only $5 each
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December 9th - Berlin PTNA meeting at 6:30pm
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December 16th & 17th - Berlin Elementary School Annual Holiday Bazaar for students to purchase gifts for their families. Donations of gifts appreciated - especially ones appropriate for teenage brothers and dads, and also wrapping paper!

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Outdoor Farmers' Market every Saturday May - Oct 9am - 1pm State St., Montpelier

Winter Farmers' Market 1st & 3rd Saturdays Dec - April 10am - 2pm Vermont College of Fine Arts Gym, Corner of East State Street & College Street
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Dog River Farm on Route 12, 2 miles south of Monptelier. http://dogriverfarm.com Contact: George Gross 223-1559 "Our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is called a farmstand CSA because our weekly shares are the things you would most likely buy at a roadside stand." Share distribution: We have 2 locations which are both Thursday pickup- 1. Waterbury, Green Mtn Coffee 2. Farm stand rt 12 Berlin. Products offered: vegetables, eggs, berries. Season availability: summer, fall. Special share offers: payment plans

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I am Anne Howland, a member of the Onion River Exchange Craft Circle. We meet on a regular basis to do & teach crafts to those who are interested. Most of us are knitters, but there is also a variety of other crafts represented in the group. Some of us might be interested in doing a group project, such as a patchwork baby blanket, where each person contributes a block and then we all put it together. We would then offer it to a family in the community in need with a new baby. There could be other group projects as well if we know what is needed and feel we have the skills among us to complete them. Please respond to me if this idea meets any needs in the community and specify what types of items would be most needed for us to make.
Thank you very much! Anne Howland aedhowland@gmail.com

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Knitters and Crocheters Wanted -
Are you interested in helping to make hats, shawls, scarves, leg and hand warmers for cancer patients? A group of ladies in the Barre-Montpelier area have been knitting and crocheting these items since 2003, and are looking for more crafters. Each year, these ladies donate approximately 3,000 items to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in West Lebanon, NH and St. Johnsbury, VT, Boston Children's Hospital, National Life Cancer Treatment Center at CVMC, Fletcher Allen Health Care and miscellaneous chemo sites.
The group will be having a yarn giveaway day on September 17th at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Pine Hill in Barre Town from 10am until noon. There will be lots of yarn and patterns available.
If you no longer knit or crochet and have yarn you would like to donate, you can bring it to the Knights of Columbus Hall at 9am so it can be put out for others. The only yarn that cannot be used is wool because it is too scratchy. Monetary donations also help the group to purchase yarn, and individuals willing to deliver completed items to the hospitals are greatly appreciated.
Many of the crafters share that it is wonderful to be part of such a group and to know they are helping cancer patients through a difficult time. It is also nice for the patients knowing there are caring people thinking of them.
If you have any questions, please call either Mary Anne Cerasoli at 223-6623 or Doris Perry at 454-8490
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LUNCH IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE at Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Want to brush up on your foreign language skills' Come to the Kellogg-Hubbard Library with a bag lunch and a dictionary. We'll open the Hayes Room to a different language group from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Tell your friends!
Tuesday: Italian, begins again on Sept 14
Wednesday: Spanish
Thursday: French
Friday: German
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The Times Argus had an excellent article regarding toll roads in Vermont - we hope to explore some this fall:

Vermonts Mountain Roads Are A Hidden Treasure - August 22, 2010
http://www.timesargus.com/article/RH/20100822/FEATURES02/708229929/0/RSS04

Vermont Mountain Roads Hours and Fees:
http://www.timesargus.com/article/20100822/FEATURES02/708229928/1002/NEWS01

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Free Computer Training

http://www.180techtips.com 180 easy to follow 5 minute lessons emailed to you one day at a time from September to June

Another good place to look for computer help is on YouTube.
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FREE FINANCIAL LITERACY CLASSES 2010 FALL SCHEDULE
TIME: 6:00-8:00 p.m.

PLACE: Community National Bank, 316 North Main St., Barre

DATES: Eight Thursday evenings as follows –

Sept. 16 – Overview, Obtaining Credit Report, Savings, Tracking Spending, Car Buying, Taxes & Tax Planning

Sept. 23 – Budgeting, Debt Reduction, Discerning Needs & Wants

Sept. 30 – Retirement Planning, Investing, Wills

Oct. 7 - Credit Building & Repair, Identity Theft

Oct. 14 – Bank Products, ATM, Online Banking, Fees

Oct. 21 – Credit & Debit Cards, Identity Theft, Loans & Borrowing, Mortgages & Refinancing

Oct. 28 – Insurance: The Basics, Life Insurance

Nov. 4 – Buying vs. Renting, Wrap-up, Celebration

Refreshments provided. We look forward to learning and sharing with each other in these informative and fun classes!

Tangible Assets: 476-8493 or 800-843-8397

Tangible Assets is a program of Central Vermont Community Action Council

This program is partially supported by United Way

Summer News - MORE!

2010-06-29T22:10:00.001-07:00

(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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Summer Fun!

2010-06-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

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

sharing news

2010-03-24T20:44:00.000-07:00

Friends and Community Members - Sometimes these notices are sent out in email land and they don't get posted here on the blog as timely. Remember, if you'd like to be added to my email list, just drop me a note at corinne.s@comcast.net ... also let me know if there is community news you'd like shared.

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Please note that Counterpoint will present a FREE performance at the State House tonight at 7:30pm as part of the Farmer's Night series http://www.leg.state.vt.us/schedule/Farmers%20Night%20Schedule%202010.pdf SEE BELOW for more info. Some of these folks joined us recently at school as the vocal quartet "Ah! Cappella" which students and staff thoroughly enjoyed! Don't miss it!

On Monday, March 29th the Hampstead Players http://www.hampsteadstage.org/ will be at Berlin Elementary School at 1:15pm. Please join us. We've had them at our school before and very much enjoyed them... this time it's to help prepare our students for the Shakespeare production our 5th & 6th graders will be putting on June 2nd and 3rd.

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Homework Club will be cancelled on Monday, March 22, to allow staff members to participate in and provide input into the principal search process. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. We will resume Homework Club on Tuesday, 3/23.
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NEW PRINCIPAL SEARCH FOR BERLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL -
Monday, March 22nd 6pm-7pm - Brian O'Regan will meet with interested Berlin community members and parents interested in learning about the process and will folks will be given an opportunity to provide input on the qualities, skills, and attributes desired in the new principal. This same evening at 7:30pm Brian will meet with the board to review the process and solidify the charge of the Adisory Search Committee.

If you're interested in volunteering to participate on the Advisory Committee that will interview candidates for the job of Principal, please immediately contact Amy Brewer, Chair of the School Board at 223-3259 (amybrewer@onionriver.com) This process will begin on 3/22/10, involve multiple meetings, and 1-2 full days of interviews in early April.

The Special School Board Meeting Agenda can be found on the school website, for your convenience I linked to the front announcement page although all school board info is on a link on the side bar of the school website http://www.berlinschool.org
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Berlin Elementary School Board Vacancy - The Berlin Elementary School Board seeks a Board member to fill a vacancy until Town Meeting Day in March 2011. Board meetings are held the second Monday of the month at 6:15pm in the Berlin Elementary Learning Center. The criteria for a Board member are as follows:

* Must be a registered voter
* Willingness to attend training
* Ability to meet actual time requirements of Board membership
* Willingness to serve on committees
* Energy / Stamina
* Sense of humor
* Open-minded, objective, able to suspend judgment
* Ability to maintain confidentiality
* Willingness to speak one's mind - professionalism
* Financial understanding - bringing balance to Board's collective skills and knowledge
* Ability to come prepared to meetings
* Familiarity with Robert's Rules of Order

For more information or to express your interest, please contact Amy Brewer - Chair, Berlin School Board, 372 Paine Turnpike North, Berlin, VT 05602. The deadline to apply is March 19th, 2010.
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Berlin Elementary School would like to welcome and register Kindergarten students for the 2010-2011 school year. Children must be 5 years of age on or before September 1st, 2010 to be eligible for Kindergarten. Registration packets are available at the Main Office of Berlin Elem. School during the week of March 22nd from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and must be returned completed by March 26th. A copy of your child's birth certificate and immunization records are mandatory at the time of registration. Please contact Diane Noyes, Registrar at 223-2796 x121 if you have any questions. IMPORTANT DATES: Registration: March 22nd - 26th; Parent Visitation Night: April 7th - 6pm-7pm.
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Did you know there are adult pick-up volleyball games at Berlin Elementary School on Tuesday nights starting at 7:30pm. Check the school event calendar for any conflicts to that schedule and to find out about other events

BERLIN SCHOOL CALENDAR OF EVENTS: link on front page of school website or direct link is http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=costridsberg%40u32.org&ctz=America/New_York

*******SAVE THE DATES********

State Scholastic Chess Tournament Saturday, April 10th, at Berlin Elementary School for kindergarten - 12th gr full details at http://vtchess.info/

FUN FAMILY MATH NIGHT Wednesday, April 14th at Berlin Elementary School - lots of fun games to play for the entire family, more details to come, I hear gift cards will be raffled off to parents attending!

Berlin Elementary School Concert April 29th, afternoon and evening performances

5th & 6th grade production at Berlin Elem. Wednesday, June 2nd (1pm & 7pm) and Thursday, June 3rd at 7pm.
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upcoming - don't miss out!

2010-03-08T08:12:00.000-08:00

RESULTS FROM VOTING IN BERLIN ... elementary school budget passed (247-176) ...and the two school bonds... as did just about everything else including funds for GMTA and Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Details on the results can be found on the school and town websites: http://www.berlinschool.org and http://www.berlinvt.org . The U-32 budget also passed. Only 433 folks voted, that's out of 1,875 registered voters. Additional information regarding our schools can be found at http://www.wcsuonline.org/

Please note there is lots of great information (and photos) updated on a regular basis on the Town website http://www.berlinvt.org . If you're wondering how to get hold of somebody at the Town Office or when meetings take place and what is on the agenda, please take time to visit the website!

Both Berlin Elementary School (http://www.berlinschool.org) and U-32 High School (http://www.u32.org) have great on-line calendars. On the U-32 one you're even able to have it send you updates about events to your email or phone!

Berlin Dogs need to be registered, currently the cost is $8 if spayed or neutered and $12 if not; on April 1st the cost goes up to $10 for spayed/neutered and $16 if not. Bring proof of rabies vaccination and of spay/neuter with you when you head to the Town Clerk's office.

Central Vermont Humane Society http://www.cvhumane.com/ has moved and is now located on Route 14 in East Montpelier (1589 VT Route 14S) 476-3811 info@cvhumane.com Directions: Take Exit 7 and follow the signs to Barre, going straight through several lights and down a large hill. From the intersection of Route 14 and Main Street in Barre City, go straight on Route 14 and travel 4.2 miles. The Shelter will be on your Left just as you go around a corner.
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TIME TO GET OUT THOSE CALENDARS!
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Monday, March 8th 6:15pm - Berlin School Board meets. All are welcome. The agenda can be found on the school website http://www.berlinschool.org , look for "School Board" on the sidebar and then "Agenda". At town meeting Jonathan Boyd who was on the ballot was elected along with by write-in vote, Mike Stridsberg. There is still one position that needs to be filled.
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Monday, March 8th - Berlin Sewer Commission meets 7pm at Town Office
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Tuesday, March 9th - Volunteer Orientation at Central Vermont Adult Basic Education 5pm-6pm 476-4588
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Wednesday, March 10th 7pm "Life in Washington County" with Bill Doyle, documentary which blends interviews and images of local people in the first half of the 20th century. More than 200 historical photographs provide a visual record of life in the region. At Kellogg-Hubbard Library http://www.kellogghubbard.org/
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Wednesday, March 10th public meeting on s286 an act relating to creating regional school districts and no more than 16 supervisory unions is scheduled for 5 pm at the Statehouse in Montpelier.
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Wednesday, March 10th 5pm-6pm Berlin Economic Development Advisory Council (regular montly meetings 2nd and 4th Wednesday) On the agenda this week is to prepare a DRAFT TAX STABILIZATION POLICY
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Thursday, March 11th - MEETING POSTPONED next meeting regarding the possible collaboration of Montpelier and WCSU to hear the financial report has been postponed until further notice. More information regarding this Merger/Consolidation Study can be found at :http://mergerstudy.pbworks.com/, information includes previous study documents, committee member contact info, minutes from current committees, etc.
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Thursday, March 11th - Parent/Child Book Group at Berlin Elementary School 6:30pm
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Thursday, March 11th - 6th grade parent night at U-32 6:30pm
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Thursday, March 11th - Middle School Parent Teacher Council Meeting 6:30pm-7:30pm in the conference room at the back of the library
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Thursday, March 11th 6:30pm -8:30pm Documentary: Must Party = Drinking? How did our Kids Become Drinkers? What's the Solution? Sponsored by the Montpelier Community Justice Center and Kellogg-Hubbard Library (held at the library). The evening will include the film Spin the Bottle and a panel of those working in prevention, treatment, and educational settings who will lead the audience in dialogue and problem-solving.
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Friday, March 12th - 3pm-5pm Ukrainian Egg Decorating with Sofia Shatkivska at the Aldrich Public LIbrary 476-7550
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Friday & Saturday, March 12th & 13th U-32 Variety Show 7pm
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Saturday, March 13th - Barre Irish Heritage Celebration 10am Green Eggs & Ham breakfast at Mulligan's Irish Pub, 12:30 Irish Heritage Parade, 1:30 Aldrich Library Children's Program "Potato Prints Project", 2pm Traditional Irish music by Trinity and Corned Beef & Cabbage $10 per person at the Barre Auditorium; 6pm, Mulligan's Irish Pub Celebration at the Barre Auditorium - cover charge for live music & dancing - classic rock with Bob Nelson & the Natives (Native Tongue with some different folks because of a scheduling conflict), then 80's band - Cocktail.
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Saturday, March 13th 10am-2pm- Education Fair for Central Vermont. Visit more than 20 local children's organizations under one roof including schools, camps and more. Unitarian Church, Montpelier FREE 456-7400
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Monday, March 15th - Methadone Advisory Council meets 5pm at the Methadone Clinic on Granger Road
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Monday, March 15th - Berlin Selectboard meets (1st and 3rd Monday of month)
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Tuesday, March 16th - Michael Nerney will be presenting at Montpelier High School Auditorium from 6:30-8:30pm. Last year he did a wonderful presentation at U-32 on the adolescent brain. His discussion will cover: How the teen brain works, Why teens do what they do, Better ways to talk to and listen to teens, How you can help protect teens from drugs and alcohol. This is a great opportunity to get a refresher from a renowned speaker for FREE.
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Tuesday, March 16th - Berlin Development Review Board meets at town office (meetings 1st & 3rd Tuesday)
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Wednesday, March 17th - U-32 Board Meeting 6pm (meetings 1st & 3rd Wednesdays)
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Thursday, March 18th - Berlin PTNA 6:30pm - your help is needed, please attend!
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Tuesday, March 23 Berlin Historical Society - Paul Gillies will present his research on "Berlin's Ancient Roads" http://www.berlinvt.org/Berlin%20Historical%20Society.htm
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Wednesday, March 24th 5:30pm WCSU New Board Training, Executive Committee, Full Board at U-32
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Friday, March 26th - Annual Community Spaghetti Dinner at U-32 High School, raffle, silent auction and entertainment to benefit the 8th grade class trip to Washington, DC Seatings at 5:30pm and 7pm Tickets $10 adults, $5 seniors/students, $30 for family. See an 8th grader for tickets! (Our Minda is an 8th grader if you don't have a connection with another 8th gr student.). Take out orders $10

NOTE: We've been attending this dinner for years and always enjoy the chance to see friends, enjoy some good food & entertainment, have those 8th graders working (cooking, serving, and cleaning) toward this trip, and there's always a few things you want to bid on at the silent auction - items from local businesses, items students have made and also some "new to you" items, etc. Buying local and supporting businesses who support our schools is so important! If you're a local business it's not too late to sponsor a table at the dinner, donate an item for the raffle, or donate an item to a student for the silent auction.
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Monday, April 5th - Berlin Selectboard meeting (1st and 3rd Monday)

Wednesday, April 7th U-32 Board Meeting 6pm (meetings 1st & 3rd Wednesdays)
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Friday, April 9th - NO SCHOOL
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Friday & Saturday, April 9th & 10th 7:30pm U-32 musical - Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
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Saturday, April 10th - Vermont State Scholastic Chess Tournament at Berlin Elementary School http://vtchess.info
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Sunday, April 11th 1pm U-32 musical - Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - final performance
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Monday, April 12th - Berlin School Board Meeting 6:15pm
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Thursday, April 15th - Berlin PTNA meeting
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Monday, April 19th - Berlin Selectobard meeting (meetings 1st and 3rd Mondays) not sure if this will be rescheduled because of vacation
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April 19-23 - SCHOOL VACATION
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Saturday & Sunday, April 24 & 25 Central Vermont Garden Show at the Old Labor Hall on Granite St, Barre
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Tuesday, April 27th - Berlin Historical Society, Bill Doyle will present the video on Washington County that his students at Johnson State produced. http://www.berlinvt.org/Berlin%20Historical%20Society.htm
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Thursday, April 29th - Berlin Concert 1pm and 7pm
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Saturday, May 1st - Green Up Day - Please help clean up Berlin!
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Wednesday, May 5th - Berlin Conservation/Recreation Commission meets the first Wednesday of every other month September through May (Sept, Nov, Jan, March, May)
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Tuesday, May 25 - Berlin Historical Society - Richard Turner will present "Barre-Montpelier / E.F. Knapp Airport History" at the BHS annual meeting which will be held at the Parish Hall of the Berlin Corner Congregational Church http://www.berlinvt.org/Berlin%20Historical%20Society.htm
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Saturday & Sunday, June 19 & 20, 2010 History Expo in Tunbridge - Berlin Historical Society will present an exhibit "Berlin Lands in 1860"
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Mondays 7pm-9pm Capital Orchestra New players welcome, especially strings. At U-32 rehearsals most MOndays Info 223-8610 joanske@sover.net
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Tuesdays 3/9 - 4/13 at 6pm-8pm Parenting workshops - "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk" - Family Center of Washington County, Preregister 262-3292 x115 childcare available
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Kellogg-Hubbard Library http://www.kellogghubbard.org/ Remember, since Berlin voted for continuing funding of this community gem, ALL Berlin residents are able to get a library card at no additional cost so you can take out materials and download audio books from "Listen Up! Vermont" Check out their website, here are just a few on-going activities:
Tuesdays 3:30pm-5 Comics Club with Pete Talbot and Aubry Norman at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier
Wednesdays 5:30pm-7pm Youth Chess Club at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier
Fridays 3pm-5pm Games at the Library - Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier
Fridays 4pm-5:30pm Dungeons and Dragons - Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier
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Fridays/Saturday/Sundays - Sugar on Snow at Morse Farm at least until the middle of April. Noon - 4pm. County Road just 2.7 miles up Main Street from Downtown Montpelier 223-2740 http://www.morsefarm.com
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BERLIN AMBULANCE PROPOSAL

2010-01-03T19:58:00.001-08:00

Berlin Residents -

A very informative presentation was made on Saturday regarding the Berlin Fire Department's proposal for having our own local ambulance service here in Berlin.

