Thursday, October 31, 2013

Black River Academy Museum to Host Annual Member’s Meeting/Dinner Nov. 7th

Black River Academy Museum to Host Annual Member’s Meeting/Dinner Nov. 7th


BRAM sign photo.jpeg
 

The annual BRAM member's meeting and potluck dinner will be held on Thursday, Nov. 7th, at 6 PM at the Ludlow Catholic Church, 7 Depot Street, Ludlow, VT.  Please
note that this is a new venue for the museum's annual meeting.  Members are asked to bring a potluck dish to share.  There will be a short business meeting when members
will vote for trustees to the board, officers of the board and revisions to the by-laws.

The highlight of the evening will be a presentation by Brigid Sullivan and David Hoeh of their very recent trip to China.  China is a fascinating country according to Hoeh and it 
is a country that will be a big player on the global arena in the coming years.  This program will be very informative for everyone.

All members are invited, encouraged to attend the meeting, however if you are not a member but are interested in the Black River Academy Museum, the annual meeting/dinner 
is a good way to learn more about the museum.  As a non-member guest, you do not need to bring a potluck dish, just come and enjoy.  For further information please call 802-228-5050,
email,  glbrehm@tds.net  or visit our web site, www.bramvt.org.












Girls State Finals in Bethal against Proctor

Here are the directions to the game this Saturday:

VT Rte 100North
Right onto VT Rte 107 to Bethel
Turn left onto Main St/VT 12
Take 1st left onto Church Street
Turn right onto Pleasant St.
Field is on the right.  

Game starts at 10:00Am

Cost: $7.00 Adults
$4.00 Senior Citizens and students

Handicapped Parking is at the field.  Other parking is at the school, (down the street on the left) a shuttle bus is provided to the field.

Patricia Rumrill
Administrative Assistant
Black River High School 

Please note new email address:  Patricia.Rumrill@trsu.org



Wednesday, October 30, 2013

"Beasts of the Southern Wild" Comes to Ludlow Nov.9



 

Beasts of the Southern Wild photo 1.JPG




"Beasts of the Southern Wild" Comes to Ludlow Nov.9
 
On November 9 at 7 PM in the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium, FOLA will present the award-winning movie, "Beasts of the Southern Wild", a film about the crises of the world as seen and imagined through the eyes of a child.
 
In a forgotten but defiant bayou community cut off from the rest of the world by a sprawling levee, a six-year-old girl exists on the brink of orphanhood. Buoyed by her childish optimism and extraordinary imagination, she believes that the natural world is in balance with the universe until a fierce storm changes her reality. Desperate to repair the structure of her world in order to save her ailing father and sinking home, this tiny hero must learn to survive unstoppable catastrophes of epic proportions
 
Beasts of the Southern Wild is a 2012 American fantasy drama film directed by Benh Zeitlin and adapted by Zeitlin and Lucy Alibar from Alibar's one-act play Juicy and Delicious. After playing at film festivals, it was released on June 27, 2012, in New York and Los Angeles, and later expanded wider. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards at the 85th Academy Awards, in the categories Best Picture, Best Director (Benh Zeitlin), Best Adapted Screenplay (Lucy Alibar, Benh Zeitlin), and Best Actress (Quvenzhané Wallis). At age 9, Wallis became the youngest Best Actress nominee in history.
 
As with all FOLA movies, the film is open to everyone at no charge; donations are appreciated to underwrite the cost of the film presented. Popcorn will be supplied courtesy of Berkshire Bank. For additional information, check www.fola.us or call 802-228-7239.
 

Silent Auction to go with the Senior's Bingo Night

On November 9th at 5pm the Sophomores at Black River HS/MS are having a Silent Auction to go with the Senior's Bingo Night. This auction is to help raise money for our class. We are seeking any donations for our auction. All donations will be greatly appreciated by the Sophomore Class for your support. Anyone with a donation can contact Leslie Bixby at bixbyl@rwsu.net or by calling 259-2039.

Thank You,
Leslie Bixby

Pianist Wanted

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Black River beats West Rutland 2 - 1 in Sudden Death Overtime

Black River Girls won their 17th in a row and this was the closest game yet. West Rutland proved to be a worthy opponent. At the end of regulation time the score was tied 1-1. Abigail Schmidt scored Black River's only scores. 1 in regular game and one in sudden death overtime. Now its on to the State Championship game this Saturday against Proctor. The same team the played last year and won.

