Five Students Graduate From Stamford Elementary School

Community SubmissionPrint Story | Email Story
Five students graduated from Stamford Elementary School on Wednesday.
STAMFORD, Vt. — As the clock struck 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the time came for five eighth-graders to graduate from Stamford Elementary School.
 
The students, led by class marshals Jacob Howland and Katlyn O'Neil, marched onto the stage to "Pomp and Circumstance." Class President Brandon Condon followed up with the salute to the flag and welcomed the gathering, reminding them of fond memories he had throughout his years at Stamford Elementary.
 
He urged them to keep the values that were taught at the school and asked his classmates to remember the hard work they did to produce the funds necessary for their class trip. He said that work ethic will result in success as they move forward.
 
Principal Gregory Betti thanked the eighth-grade class for its outstanding cooperation throughout the year and wished them the best in their futures.
 
Secretary Debra Chesbro asked the class members to keep reaching for the stars and not to leave any stone unturned until they reached their goals. She said everyone will always be proud of them and their accomplishments.
 
James Sarkis, vice chairman of the Stamford School Directors, presented diplomas to Nicholas J. Bohl, Brandon T. Condon, Zachary M. Condon, Lorenzo L. Cristofolini and Bradley F. Tatro
 
Awards:
  • Citizenship Award: Zachary Condon
  • Scholastic Achievement Award: Zachary Condon
  • Male Athlete Awards: Brandon Condon and Zachary Condon
  • Educational Achievement Award: Bradley Tatro

Tags: graduation,   graduation 2013,   stamford,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Fish and Wildlife Department: Take Down Birdfeeders, Secure Food from Bears

MONTPELIER, Vt. — The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has begun to receive reports of bears coming out of their dens and is urging Vermonters to remove their birdfeeders and take additional steps now to prevent conflicts with bears over the spring and summer.
 
"Do not wait to take down your birdfeeders and bearproof your yard until a bear comes to visit," said Jaclyn Comeau, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's Bear Biologist.  "You need to act now to head off bear conflicts over the spring and summer, even if you have never had a bear visit your property before."
 
Bear incidents have been on the rise over the past several years.  Officials believe this trend is a result of Vermont's healthy black bear population learning to associate people and food over multiple generations.  Even with a steady increase in the number bears harvested by hunters in recent years—including a record harvest in 2024—Vermont's bear population has been stable over the past two decades and shows signs of growth over the past five years.
 
Shorter winters also mean that bears are emerging from their dens earlier in the spring.  In recent years bear activity has begun in mid-March.  This is roughly two weeks earlier than what is traditionally considered the start of "bear-aware season" in northern New England.
 
"Preventing bears from having access to human-related foods is key to successful coexistence with these long-lived and intelligent animals," said Comeau. "Bears can be found in every corner of Vermont other than the Champlain islands.  Put bluntly, most Vermonters live in bear country."
 
The department asks Vermonters to take the following proactive steps for coexisting with bears: 
 
  • Take down birdfeeders between mid-March and December.
  • Store garbage in bear-resistant containers or structures, trash cans alone are not enough.  
  • Follow the steps on our web page for composting in bear country. 
  • Use electric fences to keep chickens and honeybees safe. 
  • Request a bear-resistant dumpster from your waste hauler. 
  • Feed your pets indoors. 
  • Never feed bears, it is illegal.
 
"Deep snow may delay some bears from emerging from winter dens until April, but mid-March is the time for Vermonters to prepare for the early risers by taking down our birdfeeders, making sure garbage is secure, and protecting backyard chickens and bees with an electric fence," said Comeau.  "This will help teach bears that our yards and neighborhoods are not good places to search for food, but it will only work if everyone does their part."  Taking these precautions will also help reduce the chance of attracting other wildlife species such as raccoons, skunks and rodents.
View Full Story

More Vermont Stories