March 22, 2017

The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017 • 1

Mounta in Times Volume 46, Number 12

Fat FREE. Sugar FREE. Gluten FREE. Every page is FREE.

March 22-28, 2017

New property tax formula would shield lowerspending districts

By Tiffany Danitz Pache, VTDigger

Spring Home Improvement Warmer weather and longer, snow-free days usher in the season for home improvements!

From weekend renovations to preparing your home for rent or sale, from easy and effective cleaning tips to this year’s hot paint color trends, this week’s featured section can help.

Pages 33-48

Rollin’ Fatties Rollin’ Fatties returns to Killington for its third year, Sunday, March 26, an annual kick-off event for the season to come. Fat bikes will be available to rent at Mountain Meadows for a group ride with all ability levels on the big-tire bikes that take to the snow. It’s a benefit for Killington Mountain Bike Club, and ends with an after-party at Sushi Yoshi, and big raffle prizes.

Page 20

living A.D.E.

Living A.D.E. What’s happening? Find local Arts, Dining & Entertainment Pages 15 - 21

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is a community newspaper covering Central Vermont that aims to engage and inform as well as empower community members to have a voice.

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Courtesy of vermontmaple.org

A Vermont sugarer pours harvested sap from a bucket into a vat aboard a horse-drawn wagon.

Maple Open House weekend: Vt.’s premier spring event kicks off the sweetest season Maple Open House Weekend is celebrating its 16th year by expanding the weekend’s offerings and activities to include local partnering businesses who specialize in their own craft and support Vermont’s maple industry by including maple in their ingredients, on their menus, and offered for sale at their locations.

Sugarmakers throughout the state will open the doors of their sugarhouses on March 25 and 26 to educate and share with the public the process of making maple syrup from sap. Examples of activities offered at participating sugarhouses include sampling of syrup; tours of the sugarhouse and woods; traditional sugar-on-snow parties; and plenty of maple products to taste including maple donuts, maple cotton candy and maple creemees.

In efforts to include maple supporting businesses and collectively market maple’s expanding uses in beverages and dishes beyond the breakfast table, Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association invited Vermont companies to demonstrate how they

uniquely feature maple and showcase its diversity as an ingredient. From sweet to savory, in richly dark beers to elegant cocktails, maple is highlighted as a key component of recipes and menus appearing throughout the weekend.

At the heart of the event, sugarhouses will continue to provide free and fun family entertainment and educational opportunities, giving visitors an inside view of the hard work Vermont sugarmakers put in each year as the leading maple syrup producing state in the nation.

The partnering businesses are working to bolster the draw of both a local crowd and tourists by expanding the appeal to a broader market of visitors who are interested in seeing how maple has found its way into Vermont craft breweries and distilleries, and as a revered ingredient inspiring chefs throughout the state.

For more info about the weekend and to see a listing of participating sugarhouses and partnering businesses, visit vermontmaple.org/openhouse.

A House Education Committee has approved a bill that revamps the statewide property tax formula for education.

The formula is based on a per pupil calculation. School districts that spend above a threshold would pay a higher tax rate; those that spend below the target would pay less.

The change is retroactive for fiscal year 2018 and would apply to budgets voters approved on Town Meeting Day. The formula effects the homestead property rate and would be phased in over four years.

House Education Chair David Sharpe, D-Bristol, said the new system will be fairer to towns that don’t spend as much per pupil.

The legislation, H.509, passed out of committee in an 8-3 vote Friday, March 17. The bill will be taken by the House Ways and Means Committee Wednesday, March 22.

Rep. Adam Greshin, I-Warren, a member of the House ed panel, voted against H.509 because he says it shifts costs instead of reducing overall statewide spending.

His district has already voted on school budgets. Under the legislation tax rates would go up retroactively. “If I’m going to stand in front of my town and tell them they have a tax hike, I want to have a damn good reason for it,” Greshin said.

Towns have already been told what tax rate to anticipate, he said, and now, after budgets have passed, they are faced with a new Property Tax, page 14

Sanders sees “revolution” in energy

The U.S. senator toured Rutland’s Stafford Hill solar farm Friday

By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders stood outside a field filled with solar Sanders traveled to Rutland on Friday to tour GMP’s operations panels in Rutland and told 17-year-old Cameron Wilk that he was and a cutting-edge solar storage project. looking out at a revolution.

The visit was part of a two-day series of events the senator held “When you’re my age, this is going to look obsolete, old-fashacross Vermont on Thursday and Friday. The tour featured town hall ioned,” Sanders said Friday, meetings in several locations, in“THE DAY IS GOING TO COME WHEN SOLAR IS March 17, to Wilk at the site of cluding St. Johnsbury, Springfield Green Mountain Power’s Stafford and Randolph, drawing large and GOING TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE ELECTRICITY Hill solar farm. boisterous crowds along the way.

FOR US 24 HOURS A DAY,” SANDERS SAID. “This is the future,” the inIn Rutland, his stop was a dependent senator from Vermuch more toned-down affair, as mont said just a few feet away from 7,700 solar panels. “It’s going to he mingled and posed for photos for GMP employees at the utility’s become more efficient, the country is going to move to sustainable Post Road facility. Instead of speechifying behind a podium, Sandenergy.” ers shook hands and answered questions as he walked around the “This is pretty revolutionary stuff,” Sanders told Wilk, a senior at facility.

Rutland High School.

Workers showed him the latest technology inside GMP’s com“Yes it is,” Wilk replied. mand center before the senator donned his winter coat and headed Sanders has used that term before. Kicking off his campaign for out to visit the solar farm a couple of miles away. the Democratic nomination for president in Burlington in May 2015, “This is just a real-time representation of the transmission system the senator called for a “political revolution.” in the state of Vermont,” Matthew Ethier of Green Mountain Power He almost beat former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for the told Sanders as they looked at displays depicting the utility’s power nomination, powered by a message that included reversing income system. equality, providing universal health care, and boosting the miniShould a thunderstorm roll through and knock out electric service mum wage. to customers, Ethier said he would watch it all play out right in front Sanders, page 3

LOCAL NEWS

2 • The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017

Coppinger to leave downtown Rutland post

By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger

RUTLAND — Michael Coppinger is stepping down next month from his post as chief marketer for the city.

Coppinger, the executive director of the Downtown Rutland Partnership for the past 10 years, said he formally submitted his resignation Tuesday, March 14, at a meeting of the organization’s board of directors.

“Ten years is a long time to be in a role as a downtown director,” he said Wednesday. “I think that healthy turnover in a job like that is good.”

His resignation takes effect April 14.

Coppinger, 39, ran for mayor, finishing third in the four-person field.

He previously served six years on the city’s Board of Aldermen more than a decade ago and ran a previous campaign for mayor in 2007.

He said he had started thinking about leaving the Downtown Rutland

Partnership about a month ago.

“I felt this was a good time,” he said. “It’s a time right now where a director needs to be fully dedicated to what’s coming up in the summer

entertainment.

He also talked of increasing “market-rate” housing in the city’s business district.

First-floor storefronts are now about 80 percent occupied, he said,

“I THINK THAT HEALTHY TURNOVER IN A JOB LIKE THAT IS GOOD,” COPPINGER SAID. and fall.”

He has no immediate plans for what will be next, but said he has no intention of leaving the area. Coppinger says he may turn his entertainment and DJ business into a special events management company.

During his tenure, the Downtown Rutland Partnership launched Hops on Top, a brew fest on the upper floor of the downtown transit center, and Friday Night Live, a summer event in which Center Street is turned into a marketplace and venue for activities and

compared to a high rate of occupancy in the mid-90s. Two prominent businesses recently moved out of downtown, the Coffee Exchange and Hawley’s florist.

Coppinger said serving as the head of the Downtown Rutland Partnership was the best job he has held.

“I literally had no one day that was exactly like the other my whole 10 years,” he said. “That made it exciting for me and that was motivation for coming to work every day. That’s tough to find in a job.”

Hunger Council plans to combat hunger with local food redistribution

By Evan Johnson

RUTLAND—On Monday afternoon, March 20, the Hunger Council of Rutland County convened in a conference room at Rutland Regional Medical Center to explore ways to connect local food production with food security.

The most recent data from Hunger Free Vermont show that one in four children in Rutland County are food insecure, and 52 percent of grade school and high school students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. There are 10,772 county residents participating in 3SquaresVT (formerly known as food stamps).

According to most recent Census data, there are 640 farms across Rutland County. Across Vermont, some 14.3 million pounds of produce is lost every year—either unpicked in the field, composted or fed to animals. It’s an area where the council sees an opportunity.

“We are so blessed to live on such not only abundant land but also where there’s people working hard every day to make our food,” said Pastor John Longworth, who chairs the council.

The meeting on March 20 saw representatives from organizations that grow, collect or distribute food in Rutland County.

Heidi Lynch with the Vermont Farmers Food Center described the “Health Care Share” program that links at-risk

families with fresh, local produce.

Families or individuals can be “prescribed” to the program by their doctor, and receive a 12-week farm share. The program is looking to serve 130 shares during the growing season this year.

This spring, Rutland and Chittenden counties are piloting a new coupon booklet available to families receiving SNAP benefits.

At the Smokey House Center in Danby, Vt., Ginny Cook said volunteers successfully grew and donated some 8,000 pounds of produce last year. They also established a free CSA at their local elementary school, which served 36 families.

St. Joseph’s College students said volunteers are going to be working on their on-campus garden, but are looking to connect with organizations to accept the produce they grow.

Phil Gurley of the Rutland Area Farm & Food Link said the organization’s “Glean Team” rescued some 29,854 pounds of unharvested food last year.

In the face of potential cuts in federal funding, Hunger Council organizer Jenna Banning said they would be closely monitoring developments at the state and national level.

“We wouldn’t be more surprised if we see more threatening things coming down the line,” she said.

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LOCAL NEWS

The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017 • 3

The

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100 Day Club members welcome Teresa Giblin.

Teresa Giblin joins 100 Day Club KILLINGTON—St.Patrick’s Day Friday, March 17, was truly a day to remember at Killington Resort. It was a sunny bluebird day with fantastic snow conditions after Storm Stella blessed us with 33 inches of snow. It also marked the day that Teresa Giblin became a first-time inductee into the 100 Day Club! Teresa Giblin joined the club just 18 days after husband Paul celebrated his 81st birthday at the mountain and also his triumphant entry into the Killington 100 Ski Days Club. On St.Patrick’s Day Teresa was joined by Paul, many dear friends and some other 100 Day Club members to proudly present her with a 100 Day hat.

Teresa and Paul Giblin are out skiing at Killingon with friends every chance they get. 100 Day Club members congratulate them both on this impressive achievement.

Sanders:

Visits Rutland

continued from page 1 of him.

“Sometimes we get crews there even before a call,” he said.

The senator walked around the solar site with Mary Powell, the utility’s CEO. They were joined by about three dozen people, including a retinue of reporters, a few high school students, and GMP employees.

The Stafford Hill solar farm has the ability to produce 2.5 megawatts of electricity, which is enough to power 2,000 homes, according to utility officials. The project also provides for four megawatts of battery storage.

The solar panels and battery storage system are set up as a “microgrid.” That, utility officials said, allows it to serve as a backup power source for an emergency shelter at nearby Rutland High School.

The microgrid is able to disconnect from the larger electricity grid during outages, allowing electricity from the solar panels and batteries to power the shelter.

And, as GMP stores more and more solar energy through the state-of-the-art control systems, the utility is able to tap into that storage at times of high demand and avoid having to pay the expensive cost of electricity during peak period.

‘That’s the thing with storage, it’s amazingly flexible,” said Josh Castonguay, GMP’s chief innovative executive.

“It provides us a ton of value.”

Powell said during periods of peak demand the utility can tap into that solar storage.

“Most of what they’re going to call on, actually probably all of it, is going to be fossil-fired fuel generators, that can come on in a minute, fire up those engines, spew out all that carbon, and they’re also higher cost,” she said.

“We’re saying, Oh, my gosh,’ we can use storage that’s powered by solar and provide that same benefit.”

Sanders said he has seen GMP come a long way since he started following the utility.

“I can remember way back when, when Green Mountain Power was a very, very conservative corporation, much more concerned about their profits than the needs of their customers or the environment,” Sanders said. “That has changed.”

He talked of Vermont leading the way in New England with solar production and the capacity to store the power that it creates.

“So, the day is going to come when solar is going to be able to provide electricity for us 24 hours a day,” Sanders said. “That is revolutionary and that is extraordinary.”

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4 • The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger

Rutland City Clerk Henry Heck, left, administers the oath of office to new Rutland Mayor David Allaire on Wednesday, March 15, in City Hall.

New Mayor Allaire takes reins in Rutland

By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger

RUTLAND — Moments after his swearing-in as mayor, a steady stream of well-wishers walked past David Allaire’s new City Hall office on their way to a refreshment table.

Allaire, 61, a 19-year member of the Board of Aldermen, said Wednesday morning he planned to get right down to work at his neatly arranged desk in the mayoral office for his first day on the job.

The new mayor had run for the office twice before, seeking to unseat Christopher Louras from the post.

This year, Allaire handily defeated the 10-year incumbent in Town Meeting Day voting last week for the two-year position.

Allaire garnered 52 percent of the vote to 34 percent for Louras, in a four-way race.

“It is a new beginning for the city of Rutland,” Allaire told a crowd of city officials and employees, community leaders as well as friends and family who gathered inside City Hall for the swearing-in ceremony.

“We’re going to move forward.

We’re going to do it together,” the new mayor said. “I’ve got all sorts of optimism for the city of Rutland. I can’t wait to get to work.”

Among the few items atop his desk was a Bible used in the swearing-in, a few newspapers, several pens in a holder, a calendar, empty containers for incoming and outgoing paperwork, a coffee cup, a smartphone and a water bottle emblazoned with a city Fire Department logo.

Allaire, prior to getting down to business, had to resign from one city post in order to take the oath of office for the other. He was in the middle of a two-year term on the Board of Aldermen and handed board President William Notte his letter of resignation from that seat.

Then, City Clerk Henry Heck administered the mayoral oath as Allaire’s wife stood at her husband’s side.

“That I will faithfully execute the office of mayor,” Allaire said, repeat-

ing Heck’s words.

“So help me, God,” concluded the oath, setting off a round of applause.

Allaire, speaking after the brief event, said he planned to meet later in the day with city department heads as he assembles his administration for the next two years. “I think the first order of business is putting a team together,” Allaire said.

And it will start, he said, with his appointment of a new city attorney, who serves a vital role in city government. Attorney Charles Romeo resigned from the post prior to last week’s election, taking a job in private practice.

Allaire said he hoped to make that appointment at the next Board of Aldermen’s meeting Monday night, March 20.

“We’re still working on that,” Allaire said in response to a question about who that person might be. “I think I’m making some progress.”

In addition, Allaire gets to appoint someone to fill his remaining year on New Mayor, page 14

Two towns reject school merger

By Stephen Seitz

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BARNARD—Act 46 is getting off to a creaky start, at least for some.

The law, which went into effect in 2015, has the goal of merging Vermont’s school districts in the hope of providing better education, as well as get a better handle on costs.

The towns of Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Reading, Pomfret, and Woodstock would have become the Windsor Central Unified District. But Pomfret and Barnard said no. Since all towns were “advisable,” with a minimum of four towns needing to approve the merger, Bridgewater, Killington, Pomfret, and Woodstock will create a Modified District instead.

“There was a groundswell amongst the people of Barnard who did not appreciate the perceived threat of closing the local school,” said Barnard School Board member Andy Cole. “We have to figure out what the next step is.

Any town that voted no is on its own.”

According to media reports, the debate proved to be quite contentious on Town Meeting Day. By the end of it, school board chairman Chip Davis resigned his seat, even though he had two more years to go. Board member Kim White declined to run for another one-year term. The board now comprises Cole, Bryce Sammel, and Carin Park.

The final vote came to 103 in favor of a merger, and 155 against.

Cole said there were a multitude of choices as to where to go next.

“To be fair to the state, we’ll consider all of them,” he said. “As to the other towns, they’re planning for their unified school district. They planned on money from Barnard and Reading, and now they won’t have that money to use.”

Cole said the state initially left the towns a single choice on mergers.

“If you voted as a school board to start a study committee, you only had one option,” he said. “The state didn’t allow us to talk with other towns. But now we’re going to have those conversations.”

According to the state Agency of Education’s proposal, Plymouth is also in the mix.

“The Study Committee also identifies the Plymouth School District as an ‘advisable’ district to the proposal,” according to the document. The Study Committee’s report indicates that more than 80 percent of Plymouth’s students, K-12, are currently enrolled in public schools operated within the WCSU. Plymouth’s Town Meeting Day vote has been rescheduled to April 18 after the March 7 local election was found to be accidentally in violation of election law at around 12noon. Residents will vote on whether to join the Windsor Central Supervisory District.

Pittsfield was invited to be part of the mix, as well. “The Pittsfield School District became a member of the WCSU in 2015,” according to the agency. But “The district does not operate any schools and has determined that it wishes School merger, page 14

The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017 • 5

STATE NEWS

By Gaen Murphree

Coyote hunting in Vermont is weighed

Motivated by constituent outrage over unregulated some additional questions that actually sought to invoke coyote hunting, some Legislators are asking state wildlife some soulsearching … on the part of the Department of officials to rethink Vermont’s open season on the canine Fish and Wildlife.” predator.

According to current regulations, coyotes can be “Coyotes are important animals, not vermin to be athunted day or night, 365 days a year, with no bag limit. tacked,” said Rep. Jim McCullough, D-Williston. “They’re Only four Vermont mammals — coyotes, skunks, weasels important ‘people’ that and opossums — have no need, if you will, the honor A House committee is asking the closed season and no bag of having controls on their Fish and Wildlife Department for: limit. Constituents have hunting or their ‘taking.’ And objected to coyote hunt• An estimate of Vermont’s coyote population right now they don’t have ing practices whereby a • An explanation of the scientific basis for the state’s that honor.” large number of animals McCullough is vice chair current coyote hunting policy are killed in a short time of the House Committee on • A comparison to how other states regulate coyote (contests and the like). ConNatural Resources, Fish and hunting, including whether they have limited seacerns over coyote-hunting Wildlife, which has asked sons or bag limits contests have been raised the Vermont Department of • A recommendation of whether Vermont should by hunters and nonhunters Fish and Wildlife to, in Mcadopt a limited coyote hunting season in 2019 alike, McCullough said.

Cullough’s words, do “some Coyotes can be trapped soulsearching” and come for pelts in Vermont; trapback to the committee for season is limited to Additionally, the letter raises five ping more discussion in a year October through December. other concerns, including: or less.

According to wildlife biThe committee was • Whether coyotes have a deleterious impact on Verologists, coyotes respond to working on a bill to regulate mont’s game populations decreases in their numbers coyote hunting, H.60, but • Differences in VFW’s approach to coyotes vs. other by increasing their rate of has switched tactics. Rather fur-bearing species reproduction and are, in than proceed with H.60, last • Whether having an open season “is polarizing the this respect, remarkably week the committee sent hunting community and the majority of Vermont resilient. As a result, state ofFish and Wildlife Commiscitizens” ficials have maintained that sioner Louis Porter a letter • Whether current coyote policy has damaged relaVermont’s policy is indeed asking the department to tions between Vermont’s hunting and non-hunting based on coyote science: reconsider its policies and communities there is no season for or reconvene with the com• Justification for Vermont’s variance from the North bag limits because coyotes mittee by Jan. 15, 2018.

American Wildlife Management Model “relative to regenerate in response to McCullough said the change ethical hunting and Vermont’s wanton waste law” hunting. in tactics was designed to The committee’s letter to move the conversation Porter outlines nine topics ahead and hopefully get results more quickly. it wants the department to consider before it reconvenes Porter and Chris Bernier, the department’s Furbearer with the committee sometime in the next 10 months (See Project leader, appeared before the committee on Feb. 17, box). said McCullough, and asked for a longer timeline to report McCullough said the core principles of the North back on the committee’s questions than H. 60 would have American Model of Wildlife Conservation (as put forth by provided. the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports) “The commissioner wanted a couple of years to rewere important to the committee’s thinking on the quesspond even though he and his biologist had answered at tion of how to regulate coyote hunting, especially the core least half of the questions,” said McCullough. “That put a principle of legitimate use “defined as killing for food or very long delay in the process and then would only give us fur, self-defense, and property protection.” some answers without creating any resolutions. So the letOther coyote-relevant principles from the North Ameriter was to actually speed the process up a bit and asked for can Model of Wildlife Conservation include that:

Rutland area gymnasts win nine individual golds RUTLAND—Over the weekend of March 18-19, the Cobra Gymnastics Team participated in the superherothemed Vermont State Gymnastics Championships at Bellows Falls High School.

A cosmic team banner depicted the gymnasts as their own kind of superheros. Their motto of the day was a quote from author Roman Payne who said, “You must give everything to make your life as beautiful as the dreams that dance in your imagination.” Completing their five month competition season, the Cobra team represented the Rutland area in strong form.

Cobra is one of 13 privately owned gyms in the state of Vermont. Led by coaches Shelby Collett, Ali Natowich, Topsy King and Lori Bullet, the team sent 42 gymnasts to compete against 281 other gymnasts from around the state. Competing in six different levels throughout the weekend, Cobra brought home nine individual State Champion titles and numerous other podium finishes.

In the Junior Olympic competition, level seven gymnast Ella Tashjian of Manchester is celebrating an allaround state title in the 8-10-year-old age group with a 36.275, and also earned a qualifying spot on the Vermont Regional Team. She will join six other gymnasts from Le Studio, Green

By Performance Photography

ABBY McCHESNEY Mountain and Regal Gymnastics to represent Vermont on April 21-22 in Springfield, Mass. This is Ella’s fourth year on the Cobra team and fourth

year winning a state title. Tashjian trains four days a week in Rutland and said she wishes she lived closer so she could train more!

