Homeless Americans under the age of 18

Did you know that 1 in 3 homeless Americans are under the age of 18?

The Black River Honor Society is collecting Jeans for Teens.  If you would like tosupport our effort in making a difference you may do so by donating old, “gently worn” jeans.  Jeans may be dropped off with Mrs. Rumrill in the Black River Guidance Office or Raye Lin Collins at the Mount Holly School by Friday, February 3rd.

Thank you.

Alyssa Collins

SHREWSBURY STRENGTH TRAINING CLASSES

Fun & Fitness

SHREWSBURY STRENGTH TRAINING CLASSES

When:              February 7, 2012 – April 7, 2012

Days/Times:      Tuesdays 6-7 p.m. & Saturdays 8-9 a.m.

Where:             Shrewsbury Mountain School

Cost:                    $100.00 for an 8 week session

                             $60.00 for only Tuesdays or only Saturdays                          

Instructor:                   Laurie Mintzer, Optimum Fitness

This class incorporates every muscle in your body – while using music, laughter and the energy of those around you. Laurie will be teaching you the exerciseswhile doing them with you.

This one hour class will fly by because

you are not only becoming stronger – but you are having fun too.

This class is moderately paced and highly motivating and will keep you wanting to come back for more. We use a stability ball to help with core balance;

and hand weights – anywhere between 5lbs and 20lbs.

Registration deadline is February 1, 2012.  You may register for one or both days.

F.A.Q.

            “Can any fitness level take this class”?  Yes – You can adjust the weights to match           your fitness level. 

            “What if I can’t keep up”?  If you can’t keep up in the beginning – pull the positive            out of it – that is the starting point.  When you come every week and stick with the            program – you will feel yourself becoming stronger – physically and mentally.

Get a friend to join with you – the two of you can do it together.

It is fun and we laugh a lot.

Please call or email Kathy Beauchain at 773-8783, beaubunch@comcast.net or

Laurie Mintzer  at 236-4815,  info@optimumfitnessbylaurie.com for registration materials. 

SOMEONE TO CLEAN

WANTED - SOMEONE TO CLEAN THE MOUNT HOLLY TOWN OFFICE MONTHLY.  PLEASE TALK TO OR CALL SUE COVALLA AT THE TOWN OFFICE  AT 259-2391 OR CALL PAUL NEVIN AT 259-2443

RWSU and WSWSU Planning Committee Update

RWSU and WSWSU Planning Committee Update


On Tuesday afternoon, January 17, 2012, RWSU chair, Doug Ficken and WSWSU chair, Alison Deslauriers presented a petition, at the direction of their respective Boards, to the Vermont State Board of Education to form a new Supervisory Union to include the districts of the Rutland-Windsor SU and the remaining districts of the Windsor Southwest SU, should the Mountain Towns Regional Education District’s (RED’s) component districts’ electorates each vote to approve the RED, and the newly formed RED is thereby regrouped into BRSU. Prior to considering the petition from RWSU/WSWSU on the proposed consolidation, the State Board did approve a motion supporting the formation of a Mountain Towns Regional Education District. The petition also included the additional condition that the SU board of the newly-combined Windsor Southwest and Rutland-Windsor SU will require a 60% majority vote for the hiring of a superintendent and the approval of its SU budget. The petition, worded by the Vermont Department of Education, did not include the additional conditions for funding and tax considerations equivalent to those provided to approved RED’s, or that the newly formed SU should organize an Executive Committee made up of an equal number of representatives from the current districts of the RWSU and WSWSU. While these conditions were part of the motions passed by the RWSU and WSWSU Boards on December 14, 2011, the last two conditions are not part of the State Board’s authority. Vermont legislative action will be necessary to provide financial assistance for implementation. The new SU Board will be responsible for the creation of an Executive Committee and its makeup.
Ms. Deslauriers outlined the history of the planning process and some of the potential educational advantages the new SU might afford students. Mr. Ficken outlined the financial challenges that the current SU’s would face in any implementation process and pointed out that both Boards voted contingent upon financial support from the Vermont State legislature. Donna Moyers, the facilitator hired by the Vermont School Board’s Association under the financial auspices of the combined SU’s then gave her report on the structural aspects of a new SU and the potential educational advantages. Norman Andrews, a financial consultant contracted by the Vermont Department of Education, presented his report, encompassing several months of study and analysis of the financial operations of each Supervisory Union. Assuming the new Supervisory Union would not include the towns of Peru, Weston, Londonderry and Landgrove, he projected that the combining the ten remaining districts of the two Supervisory Unions could result in a decreased assessment of $481,700 or that these savings could be applied to provide additional educational advantages to students.
The State Board then asked several clarifying questions, not least of which was how to respond to the conditions each local School Board expects to be met that are not under their control. They agreed not to formally consider the petition until at least April, or possibly at their May meeting. By that time votes by all constituent towns in the Mountain Town RED will have voted to approve or disapprove the RED. If any of those votes fail, this consolidation effort will end. Also, by late spring, the level of action by the State legislature will be clearer
Mr. Ficken and Ms. Deslauriers then had the opportunity to testify in front of the Education Committee of the Vermont House of Representatives. During this time, they were able to answer a number of the same questions asked by the State Board of Education, as well as make clear the need for financial assistance from the legislature to make implementation feasible.

