Valley Photofieds

Lake George Trip

2009-07-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in the last issue, that it is a lot of fun to ride with others. And with that in mind, my wife began to gather a group of people to go riding on a summer day. She began planning with others to get them together on a decided trip to Lake George. As mentioned in previous articles, this is one of our favorite day trips. Like most other days, the weather man kept describing the 70% chance of rain, for which our southernmost Harley riders, bailed on us. (Guys...you missed a great day!)

Our starting point was the Royal Diner and Pancake House (Great coffee and super breakfast-see their ad.). We left Springfield at 9AM. Two Hondas and one Harley were the remaining rides. Some of the passengers noticed they were going to need a few more "pit stops" to walk out muscles not bent in almost a year. The sky was cloudy but it was in the high 60's and we were set for a rendezvous with A&W in Lake George. As we left Springfield the sun darted in and out. Heading out Route 10, my wife and I discussed how many stops we might have to make. Our next agreed on stop was the Whistle Stop in Clarendon. When we got there it had cooled and the sky had darkened. Warmer jackets came out and once the stretching had been completed, we got back on, continuing out 103 to Route 7. From Route 7 we headed out Route 4. As we passed the state line the sky began to clear. Once we got into Whitehall we grabbed a stop at McDonald's, with a few coffees. By the time we left the weather had warmed and we continued on. Some of you may not realize that as you get closer to Lake George, there is a road to the right that takes you down into the "millionaire zone." Beautiful homes, boats and vehicles begin to crop up. But the real reason is , it is a winding road that is fun to play on. Making a turn to cross in front of the "Million Dollar Beach" area, you begin to see all the little shops and entertainment. We drove up on to Main Street only to hear the loud, staccato blasts of air horns. This was the Big Rig Parade week. (Through out the summer Lake George offers different activities from car shows, balloons and fireworks.) Driving down Main Street, seeking a parking space, we made a decision to cross over on to the other side. And while we sat in traffic the rain came down. Large drops of rain came down for a few minutes, long enough to pretty much soak us. We found a place to park, and packed our gear and began to seek after restrooms. We wandered around the shops and just stretched out for a few hours.

If you have never been to Lake George, it is a pretty big tourist trap. On the other hand, it is geared to accommodate you, with new public restrooms, info booths and beautiful places to watch out over the lake from. Wandering down the beach, we watched the large steam powered side wheelers moving out into the lake, while para-sailers darted about the sky. After a few hours of relaxing and "drying out" we decided to head over to the local A & W Root Beer Stand. Just south of the village, there is an old fashioned A&W with car hops, tables and umbrellas. When we arrived there were so many people there that we had to park about a hundred yards away. Grabbing a table, the sky got dark again, but we ate fries, dogs, burgers and onion rings with no rain. From there we began the trip back. Heading out of Lake George, I have to say it is one of my favorite places to be and the hardest to leave. One of our funny moments was while driving through Whitehall, my wife fell asleep and as we drove around the corner, it was one of those "whoa" moments. She did not fall asleep again! Continuing the ride we only got a few moments of showers and never even got the rain gear out the whole day. We were home by 5.

8 hours of riding, eating and hanging out. It was a great day. Not too long to knock you out, but far enough to give you ride time(Less than 120 miles). And we don't race, but know that we stand a better day without tickets and blue lights. It was a lot of fun. We had such a great time that my wife is planning another trip over there on the 25th. (Hopefully the HD riders will get on up here!) So, if you are looking for a really great ride, either head over there yourself or consider joining up with others.

Dave Says

2009-07-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Dave,

Our utility company offers a level-pay option. They average out our bills over the last 24 months, and bill us a consistent amount each month based on that average. Do you think this is a good idea, or would you just pay the regular bills?

Christy

Dear Christy,

Lots of people like the idea of having a level of predictability built in to their utility bills. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this idea, as long as you have a good, steady income. You need to be aware, though, that most of these plans have a “make-up” schedule attached to them. You’ll get something back at the end of 12 months if you’ve overpaid, but you have to make up the difference if the payments come up short.

Ultimately, if evening things out from month to month makes you feel better or helps with your budgeting process, then I say go for it. You’ll still only pay for the services you use, and the utility company still gets their money, so it’s really just another path to the same destination!

- Dave

Dave Says word count: 236

(the key to being a great salesman?)

Dear Dave,

What’s the key to becoming a great salesman?

Brent

Dear Brent,

I can sum it up in one word – serving. And don’t think for a second that serving means being subservient. I’m talking about being proactive, and making an effort to ensure that customers and potential customers alike are served well. Serving means you’re excited about what you have to offer, and you believe you’ve got a great product at a great price. It means you’re determined your customer is going to have a great experience, and if you happen to hit a bump in the road you will take care of it in a way that will make them forget it ever happened.

Serving is an attitude. You have to provide goods or services in a way that makes your customers willing to trade their time or money – things that are very precious to them – to interact with you and your business. You can pressure people if you want, but that’s going to lead to a dull and frustrating life of one-shot deals. But if you serve people well, you’ll not only have clients for life but they’ll also send all of their friends your way.

If you help enough people, Brent, and make that your first order of business, you’ll never have to worry about money. That’s a different attitude, isn’t it? But I’ve got news for you – it works!

- Dave

Dear Dave,

My husband makes significantly more money in his job than I do in mine. Since he makes more, he feels he should be able to spend more. He wants to set up an account where we both put 20 percent of our income for discretionary spending. Of course, his 20 percent would be more than my 20 percent, and I feel like we should both put in the same amount. What do you think?

Lisa

Dear Lisa,

I’m sure your husband is basically a decent guy, but he’s really being selfish and immature about this situation. It’s a very bad plan. My wife is pretty gentle and forgiving, but if tried that mess at home she’d get very un-gentle in a hurry!

Think about it this way. There are lots of families out there where only one person works outside the home and generates income. Would it be fair to say that whoever brings home a paycheck is the only one who can have fun spending a little money once in a while? Of course not! When you two were married, the preacher pronounced you “as one.” That means you have one income, and that’s our income; just like it’s our house, our kids or our dogs. Marriage is not a “me” proposition, it’s always a “we” thing. And it sounds like your husband needs to be reminded of this!

- Dave
Dave Says - without web links word count: 261

(how to not be a hypocrite)

Dear Dave,

My husband and I are taking your classes. We own a roofing company. We offer six months, same as cash, and we accept credit cards. What are your feelings about our doing this? Does it make us hypocrites?

Monique

Dear Monique,

If I accepted credit cards, it would make me an absolutely huge hypocrite, but you don’t do what I do for a living.

If this bothers you, it might be a good time to search your heart and ask yourself if these practices are blessing your customers. If you conclude that they are not, and you decide to discontinue those financing deals, you’d better come up with some other marketing strategies. You will lose clients over such an unusual decision!

Of course you could still offer some of those kinds of deals while actively discouraging their use. You could tell your customers that if you were in their situation, you’d just save up for a few months and pay cash rather than using a credit card or other financing options. That way the decision is theirs. But how will they react to such an uninvited suggestion? The last thing you want to do is encourage more credit, but the next-to-last is to run good business off.

No, I don’t think you’re being hypocritical, Monique. You have some big decisions to make about the quality of your customer service, though. Ten years from now, you want to know you tried your best to do the right thing for them, and you’ll always want to know you’ve done the right thing for your business.

- Dave

Dave Says word count: 269

(a very high lifestyle)

Dear Dave,

I’m 23-years old. I make $23,000 a year. I have a Rolex and a BMW. I also have $20,000 in credit card debt and a $26,000 car loan. I’m having a hard time making all the payments. Would a debt settlement company be a good idea?

Darren

Dear Darren,

Debt settlement companies are awful. They charge you for doing what you can do on your own for free! Let’s get to the root of your problem. What were you thinking? You can’t get rich while you’re busy trying to look rich! Take a look at the stuff you’ve bought. I expect the watch and the car are only part of the picture. Do you see a pattern? I do.

The average millionaire doesn’t wear fancy clothes and drive a fancy car. Your world is all about flash and looking good, but real life and real life finance are not.