In the Xcel Gold competition, Abigail McChesney of Pawlet won the beam, floor and all-around state titles in the 11-12-year-old age group as well as earning herself a spot on the Xcel Gold Vermont Regional Team. She will be joining six other gymnasts from Regal and Green Mountain Gymnastics and traveling to Shrewsbury, Mass., on April 20-21 to represent Vermont. This is McChesney’s fourth year on the Cobra team and her first year winning a state title!

In the Xcel Silver competition, two first-year competitors won titles for Cobra. In the 8-10-year-old age group, Clara Vickers of Danby claimed the vault title with a 9.4, while Jayla Eugair of Brandon claimed the bars title with a 9.6 in the 11-12 year old age group.

In the Xcel Gold competition, in the 8-10 age group, Tayah Fuller of Poultney, claimed the bars title with an 8.8. This is Fuller’s second consecutive year with a state title and fourth year on the team. In the same age group, Sarah Martin of Rutland claimed the vault title with a 9.125.

This is her first state title and fifth year on the team.

In the Junior Olympic competition Cobra gymnastics, page 13

• Wildlife is held in public trust for all citizens.

• Wildlife policy is regulated by law, so that all can participate.

• All citizens have fair access to hunting and fishing.

• Wildlife policy should be based in science.

McCullough said that overall the committee “would like to see some controls that involve a real hunting season.” He said he felt there was a “significant disconnect” between the department’s perception of its current policy and the kinds of coyote-killing practices that many Vermonters see as “barbarous.” He also emphasized the importance of a calm, rational dialogue, so that the issue could be examined without pouring “gas on the fire.”

“I think we’re hoping that the Department of Fish and Wildlife in the face of a changing world — in the face of declining hunting, fishing and trapping licenses, in the face of increased pressure from the rest of the Vermont constituency for more voices in the process — that in the face of those things they’re going to actually decide that it is important to manage coyotes with requirements for a hunting season rather than manage by not managing and get off of their soapbox about ‘We can’t hurt them so why wouldn’t we let it [current practices] continue,’” McCullough said.

“So the hope is they’ll look at our concerns and go, ‘Why wouldn’t we have a hunting season for these animals?’”

Reporter Gaen Murphree is reached at gaenm@addisonindependent.com.

Table of contents Opinion...................................................................... 6 Calendar..................................................................... 8 Music Scene............................................................. 11 Just For Fun.............................................................. 12 Rockin’ the Region................................................... 13 Living A.D.E.............................................................. 15 Food Matters............................................................ 18 Pets ........................................................................... 22 Mother of the Skye................................................... 23 Columns................................................................... 24 Classifieds................................................................ 26 Ski Shop Showcase.................................................. 28 News Briefs.............................................................. 29 Spring Home Improvement................................... 33 Service Directory..................................................... 44 Real Estate................................................................ 46

Mounta in Times The Mountain Times is an independently owned weekly newspaper serving residents of, and visitors to Central Vermont Region. Our offices are located at 5465 Route 4, Sherburne Flats, Killington, Vt. ©The Mountain Times 2015 The Mountain Times • P.O. Box 183 Killington, VT 05751

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6 • The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017

OPINION OP-ED

Clouds on the horizon: The public’s right to know is under attack

By Sen. Patrick Leahy

This is the first Sunshine Week, since it began in 2005, when the public’s right to know has been under direct assault, and on several fronts. “Fake news,” “alternative facts,” retaliatory restrictions on press access by the White House, and demonizing attacks on the working press are eroding the public’s access to real facts and real information about what their government is doing.

Next week the Senate Judiciary Committee will convene for crucial hearings to consider the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to serve on the United States Supreme Court. These hearings are a unique moment when all three branches of government converge as senators consider a presidentially appointed nominee to serve on the highest court in the land. I plan to use these public hearings to ask Judge Gorsuch about vital matters affecting millions of Americans, and about how he will approach those issues if he is confirmed.

It is fitting that these hearings will occur just after Sunshine Week, a time when we rededicate ourselves to transparency in government. It was Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, a staunch believer in open government, who famously said that sunlight is the best disinfectant. It is often the press that shines the sunlight in dark corners where we need it most. Since the beginning of our republic, Americans have recognized the freedom of the press as central to our democracy. But today, that basic understanding is being tested by a president who apparently needs a refresher.

Our Constitution provides for freedom of the press because a democracy cannot survive without it. But a free press is not just a constitutional requirement; it is essential for the public’s participation and faith in democracy. The press informs the public and holds elected officials accountable. It serves as a critical check on our government, shining a light on corrup-

INSTEAD OF CENSORING THE MEDIA, WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE IT CAN OPERATE FREELY. tion, exploitation, injustice, and excess.

With the new administration, the very existence of facts and truth seem to be under attack. From his first days in office, in which he made outlandish claims about his inauguration crowd size, the president has waged a war against reality. President Trump labels unfavorable reports as “fake news,” while simultaneously decrying the leaks from his administration that gave rise to the reports in the first place. And in an attempt at censorship, his administration has retaliated against respected media institutions by limiting their access to cover the White House.

Instead of censoring the media, we have a responsibility to ensure it can operate freely. Last year we took a significant step forward when Congress finally enacted my FOIA Improvement Act to strengthen and modernize the Freedom of Information Act — our nation’s premier transparency law and a tool the press relies on to root out the truth behind government spin. This new law, which took years of hard work to pass, made permanent President Obama’s directive that government agencies operate with a “presumption of openness” when considering the release of government information under FOIA. I fought for this strengthening legislation because I believe we have to hold all presidents and their administrations accountable to the highest standards. In retrospect, given the Trump Administration’s hostility to the press, this legislation could not have been better timed. By codifying the presumption of openness, we declare that sunshine, not secrecy, is the default setting of our government.

While passing the FOIA Improvement Act is important progress, we cannot stop there. We must make sure that our government conducts its work in public where possible and uses technology to invite more people into public proceedings. This access and transparency were a priority for me when I was chairman of the Judiciary Committee during the consideration Public right, page 7

In praise of pragmatism

By Lee H. Hamilton

As you watch the healthcare proceedings on Capitol Hill, imagine what things might be like if we lived in more functional political times. In particular, what if Congress were run by pragmatists?

It would not change the issues at hand. On the one side, you’d have the Republican majority in Congress, which for the most part believes that the healthcare system should be left to the private sector. On the other side would be Democrats who, to varying degrees, see an important role for government to play.

What would change would be how the two sides reconciled their differences. Rather than maneuver the proceedings for political gain or worry first about their political bases, they’d be dead set on a healthcare overhaul that improved the system and was politically sustainable.

I don’t think our system can work without such an approach to our problems — healthcare and everything else. So what do I mean by “pragmatism”?

At heart it’s a mindset, a preference for a practical, workable solution to problems. It recognizes the diversity of our country and the need for compromise, negotiation, dialogue, and consultation in order to reconcile conflicting interests and viewpoints. Pragmatists ask themselves how they can best navigate the differences, factions, and political frictions inherent in any substantive issue so that everyone can leave the table having achieved some gain.

Let’s be clear that this is hardly an easy approach. On Capitol Hill, you work under intense scrutiny and pressure in a dynamic, always-changing, politically supercharged environment. You can’t make the world stand still while you work through the problems.

And if you’re trying to hammer out agreement, you have to keep the conversation moving; when a group or a participant threatens to walk out, you have to calculate whether you can get the votes you need without them. If not, you have to keep them at the table, even if it means nights that stretch into the early morning. And always, of course, you have to try to keep things as courteous and civil as possible.

You also have to be very careful of labels. When you’re trying to solve problems, labels get in the way. I’ve had my share of fraught negotiations, and what I focused on most was trying to figure out whether people at the table wanted to solve the problem and advance a solution, not whether they were Republican or Democrat. And you’re constantly counting votes, because you don’t get anywhere without a majority of them.

So you have to pause, hesitate, weigh the situation, calm the passions, figure out what’s achievable — and then decide whether or not what’s possible is actually worth getting.

Because there are risks to pragmatism in politics. For starters, some issues should not be compromised: to my mind, they include basic values involving torture and the right to vote.

And the pragmatic approach tends not to produce dramatic breakthroughs; it’s incremental, step-by-step, unglamorous work. It means downplaying ideology. This is difficult in these partisan days, yet I was always wary when I heard a fervent ideological speech in the middle of negotiations — it’s an expression of principle, yes, but it raises the question of whether the person giving it is going to help you reach an agreement or not.

Which is why you get a lot of criticism as a pragmatist.

People inevitably accuse you of not doing enough or of giving away too much. You’re often accused of abandoning your principles. You have to ask yourself what’s really important in this negotiation, both to yourself and to the others participating: how much can you give to get support for that principle, how much do you have to give up, and is it all worth it?

Yes, indeed, I’d argue, because the country would implode without the pragmatists. The challenge that our political leaders face is how to get through the thicket of conflicting principles, interests and dogmas in a sprawling democracy like ours. All too often, politicians lock themselves into a position: they give a speech to loud applause, then another, and soon enough they have no room to maneuver. In the end they, too, often have to rely on the pragmatists to get things done.

Lee Hamilton is a senior advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar, IU School of Global and International Studies; and a professor of practice, IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

TrumpCare’s big sin

By Angelo S. Lynn

By now, the biggest sin of the GOP health care bill is well known: it’s a tax cut bill masquerading as a health care plan. Simply put, it takes health care away from lowerincome and middle-income Americans who need it most, and it cuts taxes on the rich and super-rich by $600 billion.

The genius of the plan, if there is one, is that many white, elderly residents of rural America and the Rust Belt are the very citizens who will lose the most, and yet many still believe Trump will somehow magically save the day, that they won’t lose any health care benefits they got under Obamacare, and that their premiums will go down.

It’s not true, of course. The math on TrumpCare is clear that 14 million will lose the insurance they received under Obamacare, and by 2020 the number swells to 24 million. As importantly, insurance premiums for seniors will skyrocket because the Trump plan allows insurance companies to charge seniors five times more than younger people rather than three times under Obamacare.

But the bill is more than just what happens to health care premiums. Sen. Bernie Sanders and his team studied the bill and found dozens of additional ways the proposal would hurt Vermonters. Here are a few. It would: • Eliminate the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which provides heating assistance to some 21,000 Vermont families; • Eliminate federal funding for five community action programs in Vermont that provide thousands of lowincome Vermonters emergency food, shelter, heating assistance, transportation and health care; • Cut Vermont’s $6 million in community development block grants that provide funding for affordable housing, transportation and economic development, including BROC Community Action in Southwestern Vermont.

• Cut more than $500,000 Vermont now receives from the Legal Services Corporation, often the only legal resource available to low-income veterans, children and families in Vermont; • Cut Head Start by $1.6 million in Vermont, which would throw 140 low-income children off high-quality child care and early education.

• End $1.3 million in annual federal funding that the Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport receives under the Essential Air Service program.

All for what? To make the rich richer, while the poor suffer more and middle-class Americans are asked to pay the greatest burden. In fact, it sounds like everything one might expect from Trump.

LETTERS

First Annual ARC Rutland Area thanks Killington Elks for Irish Festival Valentine’s Day a success Dear editor, dance If you were to ask a dozen people who attended the first annual Killington Irish Festival to sum up their experience at the event I would bet the stock reply would be, “It was Grand.” But of course, I’m a little biased.

Under the direction of Tracy O’Dwyer Buckley (who did her mother Geraldine proud), director of the Geraldine School of Irish Dancing from County Kildare, Ireland, the dancers were nothing short of magnificent. With a full schedule of performances at the Festival at the Summit Lodge they were able to squeeze in performances at the Inn at the Long Trail and the Foundry. Thanks to Amy Laramie and the Killington/Pico Resort they even found time for a

Irish festival, page 23

Dear editor, ARC Rutland Area, an organization that works with citizens with developmental disabilities and their families, wants to thank the Rutland Lodge of Elks #345 for sponsoring a Valentine barbecue and dance for approximately 95 members, family and friends of ARC Rutland Area on Sunday, Feb. 19.

We would like to give special thanks to Brian Gaura, Carolyn Ravenna, Pat Farley, and all other helpers from the Elks for making this party happen (a week later, due to weather!). And if you see our members who helped — Debbie Wortman, John Wing, Shiela Dockum, Bob Poquette, Lisa Martell and Terry Stevens — be sure to Valentine’s dance, page 7

The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017 • 7

CAPITOL QUOTES “If we were to dogmatically adhere to originalist interpretations, then we would still have segregated schools and bans on interracial marriage. Women wouldn’t be entitled to equal protection under the law and government discrimination against LGBTQ would be permitted.”

Said U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the judiciary committee, offering a contrasting view after the opening of the confirmation hearings for Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Feinstein said the Constitution should be viewed as “a living document intended to evolve as our country evolves.” Gorsuch instead embraces the legal theory of originalism, which adheres to a strict interpretation of the Constitution as written 200+ years ago. A committee vote could be as soon as March 27, with his nomination before the Easter recess, on April 3.

“We all agree with a goal of providing more benefits and higher wages to workers, but today the House Committee tried to do that in a way that ultimately costs Vermonters more money and hinders economic growth – the exact opposite of their stated goals ... At a time when we are losing an average of six workers from our workforce per day, mandates from Montpelier that make Vermont less affordable are the wrong approach. The bottom line is working Vermonters cannot afford for state government to take more of what they earn.”

Said Governor Phil Scott’s Communications Director Rebecca Kelley on March 17 in a statement in response to the House Paid Family Leave bill.

“Winter defines the Northeast, we must act now to save it. Since global records first became available in 1880, the world has undoubtedly been warming—2014 then 2015 and now 2016 each became the warmest year on record. In the past 50 years the Vermont climate has migrated south to equal that of Pennsylvania in the 1960s. On our current path it will become equivalent to the climate of Tennessee and Georgia in our children’s and grandchildren’s lifetime… Immediate action can change this trajectory… in tiny Norwich, Vt., one in every six households has gone solar, 22 times the national average.”

According to a recently released video produced by Vermont-based Solaflect Energy in partnership with Protect Our Winters.

One Solaflect tracker can provide enough electricity to power a house and power an electric car to drive more than half a million miles, the video states. For more information visit solaflect.com/winter.

OBITUARY

Jeffrey M. Rousseau, 51 Jeffrey M. Rousseau, 51, of Stockbridge peacefully left his wife, family and friends on March 15, 2017.

Originally from Mason, N.H., Jeff moved to Vermont after his service in the U.S. Air Force. His love for the outdoors and rural countryside led him to the ski industry and Vermont, of which he felt so at home. During the 25 years in the ski industry, his mechanical skills, work ethics and infectious sense of humor gained him much respect and friendship among colleagues.

Expanding into a new adventure, Jeff became a proud MATCO tools mobile dealer servicing the Rutland and Addison Coun-

Valentine’s dance: continued from page 6 extend a hearty thank you to them as well. Our deejay, John Saltis’ Penguin Productions, created a fun atmosphere for dancing — we thank you.

The continued dedication and support of the Elks is greatly appreciated. The Valentine’s BBQ Dance would not have happened without the Elks’ sponsorship.

Socializing at the dances brings health to the body and mind. Having an opportunity to dress up, go dancing and say “I love you” was a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift. Elks, we applaud your community giving.

ARC Rutland Area continues to advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families by providing five dances/ events a year; a representative payee program to help individuals with their finances so they stay in stable living conditions; advocacy sup-

Public right:

ties of Vermont and building new relationships. He was most recently employed as a guest service/maintenance representative for Killington Resort Village.

Jeff leaves his beloved wife, Lisa (Beane) Rousseau; his mother, Linda Rousseau; brother, Bob Rousseau; sister, Karen Dobmeier and her husband, Michael; brother-in-law, Rene Yvon; and nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held Friday March 31 from 5-7 p.m. at Clifford Funeral Home, Rutland.

A private celebration of life for family and friends will be held in the spring.

ARC thanks Elks

port for adult individuals, parents, and siblings of children with disabilities, where folks learn to speak up for their needs; and resources and referrals for anyone calling for information. Voting yes to ARC Rutland Area on the March ballot in your towns ensured that ARC Rutland Area can continue offering all these supports to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families for another year.

Some people believe holding a party geared towards people with developmental disabilities is segregation, but when you see the room full of red, white and pink decorations and people laughing and dancing and so joyous to be with their friends, I believe differently. I believe at that moment, this group of individuals was doing what they wanted to be doing: having fun in their community with their

peers. ARC, with the Elks’ help, kindly set the stage for the opportunity.

There are many reasons why these dances are important, but the one that stands out for me is when a self-advocate said, “Without these dances we wouldn’t have anything.” Here people are able to practice their social skills, make new friends, or get reacquainted with old ones.

They are able to work on their circles of support and talk about their goals.

Even if some don’t dance, they had “to move” to get to the hall. The dances we provide have various aspects that are helpful to a person with developmental disabilities. Life, it is not “just” a dance.

Give us a call at 7751370 and learn more about ARC Rutland Area.

Sincerely, Lisa S. Lynch, executive director ARC Rutland Area, a United Way member agency

Sen. Leahy calls for transparency in government

continued from page 6 of the last two Supreme Court nominees. And for me this will remain a top priority. We have already seen one Trump nominee mislead the Judiciary Committee under oath, when Attorney General Jeff Sessions did not accurately respond to my direct question and then failed to disclose false testimony, until prompted by news reports. We cannot allow that to happen again. Not when the stakes are so high for our system of justice and for our MY PARENTS RAN AN democracy.

Despite the alarming attacks on INDEPENDENT PRINTING the free press from our new presiPRESS IN VERMONT. FROM AN dent and the misleading testimony of his Cabinet members, I believe EARLY AGE, I UNDERSTOOD we can and we must continue to THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY bring more transparency to government. We did so last year with the TO INFORM THE PUBLIC. FOIA Improvement Act, and we can continue by promoting transparency and accountability through technology. My parents ran an independent printing press in Vermont. From an early age, I understood the power of technology to inform the public. Today, all that separates our citizens from vital information and news is often the click of a button.

Next week, Vermonters and all Americans will be able to tune in to the Senate Judiciary Committee’s public consideration of a Supreme Court nominee. While this same process should have been afforded to Chief Judge Merrick Garland, President Obama’s highly qualified nominee to fill the Supreme Court vacancy, Republicans broke a century of Senate tradition and refused him the opportunity of a public hearing. Now we are faced with a new nominee for the highest court in the land, nominated by a president who has already shown hostility to independent judges who dare to uphold the Constitution, and to journalists so bold as to write the truth. Next week’s hearings mark a time where transparency and a free press can illuminate for the American people exactly what is at stake with this Supreme Court nominee and this presidency. During this Sunshine Week, let us all remember to keep the spotlight shining.

Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) is Vermont’s senior U.S. senator and was admitted to the FOIA Hall Of Fame for his long work in strengthening the law.

CALENDAR

8 • The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017

WHAT TO DO IN CENTRAL VERMONT Lego Club

3:15 p.m.

Sherburne Memorial Library offers Lego Club every Wednesday during the school year, 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Ages 6 and up welcome. 2998 River Road, Killington. Info, 802-422-9765.

Rutland Wellness

5 p.m.

Education and support for people who are struggling emotionally. Focus on tools and methods for improving our lives mentally and physically.

Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m., Grace Congregational Church, 8 Court St., Rutland. 802-353-4365.

By Ro bin

Alb erti

Wednesday Workout

ROLLIN’ FATTIES BIKE RIDE IN KILLINGTON

Bikram Yoga **

MARCH 22

6 a.m.

Bikram Yoga holds classes Wednesdays: 6 a.m. & 12 p.m. 1 hour Bikram hot; 4 p.m. hot power flow; 5:30 p.m. 1.5 hour Bikram hot. 1360 US-4, Mendon. Info, 802-747-6300.

ArtisTree Today **

9 a.m.

ArtisTree offers a full day of activities: 9 a.m. Intro to Yoga; 9:30 a.m. Free Playgroup in playroom; 9:30 a.m. Sensory Lab for Tots; 10 a.m. Clay Open Studio; 4:30 p.m. Yoga with Phoebe. 2095 Pomfret Rd., So. Pomfret. Info, artistreevt.org.

Ski Bum Race Series

10 a.m.

Dos Equis Ski Bum race series at Killington Resort, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Local teams of skiers, snowboarders, and tele skiers race down Highline in pursuit of Ski Bum glory and bragging rights. Highline Trail at K1.

Post race party at Moguls, open to registered racers only ($5 for a guest).

Info, killington.com.

Financial Capability Workshop

10 a.m.

BROC presents Savvy Spending Solutions, a financial capability workshop 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Learn to track spending, set financial goals, about credit reports and repair. Join the thought provoking discussions. Free, registration requested at 802-665-1742. Held at 45 Union St., Rutland.

Community Resource Fair

10 a.m.

RRMC holds Community Resource Fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in CVPS Leahy Comm. Health Ed Ctr, 160 Allen St., Rutland. 28+ community partners come together to share valuable resources and info about the services they provide. Ask questions, and talk one on one. Info, 802-747-1636.

Table Tennis

6 p.m.

Green Mountain Table Tennis. Play twice as a guest for free. $30/ year membership. Knights of Columbus/Boys & Girls Club of Rutland County gym, 21 Merchants Row, Rutland. 7-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Info, 802-2475913.

Mini Mural Workshop

6 p.m.

Paint a mini-mural using techniques of muralist Kathryn Wiegers, who painted several murals in Rutland. All levels welcome. 6-9 p.m. at Chaffee Art Center, 16 S. Main St., Rutland. $35 members; $40 non members. chaffeeartcenter.org.

Bingo

6:30 p.m.

Bridgewater Grange Bingo, Wednesdays nights, doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Games start 6:30 p.m. Route 100A, Bridgewater Corners. Just across bridge from Junction Country Store. All welcome. Refreshments available.

Active Seniors Lunch

12 p.m.

Killington Active Seniors meet for a meal Wednesdays at the Lookout Bar & Grille. Town sponsored. Come have lunch with this well-traveled group of men and women. $5/ person. Info, 802-422-2921. 2910 Killington Road, Killington.

