FACT TV, in cooperation with the city of Keene is proud to announce that we will be re-opening the local access station in town to operate a cable TV platform for residents and community organizations to communicate their ideas, thoughts, and opinions. We will provide training and support to every individual looking for a platform as a service to the local public. We look forward to providing studio space and technical assistance for everyone looking to have their message heard.

Falls Area Community Television is a non-profit Access Management Organization (AMO) dedicated to serving the public, educational and government sectors of our communities. FACT TV has existed since its humble beginnings working out of the Bellows
Falls Union High School in 1978. It has continued to evolve and assumed its current iteration in 1998. Executive Director Alex Stradling, Technical and Programming Manager Collin Kimball, and Technical Assistant Amon Bingham currently staff the studio in Bellows Fall.

Managing Director Josh Morelli will run the new location. Once up and running, the new station will broadcast on spectrum channel 1301. This will coincide with our current broadcasts across channels 1082-1083 on Comcast and 172-173 on VTel where we will continue to serve Satxons River, Grafton, and the greater Rockingham region. All media will also continue to be streamed across Youtube, Facebook, and our website.

The mission of Falls Area Community Television is to provide everyone who walks through our doors the opportunity to produce and view fantastic local programming. Our goal is to provide the necessary knowledge and tools to help everyone with a project in mind and a strong desire to see it through. We will also be providing internships for local students looking for a chance to hone their skills and gain experience, as well as classes for residents who wish to
learn the fundamentals of video editing and content creation.
Whether it’s signing up to start your own show, asking for help with an event you’d like filmed, renting equipment for your projects, or just stopping by to say hi and ask some questions. What it all boils down to is- we are here for you! Once open, we look forward to working with the city of Keene to provide a kind, caring, and professional environment for ideas to come to life.

If you’re curious about working with FACT or are interested in supporting and/or sponsoring us, we implore you to please reach out! You can reach us by phone at: 802-463-1613 for the station in Bellows Falls. Or 603-903-0036 for the new station in Keene. You can also contact us by email at: fact810@gmail.com or factkeene@gmail.com.

Once again, from all of us at FACT TV, we would like to say- we hope to see you soon!

On February 24th, the grand opening will be held inside the station at 60 Winters Street, beside the Library. Everyone who comes can tour the station and be shown the ins and outs of our services. Food and beverages will be provided. The event will begin at 1 pm and last until 6 pm.
We encourage all to attend!

Come check out the locally made Short-Film "NO EXIT"! Have fun with the cast & crew!

The Film will be Premiering at the Bellow Falls Opera House

Wednesday March 9th @ 7pm

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Meeting ID: 870 2139 9694
Passcode: 050564

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BELLOWS FALLS, Vt – The Town of Rockingham, Greater Falls Connections, and Falls Area Community Television (FACT-TV) will be co-sponsoring two community events to inform and engage Rockingham community members on the retail sale of cannabis opt-in vote (Act 164) scheduled for Town Meeting Day. The first event on February 9th, “Cannabis Conversations”, invites parents and other caring adults to have open, honest, and judgment-free conversations about youth and cannabis use. WNESU Student Assistance Professional Heather Waryas will present on the Teen Brain. Discussion topics will include How to Talk to Kids, Youth Mental Health, Trauma, and Preventing Youth Substance Use. Information regarding local regulations and best practices for youth prevention will also be shared.

February 16th will be an informational forum for voters on topics including zoning and advertising, local control, potential economic costs and benefits, and impacts on youth. The panel of speakers will include Susan Westa from Windham Regional Commission, local cannabis entrepreneur Deb Fox, State Senator Jeanette White (D-Windham) on legislative updates, Greater Falls Connections on youth prevention, and a speaker with expertise in youth mental health. Mike Smith and Marty Gallagher from FACT-TV’s The Feed will moderate the event and invite questions from the community. Prior to the event, you are invited to email your questions to fact@fact8.com.

