the londonderry monthly

The Londonderry Monthly

The Londonderry Monthly is available online You can get your copy of The Monthly online from the Town of Londonderry’s website

www.londonderryvt.org - 1 -

Volume 9 Number 8 August 2018

Letter from the Editor:

Fantastic July, I must say. The fireworks at Magic were better than ever!!!(Do I say that

every year?) But it’s true. There were dazzles and bursts I’ve never seen before. It was

INCREDIBLE. Thank you to all who made it happen and especially Magic Mountain

who pulled out all the stops to keep the event happening despite soda fireworks of a

different kind that almost ruined things. The show must go on & it did. I can’t wait for

next year!

As the daughter of two teachers and as a parent – I know the mixed blessings that August

brings. The horror by teachers and students of thinking that summer is more than half

over with back to school sales are already starting, and the joy and anticipation by parents

who can’t find enough for their kids to do all day, every day (on rainy days) shiver with

the thrill of knowing soon enough it will be somebody else’s problem. So far this summer

has been a doozy – extreme heat, some of the most gorgeous summer days and stunning

beauty anybody could ask for, and most recently some much needed rain that is not

letting up. Enjoy folks – it will be over in a flash!

Memorial Park July 4th week.


2

Ahhh – the life of the young, happy & innocent – frolicking in the summer. The exact

images I want to think of for all of you and your families this summer. These are the

pictures and memories we all have in our minds from moments past – sometimes decades

old. The kind of images we hold dear and hope to give to our own families and children.

Sadly after this week, not everyone has these blissful images in their minds. I can’t let the

recent spate of horrific accidents and fatalities go without comment. First to bless those

that have passed and offer sympathy to their families, but also to thank all the volunteers

from the Rescue Squad, the Technical Rescue and the Fire Departments for the endless

amount of hours and effort they gave on behalf of our community. They find themselves

a part of grisly circumstances and have to live with those visions every day thereafter.

Please folks, be safe for the rest of this summer season and let’s not give our Rescue &

Fire people any reason to leave the stations. Let us hope they have some time to make

new images to replace the ones they can’t forget.

OK – on to happier thoughts. IT IS NOT TOO LATE! To picnic, swim, see concerts,

watch a sunset, get burnt, mow the lawn, swing in a hammock, stop by the library for a

good read, watch the still very green tomatoes ripen…(my rosemary is glorious for those

of you that care!). You get my point – we live here for a reason – it’s a 4 season

playground – have a great rest of your summer.

Darcy Duval

https://mail.aol.com/webmail/getPart?uid=51745&partId=2&scope=STANDARD&saveAs=IMG_3293.JPG


3

INTERVIEW for AUGUST

Our very own Kelly Pajala

Town Clerk & State Representative

Introducing Kelly Pajala – finally! I have been trying to interview Kelly for several

months. Kelly has been working as our Town Clerk (an elected position) for 7 years and

was appointed by Governor Phil Scott to fill the vacated seat in our state capital by Oliver

Olsen in November 2017. She returned home full time from Montpelier after the state

budget passed in June.

Kelly moved here from NJ with her family when she was 11. She attended Burr &

Burton Academy and was then accepted at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY.

After a brief stint in Portland OR, Kelly returned to her VT roots, married and had 2

boys: Olav age 11 & Jaakko age 10, collectively referred to as the Vikings. Raising kids

in Vermont is one of the great joys of Kelly’s life. The Vikings are currently learning

beekeeping, gardening & pickling from Kelly’s parents, “Nanny & Steve”. They also

enjoy fishing and skiing with their Dad. With any luck the Vikings are learning about

civic responsibility and community engagement from their Mother.

Kelly was happily ensconced at our Town Hall when Oliver Olsen stepped down mid-term as

House Rep due to personal reasons. The Governor announced he would accept letters of interest

from any Independent who might like to fill the term remaining. Kelly saw an opportunity not

only to broaden her own experience but to also help her community by using her voice in the

capital. She was selected & appointed from the 3 applicants. Kelly hoped to get a better

understanding as to how local town government worked with state government and to access

resources for the larger southern Vermont community. It felt a natural progression for her to

work both as Clerk and Rep. hand in hand, as the State Rep position only calls her to Montpelier

part time, January through May. Her State Rep term ends this year. She has recently announced

her candidacy for the House seat for a 2-year term (2019-2020). She will be on the November


4

General election ballot as an Independent. The Representative district is comprised of

Londonderry, Jamaica, Stratton, Weston & Winhall.

