LPCTV Volunteers Help Muck Out the New Facility

 

Submitted by LPCTV

LPCTV would like to thank the volunteer work crew and the Town of Ludlow for cleaning out its future facility in the Ludlow Community Center, following the recent flood. The storm left about 6 inches of water was left standing in LPCTV’s space, next to Black River Good Neighbor Services. “We are very lucky that we did not have all of our equipment in there - it would have been fried”, said LPCTV’s Patrick Cody, adding that the water rushed beneath the double doors on the side of the building.

Immediately following the flood the Town of Ludlow maintenance crew removed the standing water from LPCTV’s space. On a recent Saturday morning, a volunteer crew consisting of Fred Marin, Sharon Bixby, Brigid Sullivan, David Hoeh, Randy Bixby, Leslie Bixby, Josh Bixby, & Ralph Pace pitched in by “mucking out” the space and cleaning it up.  Pictured above are,from left to right: Fred Marin, Sharon Bixby, Leslie Bixby, Brigid Sullivan. Josh Bixby. Randy Bixby, & David Hoeh.

 “The flood is a set back, for sure, but we are still determined to get in there and resume work soon”, Cody said. To do that, it needed to be cleaned out. I applaud everyone who rose to the occasion to get that piece done.” LPCTV is scheduled to complete Phase 1 of its project in December of this year. The station has also been busy recording and archiving videos and images related to the flood and subsequent recovery effort. It is planning a community dinner event in October, where it will be including a screening of some of the documentation to date. Details on the event are soon to follow.

Two Holes In One at OVGC

Submitted by Okemo Mtn Resort

Eric Edelstein, of North Caldwell, N.J., made a hole-in-one at Okemo Valley Golf Club on Tuesday, Sept. 13. Edelstein aced Number 14 from the green tee, 205 yards away from the pin. Joseph Pompeo, Stephen Henessey and Robin Amesbury witnessed the amazing feat.

Edelstein’s name will be engraved on a hole-in-one plaque that hangs inside the Okemo Valley Golf Club clubhouse, to honor the fortunate few who have had the exhilarating experience of making a hole-in-one at OVGC.

On September 19, Shelly Sherman, an Okemo Valley Golf Club member from Westport, Conn., became the first woman to make a hole-in-one at OVGC this season. Sherman aced Number 14 from the gold tee, 127 yards away from the pin. Len Sherman, Linda Giordano and Vincent Giordano witnessed the amazing feat.

Sherman’s name will be engraved on a hole-in-one plaque that hangs inside the Okemo Valley Golf Club clubhouse, to honor the fortunate few who have had the exhilarating experience of making a hole-in-one at OVGC.

Ludlow 250 Features Magnificent Cake

 
"It was a work of art that passed all expectations!"

Those were the words one member of the Ludlow 250 Committee used to describe the magnificent cake prepared for the event by Irene Maston of the Andrie Rose Inn.  The cake, itself, was tall and as patriotic looking as one could imagine such a piece of pastry.  It then was topped with a replica of the Ludlow Gazebo that was so precise one expected someone to be speaking from it.  To utterly complete this work of art, Irene place roses - or, what to the normal eye appeared to be real roses, around the base and middle tiers of the cake.

And it did not take very long for the over 400 people attending the Saturday portion of the Ludlow semiquincentennial to devour this masterpiece.  The craving was done with great care by Pam Cruickshank with the help of Linda Tucker and Joyce Washburn.

Chili Cook-Off Calls for Cooks

Submitted by Glenn Heitsmith

Professional chefs, homemakers and food aficionados of all types are invited to participate in the 21st Annual Ludlow Rotary Chili Cook-Off. This year’s cook-off takes place rain or shine on Sat., Oct. 8 under the big tent in downtown Ludlow at the intersection of Main and Depot streets by the stop light.

The fee to enter is $10 and participants are asked to mix up a 3-5 gallon batch of chili, delivering it hot on the day of the event. Rotary provides bowls and spoons and volunteers to serve the chili starting at 11am.

