westminstergazette€¦ · kurn hattin homes for children bid farewell to two retiring staff...

On Thursday,  Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. the Women's Freedom Center presentsthe documentary film “Little Stones” at the Rockingham Library.

”Little Stones” unites the personal narratives of four women around theworld using art to create positive change in their communities. From a graffitiartist speaking out against domestic violence in the festivals of Brazil to adancer rehabilitating sex-trafficking survivors in India, each of these women iscontributing a stone to the mosaic of the women’s movement through their art.

“Little Stones” is the first in a series of six films by and about women, spon-sored by the Women’s Freedom Center running the second Thursday of eachmonth, September 2018 through February 2019 at Rockingham Library.

If you were not able to make it to Brattleboro to the Women's Film Festival, TheWomen’s Freedom Center is bringing the Festival films to you.

The Women's Freedom Center is the local non-profit organization working toend domestic and sexual violence in Windham and Southern Windsor Counties.They are a feminist organization committed to offering support and advocacy toall survivors of violence, as well as prevention and educational activities to helpcreate a community in which violence is not tolerated. The Center’s 24/7Hotline number is 1-802-885-2050. For more information, go to rockinghamli-brary.org, e-mail [email protected], call 463-4270 or stopby the Library at 65 Westminster Street in Bellows Falls.

WestminsterGazetteVol. 14, No. 9 September 2018po box 147 westminster vt 05158 Our Community Newspaper @ www.westminstervt.org

Compass School Celebrates 20 Years

Compass School will be celebrating 20 years of accomplishments throughoutthe coming school year! Founded by community members to offer an accessibleoption for students to thrive educationally, Compass is proud of its incrediblerecord of serving a diverse student population and helping every child find success.

Compass is dedicated to preparing students to be not only good students but tobe good people with, in the words of the school mission statement, “the knowledge,skills, and personal qualities to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact inthe world.”

Since its inception, Compass has created a culture where everyone—studentsand teachers—are part of a shared learning community working together to supportevery individual’s growth. Compass is a place where everyone is known well andvalued for their unique personality.

At Compass, every student is engaged in a wide range of learning experiencesthat can go far beyond just academic classes. From exploratory classes toCommunity Service Winter Term to 11th-12th grade Independent Projects toSpring trips to Project Week at the end of the year, all Compass students are pushedto take initiative, pursue personal interests and develop self-direction over thecourse of their middle and high school years.

Compass is committed to expanding students’ horizons not only throughincreased knowledge and skills but through actual travel in the world beyond ourwalls. All students are engaged in community based learning in classes, spring tripsto Cape Cod, Boston, and New York, and, maybe most powerfully, internationaltravel as part of the school’s Global Connections program taking every 11th grader,regardless of family economic circumstance, to a country in the developing world.

Compass students graduate with abilities, experiences, and self-awareness to beready for the dynamic and rapidly changing world we live in. Colleges consistentlyhonor the value of the Compass program with generous merit based scholarships inrecognition of our graduates’ leadership, initiative, and community contributions.

As part of our 20th Anniversary celebration, we hope to reconnect with Compassalumni and invite all in the community to an event being planned for springtime. Wewelcome you to stop by and see the school in action anytime you’re driving by.

In photos, from left, Compass’ first graduating class in 2003, and studentsdoing science projects in 2017.

Women’s Freedom Center Film Series at RFPL

Reminder: First Installment of property taxes are due Monday, Sept. 10, 2018

Free Film SeriesEvery 2ndThursday,

Sept. thru Feb.

Sept 2018 WG_Westminster Gazette 9/3/2018 7:39 AM

The Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association [WHPA] invites the public to celebrate the recent gift ofland to WHPA by the Radford family. A ribbon-cutting ceremony from 2 to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday Sept.9 will open the new Radford-Smith Trail that leads from WHPA’s ridgeline Cascade Trail down the hill– with picturesque overlooks, switchbacks, and balconies – and across the stream to Grassy Brook Roadin Brookline and parts west.

In 2017 Terry and Edna Radford ofAtlanta, GA, gave 55 acres of land toWHPA to make the new trail possibleand to expand the protected habitat of thelarger WHPA holdings. The Radfordsalso funded a unique footbridge createdby master carpenter Phil Pellerin, whorenovated the cabin at the Pinnacle over-look in Westminster.

A small parking area beside GrassyBrook Road was created by Sam Bourneof Sam Bourne Landscaping andExcavating in Brookline, who donatedhis expertise and machinery to makeparking for the trail more accessible.The Radford-Smith Trail – which is atestament to a love of nature and also amemorial to Paul Smith, Terry Radford’sboyhood friend – was created by long-time Pinnacle volunteer and trailblazerRoger Haydock.

During the brief ribbon-cutting cere-mony the Radfords will share their moti-vation for the land gift and support forthe newest trail that adds 1.2 miles to theprevious total of 25+ miles of trails thePinnacle Association maintains fromPutney Mountain to Grafton. RogerHaydock, who chose the route for thetrail and designed and built it, willbriefly describe the remarkable featuresof the terrain and how he plotted and cre-ated the trail through it.

Those interested in learning moreabout the land gift, trail project, and con-struction of the footbridge are encour-aged to park along Grassy Brook Roadin Brookline to walk to the trailhead,which is located directly opposite 1195Grassy Brook Road. Parking is limited,so carpooling is requested.

