Wednesday, April 30, 2014

"The Iron Lady" Next FOLA Movie in Auditorium, May 10

The Iron Lady is a surprising and intimate portrait of Margaret Thatcher (Meryl Streep), the first and only female Prime Minister of The United Kingdom. One of the 20th century's most famous and influential women, Thatcher came from nowhere to smash through barriers of gender and class to be heard in a male dominated world.

The Iron Lady is a 2011 British biographical film based on the life of Margaret Thatcher (1925–2013), the longest-serving Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of the 20th century. The film was directed by Phyllida Lloyd. Thatcher is portrayed primarily by Meryl Streep, and, in her formative and early political years, by Alexandra Roach. Thatcher's husband, Denis Thatcher, is portrayed by Jim Broadbent, and by Harry Lloyd as the younger Denis. Thatcher's longest-serving cabinet member and eventual deputy, Geoffrey Howe, is portrayed by Anthony Head.

Streep's performance was widely acclaimed, and considered to be one of the finest of her career. She received her 17th Best Actress Oscar nomination for her portrayal and ultimately won the award, 29 years after her first win. She also earned her third Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama award (her eighth Golden Globe Award win overall), and her second BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

The movie examines her life as she enters Parliament and rises in the Tory Party - with its impact on her family.

The movie is open to everyone and is free; donations are appreciated. Popcorn will be provided courtesy of Berkshire Bank and water courtesy of FOLA. For more information, www.fola.us and 802-228-7239.



All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Committee Meeting - Meeting Minutes April 25, 2014

All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Committee Meeting
Meeting Minutes April 25, 2014
Draft

Day / Date:
Friday April 25, 2014
Time:
6:00 PM
Location:
Town Offices

Attendees:   Committee Members – Don Patch, Bruce Turco, Tim Martin, David Burnor and Francis DeVine

Other Attendees: Danny Hale, Executive Director, Vermont All Terrain Vehicle Sportsman Association and his wife.
Dan Freeman, Madeleine Faye

The meeting was called to order at 6:15 PM.

Tim Martin as Select Board representative was designated chairman of the committee.

Martin opened the meeting by discussing the purpose of the committee.  Its aim is to develop a proposal for the select board concerning opening town roads to ATV use.
Don Patch had provided the committee with a draft ordinance for consideration.  D. Hale commented how the standard VASA template had been used as a basis, but that it can and was modified for our use by Patch.
The purpose was discussed and D. Freeman pointed out that his understanding was that it was to allow ATV’s to go from one point to the other on a town road when required.
D. Hale discussed the benefits of forming a VASA sanctioned club in town.  The cost of membership was seen as being more than folks might be willing to pay.  He then suggested that the town might want to consider a municipal membership (see attached description).  Under this arrangement the town would receive administrative support, signage and certain levels of law enforcement.  Since this was tied to a true trail program and the town is only looking at limited road access between private lands, this type of membership was not seen as applicable at this time.  Hale indicated that a membership could be taken out later if the town would like.  He and his wife then left the meeting.
The committee then began to review and mark-up the draft ordinance. 

NB: The draft ordinance is incorporated into this document and is in italics.

Purpose
The purpose of this ordinance is to allow limited approval for all-terrain vehicles to travel on identified and approved town highways (or sections of highways) while protecting the health and safety of all vehicle operators, residents, animals, property and the environment. 

The purpose was read with no action taken.  Later DeVine suggested that the beginning of the purpose be modified to read “The purpose of this ordinance is to allow Mount Holly homeowners and their guests limited approval to travel from their homes to permitted sites on unpaved town roads (or sections of roads)” …. while protecting the health and safety of all vehicle operators, residents, animals, property and the environment.
No action taken.

Definitions
This ordinance will adopt the definitions of “All-Terrain Vehicle” or “ATV” and “Operate” as defined in Vermont Title 23 V.S.A. Chapter 31 section 3501. 