Women’s History Month

12 p.m.

Castleton Women’s History Month, 30th annual celebration being held at Castleton University. Today, in the Alumni Room of Huden Dining Hall, the highly anticipated “Every Woman Has a Story.” Over the course of four weeks, a mix of eight Castleton women will to share their personal stories in a 15-minute presentation. Door rate of $4 per person for lunch will be offered for all guests attending the event. Get the details at castleton.edu/womenshistory.

Farmers Market

3 p.m.

The Rutland Downtown Farmers Market is inside for the season, 3-6 p.m. at Vermont Farmers Food Center, 251 West Street, Rutland. Info and vendors, vtfarmersmarket.org.

Story Hour

10 a.m.

Promoting early literacy and socialization skills in a fun setting. Stories, songs, movement, craft. No registration. Ages 2+. Fox Room, Rutland Free Library, 10-10:45 a.m. 773-1860.

Story Time

10 a.m.

Story time at the West Rutland Public Library. Thursdays at 10 a.m. Bring your young children to enjoy stories, crafts, and playtime. Info, 802-4382964.

Killington Bone Builders

10 a.m.

Bone builders meets at Sherburne Memorial Library, 2998 River Rd., Killington, 10-11 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Free, weights supplied. For info, 802-422-3271.

Drop In Art

10 a.m.

Drop In Art Thursday and Friday, at Killington Art Garage, by appointment only. $25 gets 1.5 hours studio/project time. All ages welcome, kids and adults. RSVP to 802-422-8844. 2841 Killington Rd., Killington.

ArtisTree Today **

10:30 a.m.

ArtisTree offers a full day of activities: Clay for Tots 10:30 a.m.; Clay Open Studio 12:30 p.m.; A Little Lunch Music 1 p.m. 2095 Pomfret Rd., So. Pomfret. Info, artistreevt.org.

Women’s History Month

5 p.m.

Castleton Women’s History Month, 30th annual celebration being held at Castleton University. Today, Women in Athletics and Business panel, 5-7 p.m. in Campus Center 1787 Room at Castleton University, 62 Alumni Drive, Castleton. Get the details at castleton.edu/womenshistory.

Level 2 Yoga

5:30 p.m.

Level 2 Yoga at Killington Yoga with Karen Dalury, RYT 500. 3744 River Rd, Killington. Info, killingtonyoga.com, 802-422-4500.

Taste of Rutland

6 p.m.

MSJ Academy holds annual Taste of Rutland with area restaurants and chefs contributing signature dishes to event—appetizers, desserts, entrees and more. Taste begins 6 p.m. in MSJ Gym, 127 Convent Ave., Rutland.

Advance tickets required at 775-0151 ext 112 or kbove@msjvermont.org. $30 each.

Paint Party

6 p.m.

Rutland County Women’s Network & Shelter hold Paint Party 6-8:30 p.m. at American Legion Post #31, 33 Washington St., Rutland. Create “Tree of Life” painting on canvas with instructor Theresa Gorman-Kahler. Refreshments included, cash bar available. Benefits RCWNS. $35 each includes all materials. Limited tickets at 802-775-6788 or rcwn.org.

Bridge Club

6:30 p.m.

Marble Valley Duplicate Bridge Club meets at Godnick Center Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Sanctioned duplicate bridge games. Info, 802-228-6276. 1 Deer St., Rutland. Please join.

Open Gym

7 p.m.

Pool league at the Clear River Tavern, every Wednesday at 7 p.m. Open to the public. 2640 Rt 100 North, Pittsfield. clearrivertavern.com.

7 p.m.

Town of Killington Rec. Dept. holds open gym for ages 18+. Tonight, soccer game 7-9 p.m. at Killington Elementary School, through March 28. $2 per night. Schoolhouse Road, Killington. Info, 802-422-3932, killingtontown. com.

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

Photography Talk

Planning Commission Meeting

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

Pool League

7 p.m.

Castleton University Dept of Theater Arts presents “Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson” the historical rock musical. Tickets $15 adults, $10 seniors, alumni, students, at castleton.edu/tickets or 802-468-1119. In Casella Theater at Castleton University, 62 Alumni Drive, Castleton. Open to the public.

Not for age 16 and under.

7:30 p.m.

Killington Planning Commission discusses and identifies ways to transform Killington Road into a complete street that is safe and accessible for people walking, riding the bus, biking or driving. Come add to the discussion at Killington Town Offices, 2706 River Rd., Killington. Info, 802-422-3242.

THURSDAY

Learn to Knit **

10:30 a.m.

Green Mountain Fibers holds Learn to Knit classes Wednesdays through end of April, 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Learn basic knitting skills, cast on, knit and purl stitch, cast off. Free with purchase of yarn and needles; $10 to others. 259 Woodstock Ave., Rutland. Info, 802-775-7800.

Rotary Meeting

6 p.m.

The Killington-Pico Rotary club cordially invites visiting Rotarians, friends and guests to attend its weekly meeting. The club meets Wednesdays at the Summit Lodge 6-8 p.m. for a full dinner and fellowship. Call 802-7730600 to make a reservation. Dinner fee $19.

KillingtonPicoRotary.org

SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 1 P.M.

WEDNESDAY

5:30 p.m.

Wednesday Night Workouts with Joani at Lothrop School Gym, 3447 US Route 7, Pittsford. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Incorporates aerobic conditioning, strength, legs training and abdominal work. The cardio-kickboxing portion is a dynamic, low/ high impact aerobic workout combining boxing techniques that strengthen the upper and lower body, with punches, jabs, and kicks. Beginners and all residents welcome. $6 per class. Bring mat or towel. Info, 802-483-6500 x 17.

** denotes multiple times and/or locations.

Open Swim **

MARCH 23

7 p.m.

Castleton Free Library hosts Mary Gorman, photographer from Mount Holly, with show including selection of still-lifes, florals, and landscapes representing seasonal changes and close encounters. Mary gives talk at the library today, 7 p.m. Free, open to the public. Exhibit through April 13. 638 Main St., Castleton.

7 p.m.

Castleton University Dept of Theater Arts presents “Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson” the historical rock musical. Tickets $15 adults, $10 seniors, alumni, students, at castleton.edu/tickets or 802-468-1119. In Casella Theater at Castleton University, 62 Alumni Drive, Castleton. Open to the public.

Not for age 16 and under.

Goodbye Marianne

7 p.m.

Rutland High School Encore Theatre presents an evening of senior scenes and monologues and “Goodbye Marianne” by Irene Kirstein Watts, in RHS theatre, Stratton Rd., Rutland. $5 tickets.

FRIDAY

8 a.m.

Enjoy the warm water at Mitchell Therapy Pool at Vermont Achievement Center, 88 Park St., Rutland: 8-9 a.m.; 5-7 p.m. Call for more times & info, 802-773-7187.

Bird Monitoring Walk

8 a.m.

Monthly bird monitoring walk at West Rutland Marsh. Meet at Price Chopper parking lot in West Rutland, 8 a.m. 3.7 mile loop around the marsh, or go halfway. Help tally species, meet and learn from local bird experts. New members, kids, and non-members welcome. Info, birding@rutlandcountyaudubon.org.

Smoking Cessation

9 a.m.

Rutland’s stop smoking program, including patches, gum, and lozenges, at Rutland Regional Behavioral Health, 1 Commons St., Rutland, Thursdays, 9-10 a.m. Register at 747-3768 or rrmc.org. Free!

Bikram Yoga **

9 a.m.

Bikram Yoga holds classes Thursdays: 9 a.m. & 4:30 p.m. 1.5 hour Bikram hot; 6:15 p.m. 1 hour Bikram hot. 1360 US-4, Mendon. Info, 802-747-6300.

Open Swim **

MARCH 24

8 a.m.

Enjoy the warm water at Mitchell Therapy Pool at Vermont Achievement Center, 88 Park St., Rutland: 8-9 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call for more times & info, 802-773-7187.

Level 1 Yoga

8:30 a.m.

Level 1 Yoga at Killington Yoga with Karen Dalury, RYT 500. 3744 River Rd, Killington. Info, killingtonyoga.com, 802-422-4500.

Bikram Yoga **

9 a.m.

Bikram Yoga holds classes Fridays: 9 a.m. 1.5 hr. Bikram hot; 12 p.m. 1 hour Bikram hot. 1360 US-4, Mendon. Info, 802-747-6300.

The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017 • 9

SATURDAY

Drop In Art

10 a.m.

Drop In Art Thursday and Friday, at Killington Art Garage, by appointment only. $25 gets 1.5 hours studio/project time. All ages welcome, kids and adults. RSVP to 802-422-8844. 2841 Killington Rd., Killington.

Story Time

10:30 a.m.

Sherburne Memorial Library holds story time Fridays, 10:30-11 a.m. Join for stories, songs, activities. Babies and toddlers welcome! Info, 802-4229765.

Magic: the Gathering

3:15 p.m.

Sherburne Memorial Library holds Magic: the Gathering after school Fridays, 3:15-4:30 p.m. Ages 8+, all levels welcome. 2998 River Rd., Killington. 422-9765.

Lenten Friday Fish Dinner

5 p.m.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church holds Lenten Friday night fish dinners following evening mass March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and April 7. $10 adults; $5 under age 12. Take out available. Includes baked haddock or cod, pasta dishes, coleslaw, veggies, rolls, dessert and drinks. St. Anne’s Hall. 18 Lincoln Ave., Rutland. Info, 802-775-0846.

Giant Tea Cup Auction

5 p.m.

Wells United Methodist Church presents giant tea cup auction at MWS Main Hall, West Main St., Rte. 30, Wells. 400+ items of all kinds plus small silent auction and dinner. Info, 802-325-3203.

Closing Reception

5:30 p.m.

Studio Fever closing reception, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at ArtisTree Gallery. 2095 Pomfret Rd., S. Pomfret. artistreevt.org.

Women’s Pickup Basketball

6 p.m.

Adult women’s pickup basketball Friday evenings, 6-9 p.m. at Vt. Police Academy, 317 Academy Rd, Pittsford, VT. Info, 802-483-6500 x 17. Free!

March 3-May 12.

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

7 p.m.

Castleton University Dept of Theater Arts presents “Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson” the historical rock musical. Tickets $15 adults, $10 seniors, alumni, students, at castleton.edu/tickets or 802-468-1119. In Casella Theater at Castleton University, 62 Alumni Drive, Castleton. Open to the public.

Not for age 16 and under.

Goodbye Marianne

7 p.m.

Rutland High School Encore Theatre presents an evening of senior scenes and monologues and “Goodbye Marianne” by Irene Kirstein Watts, in RHS theatre, Stratton Rd., Rutland. $5 tickets.

Dennis DeYoung

8 p.m.

Dennis DeYoung and the Music of Styx at Paramount Theatre. Tickets $46, $56, $66 at paramountvt.org, 802-775-0903. 30 Center St., Rutland.

MARCH 25

Maple Open House Weekend

Vermont Maple Sugarmakers Association invites the public to statewide celebration of open house weekend March 25-26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, where sugar shacks will have doors open to public to see syrup being made, sample it, some have tours, sugar on snow, and more maple products. Get full details of events and locations at vermontmaple.org/ openhouse.

Bikram Yoga **

7:30 a.m.

Bikram Yoga holds classes Saturdays: 7:30 a.m. 1 hr. Bikram hot; 9 a.m. 1.5 hr. Bikram hot; 4 p.m. hot power flow. 1360 US-4, Mendon. Info, 802-7476300.

Poultney Maplefest

8 a.m.

Poultney holds annual MapleFest starting at 8 a.m. with Maple Fun Run, pancake breakfast, tours of sugar houses, sugar on snow, horse-drawn wagon rides, craft fair, basket party, and maple supper. Get sweet treats all day in Poultney! Maps of locations and times of events available at Stonebridge Visitors Center starting at 8 a.m.

3 p.m.

7th annual Woodstock Vermont Film Series at Billings Farm & Museum continues with “Unbranded.” 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. showings. Tickets $5-9 members; $6-11 non members. Info, billingsfarm.org/filmfest. 69 Old River Road (Rte 12N & Old River Road), Woodstock.

Happy Hour Yoga

4:30 p.m.

Happy Hour Yoga at Base Camp Outfitters with Karen Dalury, RYT 500.

2363 Route 4, Killington. Ski, then yoga! Info, killingtonyoga.com, 802-4224500.

Open Swim

5 p.m.

Enjoy the warm water at Mitchell Therapy Pool at Vermont Achievement Center, 88 Park St., Rutland: Tues., Thurs., Saturday 5-7 p.m. Call for more times & info, 802-773-7187.

Pasta Dinner & Silent Auction

5 p.m.

Pasta dinner and silent auction to benefit Parks for Paws, erection of two dog parks in Rutland and West Rutland. 5-8 p.m. Elk’s Lodge, Pleasant St. Rutland. $5 entry, $5 meal. Door prizes, 50/50, auction with almost 100 items.

Fireworks Dinner

8:30 a.m.

Mixed level yoga at Killington Yoga with Karen Dalury, RYT 500. 3744 River Rd, Killington. Info, killingtonyoga.com, 802-422-4500.

5:30 p.m.

Chittenden’s annual fireworks dinner at Grange Hall, Lower Middle Rd., Chittenden. Turkey, ham, and trimmings. Benefits the fireworks show during Chittenden Day. Two seatings: 5:30 & 7 p.m. Takeouts available at 5 p.m.

Advance tickets only at chittendenday@gmail.com or 483-6471. $10 adults, $8 kids, seniors, and takeout.

Farmers Market

Maple Taste Around

Mixed Level Yoga

10 a.m.

The Rutland Downtown Farmers Market is inside for the season, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Vermont Farmers Food Center, 251 West Street, Rutland. Info and vendors, vtfarmersmarket.org.

Drop In Art

10 a.m.

Drop In Art at Killington Art Garage. $25 gets 1.5 hours studio/project time.

All ages welcome, kids and adults. RSVP to 802-422-8844. 2841 Killington Rd., Killington.

Girl Scout Cookie Booth

10 a.m.

Rochester Girl Scout Troop 51820 will be selling their once-a-year famous Girl Scout Cookies at Hubbard’s Country Store, Rt. 125, Hancock, 10 a.m.4 p.m. Missed your chance to buy from a local scout? Get them today! The only gas station in Pittsfield, Route 100.

Basket Raffle

11 a.m.

Alix Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund basket raffle at Castleton American Legion Post #50, Route 4A, Bomoseen. Doors open 11 a.m. Drawings begin 1 p.m. $5 admission; $2 sheet tickets. Bring two non-perishables for extra ticket with admission. Benefits Castleton Cares. Door prizes!

Maple Madness

11 a.m.

Woodstock celebrates Maple Madness on the Village Green, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sugar on snow, maple butter popcorn, VINS live bird presentation, ArtisTree children’s activities, silent and live auctions of local artist painted sap buckets, and more. Visit woodstockvt.com for details. Tomorrow, Maple Muddy Bike Ride through Vermont Overland to maple sugarhouses.

Bridge Club

12 p.m.

Marble Valley Duplicate Bridge Club meets at Godnick Center Saturdays, 12-4 p.m. Sanctioned duplicate bridge games. Info, 802-2286276. 1 Deer St., Rutland.

Please join.

Chicken BBQ

12 p.m.

Chicken BBQ at Maple Valley Grange #318, noon. $10 includes 1/2 chicken, mac salad, coleslaw, beans, roll, brownie, drink. Info, 802-353-4651. 4343 Rt. 7, Wallingford.

Rabies Clinic

12:30 p.m.

Drive up and poke rabies clinic, 12:30-2 p.m. at Bridgewater Marketplace, Route 4, Parking Lot. $11 per shot. Info, 802-672-5302.

Sponsored by VVSA Humane Society and Kedron Valley Vet Clinic.

80s Retro Jam

MAPLE MADNESS IN WOODSTOCK SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 11 A.M.

Woodstock Film Festival **

1 p.m.

Okemo Mountain Resort holds 80s Retro Jam. Register at 1 p.m. on Bull Run, event kicks off at 2 p.m.

Break out the best acid washed jeans, neons, and one pieces for the day! Prizes for best daffy, best method, best outfit.

Awards follow in front of Sitting Bull. Free to participate. Info, okemo.com.

6 p.m.

Part of Maple Madness, Taste-A-Round at Suicide 6 Ski Area, 6-8 p.m. 20+ local chefs preparing maple dishes plus cash bar & live music this evening at Suicide Six. Silent auction with Norm Frates, Jr. Entertainment by Sabrina and Jazz Cat, plus door prizes. Get tickets at woodstockvt.com.

FEARless

6 p.m.

The FEARless events are interested in asking the questions: what is it we are afraid of? How do these fears affect our daily lives - our mood, our choice of actions, our sense of personal freedom, our relationships, and so on? And does the degree to which they affect us resonate with a rational possibility of that fear manifesting in our lives or is there something else going on? At the end of March, we’re taking a look at our fear of change.

ArtisTree, 2095 Pomfret Rd., S. Pomfret. artistreevt.org/fearless-change

Mini Mud

7 p.m.

10th annual Mini Mud youth variety show at Chandler Music Hall, celebrating young talent from across the region. $15 adults, $5 students. Tickets at 802-728-6464, chandler-arts.org. 71-73 Main St., Randolph.

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson **

7 p.m.

Castleton University Dept of Theater Arts presents “Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson” the historical rock musical. Tickets $15 adults, $10 seniors, alumni, students, at castleton.edu/tickets or 802-468-1119. In Casella Theater at Castleton University, 62 Alumni Drive, Castleton. Open to the public. Not for age 16 and under. Today, 2 p.m. matinee and 7 p.m. shows.

Campus Invasion Concert

7 p.m.

College of St. Joseph is hosting a free concert featuring bands from across the northeast. This all-ages show will include performances by the Up! Up! Ups!, Shy Husky, The Red Summer Sun and The Bone Factory. More info, csj.edu. 7-10 p.m. in Tuttle Theatre at CSJ, 71 Clement Rd., Rutland.

Chelsea Berry

7:30 p.m.

Soulful singer/songwriter Chelsea Berry performs live at Brandon Music.

Tickets $20, reservations at 802-247-4295. 62 Country Club Rd., Brandon. brandon-music.net.

Steep Canyon Rangers

8 p.m.

A bit bluegrass, a bit sophisticated string orchestra, Steep Canyon Rangers perform at Paramount Theatre. Tickets $42 at paramountvt.org, 802-7750903. 30 Center St., Rutland.

Comedian Collen Doyle

8 p.m.

Pentangle Arts presents, in association with Woolen Mill Comedy Club, comedian Collen Doyle at Woodstock Town Hall Theatre. Show “Second Plan A.” 1-hour special. Beer and wine available. $10-$15 tickets. pentanglearts. org. 31 the Green, Woodstock.

SUNDAY

MARCH 26

Maple Open House Weekend

Vermont Maple Sugarmakers Association invites the public to statewide celebration of open house weekend March 25-26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., where sugar shacks will have doors open to public to see syrup being made, sample it, some have tours, sugar on snow, and more maple products. Get full details of events and locations at vermontmaple.org/openhouse.

Bikram Yoga **

9 a.m.

Bikram Yoga holds classes Sundays: 9 a.m. & 4:30 p.m. 1.5 hr. Bikram hot.

1360 US-4, Mendon. Info, 802-747-6300.

10 • The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017

Vinyasa Flow Yoga

10 a.m.

Vinyasa flow yoga - all levels, everyone welcome! With Whitney Berra.

Meditative and heat building flow of movement with breath, to cultivate strength, space, and grounding. $10 for non-Mountain Top guests; 6 classes $50. Call to sign-up or drop-in. Yoga Studio at Mountain Top Inn & Resort, Chittenden. 802-483-2311.

Sundays with Maurie

10 a.m.

Sundays with Maurie, drop in watercolor class, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Killington Art Garage. All ages, all abilities. $30 includes instruction and materials.

Coffee/tea and sweet plate included. RSVP to 802-422-8844. 2841 Killington Rd., Killington.

Drop In Art

Mondays, 5-6 p.m. Register at 747-3768 or rrmc.org. Free!

Gentle Yoga

5 p.m.

Gentle yoga - all levels, everyone welcome! Call to sign-up or drop-in. Yoga Studio at Mountain Top Inn & Resort, Chittenden. 802-483-2311.

Open Gym

7 p.m.

Town of Killington Rec. Dept. holds open gym for ages 18+. Tonight, volleyball game 7-9 p.m. at Killington Elementary School, through March 28. $2 per night. Schoolhouse Road, Killington. Info, 802-422-3932, killingtontown. com.

Drop In Basketball

10 a.m.

Drop In Art at Killington Art Garage. $25 gets 1.5 hours studio/project time.

All ages welcome, kids and adults. RSVP to 802-422-8844. 2841 Killington Rd., Killington.

7:45 p.m.

Rutland Rec Dept offers co-ed drop in basketball, 7:15-9:15 p.m. at Rutland Intermediate School. Men and women age 18+. $5 fee. Self organized, self policed! Balls and pinnies provided. Info, 802-282-2054. 65 Library Ave, Rutland.

Killington Section GMC

Citizenship Classes

11 a.m.

Killington Section Green Mountain Club holds tentative hike for Maple Open House Weekend, at Middletown Springs Green. Celebrate mud season with walk on dirt roads to visit working sugarhouse. Moderate, 6 miles. Bring water and a lunch. Wear sturdy shoes, and dress for the weather. For final meeting time, call leader Diane Bargial, 413-687-1109.

Vermont Adult Learning will offers free citizenship classes. Call 802-7974045 and learn if you may qualify for citizenship at no cost. 16 Evelyn St., Rutland. Also, free classes in reading, writing, and speaking for English speakers of other languages. Ongoing. 16 Evelyn St., Rutland

TUESDAY

Live from the Met

12:55 p.m.

The Paramount Theatre screens Live in HD from The Met, on the big screen, Metropolitan Opera broadcasts. This week, encore performance of “Idomeneo.” $23 tickets at paramountvt.org. 30 Center St., Rutland. Run time 4 hours, 20 minutes with two intermissions of 35-minutes each.

