Wednesday, July 29, 2015

SIZE MATTERS

….sometimes.  And it can matter very much when it comes to reading.  Large print books provide access to readers whose eyesight may be less than perfect but whose curiosity and love of reading remains  undimmed.  The Mount Holly Library is  very pleased to announce that it has recently come into a more than modest collection of large prints books, including best sellers and classics in both fiction and non fiction.  So please come into the Library and feast your eyes and mind on our latest treasure trove.  And a special thanks to Birgir Nilsen and Lori Doig for helping the library acquire this wonderful collection.

Library Hours
Saturday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sunday 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Monday 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Wednesday 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
WIFI available 24/7

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

MHCA Garden Tour...A Grand Success!

MHCA Garden Tour...A Grand Success!

On behalf of the Mount Holly Community Association, we would like to thank all of the garden exhibitors (Bessie & Angelo Centini, Jim Corven & Monique Szechenyi, Carol & Fra DeVine, Millicent & Jim Johnson, Linda & Bill McGrath and Nancy McKeegan & Dan Quaranto and Sylvia & Ed Smith) for opening their gardens this past Saturday for the benefit of the MHCA!  One can hardly calculate the extraordinary amount of work that each of these gardeners put in to prepare their gardens for the tour...we greatly appreciate it!  Also, we would like to extend our thanks to all of the volunteers who made this day possible...Linda Miller, the Coordinator of the Garden Tour, Pat Marx, Katy Crane, Abe Leber, Matthias Weiter, Manuela Weiter, Barbara Palotta, Mary Leonard and Chikako Suginome.   Thank you one and all!

Close to 100 people went on the tour and we raised more than $1,200 for the Community Association, a record all around!  Thanks so much to our visitors, as well as our volunteers...we couldn't have done it without you!

Carol DeVine & Penny Coldwell
Co-Presidents, MHCA

Monday, July 27, 2015

KEEPING DOGS COOL

KEEPING DOGS COOL

Robin Eatmon and her pooch Tinkerbelle remind visitors to Kelley Real Estate in Ludlow about the dangers of leaving pets in parked cars during hot weather.  Kelley Real Estate joins other businesses in Ludlow and Springfield that spread the message that it's not cool to leave a dog (or child!) in a hot car.


 

Fletcher Memorial Library Weekly Preschool and Toddler Story Time

Weekly Preschool and Toddler Story Time

Wednesdays from 10:30-11:30am
August 5th & 12th
*There will be a two week break before our next session starts on September 2nd.
Each week features a theme, music, stories and a craft



Summer Reading Program Registration Continues
Come to the library, sign up for the Summer Reading Program and get your free starter kit containing a reading log, newsletter, bookmarks and other goodies. Ages Birth-18!

Heroic Happenings
Wednesdays from 1:00-2:00pm

August 5th- Southern Vermont Natural History Museum Presents, “Super Animals” Come meet live creatures right in the library!

Monthly Movie Night
Monday August 31, 2015 5:00-7:00pm

Dreamworks ©” Home” (PG)
All ages welcome- Refreshments  will be provided

End of Summer Reading Program Party
Monday August 17th 5:00-6:00

Calling all Summer Reading Program participants! Let’s get together, eat some cake and celebrate a fantastically fun summer of reading! This will also be a great time to turn in your reading logs and collect prizes. 

Creative Tuesdays 
11:00-12:00am

August 4th- Sand Art- Use your imagination as you fill small plastic bottles and other objects with colored sand, or try your hand at sand painting-both are sure to yield beautiful results.
August 11th- Tie-Dye- Bring a clean shirt, pillow case, socks-undies- whatever you’d like to dye- and you’ll leave with a colorful one of a kind creation! Please wear old clothes.  Please register in advance so we will have enough supplies.






DCF Book Group
Monday August 24th 20th
5:30-6:30 pm

Students in grades 4-8 are invited to join our new monthly DCF book group. This month we will be reading the “Fourteenth Goldfish” by Jennifer Holm. Don’t miss out on a fun discussion, activities and a snack! Pick up books at the Youth Circ Desk.



