|
The Fletcher Community Newsletter |
| The Resource for Town, School, and Community News and Events - April 2003 |
The Spring Welcome Infant Gathering will be held on Saturday, May 3 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Fletcher Elementary School Gym. Babies 15 months old and younger are welcome to attend with their families. Refreshments will be served, age appropriate toys and equipment will be available, and a special Success by Six tote bag will be offered to eligible babies. Come mingle with your child's future classmates. Stay tuned for further details. For more information, call Lara Weis at 849-9890.
Easter is coming, and once again F.O.F.E. will be having an Easter egg hunt. We will be looking for volunteers to help stuff eggs. Keep an eye out for news in your kids back packs on up and coming meetings. We raised $54.00 at the school budget meeting to buy candy for this event. Thank you all for your generosity. For more information, contact Lisa Rock at 849-6417.
Fletcher Union Meeting House
News
By Andy Holt
As spring arrives, the pace of activity is picking up around the Meeting House. Elections take place in May, new work projects for 2003 are being sorted out, and future events discussed. People interested in getting involved in any way are always welcome. You can attend one of our regular meetings to learn more about the organization and the building. FUMHA meets the second Wednesday of Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, and Nov. The meetings are at 7:00pm at the Meeting House.
FUMHA elections are coming up fast. They take place at the May meeting. The Nomination Committee is currently looking for candidates to run for a number of offices. If you are interested in filling an opening, or know somebody who would be "perfect," please contact Brenda Laquer, the chair of the Nominating Committee.
A variety of repairs and improvements are being discussed for this year. They range from the annual, spring cleaning to, possibly, a major renovation of the kitchen. There is plenty of work available for anybody inclined to participate. FUMHA is always interested in working with groups seeking community service projects. Please contact us if you are a group in search of a project. We can tailor fit something to your desires. Interested groups or individuals please contact Andy Holt.
There is a great deal of discussion going on around the Fall Foliage Festival. The major concern is finding somebody who is willing to commit the time needed to bring off this event. The person in charge's main responsibility is finding and coordinating volunteers to take care of all the different activities. The festival is not until October, but it is not too early to start working on it. If you have any interest in working on the Festival, even if it not as the overall coordinator, please contact FUMHA. We are also interested in hearing ideas from the community for what they would like the festival to be. Any ideas for new activities or current activities that should be changed (or kept the same for that matter) are welcome.
Over the years, numerous copies of the keys to the building have been made and passed out through the community. This brings into question the security of the building. To correct this situation, all the locks on the building will be changed. No keys currently in use for the building will work once the locks change. If you feel you need a key to the building, FUMHA will consider your request at a regularly scheduled meeting.
Now FUMHA makes a plea for help and consideration. PLEASE do not drop off "rummage donations" at the Meeting House without first coordinating it with FUMHA. Rummage left on the front steps without prior coordination is thrown away. We know citizens think they are contributing to a good cause. Unfortunately unless there is a Rummage Sale in the works, FUMHA has no way of storing or using the donations. It is time consuming and costly for FUMHA to dispose of the unsolicited donations. If you want to be certain that your donations are being used and not thrown away, please do not drop them off without prior coordination. We look forward to seeing you at next FUMHA event or meeting.
Rising temperatures and rain can turn a snowy landscape into a devastating flood. When winter snows melt too quickly, the ground can't absorb the water. Rivers, streams, and drainage ditches can overflow and sewers can back up, making everyone vulnerable to flood damage. Yet, as bad as that can be, finding out your homeowners insurance policy doesn't cover flood damage can be far worse.
Give yourself peace of mind. 90% of all natural disasters in the U.S. involve floods. Protect your home, apartment, or business with flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, since it takes 30 days before your coverage begins.
Call your insurance agent for more information. The National Flood Insurance Program is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
All dogs that are 6 months of age or older must be registered with the Town. To register, please bring a currant rabies certificate, plus a neutering/spaying certificate (if applicable for new registrations) when you come to the Town Office. Registration fees are $5 per neutered or spayed dog, and $9 for dogs that have not been "fixed." The deadline for dog registration is April 1.
GMO Debate - Science or Suspicion
By Michael Farmer
Article 20 of this year's Town Warnings was a debate on GMO's (genetically modified organisms). Many people are not aware of what GMO's are or why they are controversial. Genetic engineering is the process of copying a gene from one living thing and adding it to another using biotechnology. Groups trying to prevent GMO's have used the Town Meeting as a forum to air their opinions without room for informed debate which this issue truly deserves. In fact, I question the tactics of any group that pits one segment of agriculture against another.
