Green Mountain Festival Celebrates 25th Season

Submitted by Sara Colgan

During the past 25 years the Green Mountain Union High School stage has been host to singers, dancers, drummers, actors, magicians, and musicians from many corners of the country and world.  The Green Mountain Festival Series originated with the belief that the arts bring a unique and exhilarating quality to our lives.

It began in 1985 when a group of local residents recognized a need in our community for live entertainment during winter months.  These six volunteers worked diligently to engage performers and find a donated site at the local high school.  Area businesses and individuals got behind the mission of the organization: to provide quality entertainment at affordable prices.  In 1990 an Arts in Education Committee was formed to support direct artistic experiences for students in the Windsor Southwest Supervisory School District.  Since that time hundreds of students have enjoyed arts workshops, residencies and live district-wide performances. 

For this 25th anniversary occasion, all of the season performances will feature alumni from the local community.  In celebration of this important year, the GMFS is also offering a special ticket price of $10 ($12 at the door) for most of the shows. 

GMFS, President Kathleen Willis said "it just felt right to showcase the talent that resulted from the programs offered in our local schools.  I can't think of a better way to celebrate our 25th season than welcoming alumni back to our stage.  We are also thrilled to offer a special $10 anniversary price to almost all of our shows."

The first show of the season is A Haunted Night featuring storytelling with Joseph A. Citro and a tribute to Houdini by magicians Scott Morley and Britni Orcutt.  The show will take place on Saturday, October 24th starting at 7:30pm.

Saturday, November 21st at 6:30pm a Reunion Night of Music will rock the halls of the Green Mountain Union High School Auditorium.  Make sure to get there early to see Brendon Thomas, Rusty Belle, Dylan Duncan and Ida Mae Specker.  Sam Lloyd Jr. will also make a special appearance.

Sam and Barbara Lloyd will perform A.R. Gurney's Love Letters on Saturday, February 6th beginning at 7:30pm.  This Valentine's Event will also feature dance by Ashley Hensel-Browning.

World renowned conductor and pianist Ignat Solzhenitsyn will return to the GMFS stage on Saturday, March 6th at 7:30pm.  The 25th Anniversary Auction will also take place the same evening.

The Green Mountain Festival Series wishes to thank all our generous sponsors whose donations make this concert series possible.  A special thanks to Newsbank, Nancy and George Malin, Singleton's Store, Biben's Home Center, Chester Rotary Club, Dakin & Benelli, P.C. and F.L.T. Grand Lodge of Vermont Independent Order of Odd Fellows.  

All shows will be at the Green Mountain Union High School is Chester, Vermont.  Tickets can be purchased at the following ticket outlets - Village Square Books in Bellows Falls, Misty Valley Books in Chester, Green Mountain Pharmacy in Londonderry, Blue Sky Trading Post in Ludlow, Northshire Books in Manchester, or 56 Main Street Restaurant in Springfield. You may also call 802-875-4473 or visit  www.greenmountainfestivalseries.com.

A Weekend of Old-Fashioned Cider Pressing and Crafts in Mt Holly

Submitted by Lynne Herbst

The Mount Holly Community Association celebrates the harvest season by honoring the APPLE.  The reds and golds of autumn are appearing on the hills, the air is crisp and once again, the Mount Holly Community Association is gearing up for a fabulous Columbus Day weekend.  Twenty-five vendors, consisting of the community non-profit organizations, local vegetable growers, bakers and crafts people will converge on the Village of Belmont.  Visitors love to stop at the “Green” and experience cider being pressed the old-fashioned way.  Sometimes that's just the best way to do things.  Our method of pressing is simple.  It’s called the "Rack and Cloth” method of pressing cider.  It’s hundreds of years old and fun to watch.  We’ll be selling the cider by the cup and by the gallon along with apple pie and apple crisp.  Saturday, October 10th from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday, October 11th noon to 4 pm.

Don’t miss the Mt. Holly Library’s huge selection of pre-owned books for sale in every genre.   

In the Community Center and Library, you can vote on your favorite photographs to be included in the 2011 Mt. Holly Calendar or purchase 2010 calendars to give as Holiday gifts.