'Lawrence of Arabia' Next FOLA Movie, Feb. 2

 

"Lawrence of Arabia" will be the next '1st Thursday' movie sponsored by FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) on Thursday, Feb. 2 at 7 PM at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium.  Considered one of the greatest film adventures ever made, the film tells the story of an inordinately complex man who has been labeled everything from hero, to charlatan, to sadist, Thomas Edward Lawrence as he blazed his way to glory in the Arabian desert, then sought anonymity as a common soldier under an assumed name. The story opens with the death of Lawrence in a motorcycle accident in Dorset at the age of 46, then flashbacks to recount his adventures: as a young intelligence officer in Cairo in 1916, he is given leave to investigate the progress of the Arab revolt against the Turks in World War I. In the desert, he organizes a guerrilla army and--for two years--leads the Arabs in harassing the Turks with desert raids, train-wrecking and camel attacks. Eventually, he leads his army northward and helps a British General destroy the power of the Ottoman Empire.  The movie stars Peter O'Toole as Lawrence with Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Omar Sharif, Jose Ferrer, Anthony Quayle, Claude Rains, and Arthur Kennedy.  Pictured above in a scene from the film are Peter O'Toole and Omar Sharif.  The movie is free; donations are appreciated.  For information, call 228-7239.

 

BLACK RIVER HIGH SCHOOL'S TRIP TO SPAIN!

FUNDRAISER FOR BLACK RIVER HIGH SCHOOL'S TRIP TO SPAIN!

The students of the Spanish Class are planning a trip to Spain this Spring.  There are 3 ways in which you can help them with their Pampered Chef Fundraiser.

[1]  Shop the catalog or online and place an order!  They will receive 15% of ALL sales.  Visit www.pamperedchef.biz/pattikake.  
       (Click Shop Online, choose option #1, and type in BLACK RIVER as the host.) Online orders must be placed no later than February 2, 2012.

[2]  Book your own catalog or cooking show.  For EACH show booked, the students will earn an additional $3.00!

[3]  Join us for Pampered Chef Bingo!  We'll be playing 10 games and admission is only $20.00.  No cash prizes.  Pampered Chef product prizes value over $275!!  
       Bingo will be held Friday, February 3rd, beginning at 7:00pm.  Doors will open at 6:15, Bingo starts at 7:00pm.  Black River High School Gym in Ludlow.

SHARE THIS WITH ALL OF YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND LET'S HELP THE STUDENTS WITH THEIR FUNDRAISER!

Contact Consultant Patti Plew for more information at 802.259.2250 or at pattiplew@gmail.com

Interested in organizing or running activities / workshops

The MHCA would like to know if anyone is interested in organizing or running activities / workshops in the Community Room .  People have expressed interest in card games, bridge refresher, drawing classes, photography,  lectures, etc.   If anyone is interested in starting such a group, please contact Kathy Leber - kleber@vermontel.net or 259-3363.   The MHCA will be happy to assist you in making it happen! 


Kathleen Leber
kleber@vermontel.net

To All Chit Chat Readers:

 If you have received and read the February edition of the Chit Chat, you'll notice that the  MHCA report is the February entry from 2011, not the current one for 2012.  The fault lies completely with me (Carol DeVine) and my computer!  Herewith, is the February 2012 report from the MHCA:

 

Mount Holly Community Association

New Year's Eve at Star Lake, sponsored jointly by the Sno*Drifters and the Mount Holly Community Association, was an outstanding success!  Literally hundreds of people enjoyed the hot cocoa and mulled wine, provided by the MHCA, and the bon fire and incredible fire works display, complements of the Sno*Drifters.  We would like to extend many thanks to Curt and Mary Marechaux and all of the Sno*Drifters, who made the spectacular fireworks display possible.  Also, many thanks to Robin Nelson, Jess Alberty, and Mike Smelser of the MHCA for providing the refreshments and the magically lit backdrop for the celebration.  A new addition this year was provided by the Foster Family…noise makers for everyone!  We really appreciate this generous contribution from one of Mount Holly’s newest residents!  Although the ice was too thin for skating this year, it didn’t dim the celebratory spirits of the many people, who welcomed in the New Year as part of the Mount Holly community!