The committee agreed that using Vermont Title 23 V.S.A. Chapter 31 section 3501 was practical, and accepted this clause.

Operation Requirements

1)                 All-terrain vehicles must be registered and operated accordance to the requirements of Vermont Title 23 V.S.A. Chapter 31. 
The committee agreed.

2)                 All-terrain vehicles may only be operated on town highways between May 1st and December 15th of each year.
Patch explained that these dates were selected to coincide with the end of mud season and to end with the start of snowmobile season. Freeman raised the issue of commercial users of ATV’s.  As an example, the blackout period would cover the sugaring season, and as a result cause hardships for those using ATV’s to collect sap. It was suggested that there be no restrictions on the timeframe for using ATV’s on roads. This was discussed and one possibility, keeping damage to roads in mind, was to open the roads after the road posting season ends.

The discussion will continue.
Another safety concern that was voiced was ATV’s sharing roads with snowmobiles.


3)                 All-terrain vehicles may only be operated on town highways between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M.
The issue with this was again commercial users and hunting season.  The suggestion for hunting season was to set the time a one hour before sunrise and a one hour after sunset. The discussion of the time for non-hunting season was raised and it was pointed out that there is some form of hunting allowed almost year round.
The discussion will continue.

4)                 All-terrain vehicles may only be operated on sections of town highways that have been designated and approved by the Select Board.
The committee agreed.

5)                 All-terrain vehicles may only be operated on a single town highway for the purpose of traveling between parcels of land that the operator can legally operate an all-terrain vehicle on.  All-terrain vehicle operation from one town highway to another is prohibited.
It was suggested that this clause be removed as it would be to difficult to administer and enforce.  Concern was expressed that this was he essence of the request and should not be removed.
Issue open.

6)                 All traffic control devices apply to the operation of all-terrain vehicles.
The committee agreed

7)                 All-terrain vehicles on the town highway will travel to the far right side, single file, at a speed not to exceed 20 miles per hour.
The letter from the constable suggesting 15 mph was raised and the committee did not feel the difference in speed would be a safety issue.  Enforcement is also an issue.

8)                 The operator of an all-terrain vehicle being operated on a town highway will yield right of way to all other vehicle and pedestrian traffic including but not limited to bicyclists and horses.
9)                 The operator of an all-terrain vehicle being operated on a town highway must possess a valid vehicle operator’s license.
10)            The operator of an all-terrain vehicle being operated on a town highway must properly wear a D.O.T. approved helmet.
Sections 8/9/10 were agreed to by the committee.

Highway Approval Process
1)                 All-terrain vehicles will only be allowed to travel on town highways (or sections of highways) approved by the Select Board. 
2)                 The Select Board reserves the right to allow or deny permission to operate an all-terrain vehicle on any town highway (or section of highway).  The Select Board reserves the right to rescind any or all permissions to operate an all-terrain vehicle on town highways at any time. 
3)                 All approvals to allow all-terrain vehicle operation of town highways will expire each year on December 15th
4)                 Each highway (or section of highway) will require a contact person responsible for the following:
A.      Submission of the application to the Select Board annually.  The application will include address and contact information of the contact person.  The Select Board reserves the right to approve or deny any requests.
B.      Purchase and post the required signage at both ends of the area opened for all-terrain vehicle travel.  Only those signs approved by the Select Board will be allowed.
C.      Assist local law enforcement investigating violations of this ordinance when possible.
The highway approval process was discussed and the focus was on reducing the burden for the select board and the need to approve each road.  It was suggested that a trail coordinator be appointed to receive and review applications.  After performing due diligence on the application the coordinator would provide a recommendation to the select board to approve or decline the request.  Bruce Turco indicated a willingness to handle that duty.
A question about notifying residents on a road for which an approval is being requested was discussed, but not resolved.

There was a discussion about the need for more information from the town residents and it was suggested that a survey be developed and distributed.  It was also suggested that the survey include a then current draft of the ordinance in order for the resident to better understand exactly what is being proposed.