Rollin’ Fatties

1 p.m.

3rd annual Rollin’ Fatties event with a group bike ride, starting from Mountain Meadows XC Ski Center at 1 p.m. with after party at Sushi Yoshi. Open to everyone, no experience needed. $40 tickets include fat bike rental, raffle tickets, and Sushi Yoshi $5 card. After party free. facebook.com/killingtonmtb for more info.

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson **

2 p.m.

Castleton University Dept of Theater Arts presents “Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson” the historical rock musical. Tickets $15 adults, $10 seniors, alumni, students, at castleton.edu/tickets or 802-468-1119. In Casella Theater at Castleton University, 62 Alumni Drive, Castleton. Open to the public. Not for age 16 and under. Today, 2 p.m. matinee and 7 p.m. shows.

Goodbye Marianne

2 p.m.

Rutland High School Encore Theatre presents an evening of senior scenes and monologues and “Goodbye Marianne” by Irene Kirstein Watts, in RHS theatre, Stratton Rd., Rutland. $5 tickets.

Chamber Music Spring Concert

4 p.m.

Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival spring concert at Chandler Music Hall, stage seating only. A String Trio will perform selections including Bach, Mozart, Robert Fuchs and Dohnanyi. Also on the program will be a selection written by Vermont composer Gwyneth Walker – “When the Spirit Sings”, a set of Spirituals arranged for String Trio. General admission by donation. 71-73 Main St., Randolph. chandler-arts.org. 802-728-6464.

Champlain Philharmonic

4 p.m.

Champlain Philharmonic performs at Green Mountain Colleges’s Ackley Hall, One Brennan Circle, Poultney. Spring Concert series featuring works by the great French composers; Bizet, Faure, Ravel, and Saint Saens. Tickets at the door, $15 general admission; $10 seniors; $5 students.

Open Gym

5 p.m.

Town of Killington Rec. Dept. holds open gym for ages 18+. Tonight, pick up basketball games, 5-7 p.m. at Killington Elementary School, through March 27. $2 per night. Schoolhouse Road, Killington. Info, 802-422-3932, killingtontown.com.

MONDAY

Open Swim **

8 a.m.

Enjoy the warm water at Mitchell Therapy Pool at Vermont Achievement Center, 88 Park St., Rutland: 8-9 a.m.; 12-1 p.m.; 5-7 p.m. Call for more times & info, 802-773-7187.

Yin Yoga

8:30 a.m.

Yin Yoga at Killington Yoga with Karen Dalury, RYT 500. 3744 River Rd, Killington. Info, killingtonyoga.com, 802-422-4500.

Art Workshop

10 a.m.

Annie’s Art Workshop, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Tuesdays at Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington. Open art workshop - collaborative artist group welcomes all levels, interests, mediums. Free. In memory of Ann Wallen. Info, 2991777.

Family Playgroup

10 a.m.

Rutland Co. Parent Child Center holds playgroup, at Mount Holly Town Library, Belmont. Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m. Informal gatherings for families who share a common thread of wanting a supportive experience for their child. For info, rcpcc.org.

Bone Builders

10 a.m.

Bone builders meets Tuesdays at Mendon Methodist Church basement.

Info, 802-773-2694.

Preschool Story Time

10:30 a.m.

Norman Williams Public Library holds 45-minute story time for kids ages 3-6 featuring three, thematically related books along with craft or activity reinforcing theme. 802-457-2295. 10 the Green, Woodstock.

Learn to Knit **

10:30 a.m.

Green Mountain Fibers holds Learn to Knit classes Tuesdays through end of April, 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Learn basic knitting skills, cast on, knit and purl stitch, cast off. Free with purchase of yarn and needles; $10 to others.

259 Woodstock Ave., Rutland. Info, 802-775-7800.

Smoking Cessation

11 a.m.

Rutland’s stop smoking program, including patches, gum, and lozenges, at Rutland Heart Center, 12 Commons St., Rutland, Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Register at 747-3768 or rrmc.org. Free!

MARCH 27

Bikram Yoga **

UVM Extension farm business educators offer financial guidance in 90-minute session at UVM Extension Office, 278 S. Main St., Rutland. Suite. 2.

March 27-28. Register at regonline.com/march17clinics. $25.

TOPS Meeting

Farm Business Clinic Bikram Yoga **

6 a.m.

Bikram Yoga holds classes Mondays: 6 a.m. 1 hour Bikram hot yoga; 9 a.m.

1.5 hour Bikram hot yoga; 4 p.m. hot power flow; 5:30 p.m. 1.5 hour Bikram hot yoga. 1360 US-4, Mendon. Info, 802-747-6300.

Level 1 & 2 Yoga

8:30 a.m.

Level 1 & 2 Yoga at Killington Yoga with Karen Dalury, RYT 500. 3744 River Rd, Killington. Info, killingtonyoga.com, 802-422-4500.

Killington Bone Builders

10 a.m.

Bone builders meets at Sherburne Memorial Library, 2998 River Rd., Killington, 1011 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Free, weights supplied. For info, 802-422-3271.

Open Swim

MARCH 28

12 p.m.

Bikram Yoga holds classes Tuesdays: 9 a.m. & 4:30 p.m. 1.5 hr. hot Bikram yoga; 12 p.m. hot yin; 6:15 p.m. 1 hour hot Bikram. 1360 US-4, Mendon.

Info, 802-747-6300.

5 p.m.

TOPS - Taking Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Tuesday at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 85 West Street, Rutland. Weigh-in 5-5:25 p.m. Meeting 5:30-6:30 p.m. For additional information call Robin at 802-483-2967.

Level 1 Yoga

5:30 p.m.

Level 1 Yoga at Killington Yoga with Karen Dalury, RYT 500. 3744 River Rd, Killington. Info, killingtonyoga.com, 802-422-4500.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga

5:45 p.m.

Vinyasa flow yoga - all levels, everyone welcome! With Whitney Berra.

Meditative and heat building flow of movement with breath, to cultivate strength, space, and grounding. $10 for non-Mountain Top guests; 6 classes $50. Call to sign-up or drop-in. Yoga Studio at Mountain Top Inn & Resort, Chittenden. 802-483-2311.

Nutrition for Athletes Program

11:30 a.m.

Enjoy the warm water at Mitchell Therapy Pool at Vermont Achievement Center, 88 Park St., Rutland: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call for more times & info, 802-773-7187.

6 p.m.

RRMC presents Nutrition for the Everyday Athlete, 6-7:30 p.m. in CVPS/ Leahy Comm. Ed Ctr, 160 Allen St., Rutland. Athletic trainers from iSport team present free workshop. Light refreshments. Registration required at rrmc.org or 802-772-2400.

Rutland Rotary

Legion Bingo

Rutland Chamber Business Show

Chess Club

12:15 p.m.

Rotary Club of Rutland meets Mondays for lunch at The Palms Restaurant.

Learn more or become a member, journal@sover.net.

4 p.m.

Rescheduled from winter cancelled previous date: Rutland Business Show, 4-7:30 p.m. at Holiday Inn, Route 7 South, Rutland. Hosted by Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce. $5 entry. rutlandvermont.com for details.

Smoking Cessation

4:30 p.m.

Rutland’s stop smoking program, including patches, gum, and lozenges, at RRMC Foley Cancer Center Conference Rm. on Mondays 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Register at 747-3768 or rrmc.org. Free!

Smoking Cessation for Pregnant Moms

5 p.m.

Rutland’s stop smoking program for pregnant mothers, including patches, gum, and lozenges, at Rutland Women’s Healthcare, 147 Allen St., Rutland.

6:15 p.m.

Brandon American Legion, Tuesdays. Warm ups 6:15 p.m., regular games 7 p.m. Open to the public. Bring a friend!

7 p.m.

Rutland Rec Dept. holds a chess club at Godnick Adult Center, providing a mind-enhancing skill not only to the youth but adults as well. The club will teach anyone who is willing to learn. All ages are welcome; open to the public. Tuesday evenings, 7 – 9 p.m. 1 Deer St., Rutland.

Trees of Rutland Talk

7 p.m.

The Big Trees of Rutland, the U.S.A., and the World at 7 p.m. in the Fox Room of Rutland Library. Talk by Gary Salmon, retired forester with Vt Dept of Forests, Parks and Recreation. Free, open to the public. 10 Court St., Rutland.

[MUSIC Scene]

WEDNESDAY

MARCH 22 CASTLETON

7 p.m. Casella Theater at Castleton U. Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

KILLINGTON 2 p.m. K1 Base Daniel Brown

2 p.m. Snowshed LT Pub Tony Lee Thomas Duo

4 p.m. The Foundry

7 p.m. O’Dwyers Public House County Down

5 p.m. Outback Pizza

7:30 p.m. McGrath’s Irish Pub

6 p.m. Wobbly Barn

8 p.m. Pickle Barrel

7 p.m. O’Dwyers Public House

8 p.m. The Foundry

Jamie Livesey Guy Burlage

Jenny Porter

Daniel Brown

Donal O’Shaughnessy Steal The Sky

9 p.m. Moguls

8:30 p.m. Outback Pizza

10 p.m. Wobbly Barn

Jazz Night w/ Zak Hampton’s Moose Crossing

9 p.m. JAX

POULTNEY

RUTLAND

9 p.m. Moguls

POULTNEY 7 p.m. Taps Tavern

9 p.m. Center St. Alley What Dude Open Mic

THURSDAY MARCH 23

CASTLETON

7 p.m. Casella Theater at Castleton U. Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

KILLINGTON 2 p.m. K1 Base Chris Pallutto

2 p.m. Snowshed LT Pub Tony Lee Thomas

4 p.m. Liquid Art

Vinyl Revolution w/ DJ Drewcifer

8 p.m. Outback Pizza Clay & Pat

8 p.m. Pickle Barrel Bow Thayer

8 p.m. The Foundry Joey Leone Duo

9 p.m. JAX MB Padfield

LUDLOW 9 p.m. Mangiamos

Karaoke & Video Show w/ DJ Evan

MENDON 6 p.m. Red Clover Inn Jazz Trio

PITTSFIELD

Bloomer

Jamie Livesey

Dos Equis All Request Dance Party w/ DJ Dave

10 p.m. Wobbly Barn Ollie’s Pool Party

LUDLOW

9 p.m. JAX

Super Stash Bros Ollie’s Pool Party

8 p.m. Taps Tavern

Open Mic w/ Jon-Carl Smith

RUTLAND 7 p.m. College of St. Joseph Campus Invasion Concert

8 p.m. Paramount Theatre Dennis DeYoung & the Music of Styx

Karaoke w/ Tenacious T

SOUTH POMFRET

9 p.m. Center St. Alley

7:30 p.m. Artistree

9:30 p.m. Downtown Tavern

WOODSTOCK

DJ Mega

DJ Brando

STOCKBRIDGE 7 p.m. Wild Fern Matt Olsen

SATURDAY

MARCH 25 BRANDON

7:30 p.m. Brandon Music Chelsea Berry

BOMOSEEN 6 p.m. Iron Lantern Moose Crossing

CASTLETON

RUTLAND

9 p.m. Mangiamos

6 p.m. Iron Lantern

FEARless Change

7 p.m. Bentley’s Jamie Ward Piano & Vocals

8 p.m. Town Hall Theatre

CASTLETON

SUNDAY

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

KILLINGTON 2 p.m. K1 Base Joey Leone Duo

7 p.m. The Foundry Joey Leone’s Blues Night

80’s Retro Jam MB Padfield

KILLINGTON 1 p.m. Bear Mtn Lodge Daniel Brown

2 p.m. K1 Base Joey Leone Trio

2 p.m. Snowshed LT Pub Tony Lee Thomas Trio

MARCH 26

KILLINGTON 11 a.m. The Foundry JD Tolstoi Brunch

1 p.m. Pico Lodge Duane Carleton

Tony Lee Thomas

Chris Pallutto

5 p.m. The Foundry Jazz Night w/ Oak Totem

6 p.m. Outback Pizza Rick Redington and The Luv

8 p.m. Wobbly Barn

6 p.m. Wobbly Barn Tony Lee Thomas Trio

7 p.m. Highline Lodge Miss Guided Angels

8 p.m. Center St. Alley Vinyl Monday

9:30 p.m. Downtown Tavern Jenny Porter

WOODSTOCK 8 p.m. Bentley’s

Open Mic w/ Brian Warren

TUESDAY

MARCH 28

KILLINGTON Daniel Brown Andy Lugo

8 p.m. The Foundry

Edwards, Abraham & Tolstoi – “EAT”

POULTNEY 9 p.m. Taps Tavern

Bluegrass Jam w/ Poultney Bluegrass Society

RUTLAND 8 p.m. Center St. Alley Trivia

WOODSTOCK 6 p.m. Little Theater

Underground Ministries w/ Speaker Nate Mispel & DJ Casey

Bartender’s Ball

CAMPUS INVASION AT CSJ SATURDAY, MARCH 25

Jamie’s Junk Show

Ryan Fuller

RUTLAND

8 p.m. Outback Pizza

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

4:30 p.m. Pickle Barrel

6 p.m. Prestons

Clay Canfield & Pat Navarre

2 p.m. Casella Theater at Castleton U.

Bloomer

DJ Dave’s Apres Ski Dance Party

7 p.m. Clear River Tavern

2 p.m. K1 Base

4 p.m. The Foundry

5 p.m. Outback Pizza

Primo & Johnson

CASTLETON

J CS

7 p.m. Casella Theater at Castleton U.

Karaoke & Music Vid Nite w/ DJ Evan

Comedian Collen Doyle

f sy o Courte

Jake Geppart

7 p.m. Outback Pizza

9:30 p.m. Downtown Tavern

Ryan Fuller

1 p.m. Okemo’s Bull Run

MARCH 24 BOMOSEEN

Duane Carleton

7:30 p.m. Hop ‘n’ Moose

The Kowalskis

FRIDAY

1 p.m. K1 Base

PITTSFIELD

The What Dudes

2 p.m. Snowshed LT Pub

Rick Redington

MARCH 27

KILLINGTON

9 p.m. Center St. Alley

LUDLOW

7 p.m Wild Fern

MONDAY

RUTLAND

DJ Evan

POULTNEY

STOCKBRIDGE

Cigar Box Brunch w/ Rick Redington

9 p.m. JAX

Steep Canyon Rangers

2 p.m. K1 Base

Throwback Thursday

Open Mic w/ Chris Pallutto

8 p.m. Paramount Theatre

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

9 p.m. Center St. Alley

9:30 p.m. The Venue

9 p.m. Mangiamos

Open Mic Jam

7 p.m. Taps Tavern

Idomeneo

Joey Leone Trio

2 p.m./7 p.m. Casella Theater at Castleton U.

7 p.m. Clear River Tavern

12:55 p.m. Paramount Theatre

11 a.m. Wild Fern

Bloomer

8 p.m. Pickle Barrel Steal The Sky

RUTLAND

8:30 p.m. Outback Pizza

9 p.m. JAX Mihali

Duane Carleton

STOCKBRIDGE

6 p.m. Liquid Art

Donal O’Shaughnessy

9 p.m. JAX

Aaron Audet Band

7:30 p.m. McGrath’s Irish Pub

Open Mic w/ Ricky T

The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017 • 11

12 • The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017

• SUDOKU

• MOVIE TIMES

• CROSSWORD

• MOVIE DIARY

just for fun

SUDOKU

the MOVIE diary

By Dom Cioffi

Each block is divided by its own matrix of nine cells. The rule for solving Sudoku puzzles are very simple. Each row, column and block, must contain one of the numbers from “1” to “9”. No number may appear more than once in any row, column, or block.

When you’ve filled the entire grid the puzzle is solved.

This week’s solution is on page 23

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CLUES ACROSS

1. Thick flat pad 4. Green regions of desert 9. Fill with dismay 14. Boxing legend 15. Soup 16. Your sibling’s daughter 17. A long thin implement 18. Late ESPN anchor 20. Motives 22. Astronumerology term 23. Semitic Sun god 24. Small cigar 28. Promotions 29. Not off 30. Line or plaster the roof 31. African Indian people of Alberta, Canada 33. Rituals 37. Chlorine 38. Red deer 39. Offers a good view 41. Post-indictment arrangement 42. Blood group 43. Razor clams 44. Fleshes of animals 46. Nipple 49. Indicates position 50. Electrocardiogram 51. Can be disconnected 55. Tall military cap 58. Cape Verde capital 59. Not written in any key 60. Creative 64. Suffix 65. Stacked 66. One who consumes 67. Not he 68. Whiskey and milk are two 69. Entryways 70. __ and cheese

CLUES DOWN 1. Marketplaces 2. Hawaiian greeting 3. Mark left by the sea 4. Strongly affected by something 5. Music and painting are two 6. Small coin (French) 7. Letter of the Greek alphabet 8. A gesture involving the shoulders 9. Grey geese 10. Meal in the park 11. Human beings 12. What thespians do 13. Allow 19. Third-party access 21. “Casino Royale” villain Mikkelsen 24. Painful foot problems 25. The very first 26. Lawful 27. Ceramic jars 31. Hind ends 32. “Virginia Woolf” author 34. Try 35. For instance 36. Academic terms 40. Article 41. Religious belief outside the mainstream 45. Sound caused by reflection 47. Greatly horrify 48. Prey 52. Forays 53. River in eastern France 54. Bleated 56. Soft food cooked from buckwheat 57. Pre-Mayan civilization 59. Assert to be the case 60. Inches per minute (abbr.)

61. “Rosemary’s Baby” actress Farrow 62. Chinese philosophical principle 63. Simpson trial judge Solutions on page, 23

Feeding the Joneses

At the end of last summer, just as the school year was beginning, I executed my son’s Xbox.

I had been warning him for weeks that this scenario might unfold if he didn’t show some restraint with his burgeoning gaming addiction. But it didn’t seem to matter. He and his friends would sneak upstairs, or come up with pathetic reasons why they couldn’t play outside, or simply plead for screen time until I cracked.

More and more I started to see the patterns of addiction and it really bothered me.

So, one day when I discovered that he had blown off his homework and blatantly lied to me just so he could play a video game, I became unglued. I gave him a lecture at high amplification and then unplugged the Xbox and stormed out of the room.

My anger was intense enough that I seriously considered tossing the device onto the driveway and crushing it into a million pieces with my sledgehammer. However, something inside of me said that approach might be a touch too intense for a 12-year-old.

Instead, I dramatically walked out to my truck, opened the back door and threw it in, all while my son was watching. As I slammed the door shut, I turned and faced him and in my best angry dad voice shouted, “There! That’s the end of that!”

“What are you going to do with my Xbox?” my son asked sheepishly, as tears welled up in his eyes.

“Goodwill!” I replied pointedly. “Some other kid who knows how to balance homework and fun will KONG: SKULL ISLAND be delighted with your donation.”

And with that I went into my bedroom and slammed the door (just for dramatic effect). Later kids and we survived, that evening I retrieved the Xbox from my truck and but that fact did little to sway her. hid it in my closet. But to this day, my son believes it Not surprisingly, the iPhone quickly replaced the went the way of Goodwill. other devices as a form of entertainment. Every time Of course, it took all of a week before I started I turned around, he was hiding somewhere with his finding my son’s iPad hidden under his bed. I spoke phone. The most popular spot was the bathroom. to him several times, warning him that he would lose When I would inquire why he was taking so long, he that too if he didn’t show restraint. I then instituted would respond that his stomach was upset. Then a rule where the iPad was I would here a familiar “SOME OTHER KID WHO KNOWS not allowed upstairs. chiming sound echoing Sure enough, within a from inside, signaling HOW TO BALANCE HOMEWORK short time I had to conthat his device was firmly AND FUN WILL BE DELIGHTED fiscate that device after I in hand with a game benoticed that he was having played.

WITH YOUR DONATION.” ing trouble waking up for I’ve threatened to now school. The other clue was a drained iPad sitting on take the iPhone away but I’m weary fighting this the dining room table each morning. fight. If history is any gauge, he’ll simply replace the So now we were down to the iPhone. Personally, I iPhone with something else. So where does it end? didn’t think my son was ready to have a $600 super In this week’s feature, “Kong: Skull Island,” we computer in his pocket, but my wife insisted that we meet a man who is addicted to adventure—so much needed to be able to contact him in case of an emerso that he convinces the government to fund a trip to gency. I argued that we never had cellular phones as the most mysterious place on earth.

Set in the 1970s just after the conclusion of the Vietnam War, this imaginative retelling of the classic Kong story finds a crew of scientists descending upon Skull Island, a tiny, uncharted landmass in the deep Pacific. What they find is both intriguing and startling.

I must admit that the special effects in this film are exhilarating as they bring to life some amazing creatures. The storyline is equally interesting with several characters pushing the plot into one tense situation after another.

My biggest gripe with this film was the size differential between the human characters and the monsters. Unlike all previous Kong movies, the producers of this film decided to make Kong and the other creatures freakishly over-sized. This approach, while endearing to younger audiences, left me feeling as though the emotional relationship between Kong and his human compatriots was nonexistent, something earlier Kong films relied upon.

Check this one out if you’re in the mood for a quality monster movie. It has all the eye candy you can ask with a storyline attuned to both child and adult.

A monstrous “B” for “Kong: Skull Island.”

Got a question or comment for Dom? You can email him at moviediary@att.net.

ROCKIN’ REGION

The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017 • 13

SAVE THE DATE

Rockin’ the region with Bloomer

Bloomer returns to Killington this weekend and you can see his duo with Stuart Slocum Friday and Saturday, 8:30 p.m. at Outback Pizza. Bloomer also will be playing solo at The Foundry Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. Bloomer plays acoustic guitar and Slocum plays drums and percussion. I last rockin’ to Bloomer, a.k.a. the region spoke Brian Blumenthal, back by dj dave in November 2015. A lot hoffenberg has changed since then, and a lot has stayed the same. I asked him what has changed in two years and he laughingly said, “I wish I could say a lot more.” Honestly, though, he said that the musical landscape has changed for him and the new addition to his family. He and his wife Christine welcomed Grant to the world 11 months ago. Blumenthal said he’s an inspiration for music.

