Historic Tea at BRAM Served by "First Lady" July 25

Grace Coolidge, the nation's first lady when Calvin Coolidge served as President, will be serving tea in the Victorian Parlor of Black River Academy Museum (BRAM) on Saturday, July 25 between the hours of 1 and 4 pm.

 

Mrs. Coolidge (see photo), in the guise of Mimi Baird of Woodstock, will preside over this special event attired in a dress appropriate to the period.  Baird, aka Mrs. Coolidge, will greet guests in the gracious manner of the President's wife, a role Baird is becoming known for in this region. 

 

Of special note, the "first lady" will be driven to BRAM in the car that was actually used by President Coolidge while serving in Washington, DC.  The car, a 1923 Lincoln town car, is currently owned by Jay Barrett of White River Junction and was used by Coolidge during his term as Vice President prior to assuming the Commander-in-Chief role following the death of President Warning Harding.  Barrett will drive the "first lady" from White River Junction to the museum.  Its rumored that the vehicle is not the most eco-friendly car; it gets 8 miles to the gallon. The car has a body built by Herman Brunn Company of Buffalo, NY – on of several custom body builders  and suppliers to Lincoln; and cost $4,800., at a time when a new Model T Ford cost as little as $290.  A photo of then Vice President Coolidge with the car is attached.

 

The tea table will be laden with an array of dainty sandwiches, tiny caskes and cookies, along with Grace Coolidge's favorite, ice box cookies.  The Victorian Parlor, where tea will be served, is a historic room created, in large measure, by the efforts of an Advanced Placement Junior class at Black River High School in 1996.  It is in the same academy building that Calvin Coolidge graduated from in 1890.

 

The tea is open to everyone.  Guests may plan on arriving anytime between 1 and 4 pm.  Tickets are $5 per person and may be purchased in advance by calling 802-228-5050 or at the door.

Fans turn out for Coolidge birthday on 4th

By Brent CurtisStaff Writer [Rutland Herald] 

For a girl who is such a fan of the U.S. presidency that she knows whose portraits are on $500 and $5,000 bills, a little rain — or even a lot of it — wasn't going to keep 6-1/2-year-old Jaden Thackston from wishing Calvin Coolidge a happy birthday.

While some Americans might not know that bills in those denominations were ever printed, Thackston, who is spending the summer in New England, far from her home in Atlanta, Ga., knows that William McKinley and James Madison grace the two bills, respectively.

More . . .

The 1930’s Return to Cavendish

Submitted by Margo Caulfield

Even though the October 1929 stock market crash did not cause businesses to close in Cavendish, the ensuing Depression certainly did make life harder for a great many local people. Gay Brothers Woolen Mill found 1932 the worst year it had had in twenty years. It continued to operate, but sometimes on a part time basis, laying off some workers for a few weeks or months or cutting down to a four-day workweek. This was not too difficult for single young people…but four-day workweeks or lay-offs were devastating to those with families to support and especially those who had to pay rent and buy milk and groceries. Many who had always worked hard and supported their families found that now they had to ask for help and go “on the Town.” In the book “Chubb Hill Farm and Cavendish, Vermont” by Barbara Kingsbury, also records how the number of people in town rose from twenty to twenty-five a year in the 1920’s to 85 by 1934.

 There are many similarities between the economy of the 1930s and today. For that reason, the Cavendish Historical Society has chosen the 1930’s as their theme for the year. As more is learned more about how Cavendish weathered the “great depression,” some of this history translates into very practical solutions for the current economically difficult times. On Sunday, July 12, starting at 2 pm, there will be a car show of 1930’s cars, as well as a workshop that offers 1930’s practical solutions for dealing with 21st century household chores. Interestingly, not only was house keeping cheaper than today’s counterparts, but it was also free of many of the harsh chemicals now being used. Both events will take place at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum on Route 131 in Cavendish.

JACKSON GORE GETS IN THE GROOVE WITH SPIRITUAL REZ JULY10

Submitted by Okemo Mtn Resort

The Jackson Gore Outdoor Music Series continues Friday, July 10, with a reggae-horn-funk party featuring Spiritual Rez.

