Whiting Free Library featured in 'Seven Days'

The Whiting Free Library was featured in the February 19, 2020, issue of the weekly Vermont newspaper, Seven Days. The article, entitled "Check This Out: Public Libraries Adapt to the 21st Century," discussed how Vermont libraries are working to keep pace with changing times. Near the end of the article, under a subheading, "Plugged In," fifteen paragraphs were dedicated to Whiting Free Library. The section celebrated the library's recent move from the former Baptist church on North Main Street to the second floor of Town Hall and the addition of "modern" conveniences, like electricity. The story contained quotes from Library Trustee Tara Trudo.

Seven Days website

The article also featured discussions of libraries in Middlebury, Pittsford, Vergennes, South Hero, South Burlington and Montpelier.

School-related events in March, April

Several events related to Whiting Elementary School are on the calendar for March and April.

March 18: HOLIDAY HAM BINGO 
Compete to win hams at this Friday, March 18, fundraiser for the Friends of Whiting School. There's also a 50/50 raffle and a bake sale at this event, held at the Whiting Town Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the event is scheduled to begin at 6:30.

March 30: ANNUAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST 
For $3, you get an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast at the Whiting Elementary School on Wednesday morning, March 30. Breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

April 12: ALL SCHOOL MUSICAL 
"Lets Sing, America!" The All School Musical presentation will be held in Whiting Town Hall at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 12. The program will celebrate America's dreams, symbols and freedom.

School district vote Jan. 19

On Jan. 18 and 19, 2016, the region's voters will discuss and vote on a new governance model for two unified union school districts in the Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union (RNESU). 

Whiting voters will gather for a Special School District Meeting at the Whiting Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 18 to discuss the report of the Act 46 Study Committee and the details of the new governance model. The meeting will be recessed to an Australian ballot vote, conducted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 19, on articles relating to the formation of the Otter Valley Unified Union School District.

The RNESU Act 46 Study Committee has recommended the creation of two new unified union school districts through merging the governance of existing member districts in a Side-by-Side Merger process outlined by the state legislature. The two districts will be the Otter Valley Unified Union School District, serving the towns of Brandon, Goshen, Leicester, Pittsfield, Sudbury and Whiting, and the Barstow Unified Union School District, serving the towns of Chittenden and Mendon.

Under the proposal, the Otter Valley Unified Union School District (OVUUSD) would unify six town school districts and the union high school district into a single unified union school district with a single 13-member governing board. Nine of the board seats would be apportioned to the six member towns according to town population. The remaining four would be at-large seats. At present, town populations would result in three seats designated for Brandon representatives, two for Pittsford and one each for Goshen, Leicester, Sudbury and Whiting.

Becky Bertrand and Ellen L. Kurrelmeyer are competing for the two-year Whiting seat on the board.

None of the five existing elementary schools in the Otter Valley region would be closed for at least four years, according to the proposal, unless closure is approved by the voters of the town where the school is located. After the four-year period, a school could be closed with a two-thirds vote of the OVUUSD board. If a school is closed, its town would have the right to purchase the property for $1, provided it is used for public purposes for a minimum of five years.

If the proposal is approved by all member towns, the OVUUSD would begin operation on July 1, 2016.

For more information:

•  Otter Valley Unified Plan and Articles.
•  Otter Valley Special Meeting Warning.
•  Otter Valley School Board Candidate Ballot.
•  Consolidation FAQ.

Holiday Ham Bingo set for April 11

An evening of 

Holiday Ham Bingo 

is scheduled for Friday, April 11, 

at the Whiting Town Hall

Doors open at 6 p.m., and the games begin at 6:30.There will be a total of 20 games. Regular games have a holiday ham as prize. Four special games offer entire ham dinners as prize.

A 50/50 raffle, concession and bake sale will also featured.

Proceeds benefit the Friends of Whiting School.

Third annual Whiting Community Craft Fair is Dec. 8

The Third Annual Whiting Community Craft Fair will be held at the Whiting Town Hall, this Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The craft fair features locally-made edibles, including maple syrup products, fudge, honey, jams, jellies and relishes, as well as handcrafted items like wreaths and jewelry. Free refreshments will be provided to visitors.

The Whiting Town Hall is located just south of the Whiting "Four Corners" (The Shoreham-Whiting Road and the Leicester-Whiting Road meet Vermont Route 30) on Route 30.

For more information on the craft fair, contact Jeanne Lamourex Wood, 802-623-6385.

Nice turnout for Turkey Bingo

An overflow crowd turned out for the annual Turkey Bingo games at Whiting Town Hall last night. The games, with turkeys as prizes, benefited the Friends of Whiting Elementary School.