Thetford Town Newsletter

No. 15 May 2005

SELECTBOARD NOTES

POSTED TOWN ROADS
The Selectboard is reviewing its policy for posted roads and plans to have in effect a policy in the future that will specify weight restrictions for all overweight vehicles on posted roads including fuel delivery, trash removal and other overweight vehicles. Questions or comments may be directed to Doug Stone at the Town Highway Department, 785-4679.

THETFORD TOWN COMMONS
Both Thetford Hill and Thetford Center residents are working on ways to improve their respective town commons to make them more inviting centers of town activities. Improvements may potentially include; walking paths and trails, benches, and a possible bandstand on the Thetford Center Common. Anyone interested in being involved in the design and development of these Commons may contact Jessica Londa for the Thetford Hill Village Improvement Society or Sue Gault for the Thetford Center Common.

THETFORD TOWN PLAN
Thetford's Planning Commission has continued to take comments at its regular meetings while revising their draft of the Town Plan before submitting it to the Selectboard. The Selectboard will hold the first of two required hearings for adoption of Thetford's Town Plan on May 23, 2005, 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall. Questions regarding the Town Plan may be addressed to the Selectboard at any of its four preceding meetings on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. and at the hearing on May 23.

LATHAM LIBRARY RENOVATIONS

Starting on June 22^nd the Latham Library will be closed for renovations. Thanks to a Freeman Grant and private donations, the library will have new carpet installed, walls painted and the space reorganized.  The re-opening is scheduled for July 20th.

The Library is regularly open:
Monday 2:00pm - 8:00pm
Tuesday - Friday 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Saturday 10:00am - 1:00pm

POLICE FORUM

Do you have questions or concerns for your Police Department?

Chief Joseph Anthony and Cpl. Jim Lanctot of the Thetford Police Department invite you to an informational forum Thursday, May 5, 2005 at 7:00 PM

at the Thetford Center Community Association Building. All are welcome!

Ways to stay current on town news and events include:
THETFORD TOWN NEWLETTER: Paper copies are available the beginning of each month at Thetford libraries, stores, bank, town hall, and electronically at http://lists.valley.net/lists/info/thetford or www.thet.net/. Please help us make this a viable publication by submitting community information and events!

THETFORD FORUM: The most current town commentary and events updated daily electronically at http://lists.valley.net/lists/info/thetford. To receive it directly in your email, anyone can subscribe by sending any message to thetford-subscribe@lists.valley.net.

THET.NET: Community web site of town information and resources www.thet.net/ includes Selectboard and School Board Minutes, Thetford Town Plan and other municipal and community resources.

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Come explore the Post Mills Natural Area! This 104 acre property is town owned and open to the public as a conserved natural resource consisting of 1/2 open fields and 1/2 rugged woods. Join us for two nature walks to explore this lovely property and all of its natural resources!

May 14^th 8:30am-10:30am
Ehrhardt Frost will lead us on a walk to explore spring ephemerals.
Contact Ehrhardt at 785-4749 with any questions.

May 22 6:30am-8:30am
Bill Shepard will lead us on a birding walk with a goal of identifying 40 species!!!
Contact Bill at 785-2855 with any questions.

Look around town for postings with additional details on these walks and other upcoming events hosted by Conservation Commission members.

THETFORD MEALS ON WHEELS DRIVERS NEEDED

There is currently a need for a Friday driver and substitutes to fill in as needed.

If interested please contact:  Lorraine Carbino 785-2010

TA NOTES

Operation Day's Work will take place May 4^th. TA students will be working at a variety of jobs in Thetford and the surrounding communities to raise money to better the lives of young girls in Vietnam. Last year 96% of TA students participated and raised over $10,600.

The annual Honors Banquet was held April 27^th. The academic excellence of 60 TA students was celebrated.

Thirty-five TA students participated as teachers and coaches in Thetford Elementary’s "Mud Season Madness". The groups met once or twice a week after school during March to explore a variety of topics, including movie making, creative cooking, basketball, knitting, and outdoor activities.

A new display of woodblock prints and haiku poems has been installed in the White Building entrance hall. This exhibit, on the theme of winter views from Thetford Academy, was created by 8th grade students inspired by Japanese traditional arts.

SCHOOL BOARD NOTES

The school board is happy to announce that for the third year, the Vermont Business Roundtable has named TES a 2005 Medallion School. Medallion-designated schools are selected based on an analysis of elementary, middle and high school results on statewide assessments. TES qualified in the elementary school (K-5) category based on assessments given at grades 2, 4 and 5. The Roundtable has a long-standing commitment to high academic standards, meaningful statewide assessment of student performance, and comprehensive reporting of results.

RICES MILLS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

A portion of event fees goes to our Building Restoration Campaign. 

Community Potlucks are open to everyone!

Saturday, May 7  10am -12pm 

Tool sharpening workshop by Garrett Hack.

To register call Garrett at 785-4329 

Members $ 10, Non members $ 25

Sunday, May 15th

Community Pot Luck, Reading and Book signing by local author Dean Whitlock. 

Free!

Sunday, June 5th 

Bicycle tune-up workshop.

Donation $10.

Sunday, June 12th

Community Potluck and plant Swap

Questions?  call Mary Bryant:  785-4512

THETFORD TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
A handy directory of Thetford resident and local business phone numbers is for sale at Merchant's Bank, Isabell's, The Village Store and Baker's Store. The proceeds will benefit the THETFORD TRUST, a community service organization.

TREASURE ISLAND
American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program: 

Registration for children's summer swim lessons will take place on Saturday, May 14, from 10AM-12PM for all Thetford residents at Town Hall. 

Dates for the daily, two-week sessions are as follows: 

June 20-July 1; 

July 5 (Tues)-July 15; 

July 18-July 29;
and August 1-12. 

Lessons are available for ages 4 & up.  Lesson registration for out-of-town children will be held on Saturday, June 18 from 10AM-12PM at Treasure Island. 

Fees are $10/Thetford residents; $15/non-resident + purchase of a season pass.  Season passes are available for purchase any time at the Thetford Town Office - buy your pass prior to June 1st, and save $10 on a family pass, and $5 on an individual pass.

On Saturday, May 7, Treasure Island will host a Community Work Day beginning at 10AM.  Meet at Treasure Island anytime throughout the day to help with seasonal tasks including raking, special projects, etc.

The Treasure Island Season begins Saturday, June 18!

For information, group reservations, or other questions, call Scott or Ann O'Hearn at

333-3507.

OPEN FIELDS’ MEDIEVAL FAIRE

Medieval Faire on Thetford Hill Green Saturday, May 21st. 10am-4pm
to benefit Open Fields School!
Join the King and Queen and their many minions from schools near and far.

Enjoy fine food, performances, music, games, crafts, animals, jousters and the raptors from VINS. Come in costume if you like.

Admission is $4 if you bring your own mug and cloth napkin, $7 if we provide them for you. Children 5 and under are free.
Call (802) 785-2077 for more information.

THETFORD TOWN NEWSLETTER

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

The deadline for submissions is the 20th of each month. Send news including contact name and telephone number to Cathee Clement at 785-2668 or turtlepond@netzero.net.

Please list Thetford Town Newsletter in the subject line.