For more detailed driving directionsand information about other WindmillHill Pinnacle Association programs,visit www.windmillhillpinnacle.org.

page 2 Westminster Gazette September 2018 Send Submissions to [email protected]

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Sept. 9 Celebration of Radford Land Gift toPinnacle Association - Grand Opening of the

New Radford-Smith Trail


Kurn Hattin Homes for Children bid farewell to two retiring staff members.Jennifer Tallman taught at Kurn Hattin for 21 years as an elementary schoolteacher, educating children in grades 2 and 3. Beverly DeCamp was a housepar-ent in Hubbard Cottage (the littlest girls’ cottage) for 13 years, and her talents insewing and decorations were well-known throughout campus.

The retirement party for both of these longtime Kurn Hattin employees wasfull of joy and tears. We wish Jen and Bev a very happy retirement!

We would also like to welcome two new administrators to Kurn Hattin,Director of Residential Services Nancy Richardson and Director of CounselingChristine Reid. Nancy comes to Kurn Hattin from Portland, Maine, where sheserved as the Director of Residential Life for Washington Academy.

Nancy says of her new role, “I want to make a difference in people’s lives. AtKurn Hattin I’m giving back to the community. It feels like we are one big fam-ily here, and we all have the same mission.”

Christine comes to Kurn Hattin from Health Care and Rehabilitation Services(HCRS) in Springfield, Vermont, where she provided clinical and administrativesupervision to a team of clinicians and case managers.

Christine says of her new position, “I was initially intrigued by Kurn Hattin'sprogramming for children and the multitude of opportunities that are provided toenrich children's lives. It is a wonderful community that I am so happy to now bea part of.”

We are thrilled to have Nancy and Christine join our Kurn Hattin family!

In photos, at left, Jen Tallman and Bev DeCamp receive recognition fortheir many years of service to Kurn Hattin Homes for Children at their jointretirement celebration in June. At right, new Kurn Hattin AdministratorsNancy Richardson, Director of Residential Services, and Christine Reid,Director of Counseling, join Kurn Hattin Homes for Children.

OPENINGS ON TOWN BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: The Town ofWestminster still has immediate openings on many boards and commissions andthey are as follows:

The Planning Commission (PC) has two openings on its Commission. ThePC meets once a month and their main duty is to maintain the Town Plan,Zoning Bylaws, Village Designations, Act 250 reviews, and Public ServiceBoard reviews. This Commission is vital in the future planning of our Town andits compliance to the constant changes to the environment that we live in.ROAD CREW: The Town of Westminster is looking for two motivated indi-

viduals for the Road Crew. The position is for a truck driver who is capable ofdoing manual labor. A Class A or B license is preferred. If you or anyone youknow is looking for this type of job, please call the Town Manager at (802) 722-4255. Applicant needs to reside within 30 minutes of the Town of Westminster. ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE: The third “Public Hearing” is slated

for September 12th at 6:00 PM. The changes to the “Ordinance” are for strongeranimal control on Town owned roadways and legal trails. This can be accom-plished by the Owner/Keeper having complete control of their animal by voicecommand or by leashing. Also, changes have been made to increase the fines fornot complying with the Animal Control Ordinance. Copies of the newOrdinance (September) with the most recent changes can be found on theTown’s website or by coming to the Town Hall. Look for the sandwich boardsfor the announcement of the next Public Hearing on the 12th.

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER: The Town is looking for an individualthat is good with animals and has the ability to house stray animals overnight.The position covers all expenses such as travel (.0545/mile), time ($12.50/hr.)and materials (animal food). If you are interested, Please call or email the TownManager immediately.PLEASE NOTE: Taxes are due on September 10th, 2018 for the first half

and February 10, 2019 for the second payment. Questions, please feel free tocall the Town Clerks Office.

PIANO: The Town has been given back a very old piano from the HistoricSociety. The Selectboard is willing to give this piano to anyone who is willingto get it from the second floor of the Town Hall to their vehicle at no expense tothe Town. I have been told that the piano has not been tuned in years and has nota ton of value but to only a music lover. If you are interested, please notify theTown Manager and set up an appointment to look at this charm. The deadlinefor this opportunity is December 1st, 2018.

After Hour Appointments: Please feel free, if you have the need to makean appointment for either the Town Manager, Zoning Administer, or the TownClerk after or before normal business hours. Both Alison Bigwood and RussellHodgkins are willing to make these arrangements with you if needed. Pleasefeel free to call us and we will set up your meeting.

As always, please feel free to call the Town Manager’s Office regarding con-cerns, issues or comments.

Septermber 2018 Westminster Gazette page 3

What’s Up At Town Hall? - Public Hearing on Animal Control

Staff Transitions at Kurn Hattin Homes

Westminster Cares is forming a new beginner Tai Chi class. It will be heldon Wednesday’s at the Institute from 10 to 11 a.m. Not sure if Tai Chi is for you?Come and try the first class at no cost - Wednesday, September 19th @ 10:00am.

Following that, weekly classes will be $5. Call Donna Dawson if you have interest at 722-3607. Let us know if you have interest but would prefer a laterclass time.

