Maple Corner Net

Date: February 2nd 2010

The Maple Corner Net Newsletter is now being published 2 times a month, usually on the 2nd and 16th, depending on how much info I get, and how busy I am. You can easily contact me with news, comments, criticism, or compliments, by just replying to this email. This Newsletter now has 490 subcribers.
Please Note: If you change your email adress, you will need to re-subscribe. You can do this directly at www.maplecorner.net. I erase all undeliverable addresses after each issue. To help prevent spam filters from blocking delivery, it is a good idea to enter my sending address in your email whitelist, if you have such a thing.

To search & read archives of past newsletters, see:
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As of right now the Newsletter is being sent from steve@maplecorner.net , which is working, but may be changed in the future.

Notes on submitting newsletter info and articles: There are 3 ways to contact me - 1. - you may already know my email address, 2.- If you receive a Maple Corner Newsletter as an email you can just click on reply, and write to me, or 3. - You can go to either www.maplecorner.net or www.songseek.com and there will be a link to a contact form, which will send an email to me. If you have any trouble with emailing, you can call me, and I will help you get the contact info, but the actual submition has to be emailed to me. Please avoid typing in capital letters, and any odd formating, includung colored text. . The plainest text possible is best.

 

Contents:

 

 

Reminders and Updates:

 

 

 

 

 

Subject: Maple Corner Mardi Gras Parade & Winter Carnival


Mardi Gras plans are moving along nicely. Save Feb 13th on your calendar for this event of the winter! Lots of kind words in the form of nominations for King or Queen of Mardi Gras can be seen at the store, along with our FABULOUS throne. Voting for your highness will begin Feb1st. Please plan your float and costume now and call to invite friends. The more the merrier. We have a large order of beads on the way!


Please come out and support this fun winter event.
Parade, Games, Skating and we plan to have a big bonfire to help keep us warm.

Artie + Nancy Toulis
Maple Corner Store

Photos from previous Maple Corner Mardi Gras':

http://www.photos.net/Mardi_Gras_2009/
http://www.photos.net/Mardi_Gras_2008/

 

 

 

 

Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2010
Subject: 1999 Honda Civic LX 4 door for sale

1999 Honda Civic LX 4 door - manual transmission 5 speed, air conditioning, no rust. This car has been lovingly cared for, with oil changes every 3000 miles, and nothing neglected. Recently had a complete go-thru, checkup, and brakes, new muffler, etc. All scheduled maintainance up to date, Maintained by Brian Morse. Has 188,000 miles, almost all interstate/highway. In really nice shape. No problems. Always gets 40 - 42 miles per gallon. Consumer Reports rates the '99 as one of the best years. Comes with 4 summer tires, 4 good snows, and 4 brand new studded Cooper snow tires. $3000.
 
Steve & Sarah Gallagher 223-0505
 
See Craigs List ad for photos: http://burlington.craigslist.org/cto/1573719408.html

 

 

 

 

 

Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010
Subject: Maple Corner - Short Term Rental
 
 
Available Feb. 15th – April 15th, 3 rooms plus bath in downstairs half of my house in Maple Corner. Includes kitchen with shared washer and dryer, heat, hot water, electric and garage space. Rent is $650/month plus shared cost of snow plowing. Non-smoking. Pets negotiable.
 
Call or e-mail Olivia Gay 223-3858, ogay1111@hotmail.com.
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Subject: My Notes & Occasional Comments:Calais Selectboard meeting, Jan. 18th, 2010, written by Peter Harvey

 

Calais Selectboard meeting, Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at the Calais School. Members present (clockwise): Anne Winchester (Chair), Denise Wheeler (Vice-Chair), Scott Bassage, John Brabant, and Cy Lamberton. Rose Pelchuck took the Selectboard's official minutes. 6 people attended this evening's Selectboard meeting: Greg Pelchuck (FD vice-president), Bill Powell, Dot Naylor, Alfred Larrabee, Jay Copping (FD president), and myself.

The January meetings are mostly about preparing for the March Town meeting. The Board re-opened and continued the meeting begun one week ago.

CVSWMD: Bill Powell, our appointed representative to the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District, told the Board that as of tonight, the transfer and recycling station at the old dump site in East Calais will not be open after Saturday, February 6, 2010. The CVSWMD has not yet signed a contract with a company to take over the management of the district's station sites. John asked Bill to relay to the CVSWMD that the Board would like a letter releasing the Town from the 3 year exclusionary contract the Board signed so that if the CVSWMD does not contract with a company, the Board can make its own arrangements to keep the depot open. The Board decided to keep the line item for CVSWMD $4,767 in the proposed budget to keep the money available while it decides what to do after this fiscal year, ending June 30, 2010.