Kelly loves her job as Town Clerk over the past 7 years. She loves the work, and the people she

serves – commenting that it is never boring and there is something new happening every day.

She enjoys her colleagues and the camaraderie they share. Tina Labeau, our Town Treasurer

(and May’s interview) has been a rock star as Kelly’s right-hand woman. Tina, Tammy Long,

who has since left the town office and Bonnie Cobb as the Assistant Clerk, and all the other

officials at the Town Office have made it possible to keep the wheels of Londonderry rolling

along so that Kelly can work doubly hard for all of us! If you ask her what she is most excited

about in the Town Clerk’s Office she will tell you it is the addition of roller shelves in the vault

this fall. Who knew that organizing old records could bring so much joy to a person?

Although Kelly officially announced her candidacy for State Representative just days ago, she

will continue to work at both positions with equal amounts of enthusiasm. She believes that

serving the community is not about the notoriety that a campaign can bring, whether running for

Town Clerk or State Rep. It is about serving the people with respect & dignity and using her

skills where she can do the most good. Kelly believes that this is a really special place to live and

the best possible place to grow up. For her, it is worth investing the time and energy to keep it a

special place for everybody. Huzzah to that!

******************************************************************************

A few Great Pictures from the Kitchen Dwellers at the

Town Hall

Thank you to everyone who attended Music Monday!!!! It was a blast!

*************************************************************


5

These lectures are offered at no charge, but please register to attend by calling 824-4343.

Local Author to Discuss

Revolutionary New Health Book About Breathe

Tuesday, August 14th from 2 to 3 pm as well as Tuesday, August 21st from 5:30-6:30,

Neighborhood Connections hosts local author Betsy Thomason who will share the

number one health secret that can bring well-being to all. Thomason’s book, Just Breathe

Out—Using Your Breath to Create a New, Healthier You, is a how-to-breathe guidebook.

This lecture is being offered at two different times to accommodate those who work.

There is no charge to attend, but please call 824-4343 to register.

Just Breathe Out features the BreathOut Dynamic system (BODs), revolutionary

breathing focused on the active, spine-stretching outbreath. Using BODs in daily practice

promotes relaxation as well as strength. If you want to manage stress and pain more

effectively, improve your strength, or perhaps conquer an addiction, learning and using

BODs can help you reach your goals.

Just Breathe Out, the paperback edition, will be for sale at this event. Neighborhood

Connections is a non-profit social services agency located in Londonderry’s Mountain

Marketplace, next to the post office.

Volunteers Needed

for Chocolate Fest August 6th

Experience the Chocolate/Cheese/Chili Fest free of charge by donating your time at

the event. We need volunteers at the gate to hand out plates and silverware, cheese

servers and help at the Silent Auction table. Your help is much appreciated!


6

Chocolate/Cheese/Chili Fest Tickets on Sale!

A sample of what you can

taste at the annual festival

MONDAY AUGUST

6th

5-8 pm Hosted by:

The Landgrove Inn

Raffle Tickets are $1 each

or a book of 6 for $5.

Pre-Buy Tickets for $15

$20 at the door

Children over 6 $10

Free Admission for

children under 6

You won't want to miss this preeminent annual

fundraising event for Neighborhood Connections.

Sample cheese, chocolate and chili from some of the

area's top food vendors. As of today, these are the

food angels signed up to participate:

• Ambrosia Chocolates

• Bryant House

• Cellars at Jasper Hill

• Grafton Cheese

• Gringo Jack's

• Inn at Weston

• Landgrove Inn

• North Meadow Farm

• Pan Latin

• Southern Pie Company

• Main Street Coffee and Scoop Shoppe

• Tri-Mountain Lion's Club

• Vermont Country Store

• Vermont Quince Company

• Vermont Shepherd Cheese

• Wantastiquet Londonderry Rotary

• Windham Community Organization

• Windham Hill Inn

• Windham Sweets

There will also be a silent auction, a 50-50 raffle and a

raffle for one of three prizes including dinner for four at

The Landgrove Inn and jewelry from Von Bargen's and

McWayne's Jewelers. Listen to live music and order

beverages from the cash bar.


7


8

2nd Congregational Church News:

2018 LONDONDERRY SENIOR LUNCHES

The Second Congregational Church of Londonderry, UCC, announces the 2018 season of

Senior Lunches. All Senior Lunches will be held at the Church’s Friendship room

beginning at noon on the fourth Thursday of the month. The remaining dates for 2018

are: August 23, September 27, and October 25. All seniors are welcome and encouraged

to bring friends. Families and neighbors can also encourage seniors to attend. There will

be a free will offering.