Prescription Drug Take Back Results

Thanks to everyone who came out last Saturday with your expired and unused prescription drugs. 3,429.50 pounds were turned in statewide, which included 226lbs. in Rutland County & 228lbs in Windsor County. A reminder that The Ludlow Police Department maintains a Prescription Drug Lock Box in their lobby, which can be accessed 7 days a week from 9AM to 4PM. Please do not bring liquids or sharps. For more information on proper drug disposal please visithttp://healthvermont.gov/adap/documents/disposalfactsht12-07.pdf
For more information please call the Black River Area Community Coalition at 228-7878

Monday, October 28, 2013

Mount Holly Property Taxes are due Monday November 4, 2013

Property Taxes are due Monday November 4, 2013
Town Office is open 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Postmarks are accepted for timely payment
Partial Payments are accepted
After Nov. 4th an 8% penalty and 1% per month Interest will be added
 

MHNewsflash@gmail.com

MHNewsflash also runs an email mailing of current events. It's been pointed out that I don't have a way to get your name on the email list. The email is for up to the minute information. If you have an interest in getting the MHNewsflash please send me an email to MHNewsflash@gmail.com. Your email will not be shared. In the subject line type "E-mailer". Getting added is that easy and if you decide you don't5 want to be on it anymore just send another email.
Thanks,
Randy Bixb y

Sunday, October 27, 2013

(1) Black River 11, (8) Craftsbury 1

• (1) Black River 11, (8) Craftsbury 1: Morgan Kathan scored five goals as Black River blew past Craftsbury in the D-IV quarterfinals.
Abigail Schmidt had a hat trick and Brooke Williard and Gabrielle Miele each added a goal for Black River (16-0). Elsa Eliasson made six stops.
Emma Spiese made 20 saves in net for Craftsbury (8-7).

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Parent Night on Monday, October 21

Dear parents,

Just a few reminders about upcoming events…

Parent Night
Our Parent Night on Monday, October 21, seems even more important since the latest incident in Florida where students were using KIK messenger to bully a student who ended up committing suicide.

It is a fast changing world online. It is important for us to keep up and know the latest trends and concerns to keep our youth safe.

DJs Restaurant will be donating food for dinner and Black River will be providing child care services.

Please come on Monday to learn some important tools in keeping up with your teenager online. Dinner will be at 5:30 in the Community Center followed by the programs at the high school from 6-7:30.

Announcements
For some reason, PowerSchool is not sending out emails to parents who have requested them. We are addressing the issue with them. Until it has been fixed, you can always see announcements on the www.brhsms.org web site or on the PowerSchool parent portal (click on Daily Bulletin in the left column).

SAFE Meeting
Black River is hosting the SAFE meeting (Substance Awareness for Educators) on for Wednesday, October 23rd at the Ludlow Town Hall from 8:30 to 10:30.    The topic of discussion is the decriminalization of marijuana and its impact on our children and community.   

There will be panel discussion on this topic with plenty of opportunity to ask questions to our panel members. 

We anticipate an informative and lively community dialogue on the enforcement, prevention, and education of marijuana in our schools and communities. The community forum will be recorded by LPCTV and can be viewed on their local channel.

ORIONID METEOR SHOWER



ORIONID METEOR SHOWER: Earth is passing through a stream of debris from Halley's Comet, source of the annual Orionid meteor shower.  Forecasters expect the shower to peak on Oct. 21st with approximately 20 meteors per hour.  Bright moonlight will reduce visibility, however. The best time to look is during the hours before local sunrise when the shower's radiant in the constellation Orion is high in the sky.  Check http://spaceweather.com for more information.
SOLAR FLARE ALERTS: Would you like a call when solar flares are underway? X-flare alerts are available fromhttp://spaceweathertext.com (text) and http://spaceweatherphone.com (voice).

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Empathetic chimps comfort each other like humans, study says


Empathetic chimps comfort each other like humans, study says

A new study examines how chimps interact with one another.


