By Lani Duke
updated
Wed, Feb 8, 2012 12:08 PM
Town Meeting issues
CASTLETON-The upcoming Castleton town meeting asks voters to
approve a $2 million bond to construct a new town building complex
with a meeting room large enough to hold voting, and including town
clerk, police, fire, and first responders. The bond carries a 3.4
percent interest rate over 20 years.
The town's select board is already and continues to be stewards for
the historic town office building at 556 Main St. and plans to
create a committee to determine the building's future.
SPLIT, HUBBARDTON REALIGNMENT NIXED
CASTLETON-The Vermont House Government Operations Committee has
re-decided to put Hubbardton in with Pittsford as they re-draw
district lines. That was revision number two. Not true in revision
number three. At latest report, Hubbardton was put back with
Castleton and Castleton was not split and retained its two
representative positions. If approved quickly, the districts will
stay that way.
Currently, Rutland 1-1 comprises Poultney and part of Ira, with a
single representative; Rutland 1-2 includes Clarendon, Proctor, and
West Rutland plus the rest of Ira, and has two representatives.
Rutland 2 is formed from Castleton, Fair Haven, Hubbardton, and
West Haven, with two representatives. Rutland 6 is Pittsford and
Sudbury, with one representative.
We're lucky this kind of turmoil takes place only once every 10
years. What is disappointing is that the Senate apportionment is
similarly based on population rather than local government units as
it was when the Senate was created. If both are based on
population, why have a Senate?
Did you know that Vermont's Senate is not part of the original
state constitution? Up until 1836, the state had a governor's
council. Vermont re-organized with a constitutional convention that
year, which replaced the governor's council with the state
senate.
GRANDPA'S KNOB TO SERVE NEW YORK COUNTY
CASTLETON-Essex County, NY, has proposed adding to the Grandpa's
Knob tower as a public safety radio upgrade in early May. Under the
P25 standard system, four six-foot diameter, and two four-foot
diameter microwave dishes would serve New York State Police and
Essex County public safety agencies.
Installation will be on the lower part of the tower, which will not
increase in height. Castleton town officials have already stated
they have no comment on the project, nor is there any need for
comment because the project is only an addition to an existing
structure and not a new one.
Computer help at Castleton Free Library
CASTLETON-A Castleton State College business major is offering free
technology tutoring at the Castleton Free Library from 3-8 p.m.
Mondays and 2-6 p.m. Wednesdays. Although appointments are not
mandatory, you may make one by calling the library, 468-5574, to
reserve a time slot.
H.E.A.T. SQUAD AT CASTLETON LIBRARY
CASTLETON-Rich Dow of the NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad plans to
speak at Castleton Free Library on Wednesday, March 21, answering
questions and signing up individuals for a Home Energy Check-Up.
This winter has been mild but that may not be a portent for the
future. The H.E.A.T Squad can help Rutland County residents save
energy regardless of income. Check-ups are available for a reduced
rate this year, maybe because few have asked for help this year; a
$350 to $500 check-up costs only $100.
CASTLETON COMMUNITY CENTER BRIEFS
• Drew and Elaine Danyow of Castleton won the 100
gallons of fuel in the Castleton Community Center fuel raffle.
Raffle proceeds support Castleton Community Seniors programs and
services. Thanks, Johnson Energy, for your help.
• The CCC is accepting orders for American Cancer
Society daffodils through Friday, March 2. Check out the various
selections of bouquets, potted bulbs, bears, and more. Order at the
CCC front desk.
• WalkRutland launched its third annual 100 Miles
in 100 Days challenge in mid-January. Join in with other CCC
members to walk one mile a day for 100 days, or the equivalent
thereof. Lose weight, strengthen your heart and bones, prevent
memory loss, relieve stress, gain energy.
• Castleton Community Center's Knitters network
recently received thank you letters from soldiers stationed in
Afghanistan. The warrioers had received helmet liners that helped
to keep them warm and also made them feel appreciated. Meet up with
the Knitters Network second and fourth Mondays of the month in the
CCC library at 10 a.m.