Getting Ready for  Kindergarten Story Time
Thursday August 13th 11:00-12:00pm

Is you child starting Kindergarten this year? Meet other children (And their parents) who are heading to  kindergarten. There will be stories, activities and a chance to share your thoughts. Everyone leaves with a free book and other goodies!
 
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Saturday August 22nd 9:00-1:00pm

This is a great opportunity to restock your bookshelves with new reading material.

Lego Challenge
Every Friday

Drop by the library any time on Friday and try out a weekly challenge.



--
Sacha Krawczyk
Youth Services Librarian
Fletcher Memorial Library
Ludlow, Vermont 05149

Sunday, July 26, 2015

An Important Message from The Mount Holly Constable

An Important Message from The Mount Holly Constable

A resident of Tarbellville Road was the victim of a theft which occurred sometime between Sunday, July 19th and Thursday July 23rd. An assortment of power equipment was stolen from a shed including a riding lawn mower. Over the past month there have been similar thefts in Ludlow and Chester. If you have any information on these thefts, or persons attempting to sell power equipment,
please call the State Police at 773-9101.
Please report any suspicious vehicles or persons to the state police asap. If it doesn't look right, it probably isn't, make the call. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Paul Faenza
Constable



Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Award-winning film noir, "Laura", Featured by FOLA, August 1

Contact:  Ralph Pace - rcpace@tds.net

Award-winning film noir, "Laura", Featured by FOLA, August 1

The next FOLA movie will be the award-winning, "Laura", on Saturday, August 1 at 7 PM, at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium.
Laura is a 1944 American film noir produced and directed by Otto Preminger. It stars Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, and Clifton Webb along with Vincent Price and Judith Anderson. The screenplay by Jay Dratler, Samuel Hoffenstein, and Betty Reinhardt is based on the 1943 novel of the same title by Vera Caspary. In 1999, Laura was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".
When the famous advertising executive Laura Hunt is found dead in her apartment killed by a shotgun on a Friday night, Detective Lieutenant Mark McPherson is in charge of the investigation. He interviews the prime suspects and friends of Laura: the snob and arrogant journalist Waldo Lydecker who promoted Laura at the beginning of her career and fell in love with her; and her fiancé, the playboy Shelby Carpenter. While investigating Laura's past through her diary and personal letters, Det. McPherson falls in love with her.
Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote: Film noir is known for its convoluted plots and arbitrary twists, but even in a genre that gave us The Maltese Falcon, this takes some kind of prize ... That Laura continues to weave a spell – and it does – is a tribute to style over sanity ... All of the absurdities and improbabilities somehow do not diminish the film's appeal. They may even add to it ... The whole film is of a piece: contrived, artificial, mannered, and yet achieving a kind of perfection in its balance between low motives and high style. What makes the movie great, perhaps, is the casting. The materials of a B-grade crime potboiler are redeemed by Waldo Lydecker, walking through every scene as if afraid to step in something.
Even the music for the film was outstanding.
Once principal photography was completed, Preminger hired David Raksin to score the film. The director wanted to use "Sophisticated Lady" by Duke Ellington for the main theme, but Raksin objected to the choice. Alfred Newman, music director for Fox, convinced Preminger to give Raksin a weekend to compose an original tune. Inspired by a Dear John letter he had once received from a girlfriend, Raksin wrote the haunting theme for which Johnny Mercer later wrote lyrics. It eventually became a jazz standard recorded by more than four hundred artists, including Stan Kenton, Dick Haymes, Woody Herman, Nat King Cole, The Four Freshmen, Charlie Parker, and Frank Sinatra. Even Spike Jones did a parody version of the song. Preminger was so pleased with Raksin's score the two collaborated on four additional films.
The movie is free and open to everyone; donations are appreciated. Popcorn will be provided by Berkshire Bank and water by FOLA. For additional information, call 228-7239 or www.fola.us.


Monday, July 20, 2015

"Outsmart the Critters (Sometimes)"

"Outsmart the Critters (Sometimes)"
  By Jim Corven, Professor of Biology & Mount Holly Gardener

Have you found that Nature likes to take advantage of your bounty and hard
work?   Nature's critters are hungry and they like to take their share when
we let our guard down.  We'll talk about everything from birds to woodchucks
and how we can try to prevent them from damaging our yards and gardens.  
Let's try to understand how these critters perceive their world so we can
deter them using humane but effective techniques.  Examples of effective
items will be available for demonstration. 

