Real Estate Commission Rules as of 12/1/15

November 27, 2015

Dear Approved Course Providers:

The new rules for the Real Estate profession go into effect on December 1, 2015.  We are writing to remind you to please update all courses to reflect the new rule changes.

A copy of the new rules can be found at the following link:  Real Estate Commission Rules as of 12/1/15  We encourage you to read the full document as there are substantive changes that need to be addressed in your courses. 

Please pay particular attention to the addition of designated agency (Rule 4.4) and non-designated agency (Rule 4.3).  Beginning December 1, 2015, a brokerage firm is a non-designated agency firm until and unless the principal broker elects to practice designated agency.  The choice to remain a non-designated agency brokerage firm or to change to a designated agency brokerage firm is a choice that applies to the entire brokerage firm, branch offices, and all licensees.  Licensees within a brokerage firm cannot practice both types of agency when working with clients.  Licensees will need to discuss with their principal broker which form of agency they will be offering clients going forward.  With the changes to the rules, limited agency is no longer an option for resolving conflicts among two of the firm’s clients wishing to participate in the same transaction.  New requirements are also in effect for brokerage service agreements.

Beginning December 1, 2015, licensees must use one of the two mandatory consumer disclosure forms adopted by the Commission.  The new mandatory consumer disclosure forms are located at the following link:  Mandatory Disclosure Forms  There is a form for brokerage firms practicing non-designated agency and a form for firms practicing designated agency.  The forms adopted by the Commission cannot be modified or branded. 

The addition of the initial salesperson post-licensure eight hour education requirement went into effect in 2014 and is further described in Rule 5.2(a).  The continuing education requirements for brokers also changed in 2014 from sixteen hours every two years to twenty-four hours.

The Real Estate Commission will be providing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the new rules on the Commission’s website.

If you have any questions, please email Judith.Griffen@sec.state.vt.us.

Regards,

Judith Griffen

FOLA' s Movies Raffle

FOLA' s Movies Raffle

This is your chance to win some great movies - and help FOLA continue providing great movies in the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium!

Below is a set of 13 movies shown by FOLA in 2015.  FOLA is raffling off this great collection of films. We will draw the winning ticket number at our January 20, 2016 annual meeting and immediately ship this collection to the winner. The movies include:

Movie	Media		Movie	Media
"Jasmine Blue"	Blu-Ray		"Laura"	DVD
"The Lego Movie"	Blu-Ray / DVD		"The General"-Silent Movie	Blu-Ray
"Inside Llewyn Davis"	Blu-Ray		"All is Lost"	Blu-Ray
"Captain Phillips"	Blu-Ray / DVD		"Touch of Evil"	Blu-Ray
"The Grand Budapest Hotel"	Blu-Ray		"12 Years a Slave"	Blu-Ray
"Nebraska"	Blu-Ray / DVD		"The Judge"	Blu-Ray / DVD
"Philomena"	Blu-Ray

You can purchase your raffle tickets using our PayPal link below (it accepts all major credit and debit cards) or by mailing your check with name and address (please include your email address) to FOLA, 1 Whispering Pines, Ludlow, VT 05149.

All of the proceeds from this silent auction will be used to purchase future movies to be displayed by FOLA - SO Click HERE and Get Your Tickets!!!

Youth Services Librarian Fletcher Memorial Library

Weekly Preschool and Toddler Story Time

Wednesdays from 10:30-11:30am.

             Each week features a theme, music, stories and a craft.

Read With Oreo

Thursday January 21st

3:00-4:00pm

School aged students are invited to come to the library and read a story with Oreo the Reading Dog.

Monday Family Movie Night

Monday Janury 25, 2015

Lionsgate© Films “Shaun The Sheep” (PG)

5:00-7:00 pm

Refreshments will be served.

Books and Cooks Cooking Club

Thursday January 28th

Grades 2^-6 3:00-4:00pm

Hot Cocoa Rice Crispie Treats

Young bakers will learn how to make  the perfect winter treat!

Crafty Tuesdays

Grades K-6

3:00-4:00pm

5^th- Fancy Snowflakes-Come experiment with different papers and techniques to make some stunning snowflake decorations.