Help us celebrate 30 years of Neighbors Helping Neighbors and HealthyAging in our community! Please join Westminster Cares board members, vol-unteers, and programs participants in the Westminster West Community FairParade on Saturday, Sept. 8. We’ll gather at the West West (little red) school-house at 10:15 a.m. The parade starts at 10:30 and goes from the schoolhouse tothe church. (Difficulty walking? Call Donna at 722-3607 to reserve a ride.)

MEMORIAL DONATIONS RECEIVED IN AUGUST 2018 In memory of our parents, Mary and Fred Robling Jr. from Deb and Fed

Robling III

In memory of my mother’s birthday from Lisa Calchera In memory of my sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Walt Jennison from Betty

Miller In memory of Joan Smidutz from David and Mary Jo Robbin In memory of Lester Cook from Bill Smidutz In memory of Jennie“Sigibelle” Boccelli from: Sharon and Ingrid Boccelli Maryann and Dan Brophy

In memory of Kimberly Sue Cobb from: Bill Smidutz Sally Martineau Phyllis Anderson Beverly A. Howe-Fluette Westminster Fire & Rescue Association

News From Westminster Cares


Yesterday while sitting on my deck enjoying a cup of coffee, I lookedup and saw a large, dark bird cruising overhead. Thinking I was seeing awhite head, I grabbed my binoculars and yes, it was a Bald Eagle. We arelucky to live this close to the Connecticut River and see eagles. I often getexcited calls from friends and neighbors who have seen an eagle close-up,many times from their kayaks on the river.

I have enjoyed birds all spring and summer at my house and at Allen’sSwamp. Now I’m thinking about the fall migration of raptors, includingeagles, over Putney Mountain. Frankie and I climbed the mountain for thefirst time this fall over the weekend, and we will continue until deer seasonin mid-November. By then we are bundled up like Eskimos as the mountainis several degrees colder and windier than down below. Raptors are stillmigrating, mostly Red-tailed Hawks (see photo), which we call “tails”.

Last year, we had an incredible season. We counted 14,823 raptorsmigrating. We have never had that many before and probably never willagain. We think what happened was hurricanes off the east coast inSeptember pushed the flight pattern to the west, sending the raptors overPutney Mountain.

One question we always get is, “how do you know they are migrating?”The answer is, “if they are flying with a purpose from north to south, theyare probably migrating.” Occasionally we are fooled by resident tails thatare out hunting and not flying with much purpose. We don’t count turkeyvultures early in the season because they are hunting and often fly backand forth.

The second question is, “how can you identify them when they are onlyspecks?” It takes practice. Watch the way they fly and their silhouettes. Agood way is to sit with the hawk watchers and ask questions. The threemain silhouettes are the accipiters, the buteos and the falcons.

The accipiters have short, wide rounded wings and fly with a flap, flap,flap glide. They are Sharp-shinned Hawks (sharpies), Cooper’s Hawk(coops) and Northern Goshawk. The sharpies are blue jay size at 9-13inches long. The coops are crow size at 14-19 inches long. The goshawkis the largest at 18-24 and larger than a crow. Size can be confusingbetween sharpies and coops because a female sharpie can be as large as asmall male coop.

Buteos have broad wings and broad, rounded tails and are often seensoaring in wide circles. They are Red-tailed Hawks (tails), Red-shoulderedHawks (shoulders) and Broad-winged Hawks (broadies). There are otherbuteos but these are the ones we mostly see. The tails are the largest at 17-22 inches long with a dark belly band across their light breast and theadults have red tails. The shoulders are 15-18 inches long, have narrowwhite bands on black tails, crescent windows near the tip of the wing.Broadies are crow size at 13-17 inches with equal white and black on thetail. Broadies are the ones that are known for their spectacular flights ofhundreds of birds traveling together about the middle of September. Theseflights are called kettles.

Falcons have long, pointed wings and long tails, and fly with a strongrowing beat. The ones we see are Peregrine Falcons, Merlins andAmerican Kestrels. The kestrels are blue jay size at 8-11 inches long and

often fly low enough for us to see their colors. Merlins are 9-12 incheslong, have banded gray tails, have dark looking undersides and fly fast.Peregrines are crow size at 14-18 and are flying fast with quick powerfulwings. We look for their black mustache.

Other raptors we see are Ospreys which are almost as large as eagleswith a 21-26 inch length. They fly with a kink in their wings and have aclean, white chest. Northern Harriers are 16-20 inches in length and havelong narrow wings and tails. The females are brown above and streakedbrown below. The males are gray above and pale below. We look for thewhite rump that we call a marshmallow. Turkey vultures are 24-28 longwith dark wings and lighter feathers on the edges. They fly with a rockingmotion and are apt to be flying fairly low.

Now to the eagles. The Bald Eagle is big at 27-35 inches long withlong, straight wings. We call them flying planks. The tails and heads areof similar lengths. The adults have white heads and tails. The immaturesare black with white splotches. The Golden Eagle (goldens) is 27-35 inlength, large curvy wings like the buteos, a head that doesn’t protrude asmuch as the tail and has a slight dihedral to the wing profile. For manyyears we didn’t think we were seeing goldens as they are a western bird.Then one day, one came so close that we knew it was a golden. Apparentlythere is a small colony of them in the east, farther north. Usually the eaglesare flying high but are so big that we can track them for quite awhile asthey migrate.