Empathetic chimps comfort each other like humans, study says


Read more: http://www.sciencerecorder.com/news/empathetic-chimps-comfort-each-other-like-humans-study-says/#ixzz2iCbXKd3c




Science Recorder | Delila James | Saturday, October 19, 2013
Scientists studying bonobo chimpanzees at a sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo have found that apes raised with their mothers tend to cuddle and comfort others who are in distress, but that orphaned chimps show markedly less empathy toward others. Along with the common chimpanzee, bonobos are human beings’ closest living relative.
Professor Frans de Waal of the Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and his colleague, lead researcher Dr Zanna Clay, found that orphaned bonobos are not only less likely to comfort their fellow apes than non-orphans, but also had more difficulty managing their own emotions. After a fight, for example, orphans would get “very upset” and scream for minutes, while chimps who were reared by their mothers were more resilient, snapping out of an emotional outburst in just seconds.
The bonobos’ capacity for empathy closely resembles that of human children, whose ability to empathize with others tends to be limited when they have suffered abandonment or lack of emotional support at an early age.
“It’s almost as if one first need to have one’s own emotional house in order before one is ready to visit the emotional house of another,” the researchers explained.
The study was conducted at the Olola ya Bonobo sanctuary near Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where many young apes were left motherless by hunters. More than 370 post-distress interactions were observed, with about 318 caused by fighting and 55 caused by throwing tantrums. The scientists found that the better able a chimp was able to handle its own emotions, the more likely he or she was to cuddle and soothe a distressed friend.
The study also showed that orphaned bonobos played about half as often as non-orphans and had fewer friends, suggesting that “the way we develop our social and emotional skills and how we deal with the emotional world around us may be shared with that of our closest ape relatives,” researchers say.
Bonobos are perhaps best known for their high levels of sexual activity, which scientists say plays a role in their lower levels of aggression as compared to the common chimpanzee. They are the only non-human animal to engage regularly in face-to-face sexual intercourse. Whether this behavior also contributes to the bonobos’ capacity to feel empathy is unclear.


Read more: http://www.sciencerecorder.com/news/empathetic-chimps-comfort-each-other-like-humans-study-says/#ixzz2iCaWTiy0

MVP's "Plague" Press Release 10/8/2013

"Plague, the musical" ...an infectious comedy

     The  Marble Valley Players are pleased to present, for the first time in the United States, "Plague, the Musical".  Don't be put off by the name.  Although the play takes place in 1665 during the London Bubonic plague, that's where it's historical accuracy ends.  It is best described as a romantic musical comedy, set against a background of London during the Black Death!  The authors, David Massingham and Matthew Townend, first presented  "Plague"  at the 2008 Edinburgh Fringe Festival where it sold out and was named “Pick Of The Fringe” that year. 
     This play is a bit of a departure for the Marble Valley Players  who usually do the tried and true musicals, most recently "Hello Dolly",  "Beauty and the Beast", "Guys and Dolls" and "Baby".  But director Martin Bones has chosen this play for its broad appeal to fans of Monty Python-type humor.  Featuring contagious music under the direction of  Gary Schmidt and lively dancing choreographed by Erika Schmidt, "Plague" should delight all audiences.  The all local cast stars Taylor Ampatiellos in the role of Clive with Katherine Bullock as his love  
interest, Isabella.  Other leads include  Edmund Crelin,  Emily Billado,  Frank Wright,   Wheaton Squier,  Matthew Eckler, Will Giering, and  Eric Korzun plus choruses of beggars, Druids, rats and  corpses.  
   
This Infectious musical comedy will be presented on October 18,19, 25 at 8:00 PM plus a Special Midnight Show on Sat. Oct. 26th after the Halloween parade. All performances are at the West Rutland Town Hall Theater.
 Don't  miss this historical, hysterical performance which promises to be America's  next "cult" show.  Seating is limited. 
General admission tickets are $20 available on line at www.paramountlive.org, or at the Paramount Box Office, and at the door before performances. A contagious comedy you'll want to catch!

Lt. Governor Phil Scott will be the Keynote Speaker at the Annual Meeting of the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce



Lt. Governor Phil Scott To Be Keynote Speaker

Rutland- Lt. Governor Phil Scott will be the Keynote Speaker at the Annual Meeting of the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce sponsored by General Electric will be held at noon on October 29, 2013 at the Holiday Inn Centre Ballroom in Rutland.
       
