By Lani Duke
posted
Feb 16, 2012
Firefighter of the year
BENSON-The Benson fire department recently named Captain Dave
Bartholomew as Firefighter of the Year. He accumulated the most
training hours in the previous years, including attending regional
fire school and a fire school in
Burlington. He then presented the new tactics he learned to the
department. Chief Tom Neumann cited Bartholomew's work in
coordinating the Haunted Hayride, and undertaking "additional
projects that keep the department moving forward," Neumann said in
announcing the honor.
Repair or replace fight continues
CASTLETON-A growing coalition of Castleton voters are preparing for
a fight over the select board's decision to build new town offices
outside the traditional village center. They feel that moving
essential town services away from the traditional two-story brick
structure diminishes the strong sense of place valued by both
residents and visitors seeking New England charm. They say that
concerns about the building's foundation crumbling are without
basis, citing engineering and architectural studies made in 2000
and 2012.
Not only are they opposed to borrowing $2 million to build a new
replacement building that would house not only the town offices but
also the fire department, but they offer three candidates for
select board seats.
John Hale is running for the three-year seat on the board, against
current select board chair Thomas Ettori, while Frank Giannini and
Julie Merwin vie against Edward O'Shea, Richard Combs, and
incumbent James Leamy for two one-year seats.
If the self-proclaimed "New Idea" candidates are elected, the plan
is to immediately call another election offering two articles: 1)
borrowing $1 million to build a new emergency services building
outside the village to house the fire department, first responders,
and the police department, and 2) borrowing approximately $800,000
to renovate the traditional town offices at 556 Main Street.
Open studio weekend applications
CASTLETON-The Vermont Crafts Council is accepting applications for
its 20th Open Studio Weekend, May 26 and 27. Castleton
artists note that they plan to have at least six artists'
studios/galleries open for tours that weekend.
Project Graduation requests help
FAIR HAVEN-Fair Haven Union High's Project Graduation 2012 will be
at The Fun Spot in Glens Falls, NY. The annual tradition follows
the spring graduation ceremony, providing a parent-chaperoned
celebration to let off steam in a variety of fun activities and
refreshments before returning to the high school for an early
morning breakfast and prize giveaways.
Organizers are asking for support to aid in making the evening "a
most memorable, safe last night together as a class." Call
Christine Pouliot, 948-2999, to learn how you can help.
Poultney High news
POULTNEY-Vermont history students Cory Mears, Shannon Rupe and
Tyler Pitts recently made models of colonial homes as part of their
study of colonial Vermont. Their work is on display in the high
school library.
Joshua Stiles, an auto technology student at Stafford Technical
Center, made second quarter high honor roll, while honor roll
students are Christian Loomis (electrical/plumbing), Nicholas Scott
(forestry, natural resources), and Mariah Thomson
(cosmetology).
Metawee student chills for special olymipics
WEST PAWLET-Mettawee Community School fifth grader Henry Ahlfeld
participated in the Penguin Plunge at Lake Paran in Bennington at
the end of January. One of 112 who plunged in the icy water,
Ahlfeld raised $305 for Special Olympics in honor of his cousin
Chad, a lifelong Special Olympics athlete. The Lake Paran chill-out
is the first of three Penguin Plunges in the state and raised
$19,500 for Vermont Special Olympics, serving more than 1,000
athletes year-round in a dozen-plus sports.
LANI'S PICKS
Thursday, Feb. 16 - BirdShare and Brownies, Great Backyard Bird
Count meeting, Castleton Free Library, 6:30 p.m. Bird ID tips,
intro to online resources for tracking, recording, and learning
about birds. Share your sightings while you enjoy dessert.
Saturday, Feb. 18 - Community Breakfast, St. Luke's Episcopal
Church, Fair Haven, 8-10 a.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 21 - Celebrate Fat Tuesday at the Pawlet Library
Mardi Gras Fund-raiser, in The Barn Restaurant, beginning at 5 p.m.
Call 325-3123 for tickets or more info.
Tagged:
lakes region, Lani Duke