Save room for a juicy Roast Beef Dinner served family style Saturday the 10th from 5 to 7 pm.  Experience the country dinner tradition with roast beef and all the trimmings including your choice of many home baked pies.

Join us for this weekend of old fashioned traditions and family fun right in your own backyard. 

Rain or shine don’t miss this fun filled weekend.  Take Route 103 between Rutland and Ludlow to the yellow flashing light and follow signs to Belmont.

Mt Holly Photo Contest & Auction

Submitted by Lynne Herbst

You are cordially invited to join us for the 2009 Mount Holly Photo Contest Opening Reception and
Auction of favorite photos (see photographers below) on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in Mount Holly Community Center/Library.  Wine and cheese will be served.

Photographers to be auctioned:

Ashley Blanchard   George C. Covalla
Diana Garrow     Lisa Kelley
Dave MacKenzie   Sandy Maloney
Ron Unterman    Candace Neary
Nancy Warnecke   Janet Warren

All proceeds support Mount Holly Community Association.

Thanks You On Hunter Education Course

Submitted by David VanGuilder

On behalf of the Ludlow Police Department I would like to send out a thank you to the sponsors of our annual fall Hunter Education Course that took place on September 19 & 20.
 
This is the Ludlow Police Departments ninth year of holding this course and we have put over 600 adults and children though the course's that we offer.
 
The following people and organizations helped us out this year.
Ludlow Recreation Department - 9th year
Black River Rod & Gun Club - 9th year
Singletons Store - 6th year
Cota & Cota - 6th year
Black River Mountaineers - 1st year
Ludlow Fire Department - 2nd year
David VanGuilder Sr - 2nd year
 
Thank you
 
David VanGuilder
Hunter Education Instructor
 
Jeff Billings
Hunter Education Instructor

BLACK RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS HAVE A GOOD WEEK AND ARE 6-1

Submitted by Bruce Schmidt

The Lady Presidents of the Black River Middle School girls soccer team are half way thru the season and are sporting a satisfying 6-1 record.  This past week they played a grueling 4 games during week but played some very good soccer to come out on with 3 wins and 1 loss.

The First Ladies traveled to West Rutland to begin the week and struggled to get off the bus in the beginning of the game.  It took a West Rutland Goal to get them more focused and then the flood gates opened up with 4 unanswered goals by the girls.  Scoring for Black River were Sarah Rumrill with 2 goals and Morgan Kathan with 2 goals (pictured above).  “The game time was moved up on us, so we had to scurry around to get ready” said Coach Bruce Schmidt commented.  “How you handled challenges as the game begins is the mark of a good team. These girls figured it out and turned things around”, said Schmidt.  He lauded the play of Katie Cloutier and Theressa Abbott in the goal as well as the midfield play of Gabriele Miele.

Wednesday saw the Proctor Lady Phantoms come to town and Ludlow knew they were going to be in for a real game.  “I was concerned that Proctor would come in here with a bitter taste in their mouth after we beat them up there”, said Coach Schmidt. He wasn’t wrong.  Black River never was able to adjust to their on the ground passing and aggressive defense as well as their strong goalie.  The front line of Abigail Schmidt, Morgan Kathan and Sarah Rumrill kept the Proctor defense running.  At 14:40 of the first half Morgan Kathan sent a thru ball into the goal area and Sarah Rumrill slid one past the Proctor Keeper.  Schmidt lauded the play of Sara Stryhas  and Hannah Livingston.  “Hannah is a strong player either on the field or in the goal. She has a knack of how to play the game and she is fearless”, commented Schmidt.  Hanna Vanguilder also played a strong  game along with Brooke Willard.

Thursday, the girls were back on the field for their 3rd game of the week.  Leland and Gray rolled into town to take on the local 11.  The Lady Presidents were looking to avenge the loss less than 24 hours before, and Leland and Gray was the victim.  The goals came early and often with Ludlow ending the game with a 8-0 win.  The goals and assists were scattered out with Sarah Rumrill – 3 goals, Abigail Schmidt – 2 goals, Morgan Kathan – 2 goals, Kateri Collins – 1 goal and Hanna Tobey her first assist of the season.  “The girls played much better against L&G than they did against Proctor” commented assistant Coach Betsey Caldwell. She especially spoke of the play of Blakely Gilmore, Sydney Miele, Emily Chambers and Cami Stengal.  “Our midfield and defense were strong. In games like this the girls can get complacent, but they did not and it showed”, Caldwell said. 

