Westminster Gazette 5/1/2018 9:37 AM Page 1

May 2018 WG_Westminster Gazette 5/1/2018 9:37 AM Page 1

WestminsterGazette Vol. 14, No. 5 May 2018 po box 147 westminster vt 05158 Our Community Newspaper @ www. westminstervt.org Kurn Hattin Staff Receive Awards Eight staff members were the recipients of awards at the Kurn Hattin Homes for Children All Staff Meeting held on April 25th. Five were recognized for the longevity of their service: Richard Johnson, Food Service Manager, 25 years; Kristie Lisai, English Teacher, 20 years; Kim Fine, Director of Development and Public Relations, 15 years; Sara Stine, Therapeutic Riding Instructor, 10 years and Tenielle Stone, Family Outreach Coordinator, 5 years. Three staff received “Above and Beyond Awards” for stepping up to take on responsibilities outside of their normal role: Carol Bazin, Assistant Director of Residential Services; Terry Andrews, Admissions and Outreach Administrative Assistant; and Kalie Beswick, School Administrative Assistant. Through these awards, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children expresses sincere appreciation for loyalty, diligence, and dedicated service during staff members’ tenure. We could not transform the lives of children and their families without our exemplary staff! A place of hope since 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children provides a safe home and quality education for boys and girls, ages 5-15, whose families are experiencing a time of personal or financial need. Kurn Hattin transforms the lives of children and their families forever. www.kurnhattin.org

Staff recipients of Service Awards at Kurn Hattin Homes included, from left, Tenielle Stone, Sara StineKristie Lisai, Kim Fine, and Richard Johnson. Local Theater Group Presents “The Real Inspector

Clockwise from above, Michael Conant, Jan Kobeski, and Jeff Squires rehearsing their roles as media critics; Jenny Plante as the inspector; and Jan Kobeski and Tara Sad rehearsing.

The Walpole Players company inaugurates its fourth decade with an early swinish behavior; overheard confidences; settled scores; returns from the dead; May production of Tom Stoppard's madcap, murder-mystery/farce-parody, "The torches carried; resentments aired; true love and the other kind; critics thinking Real Inspector Hound." (both out loud and to themselves) and general mayhem. Laughter abounds. Do The production boasts a nimble and lively cast of actors, and will be per - come and join the fun! formed each evening at 7:30 p.m. at the Walpole Town Hall's Helen Miller Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for those under 12 years old, and may be Theater on Friday and Saturday, May 4 and 5; and Friday and Saturday, May 11 purchased at Galloway Real Estate and Joanie Joan's Baked Goods in Walpole, and 12. NH and at Village Square Booksellers in Bellows Falls. The production, is pre - The play, set in isolated Muldoon Manor, in a swamp on the coast of Essex, sented under special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Anyone seeking addi - involves: several corpses; uncounted mistaken identities; jealousy; revenge; tional information can call 603-756-4207. Green Up Day May 5 Don't forget Green Up Day on Saturday, May 5. Green Up bags are available your own. The town will pick up any bags on Monday morning, as long as they at the Town Hall, the Westminster West Library, and at the Westminster Center are left beside a Green Up bag on the side of a town road. Please do not leave School on May 5, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. We'll have hot coffee from Vermont them on private roads. Coffee Co. Questions? Call Susan Harlow, Green Up Day coordinator, at 722-3373 for Please take just one Green Up bag, if you can, and use some trash bags of more information. Thank you for helping to make Westminster green! May 2018 WG_Westminster Gazette 5/1/2018 9:37 AM Page 2

page 2 Westminster Gazette May 2018 Send Submissions to [email protected] Five Area Hikes in May The Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association is sponsoring five free programs in May. Anyone interested in more information log onto www.windmillhillpinnacle.org. May 6, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to noon. Spring Wildflower Walk. Libby Mills and Sarah Waldo will lead this walk. Meet at Westminster West Church to carpool to the mystery site. For questions and required registration, contact [email protected] or 387-6036. May 6, Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Herricks Cove Activity. Rain or shine. Vanessa Stern and Rick Cowan will host a table at the Herricks Cove Wildlife Festival with maps, program information, and a nature-based craft project for children. Off Route 5 in Rockingham. May 12, Saturday, 9-10 a.m. Birding along the Connecticut River. Experienced birders Peter Bergstrom and Paul Wilson will lead a brief bird walk before the longer Saxtons River Valley Trails Initiative Hike that starts at 10. Meet at 9 at the bottom of the hill on Mill Street, whose entrance is next to the Flat Iron Exchange on The Square in Bellows Falls. Park in the lot off Mill Street, in the Hetty Green lot behind TD Bank, or in the Bridge Street lot across from the WOOL Building at 33 Bridge Street. For questions, contact Peter Bergstrom at 869-1020 or [email protected]. Cancelled if raining May 12, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saxtons River Valley Trails Initiative Hike. Rain or shine. Learn Want to Help Your Community Paper? more about the efforts of volunteers on the Saxtons River Valley Trails Initiative The Westminster Gazette operates on a to create a trail system between Bellow shoestring budget. Just a handful more of Falls and Saxtons River. This informa - community underwriters, donations or tive walk will follow existing and poten - advertisers would make a big difference. tial trails to connect the Riverfront Park in Bellows Falls to the Bald Hill Reserve Any individuals or businesses interested in in Westminster. Meet at the Flat Iron helping us out in any of these ways should Exchange. Park as mentioned above. contact the Westminster Gazette at: Walkers will have the option to walk [email protected] back to Bellows Falls along Forest Road Thank You! in North Westminster to Route 121. For more information and requested registra - tion, contact Vanessa Stern at 463-4948 or [email protected]. May 19, Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to noon. Hike to Champion White Ash. Tim Morton, Vermont State Forester, will lead this walk to the largest White Ash in Vermont and discuss factors that con - tribute to its success while identifying other trees on the way. Meet at Westminster West Church to carpool. For questions and required registration, contact Elaine Gordon at [email protected] or 869-6103. Rain date: Sunday May 20.

