VERNON —
A bench for Cookie
VERNON - Nancy Durborow appeared before the Selectboard at their May 16 regular meeting to seek their approval for placing a bench on town property honoring Eleanor “Cookie” Allen, who died Dec. 31, 2014.
Durborow, representing the Vernon Seniors, told Board members the group picked out a marble bench to place outside the town offices.
The placement was chosen to remember all that Allen, a Vernon native, had done for the town, including serving as town historian, on the Farmland Preservation Committee, as president of the Vernon Seniors, and as a long-time senior van driver.
Through fundraising efforts, the Seniors gathered enough money to purchase the marble bench and have it engraved with Allen's name and a quote in her memory.
The Board voted to approve the Vernon Seniors' request, allowing them discretion in placing the bench.
“That's a good, good thing, and we're pleased to do that,” said Board Chair Christiane Howe.
Sheriff's contract approved
VERNON - Windham County Sheriff Keith Clark presented his department's updated law enforcement contract to the Selectboard at their May 16 regular meeting.
After a few minor corrections, the Board approved the contract, which goes into effect July 1.
While at the meeting, Clark reminded town officials the new patrol schedule begins on July 1 and, as per the decision made at Town Meeting, Vernon will have 20 hours per day coverage.
Paving bid awarded
VERNON - Roads Commissioner David Walker presented the bids he received for an upcoming paving project to the Selectboard at their May 16 regular meeting.
The Board awarded the bid to Lane Construction for paving Pond Road from Houghton Hill to the school, and will correct the parking area in front of Tyler Cemetery.
Muster, hold the picnic
VERNON - Fire Chief Todd Capen brought some sad news to the Selectboard at their May 16 meeting: no July 4 fireworks, no town picnic.
“There's no money,” Capen said, explaining the fireworks display alone costs at least $3,500, and there is only $1,000 in the fund.
He said the Fire Department will hold a muster and barbecue fundraiser, planned for June 25, at the Stewart property, also known as the baseball field. Board member Josh Unruh said the town softball game will also happen.
Unruh encouraged anyone looking to donate money toward having the picnic and fireworks display to bring their checkbook to the town treasurer.