Spiritual Rez is a seven-piece band that has tirelessly toured the country promoting positive music and attitude. Having released two independent records, the band has played with international acts like Jimmy Buffett, Culture, Israel Vibration and Buju Banton. Nominated for a Boston Music Award, Spiritual Rez provides a unique blend of reggae, funk and afrobeat, to give one of the most energetic live shows around.  More information about Spiritual Rez can be found at www.spiritualrez.com.

On Friday nights throughout the summer season, the lawn in the courtyard at Okemo’s Jackson Gore Inn is transformed into an outdoor concert venue featuring renowned local and regional entertainers. Admission to the Jackson Gore Outdoor Music Series is free. The grounds open at 5 p.m. and concerts are slated to run from 6 to 9 p.m. Families are welcome and all attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. Summertime barbecue favorites and refreshments are available each week and concert-goers may also dine at Jackson Gore’s Coleman Brook Tavern. New this year, Coleman Brook diners may enjoy al fresco table service.

Following Spiritual Rez, the summer lineup for the Jackson Gore Outdoor Music Series includes: Adam Payne and 2Adam12, July 17; Sly Geralds, July 24; Fry Daddy, July 31; Roots of Creation, Aug. 7; Dr. Burma, Aug. 14; Boston Horns, Aug. 21; The New Groove Orchestra, Aug. 28; Buzz Universe, Sept. 4.

DJ's Ad About a Drive Thru Changes!

 

Last week DJ's Restaurant ran than ad in the Message that suggested it planned on opening a "drive thru window".  This week's Message saw an ad that corrected any such impression (see above) and clearly stated the restaurant's opposition to the proposed zoning change that would permit drive thru windows, urging Ludlow voters to vote "No".

Water Quality Issues in Area Lakes Meeting July 21

Submitted by Marie Caduto, VT ANR

The Basin 10 Watershed Council is meeting for a presentation and discussion on lake and pond issues to be addressed in the water quality management plan for the Black and Ottauquechee watersheds.  The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and its local partners are holding the meeting on July 21 at the Camp Plymouth State Park, from 6:30 to 8 pm.  Public input is essential to making the plan a meaningful guidance document for the Agency of Natural Resources.

Susan Warren, Section Chief of the Lakes & Ponds Management/Protection Section of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, will present an overview of lake conditions and issues and participants are asked to offer concerns, recommendations and actions to be included in the State’s Water Quality Management Plan.  

Lakes in the Basin 10 region include: Amherst, Black, Colby, Cook, Dewey’s Mills, Echo, Jewell Brook Ponds, Kent, Knapp Brook, Lakota, Mecawee, Ninevah, Pinneo, Pogue, Rescue, Stoughton, Woodard and the Hartland and No. Springfield Reservoirs, plus many smaller ponds.

The Plan being developed by the Agency will address water quality in rivers, streams, lakes and ponds throughout the two watersheds.  Participants are helping develop strategies to improve local waters and water resources.  Partnering organizations include the Ottauquechee Natural Resources Conservation District, the Two-Rivers Ottauquechee and Southern Windsor County Planning Commissions, the Black River Action Team and the Ottauquechee River Group.  Drinks and snacks will be provided.

Driving directions: From Hwy 100 in Tyson: cross the concrete bridge, go 1 mi E uphill to crossroad and turn left, go 1 mi N on the east side of Echo Lake.

CCCA Announces 2010 Calendar Contest Winners

 

Submitted by Peter J. LaBelle

In a highly competitive selection process, the residents of Cavendish chose twelve monthly illustrations for the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association’s 2010 Cavendish calendar, and a panel of professional judges selected prize winners in several age categories.  This year's Cavendish photo contest was spectacular.  There were over 30 entries and all showed great talent.

The winners of the judged contest are as follows.  In the age 5 to 12 category the winner is Allyssa Ripley with Mathew Palmer as the runner-up.  The age 13-18 group winner is Chris Palmer with Sonja Skalecki as the runner-up.  In the adult category, Sandra Russo took first prize with "The Stand-off" (see above).  The winner of the Best in Show Award is Salvatore Campofranco with his photo, “The Ham” (see below).