ADVERTISE IN THE GAZETTE! Annual Rates: Pages 2-3 approx. 2.5”x3” $275 a year $30 for one month K. BEEBE, INC Pages 4-7 CABLE TOOL WELL DRILLING approx. 3.5”x4” PUMP SERVICE $525 a year Plumbing and Heating $80 for one month Established 1946 FULLY INSURED * ESTIMATES GIVEN Page 8 CALL 463-3725 approx. 1.5”x2.5” 51 SAXTONS RIVER ROAD* BELLOWS FALLS $175 a year No one time ads

Underwriting Support is a donation of at least $300 annually and does not include advertising. Underwriters are listed in the box on page 6 each month.

On-line at: www. westminstervt.org May 2018 WG_Westminster Gazette 5/1/2018 9:37 AM Page 3

May 2018 Westminster Gazette page 3 Westminster Cares Celebrates Volunteers

Westminster Cares recognizes National Volunteer Month by celebrating the great group of people they get to call their volunteers. What’s Up At Town Hall? - Board & Commission Openings OPENINGS ON TOWN BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: The Town of will also install the new energy efficient front doors and window panels pur- Westminster has immediate openings on many boards and commissions and chased two years ago. This phase will be done as to not close the building for they are as follows: everyday business. The ramp and lift will be installed first so that access is not The Planning Commission (PC) has three openings on its Commission. The hindered and then the front doors will be installed with new concrete stairs. PC meets once a month and their main duty is to maintain the Town Plan, PUBLIC HEARING: There will be a public hearing to discuss the prob- Zoning Bylaws, Village Designations, Act 250 reviews, and Public Service lems of “Animal Control” in Westminster. The Selectboard will be hosting this Board reviews. This Commission is vital in the future planning of our Town and to get input from taxpayers as to how to manage the animal complaints, vacci- its compliance to the constant changes to the environment that we live in. nations, and dog registrations that are being abused at a regular rate. Most of the The Activities Commission has immediate openings for energetic individu- problems are from dogs and dog bites. The Town handles approximately 1 bite als that want to create and administer to activities within our community. This per month and most all could be avoided if a stricter leash law and ordinance is a great way to meet people and get involved in our Town. was in place. With help from a local dog handler and law enforcement, the The Conservation Committee has immediate openings for people interested Board has updated its “Ordinance” and would like to hear from you about the in the Town’s Trail System, Town Forests, and even Energy Conservation changes. The Hearing will be on May 23rd at 6:00 PM at the Town Hall. Please enhancements. take time from your busy schedule to help with this issue. Copies of the new Development Review Board (DRB) has an opening on its Board. The DRB Ordinance can be found on the Town’s website or by coming to the Town Hall. hears and decides on applications for development/land use in our community. CONGRATULATIONS: Congratulation to Amy Rounds of Westminster They meet once a month and are a very important part of keeping our Town for becoming the 2018 Vermont Mother-of-the-Year. Amy was nominated by the healthy & vibrant as it pertains to development. Bell Ringers Group for her dedication to family, her home, and her community. GREEN-UP: Mud season to Green-up means spring is here. Green up this A reception was held for Amy at the United Church of Bellows Falls on April year is on May 5th which is a Saturday and bags can be picked up at the Town 7th. Hall. The Road Crew will pick up the full bags on Monday the 7th if they are After Hour Appointments: Please feel free, if you have the need to make an left visible from a Town Road. If you have the need for additional bags for road- appointment for either the Town Manager, Zoning Administer, or the Town way trash (not household trash) then feel free to use the black ones to meet the Clerk after or before normal business hours. Both Alison Bigwood and Russell need. I will thank you in advance for your help to keep Westminster beautiful. Hodgkins are willing to make these arrangements with you if needed. Please TOWN HALL RENOVATIONS: The back door and steps are completed at feel free to call us and we will set up your meeting. the Town Hall and now the second phase has been advertised for bidding. The As always, please feel free to call the Town Manager’s Office regarding con- second phase will address the need for a new ADA entrance with a Man-Lift. It cerns, issues or comments.

