Randolph Herald

Thanksgiving Meal In South Royalton Will Feed 300

11/27/2008

Thanksgiving is a family holiday in Vermont as elsewhere. But what if your family is spread to the four winds? Several of the towns in the White River Valley host a different kind of Thanksgiving� free meals for people who can't afford them or who have no nearby families to spend the holiday with.

Rhetoric Heats Up Over Exit 4 Plan

By M. D. Drysdale — 11/27/2008

Reaction was swift this week in the wake of last week's news that the Randolph selectboard is considering allowing retail stores to be located at the Exit 4 interchange.

Shining a Light On a Secretive Crime

By Sandy Vondrasek — 11/27/2008

The day before the Senate Judiciary Committee released its Nov. 13 report on how the state could better respond to—and prevent—sexual abuse of children, a group of Randolph area residents met in a church basement to learn about a prevention education program used in thousands of schools nationwide.

Seeking 'Partnership' Solutions To Substance Abuse Problems

By Sandy Vondrasek — 11/27/2008

A community quiz: Can you name this Randolph non-profit? Clue #1: Established five years ago under the aegis of the Tobacco-Free Coalition, it got its first paid employee this year, thanks to a state/federal grant. Clue #2: It has 14 "member organizations.

History Expo Won't Be Held In 2009

By M. D. Drysdale — 11/27/2008

There will be no Vermont History Expo at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds next June. The board of trustees of the Vermont Historical Society (VHS) decided last Friday to suspend the popular Expo for 2009 because of worries about the economy. The move is planned as a one-year suspension only.

National Forest Will Share Ideas In Dec. 3 Meeting

By M. D. Drysdale — 11/27/2008

For the last year, the staff at the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) has been compiling a new set of proposed management activities for the part of the Forest that is in Hancock, Granville, Braintree, and Ripton. Now the time has come to lay out its ideas to the general public. For that purpose, a meeting has been scheduled for the Hancock Town Hall Wednesday, Dec.

W.R. Partnership Wins Conservation Award

11/27/2008

Rivers don't care what towns they are flowing through. That's the common-sense assumption made by two Vermont organizations, including the White River Partnership, that have just won an Eastern Region Honor Award from the U. S. Forest Service.

Rabid Skunk Attacks Randolph Center Dog

By Sandy Vondrasek — 11/27/2008

The first confirmed rabies report in Orange County for 2008 occurred last Tuesday, Nov. 18 in Randolph Center, where a skunk tangled with a small dog. It was the 66th rabies report in Vermont for the year. According to state public health veterinarian Dr. Bob Johnson, the homeowner called 911 to report that a skunk "was wrapped around her little dog.

Knitting Sweaters, Spinning Yarns

By Tim Calabro — 11/27/2008

Monday night is not a lonely time to be at Randolph's Kimball Library. That's the night that the library has hosted a group of knitters since 2003. The ladies�the crowd is decidedly female, though they assert that Charlie McMeekin, the Sharon Academy drama teacher, has attended their ranks� pass the hours starting at 6 p.m.

B & G Club Hires New Rink Staff , Announces Ice Rink Programs

11/27/2008

The Boys and Girls Club of the White River Valley has announced that, weather permitting, the 2008-09 winter season of the Randolph ice rink will open Monday, Dec. 15. Supervised skating and programs will begin the following week.

Santa & Mrs. Claus Are Coming To Downtown Randolph Dec. 4

11/27/2008

If you're in downtown Randolph on Thursday, Dec. 4, you'd better watch out for Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus! Join local civic leaders and the jolly couple as they make their way to the downtown Randolph gazebo via Main St. to help light the Randolph community Christmas tree. The downtown tree lighting celebration, dubbed "The Spirit of Community," will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Rochester School Greenhouse Project Gets Community Su pport

11/27/2008

The Rochester Elementary/ High School Greenhouse Project is well underway. The project was spearheaded by Marion Leonard in memory of her husband, Warren, to aid with the education of agricultural principles, sustainability, healthy eating habits, and connecting people of all ages in the community to achieve a common goal.

Daycare Options Still Available In the Quintown Valley Area

By Martha Slater — 11/27/2008

This week's closing of the Dandelion Daycare facility, a fixture on Main Street in Rochester for 33 years, has left some parents in the valley scrambling for reliable childcare. Although Dandelion was the only separate daycare facility in the valley, The Herald has learned of three people, all registered by the state, who provide daycare services in their homes.

Strafford's Fifth 'Holiday Fare' Is A Village-Wide Celebration

11/27/2008

When Strafford's fifth annual "Holiday Fare" and festivities takes place Saturday, Dec. 6, almost every organization and merchant in the village will participate in some way, and the day promises to offer good food, good shopping, good music and small-town good cheer.

