Greensboro Community Forum on Act 46, Thursday, December 10

 

Under Act 46 of 2015, communities are being asked to change how school districts and supervisory unions operate to meet student needs and address taxpayer concerns. The Greensboro and Lakeview school boards aim to help build understanding of Act 46, what it means for our students, and how the Greensboro community will move forward to meet the requirements of the law.

Please join us on Thursday, December 10 at 6:30 PM at the Lakeview Union School on Lauredon Avenue in Greensboro, for a conversation about the Act, what we want for our students, and our next steps.

This will be the first of several conversations with our community on this subject. We hope you can join us.

Questions? Contact the school boards at [email protected] or [email protected]. More information on Act 46 is also available at www.ossu.org or by calling the Supervisory Union office at 472-6531, x14.

Important Information about the Mirror Theater Site Visit on Saturday, November 21

 

The site visit by the Greensboro Development Review Board for the amended conditional use application for the theater project will take place this Saturday, November 21 at 11:00 AM. The amended application and models of the proposed construction are available for review at the Greensboro Town Hall or on the town website at www.greensborovt.org.

We have been asked to provide the following important information about this Saturday’s visit.

  1. For safety reasons, no vehicles will be allowed within the project site.
  1. The fire department has asked that no cars be parked in their lot or on their property. Please park at the ball field or along Hardwick Street.
  1. There will be no active construction activities on Saturday. Hard hats will not be required.  Footwear, however, should be appropriate for a construction site where uneven ground is possible.
  1. Although the site won’t be active on Saturday, this is an ongoing construction area. Engelberth Construction will mark off a path along the current driveway and back around the theater building for participants to use during the visit.  For safety reasons, nobody should stray from the marked pathway.

Our Communication Approach

The Association’s communications approach strives to keep our members informed and facilitate a constructive dialog on important issues.

While I am confident that all our residents want what is best for Greensboro, as with every community, there are diverse views on what “best” looks like. Recent developments for the Circus Camp and now plans for the theater represent major changes and have polarized residents. How will the Greensboro change with these projects? What will the impact be to our town services and tax burdens? Are these projects sustainable in the long term? Will these initiatives enhance or detract from what we value most about Greensboro? Naturally these questions are legitimate and should be considered by the community.

Our Association stands for the  principles embodied in our mission which has evolved its initial primary focus on lake environmental protection to a broader focus on both the lake and the Greensboro community.

Our mission is to conceive, advance, and support village initiatives and organizations that enhance our community and to protect Caspian Lake and its surrounding environment for both full and part-time residents of the town of Greensboro.

The Greensboro Association Board of Trustees agreed an approach and policies for communications using a range of channels, including letters, emails, website updates (articles and blog ‘news’ posts) and social media posts (primarily Facebook Page and Group). We seek to stay relevant and true to our mission, while recognizing the diversity of views within our membership. We determined that our role is to foster awareness and facilitate conversation.

So what is our communications approach? Our aim is to facilitate understanding and awareness and provide members with a forum for discussion.

  • We are an entirely a volunteer team and not a professional news organization, but we strive to communicate and share news items that are of interest to our members.
  • We seek to avoid expressing a particular opinion on these matters unless expressly agreed by the board and consistent with our mission and role in the community. We recognize that our board, like the community, represent different points of view on what is best for Greensboro.
  • We encourage constructive dialog and discussion via blog comments and on social media (primarily the Facebook Group).
  • As is typical of most discussion forums, we review blog comments before they are published. Our goal is to publish all comments made by our members, but we reserve the right to not publish a comment that we perceive as inappropriate. A comment is inappropriate if it includes a personal attack or insult or uses inappropriate language.
  • The comments made on blog articles / posts that are published on the website or on social media do not represent the views of the Association. These comments represent the view of the individual commenter.

 

Please share feedback on our approach and policies. You can comment here on this post and you can reach out to me directly or any member of our Communications Committee with your views.

 

 

Subscribe to The Hardwick Gazette

Are you eager to keep up with events and news in the greater Hardwick area, including Greensboro? Subscribe to The Hardwick Gazette to get the full picture. In-state subscriptions are only $35 per year.   Out-of-state rates are only $38/year. Contact them at (802) 472-6521 for details.