New Year's Eve at Star Lake was the last MHCA event of the year until the regularly scheduled MHCA events resume in the spring, but we hope that the entire community will make use of the beautifully renovated Community Room on the lower level of the Library & Community Center Building. Currently, it is used on a weekly basis by the Yoga group, the Mount Holly Folk Group and Bone Builders.  Please contact Carol DeVine or the librarian, Lynne Herbst to check on the schedule.

Benefit Concert Press Release

From: Michelle Stinson [mailto:mstinson@lpctv.org] Two Concerts, Five Bands Slated for President’s Weekend in Ludlow To celebrate the release of “Irene’s Wake”, a commemorative CD and DVD produced in response to Tropical Storm Irene, five of the bands featured on the CD are gracing two stages in Ludlow, February 17th and 18th. Mark your calendars! On Friday, February 17th at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium: Gypsy Reel, The Pleasants, the Salt Ash Serenaders, along with members of the Mount Holly Folk Club and special guests will be performing from 7:00 – 8:30. In unison with the bands, there will also be a showing of the DVD, produced by LPCtv, which commemorates the historical flood as it effected our region. Admission is $10 at the door. On Saturday, February 18th at the Outback Nightclub in Ludlow: the volume will be turned up a notch with Rick Redington and the Luv performing along with Dank & the Funkstix. Music start around 9:00. Admission is $10. At both venues, “Irene’s Wake” will be available for sale. This two-pack CD and DVD features original songs, images and video clips made by Vermonters for Vermonters. The CD, produced at Mount Hollywood Studio, includes eleven songs, all written by local musicians in response to the devastation wreaked on Vermont by Hurricane Irene.  The DVD, edited by community access station LPCtv, features photos and video clips of the flood, along with clips from some of the recording sessions held at Mount Hollywood Studio. For just $20, the two-pack will be an important keepsake for anyone who was around for the unanticipated flood of August, 2011. Proceeds from the sale of “Irene’s Wake” and related events will be shared between a flood relief fund (to be determined) and LPCtv – which is currently fundraising for their new facility at the Ludlow Community Center Campus. ###

Mount Holly Newsflash

Black River H.S. Senior and senior parents…

Senior and senior parents…

With our yearbook deadlines fast approaching, we wanted to make sure parents knew what is coming up. All senior yearbooks need to be ordered by January 31. No money is needed at this time, but an order form must be submitted. It is our goal to make sure every senior has a yearbook. If your child needs to apply for the yearbook scholarship fund, please have them let us know when they submit their form. Encourage your child to pick up the form in the Main Office as soon as possible and talk with Ms. Pipkin, the yearbook advisor, if they have any questions.

Also, if any parents, family members, or employers wish to place an ad acknowledging their student’s achievement, our ad deadlines are fast approaching. All ads must be finalized by February 10. The cost for an ad is:

Full page -- $250

Half page -- $125

Quarter page ad -- $65

Business card ad -- $35

You can make the ad yourself (submit as a jpg or pdf), or have the yearbook staff use your photos and text to create something special for your child. The order forms are available on www.brhsms.org. Or contact Janet Pipkin at pipkinj@brhsms.org.

Social Networking Forum

                                                                      Social Networking Forum

Wed. January 25th 6:30  pm

Mount Holly  Library

An Overview of Different  Services

Facebook, Twitter, Google  Plus,

Linked-in and  more.

How Social  Networking

Can Fit Into  Your Life!

Presenter

Dan Lucier of  VTel

Space Weather News for Jan. 19, 2011

Space Weather News for Jan. 19, 2011
http://spaceweather.com

EARTH-DIRECTED FLARE: Active sunspot 1401 erupted today, Jan. 19th, for more than an hour around 16:00 UT. The long-duration blast produced an M3-class solar flare and a CME that appears to be heading toward Earth. Forecasters say strong geomagnetic storms are possible when the cloud arrives during the late hours of Jan. 21st.  High-latitude (and possibly middle-latitude) sky watchers should be alert for auroras this weekend. Check http://spaceweather.com for movies and updates.