An excellent conclusion to the Mount Holly Garden Tour!

When:    Saturday, July 25, 3-4:00 pm (not at 2:00 pm as originally scheduled)
Where:   Perkins House (Mount Holly Community Museum)
   located on the green in Belmont, corner of Belmont & Healdville Rds.

FREE!  Bring a friend.

SELECT BOARD JULY 14, 2015

SELECT BOARD
 JULY 14, 2015 

The meeting was called to order at 7:30pm by Ted Crawford, chair. Ray Tarbell and Tim Martin were present. All stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

 1. Additions/Deletions to the Agenda: There were three additions to the Agenda, one under Treasurer’s Report (request from U39) Transfer Station (personnel review) and an update on the Rutland Dispatch (PSAP) changes. Ted immediately gave the update on the PSAPs. Fire and the constable are leaning toward continuing with the State Dispatch, which is moving to Rockingham. Rescue will be talking to the Sheriff’s Dept., which is considering setting up its own program with costs paid by the entities using it, before deciding to go there or Rockingham. Don Patch noted that the legislators are considering charging for the State Dispatch services (which have been essentially free up to now). He suggested that the Town start planning for this, and prepare to add money to the budget to cover it.
2. Minutes:  The minutes of the regular meeting of June 09 were sent out before the meeting for review. Upon motions made and seconded it was VOTED: To approve the June 09 minutes. (3-0)
3. Highways  The Town’s entry in the Federal SAM (System for Award Management) system has been updated, and is now valid thru July 06, 2016. (A valid active entry is required to receive federal government money such as FEMA grants.)
 Maple Hill Road closure during Cider Days: Morgan Skiathitis from MHCA asked to Board to agree to the closure, which would be the same as last year (from the green to the split with Straight Rd). She noted that the closure worked well last year and that the constable and road foreman were okay with it. Upon motion made and seconded, it was VOTED: To allow the closure of Maple Hill Rd during Cider Days. (3-0)
 The Town received notice from VT ANR of the Vermont Clean Water Act requirements, which went in to effect on July 01, 2015. This legislation eliminated municipal exemptions for a number of permits/fees. Those that may affect the Town include Lake Encroachment permits, Stormwater permits, Stream Alteration permits, and Wetlands Fees.
4. Report of Treasurer  David Johnson presented an income and expense statement dated June 30, 2015 showing cash balances of $630,466. Property taxes still outstanding are about $2,851 for 2 properties. Six (6) properties were sold at tax sales; 2 cannot be acted upon this year due to bankruptcy and/or prior years unredeemed. On the balance sheet, David noted that he will contact the auditor for how he would like the garage bond payment accounting done. Several income items came in slightly over budget (interest on delinquent taxes, forestry receipts). Solid Waste revenue (label sales) is about $1700 below budget for the year. SW expenses will be about $2600 over budget, after the transfer of some equipment (purchase) funds. Overall employee benefits are under budget. Highway expenses are over budget, even though some of the winter materials and hauling done in June could be considered as pre-paid expenses for next year. The Packer Rd upgrade budgeted amount will be carried forward into this year.  Financial Management Checklist – Per Vermont statutes, David provided the Checklist, which was sent out previously to the Selectboard for review. The Board signed a form to indicate they had received and reviewed the checklist, also required by VT statutes.  Request from U39 – The Town usually makes an advance to U39 to cover summer expenses until taxes come in; this year’s request is a little earlier than usual. The Board agreed and directed David to make the advance.  Tax Rate – David reviewed the education tax rates set by the State and the calculation for the municipal and local agreement (exemptions such as veterans and the Odd Fellows Hall). Upon motion made and seconded it was VOTED: To approve the residential tax rate at 1.9263 per hundred of valuation and the non-residential tax rate at 1.7117 per hundred of valuation. (3-0) David noted that NEMRC will be here on 7/23 to program the computers. Tax bills are expected to be mailed 7/27, and the discount date will be 8/27. 5. Star Lake Dam Reconstruction Project – Ron Unterman
 Permits: 1) The Army Corps permit has been received.
                  2) The Dam Safety permit is on track.
                  3) Two Lake Encroachment permits (one for moving the boat launch and the other for the beach dredging) seem to be on track.