AUGUST HAPPENINGS AT THE

SOUTH LONDONDERRY FREE LIBRARY On display during the month of August are pastel works by Karol Allen. Karol was

dismayed at the rate we are losing Vermont barns due to time, weather and harsh winters.

She photographed many that were in disrepair and decided to render them in pastels

before they were lost forever. Karol will show some of them as well as other iconic

Vermont landscapes.

Events for Kids:

Wednesday, August 1st – Drop in anytime between 1:30 and 3:30 and Linda will help you

build a string rocket!

Monday, August 6th at 1:30 - Craft a Clown Mask and Tie. There will be music, a story

and a game.

Friday, August 17th - Come on over at 1:30 and do some Cool Jazz Kool Aid Painting

Saturday, August 25th – Come to the Library between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm and go

home with a balloon hat. Turn in your summer reading records and receive a Libraries

Rock! Certificate

Stop by anytime check out a book and pick up a craft to make at home

The Trustees of the Library would like to thank Kurt Hathaway and Precision Plumbers

for their pro-bono work they did on the library’s water system and installing a new

outdoor spigot. Their interest in their local library is very much appreciated.

The new Trustee roster is as follows:

Peter Isakson – President; Barb Wells, VP; Gun Burns , Treas.; Carol Barclay, Sect.

Sherry Clark, Laura Megroz, Marge Malko and Mimi Wright. Trustee meetings are

usually held on the third Thursday of the month and anyone interested is cordially invited

to attend.


9

We thank past and present volunteers who take care of daily circulation and other tasks:

BJ Davis, John and Caroline Jopling, Paul Myers, Martha Dale, Josh Fine, Marcia Camp

and others who help out from time to time as needed.

Volunteers would be welcome to help the library get ready for the Peru Fair that will take

place on Saturday, September 22nd. Some muscle is needed to help move book stands to

the site on Friday evening, September 21st. Come over anytime the library is open to help

sort and price books before the event. If you can spare a few hours on that Saturday,

please call the library at 824-3371 and let us know. The Peru Fair is a fun annual event in

our neighborhood with thousands of locals and tourists in attendance.

We have hundreds of used books for sale in our Book Loft. There are really amazing

books in all categories from antique ones to current best sellers. All to be had at very

reasonable prices. There is something for everyone at your wonderful House of Books.

Library entryway in 1996. Stop in and see what it looks like now!

Library hours are: Mondays – 10 to noon & 1 to 5 pm; Wednesdays – 10 to noon, 1 to 5

& 7 to 9; Fridays – 10 to noon & 1 to 5 and on Saturdays we are open 10 am to 1 pm.

See you at the Library! Mary K. Butera, Librarian/Director


10

Local Artists' Expo at the Custer Sharp House Labor Day Weekend

The Londonderry Arts and Historical Society has postponed the Local Artist Expo to

August 31 through Columbus Day at the Custer Sharp House, 2461 Middletown Road,

Londonderry. This exhibit showcases the work of regional artists working in all

mediums. There will be an artists' opening reception on August 31, 5-7 PM.

If you would like to exhibit, please contact Garrison Buxton at 917-602-2153 or email

[email protected]. Receiving dates for submissions are Wednesdays and

Thursdays, between 10 AM and 2 PM; Sunday July 29, 2-4; Monday July 30 10-2;

Tuesday July 31, 1:30-7:30, and the last day to drop off is Wednesday August 1st, 2pm.

Artist should provide paperwork with Name, Email, Phone #, Address, and complete list

of work(s). All art must contain information on the back including Artist's Name, Title,

Description of that work, and Price. Art must be hangable, ready to install/ sell.

The Custer Sharp House is the headquarters of the Londonderry Arts and Historical

Society. It is the former home of artists Bernadine Custer and Jimmy Sharp. This Spring

the exhibit space has been improved with new lighting and a display system. "These

upgrades enable us to really showcase our art and “artifacts " says Annie Campbell,

president of LAHS.

The mission of the Londonderry Arts and Historical Society is to be a beacon - helping

people understand the rich history and culture of our little town. Bringing stories of the

past to light. Igniting curiosity and awareness of how earlier Londonderry residents lived

and thrived. Presenting creative works by past and current artists that highlight the rich

cultural dimensions of our area.