Sell the Rolex. That heavy watch is holding you down. Sell everything that isn’t absolutely necessary. Sell the car, too. Get a small loan to make up the difference and pay it off as quickly as possible. It’s better to owe $6,000 than $26,000 in debt.

It’s always easier to build wealth when you don’t have payments hanging around your neck. Work an extra job nights or weekends. You’d be surprised how much you can make throwing boxes at UPS or delivering pizza.

You’ve made a really big mess, but with some hard work you can clean it up. I figure it will take you about 18 months. Why don’t you surprise us both and do it quicker than that?

- Dave

(how to not be a hypocrite)
Dear Dave,

My husband and I are taking your classes. We own a roofing company. We offer six months, same as cash, and we accept credit cards. What are your feelings about our doing this? Does it make us hypocrites?

Monique

Dear Monique,

If I accepted credit cards, it would make me an absolutely huge hypocrite, but you don’t do what I do for a living.

If this bothers you, it might be a good time to search your heart and ask yourself if these practices are blessing your customers. If you conclude that they are not, and you decide to discontinue those financing deals, you’d better come up with some other marketing strategies. You will lose clients over such an unusual decision!

Of course you could still offer some of those kinds of deals while actively discouraging their use. You could tell your customers that if you were in their situation, you’d just save up for a few months and pay cash rather than using a credit card or other financing options. That way the decision is theirs. But how will they react to such an uninvited suggestion? The last thing you want to do is encourage more credit, but the next-to-last is to run good business off.

No, I don’t think you’re being hypocritical, Monique. You have some big decisions to make about the quality of your customer service, though. Ten years from now, you want to know you tried your best to do the right thing for them, and you’ll always want to know you’ve done the right thing for your business.

- Dave

(a very high lifestyle)

Dear Dave,

I’m 23-years old. I make $23,000 a year. I have a Rolex and a BMW. I also have $20,000 in credit card debt and a $26,000 car loan. I’m having a hard time making all the payments. Would a debt settlement company be a good idea?

Darren

Dear Darren,

Debt settlement companies are awful. They charge you for doing what you can do on your own for free! Let’s get to the root of your problem. What were you thinking? You can’t get rich while you’re busy trying to look rich! Take a look at the stuff you’ve bought. I expect the watch and the car are only part of the picture. Do you see a pattern? I do.

The average millionaire doesn’t wear fancy clothes and drive a fancy car. Your world is all about flash and looking good, but real life and real life finance are not.

Sell the Rolex. That heavy watch is holding you down. Sell everything that isn’t absolutely necessary. Sell the car, too. Get a small loan to make up the difference and pay it off as quickly as possible. It’s better to owe $6,000 than $26,000 in debt.

It’s always easier to build wealth when you don’t have payments hanging around your neck. Work an extra job nights or weekends. You’d be surprised how much you can make throwing boxes at UPS or delivering pizza.

You’ve made a really big mess, but with some hard work you can clean it up. I figure it will take you about 18 months. Why don’t you surprise us both and do it quicker than that?

- Dave

* For more financial advice, plus special offers to our readers, please visit www.davesays.org.

Motorcycle Meanders

2009-07-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

It is the time of year to travel on that new motorcycle you just bought. Whether you are backpacking or you have a touring bike like my , you don't want to get a hour out and find out, "uh oh, rain." (Hey, we live in New England. It can be sunny in Keene and raining here in Springfield.) Little trips are not a big deal, because you can always come home. (Though I can leave in a t-shirt and ride home in my leather jacket.)

There truly is an art to properly packing and preparing for a great motorcycle trip, especially when the trip is a long distance one and you need to prepare right for the best success. Most people who do not put enough forethought into packing find that what they pack does not line up with what they end up needing for the trip, which is why planning ahead and knowing exactly what to pack is the best way to make sure you are prepared for anything and everything that comes up during your motorcycle trip. When you begin packing for your long distance motorcycle trip, begin by crafting a list that reminds you of what needs to be packed and where you intend to store it, since obviously motorcycles only offer a limited amount of space. Consider breaking your packing into different groups or categories to make the whole process easier.

- Things for the Motorcycle (Maintenance, Security)

- Things for the Rider (Gear, Snacks) We carry leather jackets, rain gear and the like.

- Equipment for the Trip (Camping Gear, Hygiene Supplies)

Things for your Motorcycle (Maintenance, Security) -

If you are taking a long trip, the odds are against you in that you will probably end up having to fix something, as this is just the nature of motorcycles and long trips. Always make sure that you have tire patch and spare CO2 cartridges at the very least so that road side tire problems can be handled. (I carry a small tool kit and have decided AAA for motorcycles is worth the few extra dollars. Just last week my rear tire went to cord, and rather than attempt driving any further, called AAA and had it carried to the dealer. I also carry my cell phone, though there are areas where cells do not work.)You should also make sure that you have a complete portable set of wrenches, Allen wrenches and Torx wrenches. Having a small multi-tool that you can keep with you is another good idea, especially if it has an LED flashlight attached because breaking down in the middle of the night is not enjoyable if you can't find a light.

It would also be wise to carry extra fuses, sparkplugs and light bulbs in your tool pouch just in case, along with electrical tape and zip ties for quick fixes. These repairs may not get you all the way through your trip, but they certainly will get you off the side of the road quickly.

Additionally, if you are planning long trips, you need to consider security for your motorcycle and all of your gear. It is always a good idea to consider locking up your bike, and locking up the whhel so that most motorcycle thieves will be deterred and will stay away from your bike. Carry locks that you can keep with you, so that you can pop them on quickly whenever you need to leave your motorcycle for any period of time. Portable locks are always preferable to hefty or bulky chain locks, at least in my opinion. I also carry my cover, really to deter people from just seeing what is there, as well as keeping it clean.

Things for the Rider (Gear, Snacks) -

Taking care of yourself is just as important as keeping your bike going when it comes to long motorcycle trips. For example, if you plan on riding during the day you need to think about options for skin protection from the sun, because getting sunburned can really destroy an otherwise excellent day of riding. Always make sure to carry sunscreen and lip balm at the very least. You should also make sure to bring a small, portable style first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic ointment and pain relievers at the very least.

In addition to having all of the right gear, there are two things that I tend to walk out of the house without that need to be remembered: Something to eat, and a cell phone with a charged battery. Bring something portable like snack bars or 100-calorie snack packs so that if you stop someplace and cannot find food, you are not left to go hungry. Also make sure that you always have a cell phone with a full battery, just in case you ever need to make a quick call. Make sure that your "In Case of Emergency" or ICE number is programmed into your phone, just in case.

Equipment for the Trip (Camping Gear, Hygiene Supplies) -

You will undoubtedly get hit by road grime during your trip, so pack some basic hygiene essentials before you go. Carry things that you can wash up with, like a washcloth and towel, and travel soap, shampoo, conditioner and other essentials. Also make sure to bring your toothbrush, toothpaste and any other dental essentials before you leave. Even if you only have a limited amount of time to worry about hygiene on your long distance motorcycle trip, a little can really go a long way so make sure you have everything that you need before you head out.

Camping equipment is not easy to carry on a motorcycle by any means, because most is bulky and cumbersome and causes more trouble than it is worth. Still, if you plan on making a long distance motorcycle trip, it may be extremely advantageous to bring as much additional gear as you can. Try to find a two man dome tent, as these tend to fold up easily, and when they spread out, they offer a lot of nice room and comfort. Self inflating mattresses are also worthwhile, even though they do take up a little bit of room on your motorcycle. They are not as cumbersome as a sleeping bag when they are deflated, but they provide much more comfort than even the softest sleeping back. Roll these things up into a sturdy protective bag and secure them to your motorcycle and you are ready to go.

Armed with the right essentials and gear, you can lead some truly interesting motorcycle journeys both on a long distance basis, and on a local level as well.