• Jack Gaither, vision rehab teacher for the
Vermont Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired, recently
visited CCC. During his presentation at the Lunch & Learn
program he spoke about the differences between vision impairment
and blindness, and outlined local aid available to those who need
his services.
High school band and choir festival
CASTLETON-More than 225 high school musicians from 20 Vermont high
schools attended the second annual Castleton Honors Music Festival
recently. The daylong festival ended with a concert in the
Castleton State College Casella Theater. Participants had the
opportunity to work with Quincy Hilliard, Ph.D., composer in
residence and Heymann Endowed professor of music at the University
of Louisiana, Lafayette, and Francois Clemmons, Ph.D., director of
the Harlem Spiritual Ensemble.
Students came from as far away as
Winooski High, Black River, and Lamoille Union. Among the nearby
participating schools were Fair Haven Union, Otter Valley and West
Rutland.
A new high school opens in Poultney
POULTNEY-Vermont is no stranger to innovations in learning. The new
private school recently formed in Poultney is one in generations of
a tradition that includes Green Mountain College and Castleton
State College and their predecessors, and now LiHigh School LTI.
The three-member student body focuses its attention on personalized
learning.
Each high school junior is concentrating on diverse fields of
study, working with his or her advisor and parents to create an
individualized learning plan. Logan Patnaude is specializing in
photography and creative arts; Tom Becker studies the out-of-doors
and environmental sustainability; and Giulia Rosenthal is delving
into music, photography, and writing. Each has created an
individual website; together, they have held public informational
sessions and exhibits. For information, call Greg Rosenthal, LiHigh
School director, 488-4191.
CONGRATULATIONS
POULTNEY-Poultney High student Martin Van Buren was a finalist in
the 32nd Photographer's Forum High School Photography Contest. His
work is to appear in the hardcover book Best of College and High
School Photography 2012.
NONPROFIT PUSHES COMMUNITY SOLAR
Poultney-Local non-profit Energize Vermont representatives recently
met with Poultney area residents at the neighborhood high school to
discuss a community solar farm for Rutland County. Local residents
would own the 150-kilowatt installation.
The organization's executive director Lukas Snelling describes the
project as a "people-powered model." The proposal's 600 shares
would cost $1,200 each, with payout coming in six to eight years.
Other Vermont communities have also been approached with similar
proposals.
VEGGIE VENDORS NEEDED
WEST PAWLET-The West Pawlet winter farmers' market needs vegetable
vendors. The market is open for business through the winter on
Fridays from 4-7 p.m. at the West Pawlet Fish and Game Club. For
more info, call Helen Wood at 325-3478.
NEWSLETTER FEATURES LOCAL RANGER
The Vermont State Parks division featured regional ranger
supervisor, deputy game warden and hunting educator Rick Hedding in
its February newsletter. He has worked at Bomoseen, Half Moon, and
Lake St. Catherine state parks.
LANI'S PICKS
Saturday, Feb. 11-The Poultney Rotary Club presents its first
annual Valentine Wine & Cheese Tasting at The Station on Depot
Street. For details, call Linda Justin, 236-0407.
Saturday, Feb. 11-The Poultney Elementary School PTO holds a Silent
Auction in the school gym to raise money to fund its
artist-in-residence.
Saturday, Feb. 11-St. Raphael's Church hosts a Sweetheart
celebration of hors d'oeuvres, desserts, non-alcoholic beverages,
and dancing. Call 353-0341 for more info.
Monday, Feb. 13-Preservation Trust of Vermont partners with the
Episcopal Diocese and the St. John's/Trinity Vestry to seek
compatible and sensitive community uses for Trinity Church in
Poultney and St. John's Church in East Poultney. Call Ann Cousins,
343-8180.
Tuesday, Feb. 14-Castleton State College presents Viver Brasil:
Feet on the Ground, the martial arts dance form of Brazil, at 7
p.m., Casella Theater. Call 468-1119 for tickets.
Tagged:
Lakes Region News, lakes region, Poultney, Castleton