Awards will be handed out in three judged categories: “Best,” “Spiciest” and “Team Spirit.” The public gets to vote for their favorite chili, garnering the winner $100 and a nifty plaque from the Rotary Club. Second place pays $50 and $25 goes to the third-place chef. Net proceeds from this year’s cook-off will benefit the charities of the Ludlow Rotary Club.

“TS Irene’s devastating flood last month adds greater urgency and awareness of the needs of others,” notes event chairman Glenn Heitsmith, adding that despite the disruption, Vermont remains “open for business.” “Many trees growing along waterways fell, blocking culverts and bridges and contributed to road and home damage,” Heitsmith said. “The silver lining was minimal wind damage. The leaves are intact and our autumn colors should be glorious. What better reason for visiting Vermont in the fall and eating chili?” Contact Glenn Heitsmith for an entry form. A flood victim himself, Heitsmith advises those interested in making chili to contact him via email for an entry form at: [email protected].

TWO MORE HOLES-IN-ONE MAKE A BAKER’S DOZEN AT OVGC

Submitted by Okemo Mtn Resort

Thirteen skilled golfers have made holes-in-one at Okemo Valley Golf Club this season. The two newest members of this elite group made their aces on Aug. 27 and Sept. 9.

Kenny Weinstein, an OVGC member from Long Beach, N.Y., made a hole-in-one on Number 4. He made the 175-yard ace from the green tee, using his 8-iron. Brendan Stark witnessed the amazing feat.

Bobby Triplett, of Bristol, Conn., made the thirteenth ace of the season on the fourteenth hole. He made the 156-yard hole-in-one from the white tee using his 6-iron. Joe Triplett witnessed the accomplishment.

Weinstein and Triplett will have their names engraved on a hole-in-one plaque that hangs inside the Okemo Valley Golf Club clubhouse, to honor the fortunate few who have had the exhilarating experience of making a hole-in-one at OVGC.

Turkey Pie Dinner at Ascutney Church, Sept. 24

Submitted by Chip Cobb

The Ascutney Union Church will have a Turkey Pie Supper at the Martin Memorial Hall on Route 5 North of the light in Ascutney beginning at 5 P.M through 7 P.M. on Saturday September 24^th.  We’ll have turkey pie, mashed potatoes, green beans, cole slaw, cranberry sauce (getting hungry?), beverage and homemade pie. $9.50 adults, $8.50 seniors, and $6.00 children. Come and enjoy!

Ludlow Town, BRAM, FOLA Sponsor Free Civil War Tribute

 
Three Ludlow groups - the Town of Ludlow, Black River Academy Museum, and FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium), have made arrangements to celebrate Vermont's 150th anniversary of its involvement in the Civil War with a free piano concert by renowned pianist, Jacqueline Schwab, famous for her work in providing music for a number of Ken Burn's epic PBS series, including both the Civil War and Mark Twain.  The concert is scheduled for October 9 at 6:30 PM at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium.  Jacqueline’s solo piano concert at the Ludlow Auditorium will feature vintage American music, to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the Town of Ludlow. She will perform music from Mark Twain’s era (1835-1910) and beyond—Stephen Foster and Civil War song tunes, Victorian ballroom dance tunes, Scots and Irish songs and dance tunes brought over by settlers, hymns and spirituals, ragtime, plus 20^th-century tango and Billie Holiday blues (as well as Celtic and English traditional music in a contemporary style). Jacqueline’s arrangements of American heart songs honor the community and improvisational spirit of music making reported in Twain’s times.  In Ken Burns’ words, “Jacqueline Schwab brings more feeling and intensity to music than anyone I know. Her playing is insistent, physical, heartfelt and ... unusually moving.”  Drawing on classical, traditional folk and contemporary music roots, pianist Jacqueline Schwab has been heard on a dozen of Burns’ documentaries, including his Grammy award-winning Civil War, his Emmy award-winning Baseball, Lewis and Clark, Mark Twain, The War, his recently-premiered The National Parks: America’s Best Idea and his recently-premiered Tenth Inning to his Baseball series. Jacqueline’s latest project for Ken Burns will be his upcoming documentary on the Dust Bowl. She has also been heard on other PBS documentaries, including The Irish in America and Ric Burns’ New York: A Documentary Film. The New England Folk Almanac wrote she plays with “the jazz/classical improvisational spirit of Keith Jarrett and the touch of George Winston ....” She has performed at the White House for President Clinton (celebrating Burns’ Lewis and Clark series) and also, with singer Jean Redpath, on Minnesota Public Radio’s A Prairie Home Companion (in St. Paul) and CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman (on May 21, 2009). 