Friday saw the 4th and final game for the week being played against the Weathersfield girls team.  Weathersfield is anchored by Sara Locke who is a leader of the Pouncing Puma’s a U-14 Girls Travel Soccer team that many of the Ludlow players also play on.  “The girls were looking forward to this game to see Sara and also play against her.  Weathersfield struck 1st with a PK being awarded to them for a hand ball in the penalty area.  Locke stepped up and buried the ball in the back of the net.  “Hannah Livingston had told me she was sore from an injury during the week, so I told her to give all she could. It was obvious after the PK that she wasn’t going to be able to play in the goal” said Coach Schmidt.  With both of the other two back up goalies also not available, Schmidt turned to Gabriele Miele. “Gabriele has played goalie before, so I knew she would be up to the task”, said Schmidt.  She was no doubt up to the task and more.  With the defense of her sister Sydney, Sara Stryhas, Livingston and Kateri Collins in front of her, she was all set.  Black River came back with 6 unanswered goals to win 6-1. Goals were scored by Sarah Rumrill – 2, Abigial Schmidt – 1, Morgan Kathan – 2, & Blakely Gilmore -1.  Hanna Vanguilder played some front line and missed two shots by inches away from the goal posts.  Brook Willard played a strong midfield and is really developing into a better player as the season goes along.

CCCA and Town of Cavendish to Sponsor “Button Up Vermont”

Submitted by Peter J. LaBelle

The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association in conjunction with the Town of Cavendish will sponsor a home energy savings workshop entitled “Button Up Vermont” on Tuesday, October 13th at 6:30 p.m. in the Cavendish Town Elementary School on Route 131 in Proctorsville.

The workshop is presented by Central Vermont Community Action Council with the support of Efficiency Vermont and the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network and with funding from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

The Button Up workshops are designed to teach residents about the fundamentals of how homes lose energy, simple do-it-yourself measures for incremental energy savings, significant saving opportunities associated with extensive energy retrofits, and available technical and financial resources.

The Button Up workshop consists of a PowerPoint slide presentation, speakers on energy-related topics, and the showing of a 1/2 hour DVD on do-it-yourself weatherization measures.  Also, area vendors working in weatherization and energy will be on hand to answer questions.  CCCA will provide door prizes and refreshments.

Anyone may attend.  For more information, please contact Robin Timko at 226-7736.

Thanks to local sponsors of Black River Soccer Tournaments

Letter to Editor

On behalf of the Black River Booster Club and the Black River High School Girls and Boys soccer players and coaches, I would like to send out a huge Thank You to the sponsors of the annual Soccer Tournaments in Ludlow that took place September 11 – 12 & September 18-19.

The Black River Invitational Soccer Tournament consists of Girls teams from Black River, Otter Valley, Green Mountain and Proctor.

The Josh Cole Memorial Tournament consist of Boys teams from Black River, Green Mountain, Leland & Gray and Bellows Falls.

Both Tournaments showcase the talents of our local soccer players as well as bring the community together for two weekends of some great soccer.  These tournaments would not have been possible if it was not for the incredible support of the following businesses and organizations:

- Cota & Cota Heating Fuels  - 3rd year sponsor
- TPW Property Management – 2nd year sponsor
- Okemo Mountain Resort – 4th year sponsor
- BRACC – Black River Area Community Coalition – 2nd year sponsor

All players and coaches involved with these tournaments receive a commemorative T-shirt that would not be possible with out their generosity.

T-shirts are also sold and the receipts go to the Black River Booster Club, which in turn goes towards their quest to continue to support athletic and academic endeavors at Black River Middle and High School in Ludlow.

Please take some time to thank these local sponsors for all they do to help bring two great soccer tournaments to the town of Ludlow.