News from Westminster Cares The Westminster Cares, Inc. Board of Directors met April 4th at the Nursing Program – During March, the Community Nurse made seven Westminster Institute with President Pete Harrison presiding. The following client home visits and two phone check-ins to five different seniors. Senior board members attended: Reggie Borden, Lori Larue, Doug Oftedahl, Don Lunch was cancelled due to a snowstorm. Dawson, Robin Lawrence, Heidi Anderson, Sally Ryea and Director Donna Meetings Attended by Staff in March – Met with the Executive Board, Dawson. Miriam Lanata was unable to attend. Institute board president, treasurer, board president, Garden Tour Comm.; Westminster Cares creates opportunities for seniors and disabled adults 30th Comm.; Policies Comm. and full board. to live with independence and dignity in the community. Your support to this Programs in March– one Secrets of Healthy Aging session, four Gentle care-giving organization is a way for all of us to take care of our friends. Yoga class, 24 Strength Training classes, four Artist in Each of Us classes; Anyone interested in learning more about Westminster Cares, volunteering four Chair Yoga classes and four Tai Chi classes; four beginner and four to deliver meals on wheels or driving neighbors to doctor appointments, intermediate. working on a committee, making a contribution or attending a workshop Assistance and Referrals in March: Assisted clients with accessing sup - may contact Donna Dawson at 722-3607 or by e-mail at [email protected]. port from SEVCA, transportation and equipment requests; and referred fam - Check us out on the web@ www.westminstercares.org and like us on Face ilies to caregivers. book.Programs & Services Provided in March: Friendly Visiting – Volunteers made two friendly visits in March. Meals-on-Wheels: In March, the Women’s Fellowship of the FCCW cre - Medical Equipment – In March we loaned out seven pieces of equipment; ated and donated St. Patties Day and Easter “treat bags” for the Meals recip - one piece of equipment was offered to us; and we made available a walker ients. WC volunteers delivered meals five days a week to 13 different peo - and wheelchair for town elections. ple. In addition, two frozen entrees were delivered each Friday to seven peo - Westminster Cares welcomes donations throughout the year from anyone ple for weekend meals (14 total weekend meals). wishing to remember or honor a loved one or friend. Transportation – During the month of March, 15 rides were provided by Memorial and Honorary Donations for APRIL 2018: five volunteers who drove seniors to/from the dentist, medical appointments, In memory of Gary Caggiano from Bill Smidutz the vet, Town Hall, grocery shopping and our Healthy Aging Group. May 2018 WG_Westminster Gazette 5/1/2018 9:37 AM Page 4

page 4 Westminster Gazette May 2018 Send Submissions to [email protected] News from Westminster Volunteer Fire and Rescue The Westminster Fire and Rescue Department holds their monthly meetings The wardens are: Warden Cole Streeter 722-3178, Deputy Warden Mark at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month and a combined drill on the third Lund 463-9355and Deputy Warden Pat Haas 387-5778. Tuesday of every month. Rescue training is the second Tuesday of the month. S c h o l a r s h i p F u n d : T h e m e m b e r s o f t h e a s s o c i a t i o n d e c i d e d t h e y w o u l d The Prudential Committee normally meets twice a month. A warning will be like to repeat last year’s idea of setting up a scholarship fund to be given to a posted 48 hours prior to each meeting. Westminster resident who graduates from the Bellows Falls Union High Number of calls in March: 22 School. The amount of the scholarship is $500. To qualify, the student must be Number of calls through April 25th: 20 pursuing a career in some area of emergency work. Check with any member of Number of calls calendar year to Date: 89 the department for particulars. Number of calls fiscal year to date: 286 The Westminster Fire & Rescue Association welcomes donations through- Association Meeting: The Westminster Fire and Rescue Association met out the year from anyone wishing to remember a loved one or a friend. for their regular meeting April 3rd with President Greg Holton presiding. There Donations Received in April: were 23 members present and 8 members excused. Currently there are 37 mem- In memory of Jim Holton from Jim and Colleen Grout bers of the volunteer fire department. n memory of Gary Caggiano from Bruce and Lee MacDuffie POWER EQUIPMENT: A tip for those who still mow their own lawns, do We are always looking for new members: Anyone interested in volunteering their own rototilling, leaf blowing, cut their own wood or use other motorized their time to help the community in a time of need, please contact Chief Cole power tools. After use, let the engines and mufflers cool down for awhile before Streeter at 722-3178 or stop by the Firehouse any Sunday morning and pick up parking them, especially in a wooden structure. Buildings have been known to an application. catch fire when tools are put away before having time to cool off. We would like to have additional volunteers from the Westminster West area. Burn Permits: We can’t stress enough the importance of getting a burn per- There is a Fire House, an engine and a rescue vehicle located in Westminster mit and using common sense when doing an outside burn. You must speak with West and more help is always welcome to utilize that equipment during calls. one of the wardens before a permit will be issued. Leaving a message on a As always, we would like to thank the members of the community for its con- machine does not count. You need to speak with one of the wardens, all are 802 tinued support of the fire department. area code. Keep in mind that there may be times when permits are not given out Check us out on our Web site www.westminsterfireandrescue.org. due to sudden changes in the dryness and wind conditions. Always be aware of The Westminster Fire and Rescue Association, Inc. operates independently open dry areas and windy conditions before considering a burn. from Westminster Fire District #3.

