written by shirley cole
Weathersfield's Vermont Kids Against Tobacco (VKAT) is holding a Car Wash & Bake Sale on Satuday, June 9, at the Ascutney Fire Station from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Help the kids out! Enjoy yummy baked goods! Get your car washed! (wash is $5 or any donation you are comfortable with)

Representative Ernie Shand
June 2012

Dear Cavendish and Weathersfield Residents,

This paper is my report to you from the work of the 2011-2012 legislative biennium session. This concludes my fifth biennium of serving you. I am assigned by the Speaker of the House to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development. The largest challenge of the session has been the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Irene.
Veteran and National Guard Issues

This year the legislature was able to correct an error in our property tax exemption law. The Governor recently signed into law House Bill H.773. The property tax exemption benefit has only applied to those veterans disabled while serving during war time overseas. The original intent was to offer the exemption to all military personnel serving during conflict, stateside or overseas. Veterans who claim a 50% service disability as a result of military service either stateside or overseas will now be eligible for the full property tax exemption. The Veteran’s Affairs office can answer questions about this exemption. The phone numbers are 1-888-666-9844 and 1-802-828-3379.

The National Guard response this past year during Irene was extraordinary. Because the duration of the deployment was greater than 30 days, Vermont soldiers were not eligible for subsistence and quarters allowance. Guard members from Ohio and New Hampshire, for instance, received the allowance. This created a hardship for Vermont Guard members who still had to pay mortgages and rent while forgoing civilian full time job pay. Health care family premiums also became an issue for our Guard members. Legislation passed this year will guarantee that any time our troops are called up for more than a 30 day in-state service, they will receive subsistence and housing allowance equal to a federal deployment.
Flood Recovery Assistance to Towns

A few examples of state assistance to towns are as follows:
~Delay of the local payment to the Ed. Fund by 90 days to assist towns with cash flow
~Placement of $15M into the Emergency Relief Assistance Fund to hold harmless town tax rate increases over three cents for flood recovery work
~Authorization of reimbursement to towns to abate education property taxes for properties that were partially or fully destroyed and uninhabitable by Irene

Health Care Exchange

The Legislature took an important step forward in moving toward a health care system that provides the best care possible for all Vermonters. The combination of the Federal Affordable Care Act (FACA) and the new state law that passed will give many of us access to better insurance plans at more affordable prices. The Health Care Benefit Exchange is scheduled to be in full operation starting in 2014.

The new marketplace will allow families to compare health insurance products and define the type of health care coverage that best fits the family’s health care and financial needs. The FACA also provides for significant tax breaks for most Vermonters who purchase insurance here. These tax breaks will make good coverage more affordable.

The exchange marketplace will also be good for Vermont businesses. After 2014, small businesses in our communities will have choices available to them to assure their employees have good access to care. Many businesses will have the new choice to free themselves from the burden of managing employee health benefits. Then they will be able to focus their energy on what they do best: grow their businesses and provide consumers the best Vermont made products and services.

Consumer Protection

The Legislature passed several consumer protection measures this year that originated in the House Commerce Committee (H.254, H.730 and H.699).
These bills...
~better protect Vermonters and small businesses from unscrupulous internet lending and telephone solicitations.
~set policy when a town or business receives and is charged for unwanted or unsolicited merchandise.
~improve reporting requirements to consumers after an electronic (credit card) security breach.
~address scrap metal theft by instituting new reporting procedures for scrap metal dealers to law enforcement.

Driving License Suspended (DLS) S. 244

The most common non-violent misdemeanor charge in Vermont is driving without a license. Nearly 38,000 licenses currently are suspended and about 60% of them are for failure to pay fines and for accumulation of points. This results in situations from which many people find it hard to extricate themselves. After July 1, 2012, the Department of Motor Vehicles Diversions Boards and the Judicial Bureau will begin to notify people who have lost their license of their eligibility to enter into a Diversion contract to clear their driving records. This Diversion contract should take some pressure off the courts and save tax dollars.