HIGHWAY BUDGET: Tonight Anne pointed out that my understanding of the proposed highway budget was confused. I hope to correct that now. At last week's meeting Alfred proposed a Highway Budget of $675,025.32 for fiscal year 2010-2011, an increase over the current 2009-2010 Highway Budget of $61,772. It included a 3% cost of living raise for the Road Crew. Pointing out the hard times and reductions of State employees salaries, many of whom live in Calais, the Board asked Alfred to reduce his budget to within a 6% increase over the 2008-09 budget. The Board chose the 2008-2009 budget figure as a bench mark because it was the most recent fully funded Highway Budget. Last year the Board had asked then Road Commissioner Don Singleton to reduce his 2009-2010 budget by $15,000 because of the hard fiscal times. Tonight Alfred came back with a budget of $666,399 (a 6%, $37,856, increase over the 2008-2009 bench mark budget. In it he dropped the cost of living raise for the Road Crew from 3% to 2%. But he told the Board that in June, when he meets with the Board again about employee benefits, he will be asking for more benefits for the Road Crew. The Road Crew currently receives a fully paid health insurance package, but as Alfred talked about his frustration with their "not so great" retirement plan and possibly asking for some more paid days off. The Board voted 5-0 to accept the proposed 2010-2011 Highway Budget of $666,399.

Alfred and the Board also discussed replacing the 7 yr old 6 wheeler dump/plow truck and the 28 year old bucket loader. Alfred presented to the Board prices from Case & Cat. The Board asked Alfred to price a Volvo bucket loader after Gregg Pelchuck told the Board he bought a Volvo loader because of its better fuel consumption rate, and find out more about alternative payment options for the next meeting.

The Board also approved an Article for Town Meeting to re-roof the Town Garage at a cost not to exceed $12,500; 5-0.

Alfred told the Board that longtime Road Crew member Bob Cutler will be returning to work on February 16th after recovering from knee surgery.

EMERGENCY SERVICES BUILDING: With the expectation of signing it next Monday, Anne asked the Board to read the agreements concerning ownership, payment, and administration of the new Emergency Services Building (for fire & ambulance) drawn up by Calais's attorney Steve Stitzel. She told the Board that East Montpelier had reviewed the document and she expects agreement between the town attorneys before next Monday evening's meeting.

TOWN BUDGET REVIEW: The Board reviewed the proposed 2010-2011 Town budget. There are still a few figures to complete before they vote on the whole Town Budget that will be printed in the new 2009 Town Report (Red Book).

EAST MONTPELIER FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET: The Board voted 5-0 to approve authorizing the establishment of a Fire Department Restricted Capital Reserve Fund to be funded with 75% of the ambulance revenue profit and create a Capital Reserve Fund, as offered by the Fire Department at the last meeting.

TOWN AUDIT REPORT: Anne reported that volunteer auditor Bill Bates has met with CPA Jeff Fothergill and Town Treasure Eva Morse. Volunteer auditor Clyde Cassidy has not been able to fulfill his voluntary assistance due to illness. Anne asked for a volunteer to take his place and meet with Bill & Jeff for a couple of hours as a witness to the final review. Several names came up as possibilities. Denise will follow up on those suggestions. Allowing for the possibility that people will run for the office this spring, the Board voted $3,000 to be added onto the $1,000 auditors budget to be available if the Board decides to hire assistance for the elected auditors.
In the past, the auditors have submitted a bill for their services, to be taken from  the $1,000 included in the Town budget. The three auditors that have resigned have not submitted a bill to the Town.

The Board voted 5-0 to put the court settlement from the Barbara Noordsij Environmental Court decision into the Highway Equipment Fund ($24,695 decision + $1,481.70 interest = $26,177).

EMERGENCY GENERATORS: Anne signed a service contract for the two generators, one each at the Town Clerk's Office and the Elementary School.

WIRELESS BROAD BAND SERVICE EXPANSION: Scott announced that a new station is in service on Max Gray Rd. More details appeared in the last www.maplecorner.com .

ZONING CHANGES PUBLIC HEARING:  At 6:30 PM, Monday, January 25, 2010, at the School, before their regularly scheduled meeting, the Board will have a public Hearing on the proposed zoning changes to be voted on at the March Town Meeting. The most current document will be available at the Planning Commission website: www.calaisvt.info   and the Town Clerk's Office.