WINDSOR DISTRICT COURT

2009-07-06T16:38:00.002-07:00

by Stephen Seitz
For most reading this, White River Junction is where we catch the bus or train, or where we change interstates. Yet at its heart, near the railroad station downtown, lies a very important institution, one that affects most of our lives, sooner or later: Windsor District Court.
This is where most criminal cases are handled. The current structure is quite modern, with an airy, well-lit courtroom, solid prisoner control, a friendly and capable staff, and medieval rules regarding news media. (More on this some other time.)
Possibly the most memorable day I ever had at the White River Junction courthouse took place several years ago, when I agreed to be a job shadow for a young and pretty high school sophomore. I guided her on the typical reporter's day: driving from town to town to see if something, anything, is going on. The morning passed slowly, and then, I had arranged an interview with a housing official in Ludlow just to have something to show her.
"This is real journalism, kid," I told her. "Lightning hardly ever strikes. Nobody's going to send us to a fire, and we won't be pulling any puppies out of wells."
Two minutes before the interview, a secretary poked her head in the door and said, "Did your paper find you?"
A frantic call to the office revealed that there had been a shooting in White River Junction the night before. The arraignment was scheduled for 2 p.m. We were in Ludlow and it was already 1:20 p.m.
"All right," I told the girl, "you have to promise never to do what you're about to see me do."
Down Route 131 we went, slowly through residential areas, but hitting the safest possible top speed on the roadway. Naturally, it seemed that every school bus, garbage truck, and leaf peeper was ahead of me. I was nearly going 60 mph as we drew within five miles of the Interstate ramp in Ascutney, when the dreaded blue lights and siren started blaring.
Gratefully, her white knuckles loosened on the seatbelt.
There I was, speeding in a rustbucket with a 16-year-old girl I had only known for about four hours by my side.
This girl was privileged to see me at my most cowardly. I agreed with everything the nice officer wanted me to do, and I inched along on my way with just a warning at 35 miles an hour. Along the way, I told her this was why she shouldn't do what I had done. It was my first traffic stop in five years.
On the Interstate, different story. I know where the usual speed traps are. We hit warp factor four, and got to White River just 20 minutes after the arraignment was due to begin. I'm sure she was grateful to be alive.
As usual, start time was pushed back indefinitely and everyone was waiting for the prisoner, prosecutor, and judge.
"This," I told my somewhat stunned charge, "is more like it."
It turned out to be a typical Vermont homicide: a few residents born, shall we say, at the shallow end of the gene pool, too much beer, and a gun. Those involved were playing with it, and it accidentally went off.
As ut happened, Windsor County Attorney Robert Sand had also agreed to be a job shadow, and had told his charge pretty much the same thing, but he never put her in a car. But at least the follow-up went as it usually does. When we asked one of the neighbors how she felt, she replied, "Good." (Every member of this family had a criminal record.)
So don't turn down that jury duty. The story could be fascinating, and you'll find out how justice really is done.

Cornish Colony Forever

2009-07-06T16:38:00.001-07:00

by Stephen Seitz
Such was the influence Augustus Saint-Gaudens had over American art that he remains, even today, the only artist with a National Historic Site, which can be found off Route 12A in Cornish.
It is a magnificent estate, which first saw life as a farm in the 1700s, and later served as a tavern and, according to legend, a brothel. But when Saint-Gaudens moved there in 1885, he sowed the seeds that grew into one of the earliest art colonies in the U.S.
With its panoramic views of New Hampshire's meadows and Mt. Ascutney off in the distance, today the Saint-Gaudens site collects his masterpieces of sculpture: the heartbreaking angel "Grief," commissioned by Henry Adams on the death of his wife; the magnificent Shaw Memorial, venerating the achievements of the Fifth Massachusetts, the Civil War's first black regiment; the statues and busts of Abraham Lincoln; the relief art he created for America's coins; and much more.
At first Cornish served as Saint-Gaudens summer residence and studio. After a long campaign by New York attorney Charles Cotesworth Beaman, Jr., Saint-Gaudens decided to make Cornish estate permanent residence. (What better way to keep yourself occupied when you're snowed in than in a huge sculpting studio?)
Beaman was also a local land baron, who bought up moribund farms whenever he could -- he would either rent or sell the farms to the artists. He left 2,000 acres by the time of his death in 1900.
With this kind of landscape, it was hardly a surprise when the painters started showing up. Some of the more notable members included sculptor Daniel Chester French (the Lincoln Memorial); painter and art critic Kenyon Cox; and etcher Stephen Parrish, who brought his painter son Maxfield along. By 1905, more than forty artists, working in fields ranging from sculpture to literature, hade made their way to Cornish.
Artists weren't the only ones who showed up. President Woodrow Wilson had his summer White House in Cornish from 1913 to 1915. Ethel Barrymore came to Cornishfor a while; so did Judge Learned Hand and legendary book editor Maxwell Perkins.
It couldn't last forever, of course; once the wealthy and nearly so discivered it and began to move in, they started breaking up the artistic pool. But while it thrived, Cornish served as the capital of American art.
For more on the Saint-Gaudens site, visit www.sgnhs.org.

Windham County Police Blotter

2009-07-06T16:37:00.001-07:00

WINDHAM COUNTY POLICE BLOTTER
By Stephen Seitz
Brattleboro police charged local resident Jeffrey J. Bellville, 49, with retail theft and giving false information to police after receiving a report that a shoplifter had left Hannafordâ€™s supermarket at about 7:20 p.m. on June 15. Bellville was given a court date of July 27.
According to Vermont State Police, Wilmington resident Roderick DeRosia, 42, was headed east on Dover Road in Newfane at 3:15 p.m. on June 16 when he was briefly distracted and struck the guardrails with his 2002 Dodge Intrepid. Police said this damaged several sections of the guardrail, as well as moderate damage to the front end, hood and passenger side. DeRosia was not injured, but did receive a ticket for failing to maintain a single lane of travel. The Williamsville Fire Department assisted at the scene.
Speed and defective equipment led to a Wilmington manâ€™s being accused of driving under the influence, according to Brattleboro police. Police said they pulled Roy D. Krause, 26, over on South Main Street on June 16. He was later released on citation.
Hinsdale, N.H. resident Tyler E. Ebbighausen, 25, was charged with driving under the influence after Brattleboro police pulled him over on Putney Road shortly before 11 p.m. on June 16. Ebbighausen was released on citation to answer the charge in Windham District Court in July.
Following up on a report that a woman with a criminally suspended license was driving in Brattleboro, Brattleboro police on bike patrol tried to pull Jaymi Ferno, 26, of Hinsdale, N.H. over on Bridge Street. Police said that Ferno drove off, but was stopped by a cruiser. She was charged with driving on a suspended license and given a ticket for failing to obey a police officer.
Brattleboro police wound up charging several people in connection with a fight in the Harmony parking lot at 2:42 p.m. on June 18. Police found Mark Bresland, 44, on the ground. The report had been that as many as 10 young adults had surrounded Bresland, knocked him to the ground, punching and kicking him; Bresland was later taken to the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital emergency room. Police identified two of Breslandâ€™s alleged assailants as Travis Sprague, 18, and Judy Waterman, 23. Police also said they found that Bresland had taken four beers left at David Snowâ€™s memorial site on Elliot Street. Bresland was later charged with felony desecration of a shrine; after treatment, he was taken to the Brattleboro lockup and ordered held until sober. Sprague and Waterman were charged with simple assault. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Ofc. Peter DiMarino at 257-7950.
A Newfane teen was flown to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center after a multi-vehicle collision on Route 30 in Newfane at about 5 p.m. on June 19, according to Vermont State Police. Police said that Kevin Moran, 38, of Manchester, was at the wheel of a 2005 Subaru Forester when it crossed the center line and struck the 1993 Dodge Spirit being driven by Laura Thomas, 21, of Newfane. After that, police said, the Forester forced a 1997 Dodge van being driven by Keene, N.H. resident Dawn Winslew, 38, into the guardrail and then hitting Rochelle Leblanc, 18, of Newfane, driving a 1993 Acura Integra, head on. Forester passenger Deborah Moran, 38, suffered a minor injury and was treated at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Winslew also suffered a minor injury. Fire and Rescue used the Jaws of Life to extricate Leblanc. The VSP report is unclear why Leblanc had to be taken to Dartmouth, for it states that she was treated for minor injuries and released.
Brattleboro police report taking local resident Scott French, 33, into custody at 6 p.m. on June 19 and charging him with failure to register as a sex offender. Police said that French had brass knuckles in his possession, and held him at the police department lockup for lack of $5,000 bail.
A reported dispute at Westgate Apartments at 12:39 a.m. on June 21 led Brattleboro police to charge Vernon resident Vay Lao, 31, with unlawful mischief and furnishing alcohol to a minor. Police said that Lao had also damaged one of the apartments. Lao was released on citation to answer the charges in district court at a later date.
Following up on a report of fireworks being set off, Brattleboro police went to Cottage Street at 4:20 p.m. on June 21 and wound up charging Alex J. Oâ€™brien, 20, with possessing illegal fireworks. Oâ€™Brien was given a court date of July 27.
Vermont State Police report responding to a domestic disturbance report on Ginseng Lane at 9:39 p.m. on June 21 and charging Rodger Arthur Borgeson, 60, with domestic assault for allegedly attacking a 56-year-old woman. Borgeson was released on conditions and told to be in Windham District Court the following day for arraignment.
The Exit 3 on-ramp was closed for about seven hours on June 22 after a tractor-trailer accident, according to Vermont State Police. Police said that at about 7:50 a.m., Brattleboro resident Samuel Sergi, 55, was carrying 38,000 pounds of groceries on Interstate 91 south near Exit 3 in Brattleboro, when he lost control of the tractor-trailer and rolled it over into the median between the southbound on-ramp and the highway, coming to rest on its roof. Police said the unit was totaled and that Sergi sustained some injuries, but none life-threatening; he was taken to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Besides Vermont State Police, the Brattleboro Fire Department, Rescue Inc., VTrans, and L&B Trucking also responded.
According to Vermont State Police, S. Ryegate resident Sara Kendall, 18, was headed south on Interstate 91 in Rockingham June 22 when she came to a left-hand curve. The 1978 Olds Omega she was driving went off the right side of the highway and began to slide. Kendall tried to steer back onto the highway, but hit a guardrail, causing the car to spin and heavily damaging the front end, hood and undercarriage. Kendall, police said, was wearing her seatbelt; she was taken to Springfield Hospital by Golden Cross Ambulance for treatment of assorted scrapes and bruises. About 50 feet of guardrail were also damaged. The Rockingham and Westminster fire departments assisted at the scene.
Brattleboro police report stopping Port St. Lucie, Fla. resident Alejandro Coto, 35, in the Harmony lot at 1:31 a.m. on June 23 and charging him with driving under the influence. Coto, police said, was lodged at the Brattleboro lockup for lack of $500 bail and was expected to appear in district court later that day.