Highlights of the meeting will include a concise PowerPoint presentation of the Chamber's accomplishments over the past year, Keynote Speaker Lt. Governor Phil Scott and the much anticipated "Business Person of the Year Award. 

The meeting will be held in the ballroom at the Holiday Inn with a fabulous 3 course lunch served during the meeting.  The cost is $29.95 per person. There will be great networking and music. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
       
The event has always had a sold out crowd, a RSVP will be required. 

To reserve your seat for the event call 802-773-2747, email: chamber@rutlandvermont.com or go to www.rutlandvermont.com.






Penny Inglee
Marketing & Project Manager
Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce
50 Merchants Row, Rutland, VT  05701

Rutland City Halloween Parade


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2013


From:              PEGTV Channels 15, 20 & 21
Stacy Kent, Marketing/Outreach Coordinator
                        (802) 747-0151skent@pegtv.com

Re:                  Rutland City Halloween Parade, Photo & Logo attached for your use



Caption: Don’t miss the Skellies, watch the Rutland City Halloween Parade live on PEGTV cable channel 15 on October 26, 2013.


Watch 54th Annual Rutland City Halloween Parade Live on PEGTV

Rutland, VT - PEGTV, Rutland County’s public access television station, will be broadcasting the 54th annual Rutland City Halloween Parade live on cable channel 15 starting at approximately 6:45 p.m. on October 26, 2013.
For over 20 years PEGTV has worked to deliver this special night of fun and revelry to those who can’t make it to downtown Rutland. The parade will also be rebroadcast later in the week and then be available online via PEGTV’s video on demand portal. “This is PEGTV’s premiere live telecast of the calendar year,” said executive director, Michael Valentine. “People have come to expect our coverage so we work very hard to produce a quality event.”
PEGTV is comprised of Channels 15, 20 and 21 and is available to all cable subscribers throughout Rutland County. Streaming programming, video on demand services and hyper-local weather forecasts are also available online at www.pegtv.com.

Community Workshop on October 23rd to Help Build the First State-Wide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

Help Chart Vermont’s Economic Growth
Join in a community workshop October 23rd at the College of St Joseph, to help build the 


Help Chart Vermont’s Economic Growth
Join in a community workshop October 23rd at the College of St Joseph, to help build the first state-wide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
What will Vermont’s economy look like in 2015 or 2025?  How do we increase the economic well-being of all Vermonters?
Building wages and creating good jobs is a top priority of Governor Shumlin’s 2012-2015 Strategic Plan for Vermont and the goal or the state’s first state-wide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). With your help, we can refine the vision of Vermont’s economic future.
This October, the Department of Economic Development (DED) invites citizens from around the state to participate in a series of workshops as part of the CEDS process. The goal: solicit strategies and tactics for helping Vermont’s economy grow in a manner that improves wages and job opportunities, builds business, enhances our quality of life and preserves Vermont’s brand, values and natural resources.

A CEDS workshop, hosted by Rutland Economic Development Corporation and the Vermont Department of Economic Development, will be held in this region at the College of St Joseph,  October 23rd from 2-5:00 pm, and you are invited to participate.
Organized by the DED and regional development and planning groups, the sessions will be open to the public and will include a wide variety of stakeholders representing the interests of business, non-profits, the community and citizens.
In addition to the regional meetings, a CEDS Committee (representatives of the business, non-profits, education and communities) will be meeting regularly and will help determine and put together the final plan for the Governor’s review. The final plan will be released in the summer of 2014.
Background on the process, FAQs, a full schedule of meetings and examples of regional CEDS plans that have already been developed are available at ThinkVermont.com (click on “strategic planning”).
If you are not able to attend but would like to be heard, the department invites you to send your thoughts and comments to Lisa Gosselin, Commissioner at the Department of Economic Development,accd.ceds@state.vt.us.
Terri Carrington
Rutland Economic Development Corp.
112 Quality Lane
Rutland, VT 05701

Thursday, October 17, 2013

CONGRATULATION GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER UNDEFEATED SEASON

In one of the most exciting game of the season the Windsor Yellow Jackets played tough. At 1/2 time they led  2 - 1 and were playing like a team that had something to prove. In the second 1/2, Black River woke up and realized what had happened and what needed to be done. They did it  with a final score of 3 - 2. Great season girls. Good luck in the play-offs.