The back story on Blumenthal is that he first started playing here in 2003 with his younger brother, Alan, and they played apres-ski for three seasons at the Wobbly Barn.

He has been performing for 19 years now. He and Slocum hail from Connecticut, and his brother Alan now plays music down in Nashville. Bloomer is a singer/guitarist and his role changes depending on what format he does. When he performs solo, like at The Foundry, he plays with a looping station that allows him to add percussion, bass lines and backing vocals. It makes him like a one-man band, but he wants to point out—it is not karaoke, so please don’t confuse that. Bloomer reiterated, “Looping is not karaoke.

First of all, it takes a lot of time to do looping and I’m doing all this with just an acoustic guitar. I’m adding all those layers and all those different instruments with just really an acoustic guitar. Karaoke is singing over a pre-recorded track, which is a big difference. When you’re looping, it has to be done in a short amount of time. It can’t really be noticed by the people in the audience and if they do notice it, they’re usually thinking how the hell did he do that or they think it was recorded. Yes, I recorded it, but just then, not at home. I get that all the time.”

His forte is entertaining the crowd and playing music that people enjoy. Looping is all the rage right now for guitarists, but Bloomer has been doing his loop show for about nine years. It allows him to change the arrangement of the song as he sees fit and he likes making his own versions of songs. He said, “It makes it so much more entertaining for me as a musician as opposed to just playing a stripped down acoustic song. This allows me to add layers to the song which makes it more exciting.” The regular version of a song is fine, and he can still do that, but this adds more dynamic to a song. “You can bring the listener right along with you and compose the song right in front of them.”

The music he plays is acoustic arrangements of popular tunes that span six decades. He said, “You’re trying to play songs that are relevant to the people you’re going to play for. You tend to follow the trends of what’s popular so they can recognize what you’re doing. It keeps it fresh, especially from a performance perspective.” He knows he’s just a cover guy, but so is everyone else in the world. He explained: “What do you think all those famous people that you’re listening to on the radio do? They’re not writing 100 percent of their songs. They might be part of the creative process but really they’re covering a song that was written by somebody else for them or not necessarily for them.

Being a cover musician and being a singer/songwriter are different but I mean how many singer/songwriters are people really listening to? I feel that, as a performer, I’m able to take from that popular music and the things that I find intriguing. The repertoire of music I’m playing now is really fun.”

Cobra gymnastics:

continued from page 5 Lissa King of Manchester, claimed the level four bar title in the 6-8 year old age group with a score of 8.9. King has been training with Cobra since she was 4 years old and has been on the team for the past three years. Robin Tashjian of Manchester claimed the floor title with a 9.5 in the highly competitive 9-10 year old group. Tashjian has been on the team for the past three years; this is her first state title.

In the Optionals competition, Maleah Jones of Rutland claimed the level 6 beam title in the 8-10-yearold age group with a 9.325 and the

At the Outback, Bloomer will still be looping, just not percussion since he has Slocum. He said,”I might do a whole bass track with Stu [Slocum]. What I’m trying to do when I’m playing as a duo as opposed to solo is fill in the space that a human can’t fill in. He can’t fill in a bass line or a keyboard part. The hardest parts to build in a loop are the percussion parts.” Having Slocum made that easier for him. Looping has come a long way and nowadays technology has assisted quite a bit. Bloomer talked about a pedal called “The Beat Buddy.” The technology plays along with you, but Bloomer said that having a human being to interact with makes it a lot more fun. “It sure lends itself to getting into more creative spaces inside of a cover and changing the arrangement on the fly.” Bloomer does not want to just be a looping guy. He utilizes looping as a tool and it’s just one of the tools in his bag. He doesn’t want it to be his whole show and still wants the songs to sound authentic.

Two years ago he was big into Foster The People—still is—and said, “Oh yeah, they’re awesome.” I asked if there were any other new bands he was digging and he said, laughing, “Steve Winwood.” The younger generation may have to Google him and find out he’s not new at all. Bloomer said, “I guess lately I’m listening to older recordings.

After years of playing cover gigs, you get sick of playing that one hit song by an artist. Then you realize that artist has two or three other hits, the songs that I missed that other people totally remember.” For example, he was always playing the Counting Crows’ “Mr. Jones,” and now he plays “The Rain King.” Back then, a favorite song he liked to play is “For What it’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield, which he still plays, but now it’s “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran, which he said is not too slow or too fast, but gets them moving side to side.

Bloomer said he has got really good at reading a crowd.

“I know at happy hour at The Foundry what songs are happy hour songs. They’re the ones that make you move side to side and sing along, not necessarily make you jump up and dance. At night time when you’re eating dinner at the Outback, you want to hear some of those same type of songs but rock out a little bit and maybe even get up and dance. I can play the same song but change them from a happy hour format to a dance format, because that’s real fun,” Bloomer explained.

I know Slocum back from his days playing drums in the band Tenet who used to play at the Wobbly about 15 years ago. Bloomer met him then as well, and years after Tenet dissolved, they started playing together. They created his drum kit to fit what Bloomer was doing. Bloomer said, “It’s a pretty cool set up, called a cocktail kit. It gives a really rich sound and lends itself to a lot of different songs. It really fills in a lot of percussion space with both drumming and hand percussion. You can take a sensual song and put some excitement in it so it doesn’t fall flat. He creates a lot of positive energy.”

At a Bloomer show, feel free to request a song or two.

Bloomer said, “It’s pretty straight forward. Requests are free—I take all requests. I take every single request. I don’t play them all, but guess what? It’s only $5 to stop a song, just $5. That’s a bargain. A couple of weeks ago a bouncer came up and handed me $10 to never play a particular song again. Everybody got so fired up. It was sweet. I said it from the very beginning. So, I played another song from that same artist [laughing].”

Bloomer is a big fan of Killington. “Killington is such a great vibe, the people are always so happy. The positive vibe there is great,” he said. He also is a big fan of performing as a musician. “I love the energy I get from people who are into the music I’m playing. I would barely play for more than 15 minutes if I played at my house. I truly enjoy performing for people—the more people, the better … I get totally energized from it. It’s addictive and I love it,” he said.

Rutland athletes take 9 golds at competition floor title with a 9.7. Jones has been doing gymnastics since the age of 3 and has been on the team for the past five years. This is her third consecutive year with a state title.

In the team competitions, the top three scores from each event are counted. In the highly competitive Junior Olympic Program, the level 4 and level 6 teams both took second place with scores of 108.875 and 110.075 respectively. The level 3 team placed sixth with a score of 108.925 and the level 7 team placed fifth with 104.975.

In the Xcel Programs, the Silver

team took fourth place with a score of 109.95 and the Gold team took second place with a 109.125.

The Cobra Bronze team will compete in their final sanctioned meet on March 26 at Green Mountain Gymnastics in Williston. Cobra will host its fun meet on April 9 where all the athletes are invited to compete against each other in good spirit. Cobra will also host its annual Cobra show on May 7. All are invited to watch.

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14 • The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017

Property Tax:

New per-pupil formula raises some, lowers some

continued from page 1 way to calculate the tax rate that has an impact on local residents.

“Rejiggering the formula is a big deal,” Greshin said.

Rep. Scott Beck said the goal of the bill is fairness and equity.

He says the new formula “more directly links a district’s education fund spending to edu. tax rates.”

“The people on the low end spending $13,111 are paying $1.30 (instead of $1). They pay a premium, and the high spenders are getting a discount,” Beck said. “If you make the money more expensive, then districts will think harder about spending their money, or about staff ratios, or governance changes and mergers.”

The Agency of Education estimates that FY 2018 average spending per equalized pupil will be $15,380. There is a great deal of variability in per pupil spending rates by town. Some spend as little as $12,500; others spend as much as $18,000, according to analysis by Public Assets Institute. The state “equalizes” the per pupil number, or weights it for students who are affected by adverse factors such as poverty, English as a second language and learning disabilities. When those factors are not taken into account and the total amount spent on K-12 public education is divided by the total number of students, the statewide average per pupil expenditure rate is $19,000.

Beck’s formula

The statewide base rate is $1 per $100 of assessed property value. Towns can raise more than the base education spending amount.

Spending by towns is tied to per pupil spending. Under Beck’s bill, the floor for per pupil spending is $13,111 for FY 2018, according to the Joint Fiscal Office.

Beck proposed gradual imple-

more than 80 percent of the per pupil rate would pay a higher rate.

The Joint Fiscal Office estimates that if the formula is put in place, about 110 school districts would pay more; about 120 would pay less.

In Barre City, for example, the tax rate is now set at $1.27. Beck’s legislation would reduce the city’s rate to $1.12.

“THE PEOPLE ON THE LOW END...PAY A PREMIUM, AND THE HIGH SPENDERS ARE GETTING A DISCOUNT,” BECK SAID. mentation of the formula to give school districts time to slow down spending.

In year one of a four year phase-in, the calculation would be 80 percent of the per pupil spending threshold, or $10,489.

In the following fiscal year, the calculation would be 84 percent of base spending; in fiscal year 2020 it goes up to 88 percent; and in fiscal year 2021 it is 92 percent.

For this year, the rate would be calculated by subtracting $10,489 from the actual amount of per equalized pupil spending.

The difference would be divided by the new statewide yield. The quotient would be added to the tax rate.

School districts spending $10,489 or less would have a tax rate of $1 per $100 of assessed property value.

School districts that spend

Roxbury, on the other hand, would see taxes go up from $1.84 to $2.01.

Mark Perrault, an education finance analyst for the Joint Fiscal Office, said the formula shifts the tax burden onto high spending towns. Low spenders will likely increase spending to pay for deferred maintenance or new hires.

The proposal eliminates excess spending thresholds and associated penalties that many considered too punitive. That means towns like Peacham and Cabot might do better, Beck said.

“Don’t expect to see a big difference in your tax bill this year,” Beck said. “The bottom spenders gain, and those at the top — maybe they will pay a penny more, but the excess spending threshold is gone, and so they might actually gain. For really high-spending districts caught up in the excess

spending threshold, this will help bring it down.”

The bill sets the nonresidential tax rate at $1.555 per $100 of assessed value, up slightly from $1.535 in fiscal 2017.

Income sensitivity, Act 46, timing Lawmakers are also proposing a change to the income sensitivity program.

Taxpayers who are eligible to pay based on a percentage of their income have paid a separate tax rate up to now. Over time, the tax burden became skewed between people who qualify for income sensitivity and those who don’t. Under the new legislation, the percentage tax rate applied to income gets multiplied by the property tax rate. In the past, the multiplier was fixed at 2 percent.

Under H.509, it will fluctuate year to year. For fiscal 2018 the multiplier would be 1.7 percent.

There is also a provision that allows Act 46 study committees to deal with debt and assets in their reports and articles of agreement.

A similar provision is in a Senate bill that makes revisions to Act 46, the school district consolidation law. Not everyone on the committee was happy about the timing.

On Dec. 1, 2016, the tax commissioner said the property tax yield would be $10,076. That figure was used to calculate tax rates for local school districts that approved budgets at Town Meeting.

The yield rate set by H.509 is

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$9,292. If lawmakers pass H.509, Greshin said, “everything in town reports will be chucked out.”

Rep. Alice Miller, D-Shaftsbury, and Rep. Emily Long, D-Newfane, also voted against the bill.

Long said the legislation doesn’t take into account the challenges small schools and rural districts face.

“Instead, it penalizes highspending districts by increasing their tax rates, without analyzing why their spending is high,” she said.

In 2015, the House created the new yield system and spending caps, and then spent the first part of the 2016 session revoking the caps. This year, the House is tinkering with the formula again.

In Greshin’s view, the Legislature needs to completely overhaul the way the state funds public education, but lawmakers are stuck in a box created by Act 68 and the Brigham decision.

“We are in a very confined space that we have chosen to put ourselves in,” Greshin said.

“There is no way around it [Act 68 and Brigham], you can rejigger and wiggle a bit, but the general constraints still apply and towns can still raise what they want and the state still has to raise the money. At some point, we have to reject that box and the state has to step out of the shadows and determine what is an appropriate amount to spend per student that we are willing to fund.”

Allaire makes a brisk beginning

continued from page 4 the Board of Aldermen, which he also expects to do at Monday night’s meeting.

“I’ve cast the net far and wide,” is all Allaire would say about that selection process.

He was equally noncommittal about the position of Fire Chief Michael Jones.

The city firefighters union earlier this year issued a vote of no confidence in the chief. Jones, along with then-Mayor Louras, backed a reorganization plan for the department, while the union opposed it.

Allaire later won the endorsement of the city firefighters union in the mayoral race, seen by many as a key factor in the contest.

Louras, speaking

after the election, did not consider the Fire Department matter the turning point leading to his loss.

Instead, he attributed his defeat to his stance in support of resettling Syrian and Iraqi refugees in the city.

Allaire opposed that proposal and had the backing in the mayoral campaign of Rutland First, a group that formed in opposition to refugee resettlement. Allaire said he wasn’t against refugees, but criticized Louras for not coming to the Board of Aldermen and the public earlier about the resettlement plans.

Allaire focused his campaign message on making transparency a hallmark of his administration.

School merger:

Louras has said that if he had gone to the board sooner, he believed it would have led to a citywide vote on the matter, setting a dangerous precedent of residents choosing who their neighbors would be.

Allaire’s appointments for many of the department head positions will need approval from the Board of Aldermen.

Allaire did have a question of his own after he took the oath and gave his short address.

“Where’s the food?” he asked.

“It wasn’t in the budget,” someone in the crowd joked as several people headed to a back room where the refreshment spread was set up.

Barnard opts out

continued from page 4 to remain a non-operating district. As a result, the study committee does not include the Pittsfield School District in its proposal as a necessary or advisable district.”

There is also another wrinkle: the remaining towns may not be able to form their own district. Again, according to the Agency of Education proposal: “If the voters in the six named town elementary school districts in the WCSU vote in favor of the proposal, then the New Unified District will begin full operation as a unified union schools district on July 1, 2018,” according to the proposal. “If the voters in one of the six named town

elementary school districts in the WCSU does not vote in favor of the proposal, but the voters in the other four elementary school districts approve the proposal, then the MUUSD (modified unified union school district) will be formed and will begin full operation on July 1, 2018. No union school district will be formed in any other circumstance.”

Attempts to reach Reading School Board Chair Justin Sluka were unsuccessful.

To read the agency’s full proposal, go to http://education.vermont.gov/ documents/state-board-agenda-item022117-g and click on Agenda Item G.

LIVING A.D.E.

The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017 • 15

Taste of Rutland dishes over 60 local favorites Thursday, March 23, 6 p.m.—RUTLAND— Mount Saint Joseph Academy’s famed Taste of Rutland dinner will take place on Thursday, March 23.

Numerous area restaurants will again contribute their signature dishes to make this annual get-together a delicious success.

This event annually draws over 350 attendees.

It is a unique opportunity to try appetizers, entrees, desserts, and more, from restaurants across the

county. MSJ students and volunteers assist local restaurateurs in serving our patrons.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Martin McDonough Gymnasium, located at 127 Convent Avenue in Rutland. Attendees must purchase advance tickets. Reserve a table of any size and bring your friends. Tickets are $30 per person and are available by contacting the MSJ Development Office at 802-775-0151 x112 or kbove@msjvermont.org.

MAR.

25

MAR.

23

Get bids in on Wells Giant Tea Cup auction benefit Friday, March 24, 5 p.m.—WELLS—The mission event of the Wells United Methodist Church will present its annual Giant Tea Cup auction Friday, March 24. Viewing and bidding starts 5 p.m., bid drawing starts 6:15 p.m.

Over 400 items will be available, such as collectibles, knick knacks, glass, jewelry, pictures, art, personal items, cereals, plants, books, videos— plus two tables of baked goods. There will be a small silent auction with maple products, jams, blocks of Extra Sharp Cabot cheese, a Will Moses print, and more items.

Skip making supper and head right over, as they will be serving hot dogs and chili dogs, hamburgers, maple baked beans, beverages plus ice cream sundaes for dessert.

The event takes place at the M.W.A. Main Hall, West Main St., Route 30, Wells. For more information, call Sue at 802-325-3203 or Karen at 518-6421703. All fund raised will go to local, national, and global missions.

MAR.

24

Learn tips on proper nutrition from pro athletic trainers Tuesday, March 28, 6 p.m.—RUTLAND—Nutrition is an aspect of training that is often overlooked.

Whether you are a high school or college athlete, weekend warrior, or just someone who likes to run, food choices are a vital part of training and can make or break a winning effort.

Athletic trainers Matthew Howland, ATC, Dominick Maniery, ATC, and Tyler White, ATC, from the iSport team at Vermont Orthopaedic Clinic will present a free workshop on this very

topic, Tuesday, March 28, 6-7:30 p.m. in the CVPS/ Leahy Community Education Center at Rutland Regional Medical Center.

There will be light refreshments and pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, visit rrmc.org or call802772-2400. RRMC is located at 160 Allen St., Rutland.

Proper nutrition is the fuel needed to compete for optimal performance. This program will teach athletes what is needed to feel and perform at their very best.

Courtesy of Gravitas Pictures

A scene from the film “Unbranded” shows the films characters on their journey from Mexico to Canada.

Woodstock film series features cowboys and horses Saturday, March 25, 3 p.m.— WOODSTOCK—The seventh annual Woodstock Vermont Film Series at the Billings Farm & Museum will feature the award-winning documentary “Unbranded” Saturday, March 25, at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. in HD projection and Surround Sound, with complimentary refreshments. All films are open to the public and accessible to people with disabilities. Reservations are

strongly recommended.

“Unbranded” (rated PG-13) is about six mustangs, four young men, and one dream: to ride border to border, Mexico to Canada, up the spine of the American West. Their wildness of spirit—in both man and horse—is quickly dwarfed by the wilderness they must navigate: a 3,000-mile gauntlet that is equally indescribable and unforgiving. Hot Docs International Film Festival

gave the film Audience Award and Best Documentary.

Tickets prices are $5-$11. For additional information, visit billingsfarm.org/filmfest or 802-457-2355.

Billings Farm & Museum is located one-half mile north of the Woodstock village green on Vermont Route 12. It is owned and operated by The Woodstock Foundation, Inc., a charitable non-profit institution.

16 • The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017

LIVING A.D.E.

The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017 • 17

MAR.

17

MAR.

25

Courtesy of Brandon Music

CHELSEA BERRY

Soulful singer-songwriter Chelsea Berry to perform in Brandon Saturday, March 25, 7:30 p.m.—BRANDON—See Chelsea Berry, a singersongwriter with the edge, power, and finesse of legends, live at Brandon Music March 25 at 7:30 p.m. Her vocals are smooth and lyrics reminiscent of the folk music of the 1960s.

Singer-songwriter Livingston Taylor, brother of James Taylor, calls her vocals “world class” and her presence has been described by listeners as “compelling… she draws the entire house Courtesy of RCWNS

“Tree of Life” is paint on canvas by Theresa Gorman-Kahler of Cricket’s Eye Art.

Women’s Shelter invites public to paint “Tree of Life” Thursday, March 23, 6 p.m.—RUTLAND—Join the Rutland County Women’s Network & Shelter for a paint party Thursday, March 23, 6-8:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post 31, 33 Washington Street, Rutland. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own “Tree of Life” on canvas with instruction led by Theresa Gorman-Kahler of

Cricket’s Eye Art. Refreshments will be included and a cash bar will be available. Proceeds support the mission of shelter. Tickets are $35 per person and include all materials. A limited number of tickets are available. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling 802-775-6788 or visiting rcwn.org.

BIKRAM YOGA

into her world like moths to a flame.” As a vocalist and performer, she evokes the style of artists such as Cheryl Crow, Janis Joplin, and Paula Cole.

Taylor also says Berry is “A voice of remarkable power and control with a joyous soul. Brave and bright, Chelsea Berry is the real thing.” A favorite among venue owners up and down the East coast, Berry’s beautiful voice and commanding stage presence has brought her across

the U.S. as regular support for Livingston Taylor as well as headliner of her own shows from California to Washington, Minneapolis, New York, and everywhere in between. Born and raised in Alaska, she now makes her home on Boston’s North Shore.

Concert tickets are $20. Venue is BYOB. Call 802-247-4295 for reservations and more information. Brandon Music is located at 62 Country Club Road, Brandon.

Soup Bowls for Hunger prepares for 11th year filling bowls and souls Thursday, March 30—RUTLAND—The 11th annual Soup Bowls for Hunger will be held Thursday, March 30 at the Rutland High School (RHS) cafeteria. Enjoy a bowl of soup, crackers, roll, dessert, and beverage and choose your own handcrafted bowl to take home. Bowls are being made by RHS Ceramics Program Teacher Darren Spafford, local high school students and professional potters.

This event is sponsored for the seventh year by Delta Kappa Gamma Society of women educators. All proceeds will be donated to the Rutland Community Cupboard and other local food shelves.

Tickets are $20 per person (make checks payable to: Soup Bowls for Hunger) and must be purchased at Rutland High School. There will be two sittings (4:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.) with top quality bowls available at each sitting. There will also be raffles for various donated items and a silent auction. Music will be provided by Dan Graves.

To purchase tickets, call 802-770-1116 or 802-773-1955.