The presentation on this proposal was about 30 minutes long and then there was about 25 minutes of questions and answers. The link to watch this presentation and the Q&A will be posted on the town and fire department websites on Monday, January 4th ... keep checking back, it will appear!! http://www.berlinvt.org or http://www.berlinfiredepartment.org

I encourage you to watch the presentation of this proposal, I attended on Saturday and my own interpretation is:

Instead of Barre Town operating one ambulance out of the Berlin Fire Dept., Berlin would have trained staff operating two ambulances out of the Berlin fire station; in addition to the volunteers, there would be paid staff ensuring 24x7 coverage; and response time throughout our town for fire emergencies would improve by having staffing at the department (so instead of having to get people to the station to get a truck, there would be somebody at the station ready to roll). All this at no additional cost to the Berlin taxpayers. If the Berlin select board approves the Berlin ambulance proposal, coverage I believe could start on July 1st, 2010.

The select board will be discussing the Berlin ambulance service proposal, along with any other proposals they have received, at their select board meeting Monday, January 4th. Budget discussion starts at 5:30pm, regular meeting with the emergency services discussion starts at 7pm. Not sure if any decision will be made at this meeting on Monday, however, it will indeed be the select board that makes this decision on who provides ambulance service for the town of Berlin.

If you have questions regarding the Berlin proposal you are encouraged to contact Scott Bagg or Nick Garbacik (contact info: http://www.berlinvt.org/Fire.htm). If you would like to voice your support (or any concerns) regarding the proposal - please be in touch with select board members or attend the select board meeting. Contact info for the select board members can be found at: http://www.berlinvt.org/selectboard.htm

Hope to see some of you at the select board meeting.

Corinne Stridsberg

additional info - Oct. News You Can Use

2009-10-06T22:00:00.001-07:00

BALLROOM DANCING - Any adults interested in taking some ballroom dance lessons? Teenagers would be welcome also. I'm trying to arrange 6 - 8 weeks of lessons with an instructor who is simply wonderful. It will take place here in Berlin. Not sure how soon it will start, depends on instructors availability and your feedback. Ideal would be to sign up as a couple but could try to connect up singles who are interested. There will be a fee involved. I'm sure it will be impossible to pick a day of the week and time of day that will work for all but go ahead and let me know your preferences. When you get back to me, I'll provide more details.
~~~
BES PARENTS - who's available to help with the Family Halloween Dancy Party?? - Please let me know so details can start being coordinated.
~~~
Tuesday, Oct 6th 5:30-7:30 registration for Central Vermont Swim Club, Both competitive and non-competitive swim programs for youth ages 6-18 in the Central VT area. All participants must be able to swim at least one pool length (25 yards) without stopping or touching. Registration will be at First in Fitness in Berlin in the multi-purpose room off the main lobby. Email khealy@norwich.edu or call 793-7532 and leave a number you can be reached in the evening for more information.
SWIM NON-COMPETITIVE PROGRAM:

This program stresses the fundamentals of swimming and stroke development through the use of individual and group instruction, drills, laps and games. Swimmers have the option of participating in two fun swim meets held by the club. Individual swimmers may join the competitive program at any point during the season for an additional fee.

WHO: Swimmers who are not currently interested in competing.

WHEN: Monday & Wednesday TIME: 6-7:15 p.m.

DATES: October 26, 2009 – February 18, 2010

WHERE: First in Fitness, Berlin

FEE: $200.00

SWIM COMPETITIVE & NON-COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS:

Led by certified swim coaches, these programs stress proper stroke mechanics, competitive swimming skills development, and endurance training for all participants through the use of individual and group instruction, timed drills and distance swimming. All swimmers can participate in two fun swim meets held by the club. Competitive swimmers have the option of participating in approximately six New England Swimming sanctioned meets during the season. These one or two day meets are held on the weekends and are generally located at facilities within one hour from Montpelier. All competitive swimmers have the opportunity to qualify for competition in the regional and championship meets held in February.

WHO: Swimmers interested in competing in meets & non-competitive swimmers

WHEN: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday TIME: times to be determined.

DATES: October 26, 2009 – February 19, 2009

WHERE: Norwich University, Northfield

FEE: Competitive - $435 (additional insurance & meet fees apply) Non-Competitive - $300

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Saturday, October 10 - Step Up for Kids Day at the Montpelier State House 1-2:30. Open House and live music with Jon Gailmor, Rik Palieri and Rebecca Padula. SPonsored by Kids Are Priority One Colaition and Every Child Matters 272-0795

Saturday, October 10 - Sugarbush annual Community Day Celebration 9am - 5pm Lincoln Peak http://www.sugarbush.com:80/funandevents/event.asp?id=713&utm_source=ecard&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Oct2009&utm_content=community-day&utm_campaign=it-begins
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Sunday, October 18 - Family Climbing Day at Petra Cliffs 10am-6pm FREE day of climbing for all ages and abilities, families and individuals. Donation, silent auction and raffle benefits Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Ages 3 and up. http://www.petracliffs.com 657-3872 105 Briggs St., Burlington

Also at Petra Cliff - Friday Night Kid's Club 6–9pm Parents, enjoy an evening out while your children burn energy, develop coordination, build self-confidence, and practice group problem solving under the supervision of the Petra Cliffs staff. Ongoing, every Friday night. Pre-registration required Cost: $25 per child (includes equipment)

~~~

Is your child interested in playing violin or cello? Lessons take place once a week at Berlin Elementary School. Contact Jill Pruitt at the Vermont String School info@vtstringschool.org

Is your child interested in piano lessons? Please contact Marcia Bowles 223-2796 x107
~~~

update: VOLUNTEER DRIVERS STILL NEEDED TO DELIVER MEALS ON WHEELS TO BERLIN SENIORS We're looking for Berlin to form a volunteer group of about 8 - 10 drivers for serving Meals on Wheels to Berlin seniors. These volunteers would be ask to deliver following a designated route from 10 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. each day. In most cases, the meals need to be delivered 7 days a week, but the number of days per volunteers would depend on the number of volunteers. If you are interested in participating as a volunteer driver, please contact Pat McDonald at 476-8411 or by email at patmcdonald8411@charter.net. MHDP has advised that each volunteer will be subject to a background check and must have a vehicle, insurance and a valid drivers license. Volunteers do not receive mileage reimbursement. Once Berlin is able to get a group together, we will have a meeting with MHDP's Kimberley Lashua to discuss the program in more detail, answer all your questions, and finalize details.

October News You Can Use

2009-10-02T02:18:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 2nd - Native Tongue classic rock band at Gusto's in Barre http://nativetonguerocks.com
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Potatoes - did you miss the one and only pick your own potatoes day at Chappelle's? You still have a couple of options to purchase their fresh local potatoes. You can still drive to Williamstown and buy bags of potatoes from their warehouse in Williamstown (433-5930) over the next 6 months (prices vary according to the type of potatoes), or for a limited time you can buy some of their potatoes from our daughter, Minda, who picked extra and is selling them as a fundraiser for her trip to DC. at a cost of $5 for 10lbs.
~~~
Is your child interested in playing violin or cello? Lessons take place once a week at Berlin Elementary School. Contact Jill Pruitt at the Vermont String School info@vtstringschool.org

Is your child interested in piano lessons? Please contact Marcia Bowles 223-2796 x107

Young Singers Chorus of Vermont is accepting new singers in grades 1-12. Visit http://www.madrivherchorale.org for more information.

U-32 Fall Concerts - High School October 14th at 7pm, Middle School October 15th at 7pm - both are free and open to the public. Prior to the Middle School concert will be the DC parent information night from 6pm - 6:45pm.
For planning purposes please note U-32 Concerts in December will be - MS on Dec 16 and HS on Dec 17th.

~~~
Parenting workshops
MAKE IT ROUTINE! - A 3-part workshop on how to set up family routines to help with the more challenging moments of the day. Help in setting up schedules to assist in organizing your day-to-day activities. Tuesday evenings from 5-6:30pm at Children, Youth & Family Services / WCMHS Beckley Hill Road October 6th, 13th, and 20th. Childcare and snacks provided. If interested or you have any questions please contact: Gary Frankel 802-479-0169 x324 or Tammy Starr at 802-479-0169 x 302 cell 802-793-1409

Dads and Kids Playgroup - for children birth to five and their male grown-ups. A relaxed place where you can eat free dinner and play with friends. Come every week or just drop by when you can. Thursdays 6-7:30pm at the Family Center of Washington County's new location 383 Sherwood Drive, Montpelier, VT. Note this playgroup is not held on days when Montpelier Schools are closed or delayed (No Dads Playgroups on Oct 22, Nov 26, Dec 24, Dec 31, Feb 25, Mar 18, April 20 and May 21. For further information contact CHristopher Robertson 262-3292 x115 To be added to the Dads Playgroup list, email fcwcdads@yahoo.com

Active Parenting Six week course for parents of 5-12 year olds will focus on: the purpose of parenting; instilling courage and self-esteem; understanding your child; developing responsibility; winning cooperation; family meetings and more! Fee $35 for one or $50 for a parenting couple. Class size limited, advance registration is required. On-site child care is available. Six Wedneesday evenings 6-8pm October 7, 14, 21, 28 and November 4 and 11. Family Center of Washington County now located at 383 Sherwood Drive, Montpelier. 262-3292 x115

Healthy Babies, Kids and Families Program - Family Support Home Visiting. Through Family Center of Washington County. Services offered include: Supporting children's healthy growth & development, advocacy for families, help with housing, assistance finding suitable child care, guidance around nutrition, support during times of crisis, help finding and utilizing health care, parenting support and education, assistance with education goals, help accessing vocational training and employment and more. If you are interested in these services please contact: Dawn Donahue 262-3292 x 106 dawnd@fcwcvt.org

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Wednesday, October 7th - "Know what to do about the flu" forum will be held at the Barre Opera House 7-9pm. This is to brief local leaders and residents about preparations underway for the new flu - 2009 H1N1 influenza - along with the regular seasonal flu. State officials and public health experts will be on hand to discuss preparations the state is making - including plans for offering H1N1 vaccine to those groups most at risk for serious illness - as well as the actions communities and individuals can take to cope with the flu. More information can be found at http://healthvermont.gov/prevent/flu/index.aspx or by dialing 211.
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"Why Don't We Do It In Our Sleeves" a humorous video showing people the best way to cough and sneeze to lessen the spread germs (cough etiquette) http://www.coughsafe.com/media.html

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BAKED BEADS JEWELRY CLEARANCE October 9-11, 2009. Friday-Sunday from 10am-5pm. Route 100 at 46 Carroll Rd (next to the Big Picture Theater) Waitsfield. Fashion accessory clearances with prices at over 75% off retail. Merchandise includes: scarves and pashminas; PJ pants; tights and leggings; gloves; socks; pouches; reading glasses; ribbon belts; Michael Stars long sleeve t's; previous season's earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, toe rings, and eyeglass chains; hair accessories; beads; and much more! Berlin PTNA will receive 10% from any receipts turned in from this event. Receipts should be placed in an envelope and sent to the school office labeled "PTNA Baked Beads".

Whether or not you have a child at Berlin Elementary School, please remember the PTNA is still collecting Campbell Soup labels and Box Tops for Education. We'd love to have you send them in with your student or if you don't have a student drop them off anyway (collection bin is in the lobby) or give them to a neighbor who has a child at the elementary school. Thanks so much!

Don't forget the next Berlin PTNA meeting is on Thursday, October 15th at 6:30pm. Hope to see you there!

Genevieve - orders that were received by September 18th are expected mid October. You can still order on line http://www.genevieves.com using account number 5355 to credit Berlin Elementary PTNA.

The PTNA will be hosting the Halloween Family Dance on October 30th from 7-9pm and volunteers are needed.

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IN NEED OF COSTUMES?

October 10 & 11 Chandler Costume sale in Randolph - Over the years the Chandler Center for the Arts collection of costumes has outgrown not only its space, but also its needs. Volunteers have been working this fall to cull out pieces that are no longer needed for stage productions. As a result, with Halloween right around the corner, Chandler is holding a gigantic public two-day sale in the Chandler upper gallery Saturday, OCtober 10 from 9am-3pm and Sunday, October from 11:30 - 3:30pm. Just the right trick-or-treating costume can be put together in minutes, from piles and piles of trousers, dresses, tops, gloves, belts, shoes, purses, hats - you name it. And of course, for the play-dress-up crowd there is much potential. Volunteer and sale organizer Pauline Garner promises there will be tones of bargains for all. One can walk in with a few dollars in hand and go home as a king, a queen, a ballerina, a pirate, or whatever one's imagination conjures up. The proceeds of the sale will benefit Chandler's general operations. http://www.chandler-arts.org/

Also in Randolph is the Gifford Auxillary Thrift shop which is open during the week until 4pm and on Saturdays until 1pm. I think it opens at 10am. Located just past the hospital on upper Main Street, the thrift shop is known for having some fun items for Halloween.

If you travel further south, you'll find the "Listen" thrift stores. In October these two stores have an incredible amount of costumes and accessories for Halloween. Directions: White River Junction - Listen at River Point, located on Route 4 in WRJ next to the NH-VT bridge. Lebanon, NH - Interstate 89, to exit 18 east toward Lebanon. Turn left at stop sign onto Hanover Street. Store is located at 60 Hanover Street, on corner of Hough Street, across from Sacred Heart Church.

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Please note in October the Berlin School Board will meet Wednesday, October 21st at U-32 High School for a "carousel" meeting. Individual boards will meet from 5:30-6:30pm and 7:30-9pm while the full board will meet from 6:30-7:30pm.
Usually the Berlin School Board meets on the 2nd Monday of the month in the Berlin Elementary School Learning Center. Agendas and minutes can be found on the school website - see the link on the side bar on the main page. The public is welcome to attend board meetings and encouraged to find out more about the school budget while it's in it's planning stage.
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NO SCHOOL THURSDAY AND FRIDAY OCTOBER 22ND AND 23RD - VT NEA DAYS, also No School on Wednesday, Nov. 11th as it's a parent teacher conference day - although many parents will be scheduling conferences on other days as they can't all fit on one day and to accomodate work schedules to some degree.

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Nine Mistakes Parents Make when their daughter is suffering from hurtful friendships. This is a 30 minute audio clip that our guidance counselor recommends. http://www.awaythrough.com/9maudio.htm

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FREE COMPUTER TRAINING http://www.180techtips.com/ offers 15 hours of free computer training in 180 easy to follow 5 minute lessons. This isn't a boring 15 hour lecture. This is the kind of relevant and uncomplicated computer training everyone needs. 180 free and simple 5 minute computer lessons that are emailed to you one day at a time from September to June.
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WEATHERIZATION AND ENERGY RESOURCE INFORMATION

Did you miss the Button-Up workshop this week in Berlin? Find out where other free weatherization workshops are taking place:
http://efficiencyvermont.com/stella/filelib/For%20Publication%20Sept%20%2023%20Workshop%20List.pdf

A 30 minute DVD demonstrating simple weatherization measures to Button-Up you home is available for you to borrow either at Berlin Elementary School (on the table just outside the main office) or at the Berlin Town Office on Shed Road. (turn to the right after you enter the main door, DVDs are on the shelf of the hutch on the left). There are 5 copies at each location, just return the DVD after you have viewed it.
All local libraries also have a copy and may be viewed on their computers.You can still borrow a half hour long DVD on basic ways you can improve the weatherization of your home.

Local Energy Resource Page on our town website: http://www.berlinvt.org/Energy%20Resource.htm

http://www.energysmartvt.com/ - Lots of great information and links to other sites.

http://www.energysmartvt.com/cvcac/weatherization/qualification/
Check this page to see if you qualify for Central VT Community Action Council weatherization services which are offered free of charge for those meeting income and other qualifications.

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RETN (Regional Education Tech Network) http://www.retn.org Video on Demand ... I haven't had time to check this but I hear although you do have to register to make use of the site it's worth it to access the the videos. There is good local information and education information.

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CVT Sportsnet - your hometown sports specialists http://www.cvtsports.net/ Vermont High School and College Sports Coverage! Videos, photos, news coverage.
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SENIOR POTRAITS - don't forget that The Wiggoddess right here on Route 2 in Berlin has portrait services http://www.wiggoddess.com/ (yes, they have wigs too!) Check out the photos they have on line along with their pricing. Give them a call at 229-1112

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NEW Dollhouse Factory Outlet in BARRE!! Folks can SAVE 20-50% on factory seconds, overruns and MORE! Our business, REAL GOOD TOYS, has been making heirloom quality wooden dollhouses more than 30 years. Without any retail dollhouse shops in Vermont, we are now offering terrific discounts on handcrafted dollhouse kits, assembled & finished models, discontinued products, components, parts, panels and accessories – right from the source! Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-4pm through the holiday season. Location: REAL GOOD TOYS, 10 Quarry St, Barre, VT 05641 Directions: Take Exit 6 off I89. Follow Route 63 East about 4 miles to the stoplight at Rte 14. Turn LEFT, go approx. 1 mile to Quarry St and turn RIGHT. The showroom can be seen immediately on your LEFT. 802-479-2217 http://www.realgoodtoys.com

POTATOES!

2009-09-17T23:20:00.000-07:00

Sunday, Sept 20th 9am-5pm the annual Pick-Your-Own Potatoes at the Chappelle Farm in Williamstown, VT. No digging involved! The potato digger goes along and digs them up and you pick the size potatoes you want and the quantity you want. Only 25 cents per pound. Bring your buckets or sacks and wear your boots and old clothes.
Take Exit 5 and go down into Williamstown, go south on Rte 14 and look for the Potato signs. Barbara & Bob can be reached at 433-5930.
You can also buy 50 lb sacks of various grades of potatoes from the Chappelle warehouse throughout most of the year.
(If you can't get to the pick-your-own day - you can purchase 10lb bags of potatoes for $5 from our daughter Minda who is raising money for her DC trip.)

