Don't Worry, Be Happy - The Gov. Says So.

Governor Peter Shumlin has proclaimed today, Friday the 13^th of April, as Pursuit of Happiness Day! This is in recognition of the birthday of Thomas Jefferson, who, in conjunction with Ben Franklin, penned into the United States Declaration of Independence, the famous promise of our “…unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”.  While often it feels as though government spends all of its time mucking up our lives, here is an example of sound thinking on the part of our leadership. So, there is still time left in the day, if you have not already done so, please commence with the happiness!
 
A lot of people tell me they really like these weekly emails. I am pleased that residents find value in the effort. One of the main reasons I started the process was to spread the word of what goes on in town, and encourage involvement in the community.  This week is a great example of that. Two groups could really use some help, the “Pansy Patrol” tomorrow and the Farmer’s Market.  Take a look below at what is going on, and please consider making the move from “informed resident” to “involved resident” if you have not already done so.
 
While the recent stretch of nice weather has been enjoyable, the lack of rain has put us in a moderate drought situation. Please know that a burn permit is required for all open fires other than your grill.
 
I extended Happy Easter wishes last week, and neglected to offer the same to those celebrating Passover which began on April 7^th and ends this Saturday. So, while a little late, Happy Passover or Pesah to those celebrating the holiday.
 
 
APLATOON OF PANSY PLANTERS IS NEEDED
The Image Committee which is part of the Down Town Program is planting pansies (I think 1,500 of them) this Saturday at 9am. They really need help. Three groups are needed - South Main, North Main and State St. by the library. If anyone is interested please contact Catherine Wagner at catharinewagner@yahoo.comwould really be appreciated.
 
BREAKFAST AT OLD SOUTH – TOPIC, TEEN BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
The Mt. Ascutney Prevention Partnership is hosting a FREE Community Breakfast ~ Saturday April 14^th 8:30am ~ Old South Church .Yes there may be a joke in there somewhere, but I have seen this presentation and it was extremely informative. As a parent of 3 (youngest is 18) I found that it explained a lot of the common challenges parents face in raising a teen.  In addition to a healthy breakfast, a guest will discuss teen brain development, how teens are wired to take risks, and the effects of alcohol and other risky behaviors on kids’ development. For more information about the break­fast, call Melanie at 802.674.7450 or email melanie.sheehan@mahhc.org. Hope to see you there!

Windsor Farmers Market - Call to Action!
The 2012 Farmer’s Market season will be kicking off in a little over a month. There is a group of hard working volunteers taking care of the details to make this year better than ever. The market is a long season however, and the group could really use some help. Specifically, individuals interested in serving on a “Marketing Committee” to help develop, coordinate and implement market events, such as music, demonstrations, themes, etc. as well as a “Market Day Support Committee” to help with setting up or breaking down, customer assistance and act as Ambassadors to Windsor are needed. Nether committee requires weekly attendance; the marketing committee however needs to get up and running promptly. If interested, the best thing to do is attend the next Market Meeting on Wednesday, at 7pm at the Welcome Center, or contact Karen at mountainskyline@myfairpoint.net.

Community Meals in Windsor
5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, American Legion Hall on Court Street. Bring a friend. Free. Sponsored by Windsor churches and community groups. 802-674-2157.

 SPRING VACATION ART CAMP
Monday, April 16 through Friday, April 20 9:00 am - 3 pm at the Windsor Rec. Dept. for Ages 8 – 12
co-sponsors; Nuance Gallery & Windsor Recreation Dept. Instructors: Nancy Silliman, Redel Frometa, Pam Miller and Michael Quinn with assistance from Rex Miller. Cost: $100 per child for 5-day session Scholarships available
To register contact Harry Ladue, Director, Windsor Rec. Dept.802-674-6783 (space limited)
Activities include creating scenery & costumes, painting, drawing, 'rubbings', basketry, & felt-making. The 5-day session culminates with the kids presenting the play "Magic Door" written by Nancy Silliman & Redel Frometa and a one-week exhibition of their artwork at Nuance Gallery in Windsor.
 
Boy Scout Popcorn Sale
Windsor-area Boy Scouts are selling gourmet popcorn to raise money for camping gear, trips and summer camp. Please support the boys through buying this tasty popcorn. If you don't like popcorn or don't want some right now, you can also support the US Military by donating to send popcorn to the troops in the US or overseas. If you would like a Scout to drop by to take your order, please call Sue at 674-6465 and she'll send one to your door. 

Penny Sale
The Windsor Rotary will be hosting its annual Penny Sale on Saturday, April 28th 7pm in the Lois F. White Theater. Penny Sale raffle tickets are available from Rotarians (full disclosure I am one) at a cost of $5 for a book of 6. First prize is $1,000, Second $500 Door Prize $100. While you don't need to be present for the first two prizes the third does require your presence. Attendance is also required to win one of the 300 or so prizes that will be raffled off that evening.

COMMUTER CHALLENGE
Way to Go is a weeklong challenge for commuters to find alternatives to driving alone to work. Started in Chittenden County in 1994, the Vermont event has expanded to include participants in 180 municipalities throughout the state in 2011. This year's event will be held May 14-18.  Last year during the week commuters saved over 400,000 vehicle miles for the week and over $90,000 in total transportation costs while reducing CO₂ emissions by about 350,000 pounds.  In total we had 22 commuters that either started or ended their commute from our region.  These commuters saved on a total of 63 commutes where they would travel an average of 49.5 miles per commute.  Collectively these commuters saved just under $500 in transportation costs and approximately 2,500 pounds of CO₂ emissions.  Start thinking now about how you could reduce how often you drive alone.  More information can be found about the event at http://www.waytogovt.org/and http://swcrpc.org/wp/programs/transportation/, or contact kotto@swcrpc.org
 
New Book on Windsor
Windsor resident Liz Ross has been working in conjunction with Arcaida Books on a new book that will tell the stories of Windsor through photographs and captions. Several events are being held during the weeks ahead focusing on the release of the book including: May 3rd Harpoon, music and book signing 6 to 9 pm, May 5th 11-3 Windsor House, & Kentucky Derby Day at Juniper Hill Inn on May 5th as well. Catch an interview with Liz on Windsor on Air TV or on-line at www.WOA-TV.ORG
 
Windsor Alumni Parade
June 16, 2012.  All are Welcome! The Alumni Association is also seeking Antique, Classic, Special Interest Cars and Trucks to join the parade.  Furthermore, we are hoping a few will invite retired teachers to join them for the parade route.  Please RSVP with Clayton Paronto, Class of 83, 802-674-5761 or by email claytonparonto_1@msn.com. Lineup is at 9:30 am and expect the parade to last no more than a couple of hours.

News from the Schools
Walk at lunch- BC/BS is sponsoring a walk at lunch all over VT.  SSS students will walk the track at their recess right before lunch.  This take place on April 25th. May 2 is Walk and Roll to School.  Walking School Buses will leave from neighborhoods to walk and roll to school.  There will be a meeting place at Price Chopper parking lot at 7AM for anyone wanting to walk with a group and be dropped off by parents heading off to work.  Donna Ewald, PE teacher, will meet those interested in walking that day.
May 12thfrom 9AM to 11:30AM is our Annual Bike Safety Fair taking place at the Rec Center.  Free Helmets to all that attend.
 
Windsor High School E-News
Windsor High School has a new e-news service. The following link takes you to a student generated on-line news source for Windsor High School: http://my.hsj.org/Schools/Newspaper/tabid/100/view/frontpage/newspaperid/3701/categoryid/53381/Default.aspx