Mendon, VT Class times: 802-747-6300 'The hottest thing in the green mountains'

506 506 Bistro and Bar

Serving a seasonal menu featuring VT highlights 802.475.5000 | ontheriverwoodstock.com Located in On The River Inn, Woodstock VT A short scenic drive from Killington

18 • The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017

FOOD

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506 Bistro

The 506 Bistro serves a simple, seasonal menu featuring Vermont highlights. Set in the open bar and lounge, the atmosphere is casual and warm. You are likely to be served a Yankee Pot roast, a great organic burger from a nearby farm or a fresh strawberry shortcake with Vermont berries. Local, simple, home cooked is what we are all about. (802) 457-5000

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506

The Back Country Café

The Back Country Café is a hot spot for delicious breakfast foods. Choose from farm fresh eggs, multiple kinds of pancakes and waffles, omelet’s or daily specials to make your breakfast one of a kind. Check our Facebook for 506 Bistro and hours andBar daily specials. (802) 422-4411 Serving a seasonal menu featuring VT highlights

Bentleys

Located a few miles east in the beautiful village of Woodstock, Bentleys Restaurant has been a favorite of locals and travelers alike for over 40 years. Lunch and dinner daily. Tasty fare, live music, cocktails & craft brews — 802.475.5000 | ontheriverwoodstock.com something for everyone!

Central and Elm | Woodstock, VT | (802) 457-3232 www.bentleysrestaurant.com Located in On The River Inn, Woodstock VT A short scenic drive from Killington

Birch Ridge

Serving locals and visitors alike since 1998, dinner at the Birch Ridge Inn is a delicious way to complete your day in Killington. Featuring Vermont inspired New American cuisine in the inns dining room and Great Room Lounge, you will also find a nicely stocked bar, hand crafted cocktails, fine wines, seafood and vegetarian options, and wonderful house made desserts. www.birchridge.com. (802) 422-4293.

Bridgewater Corners

Pop on in to the Bridgewater Corners Country Store for a quick and delicious breakfast on the go. Local favorites include the breakfast burrito or wrap and freshly baked doughnuts, muffins, bagels and English muffins. Or try one of their signature sandwiches. You can also call ahead to avoid the wait. www.bridgewatercornerstore.com (802) 672-6241

Choices Restaurant and Rotisserie

Chef-owned, Choices Restaurant and Rotisserie was named 2012 ski magazines favorite restaurant. Choices may be the name of the restaurant but it is also what you get. Soup of the day, shrimp cockatil, steak, hamburgers, pan seared chicken, a variety of salads and pastas, scallops, sole, lamb and more await you. An extensive wine list and in house made desserts are also available. Now serving Brunch on Sundays. www.choicesrestaurantkillington.com (802) 422-4030

Clear River Tavern

Great burgers, pizza, steak, salads and other tavern fare are waiting for you at this hidden gem tucked behind the Clear River Inn in Pittsfield, right on scenic Route 100. Friendly bartenders and servers will greet you when you come in to enjoy a meal, our rotating draft beer list and full bar. We’re accessible from the VAST snowmobile trails all winter. When you’re here, you’re in The Clear! (802) 746-8999.

Cortina Inn

Black Bear Pub at Cortina Inn

Black Bear Pub’s family friendly atmosphere invites warm conversation and great shows. Our pub style menu also features local craft brews, bottled beers and a great selection of wines. Join us for All You Can Eat Pasta on Saturdays! (802) 772-7118

The Foundry at Summit Pond

Enjoy an intimate dining menu or tavern specials at Killington’s only waterside dining that also has live entertainment every Friday and Saturday. Appetizers include crab cakes, buffalo drumsticks and a cheese plate while the entrees include chicken Marsala, meat loaf, steamed lobster and more. The tavern menu features nachos, fried fish sandwich, teriyaki steak sandwich and others. www.foundrykillington.com (802) 422-5335

Culinary Institute of America Alum

Fuzzy’s Diner & Cafe

Now open under new ownership and management, Fuzzy’s Diner & Cafe offers fresh baked goods daily, breakfast, brunch and dinner. Also featuring a full service bar with local and craft microbrews. Farm-to-table daily specials.

2841 Killington Road, Killington. (802) 422-3177.

Marble Bar & Restaurant (At Highline Lodge)

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Zac Guyette relocates to Marble Bar At Highline. Zac was formally the Head Chef at Caseys Caboose And provides Marble Bar with a more diversified menu, Featuring Steaks, Burgers, Pork and Seafood. (802) 315-0034

Irish Pub

“

“

“The locally favored spot for consistently good, unpretentious fare.”

-N.Y. Times, 2008

• A Farm to Table Restaurant • Handcut Steaks, Filets & Fish • All Baking Done on Premises

• Over 20 wines by the glass • Great Bar Dining • Freshly made pasta

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Looking for something a little different? Hit up McGrath’s Irish Pub for a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, live music on the weekends and delicious food. Guinness not your favorite? They also have Vermont’s largest Irish Whiskey selection. Rosemary’s Restaurant is now open, serving dinner. Reservations are appreciated. http://innatlongtrail.com/Home.html (802) 775-7181

Jones’ Donuts

Offering donuts and a bakery, with a community reputation as being the best! Closed Monday and Tuesday. 23 West Street, Rutland. See what’s on special at Facebook.com/JonesDonuts/ Call (802) 773-7810.

JAX Food & Games

At Killington’s hometown bar, you’re bound to have a good time with good food. Starters, burgers, sandwiches, wraps and salads are all available. With live entertainment seven days a week, they’re always serving food until last call. www.supportinglocalmusic.com (802) 422-5334

Killington Market

Take breakfast, lunch or dinner on the go at Killington Market, Killington’s on-mountain grocery store for the last 30 years. Choose from breakfast sandwiches, hand carved dinners, daily fresh hot panini, roast chicken, salads and specialty sandwiches. Vermont products, maple syrup, fresh meat and produce along with wine and beer are also for sale. www.killingtonmarket.com (802) 422-7736 or (802) 422-7594 .

Dinner: Open nightly All entrées include two sides and soup or salad 5-9 p.m. Sun-Tues, 5-10p.m. Thurs, & 5-11 p.m. Fri-Sat Sunday Brunch 11a.m. - 2:30p.m.

Vermont Inspired New-American Cuisine served from 6:00 PM Tuesday thru Saturday

“

1/2 price wines by the glass on Sunday’s

“

Reservations Welcomed

“You are about to have the best food you’ve eaten, no ifs, ands, or buts.”

-The Rutland Herald

422-4030 • 2820 KILLINGTON RD. WWW.CHOICES-RESTAURANT.COM

At the Covered Carriageway 37 Butler Road, Killington birchridge.com • 802.422.4293

Host your Private Party at the Birch Ridge Inn

The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017 • 19

MATTERS Lookout Tavern

With a free shuttle, take away and call ahead seating, Lookout Tavern is a solid choice. Nachos, quesadillas, sweet potato fries, salads, soups, sandwiches and dinner options are always a good selection. www.lookoutvt.com (802) 422-5665

Liquid Art

Forget about the polar vortex for a little while at Liquid Art where they service Vermont artisan coffee, tea, espresso and lattes. If you’re looking for something a little stronger, they also offer signature cocktails. Light bites are offered for breakfast, lunch or happy hour if you get hungry. http://liquidartvt.com/menu/ (802) 422-2787

Moguls

Voted the best ribs and burger in Killington, Moguls is a great place for the whole family. Soups, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, buckets of chicken wings, salads, subs and pasta are just some of the food that’s on the menu. Free shuttle and take away and delivery options are available. (802) 422-4777

Mountain Top Inn

With The Highlands Dining Room & Mountain Top Tavern, breakfast, lunch or dinner are all options whether staying overnight or visiting for the day. A mix of locally inspired and International cuisine from seasonal salads, local artisan cheeseboards and chicken & biscuits to filet mignon, the menu is sure to tempt your taste buds. Choose from 12 Vermont craft beers on tap. Warm up by the terrace fire pit after dinner. Wednesday nights, Burger & Brew. www.mountaintopinn.com (802) 483-2311

Outback Pizza & More &

N I G H T C L U B

Look for the bears! Outback Pizza has new ownership, and is completely renovated with a firehouse bar and zebra room. Still enjoy the wood fired brick oven pizza, plus soups, burgers, pasta, salads, wings, chili, and more, plus a kids menu. Daily specials, 16 microbrews available; with a free shuttle van. 2841 Killington Road, Killington. (802) 422-9885.

Pasta Pot &

N I G H T C L U B

& N I G H T C L U B

Chef owned, the Pasta Pot has 40 years of authentic Italian cuisine under its belt. Whether you’re in the mood for ante pasta, pasta, pizza or homemade entrees, you’ll be satisfied. All menu entrees and pasta are available in half orders and don’t forget to ask about seasonal dishes. (802) 422-3004

Peppinos

Chef-owned since 1992, Peppino’s offers Neapolitan cuisine at its finest: pasta, veal, chicken, seafood, steak, and flatbreads. If you want it, Peppino’s has it! Aprés-hour daily features half price appetizers and flatbreads. For reservations, call (802) 422-3293. www.peppinosvt.com.

Pickle Barrel

Being Killington’s largest and most exciting venue, you’re bound to have a good time in here. Party the night away and feed yourself on delicious food such as chicken wings, onion rings, French fries or even a bowl of bacon. If that doesn’t interest you, you’re able to make your own pizza, by the slice or the whole pie. www.picklebarrelnightclub. com (802) 422-3035

Red Clover Inn

Farm to Table Vermont Food and Drinks. Thursday night Live Jazz. Monday night Chef Specials. Open Thursday to Monday, 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. 7 Woodward Road, Mendon, VT. (802) 775-2290, redcloverinn.com

HAPPY HOUR 3:00-6:00 P.M.

OPEN ALL WEEK

SOUPS•SALADS

BURGERS•PASTA SEAFOOD•BURRITOS

LUNCH DAILY SPORTS

HEADQUARTERS • All Games in HD •

BEST WINGS

HAPPY HOUR

3-6PM KID’S MENU AVAILABLE

Open Daily 422•LOOK

2910 Killington Road

FREE SHUTTLE

Seward’s Dairy

If you’re looking for something truly unique and Vermont, check out Seward Dairy Bar. Serving classic homemade food including hamburgers, steaks, chicken, sandwiches and seafood. Craving something a little sweeter? Check out their own homemade 39 flavors of ice cream. Vermont products also sold. (802) 773-2738

Sugar and Spice

Stop on by to Sugar and Spice for a home style breakfast or lunch served up right. Try six different kinds of pancakes and/or waffles or order up some eggs and home fries. For lunch they offer a Filmore salad, grilled roast beef, burgers and sandwiches. Take away and deck dining available. www.vtsugarandspice.com (802) 773-7832

O’Dwyers Public House

O’Dwyers Public House at the Summit Lodge welcomes you to enjoy traditional Irish fare including Guinness Stew, Seafood Pie and Bangers and Mash, in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Irish and local brews are on tap, and we have live music every weekend! (802) 422-3535.

Sunup Bakery

Killington’s favorite bakery and sandwich shop offers a variety of breakfast sandwiches served on fresh English muffins, bagels croissant and even gluten free bread is available. A variety of sandwiches are freshly made with all organic products. If coffee is something you’re craving, they have an espresso bar. www.sunupbakery.com (802) 422-3865

Sushi Yoshi

Sushi Yoshi is Killington’s true culinary adventure. With Hibachi, Sushi, Chinese and Japanese, we have something for every age and palate. Private Tatame rooms and large party seating available. We boast a full bar with 20 craft beers on draft. Lunch and dinner available seven days a week. We are chef-owned and operated. Delivery or take away option available. www.vermontsushi.com (802) 422-4241

Classic Italian Cuisine Old World Tradition

fresh. simple. delicious!

1/2 price appetizers & flaTbreads DAILY from 4-5 p.m.

OPEN DAILY AT 4 P.M.

SUNDAY DINNERS Choose any Entree from sunday dinner menu plus soup or salad and includes 2 meatballs per person 4-6 p.m. only $20 each adult; $10 each child

pasta | veal | Chicken seafood | steak | flatbreads

422-3293 First on the Killington RoaD

20 • The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017

HIKE HIKE&&SKI SKISHOP SHOP

CSJ invites public to all-ages Campus Invasion free concert

RTE. 4 EAST • RUTLAND • 802.775.0814 MTNTRAVELERS.COM

Saturday, March 25, 7 p.m.—RUTLAND—College of St. Joseph is hosting a free concert featuring bands from across the Northeast Saturday, March 25. CSJ Campus Invasion is an all-ages show that will include performances from The Up! Up! Ups!, Shy Husky, The Red Summer Sun, and The Bone Factory.

The Up! Up! Ups! are a Philadelphiabased rock band influenced by the early punk rock sounds from the 1970s. The four-piece group combines fast punk rock music with the danceable feel of 1950s rock and roll and power pop.

Shy Husky is an alternative, indie rock band hailing from Norwich, Vt. They are best known for their melodic hooks,

TELEMARK & ALPINE TOURING SKI & BOOT SALE!

ALL SKIWEAR 25 to 50% OFF!

emotion-driven lyrics and energetic delivery with passion behind each song.

The Red Summer Sun is a four-piece alternative pop-rock band from Burlington, Vt., and Plattsburgh, N.Y. The Bone Factory is an alternative southern Vermont-based band, bringing a different style to the Campus Invasion with mandolins, banjos, and bass.

The event is coordinated in partnership with Nick Grandchamp, who has been actively involved in the music scene throughout the Northeast for several years.

The concert is open to the public and will be held in CSJ’s Tuttle Theater, located at 71 Clement Rd., Rutland, from 7-10 p.m.

Courtesy of Paramount Theatre

STEEP CANYON RANGERS

Paramount Theatre welcomes the Steep Canyon Rangers

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Saturday, March 25, 8 p.m.—RUTLAND—Grammy-winning bluegrass pickers Steep Canyon Rangers are set to make an appearance 8 p.m. Saturday, March 25 at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland.

The Steep Canyon Rangers are comprised of Woody Platt (guitar), Graham Sharp (banjo), Charles R. Humphrey III (bass), Mike Guggino (mandolin), Nicky Sanders (fiddle) and Mike Ashworth (box kit). Known for touring extensively and widely praised for its performances, the acclaimed bluegrass band performs between 125 and 150 dates per year, including tours with actor/comedian and respected banjo player Steve Martin and esteemed singer-songwriter Edie Brickell.

The Paramount Theatre is located at 30 Center St., Rutland. Tickets ($42) are available at the box office, by calling 802-775-0903 or online at paramountvt.org.

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Local pedalers hold 3rd annual Rollin’ Fatties

Route 4 between Killington & Pico • The McGrath Family Innkeepers Since 1977

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802-775-7181

Irish Pub

DELICIOUS PUB MENU WITH AN IRISH FLAVOR

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Sunday, March 26, 1 p.m.—KILLINGTON—The Killington Mountain Bike Club (KMBC) will host the 3rd annual Rollin’ Fatties event on March 26. Meet at 1 p.m. at Mountain Meadows XC Ski & Snowshoe Center for a group ride, followed by a free after-party at Sushi Yoshi at 3 p.m.

The ride is open to everyone; no experience is needed. Tickets are $40 and include

L ng Trail Killington’s first and foremost Irish pub

a fat bike rental, a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of two fat bikes, five tickets for an additional raffle (items from Fox, Scott, Smith, Swix, Point 6, Killington Resort, Basin Sports, and Alpine Bike Works) and a $5 Sushi Yoshi card. All proceeds go to the KMBC for trail building and maintenance.

Visit facebook.com/killingtonmtb for more information.

FIRST FRIDAY WINE DINNER

Guinness, Harp, Smithwick’s & Long Trail

Open every night 6-9p.m.

Thursday - Sunday

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Friday & Saturday, March 24th & 25th at 7:30 p.m.

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Sunday, March 26th at 4:00 p.m.

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Portuguese Please Friday, April 7 • 6:30pm • Special Chef ’s Pairing Menu included

$80 per person

• Reservations required: 802.775.2290 Restaurant open Thursday-Monday, 5:30-9pm www.redcloverinn.com innkeepers@redcloverinn.com 7 Woodward Road, Mendon, VT Just off Route 4 in the heart of the Killington Valley

The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017 • 21

LIVING A.D.E.

Castleton U presents Vt. premiere of “Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson” March 22-26—CASTLETON—Andrew Jackson kicked British butt, shafted the Indians and smacked down the Spaniards, all in the name of these United States—who cares if he didn’t have permission?

The creators of “Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson’s” cook up an alternate universe with a musical that follows America’s seventh president from his early days as a child on the wild frontier to his controversial reign in the White House.

Written by Michael Friedman and directed by Castleton professor Harry McEnerny, “Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson” features a talented cast of students with music by the Green Brothers Band. “Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson” runs Wednesday, March 22 through Saturday, March 25 at 7 p.m. with matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26 in the Casella Theater.

During the late 18th century, Jackson’s family was killed off by cholera and Indian attacks in the hills of Tennessee. He then joined the military and was eventually taken prisoner by the British. Jackson’s experience in the military caused resentment as he witnessed first-hand the U.S. government’s lack of involvement with the people of the frontier. Eventually, he decided to take matters into his own hands and run for the U.S. presidency.

“Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson” redefines America’s controversial seventh president—the man who drove the Indians west, doubled the size of our nation, and invented the Democratic Party—with a raucous blend of anarchic theatricality, outrageous comedy, and an infectious emorock score.

The show is not recommended for children 16 and under. Tickets for this event are $15 for adults ; $10 for seniors, alumni, students, and children. Purchase them online at castleton.edu/tickets or at the box office Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. ; or one hour prior to performances.

Doors open 30 minutes prior to performances and seating is general admission. For more info, call 802-468-1119.

Groovin’ the pasta & the salads & the lasagnas & mussels & the garlic bread & ...since the ‘70s

Courtesy of Champlain Philharmonic

MATTHEW LAROCCA

Champlain Philharmonic orchestra performs spring concert in two towns Saturday, March 25, 7:30 p.m.—POULTNEY, MIDDLEBURY—The Champlain Philharmonic will return to Ackley Hall at Green Mountain College in Poultney Saturday, March 25, 7:30 p.m. and Town Hall Theater in Middlebury Sunday, March 26, 4 p.m. to present its spring concert series featuring works by the great French composers Bizet, Faure, Ravel, and Saint Saens.

The orchestra will be led by its new artistic director, Matthew LaRocca. LaRocca teaches theory and composition at Saint Michael’s College, directs the South Burlington Choir, and is assistant director of Music-COMP, an organization that teaches composition to hundreds of students throughout Vermont. LaRocca also is the artistic curator of the Vermont Symphony’s Jukebox concert series.

Featured on the program will be Saint-Saens’ Cello Concerto No. 1, Op 33 performed by Charlotte, Vt., native, McKinley James. The orchestra will also perform Faure’s “Pavane,” Op. 50, selections from Bizet’s “L’Arlesienne” Suite 1 and 2, and Ravel’s “Valse Nobles et Sentimentales.”

Tickets are available at the door for both performances for $15 general admission, $10 seniors, and $5 students. For more information visit champlainphilharmonic.org.

After months of preparation, Poultney’s Maplefest is here Saturday, March 25—POULTNEY—Poultney’s Maplefest takes over the town Saturday, March 25, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Look for light blue lawn signs around Poultney indicating where events will be held. Stonebridge Visitors Center opens at 8 a.m., with maps to sugarhouses and event schedules.

Start the day off with a pancake breakfast with real maple syrup donated by Green’s Sugarhouse at the United Methodist Church, Main Street, from 8-10 a.m.

Burn off those calories with the Maplefest Fun Run starting from the back of Poultney High School. This run is for everyone, including pets on a leash. Registration begins at 9 a.m.; race starts at 10 a.m. T-shirts will be given to the first 50 runners. Maple prizes will be awarded to the first three places in each category. Visit poultneyvt.com to pre-register.

Maple sugarhouse tours on both

Saturday and Sunday will be given at Green’s Sugarhouse, Terry McCarron Maple, Marshall’s Maples, and the Wood Family Sugarhouse. Maps will be available at the Stonebridge.

Following, the Maple Prince and Princess winners will be crowned after the official tree tapping at 10 a.m. on the front lawn of Green Mountain College. Poultney’s own Maple Sugar Bear will officiate, and the winners will be given miniature Sugar Bears and maple prizes to take home.

This year’s featured event is the Maplefest Craft Fair at Poultney High School. Doors opens at 10 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. Over 30 vendors will be on hand selling local goods. The Poultney High School Class of 2022 will have a food concession in the lobby from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Poultney Historical Society will have an exhibit, speaker, and maple video at the Bentley Meeting House

Serving Breakfast & lunch 7am-2pm daily Breakfast all day, lunch after 11am

Rte 4 Killington 422-3004 pastapotvt.com Open Daily 5 to 10 p.m.

JONES DONUTS “Jones Donuts and Bakery is a must stop if you reside or simply come to visit Rutland. They have been an institution in the community and are simply the best.”

OPEN WED. - SUN. 5 TO CLOSED MON. + TUES.

12

23 West St, Rutland 802-773-7810

from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Around town, find maple foods like maple fried dough, maple walnut pancakes, and maple syrup at various locations. Many shops will open at 8 a.m. with sales and specials. Cooking with Maple returns for just $5. Preregister at poultneyvt.com.

Horse-drawn wagon rides through downtown Poultney start at 10 a.m. Maple story time at the library starts at 11 a.m., and includes songs, crafts, and a special snack.

St. Raphael’s Parish Hall on East Main Street will host a Maplefest Basket Party at 11 a.m. Drawings start at 1 p.m. Lunch will be available.

Maplefest dinner at Young At Heart Senior Center will include maple glazed ham, maple sweet potato mash, vegetable, beverage, and a choice of desserts including maple bread pudding, 4:30-7 p.m.

For info, visit poultneyvt.com.

OPEN DAILY AT 3 P.M.

Sat - Sun: Open for lunch at Noon

Come to our sugarhouse for the best breakfast around! After breakfast check out our giftshop for all your souvenier, gift, and maple syrup needs.

We look forward to your visit!

Sugar & Spice Restaurant & Gift Shop Rt. 4 Mendon, VT 802-773-7832 www.vtsugarandspice.com

802-422-9885

PETPersonals

22 • The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017

MAMACITA - 3-year-old spayed female. Domestic Short Hair. Tortoiseshell with white. I love to have my ears and chin rubbed, but I really do not care to be picked up. Please stop by and say hello.