September News

2009-09-17T23:16:00.000-07:00

(whoops, I forgot to post this after emailing it out to folks at the beginning of the month...)

FAIRS & FESTIVALS - there are still a few more happening in Vermont this fall - closer ones include the Champlain Valley Expo goes until Sept. 7th and the Tunbridge World's Fair is Sept 17-20. Check out the complete list and details at:
http://www.vermontagriculture.com/buylocal/visit/fairs.html
~~~
PICK YOUR OWN - http://www.pickyourown.org/VT.htm

APPLES

Liberty Orchard - 2408 West St, Brookfield 276-3161 Between exits 4 and 5 I-89 either Stone Road from north or Ridge Road from south to Crossover Rd to West Street Look for signs. Open late Sept through mid-October. Trees are low making it great picking for kids! Hours: Friday - Sun 10-5 and Monday - Thursday 1-5.
Vermont Technical College in Randolph - featuring McIntosh, Cortland and Liberty. Hours: Monday-Friday 3pm-5pm and Sat & Sun 10am-5pm. Exit 4 off I-89, follow Route 66 up the hill to VTC, look for signs. 728-1207

POTATOES! - on a Sunday in September which has not yet been announced, will be the long standing tradition of potato picking at the Chappelle Potato Farm in Williamstown, Vermont. The Stridsberg family has been going behind the digger for probably 20 years picking hundreds of pounds of potatoes every year, mostly for their own use! The cost is well below what you pay in the grocery store. Bring your buckets or sacks and wear your boots and old clothes. We have one more child fundraising for their 8th grade trip to DC so if you don't want to pick the potatoes yourself or just can't make it there - you'll still able to buy potatoes at below store cost through us and help a good cause! Fresh & local - You can also buy 50 lb sacks of various grades of potatoes from the Chappelle warehouse throughout most of the year. More information to come when the picking date is announced. 3242 South Hill Road Williamstown 433-5930

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CORN MAZES - trying to find your way out does work up an appetite so bring a snack or plan on buying one there! If you've never been, check out the websites as there is lots of information.

The Great Vermont Corn Maze in Danville http://www.vermontcornmaze.com

Opens at 10am, last people to enter at 3pm, closes at 5pm. 1404 Wheelock Road 748-1399 Adults 16-59 $12, child 5-15 $9, seniors 60+ $9, 4 and under Free.

Hathaway Farm & Corn Maze in Rutland http://www.hathawayfarm.com/

Sunday through Friday CLOSED TUESDAYS 10am - 5pm out of maze by 6pm, Saturday 10am to 9pm - closing down at 11pm. Bring your flashlights if you go on Saturday night! Children ages 4-11 $7, adults 12 and over $9, seniors over 65 $7, youngsters 3 and under Free.

Sam Mazza's Corn Maze in Colchester http://www.sammazzafarms.com/corn_maze.shtml

277 Lavigne Road 655-3440 Open 7 days a week through October. Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm and Sunday 10-5. No maze tickets are sold within an hour of closing.

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September 3rd!! Any young singers looking to join an ensemble? This came to me from Stefanie who is Andrea Bonamico's sister (Andrea is the chorale director at U-32). Please note there is a fee involved.

Young Singers of Vermont Program To Launch Sept. 3 at Crosset Brook

The Mad River Chorale will inaugurate its newest educational outreach program on Sept. 3 with an informational meeting about the Young Singers of Vermont ensembles.
The meeting, from 4 to 5 p.m. in Crosset Brook Middle School on Route 100 in Duxbury, will be to explain to parents and guardians the basics of a program to provide musical instruction for students in grades 1-12 with goals of enabling youthful singers to pursue music as a career or simply enjoy it as a recreation.
Piero Bonamico, artistic director of the Mad River Chorale, said that plans are to have weekly rehearsals throughout the school years for several different ensembles based upon age. In addition, the Young Singers Choruses will perform alone, in conjunction with the Mad River Chorale and with orchestral support throughout 2009-10.
“Singers will graduate as musicians,” promised Bonamico, who with his wife, Andrea, will direct the program, and lead a team of professionals who are prominent as both musical instructors and performers throughout Central Vermont. The manager of the choruses will be Alexis Murphy-Egri, choral director for the Montpelier School District High School and Middle School. The accompanist will be Mary Jane Austin-Reynolds.
Rehearsals are scheduled to begin Sept. 10 at 4 p.m. at Crosset Brook for the Treble Ensembles of Grades 1-3 and 4-6. And on Sept. 12 at U-32 High School for the two Mixed Ensembles of Grades 7-9 and 10-12.
Other notable dates are: Oct. 11, Fall Concert; Dec. 13 & 23, Holiday Concerts.
For information, call 802-496-4781.
Stefanie Weigand, MRC & CO
Operations Manager (802) 496-4781

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September 4th-18th - Berlin PTNA "Genevieve" fundraiser.

· products include: plates, cups & frames - finished with your child’s artwork

· wrapping paper for all occasions

· handy household gadgets

· flower bulbs

· magazines

· candles

· gifts

· and more

This fundraiser supports the wonderful variety of programs PTNA helps bring to the students, families and staff of Berlin Elem. Some families prefer to make a monetary donation instead of ordering. Catalogues go home with elementary students 9/4 and can also be seen (and orders made) on line http://www.genevieves.com using account number 5355 to credit Berlin Elementary PTNA. Products ordered through students by 9/18/09 will arrive at the school mid October. Those ordered on line will be shipped directly to the person ordering.

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September 5th - Brookfield pancake breakfast and Trash & Treasures sale. Pond Village Church, 7:30am - 2 with breakfast ending at 10:30. Breakfast includes regular or blueberry pancakes, sausage, home fries, mixed fruit, & coffee or tea. $6 adults, $2.50 for kids 5-12 with a family maximum of $20.

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September 5th / 6th / 7th - Northfield Labor Day Weekend http://www.northfieldlaborday.org parade on Monday 10:30am arts & crafts, games & activities, food & merchandise, free admission, great entertainment

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September 10th - First meeting of year for Middle School Parent Teacher Council (MSPTC) at U-32 6:30pm - 7:30pm Agenda will be sent to those who are on that email list.

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September 12th - K9s and Company FREE on the State House lawn in Montpelier. Watch the dogs manuever through the agility course, visit booths with information on rescue breeds, many give-a-ways.

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September 14th - Berlin School Board meeting 6:15pm

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September 15th - School Photos at Berlin Elem.

NO EVENING ACTIVIES OR MEETINGS AT BERLIN ELEM. AS FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL BE DOING A DRILL AND HAVING HELICOPTERS LAND

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September 16th - U-32 Board meeting 6pm

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September 17th 6:30pm Berlin PTNA first meeting of the year. The discussion will include the upcoming year's activities and the open. We are looking for people to participate and everyone is invited, so please join us!

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September 19th & 20th 10am - 5pm FREE - Fall Harvest Festival at Adams Apple Orchard & Farm Market in Williston http://www.upickvermont.com/festival.html Cider Making Demonstrations, No Strings Marionette show, petting zoo. The Pony rides and apple picking do have small fees.

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September 22nd evening - Open House at Berlin Elem. 6-7:30pm

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September 24th 6-8:30pm - Open House at U-32

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September 25-27 11am-5pm FREE Children's Literature Celebration at the Main Street Landing's Performing Arts Center and Border's in Burlington. Please look at this link for the schedule and much more information http://www.burlingtonbookfestival.com Readings, Signings and Q&As; Authors & Illustrators from the US and Canada; Drawing Fun with Harry Bliss. Featured Participants include: Mary Azarian, Harry Bliss, Elizabeth Bleumie, PJ Bracegirdle, Monique Polak, Susan Mitchell, Amy Seidle, Alan Silberberg; Rita Murphy, Stephen Huneck and MORE!

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Tuesday, September 29th 7pm – “Button-Up” weatherization workshop at Berlin Elementary School in the Learning Center. PowerPoint presentation, view a 30 minute “Simple Weatherization Measures to Button Up Your Home” DVD designed for individuals with basic handyperson skills. This will provide step-by-step procedures for weatherizing a attic hatches or pull-down attic stairs, air sealing plumbing and wiring penetrations in the attic and basement, weatherizing bulkhead doors and other exterior doors, plugging air leaks along the box sills, and installing an interior storm window, among other tips.

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September 30th - Berlin Emergency Operation Center meeting at the Four Corners Fire Station 6pm -8:30pm

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YOUTH CHESS CLUB RETURNS IN SEPTEMBER for central Vermont kids at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Each Wednesday at 5:30pm there is chess in the children’s library. Please call Robert Nichols for more information at 229-1207.

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The new tennis courts have opened at U-32!

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VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED TO DELIVER MEALS ON WHEELS TO BERLIN SENIORS We're looking for Berlin to form a volunteer group of about 8 - 10 drivers for serving Meals on Wheels to Berlin seniors. These volunteers would be ask to deliver following a designated route from 10 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. each day. In most cases, the meals need to be delivered 7 days a week, but the number of days per volunteers would depend on the number of volunteers. If you are interested in participating as a volunteer driver, please contact Pat McDonald at 476-8411 or by email at patmcdonald8411@charter.net. MHDP has advised that each volunteer will be subject to a background check and must have a vehicle, insurance and a valid drivers license. Volunteers do not receive mileage reimbursement. Once Berlin is able to get a group together, we will have a meeting with MHDP's Kimberley Lashua to discuss the program in more detail, answer all your questions, and finalize details.

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PIANO looking for home! I'm told there is a early 1900's piano in pretty good shape looking for a home.

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News you can use

2009-08-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

NOTE: An updated email of September events will be sent out in the next few days... just didn't want to miss the chance to remind you about the music sale!!
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Used Musical Instrument Sale Saturday, August 29th - bring in your instrument on Friday, August 28 4-7pm at the Bethany Church on Main Street in Montpelier. 80% goes to you and 20% to Central VT Share the Music. August 29th 9am - 2pm get a great deal on a "new to you" instrument. Call 229-0295 with questions.
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POTATOES! - on a Sunday in September which has not yet been announded, will be the long standing tradition of potato picking at the Chappelle Potato Farm in Williamstown, Vermont. The Stridsberg family has been going behind the digger for probably 20 years picking hundreds of pounds of potatoes every year, mostly for their own use! The cost is well below what you pay in the grocery store. Bring your buckets or sacks and wear your boots and old clothes. We have one more child fundraising for their 8th grade trip to DC so if you don't want to pick the potatoes yourself or just can't make it there - you'll still able to buy potatoes at below store cost through us and help a good cause! Fresh & local - You can also buy 50 lb sacks of various grades of potatoes from the Chappelle warehouse throughout most of the year. More information to come when the picking date is announced.

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September 2nd - U-32 Board meeting 6pm
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September 10th - First meeting of year for Middle School Parent Teacher Council (MSPTC) at U-32 6:30pm - 7:30pm Agenda will be sent to those who are on that email list.
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September 14th - Berlin School Board meeting 6:15pm
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September 15th - School Photos at Berlin Elem.
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September 16th - U-32 Board meeting 6pm
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September 22nd evening - Open House at Berlin Elem.
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September 24th 6-8:30pm - Open House at U-32
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Tuesday, September 29th 7pm – “Button-Up” weatherization workshop at Berlin Elementary School in the Learning Center. PowerPoint presentation, view a 30 minute “Simple Weatherization Measures to Button Up Your Home” DVD designed for individuals with basic handyperson skills. This will provide step-by-step procedures for weatherizing a attic hatches or pull-down attic stairs, air sealing plumbing and wiring penetrations in the attic and basement, weatherizing bulkhead doors and other exterior doors, plugging air leaks along the box sills, and installing an interior storm window, among other tips.

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September 30th - Berlin Emergency Operation Center meeting at the Four Corners Fire Station 6pm -8:30pm

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YOUTH CHESS CLUB RETURNS IN SEPTEMBER for central Vermont kids at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Each Wednesday at 5:30pm there is chess in the children’s library. Please call Robert Nichols for more information at 229-1207.

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The new tennis courts have opened at U-32!

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TOWN OF BERLIN - VOLUNTEER TO SERVE ON A REGIONAL SERVICES STUDY COMMITTEE

The Town of Berlin is seeking a Berlin resident to serve on a Regional Public Safety Services Study Committee that will study the consolidation of public safety services for communities in Central Vermont.

This Committee will consist of one elected official and one resident from the City of Barre, the Town of Barre, the Town of Berlin, and the City of Montpelier. The meetings will be hosted by the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce at their offices on Paine Turnpike in Berlin.

The Committee is expected to begin meeting in mid-September and is charged with developing a vision and frame-work for the consolidation of local law enforcement, firefighting, and ambulance services into a single regional public safety agency. Committee members will report the group’s findings to their elected officials.

Interested persons may submit a letter of interest to the Berlin Select Board c/o Town Administrator, Municipal Office Building, 108 Shed Road, Berlin, Vermont 05602, by September 3, 2009.

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Corinne and Jeff, I am wondering if you would be willing to send this note around to your email lists. It directly impacts Berlin residents in need and I am hoping that we can attract volunteer drivers to assist in the Meals on Wheels program. Many thanks. Pat McDonald
LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER DRIVERS TO DELIVER MEALS ON WHEELS TO BERLIN SENIORS
Many people think that Meals on Wheels is a nationally run organization or a set of Federal programs that are similar to Medicare. Neither is the case. Meals on Wheels is a generic term to define organizations that have the primary function of providing meals for seniors in their homes. They are loosely affiliated organizations (usually staffed by volunteers) that are run by churches, civic-minded individuals, senior residence homes, and some local and state funded agencies. These organizations are run independently and are responsible for bringing on new volunteers to deliver meals and each sets its own rules, though most are very similar.
Berlin does not have such an organization and we have been fortunately that are seniors have been assisted by Montpelier's Meals on Wheels organizations (and others). More recently the numbers of seniors in need of such a services has increased and Berlin has been asked to establish a more formal relationship with the Montpelier Home Delivery Program (MHDP).
The MHDP currently serves 27 clients, 9 are residents from Berlin with 8 clients on the waiting list (2 in Berlin). MHDP advises that 10.5% of Berlin population are senors who live alone; 7.5% of residents in Berlin, age 65 and older, live below the poverty line; and according to the 2000 census data, there are 484 seniors in Berlin that could be eligible for the program.
MHDP is looking for Berlin to form a volunteer group of about 8 - 10 drivers for Berlin seniors. These volunteers would be ask to deliver Meals on Wheels by following a designated route from 10 a.m. until approximatley 12.30 p.m. each day. In most cases, the meals need to be delivered 7 days a week, but the number of days per volunteers would depend on the number of volunteers.
Meals are prepared by NECI and meet the national dietary guidelines. They are prepared and frozen immediately. Each day these meals are either heated to temperature for hot meal clients and packaged in hot boxes for deliveries or are delivered as "frozen meals to go", which makes it possible to serve seniors out on the back roads of Berlin, where mileage and travel time make it ery difficult to plan regular routes for the limited number of volunteer drivers.
If you are interested in participating as a volunteer driver, please contact Pat McDonald at 476-8411 or by email at patmcdonald8411@charter.net. MHDP has advised that each volunteer will be subject to a background check and must have a vehicle, insurance and a valid drivers license. Volunteers do not receive mileage reimbursement. Once Berlin is able to get a group together, we will have a meeting with MHDP's Kimberley Lashua to discuss the program in more detail, answer all your questions, and finalize details.
We have been trying to put something together for Berlin for quite some time and are very pleased that MHDP is willing to have Berlin be included as a set-set of their program.
Many thanks!

Summer Update

2009-07-28T06:41:00.000-07:00

FREE MOVIES- Have you been down to the Brookfield Town Hall for a movie yet? I have and had an excellent time. Thurstday July 23rd the family movie, "Babe" is showing. No charge for the show but they hope you'll buy some snacks or make a donation to their Town Hall Reconstruction project. Snacks cost $1 each - there is popcorn, candy bars, nuts, along with beverages (some drinks cost $1, a few cost more). They have padded chairs and tables set up there but you're welcome to bring your own camp chairs.

Directions: take Interstate 89 south to Exit 5. When you get off the exit turn left and then take the first road on the right which is Stone Road and it will take you right into Brookfield. There is a sandwich sign advertising the movie in front of the Town Hall which is on the right, parking lot on the left. Movie starts at 7:30 - go early if you haven't walked across the Floating Bridge lately (not currently open for cars).

For the rest of the summer movie schedule contact: brookfieldmovies@gmail.com (upcoming are "Ghost" on 3oth, a Paul Newman movie extravaganza on Sunday Aug 2, "I-Robot", "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory", and "To Kill a Mockingbird")

Subject: "Babe" tonite at 7:30

Dear Brookfield Movie Lover:
Tonight's movie is "Babe," a wonderful family film that came out almost 15 years ago, so chances are somebody in your family is new to "Babe."
When in recent memory was a G-Rated film nominated for Best Picture, along with Best Director and five other Oscars? And it won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects! If you have kids, you gotta bring them to Babe. And, if you don’t have young-uns? Come alone! This film is a visual treat, and the animals will steal your heart. No, it is not animated. And there are no scenes or dialog to make you squeamish. The settings (Australian countryside) are dreamy-lush. But the movie isn’t syrupy-sweet. Run-time is an hour and a half.
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Friday night JULY 24th music and fireworks at the Paquet Farm in Barre. There was a story on the history of the Paquet farm in today's Times Argus
http://www.timesargus.com/article/20090723/NEWS01/907230364/1002/NEWS01
Native Tongue will play at 8pm, fireworks at 9:30 and Native Tongue will continue to play until midnight.
The family is in the process of converting a hay barn into a mini-museum featuring exhibits including family history, photos, art and relics from the old blacksmith shop – anvil and a working forge included – that will be open to the public during a six-hour celebration that will break up at midnight.
There will be a pig roast and barbecue – tickets are $13 for folks who are interested and an assortment of live entertainment that will be interrupted by a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
Gov. Jim Douglas is scheduled to put in an appearance, the pig roast is set for 6 p.m., and live entertainment includes a group of musicians from Spaulding High School, Williamstown's Bethany Carrier and popular local rock band Native Tongue http://nativetonguerocks.com
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Details of the Barre Heritage Festival which has events going on all weekend can be found at:
http://greaterbarrecommunity.ning.com/events This event includes a breakfast Saturday morning on the Aldrich Library lawn, a library booksale, a flea market on Depot Square, an afternoon parade on Saturday and lots of entertainment. There was an article with details also : http://www.timesargus.com/article/20090723/NEWS01/907230361

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Chess Tournament Saturday, July 25th for adults and kids at the Howe Library in Hanover, NH http://www.vtchess.info/Events/Howe_Quads_2009.htm No entry fee but please pre-register so they can start on time.
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Vermont Waterfalls http://www.vtfalls.com heard about this on the news recently that a guy has been going around photographing all of Vermont's waterfalls and he's put together a great website. In the future he may put together a guidebook.

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Get to know your bicycle at one of Onion River Sports FREE maintenance and flat fix clinics, every other Friday from 6 - 7:45 pm!
Join the ORS mechanics to get to know your bicycle. You'll learn:
- how to fix a flat tire
- minor bicycle maintenance
- bicycle upkeep and care
- and have a chance to ask our mechanics those burning bicycle questions...
Fridays: July 24, August 14 & 28
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FROM RESTORE IN BARRE: WANTED: plastic bags (especially shopping bags), egg crates (all kinds), bottle caps (all kinds, especially plastic and metal), label-free canning jars, five-gallon buckets.
There is an ongoing need for these items, please drop off anytime at The ReStore (see below):
Thanks,
Rachael Rice
Program Manager, The ReStore in Alliance with ReCycle North
34 Granite Street Barre, VT 05641
www.therestore.org p: 802.477.7800

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July 10-August 28 Vermont College of Fine Arts, the Green, College St. Eight free films will be shown on Friday evenings throughout the summer on the VCFA green, from July 10 to August 28. (In case of rain on Friday night, films will be shown on Saturday night.) For more information, including directions, please visit www.vermontcollege.edu/movies.

July 24 Lassie Come Home (G) 1943
July 31 The Incredible Shrinking Man (unrated) 1957
August 7 Jason and the Argonauts (G) 1978
August 14 Yankee Doodle Dandy (unrated) 1942
August 21 Howl's Moving Castle (PG) 2005
August 28 Iron Giant (PG) 1999
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Almost 20 Montpelier stores will be staying open on Friday nights till 8pm throughout the summer! So come on out. Run into friends on the street, run errands, window shop, see a movie and get a bit to eat! Every Friday downtown. Participating businesses include:
Riverwalk Records; Vermont Trading Company; Rivendell ; Bear Pond Books; The Knitting Studio; Artisans Hand; Salaam Boutique; Onion River Sports; Onion River Kids; The Shoe Horn; The Men's Store; Uncommon Market; Hunger Mountain Coop; Splash; Athena's; Capitol Grounds; Zutano

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THE 6TH ANNUAL ONION RIVER CENTURY RIDE - The Kellogg-Hubbard Library has teamed up with Onion River Sports to bring you one of the most beautiful century rides in the Northeast! The Onion River Century Ride hits the roads of Central Vermont and the Northeast Kingdom on Saturday, July 25th. This spectacular ride through the heart of rural Vermont with food stops, support vehicles, and tons of wonderful volunteers for your riding pleasure and an end-of-ride BBQ.
Choose from three rides: the 111 mile full century, 110k (68 mile) metric century or NEW 23 mile loop. Registration begins at 7:00 am on day of ride. Enjoy clear streets with a police escort through town that leaves at 8:30 am from the Montpelier Rec Field. Six food stops approximately every 20 miles (for full century, less for metric and short loop); support truck for mechanical and emotional support along the ride; delicious end of ride BBQ.
Entry fee is $65 after 7/13 and includes 2 BBQ tickets. We have registration forms at the library and at Onion River Sports on Langdon Street or online at : www.onionriver.com/century. There is a fee of $7.50 to register online.
As part of this event we are raffling a Yakima Car Rack System which holds four bikes. Tickets are $2 apiece, 6 for $10 or 15 for $20. The Yakima Rack is on display in the front lobby at the Library. Tickets are on sale at the adult circulation desk.
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Once Upon a Child - $10 bag sale, Saturday, July 25th All day long - put as many clearance items as possible in one bag for just $10. 9am - 6pm. Offer not valid on previous purchases. Once Upon a Child supplies the bag. (they will not be buying items on Saturday, July 25th.) 38 Taft Corners Shopping Center, Williston 878-5434

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SWIMMING LESSONS - there are still some spots available in Berlin's second session of swim lessons from August 3rd - 14th. Monday through Friday in the morning for 45 minutes, $25 for first child, $20 for each additional child.
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August 17th - 20th a FREE 4-Evening Astronomical Adventure for local children and their families is coming to the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier. StarQuest is a series of four astronomical programs led by Fairbanks Museum Educator Bobby Farlice-Rubio. Each unique lesson is packed with the latest information from ongoing NASA missions and exciting activities like making and launching rockets, experimenting with light and gravity, and using telescopes every night! Participants do not need any experience with Astronomy or Science to enjoy and benefit from StarQuest: children aged five and older are greatly encouraged to attend with their families.

StarQuest in Montpelier will be at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library (135 Main St., Montpelier, VT) from Monday, August 17th until Thursday, August 20th, from 5:30pm until 9:30pm each night (to allow for telescope use at the end of each program). Since all four lessons are different, families will want to attend every session. No pre-registration is required. Best of all, there is no charge to participate in StarQuest: this program is completely FREE to children of all ages and the adults who accompany them.

For more information, contact Bobby Farlice-Rubio at the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium: 802-748-2372 x111 or bfarlice-rubio@fairbanksmuseum.org

I hope many of you will take the time to participate. We've attended a StarQuest program and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Don't forget Berlin families are always welcome at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library - with proof of residency you may get a card which enables you to sign out materials, borrow the passes to the State Parks & ECHO, participate in "Listen Up! Vermont" (where you can download audio books from a website), sign up to make use of computers, participate in a variety of programming and more. http://www.kellogghubbard.org/ This fall there will be a special Berlin Day on a Saturday at the library - stay tuned for more details!

Summer is Here!

2009-06-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

KITCHEN ITEMS TRYING TO FIND THEIR WAY HOME - have you been wondering where some of your food storage containers, trays, serving spoons, etc. have gone to? The school has a collection of them that they will donate away at the end of the month. Some items are from the recent school picnic, others are from earlier in the year or maybe even last year. Need to clean out. Please stop by the school as soon as possible to see if any of this is yours. Currently the items are located on a table near the kitchen in the gym.

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Who has a good copy of the second evening performance of Peter Pan at Berlin Elementary School? Lots of folks have been asking to purchase a DVD. I’d be glad to make the copies if I can get one to start with – I don’t mind converting the format. If I can’t locate the second night, I’ll go with the first night that the school recorded. Copies will sell for $5 each with money going to performances at school. Send me your name if you'd like a copy (Copies won't happen until in July as our daughter is getting married in a week)

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PHOTOS - PHOTOS - PHOTOS

You may be very interested in the "Phanfare" photos that U-32 has on line. They include not only athletic events but other special events such as 8th grade Step Up, Class of 2009 Graduation, 8th grade trip to DC, 6th grade unity day and more. http://albums.phanfare.com/u32 When on a photo if you right click you should be able to save the photo to your computer.

The Times Argus also has a great collection of photos of the U-32 Class of 2009 which can be purchased:

http://timesargus.mycapture.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=777314&CategoryID=15780

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Berlin Elementary School 40th Anniversary - our current school was built in 1969. If you have ideas as to how to celebrate, please share with Corinne to pass along to the planners… and if you’re able to help, please mention that also!

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Vermont Things To Do http://www.berlinschool.org – great listing of places mostly in Central Vermont (see Calendar of Events on the side bar)

Corinne's Blog of Events http://socialenergy.blogspot.com

Summer camp opportunities http://sportsactivities.blogspot.com

Town website for news http://www.berlinvt.org

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Hike in Montpelier's Hubbard Park (there's information and a map on line http://www.montpelier-vt.org/parks/hubbard.cfm ) - there's even a tower to check out (whoops, tower closed for repairs)!

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Tour the State House - guided tours are FREE http://www.leg.state.vt.us/sthouse/sthouse.htm Hours: Monday-Friday 8AM - 4PM Open year-round except state holidays. Guided Tours available on the half-hour, free of charge, July - mid-October: Monday-Friday, 10AM - 3:30PM, Saturdays, 11AM - 2:30PM

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June 20th Mini History Expo FREE- the Berlin Historical Society will be joining other Historical Societies from Washington County in a Mini History Expo on the porch of the Pavilion in Montpelier from 10 AM to 5 PM. There will be no History Expo at Tunbridge this year. The next regular meeting of the Berlin Historical Society will be Tuesday June 23rd at 7 PM at Town Hall.Summer camp opportunities can be found at http://sportsactivities.blogspot.com

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Montpelier's CAPITAL CITY BAND concerts Wednesdays, 7 - 8 pm beginning June 10, State House Lawn. Bring a chair, a blanket, a supper or snack, the kids, grandma & -pa and enjoy an old-fashioned FREE summer evening. Wednesdays, 7 pm, June 10 until mid-August.

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FREE BOWLING! Once again Twin City Lanes and Games on the Barre-Montpelier Road is offering one free game of bowling per day to students under of the age of 16 years old. A form needs to be filled out at Twin City Lanes and the child must have the card with them or they'll have to pay the regular rate. Cards are good June 1st through August 31st. Rental shoes are NOT included. Some restrictions apply such as not during leagues or special events. 476-6181 http://www.twincitylanes.com Opening time varies - Monday not until 4pm, Tuesday 9am, W - S noon.

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ORS/Community Connections Tuesday Night Bike Adventure Series at Morse Farm, 6 p.m. starting Tuesday, June 23, 2009. Join us for a summer of Tuesday night adventure challenges, on bikes. Each week will be different non-competitive activity: scavenger hunts, relays, skill building nights, etc. - all tons of fun, for kids of all ages and abilities. These are family-fun-bike-centric evenings, so bring the whole crew. These adventures will take the place of the kids’ race that used to kick off the Onion River Sports Tuesday Night Mountain Bike Race Series events. There will still be a racing component for competitive kids, but we've created this adventure challenge to make Tuesdays more fun and more accessible for a wider variety of kids on bikes. We're also looking for interested parents to accompany these activities. Please e-mail thefolks@onionriver.com if you are interested.

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Saturday, June 27th MIDDLESEX- Super Gigantic Lawn Sale. Dishes, furniture, clothes, toys & much more. Middlesex United Methodist Church, 9am-5pm. (on Sunday the sale continues from 10am – 3pm)

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FOURTH OF JULY … A week of celebrations!

June 27th is when Waterbury will be celebrating the 4th of July with their parade and fireworks

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3rd of July is when Montpelier celebrates, just a little early, for the 4th of July!

· 1-3pm lawn party at Kellogg-Hubbard Library with live music;

· 1:30-4 Family Fun Day at the Montpelier Pool - free admission!;

· On State House Lawn 3-4pm No Strings Marionettes performs "The Treasure Hunt", 4:30-5:30 Starline Rhythm Boys, 7:30-8 Catamount Pipe Band, 8-9 St. Johnsbury Band

· 6pm PARADE, 9:30pm FIREWORKS.

· Looking to check out fireworks on the 4th, you may want to check out this listing: http://www.vtliving.com/events/4thofjuly/index.shtml

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July 4th will be when Randolph will have their big parade! This year the theme is “Making it in Vermont” After the parade head to Merchant’s Row for vendors and entertainment. The Kimball Library usually has a used book sale going on from 9am-1pm.

Other 4th of July events:

http://www.visit-vermont.com/events_fourth.html

http://www.vtliving.com/events/4thofjuly/index.shtml

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Unicycling - Whether you've been at it for a while or you're a beginner eager to learn, folks come together late Sunday afternoons in the Senior Center parking lot on Barre Street in Montpelier (across from Rec Center) It's a good idea to get on the email list to know for sure there are people heading there each week. http://vtunicycle.com/ Extra unicycles and safety gear available. This group continues to meet during the winter in the Rec Center.

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Books, DVDs, Computer Access & MORE! Berlin residents - don't forget that you're entitled to a library card at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library due to voter support in March. Just show proof of residency and you'll get access to their vast collection. If you haven't visited your library lately, please do - they would love to see you make use of the resources they have. http://www.kellogghubbard.org 135 Main Street, Montpelier 223-3338 (currently there is a used book sale happening at KHL)

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State Park Passes for FREE - Passes to Parks and Museums at the Library Vermont State Parks and the Department of Libraries have teamed up! Under a new program, “Check Out the Parks”—the Kellogg-Hubbard will offer a pass that can be checked out, like a book, for free admission to a state park. The passes are good at any of the state’s day-use parks and admit up to eight people traveling together in the same vehicle. In addition, museum passes to the Vermont History Center and the Echo Lake Aquarium and Science Center can also be borrowed. Ask at the children’s desk or call 223-4665

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Kellogg-Hubbard Library Summer Story Time at the Berlin Fire Department! Books, music, songs for kids of all ages! The Kellogg-Hubbard Library is bringing story time to you in your community! Join us for a special summer story time on Wednesday, July 15, at 10:30, at the Fire Department. Come hear stories and check out those fire trucks! We’ll bring library books for you to check out for some great summer reading at home. We’ll top off the hot summer morning with popsicles. Don’t miss the fun!

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FREE CYCLE in Washington County: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WashingtonCountyVermont/ - looking for a free item or have one to give away? Check this group out. We've received items such as tomato plants and a computer desk and given away items such as bikes and a microwave.

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Barre Heritage Festival July 23-26 including fireworks on Friday evening and a parade on Saturday, July 25th at 2pm http://www.barretown.info/

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a little out of the way but fun....

Free Movies at Brookfield Old Town Hall will run June 18 - August 20, every Thursday evening along with two special Sunday events. There are classics, family movies and ones for teenagers on the schedule. Most movies start at 7:30pm (with doors opening at 7:15) 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. When was the last time you visited the Floating Bridge in Brookfield?!

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Shelburne Museum - offers Vermont residents 1/2 price admission, the reduced rate is $10 adults and $5 for kids 4-18. They're open 10am - 5pm daily http://www.shelburnemuseum.org Great exhibits - kids especially like Owl Cottage where there are some dress-up clothes, games, books, and activities, print shop, blacksmith shop, a carousel (merry-go-round) to ride on and so much more! Pack a lunch and spend the day! Free parking.

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Montshire Museum in Norwich, VT - great hands on exhibits throughout and water fun outside (bring a bathing suit or wear one under your clothes) along with trails to walk... so it's fun on a rainy or sunny day! Adults $10, kids 2-17 $8. Pack a lunch and have fun! http://www.montshire.org/ Free parking.

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SPORTS – SPORTS – SPORTS

VT Mountaineers Baseball Local family fun at a good price!!

Buy your tickets thru the Berlin Elementary PTNA and The Mountaineers will donate ½ the ticket cost to our Fundraising efforts.

Tickets are $4 each and are good for ANY regular season game.

Contact Trudy Marineau at 229-4030 or Donna Barr at 224-6575. Tickets will be sold all thru the season.

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U-32 SPORTS CAMPS opportunities for upper elementary grade levels:

Raider Girls' Basketball Camp for students entering grades 4-7 July 20th-24th 10am-12noon, (gr 8-11 12:30-2:30) contact Mark Mooney, Camp Director 676 Upper Road, East Calais, VT 05650 $90 (family discount available)

Raider Boys' Basketball Camp for students entering grades 4-7 July 13-17 1pm-3pm, (gr 8-11 3-5pm) contact Dan Gandin, Camp Director 229-6175 $90 ($80 ea. if more than one in family)

Raider Boys' & Girls' Soccer Camp students entering grades 5-7 June 29- July 2nd 9am - 12pm, (gr 8-10 July 27-30) contact Emmanuel Riby Williams 26 LaGue Lane, Barre, VT 05641 $85 (or $120 for family of two)

Raider Boys' Lacrosse Camp July 20-24 students entering grades 7-8 9:30-11:30am, (gr 9-11 12pm-2pm) contact Judd Levine, Camp Director 426-3051 $90 (family discount of $80 per player available)

**** and in South Burlington ****

VT All-Star Football Camps for players 5th - 12th grade July 27-31 South Burlington HS M-Th 5:30-8:45 and Friday 5:30-8pm. $$ http://www.vtfooballcamps.com Questions: 229-9653

PTNA FUNDRAISER PROGRAM:

Please continue to collect Box Tops coupons and Campbell's UPC codes over the summer as these are on going collection programs. If you should have questions, please contact Julie Pryce-Kelley, 223-1590.

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION - Box Tops coupons can be found on hundreds of food and paper products that we buy. Some companies include General Mills, Pillsbury, Yoplait, Betty Crocker, Hamburger Helper, Nature Valley, Huggies, Ziploc, Hefty, Scott, Kleenex, Cottonelle and many others. Each coupon is worth 10 cents and when redeemed, we receive a check from General Mills. Please look for the pink Box Top coupons! For an entire list of eligible products, please see http://www.boxtops4education.com

CAMPBELL'S LABELS FOR EDUCATION - With this program, the portion of the label that is essential in the entire UPC code. Some are worth 1 point and some are worth 5 points. (If there is any doubt regarding what to submit, please send in the entire label). In addition to Campbell's soups and products, eligible UPCs can be found on products such as SpaghettiO's, Swanson broth, Prego sauces, Franco American items and Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, cookies, crackers and breads. For V8 juices, please submit the cap. The UPCs, caps and bonus coupons are submitted to Campbells and the value is used to purchase school merchandise. For an entire list of eligible products, please see http://www.labelsforeducation.com

Bottled Water slide show: http://domino-11.prominic.com/A55971/mnwo/mnwomain.nsf/0/cfbd7ac1428dd980852575a70059ffb4/$FILE/Bottled%20Water.pps#20