Plan to join us on the mountain. Bring a chair, water and snacks and anextra sweat shirt. If you need directions, call me. Look for a windy dayafter a cold front has gone through. You don’t have to get up there earlybecause they don’t usually start flying until around eleven o’clock. Someof the excitement for us is that the hawks fly when the hawks want to fly.Some days that seem perfect don’t turn out to be so perfect, and others thatdon’t seem so perfect will see a good flight.

The Westminster Fire and Rescue Department holds their monthly meetingsat 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month and a combined drill on the thirdTuesday of every month. Rescue training is the second Tuesday of the month.Next association meeting September 4 at 7 p.m.

The Prudential Committee normally meets twice a month. A warning will beposted 48 hours prior to each meeting.

Number of calls in July: 58 [a record] Number of calls through August 30th: 37Number of calls calendar year to Date: 98Number of calls fiscal year to date: 271Association Meeting: The Westminster Fire and Rescue Association met for

their regular meeting August 7th with President Greg Holton presiding. Therewere 21 members present and six members excused. Currently there are 37members of the volunteer fire department. Emergency responses: We have had another busy month so far in August

with 37 so far by the 30th of the month. The breakdown goes like this: 23 res-cue /medical calls; 4 motor vehicle accidents; 1 smoke investigation; 2 alarmactivations; 1 tree on wires; 3 lift assists; 1 odor investigation; 1 search for lostperson; 1 helicopter landing zone set up. Also there were a couple of trainingclasses including a search and rescue practice at the Pinnacle .Back to School: Now that school is back in session there will be a lot of stu-

dents walking to and from school and to and from their busses. There are nosidewalks in many areas forcing students to walk in the roadways. Walkersshould remember to always walk on the left side of the road facing traffic andbike riders need to be riding with the flow of traffic on the right side. As it is get-ting darker earlier each day, walkers and bikers will need to wear light coloredclothing and reflective vests when traveling in the dark or diminished light.Drivers should be extra cautious with more pedestrians on the roads. Chimneys: Before you fire up your wood stove or furnace, take a look up the

chimney to be sure it doesn’t need cleaning or that something has built a nestinside and plugged it up. Firewood: It’s not too soon to be thinking about the next heating season. If

you burn wood, be sure the wood is properly cured. Unseasoned wood can causecreosote which is very apt to plug up the chimney and cause a chimney fire. Andthe chimney fire can lead to a partition fire and the home could be lost or severe-ly damaged. Have the chimney cleaned before starting a wood fire in the stoveor furnace and have it checked regularly throughout the heating season. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: From time to time there is a need for food to be

brought to the Fire House, like the one mentioned in the previous paragraph.During calls when the fire fighters are out for an extended period of time, hav-ing something to eat and drink when they return is a huge compliment. Also,once in a great while there are special events which require feeding a large num-ber of people. If you are available and are willing to be on a call list for theseoccasions or if you just want more information, call Chief Cole Streeter or JuneStreeter or any one of the members you may know and let them know. This is agreat way to help the people who help the community in so many ways. Thanksin advance.

The Westminster Fire & Rescue Association welcomes donations throughoutthe year from anyone wishing to remember a loved one or a friend.

Donation given in August: To the Westminster Congregational Church inmemory of Lester Cook, To Westminster Cares in memory of Kim Cobb, To theDeep River Fire Department in memory of John Olson.

We are always looking for new members: Anyone interested in volunteeringtheir time to help the community in a time of need, please contact Chief ColeStreeter at 722-3178 or stop by the Firehouse any Sunday morning and pick upan application.

We would like to have additional volunteers from the Westminster West area.There is a Fire House, an engine and a rescue vehicle located in WestminsterWest and more help is always welcome to utilize that equipment during calls.

As always, we would like to thank the members of the community for its con-tinued support of the fire department.

Check us out on our Web site www.westminsterfireandrescue.org.TheWestminster Fire and Rescue Association, Inc. operates independently fromWestminster Fire District #3.


Eagles and Other Raptors on Putney Mountainby Alma Beals, Vermont Master Gardener and Naturalist

News from Westminster Volunteer Fire and Rescue - Record Numbers in July


September 2018 Westminster Gazette page 5

WESTMINSTER MYSTERY PHOTO

Your current Medicare card has a Health Insurance Claim Number on it (indi-cated by HICN on your card). This number is based on your Social SecurityNumber and it is what your health care provider uses to bill Medicare for servicesyou receive. New legislation requires the removal of this number from allMedicare cards to help protect your identity.

The new cards will no longer have a number based on your Social SecurityNumber but will have a new Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI). This is aunique, randomly generated series of eleven uppercase letters and numbers. ThisMBI is meant to address any risk of identity theft that could come from havingyour Social Security Number on your Medicare Card.

It’s possible that you have received your new Medicare card already. Thesenew cards with the updated identifier, started shipping in April of 2018 and willcontinue to be sent out through April of 2019. If you have not received the newcard as of yet, be patient, as they are most likely on their way.Things you should know about the new card:There is no cost to you to receive this new card.Your current Medicare coverage and benefits will not change.After you get your new updated card, please be sure to destroy your old card

and start using the new one immediately.The new card is printed on paper, making it easier for providers to process.Never give anyone your personal information outside of your service

provider.Do not pay for a new card – it is free.Your card may arrive at a different time than someone else that you know.