The committee recognized that there were many questions still unanswered and will meet again on May 5 at 7:00 PM in Town Offices.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Francis P. DeVine Jr.

All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Committee Meeting

Public Notice of Meeting

All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Committee Meeting
 Day / Date:
Monday, May 5, 2014
 Time:
7:00 PM
 Location:
Town Offices
 Background and Purpose: 
At the April 8, 2014 Selectboard meeting a request was made to the board to allow limited access by All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) on graveled roads within the town of Mount Holly.  The board tabled this request and formed a committee to study the implication of this request and to develop a formal proposal.  The committee members are Don Patch, Bruce Turco, Tim Martin, David Burnor and Francis DeVine. 
The committee is holding it’s second meeting to continue developing draft proposals, and review input received to date from interested parties.
Anyone wanting to have input can contact any member of the committee, or send an email to MtHollyATV@gmail.com, or attend the meeting.
Attachment
Draft minutes from the April 8, 2014 meeting.  

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

MOUNT HOLLY GREEN UP DAY

A REMINDER TO THE GOOD CITIZENS OF MOUNT HOLLY
MOUNT HOLLY GREEN UP DAY
   SAT. MAY 3rd   -   9:00 am to 2 pm
MOUNT HOLLY TOWN LIBRARY
 PICK UP TRASH BAGS
SELECT YOUR ROAD ASSIGNMENT
Drawing for a kid’s prize
FREE LUNCH FOR PARTICIPANTS
DONATED BY THE BELMONT STORE
WE’RE DEPENDING ON YOU TO HELP KEEP
 OUR TOWN GREEN AND CLEAN

Friday, April 25, 2014

SIGN ON for SOLAR

SIGN ON for SOLAR

Green Electricity

& Help Mt Holly Get $125,000 Grant

         Mount Holly can “plant” a community scale SOLAR farm” to produce “green” electricity for anyone interested. 

         You can help the environment and get big $ savings too. 

It’s’ simple.  Instead of paying GMP for the electricity you use for your home or business, you pay the same amount to buy solar panels, and in a short time with no money down own the solar array and get electricity Free

         Solar systems produce electricity year around and this SUN power is bought by GMP at a premium that is credited via net metering to make existing electric meters run backwards.   

         There is one well-selected site of about 1 acre for all the panels, so anyone can participate, even those without clear or south-facing locations.   

         Residences and especially businesses get attractive incentives that can reduce costs by 30 to 66%. 

We can get a grant from the Clean Energy Development Fund for $125,000 if there is broad-based community involvement and acceptance.  Letters of support need to be submitted with our proposal by May 9th

Show your support at a meeting on SUNDAY, MAY 4th at 4 pm at the Mount Holly LIBRARY.

Or, contact Marcy Tanger at 259 2344 or tanger@vermontel.net to see how you can sign on for solar green electricity and help get the grant from the CEDF

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Rutland Co. PUBLIC COMMENT HEARING

PLEASE SUPPORT THE ECONOMIC & ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF THE ADDISON-RUTLAND NATURAL GAS PROJECT

PUBLIC COMMENT HEARING
MAY 7th, 7:00 p.m., Shoreham Elementary School


 
The Public Service Board has announced a hearing 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 7th, 2014 at the Shoreham Elementary School to receive public comments on Phase 2 of the Addison-Rutland Natural Gas Project. 

As you know, Phase 2 of the project would extend service from Middlebury to the communities of Cornwall, Shoreham and to the International Paper Mill in Ticonderoga.  It is also critical to extending service to Rutland County not later than 2020.  In fact, extending natural gas to the International Paper mill in Ticonderoga will save Vermonters $45 million of the cost to deliver natural gas to Rutland County at least 15-years sooner than would otherwise be possible; while significanty strengthening the regional economy and improving regional air quality.

It is imperative that the Public Service Board hear from pro-growth, pro-jobs Vermonters like you who support this project.  

I’ve included details on the hearing, a summary of the project and other information you may find helpful in preparing your statement of support.  