~~~

May and more

2009-05-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

BAKED BEADS JEWELRY CLEARANCE

May 22nd -24th, 2009 • Friday - Sunday • 10AM - 5PM

17th ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND EXTRAVAGANZA!
NEW! NEW! NEW! JEWELRY - SCARVES – PASHMINAS
OVER 75% OFF RETAIL!
Earrings $2! Bracelets $3! Necklaces $4! Rings $.25-.50! Toe Rings $.50!
Eyeglass Chains $4! Hair accessories $1-4! Beads $1/bag! Displays $10!
Scarves and Pashminas $5-9!
*** THE BERLIN PTNA RECEIVES 10% OF BAKED BEAD RECEIPTS ***

(receipts must be sent in to the Berlin Elem. School office ASAP after the event)

Same Tented Location • Route 100, 46 Carroll Road • Waitsfield, VT
(Next to the Big Picture Theater & Cafe)

CASH • CHECKS • MC • VISA

~~~
U32 Cultural Links is sponsoring a Cultural Festival on Friday, May 22 from 6:00 to 9:00PM. Come to the high school and celebrate the richness of our world’s culture. See the global fashion show, enjoy African drumming and dancing, Ballywood dancing, fiddle music, jazz and a dance band, GuaGua from Burlington. There will be face painting, origami and tire rolling for all ages. Admission is free; ethnic food will be for sale. For more information, call Carolyn Shapiro 229-5676
~~~
School calendar for 2009-2010 can be found at: http://www.wcsuonline.org/userfiles/file/WCSU%20Final%20Calendar%202009.2010.pdf

~~~
SWIM LESSON SIGN-UPs continue. Community Swim Lessons to be held this summer are for students currently in kindergarten through sixth grade. Two weeks of lessons cost $25 per student ($20 per additional student in family). Initial paperwork to sign up was sent home and can also be found on the school website https://www.berlinschool.org/userfiles/file/newsandinfo/swim%20lessons%202009.pdf Group size is limited and sending in the paperwork is no guarantee that your child can be enrolled - you will be contacted.