The Real Value

2009-07-06T16:36:00.001-07:00

The Real Value Of Photofieds Is.... The truth is, we don't produce 30,000 plus newspapers every day. The greater truth is, from an advertising perspective it doesn't matter, and it doesn't matter for some very refreshing reasons. Phones are ringing and items are being sold, and that is the added value that Photofieds brings to the table small as the paper may be. Daily and weekly newspapers sell their advertisers on the basis of "circulation", because bigger is better, right? More papers bought, more ads are seen, and a deeper market penetration is assumed by the advertisers. It all SOUNDS logical, doesn't it? (especially if you charge higher fees) Then there come's the Photofieds who print one small newspaper every couple of weeks with only fraction of the circulation numbers offered by the others. One would think that the results would be marginal at best all because our industry has been selling the "bigger is better" concept for decades. Yet, none of that is true when it comes down to "niche" or specialty publications like Photofieds whose target audience is the buyer, not the reader. Photofieds' results for advertisers are not dependent upon volume of copies, or frequency of printing. Most shopper type publications are direct mailed to everyone, you get it delivered whether you want it or not. If you want it, then it's great to get it delivered free, if you don't it's a nuisance, like spam in your email, and much paper is wasted along with those lost warm fuzzy feelings that left you because that paper added more trash to your already too rapidly expanding collection of garbage. So how is it that Photofieds is so successful in selling your items? Our papers are scattered over a broader area (from the north country down to the Massachusetts border, and as far west as Sunapee, NH and east to Ludlow, VT. Not a lot of papers, but a lot of territory (with very few left on the shelves). Next, your ad stays current for two weeks because Photofieds won't reprint the next issue any sooner than that. But these aren't the only reasons, nor the biggest influence for Photofieds advertisers. The secret is in the "niche" audience that Photofieds attract. People have to pick up our paper at a news stand or marketplace host. No junk mail, so less papers need to be printed. The Photofieds reader is not interested in "reading news" they are "inclined to buy", so less papers need to be printed. And, because "buyers" are gathered from a broader region, advertisers gain exposure from places that otherwise would never have heard of them, or might never have taken the time to drive to them. Photofieds is the right choice because buyers are brought to the table more often, and from a larger geographical area, and for a fraction of the cost of using traditional print methods. Don't just "think" outside the box, "ACT" outside the box. Call your sales representative today! David R. Thayer, Sales Manager

The School Of Pool

2009-07-06T16:35:00.002-07:00

Have you been looking for a cool idea for a birthday party? Or just a place to relax with friends? On Sunday, July 5th, Forrest B's School Of Pool in White River Junction will have a Grand Opening Celebration. Owners Mark Marsh and Forrest B will be opening a great place for family fun. Forrest B's is going to be filled with tons of fun and exciting things to do, with 3 Pool Tables, Ping Pong Tables, Foose Ball, Dart Boards, Shuffle Boards and Video Games.Opensix days a week, Tuesday thru Sunday from 7:00AM to 8:00PM. you will find a fun filled family atmosphere, were all ages are welcome. Have a occasion that you would like to celebrate? You can rent Forrest B's for Birthday Parties, Girl & Boy Scout Gatherings, Company Gatherings, and any other group activities, you can think of.

Forrest B's will be having leagues and tournaments, starting soon.

Their address is 75 South Main St. in White River Junction and you can reach them at 603-359-4633. Go on in and see how much fun you and your family will have at Forrest B's

Camping

2009-07-06T16:35:00.001-07:00

Need a Fun, Low-cost Idea for a Family Trip? Go Camping!

2009-07-06T16:34:00.001-07:00

Have you been camping this summer? It is a great way to lower the cost of your vacation. And when it is all said and done you may find it was a lot more fun than you thought it would be. (Perhaps you have seen the new Coleman "How we gave birth to social networking.") Camping is not as popular as it used to be but is once more gaining in popularity because of the higher cost of fuel making it difficult to plan affordable vacations. If you have never been camping it is wise to take someone with you that has some experience or stay close to home for your first camping excursion. If this is the first time you’ve thought of it you should know that it is a great way to bond with your family.

Our family learned the hard way that you are better off buying high quality equipment. There is nothing worse than having your tent blow over in a rain storm. Or having your stove not work. I used to love that hiss of lanterns, heaters and stoves. We were lake campers. We stayed on islands and lake fronts. Easily accessible by boat or car. You and your family may start in family camp grounds with lots of people around. (My parents liked quieter areas.) As time goes on you may want to hike into your camping area. Whatever you decide, you want to have good equipment when you set off into the countryside with your family. Living in New England often means putting up with unpredictable weather. Warm sunny days can be swiftly followed by gray skies and pouring rain. Make sure to pack everything you need! Make a list and check off each item as you get it into the vehicle. The most important things to remember are waterproof tents, sleeping bags, clothes, first aid kit, flashlights, fire starting tools, food and water. Your tent(s) should be big enough to fit one extra person besides those actually planning to sleep in them. This gives everyone elbow room and prevents irritation caused by cramped spaces. Make sure you have extra batteries for flashlights and 2-way radios. Do not count on your cell phones for emergencies! If you will be cooking, be sure to bring a grate for placing over the fire or a kerosene stove with pans and utensils.

You have options like all season tents and "summer" tents. If you just want an outdoor tent for occasional use or for the kids to mess about in, in the garden, then 4 season tents are not for you. You may just camp in summertime, so they are not really appropriate. Regardless of when you will camp, good quality is key as there's nothing worse than water getting into your tent and finding you've no dry clothes to change into. 4 season tents will stand up to strong gales when you're perched on the side of a mountain.