BRGNS GIGANTIC FALL RUMMAGE SALE DATES SET

Submitted by Christine Fuller

Black River Good Neighbor Services is holding a gigantic Fall Rummage Sale at Fletcher Farm in Ludlow on Route 103 south on Friday and Saturday, September 23rd and 24th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday September 25th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. 

All proceeds from this sale go to benefit the needy in the area.  “The current economic and employment conditions have created a greater demand than ever. Add to that the devastation from Hurricane Irene and it’s clear that many of our neighbors will need additional help this winter.”  said Peter LaBelle, President of BRGNS.  All monies raised will help cover utilities/fuel cost, food and rent assistance for qualified individuals and families in Ludlow, Mt. Holly, Belmont, Proctorsville, Cavendish and Plymouth. 

In addition special consideration will be given to Irene flood victims.  Any flood victim who has verifiable documentation of loss (such as FEMA documentation or a document from a Town Official) is eligible for special consideration at the rummage sale.  Qualified individuals must come to the BRGNS Thrift Shop, prior to the rummage sale, to obtain vouchers.  These vouchers will be good at the Rummage Sale only. 

This is a community effort; here is what you can do to help: 

     1)  If you have anything to donate, please call Audrey Bridge at 802-228-3663 to arrange a drop off time.  Drop offs will be accepted at Fletcher Farm starting Saturday, September 17th through Thursday, September 22nd from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Fletcher Farm’s Barn is located at 611 Route 103 S.  Fall and winter clothing will be especially welcome.  Furniture will be accepted gratefully - nothing broken or torn please.  Please do not donate clothing items that are stained or ripped.  If you are unable to drop off a furniture donation, it can be picked up by our volunteers if arrangements are made in advance. 

     2)  Volunteers are needed to help work the sale as well as setup, so please come and help. 

    3)   There will be a table selling baked and home canned (jams, jellies, sauces) goods.  So, if you can bake an item to donate for the sale please do so.  This proved to be a very popular addition in the past and we need as many baked goods as the community can provide. 

    4)  Plastic bags are needed, so if you have grocery bags you would like to recycle please bring them to Fletcher Farm, or to the Thrift Shop. 

    5)  Please come and buy some of the great bargains.  

Contact Audrey Bridge at the Black River Good Neighbor Services Thrift Shop at 37B Main Street or call her at 802-228-3663 or email her at [email protected] for further details.

Ludlow Readies for 250th Celebration Sept 16-17

"Ludlow will mark its 250th year of existence on Friday and Saturday, September 16-17 with a program that is guaranteed to be remembered by everyone."  This was Ludlow 250 Committee Chairman Ralph Pace's observation on the forthcoming celebration that marks the issuance of Ludlow's charter by Benning Wentworth, Royal Governor of New Hampshire on September 16, 1761. 

According to the colorful program prepared for the two day event, there will be a parade, music, historic readings and musings, and a birthday cake and card that may make the Guinness Book of Records.   In addition to this, special custom flags honoring the Battle of Bennington will be hung along Main Street.  Custom banners for the celebration will also be displayed throughout the town and at the gazebo.  A special "campaign-style" button has been created to mark this historic occasion as well. 

Ludlow 250 activities will begin on Friday, September 16 at 6 PM at the Gazebo in Veterans Memorial Park following the march of the American Legion Color Guard from the Legion home to the park.  George Thomson will serve as emcee at the gazebo.  Music supplied by the Sugar River Band will precede the opening ceremonies and continue following the completion of the formal ceremonies that evening. 

Among the planned activities on Friday will be an invocation by Pastor Tom Deibler, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Legion Commander Ned Brown, a singing of "God Bless America" led by Bob Kirkbride, a reading of the actual charter that created Ludlow by Newton Rose, a reading of the State Legislature's resolution commending Ludlow by State Senator Alice Nitka, and some closing thoughts by Town Manager Frank Heald.  