~~~

In Vermont you'll soon be able to check out something new at the library: a free park pass for the day - "Check out the Parks" program. At each of the 182 public libraries, there will be a free park pass for a day. People can sign it out like a book. The goal is to get more people interested in using the state's 52 parks and in getting a season pass. "From our point of view it's really an excellent opportunity to get more people into our parks and we are quite confident that if they can have a good experience or when they have a good experience they will be return customers not just this year but in future seasons as well," Vt. Forest Parks & Rec Commissioner Jason Gibbs said. The passes will be available at public libraries starting at the end of April.

~~~

Tuesday, May 26, 2009 the Annual Potluck Dinner Meeting of the Berlin Historical Society will be held at the First Congregational Church of Berlin Parish Hall in Berlin Corner. The potluck dinner will start at 6:00 PM with the speaker program beginning about 7:00.
Our speaker was to have been Esther Swift who was going to give a talk on Berlin. However, she is unable to give her talk at this time so we are going to go to plan “b”. Norbert has generously offered to fill in for Esther and will give a presentation on Berlins old post offices and our historical cemeteries utilizing some of our collection of digital images that are stored on our computer. We thank Norbert for offering to fill in at this late date and we know his presentation will be enjoyed by all who plan to attend.

Cheryl Poor is coordinating plans again for the potluck menu so please contact her to let her know that you are coming and what you will bring. You can telephone her at 802-223-5306 or e-mail her at poorcheryl@myfairpoint.net.

Lets make this a good turnout. Spread the word and bring friends with you. See you there. - Richard Turner, Secretary

~~~
Wednesday, May 27 U-32 Middle School Concert at 7pm (art work to see beforehand)
Thursday, May 28 U-32 High School Concert at 7pm (art word to see beforehand)

all are welcome to these concerts, the middle school one is usually rather full since all kids participate in either band, chorus, jazz band, guitar, strings... where as with high school only some kids are in the music program
~~~
5th/6th grade production of Peter Pan will be on Tuesday, June 2nd at 1pm & 7pm & Wednesday, June 3rd at 7pm.

~~~

At the schoolwide picnic at Berlin Elementary School on Tuesday, June 16th 5/6 band, 5/6 jazz band and 5/6 chorus will perform at approximately 12:45pm.

~~~
Shelburne Museum - 5th & 6th graders enjoyed a day up Shelburne Museum but you can't see it all in one day! Made me think that I should mention that Shelburne Museum offers Vermont Residents discounted admission - with the discount it's only $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 4 - 18. Their hours are 10am -5pm daily. Visit their website to find out more details: http://www.shelburnemuseum.org This museum is located in Shelburne, VT, south of Burlington, about an hour from Berlin.
~~~
ECHO Museum discount -Vermont libraries, including our school library, has a discount card that can be borrowed to go visit ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center up in Burlington at a discounted price. With the pass, it's only $2 for each person in your party (regular price $7 children ages 3-17 & $9.50 for adults). Parking is $4, however the College Street shuttle is nearby and there is free parking within a short walk. K-12 classroom teachers with credential ID receive free admission. Hours are 10am - 5pm. http://www.echovermont.org

~~~
U-32 SPORTS CAMPS opportunities for some elementary school grade levels

Raider Girls' Basketball Camp for students entering grades 4-7 July 20th-24th 10am - 12noon, contact Mark Mooney, Camp Director 676 Upper Road, East Calais, VT 05650

Raider Boys' Basketball Camp for students entering grades 4-7 July 13-17 1pm-3pm, contact Dan Gandin, Camp Director 229-6175 $90 ($80 each if more than one in family)

Raider Boys' & Girls' Soccer Camp students entering grades 5-7 June 29- July 2nd 9am - 12pm, contact Emmanuel Riby WIlliams 26 LaGue Lane, Barre, VT 05641 $85 (or $120 for family of two)

Raider Boys' Lacrosse Camp July 20-24 students entering grades 7-8 9:30-11:30am , contact Judd Levine, Camp Director 426-3051

~~~
Adventures In Reading
https://www.berlinschool.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56&Itemid=116

~~
Summer fun at the fair and field days events: http://www.vtliving.com/fairs/
Corinne Stridsberg

April and beyond

2009-04-09T21:55:00.001-07:00

Check out Late Night Saturday with Tim Kavanagh Saturday, April 11th at 11:30pm on WCAX - the guest will be David Ball and the band is NATIVE TONGUE that my husband is part of http://nativetonguerocks.com What great fun we had tonight going up for the recording. We were in the studio audience for the recording of two shows, the next one will air the following Saturday.
~~~

The Berlin PTNA is running the food concession for the
**Vermont State Scholastic Chess Championships**
which will be held THIS SATURDAY, April 11th at Berlin Elementary School.
We're looking for folks who are able to donate desserts for this event - cookies, bars, brownies, cupcakes, quick breads, pies, fruit. Items can be dropped off Saturday morning. If you use any type of dish that would need to be returned, please label it!
There are 135 students from kindergarten through high school registered so far and we're expecting more to register at the door. We hope this will be a great fundraiser for the PTNA!
Feel free to drop by and check out the chess tournament - Rochester Chess Center will be there with chess supplies for sale and they'll be setting up a GIANT chess set for kids to use. The gym will be where players hang out inbetween their matches, playing chess and other games. Of course you're welcome to buy breakfast, a snack or lunch in support of the PTNA! The menu for the day includes: Breakfast sandwiches * Yogurt * Apples * Bananas * Wayside donuts * Muffins *
Hamburgers * cheeseburgers * Hotdogs * Chips * Lasagna * Pizza * Desserts * Beverages
If you feel you're able to help in some other way such as at the registration table or with set up, food concession or clean up, please let me know. If you're a chess player and could be a room monitor, we're still looking for one or two folks. - Thanks, Corinne

~~~
It's not too late to get Sugar-On-Snow at the Morse Farm (not available Easter Sunday even though they're open) but the end is in sight. Call to find out when when it's available 223-2740 although when they're open you can always get a maple creemee or some kettle corn so a yummy treat is available.

~~~

Capitol Video - Artisan Pizza invites folks for their Grand Re-Opening on Saturday, April 18th - Pizza Tasting - FREE slices, enter to win one free pizza a month for the next year and other prizes http://www.capitolvideo.com 229-5756

~~~

The Berlin Elementary School Talent Show will be on Thursday, April 30th at 1pm. There will NOT be an evening show of this event.

~~~

Check out the events coming up at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier: http://www.kellogghubbard.org/ec.html Remember that ALL Berlin residents qualify for a library card (must show proof of residency) and you're encouraged to stop by and check out all the wonderful books, dvds, magazines, reference materials and programs for adults and youth available to you there. There are computers you can use also!

~~~

FREE Workshop - Parenting Autism, helping parents parent on the spectrum. Wednesdays for four weeks, 6-8pm May 20 - June 1 (childcare & dinner provided). To be held at the Family Center of Washington County at their new location of 383 Sherwood Drive, Montpelier. To register or for questions email Angela angela@parenting-autism.net The Build Your Family Workshop helps parents learn exercises and tips to help develop respectful and meaningful relationships with their children and to make a plan to grow their children into happy, productive adults. http://www.parenting-autism.net

~~~

The Berlin Elementary School 5th & 6th grade production of Peter Pan will be on Tuesday, June 2nd (1pm & 7pm) and Wednesday, June 3rd (7pm) - please note this is a change.

~~~

There are some great Kids' Fishing Events coming up this spring. Check out the dates and locations at: http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/fish_kidsbrook.cfm

~~~

Vermont State Campgrounds: Becoming an Outdoor Family http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmext/programs/4h/youth/downloads/outdoorfamily2009.pdf

May 29, 30 and 31, 2009 for the 12th annual offering of outdoor educational experiences for the whole family. This program is a joint effort by the University of VT Extension and the VT Agency of Natural Resources’ Departments of Fish & Wildlife, and Forests, Parks & Recreation to promote, address, and instill in the general public a basic understanding of environmental conservation, safety and fun in the out of doors. Expert instructors begin each class with the basics, providing hands-on experience and encouraging participants to ask questions. The variety of classes includes wildlife, forestry, orienteering skills, hiking, wildlife photography, fitness, camping, kayaking, canoeing, firearm safety, fishing, and much, much more. Call Lisa Muzzey or Gail Makuch at 802-257-7967 or 1-800-278-5480 within VT. Cost is $165 per family and covers the campsite for the weekend, instruction, class materials and equipment, and all costs associated with organizing and putting this program together.

~~~

In Vermont you'll soon be able to check out something new at the library: a free park pass for the day - "Check out the Parks" program. At each of the 182 public libraries, there will be a free park pass for a day. People can sign it out like a book. The goal is to get more people interested in using the state's 52 parks and in getting a season pass. "From our point of view it's really an excellent opportunity to get more people into our parks and we are quite confident that if they can have a good experience or when they have a good experience they will be return customers not just this year but in future seasons as well," Vt. Forest Parks & Rec Commissioner Jason Gibbs said. The passes will be available at public libraries starting at the end of April.

~~~

Check out KidsVT for calendar of events, summer camp information and more http://www.kidsvt.com/

March ... even more (also see March and more)

2009-03-05T20:26:00.000-08:00

I sent along "March and more" a little too quickly as there were many more things to mention... get that calendar back out .... all the information below is new

The kitchen at Berlin Elementary School would gladly accept donations of silverware for use at breakfast and lunch time. Please be sure to include a note so that we know for sure that it's meant to be donated to the kitchen. Thank you!
~~~
Anybody having a bit of cabin fever? The Upper Valley Aquatic Center is now open. It's an aquatic & fitness center featuring state-of-the-art swimming pools, wellness programs and an INDOOR SPLASH PARK!!! The Splash Park includes a current channel that resembles a small circular river that carries you past small waterfalls and other water elements. A zero-entry pool area provides easy access to the water and a safe and fun place for your younger swimmer to play. For those craving a little adventure, climb 20 feet up to the top of the enclosed, circular slide and take a 110 foot cork screw ride out of the building before being sent sliding back across the floor inside. They are open to the public and conveniently located at the junction of Interstates 89 & 91 in Hartford, Vermont Check out their website http://www.uvac-swim.org/index.html and call 802-296-2850 for more information. Daily admission for children ages 3-18 is $7 and for adults $15.
~~~
Both the town and school reports are posted on the town website http://www.berlinvt.org . Interesting reading even though Town Meeting has past.
~~~
Saturday, March 7th 11am - 4pm Ben & Jerry's 7th Annual Winter Festival at the Ben & Jerry's Factory on Route 100 in Waterbury. Free tours all day, games, ice cream, music, caricatures, snow sculpture, food, sugar on snow and gift sale. Also local samplings: Green Mtn Coffee Roasters, Red Hen Bakery, Cider House BBQ & Pub and Cabot Cheese
~~~
With funding in place for another year at Kellogg-Hubbard Library, I would encourage you and your family to visit and make use of the many wonderful resources and programs this gem in our community provides for children, young adults and adults. Be sure to check out their website which is a wealth of information and includes their hours of operation, card catalog, events listings and so much more. Do you know about Listen Up Vermont, where with your library card number you can download audiobooks any time of day or night! http://www.kellogghubbard.org
~~~
Monday, March 16th the Berlin Selectboard meeting at the Town Office is at 7pm
~~~
March 16th - April 11th Spring Book Sale Begins at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library Thousands of books, videos, CDs and more—arranged by subject and a great prices. Proceeds benefit the library!
~~~
Wednesday, March 18th 7pm at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library - The Commercial History Along the Winooski River with Manuel Garcia This slide presentation with Manuel Garcia shows many of the earlier business establishments, large and small, along the Memorial Drive, Berlin Street, River Street, Barre Street area neighborhoods. View the Manufactured Gas and Electric Generating plants along with some pictures of the Railroad, and Trolley systems that traversed this valley, as well as the early single span bridges that crossed the Winooski River. (note: I've seen this and recommend it if you enjoy local history, what's especially interesting is that part of River Street used to be part of Berlin)
~~~
Thursday, March 19th 6:30pm at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library - Growing Small Fruit & Berries with David Fried, Founder of Elmore Roots Nursery. There are lots of fruit trees & berries that can grow in the cold Vermont climate if you start with the right stock and planting methods. It’s not difficult and the results can be so delicious! You can grow pears, plums, apricots, apples, cherries, peaches, kiwis, grapes, blueberries, strawberries, currents, raspberries, gooseberries, elderberries and so much more! This program is co-sponsored by the Washington-Orange County Master Gardeners!
~~~
March 19th & 20th Kid Watch will celebrate spring with 1/2 day program March 19th 12:30-6pm ($15) making litter critters and enjoying some time outside and on March 20th from 7:30am -5:30pm ($30) making a variety of projects using liquid watercolors and then after lunchgoing to Morse Farm for a tour and Sugar on Snow. Students are bringing home a green flyer March 6th.
~~~
WHOOPS! Had the wrong time for DABBLE DAYS - the correct time is 10am-noon on Saturday, March 28th Berlin Elementary Gym - activities for young children and their families put on by Success by Six.
~~~
Monday, March 30th 6:30pm at Kellogg-Hubbard Library - Transition Town Movie Night Video shorts on raising food in the backyard, in preparation for the second Open Space Meeting on Feeding our Communities (Saturday, April 4th). How much food can be raised around your house? Sponsored by Transition Town Montpelier: Moving from Oil Dependency to Resilient Communities. For more information, contact Annie McCleary, 456-8122.
~~~
Dinner and a Show Thursdays in Montpelier - If you eat at a participating restaurant on a Thursday and show a ticket or ticket stub from Lost Nation Theater or the Savoy Theater, you get 10 percent off your bill and the other way around, if you bring your restaurant bill to one of the two theaters, you get 10 percent off admission. Participating restaurants include: Rhapsody, Postivie Pie II, Restaurant Phoebe, Julio's, The Black Door, Capitol Grounds, La Brioche, and the Main Street Grill. The cafes plan to be flexible with this - if you go to Capitol Grounds at noon with a ticket for that evening they would honor the discount.
~~~
Central Vermont Community Land Trusts (CVCLT) is having an amazing raffle to support affordable housing in Central Vermont. "Bringing It All Home 2009 Raffle" offers your choice of **Sweet Mango Tour of Southeast Asia for Two valued at $9,400** OR **$9,000 Home Energy Improvement Shopping Spree from Allen Lumber Company** OR you can choose **$7,500 in CASH** Tickets are $100 each, only 250 tickets will be sold, only one winner will be chosen with the drawing on March 27th. For information call Peg at 476-4493 x213 http://www.cvclt.org/

Are you familiar with CVCLT? Did you know that they offers Credit/Budget Counseling and Foreclosure Assistant FREE OF CHARGE to everyone in their service area which includes all of Washington County. There are many other services they also offer such as Homebuyer Education, Homes for sale, Rental Apartments and more. CVCLT's phone is 476-4493
~~~
Saturday, April 18th E-waste FREE Recycling Event 9am - 1pm at the South Burlington High School at 550 Dorset St, S. Bgtn. Small Dog Electronics is holding this 3rd annual FREE event! Bring monitors, laptops, CPUs, fax machines, cell phones, etc. For more information and a list of items that can and cannot be accepted, visit http://www.smalldog.com/ewaste
~~~