Capital City Concerts Hosts Ying Quartet

11/27/2008

Capital City Concerts will present the Ying Quartet Sunday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Church of Montpelier in a diverse program entitled "Joy and Sorrow." Now in its second decade as a quartet, the Yings have established themselves as an ensemble of the highest musical qualifications in their tours across the United States and abroad.

Vt. Philharmonic Presents 'Me siah'

11/27/2008

Join the Vermont Philharmonic Orchestra as it celebrates its 50th anniversary performance of the concert that started it all, Handel's "Messiah," Friday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Augustine's Church in Montpelier, and Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3:30 p.m. at the Barre Opera House in downtown Barre.

Candlelight Winter Concerts Are Upper Valley Tradition

11/27/2008

Candlelight, thoughtful readings and a diverse program of carols and sacred music comprise the Thetford Chamber Singers' "Candlelight Vespers for Christmas" concerts on Dec. 5 and 7 in Strafford and Thetford respectively.

Hoyt Bowls an 800 Series With A 300 Game for Good Measure

By Jill D. Montgomery — 11/27/2008

Chuck Hoyt started off his Monday night with a bang. Bowling as a substitute at the Valley Bowl in Randolph for the H8 team, in the center lanes, he wasted no time putting the ball down straight and true. Mike Patterson, better known as Pinker, alerted Karen Warner, one of the owners of the bowling alley, when Hoyt had six strikes in a row.

Hunters Report In 2008 Rifle Season

11/27/2008

Hardware Store @ Roch. Steve Mishkit, 163 pounds, 4 points; Tom Patterson, 136, 3; Nancy Maston, 127, 5; Rene Dyvon, 202, 10; Jay McIntyre, 150, 6; Mike Needham, 173, 8; Caleb Ainsworth, 122, 5; Cody Downs, 129, 4; Bruce Counihan, 167, 10; John Roberts, 182, 8; Cecil Waite, 148, 6; Jeff Peck, 120, 3; Daniel Durant, 124, 3; Andrew Stringer, 156, 8; Dale Harlow, 169,

Adaptive Ski Program Seeks New Volunteers

11/27/2008

Throughout the course of the 2008-2009 winter ski and snowboard season, more than 400 people including electricians, lawyers, teachers, doctors, moms and dads, college students, and computer technicians will volunteer their time and talent with Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports.

Exhibits Calendar

11/27/2008

Calendar submissions should arrive at least one week in advance of the intended publication date. Mail entries to The Herald of Randolph, P.O. Box 309, Randolph, VT, 05060; or fax them to 728-9275 or to news@ourherald.com. Gifford Med. Ctr.

Happenings Calendar

11/27/2008

Movies Calendar

11/27/2008

Nightlife Calendar

11/27/2008

Theater Calendar

11/27/2008

David Stephens

11/27/2008

VERSHIRE—David Rockwell Stephens, 72, died Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008 at Mountainview of Vershire after a four-year battle with Lewy body disease. He was born July 30, 1936, the son of Rockwell Rittenhouse and Isabel McLaughlin Stephens.

Robert Washburn

11/27/2008

CROWN POINT, N.Y.— Robert Loren Washburn, 85, died at the home of his son in Bethel, Sunday morning, Nov. 23, 2008. He was born August 25, 1923, in Canterberry, N.H., the son of Loren H. and Rose M. (Hill) Washburn. He attended Whitcomb High School in Bethel until enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1943 during World War II.

Sgt. William Gates Is Named Vermont Soldier of the Year

11/27/2008

Sgt. William Gates, son of Beth Umba and William Gates, both of Bethel, was named the Soldier of the Year for the state of Vermont. The award selection began a year ago with an appearance board.

Life With a Bitter Twist Of Lyme (Disease)

By Barbara Ernst — 11/27/2008

The following report is based on an interview with Britten Kilduff, who has been struggling with Lyme disease and trying to work her way through the maze of opinions and information. A mystery has been solved for Britten Kilduff.

Planning Commission Chair: Don't Dismiss Years of Effort

11/27/2008

I have been on the planning commission for over two years, and most of that time has been spent working on Exit 4 zoning. Many members of our community have put a great deal of time, effort, and thought into the proposed regulations.

Many Reasons To Forbid Retail

11/27/2008

The stipulation that it is not in the best interest of the Town of Randolph to allow "standalone retail" at Exit 4 has been recognized by those who have studied the situation since the first study.

Regulation Means Loss of Freedom

11/27/2008

I am sorry that I was unable to attend the Exit 4 hearing that the Selectboard held but certainly appreciate the write-up in the Herald. My input is simple: the Constitution of our (Vermont) republic reads: "Article 2nd. Private property subject to public use; owner to be paid.