HEARING OVERVIEW

WHAT:             Public Service Board, Public Comment Hearing

WHEN:            7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 7th, 2014

WHERE:           Shoreham Elementary School, 130 School Road, Shoreham

FORMAT:         Members of the public must signup with PSB staff to speak beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Each speaker will be given 2-minutes to make their comments.

PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Addison-Rutland Natural Gas Project will help local businesses cut their energy bills by about 50 percent and keep and create more good jobs.

The natural gas delivered by the Addison-Rutland Natural Gas Project is safer, cleaner – and about half the cost – of the propane or oil currently used by most Vermonters.

The Addison-Rutland Natural Gas Project will help homeowners and businesses in Addison and Rutland counties cut heating bills by about 50% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 25%.

The Addison-Rutland Natural Gas Project will save towns money and the millions of dollars the project will pay in property taxes will help pay for public schools and other local municipal services.
You can learn even more atwww.AddisonRutlandNaturalGas.com and read what current customers are saying atwww.CleanerEnergyCleanerAir.com
PHASE TWO & INTERNATIONAL PAPER
The Addison-Rutland Natural Gas Project will bring cleaner, lower cost fuel to the International Paper mill in Ticonderoga and help the mill keep good paying jobs in the region, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve regional air quality.

Extending natural gas to the International Paper mill in Ticonderoga will save Vermonters $45 million of the cost to deliver natural gas to Rutland by 2020 – 15-years sooner than would otherwise be possible.

International Paper spends more than $3 million on goods and services provided by Vermont businesses, in addition to $2.5 million spent for wood and fiber and over $1 million in wages and benefits paid to Vermonters working at the mill.

Thank you for your support of this important project.  By working together, we can extend the economic and environmental benefits of North American Natural Gas to more Vermonters and help grow the economy and create more and better paying jobs.
Many thanks,
Jason

--
Jason Gibbs, LLC
Strategic Communication & Project Management

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

2 Rivers Supervisory Union MAY 2014 ADVANCED MEETING NOTICE

Two Rivers Supervisory Union 

MAY 2014
ADVANCED MEETING NOTICE

May 1, 2014 Thursday


4:00 PM Innovations In Learning Committee 
Regular Meeting
Fletcher Farm - Superintendent’s Office
May 1, 2014 Thursday


6:00 PM TRSU Executive Committee 
Regular Meeting
Fletcher Farm Roost – Conference Room
May 5, 2014 Monday


4:45 PM Plymouth Town School Board
Regular Meeting
Fletcher Farm - Superintendent’s Office
May 7, 2014 Wednesday


6:00 PM Ludlow Elementary School Board 
Regular Meeting 
Mount Holly School – Gymnasium 
May 7, 2014 Wednesday 7:00 PM Black River High School Board 
Regular Meeting 
Mount Holly School – Gymnasium 
May 7, 2014 Wednesday 


7:00 PM Mount Holly School Board
Regular Meeting
Mount Holly School – Gymnasium

May 8, 2014 Thursday 6:00 PM Green Mountain Union High School Board
Regular Meeting
Green Mountain Union High School – Library
May 12, 2014 Monday


5:30 PM
Chester-Andover Elementary School Board
Regular Meeting
Chester-Andover Elementary School – Library
May 14, 2014 Wednesday


7:00 PM Baltimore Town School Board
Regular Meeting
Baltimore Town Office
May 20, 2014

Tuesday


5:30 PM


Cavendish Town Elementary School Board
Regular Meeting
CTES – Art Room

Please be advised meetings listed are subject to change. If you have any questions regarding any
meeting please contact Debbie Carleton at Two Rivers Supervisory Union at: 802-875-6421
Andover, Baltimore, Cavendish, Chester, Mount Holly, Ludlow & Plymouth School Districts 
 802-824-3365 PH 802-875-6438 FX debbie.carleton@trsu.org 

