By Lani Duke
Firehouse construction
CASTLETON — Castleton’s select board continues to wait for a wetlands permit to build its new firehouse. Construction is expected to start in early September on what is estimated to be a six-month-long building project. If all goes according to plan, Castleton’s fire department should be able to move into its new building in March or April 2015.
New faculty at Castleton
CASTLETON — Castleton College recently announced a number of new faculty additions. Entering classrooms with assistant professor ranking are Megan Blossom Prentice, Psychology; Angela Brande, Theatre; Michael Deyoe and Gail Wright, Accounting; Gillian Galle, Mathematics; Nicole Hadeka, Debra Hairr, Bonnie Hanley, and Leah Matteson, Nursing; Christine Palmer, Biology; Michael Talbott, Film Studies; Timothy Thibodeau, Physics and Chemistry; and Jennifer Turchi, Sociology. Also joining the college as part-time faculty with the rank of adjunct professor are Keighan Chapman, Geography; Jessica Cowden, Communication; Loubna Jouamaa, Arabic; Rosemary Kennedy and Youcheer Kim, Political Science; and Megean St. John, Psychology.
School year begins
Local grade schools and high schools are beginning a new academic year. BENSON — Benson’s administration plans to expand efforts to include parents/guardians and community members more in school improvement. Students at the school will work on the Community Walking Trail again this year, with the goal of completing it this year.
Benson’s open house is Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 6 p.m. Students and parents will learn about the new report card.
FAIR HAVEN — Fair Haven Grade School welcomes new faculty this year. They include Mrs. Sara Humphreys, grades 3 and 4; Mrs. Sarah Winter, special education; and Mrs. Helen Alexander, a district school-wide teacher. Mr. Eric Slosek, Health/PE teacher, will not be returning. Recently hired to fill his position is Mr. Sean Cullen. While choral music teacher Mrs. Sonia Kulkowvick is out with the birth of her second child, Ms. Jacqueline Hunt will fill in until her return.
Fair Haven’s administration has also received some changes, with Ms. Deborah Smith taking on the role of assistant principal as well as director of special services, and Mrs. Pat Davenport becoming director of student life.
Lani’s weekly picks
Friday, Aug. 29 – Tinmouth Old Firehouse concert series begins with a concert by Tri-Polar made up of Darcie Gannon, Melissa Chesnut-Tangerman and Don Martin. Homemade desserts, coffee and tea available. Doors open at 7 p.m., music at 7:30 p.m. VT Route 140 and Mountain View Road.
Friday, Aug. 29 – The Debo Band brings together traditional Ethiopian music with modern pop, funk, and soul, performing at the Fine Arts Center, Castleton College. 7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 30 – The town of Tinmouth holds a community wide yard/tag sale, with something more than 14 families participating. Some but not all have tables set up in the old firehouse. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 30 – Art on Edie’s Green 17th annual art show and sale supports Pawlet Scholarship Fund for high school graduates and adults working on post-high school education. 30 local artists participating are donating 20 percent of their sales. Pawlet Village. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
