February, 2016

Dear fellow members:

2015 was marked by steady progress on our mission as well navigating some divisions in the community. Our mission, updated last year, is to conceive, advance, and support village initiatives and organizations that enhance our community and to protect Caspian Lake and its surrounding environment for both full and part-time residents of Greensboro.

As you know, the GAAR/GPACT Theater project has polarized many members and residents. I expect all of us want what is best for Greensboro, yet there are diverse views on what “best” looks like. People are asking questions such as: What is the impact to town services, traffic, taxes? Is the project sustainable financially and over the long term? What has occurred in similar communities with initiatives like this? Does the building design fit with the rural and aesthetic character of Greensboro? Will the project enhance or detract from what we value most about Greensboro?

Some have asked that the Association take a specific position on the project. Our Board of Trustees determined that our role should be to foster and facilitate communications and encourage the use of existing Town processes. Greensboro’s volunteers, officials and committees work very hard on our behalf and we applaud the way they welcome input from all our residents, full- and part-time. We published a basic explanation of Greensboro’s Planning & Zoning Process (https://www.greensboroassociation.org/resources/greensboros-planning-zoning-process/) and are considering additional ways we can support Town processes and committees. To remain informed, you can check the Town website (www.greensborovt.org), subscribe to the Hardwick Gazette, check our emails, visit or comment on our website (www.greensboroassociation.org), and engage constructively on our Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/54674816423/). All are also encouraged to attend frequent Selectboard meetings or contact Selectboard members with concerns or questions.

Last year, we also made solid progress on developing the Fund for Greensboro following last year’s effort to establish our 501(c)3 charitable status. Clay Simpson stepped down and John Schweizer stepped in as Committee Chair. Please join me in thanking Clay, John, and the Committee and Advisory Board for their leadership! Please consider the Fund in your bequests and charitable giving. Ask a committee member or visit our website to see donation instructions and learn more about the Fund. (https://www.greensboroassociation.org/fund-for-greensboro/ ).

We celebrated another year with Caspian Lake as a “top 5 cleanest lakes in Vermont” and free of invasive species. We owe a debt of gratitude to Andy Dales and the members of the Lake Committee for all their efforts managing lake protection efforts. Lakefront owners, please pay careful attention to the impact you have on the lake as you establish your usage, visitor and rental policies. Check the Rental Guidelines on our website to learn more. (https://www.greensboroassociation.org/resources/rental-guidelines/ )

We also aided in the transformation of the Willey Beach Park, which is now open to all and will have flowering trees and shrubs in the spring, contributed towards the annual 4th of July fireworks, and supported numerous programs in and around town through our grant program – including maintaining and upgrading public spaces and supporting swim lessons and activities for kids, Greensboro genealogy research, and much more. Please join me in thanking our committee chairs and committee members, for their time and efforts. In 2016, we will continue our efforts to support the vibrancy of the community and the preservation of Caspian Lake. Please consider getting involved by joining a committee!

Town Meeting is scheduled on Tuesday March 1 and the Greensboro Association Annual Meeting will be on Thursday August 4, at 5PM. Feel free to email me at [email protected] or call (617) 686-7305 with any comments or suggestions you may have and best wishes in 2016. We look forward to seeing you in Greensboro!

Sincerely,

John C. Stone III
Association President