You can buy a lot of these things locally (We have had brand new tents in our paper for as little as $50), I simply encourage you not to skimp on the tent. Being a little cold just requires another blanket or two, but waking up wet...not so much fun. And maybe you have a neighbor or a family member who has a tent you can borrow to try it out. There is nothing like tent camping.

As a child, I went to a camp that majored in tent camping. We canoed all over New England, New York and parts of Canada. Even our home camp area consisted of large tents on platforms. I loved camping. If you are going camping, it is wise to leave all video games, music players and texting/phone devices at home or disallow the use of texting with the exception of emergencies. Camping is meant to connect you with nature and allow real communication between family members. Cell phones, texting technology and video games are hindrances to communication. That may sound funny, but it is true. Instead, encourage open dialogue between campers. Pretend your family is the only thing that exists. If you have teens who have never been camping, the first trip may be hard for them. (Even years later my daughter was appaled that we chose a place to say where her pager did not work and no TV. One day later she was fine.) Show some patience but don’t give in when they complain about not having their cell phones, music and games. It is important for everyone to know how to interact without technology. Have you ever tried to bond with someone who is always texting? It is impossible - even if you text them, too! Sitting around the campfire and chatting can be enjoyable and revealing.

Let me tell you about a typical day of our camp experience. We would get up to the sound of fish grabbing an early morning breakfast. That prompted us to get up. Sorry, folks, no public bathrooms where we tented. It was all outhouses, which meant you carried a can of lime with you. The down to the beach, fishing pole in hand. Hopefully, someone caught enough fish to put together for part of the meal. Pike, pickerel, perch, trout and bass. And while we were fishing, mom was preparing bacon or sausage, along with Irish potatoes and hot cereal. Clean up of dishes followed a breakfast with a crackling fire. And then, it was off to have fun. Fun consisted of swimming and water skiing, pretty much all day. And in between we had lunch, which usually consisted of sandwiches. As night time approached there was more fishing and readying for dinner.

Camping can be as domestic as you would like. Many tent camping areas offer showers, game rooms and electricity. But you can still have that crackling fire to roast marshmallows and make those s'mores. But, if you want to connect with your family, avoid them. There are plenty of inexpensive state areas.

If you are looking for an inexpensive vacation that gives you the chance to bond with your family, camping is the perfect choice!

Events

2009-07-06T16:33:00.001-07:00

Events sponsored in part by Advance Basement Technologies. Basement Mold and Water Remediation. 1-866 R U WET (796-8938)

Fri., Jul. 03 through Sun., Jul. 05
Grafton Music Festival
The Grafton Musical Festival, a new musical event with performances planned from July 3-5 in Grafton, Vermont. Friday, July 3: afternoon entertainment in Grafton Village, kids carnival, then the annual VSO Concert & fireworks that evening. Saturday, July 4: Outdoor concert with Love Bomb. July 5: Gospel service at Grafton Church & Gospel Brunch at The Old Tavern at Grafton. GraftonMusicFestival.com.
Location: Grafton Village, Vermont
For More Information, Contact: Grafton Music Festival 802-236-9349 info@graftonmusicfestival.com

06/29/2009 Monday TO 07/03/2009
Friday9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Young Artist's Program in Folk Art Crafts
Fletcher Farm School for the Arts & Crafts 611 Rt 103 South, Ludlow, VT 05149

July 11-12, 2009 Windsor County Agricultural Fair - 10:00:00 AM The "Best Little Fair in Vermont" features all things agricultural. The two-day schedule of events includes horse, pony, and tractor pulls, and 4-H competition. Visitors can see a variety of educational exhibits and demonstrations related to traditional New England culture and history, small-scale farming activities, crafts, and country-living. Children will love the petting zoo, marionettes, and of course.the "kiddie" rides. There will be live music, fair-food, horse-drawn wagon rides, plus a pie baking contest, competitive horseshoe pitching, and many other "judged" competitive events. New for 2009, local fire departments will compete for the title of "Best Squad" in the first annual Firemans Muster. Also planned for this year are a public Yard Sale, Karaoke Contest, and ATV Obstacle Course. The fair is held rain-or-shine. Commercial and educational exhibitors are encouraged to reserve their space early by contacting Eric Johnson at eric@farmsforcitykids.org. To advertise in the Fairs Program Guide, contact Pat Davis at pod@tds.net. For further information, call Fair President Robert Allen, at 802-484-5027. Mark your calendar now, and make plans to spend a great weekend at the Windsor County Agricultural Fair. Fees are adults $6, children under 12 $2.00.

July 11, 2009 2nd Annual Pancake Breakfast at the Hartness State Airport - 7:00:00 AM The Springfield Chamber of Commerce will hold a Pancake Breakfast 7 - 9:30 am at the Hartness State Airport. Cost is $8 per person, $4 kids under 10. Bring the family and enjoy breakfast and all the great things happening at the airport. This is a busy time for the airport, the skies will be filled with activities.

July 11, 2009 Under the Big Top - 11:00:00 AM The Gallery at the VAULT will hold an opening reception for an exhibit of original vintage circus posters (lithographs) from the 1930s, 40s, & 50s, Saturday, July 11, 2009, 11 am - 3 pm. A hand=crafted miniature train, complete with circus tents, will be on display inside the vault. In the Open Wall room be sure to view and bid on items in our silent auction, Wonderful Whimsical, which also kicks-off. Proceeds support our sumer arts camps for children. Free popcorn. For more information contact Melody Reed at 802-885-7111

July 12, 2009 Ferns and Wildflowers - 10:00:00 AM From 10am to noon at Springweather Nature Area, North Springfield Vermont.

July 14, 2009 Walker Brothers Circus - 5:30:00 PM Walker Brothers Circus sponsored by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. July 14, 2009 two show: 5:30 & 7:30 pm. Advanced tickets available at the Chamber office cost $12 per adult, $14 at door. 2 children under 14 free with the purchase of adult ticket. For more information contact the Chamber at 802-885-2779. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.walkerbrotherscircus.com

Open the Eyes Of My Heart
Saturday July 25, 2009 (10:00AM - 8:00PM)
Enjoy a summer day in a green Vermont field listening to uplifting, inspiring music from New England musicians..
Bring your blankets, picnic lunches and beach chairs.

Twisted Fitness

2009-07-06T16:30:00.000-07:00

Are you wanting to get in shape for summer?

Twisted Fitness is a full service health club. Owners Leigh Ann and Jonathan Root have been in business for 11 years. "We are locally owned and community players. We are a work in progress just like our members and our community becoming better every year we are here. We love fitness and our community and it shows!

Twisted Fitness' full service means there two cardio rooms, with a wide variety of fitness classes included in the membership fee. There is a large free weight area and 2 lines of selectionized (pin loaded) strength machines. They also have a raquetball court, locker rooms and a sauna.

There is a great friendly, non-intimidating, welcoming environment. It is a member's club, always growing the business in the direction of their members' needs and wants. You will find personal trainers and fitness instructors. So, if you have been looking for a place to get in shape, Twisted Fitness in Claremont.

For more information, you can visit them on site at www.twistedfitness.com or at 23 Pleasant Street in Claremont. 603-542-0414

Dave Says

2009-06-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

(is Dave’s investing system sound?)

Dear Dave,

Considering that the current economic situation is nearing a calamity, do you feel that your Total Money Makeover investment strategies are still sound?

Anthony

Dear Anthony,

First, let’s review the investment strategies in The Total Money Makeover. Pay cash for real estate so that you own it free and clear. Invest with a long-term mentality in America’s best and brightest companies. Put your money into good, growth stock mutual funds – so that you can be well-diversified – with companies that have very long and successful track records.

I always have – and always will – consider these to be very sound investment strategies! I think you’re being a little dramatic when you refer to the stock market situation as “nearing calamity.” You can live in fear and concentrate on all the negative opinions circulating out there, or you can choose not to live in fear. I’m not talking about some Pollyanna view of things. Use logic, a little reason, and some careful observation of the facts. The truth is that the stock market has gone up about 30 percent since March 9. As an investor, you’re in K-Mart and the blue light is on! That sounds like a good thing to me!

- Dave

(how multi-level works)
Dear Dave,

I’ve been approached about becoming part of a telecom business opportunity that some of my friends say is a multi-level operation. I’ve heard good and bad things about these companies, but I’m still not sure what they are or how they work. Could you explain?