MHNewsflash

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Black River High School Girls Soccer Ranked #1



Black River High School Girls Soccer

Mascot
 
Presidents
 
 Team
 
Varsity
 
 Colors
 
Maroon, White

 Coach: P.
 Pullinen 
  
Address:
 
 
43 Main St, Ludlow,                                      VT 05149
Overall
 
 13-0
  
 District
 
 5-0
  
 National Rank
 
215
                  State (VT) Rank #
  1

Black River girls beat Twin Valley 5 - 2
This Thursday is their last home game for the season. It is also Senior Game dedicated to the seniors who will play their last game at home..
The game will be played at Dorsey Park in Ludlow at 6:00PM. Please stop by and show your support.

SPECIAL Halloween Treat for the Kids (in all of us!)

SPECIAL Halloween Treat for the Kids (in all of us!)
"Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein" Oct 26
 
As a special treat for the kids (and those remembering those days), FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) will offer an old-time comedy movie featuring Frankenstein, Dracula, the Wolf Man, and, we're told, the Invisible Man! This action will take place on Saturday, October 26 at 2 PM (note the different time) in the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium. The movie will be "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" - a film that will fill you with laughter while still reminding you of the spirit of Halloween.  The film was named one of the top 100 comedy movies of all time and was even found suitable for inclusion in the Library of Congress's listing of films worthy of "cultural" value. It features all the "bad guys" of the black and white movie era such as Bela Lugosa, Lon Chaney, Jr., and the invisible man (name not available). The movie is free and open to everyone; donations are appreciated. Popcorn will be supplied courtesy of Berkshire Bank. For information, www.fola.us or call 802-228-7239.

Friday, October 11, 2013

October 11, 2013

Dear Ludlow and Mount Holly Parents and Residents:

I want to take this opportunity to invite you and other family members to three events sponsored by the school.  I will briefly highlight the event for you in this email and a second one, and encourage you to view the attachments. 

Taste of Fall

The staff with the support of students is sponsoring its first annual fundraiser.  This event will be held on Thursday, October 17 at the Ludlow Community Center from 4:00 to 7:00pm.  A Taste of Fall offers a sampling of regional and seasonal cuisine.  Local cooks, farmers, and businesses have been invited to participate which will allow us to explore the best of Okemo Valley has to offer.   This is NO ENTRANCE FEE! Tickets will be needed to sample food.

All proceeds from A Taste of Fall will be given to Black River Good Neighbors, who continue to provide goods and services to those in need throughout our sending communities.  We thank you, our friends, for joining with us in this effort. 
  
SAFE Meeting:

This is the fourth year Substance Awareness for Educators (SAFE) is sponsoring a community meeting on relevant topics relating to substance use and other community concerns.  Representatives from law enforcement, Department of Health, court diversion, state and local agencies, school counselors and administrators educators, and other professionals attend these meetings.  Students in the high school health class attend these meetings and we welcome parent and community participation.
On Wednesday, October 23rd 8:30 – 1030am at the Ludlow Town Hall, the SAFE meeting will discuss “The Decriminalization of Marijuana: Impacts on the Community.”  There will be a panel discussion that will discuss the new law and what we can do as a community in the enforcement, prevention, and education of marijuana use by teenagers.   The panel members consists of:  Michael Kainen, District Attorney for Windsor County; Alicia “AJ” Johnson, Program Coordinator for Windsor County Court Diversion; Stacy Finn, family nurse practitioner; and Rita Johnson from the Vermont Alcohol and Drug Information Clearinghouse.  We anticipate having a member from law enforcement on the panel.

I hope your schedule allows you to attend.  If you cannot attend, we have invited LPCTV to tape  this meeting and televise the meeting on their station.   I anticipate a very lively and informative discussion on this topic.

I hope you are enjoying the final days of the foliage season!