DON'T MISS THE STORM: Would you like a call when geomagnetic storms are in progress? Storm alerts are available from http://spaceweathertext.com (text) and http://spaceweatherphone.com (voice).

BINGO

BINGO

MT. HOLLY VOLUNTEER

RESCUE SQUAD

Will be holding BINGO on

JANUARY 29, 2012

At Mt. Holly Elm. School

School Street

Mt. Holly, VT

Doors Open @ 12:00 P.M.

Games Start @ 1:00 P.M.

$20.00 for 20 games with 9 cards per game

CASH PRIZES

Refreshments will be on sale

If any questions please feel free to contact

Vicki Seward – 802-259-2810

E-Mail – MHVRS@AOL.COM

Pampered Chef BINGO for Spain trip

Social Networking Forum

Social Networking Forum

Wed. January 25th 6:30 pm

Mount Holly Library

An Overview of Different Services

Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus,

Linked-in and more.

How Social Networking

Can Fit Into Your Life!

Presenter

Dan Lucier of VTel

Zumba Fitness...Classes

Michelle Rivard "Hey Mount Holly....Come join me at the Jackson Gore Spring House at Okemo Mountain Resort for some Zumba Fitness...Classes being offered from 5:00 to 6:00 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays....Buy a punch card for 10 classes for $80.00...Call the Spring House with any questions at 228-1419"

'True Grit' Next FOLA Feature Movie Jan. 19 At Town Hall Auditorium

 

The film, "True Grit", will be the third movie in the 'Okemo Meets FOLA' series at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium on Thursday, January 19 at 7 PM.  Following the murder of her father by hired hand Tom Chaney, 14-year-old farm girl Mattie Ross sets out to capture the killer. To aid her, she hires the toughest U.S. marshal she can find, a man with "true grit," Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn. Mattie insists on accompanying Cogburn, whose drinking, sloth, and generally reprobate character do not augment her faith in him. Against his wishes, she joins him in his trek into the Indian Nations in search of Chaney. They are joined by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, who wants Chaney for his own purposes. The unlikely trio find danger and surprises on the journey, and each has his or her "grit" tested.  Featured in the film are Jeff Bridges and Hailee Steinfeld (pictured above) along with Matt Damon and Josh Brolin.  A Coen Brothers production, the film is an award-winning remake of the John Wayne classic of the same name.  The movie is free to everyone; donations are appreciated.  For information, call 228-7239.  The final in the 'Okemo Meets FOLA' series will "The King's Speech" on Thursday, February 16 at 7PM at the auditorium.

 

Stove chimney liner - $150 or best offer

Flexi Liner Kit for wood stove chimney. Model A25-07 New in its box, never used. The inside diameter is 7".   It expands to 3 stories or about 40 feet.   It is aluminum. 

I paid $250 new and am willing to take $150 or best offer. It did not fit my chimney and I was not able to return it to the store.  

You are welcome to come by and look at it if you are interested. 

David Hoeh

259-2274

Electric DR log splitter - $100 or best offer

Not currently working but it does start. I paid $250 for this Electric DR log splitter which I later found out needs repair.  It has no splitting pressure because there is no compression.
It has a 1.8 HP engine. If you think you can fix it, make an offer. $100 or best offer. 

David Hoeh

259-2274

School closing today

Shaw's Supermarket in Ludlow

"Shaw's Supermarket in Ludlow will be closing it's temporary (tent) location at 7 p.m. on Monday, January 16th and will celebrate it's GRAND REOPENING at 7 a.m. on Friday, January 27th. During this 10 day closure the temporary store will be removed from the parking lot, making way for a totally renovated and expanded store. We look forward to getting back into our permanent location and hope to see all of you there on opening day. - Shaw's"

The draft of the Subdivision Regulations

Annette Lynch

The draft of the Subdivision Regulations currently under consideration by the Select Board, is on the Town of Mount Holly website: mounthollyvt.org.

The Planning Commission has kept the most recent version of its revision of the Town's Subdivision Regulations on the Town's website since July, 2010. The current - and latest draft - was posted in August, 2011.

The Planning Commission has held three warned public hearings on the revision of the Subdivision Regulations. Each of the public notices of these hearings has stated that copies of the latest version of the Regulations were available on the Town website and also in the Town Office.

Annette Lynch
Vice-chair, Planning Commission