Don’t worry – mailing out all of these cards takes time and they’re being sent inwaves to various parts of the country. You can check the status of your card byvisiting www.Medicare.gov

If you think you’ve been the victim of Medicare Fraud, please contact yourSenior Medicare Patrol office – 1-888-865-2683, or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

Can anyone identify this couple, two of the earliest settlers ofWestminster, and provide any more information about them?

Anyone with Westminster photos that would like to share them in ourMystery Photo feature, please send them to [email protected].

Brattleboro Area Hospice and Westminster Cares are partnering to assessinterest in hosting two support groups in our area.

General Bereavement Group – for older adults experiencing grief after thedeath of a partner, spouse, family member or friend.

Pet Loss Support Group - for adults experiencing grief after the death of abeloved animal companion.

Please call Westminster Cares at 802-722-3607 if you have possible interestin one or both groups. These groups will only be held if there is sufficient inter-est. Does weekend or weekday work better? Is daytime or early evening better?Would you need transportation to the group? Let us know what works for you.

Interested in Local Support Groups?

The Westminster Fire Department is hosting a “Stop the Bleed” TrainingWorkshop.

Stop the bleed is a training workshop that reminds us that no matter how rapidthe arrival of professional emergency responders might be, bystanders willalways be the first on the scene. A person who is bleeding can die from bloodloss within five minutes, therefore it is important to quickly stop the blood loss.Learn how to stop it fast. Those nearest to someone with life threatening injuriesare best positioned to provide first care.

Please join us on Sept. 11th at the Westminster Firehouse at 103 GroutAvenue in Westminster at 7 p.m.. Admission is free, however, it’s limited to thefirst 40 attendees. Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information contact Jon Parker at [email protected] or 384-2114.

“Stop the Bleed” Training Workshop

New Medicare cards -What You Should Know

Westminster Cares will hold the 11th Annual Celebration of Westminster’s90+ residents on Sunday, Nov. 4 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Were you born in 1928 or earlier? Do you know someone from Westminsterthat was? Then this party is for you! Let us know by calling the We Cares officeat 722-3607 or Pete Harrison at 802-289-3776.

The celebration will be held at the Fire Station on Grout Ave. There will be ashort business meeting followed by the celebration. Refreshments and a lightmeal will be served. Everyone in town is welcome!

Celebration of Aging

- Todd M. Friedman, Westminster West 1964 – 2018- Kimberly S. Cobb, Westminster 1959 – 2018- Barbara L. Tidd, formerly of Westminster 1933 - 2018- Lester “Cookie” Cook, Westminster 1936 – 2018

------ Remembrances ------

On Saturday, Sept. 15, the Women’s Fellowship for the First CongregationalChurch will hold their Fall Outdoor Sale.

This year the bake sale table will include both pies and other baked goods, socome and buy a pie and/or another baked good to take home. The usual cookoutat midday will include hot-dogs, chili, sausage and pepper grinders as well asother surprises to eat.

Come browse the craft and houseplant tables and enjoy lunch. Sit and visit inthe outdoor cafe or take something home for lunch or dinner.

Look for more information in October’s Gazette on the fall Crockpot Supperon Oct. 13.

1st Congregational Outdoor Sale

The Butterfield Library on Rt. 5 in Westminster Village will be having a booksale on Columbus Weekend, Oct 6,7 and 8 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. rain or shine.

The cost will be $5/bag or $1/book. We are also hoping to have a Yard Saleweather permitting on the 6th. Spaces will be $10. Please bring your own tableand chair, etc.

Let me know as soon as possible if you would like to rent a space next to theLibrary building. For more information please call 722-4891 during Libraryhours, Monday 1 to 4 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday 1 to 7 p.m.

Do not put book donations in the book drop or leave them on the porch. Wewill be glad to take them during library hours.

Return to the 1800s with author Alec Hastings and discover Ammi Young,Clarinna Nichols, Larkin Mead and many others who shaped our country.Hastings will give a talk with a power point accompaniment on Monday, Sept.17 at 7 p.m. at the Westminster Fire House on Grout Ave.in Westminster.

The Westminster Historical society will hold a brief annual meeting beforethe talk with refreshments served after.

Come enjoy an evening of free entertainment. Books by Hastings will beavailable for purchase. For more information call 387-6778.

The Windham Regional Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday,Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Westminster Town Hall to consider the request of theTown of Westminster for determination of energy compliance of its Town PlanEnhanced Energy Element as provided by 24 VSA 4352.

The WRC will consider whether the Town Plan is consistent with the VermontEnergy Goals, compatible with the Windham Regional Plan, compatible with theapproved plans of other Towns in the region, and meets the Energy PlanningStandards. The WRC will hear all comments relevant to its review of the Town’sPlan and planning process at the public hearing.

Chris Campany, Executive DirectorWindham Regional Commission

Oct. 6-8 Book Sale at Butterfield Lib.

WRC Public Hearing Notice

Forgotten People of the Upper Valley

Join us on Tuesdays beginning Sept. 18, from 10:30 to Noon as we resumethe WUC discussion series. The series is based on interviews by Krista Tippetfrom the VPR program On Being.

