Town Of Norwich Pledges $5000 To Conserve Sample’s Woods And Rosemary Rieser Trail

The Selectboard pledged $5000 towards the acquisition of a Conservation Easement on the Rieser Property on Hobson Road in Norwich.  The vote took place at the April 8 Selectboard meeting, following a brief presentation by David Hubbard of the Norwich Conservation Commission.

The 11-acre site includes the historic Sample’s Jump, a ski jump site listed in New England Lost Ski Areas Project.  The trail will be named for Rosemary Rieser, an avid walker and devoted member of the Norwich community for more than 50 years.
The Upper Valley Land Trust and the Upper Valley Trails Alliance are leading the effort to raise the $50,000 needed to purchase the easement, with fundraising expected to be completed by the end of April.  This price is less than the fair market value of the land.  The money pledged by the Town of Norwich comes from the Town’s Conservation Trust Fund, which is funded by donations not taxes. 

For more information, see the brochure at the web site of the Upper Valley Land Trust at http://www.uvlt.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/SamplesWoods_RieserTrail21.pdf or make a secure online contribution at: www.UVLT.org.

Weekly Roundup - Norwich News, for week ending April 20, 2013

Two From Norwich Named To Mascoma Bank Board

Mascoma Savings Bank recently named four new members to its Board of Directors, two are residents of Norwich, according to a display ad in the Valley News on April 18. The two are Deidre Goodrich, a CPA at Nathan Wechsler & Co, and Catherine Richmond, a lawyer at Stebbins Bradley.

ECFiber Gets Grant; VTel May Lose One

ECFiber is the recipient of a Vermont grant of almost $170,000 to expand its broadband internet network by about 6.5 miles in Norwich and Thetford, VT. The grant is the first for ECFiber which has raised $3 million through grassroots funding. Meanwhile, VT Digger Reports that VTel is in danger of losing its $5 million grant from  the Vermont Telecommunications Authority.  
Telecom Authority Grants To Help Broadband Expansion
By Steve Zind, VPR News
April 19, 2013
In the state’s effort to provide broadband access to all Vermonters by years’ end the focus is on some of the most difficult to reach areas.
Many of them involve just a handful of addresses.
One recent state grant designed to bring service to a small part of Orange County also represents a milestone in the history of ECFiber.
The non-profit municipally owned provider has relied almost exclusively on small local investors to build its network.
The Vermont Telecommunications Authority grant for $167,000 is intended to provide broadband service to 17 addresses in  Norwich and Thetford.
For ECFiber, which is working to run fiber optic lines to some of the state’s most isolated areas, the grant is significant.  After 5 years of disappointment it’s their first successful broadband grant application.
Without grants or ready access to large sources of capital, ECFiber has created a grassroots funding model fueled by small investments from residents of the nearly two dozen communities it hopes to serve.
Once it raises enough money in a town, it expands service to that community.
So far it’s raised $3 million. Chairman Irv Thomae says he hopes the grant money will help boost ECFiber’s effort to raise money from local investors, particularly in the towns the grant will serve.
Read the rest of the story.
$5 million cell phone expansion grant to VTel under question
by Nat Rudarakanchana, VT Digger
April 12, 2013
A $5 million grant Gov. Peter Shumlin touted last December that would bring cell phone service to severely underserved parts of southern Vermont appears to be in trouble and may end up being yanked.
The grant’s status was thrown into uncertainty after a subgroup of the state’s Vermont Telecommunications Authority (VTA) failed to reach an agreement with Springfield based VTel on a final contract on Thursday.  Read the rest of the story.

No Norwich Pool This Summer

As reported last week here, the Norwich Pool will in likelihood not open this summer.  The Valley News followed our lead with a detailed story on April 17, Norwich Likely Without Pool Again.

Police Have Infant Car Seats To Lend

from the listserv on April 17
Over the past several months I have seen several requests on the List Serve asking to borrow a car seat for a visiting relative or friend. The Norwich Police Department now has two Infant Car Seats that we will/can loan out if you have visiting friends or relatives in need of the car seats.

Teen Is Second At Squash Nationals

Margaret Werner of Norwich, VT placed second in an Under-15 national tournament for squash.