12^th-No Sew Sock Critters- Let’s what sort pf cute critters we can make using socks and some fun embellishments.

19^th- No School- No crafts this week

26^th- Shrinky Dinks Part 2-Back by popular demand the amazing shrinking plastic that can be used to make all sorts of cool things. Be sure to come check it out!

DCF Book Club

 The Turtle of Oman

                                                    By Naiomi S. Nye

Grades 4-8

Wednesday January 20^th

^3:00-4:00pm

Stop by the library and pick up your copy of this months book. On January 25th,we’ll meet to have a discussion and share our thoughts on what we’ve read.

“Aref Al-Amri does not want to leave Oman. He does not want to leave his elementary school, his friends, or his beloved grandfather, Siddi. He does not want to live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where his parents will go to graduate school. His mother is desperate for him to pack his suitcase, but he refuses. Finally, she calls Siddi for help. But rather than pack, Aref and Siddi go on a series of adventures. They visit the camp of a thousand stars deep in the desert, they sleep on Siddi's roof, they fish in the Gulf of Oman and dream about going to India, and they travel to the nature reserve to watch the sea turtles. At each stop, Siddi finds a small stone that he later slips into Aref's suitcase—mementos of home.Naomi Shihab Nye's warmth, attention to detail, and belief in the power of empathy and connection shines from every page."

*(Amazon.com).

-- 

Sacha Krawczyk

Youth Services Librarian

Fletcher Memorial Library

Ludlow, Vermont 05149

2016 Mount Holly Calendars

2016 Mount Holly Calendars
on Sale ONLY 
at
The Belmont Store

Only a limited number of calendars are left

It's a perfect holiday gift for your family and friends
and for you, too!

$20 ($10 tax deductible)

Letter from the Superintendent

PRESS RELEASE – DECEMBER 7, 2015 – Two Rivers Supervisory Union Superintendent and Associate Superintendent Announce Retirementsg

After several decades each in education, Two Rivers Supervisory Union (TRSU) Superintendent Bruce Williams and Associate Superintendent Linda Waite have announced they will retire from their respective positions, effective June 30, 2016. They made their individual announcements to the TRSU Executive Board this fall. b

Williams has devoted 42 years to education. He started out in teaching at the elementary and high school levels, in New Hampshire and in Vermont, where, among other things, he mentored Armando Vilaseca, who later went on to become Commissioner of Education in Vermont. After a 16-year tenure as a principal in New Hampshire, Williams became the interim Superintendent of the former Rutland-Windsor Supervisory Union, which evolved into the Superintendency of the TRSU.

“This was a difficult decision because I still thoroughly enjoy supporting this Board, our constituent Boards, our leadership teams, our staff and, most importantly, our students in the ongoing effort to become the best learning organization we can be,” explained Williams in a post Monday to the entire TRSU organization, adding that he had “benefited from a generous and thoughtful partnership with our Associate Superintendent of Schools, Linda Waite.”

Waite has dedicated 26 years to education in Vermont, as a teacher, principal, curriculum coordinator, superintendent at Flood Brook School, Green Mountain High School, Manchester Elementary & Middle School, the former Windsor Southwest Supervisory Union as well as the Associate Superintendent of TRSU.

Both Waite and Williams were instrumental in helping to create the Two Rivers Supervisory Union, a 2013 merger of the former Windsor Southwest Supervisory Union with the former Rutland-Windsor Supervisory Union that united the schools of Chester, Andover, Baltimore and Cavendish with those of Ludlow, Mt. Holly and Plymouth.

“It has been my pleasure and honor,” said Waite in describing her career in education, “I am ever grateful for the opportunity to lead our schools with such fine administrators, teachers, boards and communities,” adding that while “it will be very difficult for me to end such an important chapter of my life...I look forward to maintaining a relationship with the TRSU community.”

Following Williams's and Waite's announcements, TRSU Board Chair Bob Herbst expressed the Board's appreciation for the breadth and depth of the work Williams and Waite have done for the Supervisory Union, especially during a time of significant change and challenges.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to work with both Bruce and Linda,” said Herbst, “They have provided excellent leadership for the Supervisory Union and our schools. They have consistently guided the boards to decisions based upon improved educational opportunities for our students and prudent financial management. We will certainly miss the insights and enthusiasm they brought to their work.”