During Town Meeting, several comments were made about pollen drift and creation of superweeds being attributed to GMO's. This is only part of the story. The problem of cross-pollination and genetic mutations are not limited to GMO plants, they occur with all other seeds as well. This problem has occurred for thousands of years and has resulted in the loss of many plant varieties. It has also created new varieties. The loss of "antique" varieties is troublesome but if these varieties had commercial value they would have continued to be propagated. Resistance to pesticides and the creation of superweeds has occurred since we first developed pesticides. Not all target weeds are killed and they develop resistance to the pesticides resulting in the need for stronger chemicals. This also happens in antibiotics with humans and is the reason why so many bacteria are no longer vulnerable to the drugs that used to control them. New antibiotics are needed to treat bacterial infections and drug companies are continuously researching new antibiotics. Likewise new pesticides are created to combat disease and insects that have become resistant to the old pesticides.
Since first developed in 1995, several GMO plants have been commercially grown in Vermont including field corn and soybeans. Other plants with genetic engineering grown in the US and Canada are cotton and rapeseed (canola oil is extracted from the rapeseed plant). The purpose of these plants is to increase resistance to insects and disease and simplify weed control by allowing single applications of pesticides to plants which could tolerate the pesticides. This results in a reduction in the number of chemical applications which reduce chemical costs. By reducing chemical usage farmers reduce expenses. Other methods of weed control such as cultivation also work but increase soil erosion and fuel costs.
Currently the FDA, EPA, and USDA regulate genetically engineered products. To date no scientific studies have documented any harmful effect of GMO products. In fact many GMO products cannot be detected after they are processed. Recombant bovine somatrophine (rBST or BGH) is an example. A supposed "study" published in the May 1999 issue of Nature magazine implied that a link existed between GMO ("bt corn") corn and Monarch butterfly mortality. This study was picked up by the media who reported that GMO bt corn kills butterfly caterpillars. Extensive follow up by accredited research facilities (the original "study" did not measure the actual amount of corn pollen nor did it try to mimic natural conditions) found the risk to monarch butterflies to be negligible.
According to a study by the American Farmland Trust, agriculture in Franklin County has a direct output of $145,198,000 and a total economic impact of $210,540,026 when secondary output and value-added manufacturing are considered. Franklin County has 190,215 acres of farmland and agriculture provides 10% of the jobs. Limiting technology to Vermont farmers will only hurt your farm neighbors, further increasing the rate of farm failures and help increase the number of homes built on former farmland. For more information on GMO's visit Cornell University's website at www.geo-pie.cornell.edu.
Labor and Industry Commissioner Michael Betrand urges Vermonters to learn and practice safety precautions to protect themselves from carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poison gas produced when liquid, solid, or gas fuel is burned. CO sends 10,000 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment each year nationwide, and claims for than 200 lives. Betrand notes that "The use of non-vented temporary heating appliances or electrical generators during power outages, or improperly installed or maintained fuel burning appliances can allow carbon monoxide to build up in a building. You cannot see, taste, or smell carbon monoxide, but it can cause severe health problems or death."
The vast majority of carbon monoxide poisoning cases originate from gas or oil fired appliances, emergency generators, charcoal grills, wood-burning furnaces or fireplaces, and motor vehicles. Early signs of CO poisoning mimic flue systems - headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea, and fatigue. Higher levels of exposure will result in disorientation and drowsiness, leading to unconsciousness and death. Often the symptoms will be less when the person exposed to carbon monoxide leaves the buildings, only to have the symptoms reoccur when the person reenters the buildings.
Protection from the threat of carbon monoxide can be provided through the following recommended measures:
For more information, contact Robert Howe, Chief Fire Prevention Officer, at 800-640-2106, or the Fletcher Health Officer, Carlton Ferguson.
Messages From New Selectman Jon Bondy
As the newest member of the Fletcher Town Select Board, I invite you to get in touch with me about the Town issues that concern you. Feel free to call me to discuss specific problems, or just to help educate me about Town issues. The more people I talk with, the more accurately I can reflect your point of view. Who knows, I might even change my mind about how I feel about some issues! You can reach me, Jon Bondy, at 849-2782, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., please.
Fletcher now has its own web site, which you can access at http://www.bivio.com/fletchervt/files/Main.HTML. The site is neither sophisticated nor pretty, but it should serve as a place where people can go to locate archival information about the town. The past eight Newsletters can be found there, along with the complete text of the Zoning Bylaws. Please feel free to get in touch with me at jbondy@sover.net or 849-2782 if you want Town-related information put up on the site, or if you have problems or suggestions regarding the site. If we get the sense that the web site is in active use, additional effort may be applied to make it prettier and easier to use. Right now, I have the sense that no one is using it at all.