                  4) The Wetlands permit for the beach dredging will not be available until late August. Ron noted that work can proceed up to that for which the permits are needed. He also noted that FOSL had contacted our state legislators, ANR, DEC asking for help in expediting the permits and particularly noted a very nice letter or support from McCormack.
 Canoes: Deadline is tomorrow. MHCT will take away all the canoes and store them. Ron asked the Board’s permission to sell them to raise additional funds for the dam project. Don Patch noted that abandoned property must go thru the Secretary of State’s office, and sale would require public notice. Ron will contact the SOS office and determine what is necessary.
 MHCT would like to have a plaque in memory of Patricia Nye embedded in the concrete of the new dam. It was Pat’s generous donation that has allowed the dam project to happen. The Board agreed unanimously.
6. Transfer Station –  Leaf and Yard Debris –Jeff noted that the compartments are set up, nothing has come in yet.
 Don Patch suggested that if the prescription drug collection that was at the HHW collection be better advertised, and encouraged everyone to use the program rather than keep unused/leftover drugs around the house. This year, no one knew that the drug collection would be at the HHW collection. It was also noted that Ludlow Police Dept. maintains a collection drop box that is always available.
 This Board deferred the personnel review until Executive Session at the end. 7. Emergency Management Coordinator
 The SB discussed the need for “new blood” serving on various town committees and positions and wants younger people to get involved. In discussing the Emergency Management Coordinator position the SB decided to follow up with the Rescue Squad and Fire Department in hopes of finding a qualified candidate who is not currently serving in any capacity for the Town. 8. Planning Commission
 RR Planning Commission – David Hoeh reported that the last meeting was primarily on the accelerated bridge program that the State will be using when possible. The RRPC has also drafted solar siting guidelines for communities to use. These guidelines would apply to commercial sites (above 15 KW) not residential sites.
 RR Transportation Council report – Also covered the accelerated bridge program. The Killington Bridge project, previously discussed and expected to be done in 2017, will use this. This will result in traffic being diverted to Route 103 for a few weeks.
  Municipal Planning Grants: The Town received notice that the grants are available , with applications due by September 30, 2015. The information has been forwarded on to the Planning Commission.
9. Cell Phone and Internet Access
 Ted Crawford asked that the Board consider rescinding the Town’s Telecommunications Ordinance, adopted in October 2001, as it has no relevance to today’s permitting process. Upon motion made and seconded, it was VOTED: To repeal the 2001 Telecommunications Ordinance. (3-0) This starts a process similar to the adoption process, with public notice required within 14 days, as outlined in Vermont statutes.
 Ted also provided information that an independent carrier may be planning a cell tower in town, but had been asked by the property owner to not identify where at this time. Don Patch suggested that the town ask to have space left on the town for possible future fire/rescue usage for dispatching. 10. Other Business  Municipal Park and Ride grants are available for 2016; however the Town has no property that it owns that would meet the requirements.  The Town received Guidance on Property Tax Calculation regarding the New England Clean Power Link Project (electric transmission line under Route 103). This has been passed on to the Listers.
  Odd Fellows have requested that the Town prune trees/limbs that are getting near the building again (town-owned land). Ron noted that at least two of them will come down as part of the dam project, so the Board agreed to wait until then to work on the request.
 Town Office paining proposal – The Town received a proposal for painting the Town Office, for $3800. It was not clear why this proposal had come in to the town. The Board took no action on the proposal.
11. Executive Session At 8:34pm, upon motion made and seconded, it was VOTED: To enter Executive Session for the purpose of wage review of transfer station employees. Jeff Teter was invited to join the session. At 8:39 pm the Board returned from Executive Session and upon motion made and seconded, it was VOTED: To return to regular session. The Chair reported that the Board agreed to a $.50 per hour raise for all transfer station personnel. 
12. The Board reviewed and signed the June orders for payment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by motion made, seconded and approved, at 8:40 pm. Respectfully submitted, Rhonda Rivers Minutes are DRAFT until approved at a Select Board meeting. Approved on: __________________

Friday, July 17, 2015

Josh Bickford, a Northern New England Golden Gloves contender from Mount Holly, Vermont.