Act 46 and Greensboro

Representatives from the Lakeview Union School Board and the Greensboro School Board are participating in an Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union Act 46 discussion group. The two school boards will host the first forum about Act 46 and its implications for the Greensboro community on Thursday, December 10 at Lakeview School.   Representatives from the Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union (OSSU) office will also be present to facilitate an open discussion about the law, which will have implications for all Greensboro residents and taxpayers.   This event will be the first of several community-wide opportunities to help determine the path forward for Greensboro. We will be sending out more information about the event and the next steps for Greensboro as the process unfolds for our town.

Greensboro Development Review Board to Consider Amended Conditional Use Application by Greensboro Area Arts Alliance

The Greensboro Development Review Board will review an amended conditional use application by the Greensboro Area Arts Alliance, now known as the Greensboro Performing Arts Center Trust, on November 30, 2015 at 7:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall of the Greensboro United Church. The amended application is available for review at the Greensboro Town Hall or on the town website at www.greensborovt.org. A site visit will take place on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 11:00 AM.

Please note that participation in the proceeding on November 30, either in person or in writing, is a prerequisite to the right to make any subsequent appeal to these amendments.

Both the hearing and the site visit are open to the public. Interested persons unable to attend the hearing in person may send a letter to the Development Review Board at the Greensboro Town Clerk’s Office or email ([email protected]).

Photos of the architectural models of the current building design are below. These models are available for viewing at the Greensboro Town Hall during business hours.

mirror.2

 

mirror.3

 

Mirror.4

Construction Update for The Mirror Theater

Construction of The Mirror Theater is on schedule for completion in early 2017. Foundation work, including footings and foundation walls, is under way. Construction of the waste water system remains ongoing. The water line is complete and repairs to Hardwick Street following blasting and excavation have been finished well in advance of the winter driving season.

Below is a photo taken from the Center Road slightly above the construction site.

mirror.1

Greensboro Development Review Board to Consider Amended Conditional Use Application by Greensboro Area Arts Alliance

The Greensboro Development Review Board will review an amended conditional use application by the Greensboro Area Arts Alliance, now known as the Greensboro Performing Arts Center Trust, on November 30, 2015 at 7:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall of the Greensboro United Church. The amended application is available for review at the Greensboro Town Hall or on the town website at www.greensborovt.org. A site visit will take place on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 11:00 AM.

Please note that participation in the proceeding on November 30, either in person or in writing, is a prerequisite to the right to make any subsequent appeal to these amendments.

Both the hearing and the site visit are open to the public. Interested persons unable to attend the hearing in person may send a letter to the Development Review Board at the Greensboro Town Clerk’s Office or email ([email protected]).

 

Openings on Greensboro Planning Commission and Development Review Board

The Greensboro Planning Commission is seeking a new member to assist with the upcoming community assessment and the subsequent update to the Town Plan.   The Commission usually meets at 7 PM on the second and fourth Monday nights of the month.

 

In addition, the town needs a Second Alternate for the Development Review Board. The DRB meets on an as-needed basis. The board considers the merits of conditional use, variance, and waiver applications, as well as conducts site plan review. Members and Alternates must be residents of Greensboro.

 

Community members interested in either position should send a letter of interest by October 22, 2015 to the Town of Greensboro, Attn: Selectboard, PO Box 119, Greensboro, VT 05841 or send an email to [email protected]. Contact the Town office at 533-2911 with any questions.

 

Greensboro Association Awards Grant to Lakeview Union School for Its Farm to School Initiative

 

Lakeview Union

Eric Erwin, principal of Lakeview Union School displays the grant check for $1,115 from the Greensboro Association for Lakeview Union’s Farm to School program. On his right is Ryann Collins, Green Mountain Farm to School coordinator, and on his left is Victoria Von Hessert, Greensboro Associations Events Committee Chair.