The Board adjourned at 9:15 PM. The Board will be meeting in the Calais Elementary School for the winter. The next scheduled meeting of the board will be 7:00 pm, Monday, January 25, 2010. Agendas are posted at the usual places: the Calais Town Clerk's Office, the 3 stores in town, and the East Calais Post Office. Only items posted on the agenda are voted on at any meeting. Those wishing to bring items before the Board should contact Chair Anne Winchester (456-7488) or Vice Chair Denise Wheeler (456-8730). Agenda items for the next meeting need to be received by 6 PM, the Wednesday before that meeting.

 

 

 

 

Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Subject: My Notes & Occasional Comments:Calais Selectboard meeting, Jan. 25th, 2010, written by Peter Harvey


I did not get to this meeting. We parked both cars up at the end of our driveway Sunday evening in anticipation of the heavy rains overnight and during the day Monday making our driveway too slippery to get up. Well, Lucy got off to work with the car closest to the road, but when I went to leave for the meeting, I couldn't get the car up that last dozen feet to the road on the wet, slushy ice. I even slid back down our driveway several feet further from the road before giving up.

The Board passed a budget and set the articles for the March Town Meeting. Both will appear in the Annual Report (Red Book) that will be mailed out to every voting household next month. As always, the Treasure's Report will have 4 columns for each item to track: the previous Budgeted 2008-09 fiscal year, the previous Actual 2008-09 fiscal year's money spent, the current budgeted 2009-10 fiscal year, the Proposed 2010-2011 budget. We will be discussing and voting on that 2010-2011 proposed budget at this year's March Town Meeting.

The Board will be meeting in the Calais Elementary School for the winter. The next scheduled meeting of the board will be 7:00 pm, Monday, February 8, 2010. Agendas are posted at the usual places: the Calais Town Clerk's Office, the 3 stores in town, and the East Calais Post Office. Only items posted on the agenda are voted on at any meeting. Those wishing to bring items before the Board should contact Chair Anne Winchester (456-7488) or Vice Chair Denise Wheeler (456-8730). Agenda items for the next meeting need to be received by 6 PM, the Wednesday before that meeting.

 

 

 

 

Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010
Subject: Capitol Comment  -- February 2010, by Rep. Janet Ancel 
 

Capitol Comment  -- February 2010
 
Vermont Yankee.  
 
It’s been quite a week for Vermont Yankee watchers.  The problems I discussed in my CC in the fall – the undisclosed underground contamination – have now become the center of several investigations and a great deal of hand-wringing. 
 
The bottom line for me is that we should have a vote before the end of the session and my vote will be to oppose continued operation for VY.   This is not a company we can trust to work with us over the next 20 years. 
 
The State Budget. 
 
Governor Douglas’ final state of the state and budget speeches were surprising for their lack of rhetorical flourish and aspiration.  Perhaps that’s a sign of the difficult times ahead or perhaps it’s the natural winding-down of an administration.  In any event, the challenges are clear.  There is agreement that we face a budget gap of $153 million.  And revenues are at 2006 levels. 
 
We have already seen state employees agree to a 3% reduction in their compensation – an agreement that tells us that state employees are willing to do their share.  Last week, the teachers union agreed to reductions in teachers retirement totaling $15 million.  This was a significant agreement and the Vermont NEA and Treasurer Jeb Spaulding deserve credit for making it happen. 
 
Shared sacrifice and efficiency have become the bywords for this session of the legislature.  Without shared sacrifice and efficiency, we will be faced with the prospect of deep cuts in services that Vermonters depend on or asking taxpayers to do more.  Seen in this context, the contribution from state employees and teachers is all the more important. 
 
The administration and the legislature have agreed on a menu for efficiency savings that total $38 million.  Some are skeptical about these savings which depend on creative and quick work on the part of some state agencies and programs that are usually slow to change.  But the “Challenges,” as they are called, are our best chance to avoid more painful choices and I am prepared to support them and do what I can to make them work.
 
Current Use. 
 
In another example of shared sacrifice, the House voted last week to approve changes in Current Use totaling $1.6 million in the current fiscal year.  There were two primary elements to the bill:  a moratorium on current enrollments and a change in the land use change tax.  I strongly support the change in the land use change tax because the real impact will be on those who enroll land for short periods of time with an intention to develop it. 
 
Although I have serious misgivings about the moratorium, which affects landowners who submitted applications by the September 2009 application deadline, in the end, it seemed more important to me to move the bill forward in order to protect Current Use from further reductions.  The proposals to reduce the impact of Current Use that were being discussed last year were much worse. 
 