Featuring pets from:

RUTLAND COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY LUCY MACKENZIE HUMANE SOCIETY SPRINGFIELD HUMANE SOCIETY

Springfield Humane Society

FLOPSY - Young spayed female. American Rex Rabbit. White. I am so soft and have the cutest little face! I hope to see you soon for a visit and maybe take me home to join your family.

SPENCER - 4-year-old neutered male. Domestic Short Hair. Brown tabby. Hi there, my name is Spencer.

I am a big fella and love to lounge around and get lovins! I am a lap cat, but also love to play with my toys.

DUKE - 8-month-old neutered male. Blood Hound mix. I’m very friendly and outgoing and I enjoy being with people. I love squeaky toys and tennis balls and I know how to retrieve. I like to give kisses so get ready for a smooch.

SMUDGE - Young neutered male. American Rex Rabbit.

Gray. I love treats, especially carrots, lettuce and lots of fresh water. I have beautiful gray fur and the cutest little feet. I would love a place to call my home!

MOLLY - 4-year-old spayed female. Domestic Long Hair.

Torbie. I have a long beautiful coat that will need brushing, and I will enjoy every minute of it. I really enjoy playing with toys and can keep myself entertained.

DUSTY ROSE - 3-year-old spayed female. Labrador/ Great Pyrenees mix. Oh I’m a sweet lady who is adorable and I have gentle, loving eyes. I’m very playful with my toys and I’m silly and goofy when I play.

BARBARA - 3-year-old spayed female. Labrador mix. I’m super sweet and, needless to say, I’m adorable. I’m looking forward to hikes and other outdoor adventures with my new family.

JIMBO - 1-year-old neutered male. Domestic Short Hair.

Brown tabby with white. I’m still getting used to having a nice, warm place to hang out. I get so happy to have attention that I purr loudly and knead my bed even if all they do is talk to me.

DENNIS - 7-year-old neutered male. Domestic Medium Hair. Black with white.

I am very shy and like to burrow under blankets and pillows but once I come out I am affectionate and love my ears scratched. I prefer a quiet home and I have lived with other cats.

SKIPPER - 2-year-old neutered male. Domestic Short Hair. Black and white. My favorite pastime is to play, especially with the laser pointer. There are a couple of things I’m not too fond of - I’m a little leery of men and I’m no fan of butt rubs.

DAISY MAE - 3-year-old spayed female. Domestic Short Hair. Brown tabby. I’m as happy being a lap cat as I am playing with toys. I can be a little nervous, at first, in new surroundings. I have not lived with kids but I think I’d probably like them.

HONEY Do you have a sweet tooth? If so I am here to help! My name is Honey and I am as sweet as my name implies. I adore people of all ages and even cats, but not most dogs.

I love food and car rides. I already know “sit” and “shake”, but willing to learn much more! To learn more about me stop by Springfield Humane Society Wednesday-Saturday, noon-4:30 p.m., 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield. Call 802-885-3997 to get info on the April 11 spay/neuter clinic.

Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society

All of these pets are available for adoption at

Rutland County Humane Society

765 Stevens Road, Pittsford, VT • (802) 483-6700 Tues. - Sat. 12-5p.m., Closed Sun. & Mon. • www.rchsvt.org

Pasta dinner to benefit Rutland area dog parks Park for Paws will hold a pasta dinner and silent auction March 25, 5-8 p.m. at the Elks Lodge.

Entry fee is $5 adult plus $5 for dinner. The auction will be offering nearly 100 items. There will be door prizes and a 50/50 as well. Park for Paws is a non-profit organization erecting two dog parks—one in Rutland, one in West Rutland.

Submitted

PIERRE Bonjour! My name is Pierre and I’m a 6-year-old neutered male. As you can see, I’m incredibly handsome and my good looks have gotten me far in this life, but they have not gotten me adopted! I’m a particular cat that enjoys the finer things in life, like imported cat treats, cat nip and bottled water. No, they don’t give me bottled water here at Lucy Mackenzie, but they should! I’m a cat that deserves to be homed with only the most sophisticated of cat-owners that will tolerate my naughty behavior. And, by naughty, I mean my little love bites and over-eating, etc., etc. Don’t worry – if you love cats, you will love me dearly. And, in return, I shall love you, mon amour! If you’ll been looking for a feline to bring lots of smiles, laughs and love to your life, stop in and meet me today! Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society is located at 4832 Route 44, West Windsor. We’re open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 12 - 4 p.m. Reach us daily at 802-484-LUCY. Visit us at www.lucymac.org, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter. We hope to see you soon!

The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017 • 23

Spring sparks new energies of attraction, balance

By Cal Garrison, a.k.a. Mother of the Skye

This week’s Horoscopes are coming out under the light of a Spring Equinox sun and a Sagittarius, soon to be Capricorn, moon. With the sun stationed directly on the Aries Point, in my world, this turns out to be the most powerful day of the year. Yes there are a million other aspects to consider, but on this day, all we really need to make room for is the concept of new beginnings.

What follows is something that I wrote for “The Old Girls’ Book of Dreams.” It speaks directly to what’s going on in the matrix at this very moment. If you’ve got the time this little treatise on the first day of spring may be of interest to some of you. Have a wonderful Equinox, and I hope you enjoy this week’s ‘scopes.

Excerpt from “The Old Girls’ Book of Dreams” I look forward to the Spring Equinox more than I do my birthday. The anticipation comes from I don’t know what. Maybe it’s because I literally feel like I’m 16 years old, sitting on the front porch, waiting for this gorgeous guy to show up and remind me what being a woman is all about.

Spring Fever hits everyone like a ton of bricks. It’s as if the internal stuff that goes on all winter ripens on the first day of spring. School children, and those of us who still like to play take an egg out of the fridge at the Equinox just to see if it really will stand up by itself on the kitchen counter.

This experiment is so symbolic. On the 21st of March the world is rebalanced...

It’s Spring Fever time. Bring that male energy in. It’s the male force that takes over the unified field when the sun moves into Aries. There are countless ways to be “orgasmic.” Whatever you conjured up back in February will begin to take form if you allow it to come out. So go sit on the porch and let nature take its course.

Irish festival: continued from page 6 gondola ride to the Peak to see Killington in all its splendor.

Oh, to have that kind of energy once again.

There was no shortage of great traditional Irish music, what with three bands, Fahey’s Field, pipers from the Catamount Pipers Band, Reigh and Daniel of County Down and cameo appearances by Melissa Miravel, Claudine from Gypsy Reel and Tisa, one of Claudine’s students.

The Summit staff transformed the function room into a Dublin street scene complete with street lights, Doors of Dublin, street vendors and artisans: Vt. Celtic Design, Blue Parrot Jewelry Design, Lone Palm of Ft. Lauderdale, Everything Knotty and Spirit Farm. Peter Gould, the Summit Lodge’s artist in residence hand painted the dance floor to look like a cobblestone street, and it is a true work of art. There were tastings from Jameson and Bushmill from Southern Wine and Spirits, Craic and Wexford Irish beers from Farrell Dist. and Rick Keuhle and his three little helpers, Guiness and Harp for Baker Dist. And Corey Taylor and let’s not forget Tim McGuiness from Diageo.

The kids had an absolute blast, too. The 1903 Olds that has been living in the lobby of the Summit Lodge for decades was dismantled by the Summit staff and reassembled as part of the street scene for the kids to play on. Ginny Thompson put together a balloon arch complete with a “pot of gold and the end of the rainbow.” Karen Gouchberg painted a shamrock (no, it’s not a clover) on more than a few smiling faces which included Rutland’s own troubadour James Mee, who regaled the youngsters with stories and songs designed especially for the wee ones.

There was a raffle to benefit the Killington Volunteer Fire Department with prizes donated by the Killington/ Pico Resort (thank you again Amy), Peter Bouregard of Donegal Importers, Ken and Alan Root of Root Sports, Mark and Leslie Adami of Effie Dudley’s, Otter Creek Brewing, Southern Wine and Spirits, the Summit Lodge, and of course O’Dwyer’s Public House. I just know that Otto Ianntuoni will walk proud in the Irish wool cap he won in the raffle.

To not mention the herculean effort by the Summit staff would be sacrilege. In keeping with the tradition of the Summit staff, everyone went the extra mile to insure the success of the Festival. We have to give a shout out to Chef Steven Hatch and Sous Chef Skinny Tim and their kitchen staff and to Sandy Guertin and the dining room staff. Billy Barrett of the Newport Barretts who came up from Rhode Island for a guest shot behind the bar and to make sure I minded my p’s and q’s. Dave Bloomer and Matt Carron did a stellar job in the pub.

Emmett and Laura O’Dwyer and little Orlaith had a vision. With a firm hand and an unwavering game plan, plus the oversized white board in the office, they turned their vision into a happening – the first annual Killington Irish Festival. If you missed this one​, now you’re just going to have to wait until next year.

Ned Dyer, Killington,Vt.

N

Aries

Cancer

Libra

Capricorn

March 21 - April 20

June 21 - July 20

September 21 - October 20

December 21 - January 20

othing is written in stone.

You’ve turned this into a permanent thing without realizing that it is as subject to change as anything else. If you haven’t lived long enough to know that nothing lasts forever the next few weeks will hold that lesson. On some level it looks like it’s time to move on, let something go, or find another way to do what you do. Don’t get hung up thinking any of this needs to be a problem when life is calling you to open up and embrace it. Soon enough you will begin to receive all kinds of support for a new place, a new life, and a new way to do things.

A

ou’ve had it with someone else’s nonsense but you’re willing to put up with it a little while longer. As long as it doesn’t prevent you from doing what you need to do for yourself right now.

Pressure from various sources is making you wonder what you’re doing all this for. On top of that there’s a lot of psychological stress coming from God knows what. Keeping the inner balanced with the outer will be harder than usual. And as far as other people and their nonsense goes, at this point it would be great if they were more willing to put up with some of yours!

I

n the midst of too much change there’s no way you’re going to be able to define yourself. The recent loss of ---- (fill in the blanks) has you wondering where you stand and who you are now. If pride makes you feel like there’s something wrong with not knowing where you belong, you need to know that “not knowing” is the first step toward enlightenment. Don’t waste too much time blaming life or other people for what has happened. Do your best to navigate the empty space that separates one phase from the next and have faith to know that this too shall pass.

Y

ou can’t be too sure about where this will go. What looks perfect on paper is subject to laws and conditions that you know very little about. It’s OK to engage, but if you do, you need to be sure you have a way out.

Others have as much to give to this situation as you think they do; extenuating circumstances and their own immaturities make it hard for them to know how to hold up their part of the bargain. If you want this to work out you’re going to have to let someone know that life is a two-way trail and you can only be here for this if they know that.

Taurus

Leo

Scorpio

Aquarius

April 21 - May 20

July 21 - August 20

October 21 - November 20

January 21 - February 20

s intense as things have been, good things are growing out of this time. You feel clearer and steadier knowing that even better things will come forth if you just keep this up. For many of you that translates as keeping your nose to the grindstone, when it’s more about keeping your heart centered in whatever you’re doing.

You tend to get confused when it comes to remembering what’s important. Don’t allow yourself to get sucked in by the thought that diligence matters more than joy. Keep the joy quotient high and approach your work with an open heart.

Y

Y

Y

ou need to think about what it will take to make this work. This isn’t one of those things that that will benefit from the direct approach. Taking care of it will require you to look at what you owe the situation and decide what it will take to make everything fair and square. If you’re honest you know that there’s enough of a debt on your part for you to be willing to make a few allowances for people. On paper you have every right to cut the cord but there are personal issues and lives at stake and you can’t just dispense with things without taking all of that to heart.

T

oo many things have opened up for you to be anything but in awe of how life works. Whatever it was that prevented you from trusting life and people in the past, has suddenly become a non-issue. If this has something to do with love, it seems as if unconditionality and the idea of conscious equality has really turned things around. In other areas of your life you are beginning to see that your efforts to simplify and live from a more authentic place have made it possible to mix your work situation and your sense of purpose into a blend that makes you feel whole.

Y

ou’ve got a little wind in your sails and the potential for many good things to be coming your way. It would be good for you to reflect upon themes that were present in your life about 12 years ago; because whatever’s going on right now bears a whiff of whatever was going on then. If there is a connection, try to see whether or not you need to remain tethered to those circumstances and/or choices, or if it would behoove you to get into something new.

Trust your intuitive guidance and let your higher self show you how to direct your growth.

Gemini

Virgo

Sagittarius

Pisces

May 21 - June 20

August 21 - September 20

November 21 - December 20

February 21 - March 20

ou can’t be held hostage for whatever it is that others seem to be blaming on you.

Are they forgetting the part they played in it? You can’t ignore these accusations but it won’t do you any good to challenge them.

If you want this to smooth over walk softly and make it clear that you’re not here to hurt anyone.

You might also remind everyone that all of this was their idea to begin with. This will make waves but it will make it easier for others to acknowledge the extent to which this most recent drama snowballed out of things that they set in motion a long time ago.

Y

ou’re not much clearer about things than you were the last time we spoke but you’ve settled down enough to see that your perspective is a little warped.

Now that you understand that yours isn’t the only way to see things all things have become possible. You are also beginning to realize that your relationship problems have to do with the fact that your significant other has a totally different viewpoint.

For some of you it could be that “never the twain shall meet”; for others it’s a question of learning how to balance yourself in the reconciliation of opposites.

F

or more than one reason you feel totally out of your element. If this is uncomfortable, try to figure out why you are unhappy or just completely out of touch in this situation. For many of you, it could just be a matter of acclimating yourself to a new rhythm.

For others, this is about being overwhelmed by your inability to make your life bear some reflection of whatever it is that you want out of it. Look at the difference between whatever’s going on and what you thought it would give you, and consider rearranging either the scenery, your principles, or your perfect pictures.

Mother of the Skye

F

or many of you, the issue of “what will people think?” has taught you that it really doesn’t matter. For others, you could still be wondering if you need to be concerned about everyone else’s opinion. So much is being redefined, how do you expect it to change without blowing a few minds? It would be great if you could lose the need to be OK with everyone.

Forget about what all of this says about you and find a way to relate to it without needing to apologize or explain yourself. If this is how you really feel don’t be afraid to tell it like it is.

Mother of the Skye has 40 years of experience as an astrologer and tarot consultant.

She may be reached by email to cal.garrison@gmail.com

24 • The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017

“Shall never see a poem lovely as a tree” Winter landscapes will never stop being kind of magical to me, no matter how joylessly and cynically grownup I become: the endless unstained carpet of a fresh snowfall, the sculptural perfection of an icicle, the fierce sting of the cold itself.

The dreamlike beauty of the alpine environment is one of the central pleasures skiing, but it’s one I try generation y of not to talk about too much, by brett yates because you’ll usually end up sounding pretty corny if—in the midst of a chairlift conversation about a totally sick run—you spontaneously begin to rhapsodize about the glories of nature. Even in a carefully, feelingly constructed piece of writing, there’s not much point to that kind of lyricism for me: the natural world is what it is—it doesn’t help to say anything noninformational about it, and in this case, it doesn’t need the help anyway.

Even so, while skiing in the trees on a powder day, I’m forever struck by the strange shapes of the frozen, snowdraped conifers around me and often feel compelled to search my brain for comparisons. The crystalline needles of the pine, the defeated branches of the spruce, rendered shapeless mounds by the seemingly unlikely adherence of pounds of white fluff—what do these odd, rigid creatures of winter look like?

We all have lyrical moments: let’s just admit it. Below are the 11 mostly terrible comparisons I jotted down (not really—I used my phone) on a recent ski day while gazing, with the innocent wonder of a young poet, at the surrounding trees, being reminded of various things. Can you please do better?

1. The spinal column of a dinosaur 2. An Old English Sheepdog, sleeping 3. An elderly woman in a wedding dress (e.g., Miss Havisham from “Great Expectations”) 4. A very carefully balanced stack of popcorn kernels 5. The Washington Monument 6. A 1970s space station 7. An elaborately arranged pillow fort 8. A white pipe cleaner 9. A Wampa ice creature (the carnivorous monster living on the planet Hoth in “The Empire Strikes Back”” 10. The Venus de Milo 11. An old carrot, fully consumed by white mold

An act of mercy: “Let them eat cake!” Health care. part I I was outraged to hear Utah Republican Representative Jason Chaffetz comment that low-income Americans could sacrifice

Mountain on Meditation

By Marguerite te Jill Dye

their new iPhone for health care instead. I wondered how he could be so blind to the struggle of America’s poor to pay food and rent.

But it was House Speaker Paul Ryan who called the GOP bill an “act of mercy” and that took the cake.

Suddenly Marie Antoinette came to mind.

She lived as the Queen of France in the Palais de Versailles but longed for the countryside of her Austrian homeland. She often fled to the retreat she created, l’Hameau de la Reine, the Hamlet of the Queen, on palace grounds. An elegant carriage, not Air Force One,

carried her from Versailles, France’s White House at the time, to her own version of Mar-a-Lago, her fanciful country estate. Revenues and taxes covered expenses while famine and plague struck France’s feudal serfs. They existed in squalor, abused, without rights. Paupers had no health care and lived short lives. When there was no bread the Queen brusquely declared, “Let them eat cake!” to an angry mob.

How could Paul Ryan, like Marie Antoinette, be so out of touch with people’s reality? But when Joe Kennedy III valiantly spoke up in the Congressional House Energy Committee hearing, my faith was renewed and I was encouraged with his inspiring and heart felt Kennedy words: “I was struck last night by a comment that I heard made by Speaker Ryan, where he called this repeal bill ‘an act of mercy.’ With all due respect to our Speaker, he and I must have read different Scripture.”

He continued,“The one Mountain Meditation, page 25

COLUMNS

“Beaver duck”: the adaptable hooded merganser

By Michael J. Caduto

Imagine ten nearly round white eggs snug in a hollow tree, lined with soft feathers plucked from the moth-

THE OUTSIDE STORY er’s breast. The hen carefully tends the 2-inch eggs for about a month until the chicks hatch. Prompted by their mother’s call, downy day-old chicks clamber up to the opening in the tree and leap into space, plunging headover-tail some 50 feet down to bounce on the forest floor. They follow their mother on a perilous journey, sometimes of over half a mile, to the relative safety of a marsh, beaver pond or woodland stream. She will protect the chicks for the next five weeks until they go out on their own.

Such is the life of a nascent hooded merganser. Chicks take to the water right away to hunt aquatic insects.

As they quickly grow, keen eyesight underwater enables them to hunt larger prey, such as tadpoles, frogs, small fish, mollusks, and crustaceans, including crayfish. Unique among our native pond-dwelling ducks, hooded mergansers eat fish as their main fare.

Mergansers are expert divers.

Swimming serenely, they suddenly disappear, leaving barely a ripple, and can remain submerged for up to two minutes. All birds have a nictitating membrane, a transparent extra eyelid; for mergansers, this serves as a diving mask that allows them to keep their eyes open underwater where they swim gracefully with webbed feet. Using wings to steer, they appear to fly through a liquid sky.

“They’re a cool bird to watch,” said Dr. Kevin McGowan at Cornell Uni-

versity’s Lab of Ornithology, “popping up in little ponds — very similar to wood duck nesting habitat. In fact, they often share the same pond, but hooded mergansers dive underwater to find their food, while wood ducks feed on the surface.”

At about 18 inches long and 1-1/2 pounds, hoodies are smaller than common and red-breasted mergansers. They have prominent crests and slim, serrated beaks. Males have rounded black crests on their heads, dominated by a large white patch fanning out from behind striking yellow eyes, which contrast with their black feathers. The black back is set off from the white plumage below the waterline and accented by a pair of black racing stripes that angle forward from the nape of the neck. The male’s reddish-brown flanks, just above the waterline, mirror the color of the female’s prominent crest.

The crests make their heads appear elongated — like a waterfowl bouffant. Females and young are mostly covered with brownish-gray feathers.

Males have pale yellow feet and legs; females have brown eyes and green legs and feet. Both sexes have short, spiky tails, often angled up from the water.

Males start courting and pairing up with females in November, in preparation for mating and nesting the following spring. Their deep, raspy call sounds like a snore — similar to the mating song of a pickerel frog.

During courtship, the male fans out his crest and bends his head back until it’s touching his body, all while swimming alongside the female.

Then he bobs his head and makes short courtship flights. A receptive female responds in kind by bobbing her head and spreading her tail over the water. After mating, the male swims excitedly around his prize.

Females

sometimes lay their eggs among those of other cavity nesters including fellow hoodies, wood ducks or common goldeneyes.

When winter arrives, hoodies leave the small rivers and ponds of summer and move out onto lakes, estuaries, and marshes. According to McGowan, hooded mergansers are short-distance migrants that don’t leave North America, flying from southern Canada and the northern United States to the southern states.

“Local conditions determine their movement. If waterfowl have open water, they’ll stay around for the winter,” McGowan explained. They often flock with ruddy ducks and buffleheads. Breeding starts when migrants return in late March.

At one time, hooded mergansers were decreasing in number, in part because the large hollow trees they need for nesting became scarce.

But they’ve adapted to using the artificial nest boxes meant to attract wood ducks. In addition, forests have matured, creating more habitat for nesting, nurseries and feeding.

“Between the 1980 and 2000 Breeding Bird Atlas surveys in New York,” said McGowan, “the occurrence of hooded mergansers more than doubled. They like beaver ponds, and there are more beavers now than there have been for a long time. Their breeding range has also moved south, probably due to reforestation over the past 100 years, which has improved their habitat.” The occurrence of breeding hooded mergansers nearly tripled in Vermont between 19812007, according to findings of the first and second Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas, edited by the Vermont Center for Ecostudies.

National Audubon predicts that, as the climate warms, hooded mergansers will significantly expand their winter ranges northward and live year-round where they are currently found just during the breeding season. Researchers in Manitoba discovered that in 2001 hooded mergansers were returning to their breeding grounds 32 days earlier than they had been returning in 1939.

Despite its ever-changing environment, the endearing, diminutive waterfowl that is known to the Cree as the “beaver duck” is doing just swimmingly.