Rockingham Meeting House Seeks Summer Volunteers As the Rockingham Meeting House prepares to open for the 2018 season, the to the public daily from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. The role of the town is looking for one or more persons willing to work as docents at this docents is to guide visitors and offer additional information about the architec - National Historic Landmark. ture and history of the building. The meetinghouse, constructed between 1787 and 1801, is the oldest public Those applying must be available to work one or two days per week, includ - building in Vermont that still exists in a condition close to its original state. It ing Saturdays, throughout the season. An interest in local history and the ability served as both a place of worship and the town hall until 1869, and was then to interact with visitors are required. Training will be offered. Those interested abandoned for several decades before its restoration in 1906. should contact Gary Fox, Rockingham Development Director, at 802-376-5425 The meetinghouse today is owned by the Town of Rockingham and is open or [email protected].

Wildlife In My Yard by Alma Beals, Vermont Master Gardener and Naturalist In the past 20 years that I have lived here, I have seen a moose, a bobcat, several raccoons, skunks and bears, a coyote and a weasel. I respect wild animals but am not afraid of them. When I had the visit by a moose, my dog Maddie was in her pen in the front yard near the moose. I was weeding in my flower garden near the road with my cat beside me. All of a sudden, Maddie started barking frantically and jumping up and down in her pen. I started running toward the house wondering what was out there. The cat was trailing along behind me when she spotted the moose. Every hair stood on end the way you see in cartoons and she was gone! I rounded the corner of the house and there was a young moose standing on the front lawn. We just to let the dog out to chase away whatever is out there or whether to keep calmly looked at each other. While I watched, she slowly ambled off up the the dog inside. road. What a thrill that was. I let Roscoe out and hoped for the best. He immediately treed something When the bobcat visited, it was early afternoon in mid-December. in the maple a few feet in front of me. I suspected a bear but I couldn’t see During the summer, bobcats are nocturnal but during the winter, they are what it was because he was behind the tree and it was dark. I went outside diurnal (active during the day). I was standing just inside my sliding glass and moved the car around so that the headlights showed it was a little bear door and he didn’t see me. He was slowly walking toward me using the halfway up the tree. path I had shoveled for the cat. When he reached about 20 feet in front of When Roscoe stopped barking long enough to take a breath, I could hear me, he slowly crossed the driveway giving me a good look at his side. He the bear huffing which is a sign of anxiety, not aggression. Eventually I got had bobcat legs and feet so I knew immediately that he was a bobcat and Roscoe inside so the bear could come down. His claw marks are still on the not a Canada lynx which is endangered in Vermont. Lynx feet are like tree so that I think of him every time I cross by that tree. snowshoes and are at least twice the size of bobcat feet. Even though we Skunks often visit during the night digging for grubs in my lawn. But I know that bobcats are around, we rarely see them walking slowly through haven’t seen them during the day until a couple years ago when one our yards. At the time of his visit, I was between dogs which I’m sure made stopped during the daytime. I wondered if this skunk was a female with a difference. babies because she was attracted to the suet feeders that I had out for the I have had several visits by bears over the years. They usually have birds. A skunk out during the day and acting with aggression usually means stopped in the early evening destroying my bird feeders. The first time was a rabid skunk. This skunk appeared healthy, was not aggressive and didn’t a large bear. I heard the feeder hit the ground and as I looked out the door, pay any attention to my cat or me. After a few daily visits and not seeing it he stood up with his paw in the air going after another feeder. anymore, I suspected it might have been run over. The second time was the most exciting. This was a small bear, my guess I have never seen a woodchuck or deer in my yard but I’m sure my next a last year’s cub. Again it was early evening. My dog Roscoe and I were door neighbor would be glad to send over a woodchuck or two. If it’s not a inside the house when Roscoe went bananas. It’s always a fine line whether woodchuck, I wonder what the next exciting creature will be. May 2018 WG_Westminster Gazette 5/1/2018 9:37 AM Page 5