Monday, April 21, 2014

Mount Holly - Public Notice of Meeting

Public Notice of Meeting
 All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Committee Meeting

Day / Date:   Friday April 25, 2014
 Time:   6:00 PM
 Location:  Town Offices

 Background and Purpose: 
At the April 8, 2014 Selectboard meeting a request was made to the board to allow limited access by All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) on graveled roads within the town of Mount Holly.  The board tabled this request and formed a committee to study the implication of this request and to develop a formal proposal.  The committee members are Don Patch, Bruce Turco, Tim Martin, David Burnor and Francis DeVine. 
The committee is meeting to review draft proposals, and input received to date from interested parties.
Anyone wanting to have input can contact any member of the committee, or send an email to MtHollyATV@gmail.com, or attend the meeting.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Vt. K-9 teams appear on prime-time TV








BURLINGTON, Vt. -
The FBI is scouring the woods for a serial killer known as "The Huntsman." Luckily, the search isn't real. It's a scene from thepsychological TV thriller "The Following," featuring Kevin Bacon.
The two characters are only dressed like New Jersey state troopers, but they're real police officers in Vermont, invited to be extras on the show. "These dogs are like our second skin. They probably spend more time with us than our families do," said Vergennes Police Chief George Merkel.
This fall Chief Merkel and his canine, Aikido, joined Sgt. Eugene Duplissis of Vermont State Police and his partner, Argus, on the set. "We felt a little bit like rock stars because we were so popular and our dogs were so approachable and well-mannered. They did a great job and it made you feel kind of good. It made you proud," said Chief Merkel. 
There are currently 39 working police dogs in Vermont. The canines undergo a rigorous six-month training program at the police academy in Pittsford. The episode showcased that training.
"The dogs in Vermont are trained to a very high standard. We have an outstanding program and it's good that we can go down to New York City and film a show that's broadcast throughout the world, and show how good Vermont's dogs are," said Sgt. Duplissis.
Aikido and Argus are Belgian Malynois. Their handlers say the breed make solid police dogs because they're boxier than German shepherds, giving them better weight distribution. But did they know they were acting? "That's a good question. It was more of a training aspect for them. They have a lot of energy," said Sgt. Duplissis.
On the job the teams only have one chance to get it right. So how did they perform on the set? "Those are Hollywood trade secrets. We can't tell you any of that information, sorry. You'd have to talk to the Film Actors Guild," said Sgt. Duplissis.
Joking aside, the officers say each scene is shot four times, from four different angles and the hours can be grueling, but they say the attention to detail in crime shows is improving. "They take a lot of pride in trying to be authentic," said Sgt. Duplissis.
"I enjoy them. You know they're Hollywood and there's a Hollywood spin on things," said Chief Merkel.
And when the crime fighting duos aren't on TV, they have an important job to do at home. "We do narcotics and what we call patrol work -- which is tracking, evidence recovery, and building searches. We assist with high risk traffic stops or search warrants," said Sgt. Duplissis. 
It's a job that can be dangerous. Sgt. Duplissis is still recovering after being hit in the head with gunshot pellets when responding to a scene last week in Leicester. The suspect is now charged with multiple counts of attempted murder.

Friday, April 11, 2014

YOGA CLASSES Mt. Holly Town Library

Reminder
YOGA CLASSES
Mt. Holly Town Library
7 Week Spring Session
Starting Monday, April 21st at 4:30
Call Jen Colman for More Information 775-6301
(Minimum of 8 people needed)

ROAST PORK SUPPER

ROAST PORK SUPPER
April 26, 2014
Settings 5:00 P.M. till Gone
Odd Fellows Hall, Belmont, VT
Benefit
MT. Holly Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary
Roast Pork Supper
Mashed Potatoes, w/gravy, Veg., rolls, and homemade pies
ALL YOU CAN EAT – HOME STYLE
ADULTS $10.00
CHILDREN UNDER 12 YEARS $5.00
More info Call 259-3445

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Approving ATV travel on some town roads in Mount Holly

During a discussion at the Select Board Meeting on 4-8-14 about approving ATV travel on some town roads in Mount Holly, it was agreed that a group would form to research the issue and make a future recommendation to the Board.  The following individuals volunteered for this project: Don Patch, Bruce Turco, Tim Martin, David Burnor and Francis DeVine.