Earlier this month, the Greensboro Association awarded the proceeds from the Caspian Challenge Run this past July to the Lakeview Union School. The grant for $1,115 will benefit Lakeview’s Farm to School initiative, with a particular focus on container gardening. The initiative aims to teach students about healthy foods (with an emphasis on growing and preparing your own vegetables), nutrition, and local agriculture and stewardship. Through its partnership with the Green Mountain Farm to School Program, Lakeview will use the funds to introduce a unit on container gardening to approximately 35 older students at Lakeview who live in apartments or other housing that lacks garden space. At a time when good nutrition supplied by a garden is critical for student success, many families lack the financial resources to invest in the re-usable containers, potting soil, seeds, and other supplies to begin and sustain container gardens. This grant can make a positive and long-term impact on the lives of Greensboro students and their families.

The Greensboro Association Events Committee organized and sponsored the Caspian Lake Challenge Run in July to fund this program. We thank all the participants of the run who made this grant possible.

For more information on the Lakeview Farm to School initiative, contact one of the following:

Eric Erwin
Lakeview Union School
[email protected]

Ryann Collins
Green Mountain Farm to School
[email protected]

 

Update – Manhunt in Greensboro has ended

Update August 25:   The alleged gunman in yesterdays homicide is in custody after turning himself into Hardwick police. https://www.wptz.com/…/police-search-for-murder-sus…/34878206

August 24: Residents of Greensboro and area towns should be aware that a police manhunt is underway this morning following a reported homicide in the area.   See WCAX link for details.

The Greensboro Community bids loving farewell to Merrill and Tom Hurst

Love and sadness were in the air on Friday, July 31 when the community threw a farewell party for the Hursts who are leaving Greensboro this fall. The new firehouse was decked out for the IMG_7507event, with guestbook, flowers and tables of refreshments. Merrill spoke of their life in Greensboro and community members responded with their thanks and memories going back several generations. Gifts and hugs were given, Merrill’s singing group sang and tears of love and appreciation flowed as the whole community recognized this family at the heart and history of Greensboro for so many years.

Merrill

crowd Nancy Jennifer

Congratulations on a 4th successful Caspian Challenge!

CDSC_1048ongratulations and thank you to the 99 racers who completed the 4th annual Caspian Challenge this past Sunday and to those who came to cheer them on and support a great cause – Lakeview School.

DSC_1165Race results are here – the winning runner for the 6.8 mile lake loop was Sam Beech with a Caspian Challenge record of 38:18:5.   Richarda Ericson was the fastest woman on the course with a time of 49:50.3.   David Lambert was the fastest competitor in the 5k run, with a time of 23:21.0, and Julie Gallivan Parker was the fastest 5k woman at 28:21.2.

5k walkers Kole Dornseifer and Terri Sugimoto completed their course in 47:11.4 and 47:13:3, respectively

DSC_0060

We all owe a big THANK YOU to Victoria von Hessert, who organized this event and made it  “run” so smoothly.   And to her great group of volunteers – we all appreciate your efforts!

DSC_0017

The Caspian Challenge race was reestablished in 2012 as a community event and fundraiser.  It is based on a similar event which occurred in the 1970’s and 80’s.   Proceeds each year are distributed to a organization or program which is selected by The Greensboro Association Board of Trustees.

 

DSC_0027Photos from the Caspian Challenge are available at this link.

 

 

Status of Proposed Greensboro Mirror Arts Center

The Mirror arts center has been proposed by the Greensboro Arts Alliance and Residency (GAAR) to be located on the southwest corner of Breezy Avenue and Hardwick Street. The year ‘round arts center would be for a variety of theatrical, arts and musical performances under the aegis of various local arts organizations. The GAAR has a contract with David Allen, the land owner, to purchase the land for the center.

Read more

The Community says an early farewell to Tom and Merrill Hurst

Join the Greensboro community to say an early Goodbye and Farewell to Tom and Merrill Hurst on July 31st.   Tom and Merrill will relocate to New York State in the fall, and in doing so leave a legacy of friendships, business leadership and community service behind them in Greensboro.    They will be missed!

Tom and Merrill Hurst Farewell Party

 

Sunday Concerts on the Lake

Screen Shot 2013-07-28 at 7.41.12 AM2015 marks the 70th season of Lake Concerts on Sundays on Caspian Lake.  Lisa and John Hewett and their family have been in charge of these concerts for many decades – we all thank them for the tremendous effort and for such lovely evenings on the Lake.

For all who are new to the area who might want to experience this wonderful Greensboro tradition for the first time, here are some pointers.