The State Economy.  
 
Early in the session, the state’s economists predicted that the recession has in fact bottomed out in Vermont.  They caution the recovery will be slow but they believe we are now, finally, in a recovery period. 
 
I was recently appointed by the Speaker to the Vermont Economic Progress Council.  VEPC is the board that reviews applications for business incentives, which are based squarely on job creation and increases in payroll.  The incentives are known as VEGI. 
 
This past week we reviewed four applications and approved three, involving more than 800 new jobs.  The incentives are only paid after the jobs are created. 
 
There is a $10 million annual cap on VEGI incentives. As of the third week of January, we were on a pace to exceed that cap by more than $11 million.   What this tells me is that businesses are ready to invest and expand.  If these businesses meet their goals, this is a positive development in an economy that is desperate for jobs. 
 
Property taxes and school funding. 
 
This is such a complex subject that I will leave most of it for another day.  But I do want to point out that Governor Douglas’ proposal to change income sensitivity would mean a property tax increase for more than 30,000 middle income taxpayers.  This proposal  -- and others – will be scrutinized in the Ways and Means Committee with the principles of fairness and equity in mind. 
 
I believe we can and should pursue administrative efficiencies in education.  And I’ve introduced a bill that would require supervisory unions to adopt policies on class size, requiring that the subject be addressed locally but not dictating the result. 
 
But I have serious concerns about shifting more of the cost of education to the middle class and this is what the governor’s proposals would do. 
 

Keep in touch.  We will be working hard to conclude our work early but also to do it well.  This means that issues will arise quickly.  Communication with you is an important part of the work I do so please, as always, keep in touch.  I need to know what worries you and what you feel is important.  You can reach me at janetancel@earthlink.net or by phone at 223-5350.  My address is PO Box 123, Calais VT 05648.

 

 

 

Sent: Monday, January 18, 2010
Subject: National Do Not Call List

 

National Do Not Call List - This will get rid of most of your telemarketing calls. Go online to: https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx Your registration will not expire. Telephone numbers placed on the National Do Not Call Registry will remain on it permanently due to the Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007, which became law in February 2008. For more anti spam info see www.spam.org

You no longer have to make a phone call to get on the list, and the new list does not expire, unlike the old one, which was only good for 2 years. - Steve Gallagher

 

 

 

 

Sent: Monday, January 18, 2010
Subject: Internet Acess "Last Mile Syndrome"



We up here on Bayne Comolli Rd are suffering from "Last Mile Syndrome". 
It's clear that no Internet service provider wants to take the trouble of
getting broadband to our house.  The unspoken message is, "Call someone else -
we're not interested in serving you."  This unproductive attitude for a
business is somehow deemed suitable in this instance.

It appears there are no end of obstacles standing between us and broadband
service. In contrast to orderly suburban style ‘developments' where roads
and utility poles are neatly planned, built, and run simultaneously, our road
is a hodge-podge of piece-meal utility development, a reflection of the wild
and crazy ‘early days' of electric and phone line build-out.  I'm guessing
this situation is not unusual in Vermont.  Our present infrastructure is a
patchwork of power companies and phone lines coming in from several
directions, brought in as each single house was built, from the most convenient
place.  There was never an overall plan; the lines were laid by competing
companies, not "along" our road but criss-crossing it.  One odd result is that our
next neighbor has bband service, while we are told we "cannot" get it now -
our service comes from a different remote terminal.  In any case, we cannot
know for sure without a site visit by prospective service providers where
our ‘lines' run from for line-type [wired] service.  And of course, a site
visit cannot be done until 4-6 weeks from now...

In addition, our area has lots of trees, hills and valleys, making wireless
service tricky.  But what does the layman know of antennas that boost
wireless signals?  Satellite service, which would seem our only hope, is an
untenable choice, with its high up-front costs, exorbitant monthly charges, and
‘rationed' bandwidth, with no guarantee of consistent service - a just too
obvious ‘gotcha'.

When we call providers, we get no answers, information, or cooperation.  In
disgust, we call the PSB consumer line, and are told that broadband is ‘not
a regulated industry', to explain some of our problems.  But Comcast and
FairPoint ARE regulated in their other businesses - cable and phone.  Comcast
must bring cable [including broadband] service to any area that has ‘over 25
dwellings per mile' - which, in my mind, eliminates all of rural Vermont! 
FairPoint, now a failing business, is over-ridden with debt and complaints
of poor phone service.  I don't suppose we'll be seeing new Internet service
upgrades in our area from them any time soon, even though they had
"committed" to "100% broadband service" in our phone exchange by the end of 2010!