Williams noted that while the TRSU had gone through a “remarkable process of creation,” it also was on the “cusp of perhaps even more significant change,” and that the timing was right for a change at the top.

The change to which Williams refers lies in Act 46, the Vermont education reform law passed earlier this year, which calls for larger school districts to be formed with one school board, one budget and one tax rate, with the aim of creating greater and more equal educational opportunities for students and a more cost-effective and sustainable educational system.

The search for a new Superintendent will be handled by an outside search firm. At this time, the TRSU Executive Board has recommended there be no position of Associate Superintendent in the 2016/2017 budget. That recommendation will be presented to and voted on by the full TRSU Board later this month.

I'm not planning to present, talk, or even open my mouth but ...Opinion

Sebastian Frank	11:14 AM (10 minutes ago)

I did want to share my latest thoughts. Hopefully they are less "inflammatory" and more accurate. Feel free to delete, dislike, disagree, love, hate, whatever.

Act 46 boils down to a struggle between local control versus tax incentives. Some think that to portray Act 46 as a stark contest between democracy and taxes is overly simplistic and therefore misleading or dishonest. Yes, it is possible that the stakes of Act 46 could change dramatically if the TRSU study committee develops (and the Vermont State Board of Education approves) a radically alternative interpretation of the law. Having said that, however, it’s still basically true that Act 46 is the state’s attempt to arrange for a “unified union school district” to purchase a set of rights and responsibilities (“local control”) from Mount Holly citizens by providing these citizens with a temporary reduction in property taxes.

As far as I know, nobody has written down a complete list of what actually constitutes “local control” but it would probably include items such as “approve the Mount Holly School budget” and “have the final say in who gets hired to teach.” To be fair, a great deal of the Mount Holly School budget is determined by forces that are not even faintly controlled by Mount Holly voters. And so it would be prudent if we knew, as accurately as possible, what percent of the budget is actually controlled by Mount Holly and what percent is actually controlled by things like insurance rates, federal and state laws, existing contracts, etc. If we are going to sell to a Two Rivers Unified Union School District a majority share in the right to control the Mount Holly Budget, it is important to know if Mount Holly citizens (via the school board) actually control 1% of that budget or 5% of that budget or 25% of that budget. If we actually only control 1% of the Mount Holly School budget, then the real value of any tax incentive is, one could argue, worth about ten times more than if we actually control 10%.

Before we break out the champagne (or pitchforks), it is important to clarify whether or not the temporary reduction in property taxes would directly affect everyone in Mount Holly evenly or if they would directly benefit only those who own property. If the tax reductions would directly benefit only those who own property, would all property owners benefit evenly or would some benefit more than others? If some would benefit more than others, who would benefit most and who would benefit least? For example, does income sensitivity influence how much a property owner would benefit? Would those who own more land benefit more? Would those who own second-homes benefit differently from homesteaders?

The enumeration of the rights and responsibilities that we call “local control” and the examination of precisely which citizens would directly benefit from a temporary reduction in property taxes must be answered before the town can responsibly vote to approve the potential sale of our collective rights.

Important Meeting

Important Meeting

About your Taxes and Mount Holly School At 6pm,

 December 9 th at Mount Holly School 

The new Education Act (Act 46) is proposing some sweeping changes to the way our Supervisory Union and School operates. This law will affect everyone in Mount Holly. Please be there.

 Mount Holly School Board

SELECT BOARD December 08, 2015 7:30pm SELECT BOARD MEETING AGENDA

SELECT BOARD

December 08, 2015 7:30pm

 SELECT BOARD MEETING AGENDA 

1. Pledge of Allegiance 

2. Additions or Changes to Agenda 

3. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of November 10, 2015

 4. Highways

 a. Tarbellville Road culvert 

b. Speed Limit Lake Ninevah Rd

5. Report of Treasurer

 a. Monthly income and expense report

 b. Plowing revenue for Wallingford/Plymouth 

c. External Audit update 

d. Set date for Budget work session (special meeting)