When all of this is completed, the viewers will have the opportunity to sign the mammoth birthday card, created by the Okemo sign shop, and listen to more music by the Sugar River Band. 

That same evening, the Josh Cole Memorial Soccer Tournament will take place at Dorsey Park. 

The following day, Saturday, September 17 will begin at 11 AM with a parade from Benson's Chevrolet to the Park.  Among those planning on participating in the parade are the Black River High School Band, the BRHS soccer teams, the fire department, ambulance squad, Ludlow Police, a group of cyclists, the Seth Warner Mt. Independence Fife & Drum Corps, floats from various area organizations, and senior citizens of the town. 

When everyone has reached the gazebo, the participants will have the chance to partake of the largest birthday cake ever baked in Ludlow.  The cake, provided by the Andrie Rose Inn, will serve over 300 people and have a scene of the gazebo adorning the top.  The birthday card will also be available for signing. 

At 1 PM, courtesy of the Vermont Humanities Council, Linda Radtke will offer a songfest that covers Vermont's history through song. 

This will lead into the Annual Ludlow Rotary Duck Race which will be viewed from the nearby Walker Bridge. 

That evening, the Josh Cole Memorial Soccer Tournament will feature games at 6 and 8 PM at Dorsey Park. 

In the event of rain, the Friday celebration will be held in the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium; the Saturday activities will take place in the Ludlow Community Center (formerly the Armory). 

According to Pace, all the costs of this celebration were raised through voluntary contributions from area residents, businesses, and second home owners.  Over 80 individual donations were made.  Area businesses that contributed included Peoples United Bank, Andrie Rose Inn, American Legion Ballard-Hobart Post #36, the Town and Village of Ludlow, Okemo Mountain Resort, Ludlow Insurance Agency, and Luzenac America. 

The Ludlow 250 committee consisted of Pam Cruickshank, Willow Feller, Theresa Southworth, Susan McNeely, Patty Greenwood, Newton Rose, Joyce Washburn, Jackie Hunt, Connie Wilcox, Sharon Bixby, Linda Tucker, John Bremer, Georgia Brehm, Frank Heald, Dennis Devereux, Beth Graves-Lombard, Barbara LeMire, and Ralph Pace.

RITE AID FOUNDATION DONATES BABY FORMULA, FIRST AID AND CLEANING SUPPLIES

Submitted by Rite Aid

Camp Hill, PA (September 7, 2011) – Rite Aid (NYSE: RAD) announced today that The Rite Aid Foundation is donating baby formula, first aid supplies and household cleaning products to Black River Good Neighbor Services of Ludlow, Vermont, to help those affected by the Hurricane Irene. Rite Aid operates 4 stores in Windsor County.

“One of Rite Aid’s core values is to be a caring neighbor in the communities we serve and that’s especially true times like these as communities start to rebuild,” said Mary Sammons, President of the Rite Aid Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Black River Good Neighbor Services and hope our donation makes things a little easier for those have been most affected by Hurricane Irene.” 

Rite Aid operates a total of 38 additional stores in Vermont and has over 600 employees statewide. 

With a record of community service going back to the 1960s, Black River Good Neighbor Services is a not-for-profit organization that provides free assistance to families and individuals living in Ludlow, Cavendish, Proctorsville, Plymouth, Belmont, and Mt. Holly, Vermont. 

“In a time like this, it is heartwarming to experience the generosity of good neighbors like Rite Aid,” said Peter LaBelle, President of the Board of Directors for Black River Good Neighbor Services. “Our entire community is pulling together to get out of this tragedy and Rite Aid's help is invaluable.” 

The Rite Aid Foundation, founded in July 2001 is a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to helping people in the communities Rite Aid serves. Since its inception, the Rite Aid Foundation has awarded grants totaling more than $12.5 million to approximately 820 organizations in 488 communities. For more information on The Rite Aid Foundation, visit www.riteaid.com. 

Rite Aid Corporation is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with approximately 4,700 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia and fiscal 2011 annual revenues of $25.2 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com.