Boxer Brandon Berry of West Forks puts on his hand wrap before a workout at Wyman's Boxing Club in Stockton Springs in this June 2014 file photo.

Gabor Degre | BDN
Boxer Brandon Berry of West Forks puts on his hand wrap before a workout at Wyman's Boxing Club in Stockton Springs in this June 2014 file photo. Buy Photo
By Ernie Clark, BDN Staff

Brandon “The Cannon” Berry’s return to the boxing ring on July 18 will come against a tested veteran from Mexico.
Berry, the super lightweight from West Forks who won his first eight pro bouts before suffering his first loss last November after dislocating his left shoulder in the first round, will take on Engelberto Valenzuela in the six-round main event of a card scheduled to be held at the Skowhegan Community Center.
“We’re looking to get back at it after the shoulder injury,” said Berry’s trainer, Ken “Skeet” Wyman of Wyman’s Boxing Club in Stockton Springs, on Monday.
“Everything seems to be coming along better than could be expected as far as I’m concerned. I thought we’d have a glitch somewhere along the way but it’s been perfect so far. Brandon did everything they’ve asked him to do, and here we are,” he said.
Valenzuela, 31, is 9-5 with three knockouts, and while he has lost four straight bouts since coming to the United States from his native Agua Pieta, Sonora, Mexico, those defeats came against fighters with a combined record of 40-0.
He also has fought in some major-league venues, including Madison Square Garden and the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
“This guy will be a decent test,” said Wyman. “He’s got more experience than Brandon, and with him having 14 fights as a pro in the United States and Mexico, I’m sure they hope he’s got a lot more ring savvy than Brandon.
“I want to see where Brandon’s at, and like I’ve told everybody, Brandon’s going to have to be firing on all eight to get the job done, but I think it’s a real good fit for where we’re headed,” he said.
Berry, 27, underwent surgery in January to repair his shoulder, which he injured while throwing a punch that missed during the first round of his fourth-round technical knockout loss to undefeated Freddy Sanchez of Worcester, Massachusetts, on Nov. 15, 2014, at the Portland Exposition Building.
Sanchez, incidentally, has scored two straight knockout wins since that victory to improve his record to 5-0.
Berry (8-1, five knockouts) followed up the surgery with physical therapy on the repaired shoulder before he resumed his training regimen this spring.
“At the point he got the injury he had fought nine times in 18 months, so maybe it was a blessing,” said Wyman. “In my opinion it definitely hasn’t slowed anything down at all. Brandon’s working hard and looking really good in the gym.”
Berry is expected to round out his training for the fight by sparring with Josh Bickford, a Northern New England Golden Gloves contender from Mount Holly, Vermont.
“We’re not looking past this guy,” said Wyman of Valenzuela. “I just hope the homework was done right and we progress. That’s what it’s all about. It’s all about getting Brandon to a point where he can hopefully make some decent money, but it’s one step at a time and just hopefully there’s no more injuries.”
The Berry-Valenzuela fight will be one of eight bouts on the Skowhegan card, according to Wyman.
A second pro matchup will feature undefeated middleweight Jason “The Fighting Fireman” Quirk (3-0) of South Portland and the Portland Boxing Club in a four-round test against a yet-to-be determined opponent.
Among those expected to compete on the amateur portion of the card is Wyman’s Boxing Club prospect Christian Fisk, while another bout will match Nico Clough of Claremont, New Hampshire, in a 160-pound clash against Portland’s Sasha Lamour, the cousin of North American middleweight champion Russell Lamour Jr. of Portland.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Black River Academy Museum to Host Antiques Appraiser on Saturday, August 1st

Black River Academy Museum to Host Antiques Appraiser on Saturday, August 1st

Are you curious about the value of some of your special treasures?  Mark Putnam, noted appraiser, will be at BRAM on Saturday, August 1st, 1 PM to 4 PM to appraise your items.  The fee is $5 per item.  For more information call 802-228-5050, email,glbrehm@tds.net or online at www.bramvt.org.