 6. Transfer Station

 a. RCSWD Proposed Budget public hearing Dec. 16

7. Planning Commission 

a. RRPC Report – Don Richardson

 b. RRTC Report – David Hoeh 

c. Municipal Planning Grant update 

8. Rescue Squad

 9. Other 

a. Mount Holly Town Library 

b. Rutland County proposed budget – hearing 12/17/2015

 c. Selectboard Clerk Job Description – draft 

d. Renewable Energy

 e. Notice of CPG Application for Star Wind Turbines project 

f. Notice of permits issued for TDI New England project 

(Rte 103 transmission line) 

10. Review and sign November orders for payment 

1. Executive Session (if needed)

The Judge

Teacher Contract: TRSU Board & Teacher Bargaining Council Meetings December 8th @ CTES

In re:                Teacher Contract Meetings:  December 8^th @ Cavendish Town Elementary School

·         3:30 PM Board, only Meeting

·         4:00 PM Board and Teaching Meeting

Please note/post the attached 2 Bargaining Council meetings set for Next Tuesday.

Thank you.

Julie Barr   

609 VT Route 103 South

Ludlow, VT  05149

Julie A. Barr,  Office Operations Assistant

Ph:   (  [802] 875-6431  

Fax:  7  [802] 875-6438

Julie.barr@trsu.org

2 Attachments

 

 

Preview attachment 12.08.15 AGENDA.Board & TeacherBargaining Council.TRSU..pdf

12.08.15 AGENDA.Board & TeacherBargaining Council.TRSU..pdf

Preview attachment 12.08.15 AGENDA.BOARDonly.Bargaining Council.TRSU.pdf

12.08.15 AGENDA.BOARDonly.Bargaining Council.TRSU.pdf

The Black River HS-MS Music Department

From: Black River High School 

The Black River HS-MS Music Department will present the annual Holiday Concert on Tuesday, December 7th at 7 PM in the Presidential Hall. HS-MS Chorus should plan to arrive at 6 PM in the gym for warm-up with the accompanist, Mr. Bragg. Members of the band and chorus are asked to bring something to share for the refreshment table. Baked goods, cheese & crackers, veggies are suggested. Beverage will be provided by the BRHS Booster Club. 

Thank you! 

Constance D. Wilcox

December Activities at the FML

Weekly Preschool and Toddler Story Time

Wednesdays 10:30-11:30am.

Each week features a theme, music, stories and a craft.

No Stories on the 23^rd and 30th

Read With Oreo

Thursday December 17th

3:00-4:00pm

School aged students are invited to come to the library and read a story with Oreo the Reading Dog.

Monday Family Movie Night

Illumination Entertainment© Minions

December 28th 5:00-7:00pm

All Ages Welcome- Refreshments will be provided

       

Holiday PJ Story Night

Monday December 21^st 5:30-6:15pm

Join us in the activity room for an evening of special holiday stories followed by milk and cookies. Everyone is encouraged to wear their PJ’s or comfy clothes.

Twas the night before,the night before Christmas Movie Matinee

Sony Pictures © Arthur Christmas (PG)

Wednesday December 23^rd 1:00-3:00pm

School is out and you’re looking for something to do. Come to our special holiday movie matinee! There will be snacks, hot cocoa and fun!

Crafty Tuesdays

Grades K-6

3:00-4:00pm

1^st- Kindness Elves-Make a cute elf to give to someone to brighten their day!

8^th- Light up Snowmen- Using electric tea lights we’ll make some magical ornaments perfect for the winter season.

15^th-Cinnamon Spice Ornaments- This week crafters will use some unusual materials to create wonderful smelling ornaments, perfect for gift giving or hanging on the tree.

22^nd- Washcloth Reindeer- Come learn a cool way to fold a washcloth into a cute reindeer.

29^th-Build a Mini Winter Animal Den- Using toothpicks and marshmallows we’ll design and create some mini-sized cozy dens for pocket sized critters.

Drop In Craft

Make a holiday card   for a family staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Burlington, Vermont. The Ronald McDonald House provides a home away from home for families whose children are undergoing care at the University of Vermont Health Center.   You can drop into the library at any time to make a card, or bring one from home to add to those we will be sending. Deadline for cards is Monday December 21^st.      

**The library will close early on December 24^th and 31^st and will be closed on the 25^th, and January 1^st.