Call me old-fashioned, but when a business has a product, shouldn't they be
eager to sell and market it? Oddly not, in the case of broadband - you have
to beg for it!

If you are suffering from the "Broadband Blues" and have had similar
experience, please give me a call at 456-8850 or email me at BeLeaf4u ["at
symbol"] aol.com.  I am trying to assemble a group of unserved Calais residents in
hopes of putting some pressure on evasive providers or whoever else can
help.  Perhaps you have some suggested solutions?  We'd be glad to hear them on
this page or privately.  My goal is to create an informal ‘mail list' of
affected people to share their experiences and ideas, and hopefully achieve
solutions. 

Marge Garfield in an unserved part of North Calais

 

 

 

Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Subject: House for rent in Historic Kents Corner

House for rent in Historic Kents Corner, Calais, VT. Three bedroom, one and a half baths, two porched lovely home where gardens abound and friendly neighbors gather. Available for rent February 1st and possibly sooner if needed. $1,200 a month plus utilities. Contact Cornelia or Paul at: 454-1074.

 

Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Subject: House for sale in Historic Kents Corner

Beautiful home in historic Kents Corner, Calais, VT. Circa 1837 – 3+Bedrooms, 1 ½ baths, country kitchen, porches, mudroom, barn, 2-car garage, handyman shop, spacious office, landscaped 2 acres & extraordinary school district. $329,000. Contact Cornelia or Paul at: 454-1074.

 

 

 

Sent: Friday, January 29, 2010
Subject: Moving/Give-away and house for sale

Moving Sale/give-away
 
Unless otherwise noted I am looking to give away (for FREE!)  the following things by mid-February call 223-1907 or email me at jbtess@gmail.com.
 
Black couch ($50 OBO)
Blue/grey couch
Grey Convertible couch
wooden stools ($15 OBO)
Basketball net
 
Old lawn riding mower and cart
Old wicker furniture
Mirrors
Old computer, printer, speakers (best offer)
Cassette tapes and player
Assorted pillows
Kitty (yes this thing is alive! mature female grey long-haired cat)
Play pen
scrap wood
 
I am looking for a dining room hutch, food processor, tea kettle, kitchen trash can.
 
Thanks,
Julie Tessler
 
 

 

 

 

Sent: Saturday, January 30, 2010
Subject: Reclaiming our Earth Connections: A new monthly series at MCCC!

Reclaiming our Earth Connections:
 
An exciting new Friday night series at the Maple Corner Community Center begins February 12th. and continues monthly through May. The series will be presented by Gail England and Linda Schutz in conjunction with the MCCC Program Committee.  Admission is free to all!
 
February 12th at 7 pm -  Film: " What on Earth?  Inside the Crop Circle Mystery"
 
Intricate designs turn up in farmers' fields overnight. Although they have appeared throughout the world for centuries, including Vermont, no one knows where they come from or why they arrive.  This film allows you to explore this mysterious phenomenon with crop circle researcher/ filmmaker Suzanne Taylor.
 
The series continues with the following:
 

March 19th at 7 pm - Film: "One Man, One Cow, One Planet -
How to save the planet!  An award-winning film that shows through the work of one man, using Biodynamic Farming techniques, how India’s soil is being restored, farms are prospering and people are thriving.  Biodynamic Farming goes beyond organics to work with the phases of the moon and the planets to stimulate and enliven soil formation and plant growth.

April 9th at 7 pm - Presentation: Journeys to Sacred Sites - Here and Abroad -
Sacred sites are special places found all over the world.  In this visual presentation we will travel to England, France, Ireland and the United States to explore ancient stone structures, holy wells, cathedrals and Native American earthworks and mounds. These are places where the energies of the earth are amplified.  Linda will relay her own journey, what she found, the patterns she discovered and how she has been affected. Bring your own stories to share too!   Linda Schutz, presenter (info, 229-6861)

May 14th at 7 pm - Presentation: Geomancy - Connecting to Earth's Energy -
As far back as people have walked the earth they have been aware of certain places in the landscape that hold a special kind of energy that has traditionally been used for healing and to enhance fertility.  By understanding this and working consciously with this energy, we can be healed and help undo some of the harm humans have inflicted on this amazing planet.  The form of Geomancy Gail practices uses carvings in stones placed on specific points in the landscape to help facilitate this Earth Healing.  She has been studying Geomancy with Mark and Ana Pogacnik from Slovenia for 7 years and is a graduate of the first North American School of Geomancy.  Gail England, presenter (info, 223-1730)