Plan Represents 10 Years of Work

11/27/2008

I was appalled to read in last week's paper that our Selectboard is seriously considering altering the proposed Exit 4 zoning regulations to allow more retail at the I-89 interchange.

If You Want Malls Try New Jersey

11/27/2008

I was amazed to read the headline in last week's Herald regarding "Retail Shopping at Exit 4?" It seems to me the Planning Commission, after years of study came up with a reasonable, workable plan for the use of the properties at Exit 4.

The Future Looks Back, with Regret

11/27/2008

The question now before the Randolph Selectboard, of whether to adopt the Exit 4 zoning as crafted by the Planning Commission or whether to make changes, is likely to have significant impact on the greater Randolph community for many years.

Vt's. Not Like Rest of the USA

11/27/2008

I was a resident of Randolph from 2001 until late 2006 and hope very much to live in Central Vermont again before too long. Visiting friends in Vermont this weekend, I was struck by this week's Herald article on developments at Exit 4, I-89.

Vital Downtown Could Be Lost

11/27/2008

Aside from the visual impact, the biggest risk in allowing retail stores off Exit 4 in Randolph is that it would spite the downtown businesses. If you read the comments of the four residents of Randolph Center from last week's front page article, you'll see that that's just what they want to do.

Skating Rink Was A Second Home

11/27/2008

We do not go the skating rink merely so we can skate; we go because to many youth in Randolph, the skating rink is home. It is not just a slab of ice, and it is not just a building.

Receipts Benefit Sunshine Society

11/27/2008

Along with many voluntary local members of the Vermont Sunshine Society, I send cards monthly to those celebrating birthdays, as well as notes and letters to many Sunshine friends. Since there are well over 600 members now, and each receives monthly the Gristmill newsletter, funding is always a problem.

A Commitment To Our Neighbors

11/27/2008

We, the board members of Central Vermont Community Action Council, are committed to CVCAC's mission to "Alleviate the effect of poverty, to assist individuals and families to move out of poverty, and to advocate for long-term system change for economic justice".

Let's Revive 'Revenue Sharing'

11/27/2008

John McCain, both in his concession speech and in his actions since then, has shown what it means to truly love your country. While he must surely be hurting inside from his defeat at the polls, he nonetheless has managed to set the right tone in putting the good of the nation, especially in these tough times, before all and promising to work with President-elect Obama.

Don't Forget St. John's Bazaar

11/27/2008

The article on Christmas Bazaars in the Herald's Holiday Gift Guide neglected to mention one more wonderful bazaar: the one at St. John's Episcopal Church, Randolph, on Dec. 6 from 9-2. Decorated wreaths, homemade crafts and baked goodies, and "trinkets and treasures'' are for sale. The popular Penny Social raffle and a Vermont products basket raffle also return.

Hi-Tech Ancestors Lived in Braintree

11/27/2008

After having dug to a depth of 10 feet last year, a panel of New York City archaeologists from Columbia University found traces of copper wire dating back 100 years and came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had a telephone network more than 100 years ago.

Mammogram Benefit Valuable

11/27/2008

My letter primarily will apply to women, age 40 and older and possibly anyone helping them manage their finances. At the Gifford Medical Center booth at Tunbridge Fair this year, Jane Harrness, breast care coordinator, asked me if I was aware of a provision passed in this year's legislative session to cap mammogram fees at $25 for the patient.

Rink Will Lose Financial Support

11/27/2008

I was deeply disheartened to hear the news that Paul Easton would not be rehired. I've lived in Randolph for over a decade now, and I cannot fathom the rink in Mr. Easton's absence. Who will fit my helmet just right? Let me know there are some gloves or a hat I could wear from the lost and found?

Gay Marriage Is Odd Top Priority

11/27/2008

Government at all levels is grappling with critical issues. The federal government is trying to stem the tide of recession and massive debt even as it battles terrorist activity around the globe. Vermont's state government is experiencing huge shortfalls in revenue and large spending cuts loom on the near horizon. Vermont citizens are maxed out and taxed out.

U. S. Is Exceptional, All Right: But Don't Force It on Others

11/27/2008

The United States of America has no history beyond the beginning of the 17th century. Starting with the Mayflower, thousands of ships have deposited free people, indentured servants and slaves on these shores. We came here in waves from Britain, Ireland, Germany, Italy, China, Africa and just about every other place on the earth.

Exit 4 Stalemate?

11/27/2008

The sudden controversy over permitting retail sales at the Exit 4 interchange could set back any kind of development at Randolph's most strategic location for another decade. Something similar happened 10 years ago, when an update to the town's zoning map was approved by town officials, but was then voted down at a special Australian ballot called by petition.