May 2018 Westminster Gazette page 5 WESTMINSTER MYSTERY PHOTO

A Clean Plate

What is the above infamous event, and where were these pictures of it taken? by Joyce Sullivan We had several correct responses to last month’s photo Nutritionists at Tufts University teamed up with the AARP Foundation to cre- of the old railroad caboose that had been located on ate “My Plate” which provides eating guidelines for older adults. Think of this as Horn Corner where you turn off Morse Brook Road a new food pyramid that addresses the nutritional needs for people as they age. headed to the Town Garage. Responses were received The number of calories needed decreases as age increases, so it’s important to eat from Wanda West, Phyllis Anderson, Ruth Grandy, who less food to maintain a stable weight and to fight heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, obesity, and other health conditions. remembered the caboose being used as a grill by Steve Imagine a dinner plate divided in half. One half of that plate should include Sargent, while James Haas remembers it as a snow fruits, vegetables, healthy oils, and herbs. The remaining half is divided into two cone stand. Thanks to all! quarters: whole grains (including bread, pasta, and rice) and protein (lean meats Photos courtesy the Westminster Historical Society. and dairy products). The idea is to select the most nutrient dense foods since the James Holton Memorial Service body needs less food overall. Selecting the most nutrient rich fruits, vegetables, The Holton Family would like to invite the community to a Memorial Service and oils is emphasized. These foods can be fresh, frozen, or canned (low sodium for James C. Holton at the Westminster Congregational Church on Saturday, or fruit in its own juices is preferred). June 2 at 11 a.m. Deeply colored vegetables and fruits have more nutritional value than iceberg A luncheon will follow at the Westminster Fire House, on Grout Avenue. lettuce, apples, and pears for example. The darker the flesh, the higher the nutrient content. Vegetable oils as well as nut and safflower oil are preferred as well as soft margarine. Herbs are mentioned as a good alternative to salt. 17th Annual Garden Tour Whole grains should be listed first for ingredients when making bread, pasta The 17TH Annual Westminster Garden Tour will be held the weekend of June and rice selections. These whole grains include brown rice, barley, oats, corn- 30th and July 1st from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. meal, and popcorn. Stay away from refined grains whenever possible. It will feature the gardens of Gordon and Mary Hayward; Julie Moir Protein choices include nuts, fish, lean meats, skinless poultry, and eggs (in Messervy; Lonnie and Obe Lisai; and art-in-garden from Joshua Gold. moderation). Avoid marbleized meats. Dairy products should be low-fat (1%) or There will also be a “rain garden” walking tour with Cyndy Fine of Genius fat free. Other sources of protein include soy products (tofu), beans, and nut but- Loci and talks on “New Landscaping Ideas that Work” by Julie Moir Messervy ters. Drinking plenty of fluids is a good healthy choice. Adding lemon, orange, For more information and to purchase tickets after May 15, please visit lime or berries to water can make this selection more appetizing. Adding a small www.westminstercares.org. bowl of soup to lunch or supper is suggested as a way to increase fluid intake , fruits, and vegetables. along with coffee, tea Smartphone Workshops for Seniors The original source for this article is “A Clean Plate” by Melissa Erickson Westminster Cares will be hosting two free Smartphone Workshops for from the Rutland Herald. The Tufts University report can be accessed via Seniors on Thursday, May 17th and 24th, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the North Room hnrca.tufts,edu/my plate. The report is very reader friendly. It includes visuals, of the Westminster Institute. specific suggestions for food choices, and links to information on recent health The sessions will focus on educating older adults on basic mobile phone skills trends. such as connecting to Wi-Fi; taking phone calls and pictures; checking your voicemail; sending and receiving texts and using email. These free, hands-on workshops are for anyone 60 and older who needs to improve or update their smartphone skills. Community Fair Seeks Auction Donations The workshops will be facilitated by board members Lori Larue and Don Doing some spring cleaning? Finally trying to find a good home for those Dawson, who both have extensive experience in the technical, online and social treasures in your attic? Please consider donating them for the silent auction or media fields. All participants must own a smartphone (iphone, android or golden elephant sale fundraisers that are part of the Westminster West Samsung phone). Flip phones will not be covered in these sessions. Community Fair in the fall! Participants are encouraged to bring questions and can attend one or both ses - This year the Westminster West Community Fair is on Saturday September sions. Seating is limited so please call the office to reserve a seat at 722-3607. 8th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the village of Westminster West. Events include: a 5Kfun run, parade, chicken barbeque, music on the lawn, the veggie chop-o- Town Forest Logging Project Walk matic, face painting, a silent auction, the talent show, the awesome Golden ele - The Westminster Conservation Commission has arranged for an informative phant sale and more! Westminster Town Forest logging project walk with managing forester Tim It’s fun for the whole family and the biggest fundraiser of the year for the lit - Morton. The walk is on Thursday July 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. tle village church in Westminster West – a wonderful resource that serves our The pace of the walk will be suited to the participants. All are welcome. whole community. The meeting place is from the Westminster West side of East Putney Brook So, as you clean out your attic, basement, or garage please keep the fair in Road (off South Valley Road). There is a parking area (the entrance to a road mind. Set aside treasures to donate for both the silent auction and the tag sale. If called Chaffee Valley), on the left about 200 yards before the entrance to the you have books, you can donate them to the Westminster West Library which has unmaintained section of East Putney Brook Rd. This is the closest access to the a book sale on the same day. area that was logged. If you want to make a donation, get involved or have other questions call Please bring water bottles, comfortable hiking shoes, insect/tick repellent and Betsy or Laura Williams at 387-2765. hats as desired. Come join in the fun! For more information, call Rachael Shaw at 869-3184. May 2018 WG_Westminster Gazette 5/1/2018 9:37 AM Page 6