Brent

Dear Brent,

If you recruit people and get paid on the basis of what they make, then you’re talking about a multi-level operation. These companies have both good and bad reputations that have been well-earned. Basically you’re not going to be paid for being in the telecom business, you’re going to be paid for recruiting and motivating large numbers of people who will go out and recruit other people themselves. You may make a little bit by actually selling the company’s products and services, but most of the money will come from your building a sales force which then builds a sales force, ad infinitum..

You could make good money if you have the talent and ability to hire and train lots of people over a long period of time, assuming you got in early when the pool of potential new hires was still big. The bad thing is that these operations take on a cult-like level of devotion and enthusiasm. People dive in head-first, and before you know it they sound like cheerleaders and look at everyone in their lives as potential recruits. And remember, each succeeding level has to be bigger than the one above it in order for anyone to come out ahead.

Some folks get so cranked up over the company, that they start “exaggerating” the possibilities. Sorry, but you’re not going to work a couple of hours a day and make $100,000 a year! If you make six or seven figures a year, it’ll be because you worked your tail off and brought in a bunch of bodies.

Don’t kid yourself into believing you’ve found the answer to easy money. It just doesn’t happen that way!

- Dave

* For more financial advice, plus special offers to our readers, please visit www.davesays.org .

Horace Wells, Hartford's Medical Pioneer

2009-06-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

By Stephen Seitz
There is a monument to the man in Paris, but the name of Horace Wells is not well known in his home state of Vermont.
Wells pioneered the use of nitrous oxide, known as "laughing gas" in common parlance, as an anaesthetic.
Born in Hartford in 1815, Wells completed his education in Walpole, N.H., before going on to study dentistry in Boston. Setting up shop in Hartford, Conn. with William T.G. Morton, who popularized the use of ether in 1846, Wells got to the same goal first in 1844, when he volunteered to take nitrous oxide from circus performer Gardner Quincy Colton. Seeing the possibilities after having felt no pain, Wells had his own tooth extracted by a colleague later that year.
Wells used nitrous oxide on his own patients, and refused to patent his discovery so that all would benefit.
Just as well, because when Wells tried to demonstrate the nitrous oxide technique to medical students in Boston in 1845, something went wrong and the patient screamed in pain, driving Wells from medical practice.
(Under more favorable circumstances later, Wells had another tooth removed, demonstrating the efficacy of inhalant anesthetics, By then, though, the damage was done.)
Wells traveled New England as a salesman after that, but eventually renewed his association with Morton and went to Europe to promote anesthetics for Morton's business. In early 1848, he also experimented with chloroform, which drove him crazy. Wells returned to the U.S. One day, while in a state of chloroform-induced delirium, he threw sulfuric acid at a couple of New York City women. Sent to the Tombs, his mind cleared, and, in a fit of guilt and self-loathing, Wells killed himself by slicing a major artery in his leg after taking chloroform to numb the pain. He was 33 years old.
The American Dental Association honored Wells' contributions in 1864, followed by the American Medical Association in 1870. If you're visiting Paris, the monument can be found at the Place des Etats-Unis. Wells is buried in Hartford, but it's the one in Connecticut.

Birthplace of Aerosmith

2009-06-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

By Stephen Seitz
Sunapee, New Hampshire, is best known as a sleepy resort town with an active stream of summer visitors who love the lake, and winter visitors who love the skiing. But it's the summers which count in the history of modern popular music, for that is where the rock powerhouse Aerosmith formed.
As it happened, lead singer Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry spent their summers in Sunapee, and bass player Tom Hamilton was not too far way, a student at the New London high school.
The seeds of Aerosmith were sown at a Sunapee ice cream parlor called the Anchorage, where Perry worked during the summer, and met Tyler there.
Tyler, who grew up playing drums in his Julliard-trained father's orchestra, formed his first band, the Strangeurs, in 1964. For obscure legal reasons, the band renamed itself Chain Reaction when it made its first studio recordings in 1966.
Perry and Hamilton, meanwhile, had formed the Jam Band by 1969. Both bands played around New England, including a Sunapee venue known as the Barn. Tyler, Perry and Hamilton liked to hang out there, and they first performed as Aerosmith in 1970.
In the early years, they followed the same paths as many bands, playing proms, touring New England venues like the Barn, sometimes even hitting places like the Holman Stadium in Manchester.
From there, music immortality, but they never gave up their connections to New England.
True story: in 1978, Aerosmith was going to appear at a prominent Massachusetts venue just at the time I had my own weekend radio show in Brattleboro, and my parents owned a small motel there.
One night, as the Seitz family sat down to dinner, my father looked up and asked, "Ever heard of some band named Aerosmith?"
I dropped my fork.
As it happened, the band was looking for some quiet place where they were unlikely to be found and mobbed by intrusive fans. I, of course, had visions of a live interview, and, having just been graduated from UVM, also had fantasies of launching a glorious career in radio.
Dad booked the band at the motel and swore us to total secrecy. Unfortunately, the whole family was at dinner that evening, including a younger sister who was in middle school at the time. Her idea of being "sworn to secrecy" was to let every 12-year-old she knew in on this and swear them to secrecy. The news was all over Brattleboro in a day, and got back to Aerosmith via the New England music grapevine less that three days later. They picked another motel, I never got my live interview, and yet, to this day my sister walks around unharmed.
You owe me, Sis. Buy me some ice cream in Sunapee.

The Color Of Flowers

2009-06-18T15:34:00.001-07:00

by Carmen Bywater
Now that the spring initial clean up panic is over it’s time to
focus on what goes into those recently cleaned up flower
beds. You might want to get to it as soon as you can because
with all this rain the weeds are not going to miss an
opportunity to reestablish themselves. Before you know it
you’ll be over run with weeds before you get the chance to
plant.
Deciding on a color scheme can be a daunting task. While
these days almost anything goes you might want to keep a
few things in mind when deciding a color scheme.
Keep in mind some basic color rules. Whites, yellows and
brightly colored flowers or foliage can brighten up an area
and make it seem larger more expansive. Darker color can
be used to draw the eye into a dramatic scene or toward a
specific feature. Color can also be used to define an area.
A bright border such as marigolds can offset darker color
plants (like the Black Prince Snapdragons) and really give
an area some perspective.
Using an artist’s color wheel is a wonderful way to explore
different types of color matching. Remember opposites
attract. And it’s the opposites that can bring the best contrast
to an area. For instance to pair blues (or purples) and
oranges together (like purple salvia and orange portulacas)
can create a high contrast area. Or how about some golden
poppies and some deep purple petunias? The colors are so
starkly different that they can’t help but match. Green and
red are such opposites but they seem to get along so well in
a garden. Nothing is prettier than bright red foliage against
a back drop of dramatic deep greens.
One thing to look out for is different color tones. I would
suggest when you go out buying flowers buy what you
need. If you go back you may not be able to match what
you’ve already got. I bought some really pretty scarlet red
impatiens earlier this year. I planted them and then decided
that the flower bed needed more. So I hiked down
to the nursery and came back with some more red impatiens
- but they didn’t match. The tone, or shade, of red was
completely different. The new ones were more of a fuschia
- pinkish red. They clashed and didn’t compliment each
other. I planted them some place else. Then I got white impatiens.
That worked.
This year I’m trying something different. I got some of the
orange, yellow and red trailing nasturtiums. Those I have
tried and done well with. (However I can’t quite bring myself
to put the nasturtiums in my salad) with a frontal border
of deep maroon and white pansies. I just thought that
would provide a stark contrast. One worth noting. I’ll let
you know how it turns out.
This column is looking for a sponsor. Talk to your sales person
or call our office to get more information.