Norwich’s Werner Second at U.S. Squash TourneyStaff Reports, Valley News
April 18, 2013
Norwich’s Margeret Werner came home with runner-up hardware on Sunday, working her way to the finals of the girls under-15 division at the U.S. Squash Association’s Junior Silver Squash Championships at the Squash Club at Episcopal Academy.
Read the rest of the story.

Funeral Planners To Meet At Norwich CC

The Funeral Consumers Alliance of Vermont will hold its Annual Meeting on Saturday, May 4th at the Norwich Congregational Church.  Author Gail Rubin will deliver the keynote address, "Laughing in the Face of Death: Funny Films to Start Serious Funeral Planning Conversations".   The FCA-VT is a volunteer-run, nonprofit association of “consumers from all walks of life who want a dignified alternative to the elaborate and increasingly expensive funeral services promoted by the funeral industry.” The May 4 Norwich meeting is free and open to the public. Read the rest of the story at Montpelier's community paper The Bridge.  The FCA-VT’s website is http://vermontfca.org/

LINKS:
http://digital.vpr.net/post/telecom-authority-grants-help-broadband-expansion
http://vtdigger.org/2013/04/12/5-million-cell-phone-expansion-grant-to-vtel-under-question/
http://www.vnews.com/home/5706392-95/norwich-likely-without-pool-again
http://www.vnews.com/sports/5747624-95/norwichs-werner-second-at-us-squash-tourney
http://www.montpelierbridge.com/2013/04/heard-on-the-street-4-18-13/
http://vermontfca.org/


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The Norwich Observer. Aggregating news and information about Norwich, Vermont with occasional commentary ... . 

Weekly Roundup - Norwich News, for week ending April 13, 2013

Norwich Pool Will Not Open This Summer

"It is unlikely that the [Norwich Pool] will be open this summer", said Town Manager Fulton in his written report to the Selectboard issued earlier this month. Since the public forum in late August 2012, the Town has worked with Vermont permitting authorities but it is slow going.
The Town Manager's monthly report says:

The project to replace the Norwich pool is proceeding slowly. Preliminary plans and estimates of probable costs have been prepared and presented at a public forum. The project will be using a labyrinth dam which will reduce the overall width of the dam without reducing the effective dam crest length. We are continuing to work with representatives of the Agency of Natural Resources on permitting requirements for the replacement Pool Dam. We met with the Commissioners of the Departments of Environmental Conservation and Fish and Wildlife of the Agency of Natural Resources as well as the General Counsel of the Department of Fish and Wildlife. This meeting was arranged by Representative Cheney who also attended the meeting. It is unlikely that the pool will be open this summer

Norwich Women's Club Sets Grant Application Deadline

Proceeds from the March Spring Gala go right back to the community. The Norwich Women's Club recently set May 1, 2013 as the deadline for organizations and individuals to apply for grants that "enhance educational, civic and cultural activities in Norwich." Last year, community project grants totaled $21,712 distributed to 16 groups. The grant application form is at the Norwich Women's Club web site. 

Police Chief Against Decriminalization Of Pot

Decriminalization is WRONG
Norwich listserv post by Police Chief Robinson
April 11, 2013
Decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana is wrong, This was sent to me by a colleague and I felt that it was important enough to pass it along.  I have also sent this to the Windsor County representatives.  It this does anything at all I think it will at least give some one something to think about.

No matter what your personal position is on this issue, the fact is that decriminalization of marijuana is counter to what is expected and required in the workplace, and what we are teaching our kids ~ future employees! ~ in the classrooms!
The wrong message we are sending our youth is not only that marijuana use is "legal", but also that the use of it does not affect them in life!
When we are working with kids (middle and High School age) with career exploration & job placement, we discuss whether or not they can pass a "pee test". We discuss it bluntly and let them know that employers must get assurances from them that they can pass.  Employers have a right to test and they do test; in all sectors of business.
IT IS A SHAME, that every year, without exception, we need to explain to at least a few kids, that "I only smoke marijuana" means that they WILL NOT pass a drug test!! In the classroom we need to stress that marijuana IS a drug! This is already shameful.....what can we expect if it's use is assumed to be "legal"?
Mixed messages are never good. We know that drug use is not just a problem with our youth, it is wide spread across demographics. States spend considerable human and financial resources combating this problem, ensuring the safety of their children, employees and their communities........If for no other reason, and I personally believe that there are many more, this legislation defies what is required in the workplace.