Both events will take place from 6:30-8pm. The February 9th Cannabis Conversation will be virtual, and the February 16th Cannabis Voter Information Forum will be hybrid on Zoom and in-person at the Bellows Falls Opera House Lower Theater. For those attending in-person, masking and social distancing will be encouraged per CDC Guidelines. A video recording of the voter forum will be posted on FACT-TV’s website. Zoom links will be available on the Facebook pages of FACT-TV and Greater Falls Connections on the day of each event.

We invite the public to the Falls Area Community TV Annual Meeting
Falls Area Community TV is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Falls Area Community TV Annual Meeting
Time: Oct 28, 2021 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 824 0414 5846
Passcode: 377555
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Falls Area Community TV is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Westminster Selectboard
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime

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Meeting ID: 846 0419 4015
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Falls Area Community TV is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Town of Westminster Development Review Board
Time: Apr 5, 2021 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 833 6477 4950
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Public Information Meeting
Automated Vehicle Testing in Bellows Falls and Rockingham

Thursday, March 11, 2021
7:00-9:00 PM

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The Village of Bellows Falls Trustees and the Rockingham Selectboard are considering whether to make local roads in the Village and Town available for the testing of automated vehicles, often referred to as self-driving cars. Vermont’s Automated Vehicle Testing Act requires a permit from the State Traffic Committee to test automated vehicles on public roads in Vermont. Testing will only be approved on local roads if a municipal legislative body has agreed prior to the submittal of a permit to make its roads available for testing.
The purpose of the public information meeting is to provide background information on automated vehicles, describe the permitting process and its requirements to ensure safety and public involvement, and to answer questions. The results from the meeting will inform the decision of the Selectboard and Trustees.
The meeting will be hosted by representatives from the Trustees and Selectboard. Vermont Agency of Transportation staff will be on-hand to provide a presentation and answer questions.
Additional information on the VT Automated Vehicle Testing Act is available here: LINK

TOWN OF WESTMINSTER SELECT BOARD MEETING 1/27/21

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BFUHS and FACT TV are proud to be working together to provided broadcast and online streaming of the Terrier basketball games during Covid. Tonight we will be doing a test from 6:15-7pm by broadcasting the Terriers Boys scrimmage.

Wait 30 seconds and the stream will appear!

Town of Westminster Select board Meeting Link
Falls Area Community TV is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Town of Westminster
Time: Jan 13, 2021 06:15 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 871 0975 6407
Passcode: 629286

Falls Area Community TV is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Westminster Selectbboard Meeting
Time: Dec 16, 2020 06:15 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Over the next few weeks, we will be replacing the lighting on the old clock tower. The old 1980s fluorescent fixtures (not historic!) will be replaced with LED lighting that is color matched to the historic lighting fixtures. We might not have the old lighting, but we can work to match what people would see as they looked up at the old clock.

Rockingham Tree Warden Cass Wright is holding a hearing to review the removal of two trees along Green Street (first two trees on the left). As shown in the image, the root systems of these trees has impacted the sidewalks and curbing. It has created a trip and fall hazard for pedestrians. Tree Warden Wright’s hearing is 4pm, December 15th at the Rockingham Town Hall 3rd floor conference room.

These annual awards sponsored by the Commission are designed to recognize property owners in the town of Rockingham who are maintaining and restoring their historic homes and commercial and industrial buildings. Eligible properties are older homes and businesses that have been renovated, painted or otherwise enhanced on the exterior in the past five years. Brass plaques are distributed to the winners.

This year’s winners are:

Susan F. Allen & Jill A. King, owners of 24 South Street, Bellows Falls. The home is a Queen Anne Victorian built in 1913.
Rebecca and Matthew Allen, owners of 116 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls. The home is a Country Cottage built in 1880.
Charles and Tina Niedbala, owners of 52 Griswold Drive, Bellows Falls. The home is a Mid-century Modern built in 1958.
Raymond and Virginia Massucco, owners of 90 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls. The commercial property of a classic 19th century design was built ca 1800 and expanded in 1890.
Robert McBride, owner of 95-99 Rockingham Street, Bellows Falls. A multi-family residential property originally built ca 1820 in a Cape Cod style with vernacular add-ons.
Those with properties receiving honorable mention by the Commission are: Jennifer Gurley of Rockingham Roasters, 3 Rockingham Street, Bellows Falls; The Wallace Family, 10 Grove Street, Saxtons River; John and Leslie Marston, Leslie’s, The Tavern at Rockingham; and Jayson and Marcie Dunbar, 19 South Street.
Traditionally the Historic Preservation Commission hosts an awards ceremony to publicly celebrate restoration and conservation efforts in the town of Rockingham. Due to Covid restrictions the 2020 gathering will be scheduled at a future date yet to be determined.