Driver in crash suffers head injury

Driver in crash suffers head injury

      MOUNT HOLLY — A Belmont man fell asleep at the wheel while traveling east on Healdville Road in 

Mount Holly around 1:19 p.m., Monday, according to Vermont State Police.
Police said Jared Danowski-Harlow, 20, struck a guardrail on the north side of the roadway and was then pushed back onto the roadway. The vehicle crossed the center line and the westbound lane of travel, before leaving the roadway on the south side.

Vermont State Police, Mount Holly Fire, and Ludlow Rescue, responded to the one vehicle crash.

Dankowski-Harlow was transported to Rutland Regional Medical Center by Ludlow Rescue for further medical attention for a possible head injury. According to a hospital spokeswoman, he was released.

The red 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse he was driving is believed to be a total loss.

This crash is still under investigation.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

All Things Loons

The Mount Holly Community Museum offers a special presentation…

"All Things Loons - stories about their natural history and conservation"

      By Eric Hanson,  Vermont Loon Conservation Project (VLCP) Coordinator Vermont Center for Ecostudies

Loons are back and doing well in Vermont after nearly disappearing 30 years ago.  Join Eric Hanson, VCE biologist and coordinator of the Vermont Loon Conservation Project explore this success story as well as all things loons.

Loons are some of the most studied birds in North America in part because biologists, and anyone really, can observe them nearly every minute of every daylight hour (and a few biologists have done exactly that).  Come hear what biologists have learned over the past 25 years following color-marked loons and how VCE conservation efforts have brought the loons back to Vermont.  We'll share stories ranging from rescues of loons in distress to why loons conduct takeovers of each other's territories.

WHEN:    Tuesday, July 21, 7:00 pm
WHERE:  IOOF Hall in Belmont

FREE!  Open to the public, bring a friend.

Square Dancing Returns to Ludlow Auditorium July 18

Following its successful introduction in May, the "Introduction to Square Dancing" has been rescheduled for the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium onSaturday, July 18 from 7 to 9 PM.
Members of the Rutland based square dance club Cast Off 8's will again offer a Saturday evening intro to Square Dancing.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome to enjoy the fun of square dancing as taught by the Cast Off 8's Club of Rutland. Children are welcome to attend but should be accompanied by a parent.


For more information, call 802-228-7239 or www.fola.us.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Special Business Opportunities Workshop Offered by Chamber and FOLA, July 23

Special Business Opportunities Workshop Offered by Chamber and FOLA, July 23


The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce will join with FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium)  to offer a very special business presentation called “Encore Entrepreneurship class” on Thursday, July 23, at 7 PM, in the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium.

The program will feature Chris Herriman of the Small Business Administration (SBA), Montpelier, presenting a discussion of business opportunities for people over 50 years old.

SBA in partnership with AARP (American Association of Retired People) is promoting entrepreneurship amongindividuals ages 50 and older, or encore entrepreneurs. Many older entrepreneurs are using their decades of experience and connections to start new businesses. With this in mind, SBA and AARP have created a workshop called ‘Exploring Business Ownership’ that can benefit older individuals looking to start or grow their business. Chris Herriman, Economic Development Specialist with the SBA in Vermont, will be conducting this workshop.

The program is free and open to everyone.  For additional information, call 802-228-5830. 

-30-

Introduction to Square Dancing Set for July 18 in Ludlow






Back By Popular Demand, Introduction to Square Dancing Set for July 18 in Ludlow

Following its successful introduction in May, the "Introduction to Square Dancing" has been rescheduled for the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium on Saturday, July 18 from 7 to 9 PM.  Members of the Rutland based square dance club Cast Off 8's will again offer a Saturday evening introduction to Square Dancing. Pictured above are some of the folks who participated in the first program in late May.  Admission is free and everyone is welcome to enjoy the fun of square dancing as taught by the Cast Off 8's Club of Rutland. Children are welcome to attend but should be accompanied by a parent.  For more information, call 802-228-7239 or www.fola.us.