Get the word out about your events and activities through the Fletcher Community Newsletter. The next deadline for submissions is Friday, April 11.
Events and articles can be sent to Bonnie Waninger, 791 Shaw Road, Cambridge, VT 05444, Fax & Phone: 849-9869 (press "start" for fax), or E-mail: redpoll@sover.net.
Legislative Notes
By State Senator Don Collins
I am very pleased to have been elected to represent you as a Franklin County Senator and encourage you to contact me at 1-800-322-5616. My home mailing address is 23 Broadway Street, Swanton, VT 05488, and my email address is dcollins@leg.state.vt.us. As a member of both the Senate Education and Senate Transportation Committees, I have spent much time discussing changes to Act 60 and providing adequate funds for town highway and bridge repairs, as well as statewide paving projects. Other issues that are being given significant attention are the permit process with proposed revisions to Act 250 and initiatives to assist our farmers, who are struggling to survive. Please contact me if you would like to visit the State House or offer testimony on a specific piece of legislation.
PS: I recently received from a lady in Florida a license for sugar producer, which was issued in 1894 to one, Henry D. Robinson of Fletcher. This license was issued by the United States Treasury Department, Office of Internal Revenue. Does anyone have knowledge of Mr. Robinson, his family or heirs?
Having to Stretch Your Dollars?
If winter fuel bills or job loss have stretched your money too far, Franklin-Grand Isle Community Action provides free emergency food, information, assistance, and advocacy to help low-income. They can assist with applications for food stamps, weatherization, commodities, WIC, VHAP, and other programs. They also have information about a variety of local resources and programs and can arrange home visits if you are housebound, elderly, or disabled. Contact them at 86 North Main Street, St. Albans or phone 527-7392 or 1-800-300-7392. You can also visit them at the Fairfax Fire Station from 10 a.m. to noon on the last two Wednesdays of each month.
TV Turnoff Week is April 28 to May 2 - the perfect time to cozy up with a book! The Fletcher School Library is sponsoring a Scholastic Book Fair during this time, and we need your help and support! Proceeds from the Book Fair benefit the Friends of Fletcher Elementary (FOFE) and the Library. We're looking for volunteers to help set up the book fair, staff the book fair, and take it down. For more information or to volunteer, contact Mary Campbell, Chairperson, or Stephanie Chase, School Librologist at 849-6251.
The Principal’s Corner
By Jeffrey Teitelbaum
There's no doubt about it, Vermont's schools are front page news. Debates about educational financing and federal legislation mandating that' "No child be left behind" have brought our public schools into the limelight and onto center stage. That's good. Vermonters need to pay attention to the work that is being done in their schools. At the same time, the clear message that most of our schools are doing a good job and demonstrating improvements in student performance seems, all too often, to be absent from the discussion. Here in our town, the accumulated data shows increased performance in reading, and math skills. The facts also indicate that our school climate is warm and inviting and that both children and Parents feel welcome and involved.
One outcome of so much attention has been the continuous conversations that the staff has had about how well individuals are faring, what priorities we should set, and what do we hold sacred. We have concluded that elementary school boils down to helping each student learn to read and write, perform and enjoy Mathematics, teaching how to use technology to enhance learning, and teaching students how to get along with one another. Everything else that we have traditionally taken on as our mission plays second fiddle to these important basics.
It appears that whenever humans gather together they inevitably begin to spin wheels of the rumor mill. This is not just a Fletcher phenomenon. However, when the rumors revolve around the school we do take notice. Over the past several months some very creatively inaccurate stories have made their way to our attention. So, I'm asking that if you hear disturbing news about your school, check it out with us before telling a neighbor. We'll be more than happy to tell you the truth, if we know it, about what is and is not happening at the school.
The school report card has been assembled. It is a compilation of our testing data, some of which spans 5 years. If you'd like a copy, contact us and we'll see that you get one. In general, our trends toward improved student performance are generally positive. We also perform above national norms on the standardized tests given to our students. Of course, to rest on one's laurels is not acceptable and we will always strive to improve our student performance. While we are pleased with how well our students are doing, we are mindful that our population is so small that it is likely that particular combinations of students will mean periodic drops in performance in the future. However, our intent is to continually receive training so that we as up to date as possible on the most effective ways to teach. You'll be hearing more about this in the future.
Mark your calendars…..THE SCIENCE FAIR is scheduled for April 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the gym. This is a great event; you get to talk with our students, and learn about what interests them. You also get to visit with your neighbors in an informal and enjoyable atmosphere. We hope to see you there.