March and more

2009-03-05T06:22:00.001-08:00

TOWN MEETING follow-up - both the town and school budgets passed along with most of the other monetary requests including funding for the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Including absentee voters, 540 Berlin residents voted. Thanks to those who got out and voted, your vote does make a difference.
~~~
A School Board position remains open at Berlin Elementary School since there was no candidate on the ballot at Town Meeting. If you are interested in this position, please call the school 223-2796 to find out more.
~~~
Way to go Jackson! It was great to see in the paper that 7 year old Jackson Flinn, who attends Berlin Elementary School, chose to donate all the money from his piggy bank to Central Vermont Humane Society (CVHS) to help out animals there. His photo is also on their webpage! http://www.cvhumane.com/ CVHS serves Washington and Orange Counties and is looking forward to moving to what has be Ruby's Run boarding facility on Route 14 in East Montpelier.
~~~
Thursday, March 5th - Memories of Montpelier. Screening of the new 1/2 hour documentary about the early days of the capital city featuring photographs and interviews at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library with Senator Bill Doyle. FREE 7pm 223-3338. Get there early, this is the second time showing this as it was so popular the first time with standing room only!
~~~
Berlin Elementary Talent Show sign up deadline is March 19th with the actual show to be held on April 30th. See Mrs. Young in the Learning Center for details
~~~
Bear Pond Books in Montpelier 20% off storewide sale March 6th-8th with refreshments available upstairs in the "Den"
~~~
Capital City Farmer’s Market Saturday, March 7th from 10am-2pm in the Vermont College gym. Get great fresh produce, meat, cheese and more. For more information, visit www.montpelierfarmersmarket.com.

~~~
Saturday, March 7th ONION RIVER EXCHANGE: TIME IS NOT MONEY Are you interested in exchanging services and goods? The Onion River Exchange (ORE) is one year old. Members have exchanged nearly 2,500 service hours. Should you join? Monica Kimball, ORE coordinator, will show a video and answer questions 5:30pm. Capital City Grange, Northfield Street just past the I-89 overpass. FREE Potluck to follow Info - Marjorie 229-0782.
http://www.orexchange.org/ The Onion River Exchange helps Central Vermonters to exchange goods and services without using money. Instead, our members buy and sell services for Community Credits, a time-based currency. Services can vary from mechanical work to home cooked meals to yoga lessons, and each service is worth the time you spend providing it. As a member, you could earn an hour of credit for giving someone a ride to a doctor's appointment, and use that credit to get piano lessons for your granddaughter. In ORE, the currency is time, and everyone's time is equal. What can I spend my credits on? transportation, tutoring, cooking, sewing, yard work, computer help, dance lessons, proofreading and editing, childcare, business services, personal finances, car repair, pet care, carpentry, yoga and wellness, music lessons, entertainment for parties, sports, wordprocessing, graphic design, phone calls, providing food for potlucks… and so much more!
~~~
Monday, March 9th 4:30pm - 6pm Farewell Open House to honor Linda Beaupré's many years of service on the Berlin School Board. This will take place at the school and is for current and past staff as well as community members. Linda has been an integral part of the board for 19 years. She did not seek re-election this year and we would like to recognize her years of service and leadership. To celebrate the time she spend on the board we hope you can join us Monday night in the Learning Center at Berlin Elementary School.
~~~
Monday, March 9th 6:15pm Berlin Elementary School Board meeting, as always these meetings are open to the public and people are welcome to attend. Meetings take place in the Learning Center.
~~~
Siblings Without Rivalry - A six-week course for parents who want to help their children live more peacefully with each other. Tuesdays, 6-8pm Barre Presbyterian Church, Seminary St. $35 individual, $50 couple. Begins March 10. Register with the Family Center of Washington County at 262-3292 ext 115
~~~
Wednesday, March 11th PTNA - your friendly neighborhood Parent Teacher Neighbor Association will meet at 6:30pm. Please make a point to attend as your help is needed. Dutch Mill Bulb orders are due this week also.
~~~
Do you have a teenager or pre-teen? March 11 6:30-8pm at U-32 will host - Welcome to the Adolescent Brain: Why do teens do the things they do? with dynamic national expert Michael Nerney. This is an evening for parents and community members.
~~~
Thursday, March 12 - All 6th grade parents (parents only) transition informational meeting at U-32 at 6:30pm
~~~
St. Patrick's Day in Barre Saturday, March 14th 9-11 Irish breakfast at Mulligan's Irish Pub - corned beef & green eggs. 10:30-11:30 Children's Cookie Decorating by Delicate Decadence at St. Monica School on Summer St. -please bring a non-perishable food item for the food shelf. Noon - St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Barre. 1:30-3:30 children's activities at the Aldrich Library. 1:30pm Traditional Irish Music with Trinity at Mulligan's Irish Pub. 4:30 - 7 Traditional Irish Dinner of corned beef & cabbage plus drink special at the Barre Labor Hall. Live Music at the Barre Labor Hall will include "Trinity" at 4:30 - spirited Irish pub songs and dance tunes. 7pm "Cocktail" Vermont's premier 80's rock cover band and at 9:30pm "Native Tongue" everyon's favorite classic rock band. Tickets at door $5 with an Irish dinner special - just $10 for dinner and music (dinner served until 6:30pm). NOTE MUST BE 21 AND OVER TO ENTER AFTER 6PM
~~~
Monday, March 16th - all school performance by the VSO Harp Duo at 10:30am in the Learning Center at Berlin Elementary
~~~
Monday, March 16th - Berlin Select Board meeting at the Town Office 7pm
~~~
Thursday, March 19th - 1/2 day of school for Berlin Elementary students; regular day for U-32 students
Friday, March 20th - no school for Berlin Elem. or U-32
Look for programming Kid Watch will be offering for the elementary students on both of those days
~~~
Used book sale - Thatcher Brook Primary School in Waterbury is holding a used book sale in their school gym on Thursday, March 19 from 3-8pm, Friday, March 20 from 8am - 12 and Saturday March 21 from 9am - 12.
~~~
March 23 - preschool registration for next school year, call the school for more details
~~~
Saturday, March 28th 10am - noon DABBLE DAYS at the Berlin Elementary Gym - activities for young children and their families put on by Success by Six.
~~~
SUNDAYS Family Unicycle Riding - all ages and abilities welcome to join the Montpelier Unicyclists club for indoor riding and learning. Unicycles available for loan. Bring your own bicycle helmet. 4:30-6pm Montpelier Recreation Department gym, 58 Barre St, Montpelier. $2 individual, $5 family. Contact 223-3456
~~~
Capitol Video is now at their new 25 Berlin Street location (formally Girasole) - there is now free parking and pizza and calzones made by Angelo Caserta (he operated La Pizzeria at that same location). I had a slice of their pizza last week - DELICIOUS! Pizza and calzones will be available from 11am to 8pm and this month they are having an introductory special of a free rantal with the purchase of a medium or large pizza. Coming soon to Capitol Video will be Burr Morse's fabulous maple creemees frozen in pints and maple kettle corn. Capitol Video is open every day 10am to 9pm - call 229-5756 or 223-1374 for more information. The food is for take out only but another convenience is the public restroom!
~~~
"The Skinny Pancake" - which will offer a variety of crepe creations made with local ingredients will be opening in the City Center in the spot vacated by Ben & Jerry's.
~~~
Households with adjusted annual income below $114,000 may qualify for a prebate to ease their tax burden. It's estimated that 90% of Berlin residents qualify for this. You must apply yearly. VT Homestead Declaration & Property Tax Adjustment application: https://secure.vermont.gov/hd/index
~~~
VERMONT STATE SCHOLASTIC CHESS TOURNAMENT - we are excited to be hosting this popular event at Berlin Elementary School on Saturday, April 11th. http://vtchess.info This event typically draws 150 - 200 chess players from throughout Vermont. This tournament is for kindergarteners through 12th grade. $10 registration for those received on or before April 6th, $20 for registration the day of the tournament.
~~~

our gem in central Vermont

2009-03-04T08:26:00.000-08:00

UPDATE - Berlin decided to support the Kellogg-Hubbard Library again this year!! If you're a Berlin resident and haven't yet signed up for your library card, please do and enjoy all the benefits of being a member of this wonderful resource.

"Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries"

Each and every vote counts, please get out and vote!

Kellogg-Hubbard Library needs you as much as you need it!

These are difficult and uncertain times for everyone. The national media is filled with reports of people flocking to libraries in unprecedented numbers as they can no longer afford to buy books, computers, or have a high-speed Internet connection to help with a job search. Please vote yes for library funding on Town Meeting Day. The Library Board has kept its pledge to ask for no more than the cost of living for the next four years. This year's request is 1.8% under the cost of living. Please help make sure that the library's doors remain open to all who rely on it.

These are our funding requests for each town meeting. We have included last year’s requested amount, this year’s requested amount and the difference between each amount. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Daniel Pudvah, Executive Director at 223-3338.

Community 2008 2009 Amount requested over last year

Berlin $ 12, 074 $ 12,557 $ 483

Calais $ 23,547 $ 24,489 $ 942

E. Mont $ 31,054 $ 32,296 $ 1,242

Middlesex $ 24,561 $ 25,543 $ 982

Montpelier $ 282,668 $293,975 $11,307

Worcester $ 16,095 $ 16,739 $ 644

Total $ 390,000 $ 405,600 $15,600

What is the Kellogg-Hubbard worth to you?
If you ever wondered what the library services you use are worth to you, go to the website at www.kellogghubbard.org and click on "What's your library worth to you?" at the top of the page.

Looking for a job?
Librarians can help you find resources that will assist you with your job search. Whether you are looking for a career change, information on resume writing, material on starting a business, or a way to ace your next interview, the library will find you what you need. If you are using the library's computers to find a job, we will print one copy of your resume for free! Further copies are .15 per page.

Job Hunter’s Sourcebook
In a world that requires new and resourceful approaches to landing a position, the Job Hunter’s Sourcebook is an invaluable resource that will give you websites, e-mail addresses, and ideas that should make your job search more productive. While the book must be used in the library, you are welcome to make photocopies of needed pages.

Get your audio books online
It's no longer necessary to drive all the way to the library to get an audio book. If you have a library card go to our website and click on "Listen Up! Vermont". By following the directions you will be able to download audio books to your computer or an mp3 player, including your iPod. This service will continue to grow, so be sure to keep checking the site for new features.

Heritage Quest Online
Are you searching your family's history? Heritage Quest Online is one of the most popular databases in the country for genealogical research, and you can access it with your library card directly from the Kellogg-Hubbard website. Click on "Search Library Holdings".

New Website feature!
Want to know what you currently have out? Go to the library’s online catalog and click on “My Info”. Enter your library barcode number and use your last name as your password. You can see what you have checked out and what you currently have on reserve.

Berlin Voting

2009-02-24T15:47:00.000-08:00

BERLIN VOTING ON SCHOOL & TOWN BUDGETS 2009

Your vote does make a difference, please take the time to find out about what’s on the ballot this year and cast your vote.

Deadline for becoming a registered voter for this years’ Town Meeting is February 25th at 5pm Contact Rosemary Morse, Town Clerk, at 229-9298

The Berlin school budget presentation is accessible on line – the link is on the main page of the school website http://www.berlinschool.org There’s also a link for the details as to what is on the Australian ballot this year and the agenda for the 10am Town Meeting.

The Town & School Report is back from the printers. Copies went home to each elementary school family. Copies can be picked up at the Town Office, Berlin Elem. School, SW Rentals, and the Chamber of Commerce on Stewart Road

Pre-town meeting, your final opportunity to hear about items on Australian ballot will be held on Monday, March 2nd 7pm at Berlin Elementary. U-32 will have an informational meeting regarding their budget at 6pm Monday, March 2nd at U-32 in Room 131.

Both the Berlin Elementary School budget and the town budget will be on Australian ballot this year. Also on the ballot is the U-32 budget and requests from other community organizations. The polls are open from 10am – 7pm, Tuesday, March 3rd at the Berlin Elementary School.

Absentee Ballots can be requested between now & March 2nd –if you’ll be out of town or may have trouble making it in to vote on March 3rd, please request one from the Town Clerk.

Berlin Town Meeting will take place at 10am on Tuesday, March 3rd at Berlin Elementary.

The Berlin Volunteer Fire Dept.WILL be offering lunch 11am on Tuesday, March 3rd. Take a brown bag lunch back to work with you or eat at the school. Corn chowder or minestrone soup, a sandwich (tuna, egg salad or ham), beverage & dessert all for only $4.

Berlin Dogs will be able to be registered at Town Meeting this year (dogs must be licensed by April 1st) The cost is $7 for a dog that has been neutered or spayed and $11 for those that haven't been. Please note that our Town Clerk, Rosemary Morse, will only be registering dogs when the actual Town Meeting is not going. Bring proof of current rabies vaccination and if it’s the first time registering, the spay or neutering certificate.

Please contact your school board members or the principal with questions regarding

the Berlin School budget

Berlin Elementary Board of School Directors:

Linda Beaupré, chairperson 229-4580

Jonathan Goddard 223-7876

Amy Brewer 223-3259

Vera Frazier 229-0074

Jonathan Boyd 229-9517

Charlie Watson, BES principal 223-2796 x120

Berlin representatives on the U-32 School Board are:

Mark Berry 479-2686

Mike Stridsberg 223-1948

BERLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2008-2009

Berlin Elementary School currently has 222 students enrolled preK – 6th grade. Preschool is offered two mornings a week for 3 year olds and two days a week for 4 year olds

There are 2 classrooms for grades K- 6 although in 5th & 6th grade classes are combined.

Berlin Elementary employs about 43 people. This includes 15 classroom teachers (preK-6), teachers for art, music, PE and a librarian, 2 special educators and a part time SLP (speech language pathologist), a part time reading specialist, a part time technology person, 9 paraeducators, a guidance counselor, a nurse, 3 custodians, 2 kitchen staff, two administrative assistants and the principal.

The curriculum includes reading, writing, math, social studies, science, physical education, library, technology, music, art, and guidance. For foreign language, which is now a part of the state’s grade expectations, we hope to add a part-time teacher. Currently the 5th year U-32 French & Spanish students visit us and share these languages with us. Please note that this doesn’t meet the state requirements and may not be possible in the future.

The Parent Teacher Neighbor Association (PTNA) shares the cost of our Arts Enrichment program which brings performances and artist residencies to our school along with taking our K-6 students to a performance either at the Barre Opera House or Flynn Theater.

5th & 6th graders sell popcorn for snack time twice a week, raising money for a field trip to Boston every other year. This year they also made & sold quick breads & held a 50/50 raffle to raise money

Our kitchen feeds about 140 students and 10 adults a healthy lunch each day, while about 50 students are served a healthy breakfast daily.

The proposed budget for Berlin Elementary School for 2009-2010 is $2,852,220. This is a 4.57% increase ($124,764) from the current budget. The increase in taxes from the Berlin Elementary and U32 budget will be 2 cents, or for example on a homestead appraised for $100,000 a total of $20. When you include the Common Level of Appraisal and Act 68, it becomes a 8.5 cent increase or $85 on a homestead appraised at $100,000.

Most items in the school budget are controlled by contracts leaving very little that we have control over. In order to make significant cuts such as the governor has suggested, teachers and/ or paraeducators would need to be cut, which would reduce services to children.

Households with adjusted annual income below $114,000 may qualify for a prebate to ease their tax burden. It’s estimated that 90% of Berlin residents qualify for this. You must apply yearly. VT Homestead Declaration & Property Tax Adjustment application: https://secure.vermont.gov/hd/index If you don’t have internet access, you should be able to find the form at the post office or your local library.

Our families are fortunate to have Kid Watch, a before and after school child care program located at the Berlin Elementary School. Kid Watch also offers programming on most inservice and vacation days.

Building changes - last year Phase I was completed which included wheel chair accessible doors in most classrooms off the Learning Center, installation of walls where there had been collapsible partitions, along with adding security doors for our hallways. Phase II is postponed although it is all work needed. Phase II will complete the wheel chair accessible doors, make the fire & safety alarms and PA system available in all the rooms, clean duct work, make exterior doors open by swinging out (currently they swing in), changes to the sink & water fountains including their height, and other code compliance. Eventually there will be a separate bond vote to have this work done.

The temporary building at the back of the Berlin Elementary School parking lot was installed by and paid for by Washington Central Supervisory Union to house seven early education employees who work throughout the district. When WCSU moves to their new location, these employees will join them.

Please vote!

To find information about Berlin go to:

The town website: http://www.berlinvt.org;

the school websites: http://www.berlinschool.org and http://www.u32.org and

Corinne’s blog of events and news from Berlin & beyond: http://socialenergy.blogspot.com

Transportation proposal, meetings & more

2009-02-11T05:22:00.000-08:00

Please join us for the Berlin PTNA meeting tonight (February 11th) 6:30pm in the Learning Center.
Be sure to be saving Box Tops for Education and Campbell Soup Label points for the Berlin PTNA. There is a collection container for them in the school office.
~~~
U-32 Middle School Parent Teacher Council meeting Thursday, Feb 12th 6:30pm - 7:30pm in the conference room at the back of the library. Agenda: Parent Workshop Opportunity; U-32 Substance Abuse Policy; Combined Bussing Proposal
The Drugs & Alcohol policy can be found on the U-32 website:
http://www.u32.org/v2files/PDF/policies/Drugs%20&%20Alcohol%20-%20F7.pdf
Bus proposals can be found at http://www.berlinschool.org in Announcement box on main page.
~~~
U-32 POPS CONCERT - Thursday, February 12th 7pm - FREE - enjoy some wonderful entertainment!
~~~
WCSU TRANSPORTATION PROPOSALS - There are two bus proposals being considered, Option A & Option B. The details of these proposals can be found on the school website (http://www.berlinschool.org ) This decision will be made by the district and not by individual schools. An opportunity to ask questions about these proposals is at the Berlin School Board informational meeting on Monday, February 16th at 6pm.
~~~
BERLIN SCHOOL BUDGET INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS:
Saturday, Feb 14th 10am at the Riverton Fire Station

Monday, Feb 16th 6-7pm at Berlin Elem. Learning Center (regular board meeting to follow) At this meeting a transportation proposal will also be discussed, the proposal includes possible changes in bus routes and school start/end times.

~~~
Find Berlin school & town voting information on the school website (http://www.berlinschool.org) . This includes 2009 Annual Town Meeting Warning; Annual Berlin Elementary School Meeting Warning; U-32 Warning; Town & Elementary School Sample Ballot and U-32 Sample Ballot.
~~~
VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE - Berlin Residents who have not yet
registered to vote must be registered by 5pm on Wednesday, February
25th, 2009 to be able to vote at the Town Meeting on Tuesday, March 3rd.
~~~

one more!

2009-02-05T17:08:00.001-08:00

Lotus Lake Discovery Center Winter Fest this Saturday February 7th from 10-2. Route 14, two miles south of Williamstown Village. Dog sled demo, ice harvesting, ice fishing, snowshoeing/tracking, sledding, entertainment, cookout. Free event, donations accepted, small cost for food. There are snowshoes that can be used or bring your own. For more information contact: Becky Watson 433-5400
~~~

FEBRUARY FESTIVITIES

2009-02-02T16:37:00.000-08:00

Check out the new Google on-line BERLIN SCHOOL EVENTS CALENDAR! Find it on the school website on the front page under Announcements http://www.berlinschool.org Field Trips, performances, basketball games, public meetings, and more! Please note these items are subject to change so be sure to call coaches with questions on game schedules and continue to carefully read the weekly school newsletter & classroom newsletters.
~~
COMICS CLUB Tuesdays at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library - THE COMICS CLUB starts up another great year of writing, drawing and sharing comics on Tuesdays from 3:30 - 5 pm at Kellogg Hubbard Library. For ages 8-18. Drop-in anytime!
~~
VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE - Berlin Residents who have not yet registered to vote must be registered by 5pm on Wednesday, February 25th, 2009 to be able to vote at the Town Meeting on Tuesday, March 3rd.
~~~
Berlin Elementary Winter Carnival will take place during the week of February 16th. Folks are needed to help out with both the indoor and outdoor activities. If you're available please contact Jessica Heinz at school to discuss the details.
~~~
WEDNESDAYS Farmer’s Night series takes place at the Vermont State House every Wednesday night at 7:30pm through the legislative session. Feb 4th Kern Hattin Jazz Band; Feb 11th "An Evening with Thomas Jefferson"; Feb 18th The Fred Haas & Sabrina Brown Duo; Feb 25th Linda Radtke performing her Civil War Songbook; March 4 NO PROGRAM; March 17 - 40th Army Band of the VT National Guard; March 25 Sweet Music and the Feminine Tone and Apr8il 1st South Royalton Band For more information, visit http://www.leg.state.vt.us/schedule/Farmers%20Night%20Schedule%202009.pdf