  • Concerts occur Sundays in July and August – 8pm start in July, and 7:30pm start in August.
  • The program for the concert is usually found on the front door of Willey’s Store the prior week.
    Screen Shot 2013-07-28 at 7.41.33 AM
  • The concerts occur at the Landon Lake House, which is located at 163 Pleasants Street on the south end of the lake.
  • Concert goers are welcome by non-power boat via lake, or by car to sit on the iconic veranda of this large and wonderful cottage.  If you come by boat, do bring a light to use on your way back to your dock.
  • Everyone using the lake during the concerts is encouraged to be quiet during the concerts.


We need volunteers to help with this program over the long term.  Can you help?   Email [email protected] if you can spare one evening in the summer. You can also visit this link to sign up!

Screen Shot 2013-07-28 at 7.41.21 AM

 

Milfoil, Monitors, and non Motorized boats

For many years, the Greensboro Association has joined the Town of Greensboro in supporting Boat Monitors for the Public Boat Launch at the Public Beach on Caspian Lake.   These monitors ask boat owners who use the Public Launch where they have recently put their boats into the water, check incoming boats for invasive species, give information to boat owners on milfoil and other invasive species, and keep detailed records of the number of boats coming into Caspian Lake.   The Boat Monitoring program, one of the first in the State of Vermont, has caught a significant number of boats with milfoil and other species before they entered Caspian – it is a first line of defense for the protection of the Lake.   Caspian Lake remains Milfoil free in 2015, and the Boat monitors will continue to inspect at the beach this summer

In recent years, local lake monitors in NH and VT have found that milfoil and other invasive water species can be found on all boats, including kayaks, canoes, sailboats and other non-motorized boats.   These categories of boats are often not put in at the Public Beach, but can be launched at private docks, rental properties and other access points.    Please ask guests, family members and renters to check their non motorized boats for milfoil and other species before they enter Caspian – the invasives can be found in bilges, on or under straps, netting, trailers, chains, riggings etc., as well as in water caught inside the boat which originated in other lakes.   If you are uncertain what to look for, bring the boat to the Public Beach and have one of our official beach monitors look over your boat before launching it into Caspian.   There is a wash station at the Beach as well.

Guidelines and publications for Boaters and Renters – 911 addresses – Ways to protect Caspian and local lakes

The Greensboro Association would like to remind members that there are several published guidelines which may be useful to owners and renters of properties, as well as all recreational users of Caspian and adjoining lakes and ponds in our area.

Boating guidelines               Renters guidelines               911 listing  (use Caspian as the password)  50 ways to Protect, Preserve and Enhance Caspian Lake

911 listings are particularly important to the Fire Department and Rescue Squad in case of an emergency.   Please make sure your guests and renters know the 911 address in order to speed the response to an emergency.

 

 “Forty Years of the Hazen Road Dispatch” – New Anthology available this summer

Vermont’s oldest historical journal will celebrate its first forty years by publishing a book-length selection of articles about the history of the summer colony and the surrounding communities of Greensboro, Hardwick, Craftsbury and Walden. Timothy H. Breen, retired Professor of American History at Northwestern University, wrote the introduction. The authors include founding editor Dan Métraux, well-known historians Charlie T. Morrissey, Allen F. Davis, Lewis Hill, and Joyce Slayton Mitchell and many local writers. The book has chapters about the early settlement of the area and the attempts to earn a living, the history of Greensboro’s summer community, including Randolph, Black’s Point, Aspenhurst and the North Shore. There are profiles of some of the area’s “unforgettable personalities” including Miss Jean Simpson, Esther Kesselman, Alfred H. Barr, Jr., Mansfield Freeman, Margaret Mead, Judge Norwood Allman and Greta Garbo. Editor Gail Sangree has scattered throughout the book historical notes and entertaining stories. A limited number of books will be available from June 27th at the Greensboro Historical Society Museum, Willey’s Store, and the Galaxy Bookstore in Hardwick.

This publication is a project of the Greensboro Historical Society, and is supported in part by the Greensboro Association.

A program at 7pm on Wednesday, August 12th at the Greensboro Arts Alliance’s Tent on the Green will celebrate the area’s history and the book’s publication. It will be followed by a reception to meet the authors.   More details can be found on the Green Sheet calendar.