For more information about the Old House Awards contact Walter Wallace, town historic preservation coordinator, at clg@rockbf.org.

Dear Art Lovers,

Shop and support our Vermont artisans today starting at 10a through Sunday at 5.

Many of the 19 artisans are giving discounts and specials throughout the weekend.

Snag something special this weekend for yourself or a loved one.

PUTNEY CRAFTS TOUR

Sincerely and Thank You!


Putney Craft Tour Artisans

Town of Westminster
Time: Nov 25, 2020 06:15 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 878 7133 4187
Passcode: 747673

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Public Comment on Rental Housing Ordinance Needed!

The Village of Bellows Falls is revising all their local ordinances. As part of that process, we are considering a rental housing ordinance. This would establish a process for inspecting rental housing. To date, rental housing inspections are done based upon complaints. If this ordinance gets passed, all housing is put on a regular inspection schedule.

Everyone is encouraged to review the draft ordinance and provide comments. We will be reviewing and revising the draft ordinance throughout the fall and winter seasons. Please email planning@rockbf.org to ask questions or provide input! Thanks!

Here is the Zoom information to participate in our annual meeting.

Falls Area Community TV is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: FACT TV ANNUAL MEETING
Time: Oct 7, 2020 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 818 2358 5140
Passcode: 565444
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Falls Area Community TV is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: WESTMINSTER SELECTBOARD MEETING
Time: Sep 23, 2020 06:15 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 896 7564 5576
Passcode: 985287
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Falls Area Community TV is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: TOWN OF WESTMINSTER REGULAR MEETING
Time: Sep 9, 2020 06:15 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 894 8489 7472
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First Responder Walk to Remember
September 11th is fast approaching, a time when firefighters across the nation honor the 343 New York City Firefighters and dozens of Police and EMS that were lost that day. This event will bring firefighters from across the area for a "Walk to Remember" in Bellows Falls, Vermont on Saturday, September 12, 2020. EMS, Police, Dispatchers, and all first responders welcome to join us!
Two laps around downtown Bellows Falls beginning at the Bellows Falls Fire Station equal to 3.43 miles. Firefighters are encouraged to wear turnout gear and an air pack. Tools or American Flags highly encouraged! Let us gather together to show that our part of the country has not forgotten! Setup begins at 8 am, walk starts at 9 am.
for more info click

Also a spin ride taking place at Flex Fitness in Bellows Falls on Friday September 11th is to remember the 343 Firefighters who lost their lives that day. All money raised will go toward funding our new Firefighter Memorial Park here in downtown Bellows Falls.
for more info click

The manager formed a citizen’s committee to review recycle center operations and develop a set of
recommendations. The following five priorities were listed for immediate implementation.

Provide passionate leadership –
We need a leader to elevate operations and bring
business, community, and conservation minded acumen to our recycle center. Business
leadership means striving for full-cost capture by reducing expenses, seeking new revenue
sources, and increasing the customer base. Community leadership is about creating a
treasured space we can all take pride in and that motivates good stewardship and
encourages volunteerism. Conservation leadership is about taking advantage of secondary
commodity markets to ensure recycling material gets reused (not disposed of). This is the
highest priority recommendation because without proper leadership, the 4
recommendations below are simply not achievable.

Promote customer service –
“Attitudes are contagious, is yours worth catching?” Every
person who works or volunteers at the recycle center must be properly trained and make
serving the customer their highest priority. People should be treated well and provided with
assistance. Good customer service also improves transactional efficiencies and moves
people through the recycle center quickly and efficiently.