Sincerely,

James Frail
Principal

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Book Sale

Book Sale
Saturday, October 12th & Sunday, October 13th - 10 am to 4 pm
Mt. Holly Town Library
Don’t Miss Our Biggest Sale Ever!
Stock Up on Books for the Winter!!
Great Books, Great Prices, For a Great Cause

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Katharine Britton’s first novel, HER SISTER’S SHADOW

Vermont Author, Katharine Britton
Mount Holly Library
October 23rd at 7 pm

Katharine Britton’s first novel, HER SISTER’S SHADOW, was published in June of 2011, by Penguin, USA.
Her second novel, LITTLE ISLAND was just released in September.
Meet the Author! She will share her writing experiences and read from her latest book.

Advance Praise for Little Island
“[A] deeply compassionate story of an extended New England family beleaguered by loss, misunderstandings, and terrible secrets... [Britton] understands how, through love, the human heart can overcome just about anything.”— Howard Frank Mosher
Co-Sponsored by The Book Nook, 136 Main Street, Ludlow VT 05149 Books Available for purchase!

Green Mtn. Coffee & Chimp...My Buddies

Monday, October 7, 2013

HUNTER ACCESS VERMONT Tips for Landowners

                   two hunters with deer

Liability
In 1998, the Vermont Legislature updated the state statute protecting landowners who let the public use their land and water free of charge for recreational purposes. The law was rewritten to encourage landowners to open their lands to recreational users and give landowners greater legal protection from personal injury or property damage claims by these users.
Here is what Vermont’s landowner liability law establishes:
  • The landowner shall not be liable for property damage or personal injury sustained by a person who does not pay a fee to the owner and enters upon the owner's land for a recreational use, unless the damage or injury is a result of intentional or extremely reckless misconduct by the owner.

  • The landowner is not required to inspect the land to discover dangerous conditions, but if the owner knows of an unobvious, extremely dangerous hazard such as an unmarked well on the property, then the owner should take some action to warn recreational users.

  • The landowner does not have to ensure that the land is completely safe for recreational use, but the landowner may not intentionally create a risk to recreational users.

  • The recreational user is not relieved from exercising due care for his or her own safety while using the land.

  • The landowner is not liable for property damage or personal injury sustained by a recreational user who proceeds to use equipment, machinery, personal property, or structures and fixtures, unless the damage or injury is the result of intentional or extremely reckless misconduct of the owner.
Here is what Vermont’s landowner liability law covers:
  • “Open and undeveloped” land (including paths and trails, posted land, fenced land, agricultural land or land with forestry related structures);

  • Water (including springs, streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and other water courses);

  • Fences;

  • Structures and fixtures used to enter the land (including bridges and walkways).
Managing Access to Private Lands
Landowner permission is not required for hunting on private land in Vermont, except on land properly posted with signs prohibiting hunting, and also on all private land during the Youth Hunting Weekends for deer and turkey. However, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department encourages hunters to seek permission. The privilege of using private land is extended by generous landowners, and most landowners allow hunting when asked.
Options to Protect Your Property 
A hunter or angler shall show their license if requested by a landowner, and must leave the land immediately on demand, whether the land is posted or not. In order to hunt, fish or trap on properly posted land, a person must have the written consent of the owner or the person having exclusive right to take fish or wild animals from that land.
Option 1. Safety Zone Signs:
A property owner may establish a 500-foot Safety Zone around an occupied dwelling, residence, barn, stable or other building with signs provided free by the Fish & Wildlife Department. These signs shall be placed at each corner of the property and no more than 200 feet apart. All shooting is prohibited in the Safety Zone and no wild animal may be taken within it unless advance permission is obtained from the owner or rightful occupant.
The advantage of allowing responsible hunters access to the property outside of the safety zone is it can reduce the probability of property and game law abuses by providing the permitted hunters an incentive to look out for the landowner’s best interest.
Option 2. “Hunting by Permission Only” Signs: 
These signs are an alternative to posting “NO HUNTING” signs if you wish to regulate hunters. Although not enforceable by law, they indicate that you’re willing to grant permission to a limited number of hunters, but require them to seek permission and intend to expel them from your land if encountered hunting without your prior permission.
Similar to the Safety Zone option, Hunting by Permission Only can reduce probability of property and game law abuses and provide better control of hunting pressure. If permission cards are issued, it can also help with wildlife management objectives by regulating the number of permits and their use. For example, landowners who suffer deer damage should grant enough permits to ensure a substantial harvest of deer each year.
Courtesy Permission Cards:
These cards can be used by you to grant written permission to hunters who seek it, regardless of whether or not your land is “posted” against hunting. The “land owner copy” creates a record of those hunters for your file. These cards give the landowner different options regarding seasons, timing, and/or locations. For example; “Permission granted only on north side of the brook, Keep gate closed at all times.” Printable Courtesy Permission Card (214 K)
Check-in/Check-out System:
Landowners can require all hunters to check-in before and after they hunt by holding their permission cards when they are not in use. This check-in system provides:
  • An estimate of the game harvested, which can be used to adjust the permit numbers issued the next season.