 
Flyers with more details are available at Maple Corner Store, Adamant Co-op and East Calais General Store.  For more information, contact Linda at 229-6861
 

 

 

 

 

Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Subject: community-wide celebration of sustainable living, practical homesteading skills, and visions of a more resilient local community


 From August 14th to 22nd the greater Montpelier area will come alive
with a community-wide celebration of sustainable living, practical
homesteading skills, and visions of a more resilient local community. 
The VbC is 9-day event filled with hands-on education in permaculture
design and construction, ecological building, and public art that will
extend and celebrate the Great Reskilling of our communities embodied in
these projects.  All projects are built through collaboration and the
commitment of a neighborhood to strengthen itself. Applications for
projects will be received on February 16th from 6 to 8pm at the Kellogg
Hubbard Library.  Flyers and request-for-projects can be obtained ahead
of time at the web site (www.villageconvergencevt.org) If you have any
questions call Gail England at 223-1730


 

 

 

Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010
Subject: Community Emergency Planning Meeting Feb 27
   
Emergency Planning Community Meeting - Saturday, February 27, 10 am to 3 pm
 
Unitarian Church downstairs, Main St. Montpelier (across from Kellogg-Hubbard Library)
 
Potluck (bring your own plate and utensils)
 
Networking (bring flyers)
 
Families with children welcome
 
Free and open to all. Donations accepted.
 
How do we as a community plan for emergencies including extreme weather events, disruptions to water systems, and long-term power outages? What can we expect from authorities and what we need to do for ourselves? Join us for a community meeting with friends, neighbors and local officials, addressing long and short-term emergency preparation. Director of Vermont Emergency Management, Barbara Farr, will begin the meeting with a keynote talk, followed by Ben Falk of Whole Systems Design, speaking on Resilient Responses in Unstable Times. The rest of the meeting is “open space” format, where participants set the agenda, addressing food preservation and storage, health needs, access to water, communications and more. 
 
 
 
Sponsored by:
 
Transition Town Montpelier, Foodworks,
 
Post Carbon Sustainability Network,
 
Montpelier Capital Area Neighborhoods,
 
 and the Montpelier Planning Department.
 
 
 
For information, contact Annie McCleary, 456-8122 - or email transitiontownmontpelier@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

Sent: Friday, January 22, 2010
Subject: Kellogg-Hubbard Library enews


DISRUPTIVE IDEAS with Wavel Cowan
Monday, January 25, 2010 at 6:30pm

A four session informal presentation
Disruptive ideas are those which challenge the established thinking in
any area of human activity. Famous examples in science are
Copernicus’ sun centered planetary system, Newton’s gravity, Darwin’s
origin of species, Einstein’s relativity.
Dr. Cowan is a professional pulp and paper research scientist who  has
not only contributed significantly to the basic science in his field.
His career has led him to unusual perspectives which he has framed as
disruptive ideas. These he presents in the first two sessions as The
Scientific Mindset, and Pluralism and the Conundrum of Size. Why he
considers these ideas to be disruptive is illustrated in the final two
sessions as Education and Health Care, and Government and the Economy.
Dr. Cowan is working on a book to effectively capture these ideas and
is hoping to find a small local audience that will provide feedback of
value to that endeavor.
The Kellogg Hubbard Library will sponsor this discussion series should
sufficient interest exists and will meet on Monday evenings at 6:30pm.
If If you have questions you can contact Dr. Cowan at 802-229-9751 or
email wcowan@wcvt.com.

Wednesday, January 27th at 7 p.m.
TEDxKHLibrary with Ted Hoppe
This introduction to TED, a global website devoted to ideas worth
spreading, will offer a sampling of the 500 thought-provoking talks
from inspired people that the TED website makes available. TED stands
for technology, entertainment and design. Local TED member, Ted
Hoppe, will navigate his way through TED.com to show us what we can do
at home and at the library.

Thursdays, Jan 28, Feb 4 & 11 from 6-8 p.m.
Buddhist Teachings: Mind, Meditation and Making Life Meaningful.
A three part series with Venerable Amy Miller, Director of the
Milarepa Center in Barnet open to all levels, for any or all sessions.