Vermont State Hospital

The Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury was destroyed by tropical storm Irene. This year’s Capital Budget allocated funds for the establishment of a new system of mental health. This will include the establishment of a 14-bed unit for acute care at the Brattleboro Retreat and a 6-bed acute unit at Rutland Regional Medical Center. Funding for planning and construction of new 25- bed facility in Central Vermont (probably Berlin) will also be allocated in the Capital Budget.

Smoking Cessation

Tobacco addiction is one of the hardest addictions to overcome. The Legislature focused on keeping young people from ever becoming addicted. H.747 makes it illegal to sell not only tobacco products, but also tobacco substitutes such as electronic cigarettes and tobacco paraphernalia to minors. Minors can still purchase tobacco cessation aids.

16-Year Olds May Donate Blood

H.760 allows 16-year olds to donate blood if they meet the criteria of the organization conducting the blood drive. High Schools often host blood drives. By allowing more high school students to give blood, it not only increases the blood supply at that point in time, it may also increase the likelihood that those students could form a lifelong habit of giving blood.

Transportation

The 2012 budget for bridge repair is at a record high of $123M with the Champlain Bridge already completed. From 2010 until now the number of structurally deficient bridges has been reduced to 9% from 16%. This moves Vermont up from 42nd place to 29th among the 50 states.

If you have questions or concerns, please call me at home at 802-674-5021. My e-mail is eshand@leg.state.vt.us. You can also write me at the State House, 115 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05633-5201. We are currently out of session until January of 2012. My home address is 46 Old Bridge Rd., Weathersfield, VT 05089-9065.A hard copy of this report is available at the Weathersfield and Cavendish town offices and the Weathersfield and Cavendish libraries.
This report paid for by Rep. Ernie Shand.

Exhibit and Sale of black and white photos by acclaimed local photographer Newell Green(1901 – 1993). These photographs date mostly from the 1930s to the 1950s. For nearly 50 years Newell pursued with great passion his desire to capture the essence of the rural Vermont he knew and loved. Friday, June 15th, 6:00-8:30 at the Weathersfield Proctor Library, Route 5, Ascutney, VT. Call 674-5021 for further information.

Got kids? It's not too late to take our *brief* survey and enter to win $100 from MAPP!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/parentsRus


Best,
Maryellen Apelquist
Weathersfield Town Coordinator for MAPP (Mt. Ascutney Prevention Partnership)
802.591.3452
maryellen.apelquist@mahhc.org
http://www.mappvt.org/

Service Coordinator
Windsor Connection Resource Center
802.674.2900

Mt Ascutney Hospital and Health Center

Note: The information contained in this message and any attachments is privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any reading, dissemination, distribution, copying, or other use of this communication or any of its attachments is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by replying to this message and deleting this message, any attachments, and all copies and backups from your computer. If you have received this communication in error and are unable to reply to this message, please notify the sender immediately by contacting Mt Ascutney Hospital at (802) 674-6711

Come visit your Library for these exciting events in June!

Thursday, June 14th at 7:00 pm - How to Download eBooks from your Library - please email the library at library@weathersfield.org or call 674-2863 to sign up!

Friday, June 15th from 6:00 - 8:30 pm - "Bringing Newell Green Home" - Exhibit and sale of black and white photos by acclaimed local photographer Newell Green (1901-1993). These photographs date mostly from the 1930s to the 1950s. For nearly 50 years Newell pursued with great passion, his desire to capture the essence of the rural Vermont he knew and loved. Please call 674-5021 for more information.

Thursday, June 21 at 7:00 pm - Adult Book Discussion, "Among Schoolchildren" by Tracy Kidder - There is still time to pick up your book!

Friday, June 22 SUMMER READING PROGRAM KICK-OFF - 12:00 noon -7:00 pm! Register for the Summer Reading Program and drop off a stuffed animal who likes to travel for a stuffed animal sleepover! Just the stuffed animals will be staying at the library and they will have lots of fun, reading books, playing games and having a snack time! Pick up your stuffed animal on Saturday, June 23 while you visit the...

TOWN WIDE YARD SALE! Saturday, June 23rd from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm behind the Library. Reserve your space for $15.00 or donate your "stuff" to the Library or donate items for the Silent Auction. All proceeds go to the Library Capital Campaign Fund. Please call 674-2863 or 885-2221 for more information or to reserve your space.