February 3, 2003 (Approved)
February 17, 2003 (Approved)
January 15, 2003 (Approved)
February 19, 2003 (Unapproved)
Wednesday, April 5 - The Cambridge Coffeehouse presents "Vermont Men in Song" since we gotta give equal time to the guys, you know. All shows at the Dinners Dunn Restaurant at the Windridge Bakery in Jeffersonville. Music runs from 7-9 p.m.. Refreshments are available. Call Fred Brauer at 644-5721 or email fred@vtlink.net.
Friday, April 11 and Sunday, April 13 - The Cambridge Classic Chorale's Spring Concert will be performed at the Second Congregational Church in Jeffersonville. For more information, call Linda Poppe at 644-5371.
Saturday, April 12 - The Cambridge Book Group will discuss "Plague Dogs" by Richard Adams. This lyrical tale provides an engrossing journey into the hearts and minds of two canine heroes, Snitter and Rowf, fugitives from the horrors of an animal research center who escape into the isolation - and terror - of the wilderness. Gathering held at the Varnum Memorial Library in Jeffersonville from 3-5 p.m. No charge; donations welcome. Refreshments are served. Please call April Tuck at 644-6632 for more information.
Wednesday, April 15 - Celebrate tax date with Open Mikeless Night at the Dinners Dunn Restaurant at the Windridge Bakery in Jeffersonville. The event begins at 7:00 p.m.. Refreshments are available. Call Fred Brauer at 644-5721 or email fred@vtlink.net.
Saturday, May 3 - Waldo & Woodhead are coming to the Cambridge Elementary School at 7:00 p.m.! Come see this "frantic, frenzied, frenetic, funny, fantastic mixture of physical comedy, masterful juggling, eccentric music, guaranteed to amuse and delight any audience."
Saturday, May 10 - The Cambridge Book Group will discuss "Heart and Blood: Living with a Deer in America." Cultural anthropologist Richard Nelson, who has worked among hunting peoples of the Artic, offers a richly detailed account of North America's native deer species, the wonders of which are found in the folklore of countless native peoples. This book is for anyone interested in deer, hunting, and he animal rights and environmental movements. It is balanced, fair, and majestic. Gathering held at the Varnum Memorial Library in Jeffersonville from 3-5 p.m. No charge; donations welcome. Refreshments are served. Please call April Tuck at 644-6632 for more information.
Friday, May 16 - Firefly Productions presents "Accidental Death of an Anarchists" at 7:00 p.m. at the Waterville Town Hall. Originally performed in Italy in 1970, and then adapted for the US stage in 1984, this play is a poignant, tragic comedy loosely based on the events, mass hysteria, and mistaken identify surrounding a bombing and its alleged perpetrator in Milan in 1969. Rated: PG. If you are unable to attend the performance in Waterville, the play is likely to be performed at the Fletcher Union Meeting House. Please call Firefly Productions at 644-2542 for more information.
Rattling Brook Bluegrass Festival
The Belvidere Community Club encourages you to mark your calendar for the 19th annual Bluegrass Festival in Belvidere on Saturday, June 14, 2003. Music runs from 11:00 a.m. until about 8:00 p.m. The six bluegrass bands for this year include Gopher Broke, Big Spike, The Radio Rangers, The Mud City Ramblers, Dyer Switch, and Common Ground. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets for sitting, and your toes for tapping! For more information, call Shirley Brown at 644-2498.
Fletcher By the Numbers—50
Years of Change
By Michael Farmer
Editor's Note: Michael Farmer is one of Fletcher's Town Auditors. In the course of doing some research for the annual report this year, he kept track of some statistics that he thought might be interesting reading for folks in town.