StoryTime continues in March and April every Tuesday, Wednesday and
Friday at 10:30am. The after-school activities includes the Comics
Club with Pete Talbot and Aubry Norman on Tuesdays from 3:30-5pm,
the Youth Chess Club Wednesdays from 5:30-7pm, the new Lego Club
Thursdays at 3:30pm, Dungeons and Dragons every Friday from 4-5:30pm,
and Games at the Library Friday afternoon from 3-5pm. Did you know
that you can call the children’s department directly by calling
223-4665

LUNCH IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
 The Hayes Room is available to a different language groups
Wednesday-Friday from 12 noon to 1 p.m.; bring your lunch and your
dictionary!
Wednesday: Spanish
Thursday: French / Italian
Friday: German

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 7p.m.
The Truth about Happiness.
Analyst and author Dr. Polly Young-Eisendrath examines the cultural
and psychological context of happiness. Part of The First
Wednesdays Series-A Vermont Humanities Council Program

Thursdays, February 4 and 11, 2010 6-8 p.m.
Buddhist Teachings: Mind, Meditation and Making Life Meaningful
Led by Venerable Amy Miller, Director of the Milarepa Center in
Barnet. Open to all levels


Mondays, February 8 and 22, 2010 from 12 noon to 1 p.m.
TedxKHlibrary lunchtime series.
bring your lunch, view a video from the TED website, and share your
ideas about it.

Monday, Februrary 8, 2010 at 6:30pm
Extending the Growing Season in Vermont
Joe Buley of Screamin' Ridge Farm will talk about cold frames, remay,
row covers, etc.  Screamin’ Ridge Farm, in East Montpelier, grows
local sustainable produce and eggs using organic and biodynamic
methods.
Co-sponsored by the Washington/Orange County Chapter of the Master
Gardeners Program
Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 7pm
Scottish Poetry Reading with Leonard Irving

Wednesday, February 17, 2010 6:30-8:30pm
Remarkable Conversations: Victim-Offender Dialogue in Cases of Extreme Violence
View film director "Rachel Libert's award-winning film Beyond
Conviction, a compelling depiction of the complicated relationship
between victims and offenders. Presented by the Montpelier
Community Justice Center in collaboration with the library and other
community organizations.

Thursday, February 18, 2010 6-8pm
Transition Town Montpelier - The Third Thursday series
Planning for the Long Emergency
 How is Vermont prepared for fuel shortages or long-term electrical
outages? Whose role is it to prepare, and how? What can individuals
and communities do to heighten their preparedness? Barbara Farr,
director of Vermont Emergency Management, draws on her experience with
floods, fires, epidemics, oil spills, and other disasters to answer
these questions.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 7p.m
China: Economy vs. Environment
Political scientist and China specialist Loïc Tassé discusses the
influence of economy on environmental issues in China, and its impact
in China and in the world.

Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 7p.m.
Author reading with Ron Krupp
Lifting the Yoke: Local Solutions to America's Farm and Food Crisis;
The Globalization of Food and Farming, The Battle of the Bulge,
Sustainable markets and Regional Solutions.
Co-sponsored by VPIRG.

 

 

 

 

Sent: Saturday, January 23, 2010
Subject: NECI Benefit Breakfast for Montpelier to Thailand


The Annual NECI Thai Dinner and Silent Auction Benefit for Montpelier to Thailand (Six) is happening Friday, February 12th in Dewey Hall, West Street, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier. This year will be the fifth for this FUN, central Vermont community event. You'll dine on Thai specialties prepared by NECI students (under the guidance of Chef Josh Gibbs), enjoy the live music of Jairo and Gabe Segueira (to be confirmed), bid on items in the silent auction, and mingle with neighbors and excited M2T kids (preparing for a 2/19 departure for Thailand). Dinner will be served from 6:30 to 7:30. You must have a ticket ($25 each). Families are welcome - kid discount available. Contact Linda Wheatley for tickets and/or silent auction donations, 229-6932.

 

 

 

 

Sent: Saturday, January 30, 2010
Subject: Worcester Contra Dance: Sat., Feb. 13, 2010
 
  
Benefit Dance Series to be held in the recently reopened upstairs of the Worcester Town Hall!
 
Valentine's Contra Dance & Waltzing, 7:00 - 9:30 pm
 
Music by The Parsnips with Chip Hedler calling
Proceeds Benefit Renovation of the Historic 1912 Worcester Town Hall
  
Bring the whole family, $5 donation for Adults, Children under 16 free (must be accompanied by an adult)  
Beginners welcome- no partner needed- all dances are taught 
Soft-soled shoes only
 
We'll be collecting non-perishable items for the Worcester Food Shelf- contributions not necessary, but appreciated!
 