In Soccer,

Bruce Schmidt,
Black River Booster Club

Woodcarving-Painting-Rug Braiding at Fletcher Farm

Submitted by Laurie Marechaux

Have you ever wanted to learn to carve wood? Now is the time to try “Beginning Woodcarving and More” with Al Wilkinson. Take some time in the evening on Wednesday, October  7, 14, 21, 28, November 4th from  6:00pm - 9:00pm. Learn the basic skills of Woodcarving in a few easy lessons. You will create a story stick of a wood spirit , the human face will be discussed and studied. We will complete a caricature bottle stopper and may also choose from: a Santa, animal, wood spirit s and more. Experienced carvers are welcome to join this class.  On October 10 & 11, Sat., 9:00am-4:00pm, Sun., 9:00am-3:00pm try Donna Dewberry’s method of One Stroke® Painting and Fabric... a Natural Combination with Barbi Weaver will help students become comfortable with the basic strokes upon which the world-renowned technique is based. Students will practice on several varied fabric surfaces. Once mastered, the same strokes apply equally to any other surface the student would care to decorate paper, glass, metal, stone or ceramic, you name it and you can paint it. Let your imagination run free!  October 17 & 18 try your hand at Drawing Nature with Roger Hyndman. Capture in sketches and drawings the powerful drama and beauty of the landscape, utilizing a variety of drawing materials and tools. Students will use a variety of drawing materials such as graphite, pencils, charcoal, Craypas®, pastels, and mixed media. Explore perspective, balance, focal point, movement, size, and shape. Capture the “open air” image, utilizing highlight and shadow, texture, and shading. This class is great for beginners to the advanced.

Oct.24 & 25-Let’s make a “One Patch Quilt”  with Susan Damone Balch. Create a small wall quilt using a single geometric shape that is repeated throughout. The primary focus of the instruction will be on learning how to produce exceptional quilts through your choices of color and fabrics. Guidance will be provided for choosing the size and shape “patch” best suited to each individual project. Ideas for finishing your piece will be discussed as well. Also on Oct. 24 & 25-Watercolor for the Beginner with local artists Bob Sydorowich. This course will cover the essential elements of watercolor painting, including sketching, value studies, paper and paint selection, mixing of colors and various watercolor techniques. After demonstrations of the basic principles, students will explore their own style and direction with help and individual instructor attention.

Weekend class times are Sat., 9:00am-4:00pm, Sun., 9:00am-3:00pm . Please call for tuition pricing. View our website at http://www.fletcherfarm.orgfor more Fall classes. Most classes have a materials fee and student supply list. One-on-one instruction is always emphasized in all of our classes and class size ranges from 6-10 students. Fletcher Farm School is one of the countries leading Arts and Crafts Schools. If you are a Ludlow, Cavendish or Proctorsville resident (age 7 & up) you are entitled to 50% off one class per calendar year. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from the country’s finest instructors. Register online or for a copy of our fall flyer call 802-228-8770.

Ludlow Armory Committee Agenda Sept. 29

LUDLOW ARMORY COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2009
TOWN HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
4:00 PM

AGENDA

1 - Call to Order
2 - Approve Minutes from Previous Meeting(s)
3 - Ludlow Armory Update
4 - Plan Format for Select Board Presentation on October 5th
5 - Discuss Funding
6 - Set Date for Next Meeting
7 - Other Business
8 - Adjourn

Ludlow Armory Update

At its recent meeting the Ludlow Armory Committee reviewed a draft layout of the main armory building that depicted probable uses of the facility.  A key portion of this was the outline of a cafeteria and kitchen area that occupied the full length of the North side of the building.  The dining area would seat 120. 

According to Judy Pullinen, Superintendent of Rutland Windsor Supervisory Union, the Ludlow Elementary and Union 39 School Boards had agreed to consolidating all dining in the armory facility.  She noted that this would probably enable the lunch period to be extended in time and reduce the number of lunch cycles from 4 to 3.

The proposed draft layout also defined a large area for weight and exercise equipment.

The draft restrooms layout, according to Town Manager Frank Heald, needed to be enlarged.

Committee chair John Neal suggested that some people felt the preparation for the armory usage was moving too quickly.  Heald noted that the building had to be purchased by January 1, 2010 and that, prior to purchasing it, the town should have a good idea as to how it would be utilized and funded.