In the community voting the following individuals were selected to have their photos published as 2010 Cavendish calendar selections, although many voters commented on the difficulty of the task, given the wonderful selection of photographs to choose from:

January - Wendy Regier; February - Ginger Wilk; March - Jackie Hubbard; April - Jon Owens; May - Martha Mott; June - Ellen Parrish; July - Sandra Russo; August - Mathew Palmer; September - Gail Verheyen; October - Richard Svec; November - Svetlana Phillips; December - Hans Schrag.  The cover photo for this calendar was taken by Winston Churchill, and entitled, “Owl in Owens Yard”.
 
Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to the judges for their keen eyes and expertise.  If you want to view the winning photos, they will be displayed in the Cavendish town offices through the next year.  The calendar is made possible by local business sponsors and by the CCCA.  Sponsors include Castle Hill Resort and Spa; Commercial Radio; Timothy Mott, Builder; Beacon Pest Control and Chimney Care; RDB Marketing; The Village Clipper; Cavendish Game Birds; Cavendish Canine Camp; Six Loose Ladies; The Cavendish Solar Store; Chittenden Bank; Raymond James Financial; Singleton's Store; Mack Molding; Mary Ormrod's Feldenkrais; and Crows Bakery.

There was some confusion expressed this year about whether the photos were supposed to be just landscape or whether they could include people and animals.  We desire photos showing our landscape in its great variety, but they may include animals, buildings and people.  Calendars will be available for purchase in the fall.  For more information call Robin Timko at 226-7736.

JACKSON GORE HOSTS YOUNG ARTISTS’ CONCERT JULY 11

Submitted by Okemo Mtn Resort

On Saturday, July 11, at 7:00 p.m., Okemo Mountain Resort and the Jackson Gore Inn will present the Okemo Young Artists’ Program in an outdoor classical music concert performed by some of the most talented young musicians in the country. Drawn to the Okemo Young Artists’ Program by the outstanding faculty and intensive, yet collaborative musical atmosphere, 30 young people from Illinois, Texas, Michigan, Alaska, Massachusetts, Manitoba, and Venezuela have come to Vermont to share their music. The concert is free and open to the public.

Additional concerts will take place every Tuesday, through July 14, at the United Church of Ludlow at 7:30 p.m. and every Wednesday, through July 15, at Okemo’s Sugar House Lodge at 7:30 p.m.  In addition, Sunday afternoon concerts will be held at the Weathersfield Meetinghouse at 3:00 p.m. on July 5 and July 12.  All events are free. Goodwill donations are welcome and applied toward scholarship funds.

The Okemo Young Artists' Program provides an intense musical environment in a beautiful setting. An exceptional group of 25-30 students are selected each year to study with world-renowned faculty. Students receive bi-weekly private lessons and chamber music coaching, weekly guest artist master classes and performance opportunities. The students range in age from 6-20 and are preparing for careers as professional musicians on the violin, viola, cello, or piano.

For more information, contact Annalee Letchinger at (773) 641-2147.

RIDE A BIKE TO HELP A NEIGHBOR

Submitted by Okemo Mtn Resort

On Aug. 8, Okemo Mountain Resort will play host to the Upper Valley United Way Heart-of-the-Valley Ride, a non-competitive fundraising event for bicycle enthusiasts. A selection of routes, ranging in distance and difficulty, will be offered to encourage participation by cyclists of varying ability.

Riders who meet fundraising requirements can choose from three predetermined routes: 20 miles for short-distance riders, 40 miles for intermediates and a 62-mile metric-century ride for long-haul enthusiasts.

The 20-mile “Easy Rider” course departs Jackson Gore, follows a relatively flat route along Rt. 100 North, past a series of lakes to a turnaround (and snack station) in Plymouth. The 40-mile “Sidewinder” route follows the same course as the Easy Riders, but continues along to the junction of Rt. 4 in West Bridgewater. Cyclists will pedal along Rt. 4 East, past the Long Trail Brewery and right onto Rt. 100A, down Plymouth Notch, past the Coolidge Homestead and back to Okemo via Rt. 100. The “Wild Thing” metric-century ride follows Rt. 103 through the village of Ludlow, left at The Castle, onto Rt. 131, through Cavendish, along the river and left at Downers Corner, left again onto the Reading/Tyson Rd., up and over the "Alps" then back down to Route 100, past the Echo Lake Inn and homeward to Jackson Gore.