page 6 Westminster Gazette May 2018 Send Submissions to [email protected] Westminster Happenings Activities Faith Community Scottish Country Dance Classes Chair Yoga The First Congregational Church of Walpole Bible Church Every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Every Friday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Westminster The Grace Bible Fellowship holds its Westminster Center School Gym. All skill First Congregational Church in Rev. Sami Jones McRae, Pastor. 3470 Sunday Worship Service at 9:15 a.m. at 38 levels welcome. Contact Michael Daley for Westminster. Call Westminster Cares at Route 5, Westminster, 722-4148. Elm Street in Walpole, NH. more information at 387-2601. No charge. 722-3607 for more information. The church is handicapped accessible. More www.walpolebiblechurch.org . Sunday School is available; call to register Walpole Unitarian Church Putney Contra Dance Living Strong Classes your children. We are an Open and Services are at 10 a.m. Children's Last Saturday of every month at Pierce Hall Mondays and Thursdays: at the First Affirming church; all welcome. Religious Education begins at 10 a.m. with on East Putney Falls Road, off Rt. 5 in East Congregational Church in Westminster from Tuesday, May 1, 11:00 AM – Women’s the adults and moves to Hastings House at Fellowship meets at the Church; Bring a Putney. A beginner’s workshop is taught at 8 9-10 a.m.; at the Westminster West Church 10:15. Refreshments and conversation are sandwich and our hostess will serve drink p.m., and the regular dance goes from 8:30 from 6-7 p.m.; or at Greater Rock Fitness in held after the service with the children to 11. A donation at the door will benefit the Bellows Falls from 11-12. Call Westminster and desserts. For our mystery auction, bring included. www.walpoleunitarian.org . Pierce’s Hall Building Fund. For more Cares for more information at 722-3607. a wrapped gift that we will auction off. information call 387-5985. Wednesday, May 2, Noon to 2 pm. Souper Meetings Knitting Together Wednesday end of season Potluck. Grilled Selectboard 2nd and 4th Wednesdays Hotdogs will be served. Bring a dish to Senior Potluck Lunch Join us every Wednesday, from 1 to 3 p.m. at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall. Every 2nd Thursday of the month at noon. All at the Village Square Booksellers, down - share. Westminster seniors are invited to attend a town Bellows Falls. Bring your knitting Sunday, May 6, 10 am, Worship, Communion, Special Music and Church Planning Commission 2nd Monday at potluck lunch at the First Congregational needles, we have the yarn and casual Green-up day. Come, wear your work 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall. Church on Route 5 . instruction if needed to knit hats, mittens clothes and help us make our church and and sweaters for area kids. grounds ready for summer. meets Bellows Falls Gallery Walk All our yarn is from community donation Conservation Commission Sunday, May 13, 10 am – Worship every 4th Thursday at Town Hall at 7:15 Downtown at 5:30 p.m. every 3rd Friday of and we distribute our completed work to all Saturday, May 19, 9 am to 2 pm. Annual the month. area schools and Parks Place. More knitters Plant Sale, with white elephant, baked at all skill levels are wanted and we can goods, and cookout Westminster Activities Commission Secrets of Healthy Aging promise you an enjoyable experience. For Sunday, May 20, 10 am, Worship 2nd Monday of the Month at 6 p.m. at the A facilitated discussion group and pot-luck. details or to donate yarn contact Caroline at Sunday, May 27, 10 am, Worship Westminster Institute. The 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 463-4653. the Westminster Fire Station from 11:30 The Congregational Church of Westminster School Board a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Call Westminster Cares at Westminster West Public Library Westminster West 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the 722-3607 for more information. Trustees The Congregational Church of Westminster Center School Library. The Westminster West Public Library Westminster West worships every Sunday at Contra Dance Trustees meet on the first Wednesday of the 10 a.m. The pick-up choir meets most Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association Every 3rd Saturday of the month at 7:30 month at 7 p.m. at the library. They wel - Sundays at 9 to rehearse. 3rd Thursday at 7 p.m. at the p.m. at the Town Hall in Walpole, N.H. come visits from the public\. Contact Lisa Holy Communion is celebrated on the Westminster West Congregational Cavanaugh at 387-4682. first Sunday of every month, and on the Church. Gentle Yoga Second Sunday the church collects a special Every Monday at 10 a.m. at the Westminster offering that goes to Our Place in Bellows Westminster West Public Library Institute. Call Westminster Cares at Falls to help fund their food shelf. Board 1st Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the 722-3607 for more information. The church building is wheelchair Westminster West Public Library. accessible, and the congregation is Open Senior Walking Group and Affirming. Rev. Susie Webster-Toleno Development Review Board 1st Tuesdays at 9 a.m. Meet at the Park & Ride is the pastor. Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at on Westminster Heights Rd. Call the Rev. Webster-Toleno currently holds the Town Hall. Westminster Cares office for more informa - office hours on Monday and Thursday after - tion; 722-3607. noons, and people are welcome to drop by. Community Improvement Program She can be reached at 387-2334, via cell Committee meets the 2nd Tuesday of phone at 579-8356 or e-mail each month at 6 p.m. THE GAZETTE [email protected]. Westminster Cares Board - No GRATEFULLY Summer Meetings 1st Wednesday of ACKNOWLEDGES every month, at the Westminster Institute THE SUPPORT at 4:30 p.m. OF ITS UNDERWRITERS: For more information about Rotary, 911 Committee as needed. Kurn Hattin Homes contact Alma Beals at Westminster School District [email protected] or 722-3355 The Westminster Fire and Rescue Town of Westminster Dept. holds their monthly meetings on the 1st Tuesday of every month, at 7 Westminster Activities Commission p.m. and a combined drill on the 3rd Sojourns Community Health Clinic Tuesday of every month at the Westminster Cares Westminster Fire Station. Westminster Fire and Rescue Westminster Historical Society 2nd Association Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Westminster Burtco Inc. Institute. The Dascomb Trust K Beebe Inc. Westminster Gazette Meeting Monday, May 29 at 5 p.m. at the Westminster Institute