Participants listen to the program via website or podcast, then we meet to con-sider it together. We’ll meet every other Tuesday through November. Come forall of the conversations, or any number you can make. All are welcome to stayfor lunch following the discussion, bring your own. Here are our programs, asdescribed by On Being:

Sept 18: Thich Nhat Hanh, Cheri Maples and Larry Ward - Being Peace in aWorld of Trauma

Oct. 2: Michael Longley - The Vitality of Ordinary Things

Walpole Unitarian Discussion Series


Scottish Country Dance Classes Every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in theWestminster Center School Gym. All skilllevels welcome. Contact Michael Daley formore information at 387-2601. No charge.

Putney Contra DanceLast Saturday of every month at Pierce Hallon East Putney Falls Road, off Rt. 5 in EastPutney. A beginner’s workshop is taught at 8p.m., and the regular dance goes from 8:30to 11. A donation at the door will benefit thePierce’s Hall Building Fund. For moreinformation call 387-5985.

Senior Potluck LunchEvery 2nd Thursday of the month at noon. AllWestminster seniors are invited to attend apotluck lunch at the First CongregationalChurch on Route 5.

Bellows Falls Gallery WalkDowntown at 5:30 p.m. every 3rd Friday ofthe month.

Secrets of Healthy Aging A facilitated discussion group and pot-luck.The 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month atthe Westminster Fire Station from 11:30a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Call Westminster Cares at722-3607 for more information.

Contra DanceEvery 3rd Saturday of the month at 7:30p.m. at the Town Hall in Walpole, N.H.

Gentle YogaEvery Monday at 10 a.m. at the WestminsterInstitute. Call Westminster Cares at 722-3607 for more information.

Senior Walking GroupTuesdays at 9 a.m. Meet at the Park & Rideon Westminster Heights Rd. Call theWestminster Cares office for more informa-tion; 722-3607.Chair Yoga

Every Friday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at theFirst Congregational Church inWestminster. Call Westminster Cares at722-3607 for more information.

Living Strong ClassesMondays and Thursdays: at the FirstCongregational Church in Westminster from9-10 a.m.; at the Westminster West Churchfrom 6-7 p.m.; or at Greater Rock Fitness inBellows Falls from 11-12. Call WestminsterCares for more information at 722-3607.

Knitting TogetherJoin us every Wednesday, from 1 to 3 p.m.at the Village Square Booksellers, down-town Bellows Falls. Bring your knittingneedles, we have the yarn and casualinstruction if needed to knit hats, mittensand sweaters for area kids.All our yarn is from community donationand we distribute our completed work to allarea schools and Parks Place. More knittersat all skill levels are wanted and we canpromise you an enjoyable experience. Fordetails or to donate yarn contact Caroline at463-4653.

Westminster West Public LibraryTrusteesThe Westminster West Public LibraryTrustees meet on the first Wednesday of themonth at 7 p.m. at the library. They wel-come visits from the public\. Contact LisaCavanaugh at 387-4682.

THE GAZETTE GRATEFULLY

ACKNOWLEDGES THE SUPPORT

OF ITS UNDERWRITERS:Kurn Hattin Homes

Town of Westminster Westminster Activities CommissionSojourns Community Health Clinic

Westminster CaresWestminster Fire and Rescue

AssociationBurtco Inc.

The Dascomb TrustK Beebe Inc.

WESTMINSTER GAZETTE

Editor: Robert Smith

Board of Directors:Charmion Handy -

ChairwomanDonna DawsonAlma Beals

Joyce Sullivan

Printed by Turley Publicationsof Palmer, MA

Pictures and Articles Provided by the Community

[email protected]

Westminster HappeningsActivities Faith Community

The First Congregational Church ofWestminsterRev. Sami Jones McRae, Pastor. 3470Route 5, Westminster, 722-4148.The church is handicapped accessible.Sunday School is available; call to registeryour children. We are an Open andAffirming church; all welcome.Sun, Sept 2 at 10:00 am, Worship Serviceand CommunionSun, Sept 9 at 10 a.m., Worship ServiceSat, Sept 15, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fall OutdoorSale, w/ pies, baked goods, crafts, cookoutSun, Sept 16, 10 a.m., Worship Service.Sun, Sept 23, 10 a.m., Worship Service.Sun, Sept 30, 10 a.m., Worship Service.Sat, Oct 13, Crockpot Supper, 5 to 7 p.m.Look for more details in the October Gazette

The Congregational Church ofWestminster West

The Congregational Church ofWestminster West worships every Sunday at10 a.m. The pick-up choir meets mostSundays at 9 to rehearse.

Holy Communion is celebrated on thefirst Sunday of every month, and on theSecond Sunday the church collects a specialoffering that goes to Our Place in BellowsFalls to help fund their food shelf.

The church building is wheelchairaccessible, and the congregation is Openand Affirming. Rev. Susie Webster-Tolenois the pastor.

Rev. Webster-Toleno currently holdsoffice hours on Monday and Thursday after-noons, and people are welcome to drop by.She can be reached at 387-2334, via cellphone at 579-8356 or [email protected].

Walpole Bible ChurchThe Grace Bible Fellowship holds its

Sunday Worship Service at 9:15 a.m. at 38Elm Street in Walpole, NH.

More www.walpolebiblechurch.org. Walpole Unitarian Church Services are at 10 a.m. Children's

Religious Education begins at 10 a.m. withthe adults and moves to Hastings House at10:15. Refreshments and conversation areheld after the service with the childrenincluded. www.walpoleunitarian.org.