Thursday, June 28th at 7:00 pm - Altered Book Craft Night - Make something out of a damaged book and rescue it from being destroyed! Repurpose a book into a piece of art. Please bring along buttons, ribbons, cloth, sequins, bobbles, beads and other doo dads to make something special.

Stay up to date on all Library events by visiting www.weathersfieldproctorlibrary.org

Hi, all!

We've added a handy Summer Camp page to our MAPP website where you can register your child for camp (and download the camp brochure). Here's the link:

http://mappvt.org/Summer_Camps.html

Have an awesome weekend!

Best,
Maryellen Apelquist
Weathersfield Town Coordinator for MAPP (Mt. Ascutney Prevention Partnership)
802.591.3452
maryellen.apelquist@mahhc.org
http://www.mappvt.org/

Service Coordinator
Windsor Connection Resource Center
802.674.2900

Mt Ascutney Hospital and Health Center

Note: The information contained in this message and any attachments is privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any reading, dissemination, distribution, copying, or other use of this communication or any of its attachments is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by replying to this message and deleting this message, any attachments, and all copies and backups from your computer. If you have received this communication in error and are unable to reply to this message, please notify the sender immediately by contacting Mt Ascutney Hospital at (802) 674-6711

Hi all,
Summer is nearly here!

Please find attached MAPP's Summer Camp Brochure. It was intended to go home with students in last week's Friday packs, but I don't believe it made it in!

In addition to what you see in the brochure, MAPP will be offering a "Healthy Communities" component to support the special summer school program in Weathersfield. Principal Oakman distributed that info last week, but please let me know if you'd like me to forward that as well.

Thanks ... and please don't hesitate to contact me with questions/concerns.
Maryellen

About MAPP
MAPP is a community-based public health coalition committed to creating environments of healthy choice in order to prevent illness.
We serve the children, families and individuals residing in Windsor, West Windsor, Weathersfield and Hartland, Vermont.
Some of our goals:
• Enhance support for the mental and emotional well-being of residents
• Work to address socioeconomic health disparities
• Increase access to healthy eating and active living
• Prevent drug and excessive alcohol use while promoting zero tolerance for underage drinking
• Support tobacco-free living

For more information about MAPP, including additional resources for parents and families, visit MAPP online at www.mappvt.org or call 802.674.7089.
Like us on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/mappvt.org

Mt. Ascutney Prevention Partnership’s fun, affordable programs for youth that focus on leadership and team-buildingDo

Do your kids attend school in Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union? Not sure what to do with them this summer? Check out MAPP’s camps!

MAPP Summer Camp Guide2012

Adventure Camp!
Be adventurous! Be a leader!
Who: 6th-12th- graders
What: Youth Empowerment &
Leadership Camp
Two days of skills building, with Dover Youth to Youth
Over the past 10 years, Dover Youth to Youth has become nationally recognized for its capacity to develop leadership and life skills in its members while impacting the environment.
Youth to Youth seeks to empower youth to take on community issues by:
• providing students with information and helping them research the needed background information on an issue, allowing them to form a point of view;
• providing them with the skills to take action to change something that they are not satisfied with, and,
• creating the opportunities to put those skills to work in order to create change.
Two days of outdoor leadership: one day of rock climbing and one day of kayaking
The focus is on noncompetitive, team-based activities that free youth to have fun, gain skills and build self-confidence.
Cost: FREE!
Where: Youth to Youth Empowerment Workshop, Windsor Welcome Center; Rock Climbing, Lyme, NH; Kayaking, Great River Outfitters, Windsor
When:
~August 13-16: Monday and Tuesday,
~August 13-14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Youth to Youth workshops with lunch and ultimate frisbee;.
~Wednesday and Thursday, August 15-16: rock climbing,10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; kayaking, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Register: Call Courtney McKaig at 802.484.9103 or email courtney.mckaig@mahhc.org.