Westminster Institute Board will meet on Tuesday, at 7 p.m. in the Institute.

WESTMINSTER GAZETTE

Editor: Robert Smith The Deadline for the June Issue of the Board of Directors: Westminster Gazette is Charmion Handy - Wednesday, May 30 Chairwoman Donna Dawson Publication Date is Alma Beals Tuesday, June 5 Joyce Sullivan To Contact the Printed by Turley Publications Westminster Gazette of Palmer, MA E-mail: Pictures and Articles westminsternews Provided by the Community @gmail.com [email protected] May 2018 WG_Westminster Gazette 5/1/2018 9:37 AM Page 7

May 2018 Westminster Gazette page 7 Westminster Conservation Commission Receives Grant The Westminster Conservation Commission is pleased to report that we to protect significant forested uplands). We will also survey the habitat and recently applied for and received a 2018 Vermont Watershed Grant in the wildlife characteristics of these areas to help guide our recommendations for Planning, Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring category. The title of the grant their protection. All of this work will be done with the help of professional envi - is “ Identifying Vulnerable Wetlands and Upland Forests of Westminster for ronmental consultants. Flood Resiliency.” The project location is the town of Westminster. The amount This project will not cost the town anything. The funds for this grant pro - of the grant is $3500. Thinking about our town relative to the waterways, gram (the Vermont Watershed Grant program) come from the environmental Westminster’s land sheds water into several rivers and brooks including the license plate program, and are administered by the Department of Fish and Connecticut and Saxtons Rivers, and the Barnes, East Putney, Morse and Wildlife. Sackett’s Brooks, as well as many smaller streams and tributaries. Westminster Conservation Commission members will be volunteering their The grant’s intention is to identify key wetland and upland forest areas that time to work on fulfilling the grant’s requirements. This grant will not create need protection in order to maintain and improve flood resiliency and strength - any policy, but may be able to recommend policies to assist with the town’s en our flood resiliency plan. This inventory and assessment will take place this ongoing (and state mandated) efforts to plan for and build flood resilience. summer and early fall. Another component is to document landowner/commu - If you are interested in learning more, or participating, please feel free to nity interests and priorities by holding listening/feedback sessions, which will attend a Westminster Conservation Commission meeting. They are held every occur later in the fall. Both will help guide policy and strategy recommenda - fourth Thursday of the month at the Westminster Town Hall at 7:15 p.m. tions (for example flow devices at beaver conflict points, developing guidelines Goat Cheese Farm Open House & Tour