Wednesday, July 1, 2015

ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

 

ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

News Release — Gov. Peter Shumlin
June 29, 2015
Contact:
Maura Mancini, Environmental Assistance Office
Phone: 802-522-0218
Email: maura.mancini@state.vt.us
Montpelier, Vt. – Recipients of the 2015 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence were announced and recognized at a ceremony at the State House today. Environmental excellence awards have been given since 1993 to recognize efforts and actions of Vermonters to conserve and protect natural resources, prevent pollution, and promote environmental sustainability. To date, more than 200 efforts have been recognized.
“From businesses and non-profits to municipalities and educational institutions, it’s inspiring to see the work Vermonters are doing on a day-to-day basis to protect our environment and quality of life. I want to congratulate and thank all of the recipients for their hard work and dedication to keeping Vermont beautiful,” said Gov. Peter Shumlin.
“These projects contribute significantly to Vermont’s environmental quality and encourage others to take similar actions to protect our resources,” said Deb Markowitz, Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. “They demonstrate the importance of innovation and partnerships in enhancing and sustaining Vermont’s environmental quality.
Vermont schools will be recognized at a ceremony on August 6 at a Vermont Principals Association summer leadership conference in Killington.
This year’s recipients include:
Businesses
Central Vermont Medical Center (Berlin) – Reduced electrical energy usage hospital-wide by 26 percent.
General Electric Aviation (Rutland) – Conversion of high-pressure pumps to electronically controlled, variable frequency drives, resulting in significant energy savings.
IBM (Essex Junction) – Greenhouse gas emissions reductions in semi-conductor manufacturing processes by IBM’s Etch Engineering Team.
IBM (Essex Junction) – Optimization of IBM’s wastewater treatment system by IBM’s Wastewater Treatment team, resulting in significant reduction in electricity usage, chemical input, water use, and waste generation.
Mountain Meadow Farm (Sudbury) – Numerous on-farm environmental stewardship practices implemented to protect water quality, reduce phosphorus and other nutrient pollutants in stormwater runoff.
TAM, Inc. (Shaftsbury) – First commercial organics composting operation in Bennington County with innovative educational programs for customers and schools.
Non-Profit Organizations
Ottauquechee Natural Resources Conservation District- The River Road Show, a traveling educational display, uses a stream table to demonstrate how rivers and streambanks react to human impacts, and has educated thousands of Vermonters on flood resiliency.
UVM Extension (Burlington) – Created the Certification for Sustainable Transportation program, with driver training and certification programs that have been utilized by over 50 transportation companies across the nation, training and certifying over 10,000 participants.
UVM Extension 4-H (Morrisville) – Created Teens Reaching Youth (TRY), where teens lead renewable energy lessons for children in grades K – 3.
Lewis Creek Association (Charlotte) – Implemented a successful gully stabilization project on a farm, reducing sedimentation and erosion by over 90% from six gullies.
Municipal Organizations
Mount Holly- Mount Holly, through the community organizing efforts of resident Marcy Tanger, has been a leader in home weatherization projects, with 11% of all year-round homes weatherized, and many more having received energy audits.
City of Montpelier – The Montpelier Wastewater Treatment Facility has implemented several energy conservation practices and has cut energy use in half.
Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District (Montpelier) – Established the Additional Recyclables Collection Center (ARCC) as an outlet for hard-to-recycle items for District member towns.
Educational Institutions
Lake Region High School (Orleans) – Implemented a school community-wide energy efficiency and sustainability program and has been designated as an EPA Green Ribbon School for its efforts.
Thetford Elementary (Thetford) – The school diverts 75% of its waste through recycling and composting through its Bust That Waste Stream! program
Vermont Schools Achieving Energy Star Building Certification
The following schools are among those in Vermont to achieve EPA EnergyStar Building Certification for Schools. These schools are in the top 25% of schools nationwide in energy efficiency, while also meeting standards for health, ventilation, comfort and lighting quality. These schools are part of Project Green School, a collaboration led by Efficiency Vermont and the Vermont Superintendents Association’s School Energy Management Program.
U-32 (Montpelier)
Burlington School District – Champlain Elementary, Sustainability Academy, CP Smith Elementary, and JJ Flynn Elementary
Essex School District – Essex Elementary, Essex Middle School, Founders Elementary
Hanover/Norwich – Marion Cross School
Hinesburg Community School
Lamoille Union School District – Lamoille Union High School and Green Mountain Technology Career Center
Rivendell Interstate District – Samuel Morey Elementary and Westshire Elementary
South Burlington School District – Chamberlin School, Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School, Orchard School, Rick Marcotte Central School, South Burlington High School.