| 1952 | 2002 | |
| Births | 14 | 18 |
| Deaths | 2 | 4 |
| Marriages | 3 | 8 |
| Population | 490 | 1179 |
| No. of Homes | 151 | 510 |
| No. of Families | 95 (1970) | 325 |
| Elementary School Enrollment | 77 | 139 |
| Number of Schools | 4 | 1 |
| Grand List | 1952 | 2002 | Inflation Adusted* |
| Real Estate | $2,441,050 | $68,343,465 | $16,574,729 |
| Personal Prop. | $687,650 | No longer taxed | $4,669,143 |
| Total | $3,098,700 | $68,343,465 | $21,401,173 |
| Tax Rate | $6.00 | $2.05 | |
| Total Taxes Billed | $20,544 | $1,407,452 | $139,494 |
| Delinquent Taxes | $2,611 | $74,974 | |
| Years Delinquent | 1929-1952 | 1994-2002 | |
| Net Worth (fund balances) | $17,725 | $810,026 | $120,352 |
| Total Debt | $6,450 | $409,086 | $43,795 |
| School Budget (expenses) | $28,937 | $2,078,858 | $196,482 |
| State Aid | $8,263 | $974,635 | $56,106 |
| State Aid as % of Budget | 29% | 43%** | |
| Salaries | $7,228 | $613,396 | $49,078 |
| Tuition | $3,361 | $745,203 | $22,821 |
| BFA Fairfax Tuition/pupil | $175 | $7,000 | $1,188 |
| Ave. cost per pupil - Elem. | $151 | $8,535 | $1,025 |
| Ave. cost per pupil - High*** | $176 | $7,452 | $1,195 |
* 1952 dollars adjusted for 50 years of inflation as calculated by the Consumer
Price Index
** Includes Act 60 funds collected and then sent back to the Town
***Includes Middle and High School students
It is interesting to note that in 1850 Fletchers population peaked at just over 1,000 after gaining steadily from about 200 people in 1800; then declined steadily until 1960. Not until 2000 did the population again exceed 1,000. This trend matches the State as a whole. School enrollment follows the general population increase.
At first glance it appears real estate values have increased substantially more than inflation but also the number of houses has increased dramatically, as have the size and quality. This has probably contributed more to the increase in total value than inflation.
Education has increased far more than inflation but the inflation-adjusted numbers don't take into account the number of students doubling. I won't speculate here but I will venture to say that today children are receiving far more services than children 50 years ago. For example, in the 1952 annual school report, one of the major concerns was getting running water into all four schools. Major repairs that year included a new door and painting the roof.
The old reports are interesting reading. They are available at the Town Clerks office. Population and housing statistics were obtained from the UVM Center for Rural Studies.
|
1 |
Last day to register dogs |
Town Office |
|
1, 15 |
Select Board meeting |
7:00 p.m., Town Office |
|
3 |
Science Fair |
6:30 p.m., Fletcher Elementary School |
|
3, 10, 17, 24 |
Adult Volleyball |
7:00 p.m., Elementary School Gym |
|
3, 17 |
Fletcher Community Playgroup |
1:15-2:45 p.m., Elementary School Gym |
|
4 |
3rd Marking Period Ends |
Fletcher Elementary School |
|
5, 9 |
Recycling and trash drop-off |
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Town Garage |
|
5 |
Cambridge Coffeehouse "VT Men in Song" |
7:00-9:00 p.m., Dinners Dunn Dinner, Jeffersonville |
|
6, 13, 20, 27 |
Adult Basketball (Over 40) |
9:00 a.m., Elementary School Gym |
|
7, 14, 21, 28 |
Adult Basketball (All ages) |
7:00 p.m., Elementary School Gym |
|
11 |
Articles due for May newsletter |
|
|
11, 13 |
Cambridge Classic Chorale's Spring Concert |
Second Congregational Church, Jeffersonville |
|
12 |
Cambridge Book Group "Plague Dogs" |
3:00-5:00 p.m., Varnum Memorial Library, Jeffersonville |
|
15 |
Open Mikeless Night |
7:00-9:00 p.m., Dinners Dunn Dinner, Jeffersonville |
|
18 |
No school, in-service day |
Fletcher Elementary School |
|
21-25 |
No school, spring recess |
Fletcher Elementary School |
|
29 |
Book Fair begins |
Fletcher School Library/Media Center |
|
1, 15 |
Fletcher Community Playgroup |
1:15-2:45 p.m., Elementary School Gym |
|
3 |
Green Up Day |
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Town Garage |
|
3 |
BUMC Spring Sale |
9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Fletcher Union Meeting House (FUMH) |
|
3 |
Welcome Infants Gathering |
9:30-10:30 a.m., Elementary School Gym |
|
3 |
Waldo & Woodhead |
7:00 p.m., Cambridge Elementary School |
|
3, 17, 31 |
Recycling and trash drop-off |
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Town Garage |
|
4, 11, 18, 25 |
Adult Basketball (Over 40) |
9:00 a.m., Elementary School Gym |
|
5, 12, 18, 26 |
Adult Basketball (All ages) |
7:00 p.m., Elementary School Gym |
|
5, 19 |
Select Board meeting |
7:00 p.m., Town Office |
|
10 |
Cambridge Book Group "Heart and Blood" |
3:00-5:00 p.m., Varnum Memorial Library, Jeffersonville |
|
16 |
Articles due for June newsletter |
|
|
16 |
Firefly Production presents "Accidental Death of an Anarchists" |
7:00 p.m., Waterville Town Hall |
|
26 |
Memorial Day Holiday |
No school; Town Office closed |