  • A way to distribute hunters for greater safety, enhanced hunting experience quality, and increased likelihood that trespassers will be caught or discouraged.

  • A way to promote fairness among permit holders by making the permits valid for only two days per week to balance the access of hunters who could come every day with those who can hunt only on weekends and holidays.
Option 3. Posting Property:
Hunting, fishing or trapping on properly posted land is illegal. Properly posted land will have records filed with the town clerk and the Fish & Wildlife Department. See Title 10, V.S.A., Sections 5201 to 5206.
To be properly posted land:
  • The owner or the person who has exclusive rights to fish, hunt and trap on the land will post the signs.

  • The owner or person posting the land shall annually record the posting at the town clerk’s office for a fee of $5.00

  • Signs must be not less than 11½ inches wide by 8 inches high in size

  • Lettering and background on the signs must be of contrasting colors

  • The signs must contain the wording that hunting, fishing or trapping or any combination of the three are prohibited or forbidden

  • Signs are valid even if additional information is on the sign, as long as a reasonable person would understand that hunting, fishing or trapping are prohibited or forbidden

  • Legible signs must be maintained at all times and dated each year

  • Posting signs must be erected on or near all the boundaries, at each corner and not over 400 feet apart.
Posting property can be very labor intensive.  Signs must be maintained around the perimeter of the property. If a sign is missing, the land is no longer properly posted, and there is no violation when a person accesses the land.  In addition, the signs must be dated and the posting registered annually with your town clerk’s office.
Protection from Poachers
Poaching is the illegal taking of fish and wildlife and is an insult to the vast majority of law abiding hunters and anglers.  Poachers threaten our wildlife resources by breaking laws designed to assure sound wildlife management and species survival.  Because poachers do not obey the laws, they often disregard posting signs. Working cooperatively with Vermont State Game Wardens is a good way to protect your property from poachers.  You can contact a State Game Warden by calling the local State Police barracks. Or you can report a violation anonymously through Operation Game Thief online or by calling 1-800-75ALERT.
Vermont State Game Wardens work hard to identify and arrest poachers. But there are less than forty wardens spread throughout the state.  Vermont’s game wardens need the help of all Vermonters to successfully fight poaching.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

October 2013

Good Morning!

My name is Deb Harrison and I am the clinician here at Black River Middle and High School. I just wanted to introduce myself and share with you that this week is Suicide Prevention Awareness month.

As the school year starts, we know that this can be a time of stress and anxiety for many kids. Major changes in schedules, peers, season, all can contribute to feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. Unfortunately we also know that some people, especially young people, consider suicide as a way to manage. One proven way to decrease suicide in our community is to increase awareness of this issue and to know the warning signs. A few of these signs are:

Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself

Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain Talking about being a burden to others

Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly Sleeping too little or too much

Withdrawing or feeling isolated

Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge Displaying extreme mood swings

Giving away possessions

*Warning signs from www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

As a way to increase awareness here at school, tomorrow I will be asking all students to add the National Suicide Hotline number into their phones. We know that hotline numbers help many who are in need of immediate support, and this is a great way for students to have the number if ever they need it for themselves, their friends, or their families. I would recommend you add this to your phone as well; it is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

IF YOU ARE CONCERNED about your student being at risk, PLEASE call me at 802-228-3505, or call the local crisis team at 1-800-622-4235. I can provide you with information, resources, education, or support. No concern is too minor. Again, we know increased awareness works to prevent teen suicide. Please talk about this with your children; let them know I will be giving them the number tomorrow, and that I am a resource if they are worried about themselves or a friend being at risk.

Thank you for your time!

Deb




Additional Resources:

YellowRibbon.org - For the prevention of teen suicide www.suicidology.org

www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org www.afsp.org