Occasionally a reader asks me if I know what’s going on with this or that in town.  They may or may not have a specific question, and I may or may not know the answer, but it always piques my interest.

Recently, I was asked about the 20 percent rate increase on the water bill from Fire District #2 (Malletts Bay).  Sure enough, when I checked my water bill, it had, indeed, increased from $22.32 to $26.63, so I checked and here's what I was told. 

While I was at it, I contacted Fire District #3 (Village area) and their rate has also increased per quarter, as follows:  the earlier rate of 9,000 gallons for $30 and $.20/100 gallons after that, has risen to 7,000 gallons for $30 and $.24/100 gallons.  They get their water from the Champlain Water District who has raised their rates several times in recent years, but CFD#3 has not passed on those increases to their customers, according to Marianne Terrien of CFD#3.  Yet another increase from CWD is expected on July 1, so it was necessary for CFD#3 to slightly elevate the rates to cover overall increasing water costs. While it is absolutely appropriate to question such a substantial percentage increase – and my thanks to the reader for picking up on that – I have to believe that water remains one of the few bargains that we homeowners can still enjoy.  If you'd like more information, call Cindy at CFD#2, 862-4621, or Marianne at CFD#3, 878-4337.

For those interested in learning more about Catamount Health, an informational meeting sponsored by Vermont Interfaith Action will be held on May 15, at 7 p.m. in the Holy Cross Parish Center, on Church Road.  You’ll learn how to enroll, who is eligible, what other programs are available, what benefits are offered, etc.  For more information, contact VIA at 651-8889 or Emily@viavt.org.

A delightful sampling of artwork from Union Memorial School students is now on display at the Colchester Town Office. Their art teacher, Colleen Derry, has chosen seven pieces that demonstrate lessons on Chinese calligraphy, oriental ink and brush techniques and painting ideas based on Van Gogh's "Starry Night." The students are: Christopher Howard, son of Cheryl Howard, Ethan Goedken, son of Linus and Andrea Goedken, Justin Clapp, son of James and Angela Clapp, Brooke Senesac, daughter of Kim Senesac, Autumn Hathaway, daughter of David and April Hathaway, Molly Fuller, daughter of Chris and Lois Fuller, Caleb Mercure, son of Michael and Allison Mercure. The exhibit will be up through mid-July. You are invited to stop by for a moment and enjoy the exhibit.  Thanks to Fran Allyn, the town's volunteer art coordinator, for this information.

Kathy Scott of the Colchester Garden Group was kind enough to pass along these container gardening tips offered by Chris Conant during a recent demonstration at Claussen's Greenhouse on Main Street:  Have well drained soil in the planter, adding perlite and vermiculite to the soil if it doesn't already have it.  Fertilize every third time you water.  Choose leafy, healthy plants that are not in bloom.  Blooming plants are already stressed and don't like to be transplanted.  According to Kathy, everyone had a great time touring the greenhouses and listening to Chris' terrific talk.  The Perennial Swap is next up on May 17, in the space between the Burnham Library and the Meeting House, beginning at 10 a.m.  If possible, label your plants and all are welcome to this free event.  An outing is planned to visit Dick and Sue Strifert's gardens at Kingdom Cottage in South Burlington on June 25.  For more information on the Group or to receive their e-mail, call Kathy at 764-5831 or kscott@machonecomputers.com.

       The March Student of the Month luncheon honored Art, Drama, Design and Video students, including the following:  Julianna Banach, Sarah Benjamin, Hannah Brosnan, Kristan Connors, John Critchlow, A.J. Dayvie, Zack Ellenbogen, Jess Fontaine, Brenden Lewis, Jordan Potvin, Stephen Sharp, and Ean Williams.  The Hampton Inn, site of the luncheon, also sponsored the event.

       In other news from the high school - Dan Sobel was a winner in the Vermont Mathematics Talent Search.  He is one of 15 students chosen from Vermont high schools to compete this May at Penn State in the National math competition.  Go Dan!

These students will represent CHS at the 2008 Vermont All-State Music Festival May 7-10 in Vergennes: A. J. Banach, Alicia Banach, Cameron Brownell, Kristen Connors, and Erika Richardson.  The CHS Marching Band performed on May 7 in the Vermont All-State Music Festival Parade.  The CHS Music Department will present their Graduation Concert on May 30, at 7 p.m., in the auditorium.  Admission is free and you're invited.

Last, but certainly, not least - Colchester will celebrate its 245th birthday this June 7.  It was in 1763, when the town was chartered by Benning Wentworth, then Governor of New Hampshire. The charter was issued, along with eight other settlements, primarily to residents of New York, 10 of whom were named Burling.  According to Ruth Wright's book, “Colchester, Vermont from Icecap to Interstate,” “it was conjectured . . . in the rush of filling in blanks on a sheaf of charters, the provincial secretary gave the name, Burlington, instead to the town south of the mouth of the Winooski River.  The town on the Lake shore north of the river became Colchester.”  Whew!  Another near disaster in terms of what address we might now be using!  In any case, June 7, 2008 is the date and isn’t it exciting to share this special birthday year with the opening of our new town hall.

Don’t forget your Mom on May 11, Mother’s Day.  Wishing a happy one to all to  whom that holiday applies.  Enjoy the day!

Inge

Schaefer