Improved site navigation –
Traffic queues create safety issues, confusion, and frustration.
We need to remodel the internal circulation pattern to prioritize getting vehicles off US
Route 5 and using the facility more efficiently. This includes removing the free drop and
using the building for recycling. A committee member produced a site plan for improving
customer flows – concepts like this should be vetted and then implemented.

Make smart investments –
We should prioritize upfront investments that pay themselves
off in the long-term. Two examples. (1) Other recycle centers view corrugated cardboard as
a ‘cash cow’ and yet we pay a company to remove this product for us. We could purchase a
baler that would allow us to compact, bale, and sell the cardboard. (2) The Town’s decision
to purchase access stickers is cheap compared to purchasing customized trash bags. The
expense comes later when we spend more time monitoring trash disposal and still there are
too many known examples of people not paying to dispose of their trash. Customized trash
bags are a higher upfront cost. We get our money back as we sell bags and it is much easier
to monitor trash disposal. These are just two important examples of capital investments
made now to lower operational costs and yield long-term savings.

Professional and business alliances –
It is important to ally ourselves with professional
organizations such as the Northeast Resource Recovery Association (www.nrrarecycles.org)
that can give us access to training, purchasing deals, and other resources. We also can
affiliate with local businesses who can sell trash bags. People need trash bags, rather than
visit the town hall we can encourage them to visit local businesses. In a time when
businesses need our help, this is a good strategy for increasing their customer traffic.

The Committee was comprised of Shaena Hakey (Walpole Recycle Center Staff), Cynthia Stoddard
(Westminster resident), Katie Dearborn (Westminster resident), Gaetano Putignano (Rockingham
Selectboard Chair and resident), and Pam Willard (Rockingham staff and resident). Each Committee
member volunteered their time at the recycle center, visited neighboring recycle centers, and
worked together as a group to develop these recommendations.

"Bellows Falls Ever Glorious - A Tribute to the BFUHS Graduating Class of 2020 Video" We will be filming at the Waypoint Center on Tuesday June 2 and Wednesday June 3 from 4pm-7pm. Please fill out the form if you want to be a part of the video. If you are not able to attend the filming dates but you want to still give a shout out to the class of 2020 you can also sumbit a link to a video that you would like to be included.

PSAS: Big Brothers Big Sisters Fundraiser! "Big Night In"
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Vermont is putting on a fundraising event to raise money. For more information
Big Brothers Big Sisters of VThttps://www.bbbsvt.org/

COVID-19 Economic and Community Support Update from ACCD

View this email in your browser. May 1, 2020 Stay Home, Stay Safe Addendum 12 Governor Phil Scott today released Addendum 12 to the Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order which includes updated mandatory health and safety guidelines for the continued phased restart of business in the state. It also provides updates on the size of work crews for outdoor businesses, construction, manufacturing, and distribution operations. Please see ACCD’s Memorandum to Businesses and Employers for the full details. Restart Vermont Resources As part of Addendum 12, it was announced that as businesses work toward reopening, each employer will need to develop a reopening and training plan to ensure the health and well-being of Vermonters as they return to work. ACCD is developing a new Restart Vermont Resources page to help businesses navigate this process in the lead up to opening any additional sectors in the weeks ahead. Resources will include templates and sample reopening and training plans. Weekly COVID-19 Q&A for Municipalities Hosted by VLCT and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, this weekly question and answer webinar with Deputy Secretary Ted Brady is an opportunity for municipalities to ask questions and learn more about best practices, new tools, and resources to help cities and towns navigate these difficult times. The next webinar will be Monday, May 4th at 2 pm. FAQs on Guidance for Farmers Markets In advance of farmers markets opening after May 1st, the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets has developed a new set of frequently asked questions to provide clarification on published guidance. Vendors will need to significantly alter their business practices and use a “pre-order, local food pick-up” model to eliminate crowds and reduce contact with customers. Business Impact ACCD wants to hear from all Vermont businesses impacted by the response to the COVID-19 virus. Please share these impacts via the ACCD Business Impact Form, which will help us assess the full impact as we work toward solutions.