~~
February 3rd - Concert on Tuesday, Feb. 3rd 7pm for 3rd - 6th graders. Afternoon dress rehearsal at 2pm
February 3rd 5pm-7pm Potrait Show - this art show will highlight portraits created by students in grades 3,4,5,6. The portraits will be on display in the Learning Center. This work reflects weeks of student work drawing and learning how to draw a realistic face. The work will be on display for two weeks.
~~
February 4th - Parents, staff and community members are invited to join board members and legislators at 7pm on Wednesday, Feb. 4th at U-32 for an opportunity to hear from our legislators about issues of concern and upcoming legislation related to education.
~~
February 7th - KidsVT Camp & School Fair - ONE DAY EVENT at the Hilton Hotel, Battery St, Burlington. Vermont's Family Newspaper hosts their 12th Annual Fair. Gather information and meet with Schools and Summer Program and Camp representatives. Free admission. All ages welcome. www.kidsvt.com. 802-985-5482
~~~
Be sure to check out the KidsVT calendar of events http://www.kidsvt.com/
~~~
February 9th - Berlin Charter Changes - the second of two public hearings on this topic will be at 7pm at the Berlin Elementary School. The most significant proposed changes are to elimate several elected positions and have them as hires by the Select Board.... e.g. Treasurer, Auditors, Listers... etc. If that goes through, the only position you will elect is that of the Town Clerk.
News stories on the Charter Changes:
http://www.timesargus.com/article/20090129/THISJUSTIN/901290280
http://www.timesargus.com/article/20090131/NEWS02/901310309
~~
February 9th - Mother / Son Bowling (Moms, Relatives, or Special Friends and Sons - Kindergarten through grade 6) Sponsored by the Montpelier Rec Dept. ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY $12 per person at the Mplr Rec Office 225-8699 http://www.montpelierrec.org Bowling will be at Twin City Bowling Lanes 3:30 - 5pm on Monday, Feb. 9th.
~~
February 11th - Berlin Parent Teacher Neighbor Association (PTNA) 6:30pm in the Learning Center
~~~
February 12th - Father / Daughter Valendtine Dance (Dads, Relatives, Special Friends, & Daughters of all ages. Open to all families) Sponsored by Montpelier Recreation Dept. and Capitol Plaza Hotel & Conference Center. $15 in advance at the Mplr Rec Dept or $20 at the door. Thursday, Feb 12 6:30 - 8:30 at the Capitol Plaza Governor's Ballroom. DJ Jim Severance, photos available for purchase.
~~
February 12th - The Berlin Democratic Committee invites you to join them for an evening with some prominent local and state Democrats. 7pm in the Berlin Elementary School Library. VT State Treasurer Jeb Spauldin, Senator Ann Cummings & Senator Doug Racine will talk about their current work and their futures in the Democratic party. A question & answer period will follow. Coffee and Dessert will be served. For more information, call 522-4927. Hope to see you there!
~~
February 14th - Young people ages 6-10 are invited to "Celebrating George Washington: Creating Wigs and Silhouettes" at the Pavilion Building in Montpelier on Saturday, February 14, from 10 am to noon. VHS's Family Fun series mixes entertainment, hands-on activities, and snacks to create a fun and memorable educational experience! The price is $8, $5 for members, and free for parents. To register, call 828-2180 or email Geraldine.brown@state.vt.us. One of the biggest holidays of past centuries was George Washington's Birthday, February 22. Our first president is often portrayed wearing a "powdered wig" and pictured as a silhouette. We'll recreate these for ourselves and see how they make us look. The Vermont Historical Society is a nonprofit offering the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier, the Leahy Library in Barre, and statewide programming. Established in 1838, its purpose is to reach a broad audience through outstanding collections, statewide outreach and dynamic programming onVermont history. The Vermont Historical Society believes that an understanding of the past changes lives and builds better communities. Visit the Society's web site at www.vermonthistory.org for directions, admission fees, and hours, or call 802-479-8500.
~~
February 14th - Latin Dinner and Dance -dinner at 6:30, dance starts at 7:30. Put some spice in your winter and some heat to a cold night! Feast on a gourmet Mexican meal prepared by NECI chefs and their staff; learn Latin dance steps with a Salsa dance instructor; dance to the shounds of two U-32 jass bands, groove to the music with a Salsa DJ, break the Pinata for great goodies. Tickets can be purchased over the hpone at 229-0321 x3047, by email at tcate@u32.org or from student members of the U-32 Music Department Students $7, Adults $15 or Families $35. (there are Stridsberg students in the music dept so let me know if you need help getting tickets)
~~
February 16th - Berlin School Board information meeting 6pm - 7pm on the school budget and transportation proposal followed by a regular school board meeting.
~~
February 22nd, Sunday, FREE Ice Skating Party - the Town of Berlin Recreation Board cordially invites you to the annual Ice Skating Party at the Berlin Town Skating Rink (next to the Town Offices) from 12:00 Noon - 3pm. Refreshments provided by the Berlin Police Department and the Recreation Board. There will also be a Historical Society Open House. Admission and Refreshments are FREE TO ALL
~~~
Monday, March 2nd - Pre town meeting - INFORMATIONAL meeting regarding items on the Australian Ballot including the school budget, town budget, and other organizations requesting funds. Location: Berlin Elementary School.
~~
Tuesday, March 3rd - TOWN MEETING 10am (Yes, there is still a meeting) with Australian Ballot voting from 10am - 7pm. It is possible to discuss items on the Australian ballot but not possible to change what's being voted on.

January is jumping with news!

2009-01-13T18:12:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS! It’s time to get out those calendars again and start making note of all the fun activities coming up and also the meetings and requests for volunteers. Might you consider serving on the School Board or Select Board… or on the friendly neighborhood Parent Teacher Neighbor Association (PTNA)? Please give some thought to who you might be able to pass this along to as unfortunately, I don’t have EVERYBODY in town on my send list!

LOST & FOUND - If you lost anything at the First Night activities in Montpelier, you may still be able to get it back. A boxful of items are waiting to be claimed call 223-9604 or email director@mdca.org

At school Lost & Found continues to pile up, please look for missing items before they are donated to the Salvation Army.
~~~
If there is any information to be included in the town report, it must get to the town offices immediately as the town report will be sent to the printers soon. Town Reports should be available for people the week of February 16th and can be picked up at the town offices or at the elementary school
~~~
January 14th at 6:30pm join the PTNA for their rescheduled monthly meeting in the Berlin Elementary School Learning Center (library).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here is letter to the editor that was submitted to the Times Argus yesterday:

Dear Editor -

Saturday, January 17th at 10am there is a very important meeting for Berlin voters regarding how they will vote on both the school budget and town budget this year. There will be discussion and a vote as to whether to have these budgets on Australian ballot or to continue to use the Town Meeting format of presentations, discussion and a floor vote on each. While the Australian ballot allows for a greater number of voters to cast their ballot during the time the polls are open from 10am to 7pm, what is lost is the ability to make motions to make changes to the budget. Therefore, if a budget is not voted on favorably, the board would need to determine what changes should be made and bring a modified budget to the voters at a future date. Note that items which are to be decided on a floor vote are able to have discussion on the floor while any items on the Australian ballot can only be discussed at the pre-town meeting the night before. I hope at this meeting on Saturday consideration will also be given to possibly moving the Town Meeting to a late afternoon or evening time or even to a Saturday to allow more voters to attend. If an evening Town Meeting is discussed, help with transportation for those who have difficulty driving at night would also need to be considered.

Berlin residents are encouraged to visit both the school and town websites http://www.berlinschool.org and http://www.berlinvt.org. These websites contain much information including when board meetings are and will soon have information regarding budgets. Another site to check out is http://socialenergy.blogspot.com for happenings in Berlin and our surrounding greater community. If you would like to be put on an email list to receive updates, usually once or twice a month, please make your request by emailing corinne.s@comcast.net (email addresses are not shared as items are sent using bcc).

Whatever your opinion is regarding the budget votes, I hope you will come to the meeting at 10am on Saturday at the Berlin Elementary School. Free childcare will be provided.