Just my two cents


Earlier This Week In The Norwich Observer

Selectboard Asked To Speak Out Against Latest Incident Of Hate Speech

Fire Department Recognizes Tebbetts For 50 Years Of Service 

LINKS:
http://norwich.vt.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/TMReport2013-04-05.pdf
http://www.norwichwomensclub.org/communityprojects.html

Weekly Roundup - Norwich News, for week ending March 30, 2013

Two Norwich Teens Praised For Fund-Raising Efforts

Two seventh graders from Norwich, Jon Thomsand and Brook Leigh, as well as Chanler Miller from Hanover are lauded in Don Mahler's column.  The "three wise young men" are raising money for a special "sit-ski" for Evan Dybvig's 11-year-old son, Owen, who has cerebral palsy.  Evan Dybvig is part-owner of the Whaleback ski area that is closing.

Mahler: Three Guys, One Cause; Core Teamers Aid Family Even as Whaleback Goes Silent 

By Donald Mahler, Valley News Sports Editor

March 25, 2013 

I met three wise men the other day. Well, actually, three wise young men.

But age really doesn’t matter. Young or old, what matters most is what you do with your life. And these three young guys are already making a difference with theirs.

At an age when selfishness is the norm, these three Richmond School seventh-graders — Brook Leigh, Chanler Miller and Jon Thoms — have, instead, decided that it is better to give than receive. They decided to take their passion for freestyle skiing deeds and turn them into good deeds.

Read the rest of the story. 

Reviews Of Inside Outside By Lizi Boyd

"Creative genius at work" is what Kirkus Reviews says about Inside Outside,  the latest children's book by Lizi Boyd, a resident of Norwich, Vermont. Read more reviews at these links:
Kirkus Reviews
Valley News
Walking Brain Cells
Wall Street Journal

Kearney Can't Unseat McPhie In Moguls

Heather McPhie beat off a challenge by Hannah Kearney of Norwich, Vermont to successfully defend her moguls title Friday in the U.S. Freestyle Championships.

Read the rest of the story, Heather McPhie successfully defends moguls title.

Earlier This Week In The Norwich Observer

Tower: Last Stumbling Blocks Resolved

Spelling Bee Champions

LINKS: 

http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/lizi-boyd/inside-outside-boyd/

http://www.vnews.com/lifetimes/books/5313745-95/book-notes-the-special-book-finds-a-niche

http://wakingbraincells.com/2013/03/18/review-inside-outside-by-lizi-boyd/

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324532004578359280120824580.html

http://www.vnews.com/sports/outdoors/recreation/5298617-95/ski-whaleback-dybvig-area

http://www.boston.com/news/local/vermont/2013/03/29/heather-mcphie-successfully-defends-moguls-title/vhKIfpdSPaC3iMf0EursyI/story.html

revised 2013-04-14 

A subscription may be required for access to the Valley News stories. 

The Norwich Observer. Aggregating news and information about Norwich, Vermont with occasional commentary ... . 

Weekly Roundup - Norwich News, for week ending February 2,2013

Norwich Sidewalks Turning Blue This Winter

Thursday, 01/31/13 5:50pm

Charlotte Albright, VPR News: 

MP3

When it gets really cold, people, it's said, turn blue.

Well, in Norwich, so do the sidewalks, after they have been treated with de-icer. Town Manager Neil Fulton says there's a good reason for that.

"The purpose of the blue is so we can see it. It could have been red and green.  I've kidded some people that come next Christmas is we're going to ....do red and green instead of blue-maybe we'll be patriotic and do all three colors." Fulton said.

He's had some poly-syllabic explaining to do about the day-glo liquid brine the town is experimenting with this year.

"So it's 30 percent magnesium chloride plus the corn carbohydrates that lowers the freezing temperature of it which means it's more effective at lower temperatures. It's not as slick as other products." he said.

Fulton says this mixture has anti-corrosive agents which makes it more environmentally friendly than the typically applied sodium chloride, and he says it does not harm pets who lick it. 