The Great Train Escapade

2009-06-18T15:30:00.001-07:00

June 29-July3
5PM-7:30PM
Vacation Bible School
Bible Stories-Crafts-Skits-Games-Songs and Snacks
For more info-call David Lane 603-357-7771
Village Church
121 Cobble Hill Road
West Swanzey, NH 03469

Testimonies

2009-06-18T15:29:00.002-07:00

We had the truck for sale for a year, with no luck and it sold the first time it was in your paper, so that obviously was worth the money and I was more than pleased with those results. Thanks again. C Porter

New advertisers

2009-06-18T15:29:00.001-07:00

Noreast Builders: Specializing in residential, commercial and light industrial building/construction. New construction, renovations, add-ons, remodeling and design and plan service. NH and MA. noreastbuilders.com or call them at (603) 554-7927

Fat Franks: A burger-and-dog place, their "hook" is the quality of their food. They don't make their own dogs (They use Boston Smokehouse), but they steam, then grill them, and do so perfectly. They have an excellent range of condiments, including numerous varieties of Maine-made mustards. 92 Rockingham Street in Bellows Falls

Riverside Hotel: The Riverside Hotel is located right on the banks of the beautiful Connecticut River on the border of New Hampshire & Vermont. Whether you go there for business or pleasure (or both), they are sure to make your stay comfortable & unforgettable. www.nhriversidehotel.com

How do I build good credit?

2009-06-18T15:28:00.002-07:00

As a housing counselor, I hear that question a lot. There is a lot of information out in the media and some is inaccurate. Depending on the source – it can range from total error or just simply wrong information. In today’s day and time, we need to have good credit if we want to purchase a house. That is unless we have a pile of cash sitting around!

There are three bureau’s (places where our financial history is reported). Between the three, there is a range going from 150 to 934. Typically a bank looks for a middle score (of the three) between 660 to 720. Because people with that kind of score pay their bills on time, the bank thinks the risk of the borrower not paying is lower.

Credit is all about risk. The bank, credit union or credit card companies are risking loaning money with the understanding that it will be paid back, with interest. The lower the score perhaps the higher the interest rate.

Building a good credit report is pretty simple really. Pay your bills on time – all the time. Keep your credit card balances at no more than half of the limit. Don’t borrow more than you need to. This means asking yourself if you really need that car payment of $525 or could you purchase a car with a payment of $250?

Ask yourself what is more important – obtaining your home (if that is what you want) or having the latest greatest stuff.

Tina is a Home Buyer Counselor with Rockingham Area Community Land Trust.
802-885-3220

Press Release

2009-06-18T15:28:00.001-07:00

June's Monthly Men’s Breakfasts will be on Saturday June 20th at Calvary Baptist Church at 8:00 a.m. Calvary is located at 156 Main Street (across from the senior center). This event is an ecumenical gathering of men from local and regional churches (though no church affiliation or faith experience is required). Excellent food and good fellowship are shared, and a free will donation is taken to cover expenses. The breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m., and is commonly completed by 9:00 a.m. It's a great way to start a Saturday and all men (and their sons, friends, neighbors, co-workers, family members, etc.) are welcome. For questions please call 885.2349.

Press Release
Calvary Baptist Church in Springfield Vermont will host the 2nd Annual Alumni weekend outreach event, by partnering with the Alumni Committee to participate in the Alumni Weekend festivities. Immediately following the Alumni Weekend Parade on Saturday June 27th The Church will be ready to feed folks with hot dogs, sausages, drinks and cookies, which will be sold at a VERY REASONABLE price to benefit the Calvary Youth Programs. The church will also host a range of FREE carnival activities at Riverside Middle School following the parade as part of the community celebration. Calvary will provide a Giant Jump/Bounce House, Games and activities.

For more information about the Alumni Weekends activities hosted by Calvary, or if you have general questions about the life and times of Calvary Baptist Church, please call us: 802.885.2349 or e-mail us: cbc@vermontel.net

Camping

2009-06-18T15:27:00.001-07:00

In the last issue I talked about the cool things about going away to camp. But this issue, I want to talk about backyard camping. As a child we often set our tent up in the backyard. According to a recent national survey, nearly 60 percent of Americans may celebrate one of their family vacations with a "staycation" this year. To help those families looking to save money while still making family time a priority, contributor for GoodHousekeeping.com, blogger of MommaSaid.net and author of the "Stop Second-Guessing Yourself" parenting book series, Jen Singer, has come up with ways to have "s'more" summertime fun right in their own backyards.

Singer, along with Hershey's and Kraft Foods, offers the following suggestions for converting the backyard into a stay-at-home vacation destination or fun weekend activity:

• Treat a staycation as a traditional vacation. The fun of a backyard getaway is making it feel like a real vacation but with the convenience of being just steps away from home. Families should pack must-have items in a backpack just as if they were packing for a camping trip. Be sure to include water, snacks and warm clothes and blankets for cool nights.

• Make it authentic. Be sure to cover all the camping essentials, such as pitching a tent, to make the experience exciting and realistic. Setting up a tent will help to foster family teamwork and allow a comfortable night's sleep. Plus, campfires are great for storytelling, singing, cooking and, of course, keeping everyone warm. Remember to supervise children at all times when around the campfire.

• Capture memories. Every vacation has special family moments that you want to capture. Remember to have a camera on hand and snap away. Kids love to get in on the action, so have them take pictures of their own.

• Create cookout classics. A backyard getaway is a great opportunity to enjoy family favorites. Preparing classics such as hot dogs, hamburgers and kebabs over the campfire is a fun alternative to the traditional barbecue. Give each family member a cooking fork with his or her choice of entrée to heat until fully cooked. Supervise children at all times and set up a picnic table with plates, napkins and condiments for all the fixings.

• Treat the family to a wonderful campfire companion. Making s'mores is the ultimate complement to any backyard getaway. Start by placing half of a Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar on top of half of a Honey Maid Graham Cracker. Then, lightly toast a large Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme over the campfire, and place it on top of the chocolate bar. Finally, top the toasted marshmallow with another graham cracker half and press together. This delicious treat can help make any backyard campout complete.

For more recipes and tips, visit www.SmoresTruly.com.

June 16-July 1 Events

2009-06-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

Quechee Balloon Festival
June 19, 20 and 21, 2009
http://www.quecheeballoonfestival.com/

Tue., Jun. 23

6:30PM - 8:30PM
Voices of the Past Cemetery Walk

The Charlestown Historical Society presents, "Voices of the Past" in Forest Hill Cemetery on June 23 6:30 PM. The fourth year of this popular event introduces towns people portraying villages from Charlestown's past.
Dressed in period costume, these earlier neighbors tell of their lives and times, making the history of the community come alive. Meeting them is quite a treat! Back for a second visit, by request, is Stephen Hassam, played by Bill Hartley. Be prepared for uneven walking, bring folding chairs, No dogs.
The former CT River Bank building will be open to visitors and will present the story of Charlestown's famous 1850 bank robbery, and the almost impregnable granite safe will be displayed. Free refreshments will be served at the Town Hall on Summer Street.
Cost: Donation of $3 per person or $10 for a family
Location: Forest Hill Cemetery, East Street
Charlestown, New Hampshire
For More Information, Contact: Joyce Higgins 603 826-9726

June 26-27, 2009 Alumni Weekend - Alumni Weekend, June 26 - 27, 2009. The Annual Banquet will be held Friday night, June 26th at the Elks Club commencing at 6:00 pm. The Golf Tournament is also on the 26th at Crown Point Country Club beginning at 12:30 pm. This years theme will be Holidays Around the World. The parade begins at 10:30 am on Saturday the 27th and final judging of the floats will be at Riverside Middle School immediately following the parade and the annual meeting will also immediately follow the judging. If you have any questions you can contact Keith Ferguson at 885-3273.