Visit the LAHS website for more information on other events and programming:

w: LAHSVT.org.

fb: LondonderryArtAndHistoricalSociety


11

THANK YOU ALL FOR A FABULOUS FOURTH OF JULY!!!

WANTASTIQUET ROTARY OF LONDONDERRY

This past Saturday, the Wantastiquet Rotary was out in full force feeding the

post parade participants and viewers. Hamburgs and hot dogs were served.

Many thanks to the community that supported us!

The “Crew” pictured were from left to right, Joel Kuhlberg, Bill Elio, Bill

Fike, President Tom Widger, Buzz Seelet, and Skip Raymond. {Not

pictured Dick Dale and Bob Rice}


12

The beginning of the parade:

The end of the parade:


13

TRI-MTN LIONS

Londonderry Tri-Mtn Lions are having a busy summer. The winners of the 4th of July

Duck Race, 1st place $150.00, Carol Lechthaler, 2nd place $100.00 Noreen Lenilko, 3rd

place Noreen Lenilko. Thank you to all who participated in this fundraiser.

Our club welcomes two new members: Andie Fusco of Londonderry and Kathy Scott of

Windham.

All monies from our fundraising goes back to the community. We recently donated

$70.00 to Grace Cottage Community Health team for the purchase of two blood pressure

monitors. Other donations include $100.00 to Fireworks and $250 to Music Mondays at

Pingree Park. We are providing rides for local seniors to the monthly Senior Luncheons

in Londonderry. We are also baking cookies for the take home bags for the Seniors.

We are making and serving Vegetarian Chili at the Chocolate, Cheese and Chili Fest on

August 6th, Landgrove Inn, 5pm to 8:00pm.

Our club meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at 7:00 at Neighborhood

Connections meeting room. We welcome anyone who is interested to join us.

************************************************************************

Landgrove Meeting House

Dr. Gregory Mobley, Professor, Author and Ordained Minister to Speak at Landgrove

Meeting House Sunday, August 5th at 9:30am

The Landgrove Meeting House is especially pleased to welcome an exciting new

presenter, Dr. Gregory Mobley, who will preside at our 9:30 Sunday service on August

5th. He is a professor, author, and ordained American Baptist Minister with a special

interest in exploring the stories under the layers of the Bible.


14

After teaching Old Testament/Hebrew Bible at Union Theological Seminary in New

York and Andover Newtown Theological Seminary, he became a Professor of Hebrew

Bible and Congregational Studies at Yale Divinity School in 2017. He is also a widely

accomplished author, who explains:

I want writing about the Bible to be as soulful and idiomatic as the Bible itself.

I write for people like me, who are grateful to be alive and have the gift of

consciousness and will never, never give up their right to think and speak freely.

By the way, everything is holy.

His books include The Birth of Satan: Tracing the Devil’s Biblical Roots (with T.J.

Wray); Samson and the Liminal Hero in the Ancient Near East; The Return of the

Chaos Monsters –and other backstories of the Bible – in which each story is a variation

on a single theme: the dynamic interplay between order and chaos;

My Neighbor’s Faith – Stories of Interfaith Encounter, Growth and Transformation

(with J, Peace and O. Rose). Among others.

Professor Mobley’s teaching interests include Judges, prophetic literature, Job and

reading the Bible in the light of contemporary sensibilities toward environmental

sustainability. He writes articles and book reviews, teaches courses at YDS on

Interfaith learning, has done archaeological field work in Israel and served as an editorial

assistant on the Dead Sea Scrolls. And there’s more! Which will make for quite a

morning! Do join us for refreshments after the service where lively conversation is

known to break out.

See our complete summer Sunday service schedule at

http://landgrove.vermont.gov/community.html

Article Submission Information If your group or organization has community news to

share, and you would like to submit an article to The Monthly for publication, please

contact us via email at [email protected]. For your reference, our article submission deadline is

the 23rd of each month. Due to space limitations it is up to our discretion to edit any and all submissions

and/or reject submissions. The articles and information enclosed do not necessarily reflect the opinions or

policies of the Town of Londonderry or its board members ************************************************************************

TOWN EMAIL LIST The town has established an Email/distribution list to send

important and emergency information to town residents and property owners. If you have

not submitted your email address, please consider doing so. Your information will not be

shared with anyone. Call the town office at 824-3356 or email to

[email protected]

http://landgrove.vermont.gov/community.html

mailto:[email protected]

the londonderry monthly

Documents