One of the first steps in the process is to collect information and input from the community.  If you have ideas, suggestions or just want to state your opinion, please contact one of the volunteers or email MtHollyATV@gmail.com.  We welcome and appreciate any input you have on the issue.

Don Patch

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Challenge Accepted


From: mtanger 


VPR

Challenge Accepted: A Look Back At The 2013 Home Energy Challenge

Print
By Amy Kolb Noyes
  • []  
  • Participation in the Vermont Home Energy Challenge could be as simple as switching to compact florescent light bulbs. Amy Kolb Noyes VPR
The results are in for the 2013 Vermont Home Energy Challenge. The challenge was a year-long effort by Efficiency Vermont and the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network. Town energy committees signed on and competed against neighboring towns for the distinction of having the most home energy efficiency projects completed, by percentage of the population.

VHEC was designed to test the premise that a large scale community engagement effort can drive completion of retrofit jobs, and raise the level of awareness of energy efficiency.

Seventy-nine communities signed up for the challenge, representing about half the state's population. A newly released final report on the project explains:

Towns were divided into six regions throughout the state wherein participating towns competed against other towns in their region to encourage residents to commit to improving efficiency and to getting their homes weatherized. Participating towns were asked to weatherize three percent of the year-round residences in their towns for the calendar year 2013. This three percent number was directly linked to the percentage of homes that need to be weatherized on an annual basis in order for Vermont to meet its statewide energy goals.
According to Efficiency Vermont's report, "the Vermont Home Energy Challenge was a state-wide effort to test the premise that community engagement efforts could encourage more Vermonters to complete comprehensive home energy efficiency improvements, and raise the level of general awareness about home energy efficiency." The report states:

Towns that achieved the highest percentage of year-round homes weatherized within their region received a financial reward. In addition, towns that achieved the highest percentage of residents committing to improving efficiency in their homes were also awarded.
Individual commitments came by way of pledge cards. Signers of the cards pledge to improve the energy efficiency of their homes by swapping out light bulbs, switching to low flow water faucets, weather stripping doors and windows, turning down thermostats, or taking on a bigger project. A state-wide total of 1,512 pledge cards were turned in to Efficiency Vermont. One-quarter of those included commitments to take on a comprehensive energy-saving home improvement project.

The towns with the highest percentage of year-round homes weatherized within their region earned $10,000 to be applied toward a municipal energy efficiency project. The winning towns are:
  • Region One – Underhill and Jericho (tied)
  • Region Two – Weybridge
  • Region Three – Mount Holly
  • Region Four – Putney
  • Region Five – Strafford
  • Region Six – Plainfield

In addition, towns collecting the most pledge cards per region won $500 toward a community energy celebration. Towns winning that prize are:
  • Region One – Franklin
  • Region Two – Weybridge
  • Region Three – Mount Holly
  • Region Four – Dummerston
  • Region Five – Thetford
  • Region Six – Plainfield

Efficiency Vermont's final report on the challenge concluded:

In testing the premise that a statewide engagement effort could drive general awareness of energy efficiency, and completion of comprehensive home efficiency projects, VHEC did show some promising results. In towns where residents were already primed to be receptive to energy and sustainability messages, or where there had been a history of local energy action, it appears that VHEC did make a difference. The action being requested of homeowners requires a significant commitment of time and financial resources, and in consequence the full results of VHEC may not be fully apparent until additional time has passed.
Efficiency Vermont said it will continue to track project completion data to see how many pledged home energy improvement projects are undertaken in the years to come. Vermont has set a statewide goal to achieve 25 percent energy savings in 80,000 homes by the year 2020.