Please note the other dance dates (2nd Saturdays):
Mar. 13, and Apr. 10
 

Thanks,
Elizabeth Hunt Schwartz
229-9468

 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reminders and Updates:

 

 

 

Subject: New Internet Opportunity in Calais


I have just heard from Michael Birnbaum <mbirnbaum@cloudalliance.com>of Cloud Alliance that there is a new Cloud Alliance Station up and running on East Hill near the Grand View Winery. Cloud Alliance is our local Wireless Internet Service Provider.

Basically anyone with a sight line to the new station should be able to have high speed internet service. New areas served includes parts of Old West Church, Lightning Ridge, and many other "Last Mile" locations.  For more information see CA web site http://www.cloudalliance.com/ or give me a call.

Scott Bassage
Calais Broadband Committee
456-8971


 

 

Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010
Subject: Fedco Seeds group order at the Adamant Coop
 

Save on seeds with the Fedco group seed order at the Adamant Co-op.  You can view the Fedco catalogs online at www.fedcoseeds.com or browse the catalogs in person at the Adamant Co-op.  Blank order forms are available at the Co-op as well.  By joining our group order, you will be eligible for a volume discount, typically 5-10% off, depending on how many people join our group.  Drop off forms at the Co-op.  The 2nd and final order for this season will be Feb. 20.
 
When placing your orders, please note that Fedco has 4 divisions: Seeds, Moose tubers (seed potatoes, onion sets, and garlic), Growers' Supply (tools, cover crops, etc.), and Trees, and they require us to use separate forms for each division. Copies of all the forms are available at the Co-op.
 
Questions? Contact Erika at 456-7054

 

 

 

Subject: Susannah Blachly, George White and Dan Haley in Concert February 13

Adamant Winter Music Series:

Come share an evening of great food and great music in downtown Adamant, Saturday,  February 13 featuring Susannah Blachly, George White and Dan Haley.  Potluck (optional) at 5:30 and concert at 7:00.  Limited seating. $10 in advance at the Adamant Co-op or $15 at the door.

 

 

 

Subject: Beautiful sunny designer home with 2.5 acres of land in Maple Corner is for sale

Beautiful sunny designer home with 2.5 acres of land in Maple Corner is for sale.  The 2442 sq ft house is in excellent condition and has an open floor plan with wood floors. Includes: sun deck, screened in porch, front porch, tiled fireplace, modern kitchen with pantry, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large finished basement with family room and utility room, vegetable, herb and flower gardens, fruit and nut trees, new energy efficient furnace, 2 car attached garage, and slate floor mudroom. Set off the road; a few minutes walk to Curtis Pond, Community Center and Maple Corner Store.  For sale by owner for $329.500..  Contact Julie at jbtess@gmail.com or 223-1907. Will start showing after the first week in January.

 

 

 

 

Important Calais Web Links:

See listings at www.maplecorner.net - Please send me any suggestions you might have to add to this list.

Monthly Listings of the Calais Public Meetings and Events can be found here: http://www.calaisvermont.gov/index.asp?Type=B_EV&SEC={2A53D6E6-B7CD-4587-996F-91554BB73907}

Official Selectboard Meeting Minutes are posted on the Town of Calais Website here: http://www.calaisvermont.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={09BA9114-60DA-4B2D-AA71-9BB0F4FBBE4F}

Calais Online Discussion Board - http://www.forum.calais.us/

Calais Resource Guide website: http:..www.resources.calais.us

 

 

 

Community Quotes of the Week:

"The vast majority of human beings dislike and even dread all notions with which they are not familiar. Hence it comes about that at their first appearance innovators have always been derided as fools and madmen." - Aldous Huxley - (sent in by Mack Gardner-Morse)

 

This e-mail newsletter is open to submissions from the public, as long as they are noncommercial, and appropriate to the community. Please remember that it depends on you, the subscribers, to let people know what is going on in town. Have you written something you want to share with the community? Do you know of an upcoming event in our area? Contact me by just replying to this email, or call me, Steve Gallagher, at 802-223-0505, though the actual notice has to be emailed to me. You can get an idea of what has been posted in the past by reading the archives at: http://www.songseek.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi?f=list&l=maplecor

----------------------------------------

You can contact me about this newsletter by just replying to this e-mail. It is sent out about 3 times per month, so if you are sending a time critical message or announcement please plan to allow enough time before the event. If you just recieved a newsletter, the next one may not get sent for 2 weeks. You can subscribe to this list by typing your e-mail address into the form found at www.maplecorner.net and hit subscribe.
-----Steve Gallagher ------

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