Theater Camp!
Be surprised! Be dramatic!
Who: 6th-9th- graders
What: Theater Camp with Julie Alyward
Enjoy a variety of theater arts instruction and fun, including acting exercises, improv games, and dance steps! Wear comfy clothes and shoes. Bring a towel, a swimsuit, and a change of clothes/shoes.
Julie Alward serves as the theater teacher for Windsor Schools and earned the Children’s Theater Association Certification. She serves as the advisor for the Windsor Schools Theater Arts Troupe, Windsor Summer Theater in Paradise Park and the Senior Play.
Cost: This program is free to students who attend school in Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union. It is open to Cornish students willing to pay a suggested fee.
Where: Meet/pick-up at Lois F. White Theater at Windsor High School; camp in Paradise Park, weather permitting
When: Friday, June 22; Monday, June 25 -- Friday, July 6; no meeting July 4; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Performance: Campers perform at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 6, in the field or on stage at the Lois F. White Theater (alternate weather site).
Register: Call Julie Alyward at 802.291.4251
or email jalyward@wsesu.net.

Clown &Circus Camp!
Be a clown and goof around! Be playful!
Who: 4th-8th- graders
What: Learn to juggle, walk on stilts, mime and play theater games. Create comic scenes using props, sound and movement. The group will think of the humor in everyday life and present sketches to family and friends on the last day. Wear clothes that allow you to move freely.
Don’t forget to pack your sense of humor!
We’ll provide the smiles!
Healthy snacks provided.
Michael Zerphy is a nationally known professional clown and teacher. He has been teaching theater residencies for more than 20 years.
Jay Mead is a creative artist and stage production expert. Jay has done giant puppetry and mime theater for 30 years. He has taught art and creative expression to children ages 5-75 for 30 years.
Cost: $20 for the five-day session
Where: Damon Hall, Hartland
When: Monday-Friday, June 25-29, 9 a.m. to noon
Register: Call Jaxon Morgan at 802.291.1049 or email jaxon.morgan@mahhc.org. Class is limited to 25 kids; register soon!



Best,
Maryellen Apelquist
Weathersfield Town Coordinator for MAPP (Mt. Ascutney Prevention Partnership)
802.591.3452
maryellen.apelquist@mahhc.org
http://www.mappvt.org/

Service Coordinator
Windsor Connection Resource Center
802.674.2900

Mt Ascutney Hospital and Health Center

Note: The information contained in this message and any attachments is privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any reading, dissemination, distribution, copying, or other use of this communication or any of its attachments is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by replying to this message and deleting this message, any attachments, and all copies and backups from your computer. If you have received this communication in error and are unable to reply to this message, please notify the sender immediately by contacting Mt Ascutney Hospital at (802) 674-6711

Do you have kids between the ages of 10 and 20? Do you live in Windsor, West Windsor, Weathersfield or Hartland, Vermont? If you answered 'yes,' we want to hear from you. Share with us your thoughts on underage drinking via our quick survey and you could win $100 from MAPP. It's quick and easy. Just follow the link to get started: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/parentsRus


Thanks for your time!

Best,
Maryellen Apelquist
Weathersfield Town Coordinator for MAPP (Mt. Ascutney Prevention Partnership)
802.591.3452
maryellen.apelquist@mahhc.org
http://www.mappvt.org/

Service Coordinator
Windsor Connection Resource Center
802.674.2900

Mt Ascutney Hospital and Health Center

Note: The information contained in this message and any attachments is privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any reading, dissemination, distribution, copying, or other use of this communication or any of its attachments is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by replying to this message and deleting this message, any attachments, and all copies and backups from your computer. If you have received this communication in error and are unable to reply to this message, please notify the sender immediately by contacting Mt Ascutney Hospital at (802) 674-6711

Written by Land Use Department


The public is invited to attend the
Weathersfield Veterans MemorialCommittee
Memorial Day Ceremony

May 28, 2012
12:00 Noon
Perkinsville Green
Weathersfield, Vermont

Last Updated on Tuesday, 22 May 2012 14:27

A number of vehicles, garages, residences, institutions, and businesses in Ascutney have been broken into since Sunday.

These break-ins have occurred both in the daytime and in the evening. Weathersfield Police Chief Richard Brown requests that residents call 674-2185 to report any unusual activity.

Chief Brown recommends that residences lock their cars and garages...