"We're hopeful that if the costs are right and our experience as an effective de-icing agent are right it's something we will use in the future because it's going to cause less harm to the vegetation next to the sidewalks," Fulton said.

Read the rest of the story.  Listen to the report.

Recovering Snowboarder Pearce Keeps Busy

Plenty Of Work For Pearce
By Jared Pendak Valley News Staff Writer
Saturday, February 2, 2013


Kevin Pearce may not be competing in snowboarding events any longer, but that hasn’t stopped the former Olympic hopeful from making an impact in his sport.
Still recovering from a traumatic brain injury suffered while training in Utah three years ago, the Norwich native has become an ambassador for snowboarding safety during his recovery process.
Pearce’s message and endearing personality have been featured on both the big screen and national television lately. A film produced by HBO depicting his story and recovery, The Crash Reel, debuted at the Sundance Film Festival last month and will air on TV this summer and fall.
Just last week, Pearce provided on-air commentary for ESPN during snowboarding events at the Winter X-Games, the largest extreme sports competition in the U.S.
Read the rest of the story.

Cahill Under Consideration For State's Attorney

The search for the new Windsor County state’s attorney has begun.

By Christian Avard, Rutland HeraldJanuary 28,2013

Two candidates are vying to replace outgoing State’s Attorney Robert Sand, whom Gov. Peter Shumlin recently appointed to develop a new DUI court system. According to Windsor County Democratic Committee Chairman William Kuch, 78 delegates will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at Damon Hall in Hartland to nominate the new state’s attorney.

Once they have selected a nominee, the committee will inform Shumlin and Shumlin will make a decision on the appointment. According to Kuch, many Windsor County Democrats will be watching the process very closely.

“It may not be as high profile as appointing a state senator, but there’s a lot of interest. Both candidates are very qualified,” Kuch said.

David Cahill, Democrat of Norwich, is a Windsor County deputy state’s attorney interested in becoming the new state’s attorney. He has served for seven years at criminal court in White River Junction.
Read the rest of the story.

LINKS:
http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/97345/norwich-sidewalks-turning-blue-this-winter/
http://www.vnews.com/search/4147355-95/film-pearce-snowboarding-family
http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20130128/NEWS02/701289959

Weekly Roundup - Norwich News, for week ending January 19, 2013

from the Wall Street Journal

Kearney returns with a win

Olympic champion Hannah Kearney made a successful return to the moguls World Cup circuit Thursday with a win in the ASANA Freestyle Cup at Whiteface Mountain.

Kearney missed the first two World Cup races this season after fracturing two ribs during a training crash in Switzerland in October.

"I expected myself to pick up where I left off, and I think I did," Kearney said. "I think that's what I'm the most proud of, both with the results and my skiing."

Kearney, of Norwich, Vt., has won the moguls event at Whiteface Mountain four straight years. Last season, she was the overall World Cup leader and set the record for most consecutive World Cup victories in moguls with 16, dating back to the previous season.

from the Valley News:


Kearney A Winner In Return: Norwich Native Takes First Race Since Injury
Friday, January 18, 2013

Wilmington, n.y. — Three months ago, Hannah Kearney was lying in a basket dangling from a helicopter high above a glacier in Switzerland. And she wasn’t sightseeing. The Olympic moguls champion fell hard after landing a jump while training in Zermatt in early October. Her head and knees were OK. But it felt like someone had kicked her in the …

Norwich Board OKs Budget
Thursday, January 17, 2013

Norwich — The Selectboard knocked down proposed salary increases for three department heads, but the planning, finance and recreation directors will still receive pay increases of 13, 18 and 26 percent, respectively. Town Manager Neil Fulton’s proposed budget included large salary increases for several department heads based on a compensation analysis that was done by Condrey & Associates, which was hired by the …

School Budgets Shape Up
Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Hanover — Norwich and Hanover school boards are in the home stretch of finalizing their budgets, which they plan to adopt by the end of the month. Along with the budgets, residents will also be asked to approve teacher contracts for all three districts, which in some cases could increase taxes. The Hanover School District is proposing a $11.6 million budget, which is …

LINKS

http://online.wsj.com/article/AP505b4cba9dec4564b32cf9eb962f24b1.html

http://www.vnews.com/news/townbytown/norwich/