In addition to a registration fee, participants must raise a minimum of $150 per person or $250 for a family of four. All proceeds will go to support Upper Valley United Way in their efforts of working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health.  These are the building blocks of a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health.  

Top fundraisers will receive prizes, including lift tickets and a ski vacation at Okemo Mountain Resort. Pre-registration is available online, until Aug. 3, at www.bikereg.com for $45 per person. On-site registration on the day of the event is $50 per person. Registration and check-in will take place at the Jackson Gore Ice House from 8-9:30 a.m. All riders must wear a bike helmet – no exceptions. Participants will receive a free event tee shirt at registration. All three rides will end at the Okemo Hops in the Hills Beer Festival, and each rider will receive complimentary admission to the festival, concerts, plus a barbecue meal voucher. Visit bikereg.com for details and registration information. To learn how to become an event volunteer, call the Upper Valley United Way at (603) 448-2766.

COLORADO CYCLIST TAKES TOP HONORS AT OKEMO BIKE CLIMB

Submitted by Okemo Mtn Resort

On Saturday, June 27, Okemo Mountain Resort hosted the Okemo Bike Climb, organized by the Ludlow Rotary Club. The challenging 5.8-mile uphill bike race, starting at Jackson Gore, attracted 92 racers. Anthony Colby, age 30, of Durango, Colo., took top honors in the Overall Male Open category with a finishing time of 27:27.4. The top Overall Female Open title went to Ann Howard, age 46, of Morrisville, Vt. She made the climb with a time of 37:05.6.

Myles Trainer, 16, of Ludlow, Vt., took  the 19-and-under male division. In the 20-to 29-year-old-male division, the top finishers were Charles McCarthy, 29, of Middlebury, Vt. (29:01.7), David Glick, 27, of Warren, Vt. (29.11.9) and Daryl Wilson, 24, of Dover, N.H. (37:32.4). Andrew Hilton, 32, of Boston, Mass., took the top spot in the 30- to 39-year-old-male category. Rounding out the podium were Andrew Gardner, 31, of Ripton, Vt., (31:49.7) and Jeff Johnson, 37, of Bennington, Vt. (33:08.3). The top finishers of the 40- to 49-year-old males were Gerry Clapper, 48, of Avon, Conn. (29:15.3); Douglas Jansen, 47, of Pelham, N.H., (32:08.2) and David Liebow, 43, of Townshend, Vt. (33:51.9). The largest group, with 26 competitors, was the 50- to 59-year-old-male division. Bob Meikle, 52, of Waterford, Conn., (32:17.8) was the winner. Stephen Power, 51, of Barnardston, Mass., (33:33.3) finished second, and Rick Powell, 50, of Hanover, N.H., (34:32.2) took third. Top winners in the 60- to 69-year-old-male division were Michael McCuster, 60, of Buckland, Mass., (36:25.3), Bob Bortree, 64, of Morrisville, Vt., (39:09.1) and Donald Graham, 62, of Vershire, Vt. (40:59.0). Two male septuagenarians represented their age category. Kenneth Cestone, 72, of Bennington, Vt., (43:37.3) finished first and Ray Gengenbach, 75, of Amherst, Mass., (1:08:20.0) took second place. Gengenbach rode his bike to the race from Whiteface, N.Y., and rode home to Amherst, Mass., afterward.

The top women in the 30- to 39-year-old-female division were Melissa Corliss, 38, of Dayton, Ohio (44:29.4) and Nancy Henderson, 33, of Dublin, Ohio (44:47.3). Carol Meader, 43, of Raymond, Maine, (41:45.7) took first place in the 40- to 49-year-old-female division. Christine Lamoureux, 43, of Montreal, Quebec, (44:35.4) placed second, and Patricia Faerber, 43, of Bloomfield, Conn., (48:01.6) took third. Dominique Codere, 51, of Montreal, Quebec, (40:40.0) took the 50- to 59-year-old-female division. Judy Caron, 62, of Concord, N.H., (49:13.3) took the 60- to 69-year-old-female division.

New this year, the Okemo Bike Climb was part of the Bike Up Mountain Points Series (BUMPS), a series of nine uphill races held throughout New England. Proceeds from the Okemo race benefited the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and local charities of the Ludlow Rotary Club.