MeetingsSelectboard 2nd and 4th Wednesdaysat 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall.

Planning Commission 2nd Monday at6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall.

Conservation Commission meetsevery 4th Thursday at Town Hall at 7:15

Westminster Activities Commission2nd Monday of the Month at 6 p.m. at theWestminster Institute.

Westminster School Board1st and 3rd Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at theWestminster Center School Library.

Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association3rd Thursday at 7 p.m. at theWestminster West CongregationalChurch.

Westminster West Public LibraryBoard 1st Wednesday at 7 p.m. at theWestminster West Public Library.

Development Review Board 1stMonday of each month at 6:30 p.m. atthe Town Hall.

Community Improvement ProgramCommittee meets the 2nd Tuesday ofeach month at 6 p.m.

Westminster Cares Board - NoSummer Meetings 1st Wednesday ofevery month, at the Westminster Instituteat 4:30 p.m.

911 Committee as needed.

The Westminster Fire and RescueDept. holds their monthly meetings onthe 1st Tuesday of every month, at 7p.m. and a combined drill on the 3rdTuesday of every month at theWestminster Fire Station.

Westminster Historical Society 2ndTuesday at 7 p.m. at the WestminsterInstitute.

Westminster Gazette Meeting Monday, Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. at theWestminster Institute

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


The Deadline forthe October Issue of the Westminster Gazette is

Wednesday, Sept. 26Publication Date is

Tuesday, Oct. 2

To Contact theWestminster Gazette

E-mail:westminsternews

@gmail.com

For more information about Rotary,contact Alma Beals at

[email protected] or 722-3355


Pick up a copy of Roz Chast’s graphic memoir “Can’t We Talk AboutSomething More Pleasant?” today at the Rockingham Library’s front desk. Thenjoin the library’s book discussion led by Vermont Council Humanities scholarand VPR commentator Deborah Lee Luskin on Monday, Sept. 24 at 5:30 p.m.

The genre of graphic narratives has flourished in recent years. EncyclopediaBritannica describes a graphic novel as a” long comic narrative for a matureaudience, published in hardback or paperback and sold in bookstores, with seri-ous literary themes and sophisticated artwork.” Roz Chast’s graphic memoir fea-tures her parents in their final years and highlights the literary value and artisticmerit in this growing medium.

This Vermont Humanities Council Reading and Discussion event is hosted bythe Rockingham Library and the Brattleboro Area Hospice and is accessible topeople with disabilities.

For more information, call 463-4270, go torockinghamlibrary.org, or stop by the Library at 65 Westminster St. in Bellows Fall.

L i b r a r y   h o u r s   a r e :   1 0   a . m . t o   7   p . m .   o nMonday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. on Thursday & Fridayand 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday.

In addition, a related exhibit of Roz Chast’s original illustrations from “Can’tWe Talk About Something More Pleasant?” is on display until Sept. 24 at theBrattleboro Museum & Art Center at 10 Vernon St. in Brattleboro. RockinghamLibrary card holders can reserve/borrow a free family admission pass to theBMAC by calling the Library 463-4270.

September 2018 Westminster Gazette page 7West Community Fair Saturday, Sept. 8

Three very different programs are featured by the Windmill Hill PinnacleAssociation [WHPA] and open to the public during the month of September. September 9, Sunday, 2-2:30 p.m. Celebration of Radford Land Gift and

Grand Opening of Radford-Smith Trail. The new trail leads from WHPA’sridgeline Cascade Trail down the hill and across a new bridge to Grassy BrookRoad in Brookline and parts west.

Speakers at the ribbon-cutting ceremony will include the Radfords, whodonated the 55 acres that made the new trail possible and funded the uniqueiron-and-wood bridge across Grassy Brook, and also renowned trailblazerRoger Haydock, who will describe the features of the hilly terrain and how hechose the route and created the trail.

To learn more about the trail project, park along Grassy Brook Road andwalk to the trailhead, which is directly opposite 1195 Grassy Brook Road.Parking is limited, so please carpool. September 15, Saturday, 10:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Accessibility Day. This

is a once-a-year opportunity for a vehicle ride to a remote and beautiful site forlunch. The destination sits on the Windmill Ridgeline between the Pinnacle andPaul’s Ledges and has spectacular views of Mt. Snow, Stratton, Bromley,Okemo, and beyond.

If you’re an adult who has difficulty walking, this is your chance to visit a

rural spot with a grandchild or friend. The free program’s popularity and needfor four-wheel-drive or other appropriate vehicles make advance registrations amust for riders.

Hikers do not need to pre-register. Bring water, bag lunch, and sweater forchilly weather. Meet at Westminster West Church at 10:45 a.m. to carpool.Register with Tony Coven at 802-387-6650. Sunday September 23, starting at 10 or 11 a.m. (depending upon route).

Annual West Hill Grinder. Organized by the West Hill Shop in Putney, theevent is a thank-you benefit to WHPA for its 25-mile trail system. Three differ-ent routes offer a variety of rural biking challenges for intermediate andadvanced bicyclists.

Distances range from 19-39 miles and wind through Westminster, Athens,Brookline, and Putney on town dirt roads, Class-4 woods roads, and Pinnaclehiking trails, with a bit of pavement here and there. Visit www.bikereg.com.Search for West Hill Grinder for information on routes, bike recommendations,equipment requirements, prices, food, and registration. For questions, [email protected] or call 802-387-5718.