Corinne Stridsberg

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There will be two positions on the Berlin School Board for consideration in March. The positions consist of one two-year and one three-year position. There is also one 3 year Berlin position up for consideration on the U-32 School Board. After an incredible NINETEEN YEARS on the Berlin School Board, Linda Beaupré is not planning on running again. Hopefully there are several people interested in running (it’s always good to have two or more people on the ballot!). Petitions can be obtained at the Town Clerk’s office, will need 20 signatures from Berlin registered legal voters, and must be submitted to the Town Clerk by 5pm on January 26th.
~~~
There will be three positions on the Berlin Select Board for consideration in March. The positions consist of one three-year position and two one-year positions. If anyone is interested they will need to submit a petition by 5pm on January 26th. Petitions can be obtained at the Town Clerk's office and will need 20 signatures from Berlin registered legal voters. Pat McDonald and Kitty Langlois have decided not to seek reelection.
~~~
The Berlin Fire Department continues to look for new members, they are an all volunteer fire department. They need folks not just to fight fires, there are a number of ways folks can help the fire department out. They hold meetings on Tuesday evenings. You’ll find contact information on these webpages: http://www.berlinfiredepartment.org/news.php http://www.berlinvt.org/Fire.htm
~~~
Adults! Join Kellogg Hubbard Library for an A. A. Milne birthday celebration! On January 15th at 6:30pm we will be showing “Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day” and “Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree.” These classic cartoons were released in the early 1960’s and are narrated by Sebastian Cabot. Documentary information will also be shown detailing the history behind the original characters and where they are now. The program is geared for adults, but they are certainly welcome to bring children and/or grandchildren who would enjoy the classic cartoons. A bit of trivia, honey and scones, and an A. A. Milne book giveaway will make for a wonderful evening at the library. http://www.kellogghubbard.org/ Check out the other wonderful programming Kellogg-Hubbard offers for both adults and kids!

If you have a library card at Kellogg-Hubbard Library (currently free to Berlin residents) have you made use of Listen Up! Vermont? By going to the library website you're able to download audiobooks 24/7!

Kellogg-Hubbard is seeking signatures on a petition to have a request for funds on the Berlin Australian ballot this year. Last year voters approved the request for $12,074. Petitions can be signed at the library or at Berlin Elementary.
~~~
There is a note from the Town of Berlin regarding Berlin Winter Preparedness which I've posted on the main page of the school website for your convenience, please check it out: http://www.berlinschool.org It includes information regarding funds earmarked for Berlin folks needing fuel assistance that Central VT Community Action Council has; the town is looking for donations of split, hard wood (a day or two supply) for a modified Wood Warm program; also looking for people to transport a supply of wood to a Berlin resident in the event of a fuel emergency; who would be willing to donate fallen hardwood on their property; and finally looking for people to cut and split wood in the spring and summer of 2009. Please check out the details, even if you can’t help out perhaps you can spread the word to somebody that can or who is in need of some assistance.
~~~
NATIVE TONGUE, classic rock music band, will be playing at Gusto's in Barre on the evening of January 16th. http://www.nativetonguerocks.com
~~~
Having trouble keeping track of all your passwords? There is a way to keep them secure! Recently I downloaded a password safe from this site: http://passwordsafe.sourceforge.net/ Now I just have to remember the password to get into this program and I have all those other everchanging usernames and passwords stored where I can easily access them.
~~~
Have you heard Capitol Video is moving? At the end of the month they're moving to 25 Berlin St. (formally Girasole Restaurant) where they are excited that there will not only be FREE parking but theyll also have pizza and calzones to go (pizza by Angelo Caserta of La Pizzaria). Plan on movie & pizza specials!
~~~
Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at Montpelier City Hall - FREE! You're Invited ... Central Vermont's INAUGURATION CELEBRATION A party of the people, by the people, for the people! 11:00am on... watch Swearing-In and Obama's Speech on the Big Screen; 5pm - 7pm support local restaurants by eating dinner downtown; 6:30-10pm - Community Inaugural Ball including Dance & Live Music with the Dave Keller Band, Desserts and Inaugural Activities - bring something sweet to share, cash bar and soda/coffee/tea available, on-going coverage of Obama's Inauguration; 9:30pm on... party continues at Black Door Bistro, Langdon St. Cafe and other local spots. Organized by excited citizens of Central VT, for more info 223-4622 / info@grassrootsfund.org I hear many will be wearing ballroom gowns to the ball but certainly not required!
~~~
The ReStore is OPEN!! at it's new location at 34 Granite Street in Barre. 477-7800 info@therestore.org visit their website: http://therestore.wordpress.com/
~~~
Have you visited Heather's Nearly New recently? This is owned by Berlin resident Heather Ward. The store is located at 62 River Street in Montpelier. You'll find high quality clothing for children and maternity. 229-4002
~~~
Have you checked out the Reuse Business Database that the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District offers on their website? You'll find where to take and get great reusable goods. There is also the A-Z Database for Residents You'll find these under CVSWMD Tools http://www.cvswmd.org/wp/
~~~
Green Up Vermont poster entries are due on the last day of January. Details about this poster and writing contest can be found at http://www.greenupvermont.org or by calling 229-4586 or 800-974-3259. Green Up Day is May 2nd this year.
~~~
Capital City Winter Farmers Market continue twice a month on the first and third Saturday at the Vermont College Gym 10am – 2pm http://www.montpelierfarmersmarket.com
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Statewide Food Drive AmeriCorps Volunteers invite you to participate in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service by donating non-perishable food items. The food collected in Berlin will stay local. Most desirable food shelf items include: peanut butter, cereal, tuna, canned soup, pasta and sauce, canned soup and chili, macaroni and cheese, canned beef, pork, chicken, canned ravioli, beef stew, canned fruits and vegetables. If you can help by donating something, please send it into school by the end of the week since we don't have school on Monday, January 19th.
~~~
Some Montpelier stores will be offering discounts to their customers participate in their Breakfast Food Drive for the Montpelier Food Shelf (which Berlin residents are welcome at). January 18th-25th customers are asked to bring in a breakfast item to a participating business. Breakfast item suggestions are: cereal, canned ham, peanut butter, jelly, canned fruit and dried milk. Food pantry shelves are low and this should be a great help. Participating businesses include: Athena's; Bear Pond Books; Capitol Grounds; Damsels; Global Gifts; Men's Store; Onion River Kids; Onion River Sports; Phoenix Rising; Rivendell; Riverwalk Records; Salaam; Shaline's; Shoe Horn; Splash; The Cheshire Cat; The Drawing Board; The Getup; The Knitting Studio; Uncommon Market and Woodbury Mountain Toys
~~~
Want to improve communication with your children, learn how to set limits, use discipline techniques without spoiling or spanking, and have a fun time together? Then come check out the Nurturing Parent Program. This is a FREE program which will meet once a week for 18 weeks from 5:30-8pm. Dinner and free childcare provided. This educational program that involves the whole family is intended for parents and guardians of 5-11 year olds. Call Cindy Haggett at PCAV to register 229-5724 email chaggett@pcavt.org
~~~
The 2009 Vermont Farm Show at the Barre Municipal Complex is Tuesday, January 27th 9am-5pm; Wednesday, January 28th 9am-7pm and finishes on Thursday January 29th 9am -4pm Details can be found at http://www.vermontagriculture.com/FarmShow/FarmShow2009/index.html#
~~~
BERLIN CHARTER CHANGES – Two meetings have been set, January 29th @ 7:00pm & February 9th @ 7:00pm at the Berlin Elementary School for the discussion of proposed Charter Changes - - there are several. The most significant are proposed changes to eliminate several elected positions and have them as hires by the Select board… e.g. Treasurer, Auditors, Listers…etc. If that goes through, the only position you will elect is that of Town Clerk.
~~~
Brookfield Ice Harvest will be the last Saturday of January. A great opportunity for the whole family to see how ice was harvested on Sunset Lake at the turn-of-the-century. A demonstration of ice cutting and the ice boom used to move blocks of ice to wagons. Try out some hand-made snowshoes, and view ice sculpting, famous Vermont Floating Bridge. Lots of food, fun, and an ice hauling contest. No admission fee. January 31st at 10am in Brookfield, VT Info: 276-3959.
~~~
3Squares VT helps folks get three square meals a day on the table, it’s the state’s expanded nutrition program which is focusing on healthy eating, it used to be called “food stamps” but has been renamed. “Now people with gross incomes of 185 percent of the federal poverty level, up from 130 percent, are eligible for the program. That's $3,269 a month for a family of four. And people will no longer have to spend down their savings for their children's college education or their retirement to qualify.” There have been a couple of interesting articles recently

http://www.timesargus.com/article/20090103/NEWS02/901030330/0/ and http://www.timesargus.com/article/20081229/NEWS01/812290364

Here’s some information you may not know – the number of families that qualify for free or reduced lunches at school helps the school in securing federal funds. If you qualify to have your children receive free or reduced lunch and breakfasts (even if it’s just a temporary out of work situation that qualifies you), it will be for the rest of the school year. You are only asked to submit new paperwork if your income goes down, not up. If you think you might qualify (even if you haven’t in the past), please visit: http://www.vermontfoodhelp.org
~~~
Evening Adult Technical Education classes at the Barre Technical Center begin on January 20th. Details regarding classes on computers, LNA, automotive, and much more can be found at: http://www.barretechnicalcenter.org/pages/adult/adult.htm
~~~
Need to have a dog or cat neutered or spayed and can't afford what the vets charge? Check out VT-CAN (Vermont Companion Animal Neutering) http://www.vt-can.org/home.php
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BERLIN DOGS need to be registered at the Town Clerk's office by April 1st. The cost is $7 for a dog that has been neutered or spayed and $11 for those that haven't been.
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ICE SKATING - Berlin has an outdoor skating rink with a warming hut over behind the town offices / police station.

There is also an indoor rink open year round in Waterbury: http://www.icecenter.org

2008-2009 Public Skating CV Memorial Civic Center 268 Gallison Hill Rd, Montpelier VT
Jan. 17 Sat. 1 – 2:15 PM ; Jan. 18 Sun. 4 – 5:15 PM
Jan. 19 Mon. 1 – 2:30 PM
Jan. 24 Sat. 4 – 5:15 PM ; Jan. 25 Sun. 4 – 5:15 PM
Jan. 31 Sat. 4 – 5:15 PM
Feb. 1 Sun. 4 – 5:15 PM
Feb. 7 Sat. 4 – 5:15 PM ; Feb. 8 Sun. 4 – 5:15 PM
Feb. 14 Sat. 4 – 5:15 PM ; Feb. 15 Sun. 4 – 5:15 PM
Feb. 21 Sat. 4 – 5:15 PM ; Feb. 22 Sun. 4 – 5:15 PM
$3 adult ; $2 student ; Preschool & over 62 Free / $5 skate rental

December Update

2008-12-10T09:13:00.001-08:00

December 29th & 30th - ROCK CLIMBING! Two Day Climbing Club for 3rd - 6th graders. The day will be spent climbing and belaying, safety equipment checks, knot tying, bouldering, some outdoor activities and watching videos of professional rock and ice climbers. 8am-4pm each day, cost is $35 a day or both days for $65. Students bring a lunch and a snack and wear appropriate clothes for exercising and climbing and bring ouside gear as well. Enrollment limited to 20 students, please sign-up by December 17th.

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FREE Nuturing Parent Program will begin in January for families of 5-11 year olds. This program will meet weekly and include a FREE dinner. Children welcome and in fact enouraged to come as there will be a program for them. For children younger than 4 there will be child care. Contact Cindy at 229-5724 for details. Parents learn from discussion, activities, presentations and videotapes, and home practice: what children think and feel; what to expect from children at different ages; how to deal with little frustrations before they become big ones; how to recognize and deal with children's feelings and needs; how to recognize and attend to their own feelings and needs. Children learn through games, songs, art activities, puppet play and discussion to: control their behavior; increase their sense of self-worth; understand their strengths and limitations; and recognize their own feelings and express their needs. (note, Cindy attended the last PTNA meeting to discuss this program and it sounds very worthwhile!)

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CLOTHING GIVEAWAY - YES! It is true. The Berlin PTNA will be giving away FREE clothing, shoes, outerwear, boots and bedding on Saturday, January 10th from 9am to 2pm in the Learning Center at school. As you clean out your closets to make room for all your new Christmas clothing, please think of donating items for the giveaway. Do not include items that are stained or ripped.

Donations to the PTNA will be appreciated for us to continue to support educational events at school for kids and families.

We will have a box marked in the lobby for you to deposit your items beginning Monday, December 15th. If the box is full, please contain the items in boxes or bags and label clearly PTNA. During this event we will also have a Bake Sale.

Anyone interested in baking or helping with the event please let us know. We will need folks to set up and sort on Friday, January 9th (possibly sorting and hanging items before that also) and to help out on January 10th which could be just a couple hour shift.

Thank You, Berlin PTNA

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Holiday concerts - All are welcome to attend the fabulous holiday concerts put on at U-32 High School. Upcoming is the Middle School concert Wednesday, December 17th at 7pm and then on Thursday the 18th the High School concert at 7pm. Please note the earlier start times.

Scholastic Book Fair at U-32 week of Dec 15th - with evening hours the night of each concert from 5:30 - 7pm. There will also be a Winter Art Exhibition from 5:30-7pm the nights of the concerts.

Interested in some local sports over the holiday? Check out the calendar at http://www.u32.org for basketball games that will be taking place during vacation.

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“Holiday Boxes” are being organized down at the Montpelier Food Pantry. Berlin students are asked to bring in boxes of crackers, while U-32 students are asked to bring in baking mixes (brownie mixes, cake mixes, cookie mixes, etc) to donate. These would help make this year's boxes yummier than ever! Holiday Boxes will be filled with a turkey, stuffing, fresh fruits and veggies, cheese, butter, milk, crackers and more. The Montpelier Food Pantry would really appreciate any donations possible. Donations would be appreciated by Wednesday, December 17th and can be picked up at the school if you contact Peg Monley 229-1252. If you want to sign up to receive a box, stop by the Food Pantry before December 18th - it's located in the basement of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Montpelier, next door to the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Hours are 9-12 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays , 10-11 on Friday. Wednesday evening from 4-6pm. The Montpelier Food Pantry serves the towns of Montpelier, Berlin, Worcester, E. Montpelier, Calais and Middlesex.

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The next two Berlin School Board meetings are Thursday, December 11th 6pm at U-32 and then on Monday, December 15th 6:15 pm at Berlin Elementary School. Both meetings will have discussion regarding school budget voting and on the 15th regarding next years budget. Meeting agendas are posted on the bulletin board at school and every effort is made to post them on the school website in a timely manner. The Berlin meeting on the 11th at U-32 will be followed by a full board (district wide) meeting where one item on the agenda is a presentation regarding possible bussing changes.

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The Kellogg-Hubbard Library is holding their winter book sale from December 8th – January 10th, 2009. The books are high-quality and organized by subject! Many are brand-new.
Remember, all Berlin residents can get a FREE library card at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library as Berlin voters agreed to support the library last Town Meeting Day. How many of you have been making use of this awesome library? From their website you can link to "Listen Up! Vermont" and using your library card number you can download audio books to your MP3 player for a week, be sure to check it out!! http://www.kellogghubbard.org

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Come Celebrate! Thursday, December 11th is Hunger Mountain Coop’s renovation celebration! They want to thank you for shopping at The Coop. All are invited to a celebratory toast at 10am in The Café! Check out the raffle prizes and free samples! Great discounts – One-Day Only - On your favorite products! Don’t forget to pick up your free 7th Gen shopping bag while they last. Come meet local farmers and bakers! Enter for a chance to win a Vermont turkey; we will be giving them away all day long!
Listen to local music! Store tours – all day long! Help us celebrate the completion of construction!

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Saturday, December 13th, 10am – 2pm at North Branch Nature Center. FREE!! Come one, come all! Visit the Nature Center for this holiday season open house and enjoy free refreshments and seasonal activities. There will be tours of the Critter Room and activities for kids, such as:
Making a holiday gift out of natural materials
Building a birdfeeder
Adding a Monarch to our symbolic “Mexican” fir tree
If there’s snow on the ground, we have snowshoes to lend for a romp around the preserve. Please call 229-6206 for more information and to register

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December 15, 2008 at 6PM at Hunger Mountain Coop Community Room Members: $7; Non-members: $9
This holiday season, steer clear of the shops filled with plastic gadgets and make some good old homemade, sweatshop-free gifts with local, homegrown, and coop ingredients. Come learn with Dana Woodruff how to make simple herbal gifts, such as lip balm, body butters, massage oils, bath salts, and herb pouches. These make great presents for the holidays, birthdays, or any other special occasion. We'll make some gifts together for you to bring home, along with a handout full of recipes, resources, and ideas for gift baskets especially for farmers/gardeners, builders, and babies. All ages welcome! Please pre-register. Contact Krystal or Robyn for more information @ 223-8004 x202 or contact us via email at info@hungermountain.com

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Vermont History Expo at Tunbridge Fairgrounds will NOT take place this June. They hope to continue in 2010.

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RESTORE UPDATE FROM RACHAEL RICE rrice@recyclenorth.org November 30th
We are moving in to our new home at 34 Granite Street in Barre, Vermont!
We began renovations last week in the office space where the ReStore will reside while the rest of the granite shed is renovated.
ReStore staff (ReUse Specialists Mark Tilden, Noah Hahn, and myself) stripped the floor of carpeting, linoleum and plywood and began sanding and sealing the hardwood underneath. This week we will be patching walls, painting, and moving in our inventory.

When will The ReStore be open?
There is still a lot to do to get the store ready. Depending on our progress this week, and the number of volunteers we get (hint, hint!) we may be open the week of December 8th!
If you are interested in volunteering to make this move as quick and easy as possible, please contact us. Don't forget, members of the Onion River Exchange (http://onionriverexchange.org) -- Central Vermont's new Timebank, can earn community credits for their time (it's fre to join, and you can spend your cc's on a massage, free dinners, a facial, and hundreds more diverse services!)

What will the new store have?
In addition to all the great arts, crafts, office, and educational supplies, there are dozens of color televisions and large appliances that are waiting to move in. We anticipate being able to offer a small selection these large appliances, high quality household goods, furniture, and building materials.

How can you help?
Donate time: We need help this week, especially Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday, with painting and moving in our inventory. Even an hour would help so much.
Donate goods: If you have any items to donate, please contact us. We are especially in need for holiday items that we could use to make hats on First Night in Montpelier . The sparklier, the better. We are unable at this time to take appliances or household goods, but we anticipate doing so shortly.
Donate a vehicle: We could also use an extra truck if someone would like to donate some of their time for vehicle assistance!
Join our Steering Committee: We need volunteers to help our active group do outreach to support this big project! If you know someone who would like to join, let us know.

For ongoing updates, you may call 802-229-1930 to hear a voicemail recording, or visit our fledgling website http://therestore.org.
And of course we're on MySpace -- there are lots more renovation photos there: http://myspace.com/restorearts.
Thank you for your ongoing support -- come shop with us soon!

December News

2008-11-28T15:41:00.000-08:00

No Strings Marionette Company has a new production - The Hobbit. Saturday, November 29th at 11am this can be seen at the Chandler Music Hall in Randolph, all seats $5 . Check out the No Strings calendar to find when and where else you can see this or one of their other productions. The Hobbit will also be on stage during Montpelier First Night on Dec 31st. http://www.nostringsvt.com/schedule.html
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Does anybody have a video of the Charlotte's Web production that Berlin 5/6 put on a couple years ago? I would desperately like a copy of it. Happy to make the copy here or pay you for your time to make one. - Corinne
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What information would you like to see in the Berlin Town Report? Find the link for this survey on the front page of school website, survey can be printed out and mailed in, or send an email with the information to Rebecca Richardson at the Berlin Town Office rrichardson@berlinvt.org
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If you haven't yet, be sure to register your dog(s). The town of Berlin now has a contract for an animal control officer and one aspect of the job is following through making sure dogs are registered.
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School board meeting - There is a special meeting of the school board on Tuesday, December 2nd at 6pm in the Berlin School Learning Center. On the agenda is the admission of non-resident student (policy F14). Discussion of application timeline and available space. Designate three voting members - WCSU Full Board. Animal Dissection Policy - Adoption. Budge Discussion - Draft 2
Please note that many school board policies can be found on line - look for School Board on the sidebar of the main school webpage and then again look at the sidebar under School Board for Policies.
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"Champlain: The Lake Between," commemorates the Champlain quadricentennial will premiere Wednesday, Dec. 3rd at 8pm on VT Public Television and will repeat Dec 13 at 7:30am and Dec 14th at noon. The film tells little known stories about Lake Champlain's critical role in the struggle for economic and military dominance during the early years of the United States and Canada. Trade alliances created both conflict and connections among Abenaki, Mohawk, French, English and Dutch people.
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PTNA Thursday, December 4th 6:30pm in the Learning Center - on the agenda is to hear more about a Nurturing Parenting Program that will begin at Berlin Elem. on Jan. 6th. It is free of charge!! "an educational program that works with the whole family. Families participate in the 2 1/2 hour fun & educational sessions that meet weekly. At each session, adults and children take part in separate, age-appropriate activities as well as share food and family time together." Also on the agenda is discussion on the upcoming Holiday Bazaar which will be held on Dec 16th & 18th.
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Candy Cane making at Laughing Moon Chocolates in Stowe Village Listen and watch as a batch of candy canes are made, visiting kids get to roll and shape their own candy cane to keep . This is only done during certain hours. http://www.laughingmoonchocolates.com/ 78 South Main St, Stowe 253-9591 "Our Candy Cane Making Demonstrations are Wed, Fri and Saturday from now through December 20th at 11 am. It is $6.00 per person and reservations are required. Our demonstrations for this Friday and Saturday are booked but we do have room available for next Wed, Friday and Saturday. Please call us at 802.253.9591 or you can make a reservation via email. Leigh@pshift.com"
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Capital City Winter Farmers Market are twice a month this year on the first and third Saturday of the month December 1st through April 5th at the Vermont College Gym 10am - 2pm http://www.montpelierfarmersmarket.com/
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Montpelier FREE Parking Dec 6th-25th - two hours of free parking in downtown Montpelier - only in metered spaces. Parking is always free on weekends and evenings.
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Sat. Dec 6 Montpelier Tree Lighting 5pm - cookie decorating and carolers at City Center.
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Late hours Montpelier merchants Dec 8th - 25th - most stores downtown Montpelier will be open until 8pm on weekdays.
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Keep your money local! There are many Berlin businesses you could give a gift certificate from if you're not quite sure what to buy that special person, including a Berlin Mall Gift Certificate which would give the recipient some choices on where to spend it. Don't forget about Capital City Cash - accepted at more than 60 downtown merchants, restaurants and service providers, these gift-certificate like vouchers make the perfect holiday gift! Pick them up at Woodbury Mountain Toys, Bear Pond Books, Capitol Stationers, Chittenden Bank, etc.
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Dec. 9-11 - "It's a Wonderful Life" at Lost Nation Theater, 7pm A radio play adaptation of the classic movie. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door, each child 6-11 years old will be admitted for free with one paying adult. http://www.lostnationtheater.com 229-0492
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Sat. Dec 13th - "E.T." FREE children's move at Savoy Theater 11am. A classic coming home story from the 1980s. Whether or not you go - check out ET trivia http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083866/trivia
and the Heartlight song by Neil Diamond (about E.T.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0TfR9mgOiU
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Sat. Dec 13th - Holiday Gift Market in City Hall from 9am - 4pm Buy your holiday gifts from Vermont owned businesses. Raffle to benefit OUR House of Central Vermont.

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Sat. Dec. 20; and Sun Dec 21, enjoy a FREE Horse-drawn wagon tour around downtown Montpelier from noon-3pm. The wagon rides are free thanks to the sponsorship of La Brioche and Main Street Grill, Guy’s Farm and Yard, Bear Pond Books, and The Drawing Board. Organized by the Montpelier Downtown Community Association
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Vermont ski resorts open up their doors to first-time skiers and riders for FREE lessons, rentals and lift tickets. The week of January 4-11, 2009 has been designated for the Ski Vermont New Year’s Resolution program. First time skiers and snowboarders are invited to sign up to learn to ski or ride at their favorite resort any time during this week – for FREE. The program is open to all beginner skiers and snowboarders ages 6 and up. Packages include lessons, rentals and a limited terrain lift ticket. Registration will begin in mid December. http://www.skivermont.com/alpine/learn
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Statewide Food Drive - In January there will be a statewide effort to collect donations for food shelves which will culminate on Martin Luther King Day. The Town of Berlin is making plans to be involved. Students don't have school on MLK Day but could be collecting food and monetary donations the week before. The thought is that people are making donations around the holidays but it will continue to be difficult for families after the holidays. If there is some way that you or your business can help with this effort, please let me know.
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FOOD HELP - Please also note that if you, or any families you know, need applications for applying for food stamps and such programs I have put the link for that paperwork on several pages on our school site - cafeteria, guidance and KidWatch. In January the rules change a bit and more families will qualify. http://www.vermontfoodhelp.com http://dcf.vermont.gov/sites/dcf/files/pdf/esd/Form202.pdf
More Food for You —It’s a SNAP The recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program bring the antiquated food stamps program into the 21st century—new name, no stamps, increased benefits, more people eligible. With higher food prices and a struggling economy, many Vermonters, both young and old, are finding it difficult to put food on the table. We need to make sure that everyone who is eligible receives these benefits. Angela Smith-Dieng, Food Stamp Outreach and Policy Specialist with the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger, will talk about the new program changes and how you can apply and help spread the word. Holiday Test Drive Potluck to follow. Free and open to the public. December 6, 5:30 p.m. Grange Hall, Northfield Street (Route 12 just south of Montpelier)

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Winter is here along with all that holiday food... if you're looking for how to stay in shape or get back in shape, check out SNAP FITNESS, Route 302 BERLIN, VT owned by Berlin residents, Brad & Lori Lockwood. Enjoy a fast, convenient and affordable workout every time. Minutes from your home and packed with the industry's best cardio and exercise equipment. No contracts, no hassles - pay as you go. Open 24/7 - work out when you want, nearby. Affordable rates - starting at about $1 a day. The best equipment - without the long waiting lines. Bonus online training, nutrition and wellness services. Clean, comfortable, safe and friendly. 476-0460 http://www.snapfitness.com/berlinvt Staffed hours: Monday 10am-6pm, Tuesday 1pm-6pm, Wed 10am - 6pm, Thursday 1pm - 6pm, weekend and other times by appointment.
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Looking to have family or individual portraits done? Have you checked out the Wig Goddess on Route 2 in Berlin? Berlin resident Clare McAfee founded the Wig Goddess and while she has fantastic wigs of all kinds there is also the opportunity to have fabulous portraits taken. http://www.wiggoddess.com/ Closed Sunday & Mondays, see website or call 229-1112 to find out the best time to stop by.
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Interested in sending mail to an American soldier? American Red Cross is sponsoring Holiday Mail for Heroes. Be sure to check out the guidelines on this Red Cross site:
http://www.redcross.org/email/saf/index.asp?OID=RCO_Article&utm_source=RCO_Article&utm_medium=RCO_Link&utm_campaign=HOLIDAY_MAIL

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD. 20791-5456
Note - All cards must be postmarked no later than Dec. 10.
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Ever wonder what happens to the items that get recycled? Here are two videos that shows how the Single Stream Recyling process works to prepare items into bales to be sold on the commodities market: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_RWqgXcP_k / http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhlslBUpS6c&feature=related
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VOLUNTEERS - at school we're always looking for volunteers to fill a variety of needs, shelving books in the library, reading to students, sitting with younger student in the cafeteria to have conversations with them, working with the PTNA, and so much more. If you may be able to help, please let us know.
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NATIVE TONGUE, classic rock music band, will be playing at Gusto's in Barre on December 26th and January 16th. http://www.nativetonguerocks.com
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FIRST NIGHT MONTPELIER - December 31st 1pm to midnight. Ring in the New Year at First Night with over 60 performances and activities including music, children's programs, a food court, 5 K road race, parade and fireworks! Early birds can start the festivities by ice skating, swimming or skiing from 1-3. Buttons on sale at locations throughout Central Vermont. In advance: $12 individual, $40 family pack of 4 buttons. New Year's Eve prices go up to $15 individual, $50 family pack of 4. Brought to you by the Montpelier Downtown Community Association and the City of Montpelier. For more information, go to http://www.mdca.org Remember, they're always looking for volunteers to do a work shift and they in turn receive a free button. Part of first night will be No String Marionettes new production of The Hobbit at 3 and 4 p.m. in the Union Elementary School's Gym http://www.nostringsvt.com/schedule.html . It looks like Marko the Magician will also be at First Night at 5pm http://www.markomarko.com/lofi/sched.html
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