AlpineGlo Farm in North Westminster will be hosting our 5th annual open house on Saturday, May 12 from 11 to 2 p.m., rain or shine. Join us in celebrat - ing all of our farm mothers this Mother’s Day weekend. AlpineGloFarm produces goat cheeses which are handcrafted in small batch - es and produced on site with our own goats milk. Eight varieties of cheese will be available for sampling as well as for purchase, as well as our goats milk caramel sauce. Bring the family and stay the afternoon for this free event. Tour the farm and have a chance to play with this year’s baby alpine dairy goats, visit the mama goats, check out the baby chicks, pet Tanker and Sass (the mini ponies) and more. Feel free to browse around the property or have a guided tour of the farm, par - lor, and cheese making facility. This is a great opportunity to get up close and personal with the goats, visit the farmer, and ask us questions about our animals , our farming practices, and our products. Can’t make it, but have a craving for goat cheese? Our farm store sales shack is open daily during daylight hours from April through November. Products can also be purchased at the Ludlow Farmers Market on Friday evenings, and the West River Farmers Market in Londonderry on Saturdays throughout the sum - mer, as well as at specialty events. AlpineGlo Farm is a small family-owned business conveniently located between Bellows Falls and Saxtons River just off of Route 121. Our mission is to produce high quality goats milk products from happy, contented and well cared for animals. For more information please visit www.alpineglofarm.com, find AlpineGlo Farm on Facebook, or give us a call 463-2018. Annual Outdoor Sale at Church The First Congregational Church of Westminster Women’s Fellowship will host its Annual Outdoor Sale on Saturday, May 19. Besides our usual plants (annuals—vegetables and flowers, perennials, bushes, houseplants) we will have baked goods for sale, a cookout and a white elephant sale. We are looking for items for our white elephant sale (no clothes, please). Bring the items to the church by Thursday, May 17.

Green Up Day in Rockingham Green Up Day is coming to Rockingham on Saturday, May 5. Bags are avail - able at the Town Clerk’s Office, J&H Hardware store and the Saxtons River Market, and at Herricks Cove on Sunday, May 6 at the 2018 Wildlife Festival. May 2018 WG_Westminster Gazette 5/1/2018 9:37 AM Page 8

page 8 Westminster Gazette May 2018 Send Submissions to [email protected] May Business of the Month: Harlow’s Farmstand It's Our 27th Year! Harlow Farmstand opens the first of May — it's our 27th year of serving our local and not-so- local customers. Stop by and say hello to Dan Harlow (above) and his staff, Sue Davis and Ethan Streeter L.L.C. Illingworth. Tell us about your Licensed Electrician garden plans for 2018-- we can PO Box 206, Westminster, VT 05158 help! (Building, Remodeling and Repairs) We have a wide selection of bedding plants and beautiful Cole Streeter Box 103 (802)722-3178 Westminster, VT 05158 hanging baskets to celebrate your Mom on Mother’s Day. We have fresh greens and spinach from our high-tunnel house behind the farmstand. Our own field-grown asparagus, lettuce, kale, collards, and other early produce are coming soon. We sell our own beef and eggs along with locally sourced pork at the farmstand. We will start to offer fresh chickens in June. At Harlow Farmstand you can find organic and convention - al dairy products–milk, butter, and more, along with local 802-376-7313 cheeses from Vermont Shepherd, Grafton Village Cheese, and AlpineGlo Farm. We have Harlow Farm-made salsa, jams, pickles, chutney and condi - ments, and our own frozen veg - etables. We offer many snacks, drinks, and specialty products, S.B. and Company Auctioneers, Antique s too. We are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Michael Lenox is running Café Loco for the sixteenth year, with delicious breakfast and lunch, and bakery goods available, as always. Stop by and ask him about his winter in Florida and the great new items he’s offering. Café Loco is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, except 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Buying entire estates or single items. You’ll find more on our website, harlowfarm.com, and please like us on Probate appraisals Facebook. Or call us at 722-3515. 46 Canal St. Bellows Falls Vt 802-460-1190 Picture

Vernon and Doreen Kelton Your Ad PO Box 94, Westminster Station,VT 05159 (802) 722-4722 Check us out on our website: Here www.westminsterauto.com

Tim E. Lillis - Builder Comprehensive Carpentry Services for both small and large jobs New Construction - Renovations - Tile - Restorations - Structural Repair - Kitchens - Baths - Outbuildings - Decks Westminster, VT (802) 376-5709 [email protected]

Our Monthly Community Newspaper May 2018 Vol. 14, No. 5

Pre-Sorted Standard U.S. Postage Westminster Gazette PAID Town of Westminster Westminster, VT PO Box 147 PERMIT NO. 3 Westminster, VT 05158 DELIVER TO ADDRESSEE OR CURRENT RESIDENT