Anyone interested in more information about the events, access maps, andfurther directions should log onto www.windmillhillpinnacle.org and visitCurrent Events.

Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association September Programs

The 29th annual Westminster West Community Fair will be held on Saturday,Sept. 8, and this year honors Westminster Cares, the community-based volunteerorganization founded 30 years ago.

Admission to the fair, held in the heart of the village off Westminster WestRoad, is free. It starts at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m., and includes a fun run forkids and 5K race for adults; bake sale; a parade through the village; and a raffle.

The “pick your own raffle prize” includes a beautiful landscape painting byJudy Hawkins, a set of four day passes to Mount Snow, and a Marriott hotelvoucher worth $250.

The fair includes a silent auction with great prices on goods and services inWindham County, and a White Elephant Sale in the Grange Hall in the village.It also features live music; a talent show; a delicious chicken barbeque lunch forsale, with a vegetarian alternative; and fruit and vegetable-growing contest.

Betsy Williams, one of the fair organizers, said the event is a community cel-ebration that this year will also be honoring Westminster Cares, an organizationthat provides meals and other services to help seniors and disabled adults to liveindependently in town.

“Westminster Cares has provided so many valuable services to people whootherwise have a tough time getting help, and it runs largely on volunteers,”Williams said. “It supports a lot of homebound people and I think just does amaz-ing work in our community.”

Proceeds from the fair help support the community use of the CongregationalChurch of Westminster West building and community suppers held there.

Book Discussion at RFPL


Karen Vedus, LMFT, has been apracticing therapist for over 30 years.Karen is licensed in Vermont as aMarriage and Family Therapist and seesclients in her home office on PiggeryRoad in Westminster.

She sees individuals and couples.Individuals are provided a safe, nurtur-ing environment where they canexplore their feelings without judg-ment. Clients are helped to becomestronger and more resilient when dealing with life's stresses in order to havemore emotionally connected and fulfilling lives. While no advice is given, guid-ance and assistance is offered in helping clients make their best choices.

Her goal is to help couples to reconnect and reduce the conflicts that createdistance in their relationships with the most effective couples therapyapproach...Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT). Based upon provenbrain science, EFT is particularly helpful because it acknowledges the following

• Change involves new emotional experiences• Rigid interaction patterns are merely someone's best method of coping with

emotional threat• Relationship problems are no one's fault• The therapist is a process consultantKaren accepts BCBSVT, Anthem, and Vermont Medicaid. Check out her

website at www.buildingbetterbonds.com for more information. She can bereached at 802-332-3007 or [email protected].

Auctioneer Sharon Boccelli of S.B. and Company Auctioneers is a fullylicensed and bonded auctioneer in both Vermont and the Commonwealth ofMassachusetts. She graduated from the International Auction School, which pro-vides an intensive course of study in auction methodology and psychology.

This training combined with Boccelli's sense of integrity has resulted in S. B.& Company Auctioneers becoming one of the best organized and most success-ful auction houses in New England. S. B. & Company Auctioneers was chosenas one of the five auction houses to be featured in The Journal of Antiques andCollectibles "Women in Auctioneering".

S. B. and Company Auctioneers applies an honest approach to auctioning. Weare praised by both buyers and sellers for our above-board practice, our accurateresearching, and comprehensive representation of the goods being sold. We standbehind our word, which engenders trust with our new and returning buyers wholearn to trust the quality and characterization of the merchandise sold. All itemsare cataloged and advertised extensively, thus attracting competitive bidders.

S.B. and Company Auctioneers policy of handling estate merchandise hasalso contributed to the success of the auctions. A majority of the items in our auc-tions come from private homes. Thus, our customers know that the goods arefresh to the antique market. This results in stronger bidding.

We welcome you to visit our next auction and compare our company withother auction houses. If you prefer, we are also pleased to supply references fromformer clients. Customers often find attending an auction to be an educationalintroduction to the antique world. We feel this is the best way to judge the cal-iber and competence of our organization. Feel free to contact me directly withfurther questions at 802-460-1190.


802-376-7313

S.B. and Company Auctioneers, Antiques

Buying entire estates or single items. Probate appraisals

46 Canal St. Bellows Falls Vt 802-460-1190

Vernon and Doreen KeltonPO Box 94, Westminster Station,VT 05159

(802) 722-4722Check us out on our website:www.westminsterauto.com

Cole Streeter(802)722-3178

Box 103Westminster, VT 05158

Streeter L.L.C.Licensed Electrician

PO Box 206, Westminster, VT 05158(Building, Remodeling and Repairs)

Pre-Sorted StandardU.S. Postage

PAIDWestminster, VTPERMIT NO. 3

Westminster GazetteTown of WestminsterPO Box 147Westminster, VT 05158

Our Monthly Community Newspaper September 2018 Vol. 14, No. 9

DELIVER TO ADDRESSEE OR CURRENT RESIDENT

Tim E. Lillis - BuilderComprehensive Carpentry Services

for both small and large jobs

Westminster, VT(802) 376-5709 [email protected]

New Construction - Renovations - Tile - Restorations - Structural Repair -

Kitchens - Baths - Outbuildings - Decks

September Business of the MonthKaren Vedus, LMFT

September Business of the MonthS. B. & Company Auctioneers, Antiques


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