June 27, 2009 Family Day at Precision Valley Fish and Game Association Outdoor Range - 10:00:00 AM Family Day at Precision Valley Fish and Game Association Outdoor Range, Route 106 Perkinsville, VT. 10 am - 3 pm admission $5 per family. This event is being organized as a way to introduce men, women, and children to various shooting sports. Rifles, handguns and shotguns for tap and muzzle loading guns will be provided - all under supervision of experienced club members. Ammunition and eye and ear protection will be provided. An extensive firearms collection will be provided by Thomas Platt. This event is made possible by a grant from the National Rifle Assocations. For more information contact Sheree Vaughn-Tucker 802-228-7825 or visit the website www.pvfga.com

Sat., Jun. 27 through Sun., Jun. 28

08:00AM - 6:00PM
Gilsum Rock Swap & Mineral Show[]

More than 60 dealers spaces where you will find fine crystals, minerals, jewelry, fossils, geodes and more. Buy, swap, sell. Also being held on June 28th- 8am -4pm
Cost: Free
Sponsor: Gilsum Rocks!
Location: Gilsum elementary School
For More Information, Contact: gilsumrocks@gmail.com

Fri., Jul. 03 through Sun., Jul. 05
Grafton Music Festival
The Grafton Musical Festival, a new musical event with performances planned from July 3-5 in Grafton, Vermont. Friday, July 3: afternoon entertainment in Grafton Village, kids carnival, then the annual VSO Concert & fireworks that evening. Saturday, July 4: Outdoor concert with Love Bomb. July 5: Gospel service at Grafton Church & Gospel Brunch at The Old Tavern at Grafton. GraftonMusicFestival.com.
For More Information, Contact: Grafton Music Festival 802-236-9349 info@graftonmusicfestival.com

Motorcycle Stories

2009-06-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

Many people ask me why I ride a motorcycle. For most of us the answer is the same...the thrill! Perhaps Robert Pirsig said it best in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: "You’re completely in contact with it all. You’re in the scene, not just watching it anymore, and the sense of presence is overwhelming.” There is NOTHING like it. Any day I can take my bike out is better than sitting in a car. I have been riding motorcycles since I was probably 8. The first family bike was a 60cc Yamaha, two cycle. Sounded a lot like a chain saw and smoked a lot like one, too!

When gas prices escalated last year (As they are currently doing right now!) many turned towards scooters and motorcycles. My GL1800 Goldwing is always around 45 miles to the gallon. It may have taken record fuel prices to put motorcycles into the mainstream consciousness, but the fact that bikes can get more than double the fuel economy of cars makes them serious money savers, whether or not prices stay high. With some many bikes achieving 60-70 miles per gallon and some scooters pushing 100+ mpg, it's no wonder so many commuters choose to get to work on two wheels.

And with all the construction going on all over the place, the issue of parking crops up. Laugh in the face of bulky SUVs forced to squeeze into tiny parking spots! Because many places of business have designated motorcycle parking, running errands on a bike is eminently easier than driving and many parking lots allow bikes in for free. (And I would rather take the bike than the car anyhow.

Last weekend my friend Mike and I went for a ride together. If you're a rider you know all about "the wave," the pointed finger or wave of the hand that acknowledges another rider as he or she passes. Motorcyclists often feel like they belong to a big community, and that sensation gives us something in common; we share a bond that sets us apart from the rest of the motoring world. (In a few weeks a group of us are headed to Lake George!)

We hope that the weather stays warm, dry (It can rain at night!) and we get plenty of time to ride. With everything as crazy in the world in the world as it is, sometimes you just got to get away from it all.

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4th of July & Declaration Of Independence

2009-06-18T15:16:00.000-07:00

I love the 4th of July. My birthday is July 3rd(A day later and my name would have been Samuel!) and ever since I can remember I have had just about the most awesome parties in the world. As a child, we spent our summers on lakes in the Adirondacks. And my parents made sure that we got to see the fireworks displays. (There is nothing cooler than being on a boat with fireworks in the air!) And so over the years I have made sure children and grandchildren have had the fireworks experience. But along with all the cool fireworks, food and parades there is a serious side.

Independence Day in the U.S., is an annual holiday commemorating the formal adoption by the Continental Congress of the Declaration Of Independence on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia. Although the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August, the Fourth of July holiday has been accepted as the official anniversary of U.S. independence and is celebrated in all states and territories of the U.S.

The holiday was first observed in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776, at which time the Declaration of Independence was read aloud, city bells rang, and bands played. It was not declared a legal holiday, however, until 1941. The Fourth is traditionally celebrated publicly with parades and pageants, patriotic speeches, and organized firing of guns and cannons and displays of fireworks; early in the 20th century public concern for a "safe and sane" holiday resulted in restrictions on general use of fireworks. Family picnics and outings are a feature of private Fourth of July celebrations.

Often we need to be reminded of the sacrifices that allow us the ability to do what we do. We have published it because we feel it is important.

Did You Know?

On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country.

– In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation was 2.5 million.

– On July 4, 2008, the nation's population will be 304 million.

Fourth of July Cookouts

– The chance that the hot dogs and pork sausages consumed on the Fourth of July originated in Iowa are more than 1 in 4. The Hawkeye State was home to 17.6 million market hogs and pigs on March 1, 2008. This represents more than one-fourth of the nation's total. North Carolina (9 million) and Minnesota (6.7 million) were the runners-up.

– The total production of cattle and calves in Texas in 2007 is 6.8 billion pounds. Chances are good that the beef hot dogs, steaks and burgers on your backyard grill came from the Lone Star State, which accounted for about one-sixth of the nation's total production. And if the beef did not come from Texas, it very well may have come from Nebraska (4.7 billion pounds) or Kansas (4.1 billion pounds).

– There are six states in which the revenue from broiler chickens was $1 billion or greater between December 2006 and November 2007. There is a good chance that one of these states – Georgia, Arkansas, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi or Texas – is the source of your barbecued chicken.

– About 4 in 10 are the odds that your side dish of baked beans originated from North Dakota, which produced 42 percent of the nation's dry, edible beans in 2007. Another popular Fourth of July side dish is corn on the cob. Florida, California, Georgia and New York together accounted for 60 percent of the sweet corn produced nationally in 2007.

– Potato salad and potato chips are popular food items at Fourth of July barbecues. More than half (52 percent) of the nation's spuds were produced in Idaho or Washington state in 2007.

– More than three-fourths amount of the nation's head lettuce production in 2007 that came from California. This lettuce may end up in your salad or on your burger.

– Nearly 3 in 4 chances that the fresh tomatoes in your salad came from Florida or California, which combined accounted for 73 percent of U.S. tomato production last year. The ketchup on your burger or hot dog probably came from California, which accounted for 96 percent of processed tomato production in 2007.

– Georgia is the state that led the nation in watermelon production last year (1 billion pounds). Other leading producers of this popular Fourth of July dessert included California, Florida and Texas, each with more than 400 million pounds.

– More than 74 million Americans said they have taken part in a barbecue during the previous year. It's probably safe to assume a lot of these events took place on Independence Day.

Fireworks

– The value of fireworks imported from China in 2007 amounts to $207 million, representing the bulk of all U.S. fireworks imported ($217 million). U.S. exports of fireworks, by comparison, came to just $14.9 million in 2007, with Japan purchasing more than any other country ($3.8 million).

– The U.S. manufacturers' shipments of fireworks in 2002 values up to $17.3 million.

Flags

– In 2007, $4.7 million was the dollar value of U.S. imports of American flags. The vast majority of this amount ($4.3 million) was for U.S. flags made in China.

– $2.4 million was the dollar value of U.S. flags exported in 2007. Mexico was the leading customer, purchasing $1.2 million worth.

– The annual dollar value of shipments of fabricated flags, banners and similar emblems by the nation's manufacturers was $349.2 million, according to the latest published economic census data.

Patriotic-Sounding Names

– The number of places nationwide with "liberty" in their name is 31. The most populous one as of July 1, 2006, is Liberty, Mo. (29,581). Iowa, with four, has more of these places than any other state: Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty and West Liberty.
Thirty-one places are named "eagle" – after the majestic bird that serves as our national symbol. (Places include cities, towns, villages and census-designated places.) The most populous such place is Eagle Pass, Texas, with 26,401 residents.
Twelve places have "independence" in their name. The most populous of these is Independence, Mo., with 109,400 residents.
Nine places adopted the name "freedom." Freedom, Calif., with 6,000 residents, has the largest population among these.
There is one place named "patriot" – Patriot, Ind., with a population of 192.
And what could be more fitting than spending the Fourth of July in a place called "America"? There are five such places in the country, with the most populous being American Fork, Utah, population 25,596.

The British are Coming!

– The dollar value of trade last year between the United States and the United Kingdom was $107.2 billion, making the British, our adversary in 1776, our sixth-leading trading partner today.

Data courtesy of the U.S. Census Bureau.

Declaration Of Independence
IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

John Hancock