Michael J. Caduto is an author, ecologist, and storyteller who lives in Reading,Vermont. The illustration for this column was drawn by Adelaide Tyrol. The Outside Story is assigned and edited by Northern Woodlands magazine: northernwoodlands.org, and sponsored by the Wellborn Ecology Fund of New Hampshire Charitable Foundation: wellborn@nhcf. org

The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017 • 25

COLUMNS

Beware of schemes during tax season It’s tax season! Every year, around this time, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publishes

By Jill Dye

Ink drawing titled ,“The King of Tweet and the Queen of Cake.”

Mountain Meditation:

The new Social Darwinism

continued from page 24 that I read calls on us to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to shelter the homeless, and to comfort the sick. It reminds us that we are judged not by how we treat the powerful but by how we care for the least among us.

“Mercy! Defined in purely secular terms: compassionate treatment for those in distress. It is kindness and grace.

There is no mercy in a system that makes health care a luxury. There is no mercy in a country that turns their back on those most in need of protection: the elderly, the poor, the sick, and the suffering. There is no mercy in a cold shoulder to the mentally ill. There is no mercy in a policy that takes for granted the sweat, the tears and the sacrifice of working Americans that they shed every day so that they might care for their family’s basic needs: food, shelter, health, and hope for tomorrow. There is no mercy for the 2.6 million people who will lose their jobs if Obamacare is repealed.

This is not an ‘act of mercy.’ It is an act of malice,” Kennedy said.

Bravo! I support him with gusto. He acts on principle, on behalf of the people, not lying, cheating, and stealing like a wolf in disguise filling billionaires’ pockets while attempting to rob 14 million of health insurance next year and over 24 million by 2026. Nearly three-quarters of those who gained insurance through the Affordable Care Act will lose it, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Death estimates from the GOP plan range from 24,000 to 44,000, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisors and the New England Journal of Medicine. Which ones of our elected officials will have blood on their hands?

Unless, of course, people rise up to reject the “survival of the fittest” national health plan. Unless, of course, some can afford the price hikes that most victimize the poor.

If you’re rich, you’ll be fine, as you can afford to hire boutique doctors like a few friends have chosen to do. A boutique doctor, as far as I can figure, is rather like the doctors when I was young. For an extra fee, they answer calls and quickly respond with advice and prescriptions without delay. They recommend tests and procedures, and see patients in off hours as needed. One friend pays $5,000 per year to sign up with her boutique doctor. Having recently survived cancer and a stroke, she pays for the extra attention as a precaution. God bless her and all others who need extra care.

How many seniors can afford a 20-25 percent increase in premiums, let alone hire a boutique physician? What kind of people propose a plan that increases insurance by $3,600 for a 55-year-old earning $25,000 per year? Or a $7,000 annual increase for a 64-year-old earning $25,000 per year, and even worse, a $7,000 increase for a 64-year-old earning just $15,000 per year? This plan throws our most vulnerable younger, older, and disabled tax-paying citizens into a swamp filled with rich alligators who will benefit from substantial tax cuts. The American Health Care Plan is Robin Hood in reverse!

I thought about our friend who suffers from advanced Alzheimer’s disease and is dependent on Medicare and Medicaid in a long-term care facility. His wife is an artist living on Social Security and a few teaching dollars that barely make ends meet.

Medicaid pays for two out of three nursing home residents in the U.S. If this plan were to go into effect, would they be thrown out into the street? I thought about other close friends battling cancer, heart disease, and genetic illness. One is a disabled Marine living in pain from injuries and PTSD while trying to overcome his addiction to doctor-prescribed pain medication. I thought of family members and friends with asthma, anklosing spondylitis, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and other autoimmune illnesses.

I thought about the connection between the state of our health and the end of the Environmental Protection Agency; unregulated mining and pollutants pouring into our rivers and seas, poisoning the foods we eat, and toxins rising into the air we breath.

Then I thought about the battles raging in Washington and in town halls across the nation, and the fear in the hearts of doctors, their patients, and families who foresee the devastating effects of replacing the Affordable Care Act with the GOP’s proposed American Health Care Act. Then, strangely enough, my mind returned to Marie Antoinette, whose cavalier attitude and aristocratic ways led to her demise. When the people overthrew the corrupt regime and demanded their rights during the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette was beheaded by guillotine.

Marguerite Jill Dye is an artist and writer who supports the Constitution and Universal Declaration of Human Rights, has joined Indivisible, and lives with her husband in the Green Mountains of Vermont and on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

emails that had been sent names, addresses, birth to its customers, includdates, etc.) to obtain ing this one: money or credit for many “Dear account holder, years. Recently, scamDue to concerns mers have also been filfor the safety and ing false tax returns. The integrity of your IRS has implemented online account, measures that appear we have issued to be effective. At the MONEY MATTERS this warning mesend of 2016, USA Today

BY KEVIN THEISSEN sage. It has come reported, “An unprecto our attention edented public-private that your account crackdown has helped its dirty dozen—a list information needs to be cut taxpayer identity of scams criminals use updated due to inactive theft reports in half and to try and ferret out members, frauds, and prevented millions of personal information spoof reports. We ask you dollars in fraudulent and/or steal money. For to visit the following link refunds.” example, if you received to start the procedure of Regardless of the progan email from a top exconfirmation on custom- ress that has been made, ecutive in your company er data. To get started, the IRS cautioned, “Taxor organization requestplease click HERE. Please payers need to watch ing data from IRS form don’t reply directly to this out for identity theft W2 for the 2016 tax year, automatically-generated especially around tax what would you do? email message.” time. The IRS continues The right answer is: Instead of clicking on a to aggressively pursue Don’t respond. link in a suspicious email the criminals that file Disguising an email or text, call your local fraudulent returns using to look like it’s from your bank branch or IRS office someone else’s Social Seboss or someone higher to ask whether they sent curity number. Though up in your firm is called the request. the agency is making “spoofing.” Criminals Phone scams progress on this front, have been spoofing Be wary if you receive taxpayers still need to be corporate employees for a call and the person says extremely cautious and years, and now they’re they are from the IRS – do everything they can to turning their attention even if caller ID says it’s avoid being victimized.” to school districts, tribal the IRS and the person If you discover someorganizations, restauon the other end of the one has filed a tax return rants, hospitals, and line offers a badge numusing your personal non-profits, according to ber and official sounding data, Intuit.com advises a February 2017 IRS press title – because it’s likely a you complete IRS Form release. If you receive a suspicious email, contact THEY [SCAMMERS] MAY THREATEN your human resources THE TAXPAYER WITH ARREST, department.

Spoofing is just one DEPORTATION, OR ANOTHER scheme among many.

PUNISHMENT. THE IRS DOES NOT Here are some of the other scams you should DO THIS. guard against: Phishing scammer.

14039 and mail it to the Merriam-Webster Criminals have been IRS. explains phishing like impersonating IRS Being wary can help this, “…A common agents and demanding protect against scamphishing scam involves immediate payment of mers, but criminals may sending emails that aptaxes without giving the find a way to capture pear to come from banks taxpayer an opportunity your personal informarequesting recipients to to question or appeal the tion regardless of any verify their accounts by amount owed. They may precautions you take. typing personal details, threaten the taxpayer If you worry your data such as credit card inforwith arrest, deportation, may have been commation, into a website or another punishment. prised, the Federal Trade that has been disguised The IRS does not do this.

Commission suggests to look like the real thing. Scammers may also considering a credit Such scams can be require a specific payfreeze, which lets you thought of as ‘fishing’ for ment method, such as restrict access to your naive recipients.” a prepaid debit card, or credit report and makes If you receive an email insist taxpayers proit more difficult for purporting to be from vide credit or debit card identity thieves to open the IRS, remember this: numbers over the phone. new accounts in your The IRS does not contact Don’t do it. name. You’ll still be able taxpayers about refunds Instead of engaging, to open new accounts or tax bills using email, take the caller’s informaor allow credit checks by text, or social media. In tion, refrain from giving prospective employers fact, the agency cautions out any of your informaor landlords, but you’ll Americans not to click on tion, and tell them you need to specifically a link in an email claimwill call back. Then, look unfreeze your account ing to be from the IRS. up the number for your for that purpose. To learn In addition, banks and local IRS office. Call them more, contact one of the financial institutions to confirm if the caller is credit bureaus: Experian, typically won’t ask for an actual IRS employee Equifax, or TransUnion. confidential personal in- or not. Don’t call the Kevin Theissen is formation (user names, number provided by the principal and financial passwords, personal caller. advisor at Skygate Finanidentification numbers, Identity theft cial Group, LLC., located and so on) through text Criminals have been on Main Street in Ludlow, message, email, or social using other people’s perVt. He can be reached at media. One bank prosonal information (Social kevin@skygatefinancial. vided examples of fake Security numbers, com.

CLASSIFIEDS

26 • The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017

HOUSES • RENTALS• CARS • JOBS • MORE

REAL ESTATE NEW LISTING: Killington ski village location, mountain view. Available Jan. 1. Pinnacle 1 bdrm condo, $116K. Furnished, never rented, deck, stone fireplace, ski locker, health club, shuttle to mountain. Owner, waynekay@ gmail.com, 802-775-5111.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING for sale, on Rt. 4 Across from post office. Completely renovated. 4,500 S.F Office or retail space. Currently used as 2 units but can be joined.

2-one bedroom apartments.

Plus full basement that can be rented separately. Ample parking. Excellent location. $1,300,000. 1-802-773-8800.

LAND FOR SALE: Route 4, Killington. 54 Acre parcel (diagonally across from the Killington Skyeship Base).

Nice setting amongst mature pine trees, old logging road takes you to several perfect homesites that could have a wonderful SOLAR APPLICATION. $125,000. Contact: Ski Country Real Estate 802775-5111.

KILLINGTON—2 BDRM 1.5 bath condo, Mountain Green bldg. 2. FP, ski lockers, health club membership. $92K. Owner, 800-576-5696.

NEW building sites for sale in desirable EastRidge Acres, Barstow School K-8, PLUS 40+/- rugged mountainside acres, community water and ponds. Listed by Louise Harrison Real Estate, LouiseHarrison.com 802-775-9999.

PITTSFIELD LAND: River View Trail Road: 4AC for $49,900 with State septic permit for a 4BR, 6 person home.

Nice level building lot (B #1).

Ski Country Real Estate, 335 Killington Rd, 802-775-5111.

PITTSFIELD LAND: River View Trail Road: 8AC for $69,900 with State septic permit for a 4BR home. Lot 5.

Private Location. Ski Country Real Estate, 335 Killington Rd, 802-775-5111.

THE KILLINGTON GROUP Rentals/ Property Management. Individually tailored programs including concierge.

Bob Montgomery, Broker & Owner. killingtongroup.com, 802-422-2300.

LAND FOR SALE: Route 4, Killington. 11 Acre parcel with old logging trail as a base for a future driveway. Beautiful rock formation at the base and “Roaring Brook” as a southeast boundary. High elevation with mountain views. $70,000.

Contact: Ski Country Real Estate 802-775-5111.

KILLINGTON PICO REALTY Our Realtors have special training in buyer representation to ensure a positive buying experience. Looking to sell? Our unique marketing plan features your very own website. 802-422-3600, KillingtonPicoRealty.com 2814 Killington Road (next to Choices Restaurant).

LAND FOR SALE: Improved building lot in Killington neighborhood with ski home benefits. Views. Call 802-4229500.

ERA MOUNTAIN Real Estate, 1913 US Rt. 4, Killington - killingtonvermontrealestate.com or call one of our real estate experts for all of your real estate needs including Short Term & Long Term Rentals & Sales. 802-775-0340.

KILLINGTON VALLEY Real Estate PO Box 236, 2281 Killington Road Killington, VT 05751. 802-422-3610 or 1-800-833-KVRE. Email: kvre@vermontel.net LOUISE HARRISON REAL ESTATE Sales & Vacation Rentals: professional guidance and representation to buyers and sellers in the greater Killington, Mendon, Rutland area. Independent Broker. We negotiate variable commissions and work with FSBO’s by appointment 7 days a week.

Now located at 8 Mountain Top Rd, Chittenden,VT 05737.

LouiseHarrison.com, 802-7759999, 802-747-8444.

PEAK PROPERTY Real Estate, 505 Killington Rd., Killington. VTproperties.net.

802-775-1700, 802-353-1604.

Marni@peakpropertyrealestate.com. Specializing in homes/condos/land/commercial/investments/winter rentals. Representing sellers & buyers all over Central Vt.

JOIN OUR TEAM! WANTED: BRAND & MARKETING ASSOCIATE

You love the outdoors. You rip, you ride, you rock. You’ll tackle anything. You don’t take no for an answer. If that’s you—and you’re looking for a dream job. Here it is: Help grow two of the best-loved magazine brands in the Northeast: Vermont Ski + Ride and Vermont Sports. As our Brand Sales and Marketing Associate, you will not just sell ads, but will develop collaborative marketing partnerships with clients across our print, digital and social media platforms, but also for sponsorships and events.

You’ll tell the world why these two magazines — with a combined reach of 160,000 readers across seven states — are smart ways to reach New England’s most active, affluent and engaged audiences: skiers, riders, hikers, cyclists, kayakers, runners, second home owners and their families.

We’ll need you to spend some time in our offices in Middlebury and to represent us at events around the state. On the other days you’ll be out on the road, making calls, and following up.

We’re looking for someone who has: • A proven track record in sales • The ability to develop and sell to a new client list • Creative marketing and event ideas • Clear, compelling and concise communication skills • Boundless energy, gritty persistence and joyful enthusiasm • Passion for outdoor sports and Vermont, preferred This is a part-time or full-time job (depending on your circumstances) with a base salary, but compensation is largely commission-based. You’ll have flexibility and freedom in your schedule, but we will expect weekly reports and sales goals to be met.

Send your resume and cover letter to editor@vtsports.com

THE PERFORMANCE GROUP real estate 1810 Killington Rd., Killington Vt. 05751. 802-422-3244 or 800338-3735, vthomes.com, email info@vthomes.com. As the name implies “WE PERFORM FOR YOU!” PRESTIGE REAL Estate of Killington, 2922 Killington Rd. Specializing in the listing & sales of Killington Condos, Homes, & Land. Call toll free 800398-3680 or locally 802-4223923. prestigekillington.com.

SKI COUNTRY Real Estate, 335 Killington Rd, Killington, VT 05751 802-775-5111, 800877-5111. SkiCountryRealEstate.com - 8 agents to service: Killington, Bridgewater, Mendon, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Rochester, Stockbridge & Woodstock areas. Sales & Winter Seasonal Rentals.

Open 7 days/wk, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES COMMERCIAL BUILDING for lease on Route 4, Killington across from Post Office. 4,500 s.f. of retail or office space.

Currently divided in 2 spaces of 3,000 & 1,500 s.f. Ample parking, great visibility. Can be rented separately. 1-802773-8800.

C O M M E R C I A L S PA C E AVAILABLE with another well established business. Small or large square footage. Close to ski shop, restaurant and lodging. Great location for any business. Call 802-345-5867.

K I L L I N G TO N M A L L f o r sale, 4-apartments, 2-stores, 1-nightclub/restaurant, 1-50s diner restaurant. 4 acres plus building. Call office 800-6942250 or cell 914-217-4390.

Ron Viccari.

KILLINGTON RESTAURANT FOR SALE. Corner lot, high visibility, operating since the 1960s! Killington is going year round be a part of the renaissance! 98 seats plus 4 apartments offer unique opportunity to help cover expenses or build a great staff.

After 30 years its time to hang up my tongs! Offered for sale by owner as realtors want 10% and have never even served a salad! If you cant appreciate a 10% savings? The restaurant business is not for you! Save 15% on assessed value, offered at $509,500. Contact killingtonrestaurant@gmail.com.

Want to submit a classified?

Email classifieds@mountaintimes.info or call 802-422-2399.

Rates are 50 cents per word, per week; free ads are free.

RENTALS SEASONAL APARTMENT rental available now-Oct. 31.

1 BR, Mountain Green Condo.

Fully furnished, new floors, free Wi-Fi, laundry in building, outdoor pool, utilities included. $610/ month. Call Rob at 516431-3460.

KILLINGTON RENTAL on mountain. 3 BR, 2 BA, fireplace, microwave, d/w, fully furnished. Excellent location, low utilities. $1,190/ month + utilities. toughfl@aol.com, 781-749-5873.

KILLINGTON ROYAL FLUSH Rentals/Property management. Specializing in condos/ winter & summer rentals.

Andrea Weymouth, Owner. www.killingtonroyalflush.com, 802-746-4040.

BARDWELL HOUSE, Rutland, VT: E.P. Management Corp. is accepting applications for efficiency and onebedroom units at The Bardwell House. Wheelchair accessible building. Wheelchair accessible laundry on site. Meals on Wheels congregate meal site Monday-Friday. Services Coordinator on staff. 24-Hour emergency maintenance.

Downtown location. Income limits apply. Tenant pays approximately 30% of monthly income toward rent-utilities included. Must be 62 years of age or older or disabled. Verification of eligibility required.

For application call 802-7751100 ext 2 or e-mail lisa@ epmanagement.com. EHO. WOODSTOCK VILLAGE Awesome Location—200 yards from Woodstock Green!

Walk to shopping, restaurants, etc. Brand new totally renovated studio available for rent!

Beautiful kitchen w/granite counters & stainless appliances. New Murphy bed. New bath w/jetted tub. Off street parking! Sleeps 2. No pets or smoking. 6-month or 12-month lease. $850 per month. Call Marni 802-353-1604.

RUTLAND 1 and 2 bdrm units.

Unfurnished, pet considered. $825 + utilities. LouiseHarrison.com, 802-747-8444.

Harveys Plumbing and Excavating LLC HELP WANTED Harveys is a well-established construction business, diversified in its work load.

Looking for an individual to work primarily in the office.

Individual needs to be well organized, attentive to details and have a basis understanding in Microsoft Excel, Word and Quickbooks. Dedication to completing projects in a timely manner is important.

Looking for 24 to 32 hours per week with hourly wage based on experience. Position is available immediately.

Please mail or e-mail ( harveype@sover.net ) resumes by April 7, 2017.

Please call with any questions. 802-767-3241 Harveys Plumbing and Excavating Attn: Cheryl Harvey PO Box 128 1593 VT Route 100 • Rochester, VT 05767

The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017 • 27 CHITTENDEN RETREAT available by the week or weekend. 6 bdrm, 3.5 baths, HOT TUB, screened porch on six acres. Close to Chittenden reservoir for swimming, hiking, and kayaking (kayaks provided). Scenic Mountain Top Inn nearby via water entry or short drive. LouiseHarrison. com, 802-775-9999.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate and rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, family status, national origin, sexual orientation, or persons receiving public assistance, or an intention to make such preferences, limitation or discrimination.”

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. If you feel you’ve been discrimination against, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777.

FOR SALE DRY, WELL SEASONED cord wood. $250/ cord delivered.

802-770-8074.

PERSONALS SENIOR MALE seeking female companion. Non-smoker, likes dining and dancing; likes Sinclair activities and sports. Call 802-773-2885 between 2-5 p.m.

FREE NEED NEWSPAPERS? We have them! Older editions of the Mountain Times are available, whether you need them to pack boxes, line your pet’s cage, have a paper mache project, or just want them to start your fireplace. Please contact us to make arrangements at 802-422-2399 or classifieds@mountaintimes. info. We thank you for not taking current editions from our racks for use other than to read.

FREE REMOVAL of scrap metal & car batteries. Matty, 802-353-5617.

SERVICES BELLADONNA GARDENING Services. Garden Maintenance and Spring Clean Up. One time visits- weekly or monthly options! Call Donna Stanley 802-342-3211.

ADVANCED PRO PAINTING. Interior/Exterior. Exc Quality, Best Prices. References. 802989-5803 Schedule Now!

BEAUREGARD PAINTING, 25 years experience. 802436-1337.

PRIOR FOR HIRE - Handyman services, carpentry and yard. Call Jeremy Prior, 802353-1806.

WANTED NOW BUYING High quality watches, precious metals, coins & paper money, stamps and historic paper, objects of art and virtue. If it’s rare, fun and beautiful I can help.

Member NAWCC, ANA, APS, NEAA and Vermont’s first legally licensed precious metals dealer. Trading worldwide in the very best personal property, since 1972. Legitimate sellers ONLY and by appointment only. Royal Barnard 802-775-0085 or email rbarn64850@aol.com.

EMPLOYMENT

By Joe Louria

Chef Lyda Lemire converses with Learning Lab participants after a recent demonstration.

PART TIME LIBRARIAN, Chittenden Public Library. College degree/Computer experience essential. 12-14 hours/ week. Send cover letter, resume and three references to: chittendenpl@gmail.com

by April 5.

THE TIMBERHAWK Owners’ Association in Stockbridge, Vermont, is seeking proposals for property and utility system management. Please contact ethan.phelps@yahoo.com for a copy of the RFP. GOODRO LUMBER in Killington is hiring a FT Driver (CDL not required)/Loader/ yard person. Clean driving record. The position includes order delivery, loading and unloading trucks. Experience in any/all of the above helpful but will train anyone with a good attitude and a willingness to learn. Apply in person, call 802-422-3469, or email: sshaw@goodrolumber.com.

LINE COOK NEEDED at Preston’s Restaurant at Killington/Pico Ski Resort. Prepare and produce a wide variety of menu items, perform a variety of complex cooking tasks, meal service and proper plating of all meals. Full time-seasonal. Apply online at www.killington.com/jobs or in person at Killington Human Resources. 4763 Killington Rd. Killington, VT 05751. 800300-9095. EOE.

Two culinary classes impress local participants

By Joe Lauria

WOODSTOCK—Eighteen home cooks gathered at The Apple Hill Inn on Feb. 27 to watch Lyda Lemire demonstrate her culinary talent. Lemire is the new executive chef at Prince & The Pauper Restaurant and was the first of two professional chefs to participate in The Learning Lab’s annual winter culinary class. Lemire has nearly 30 years experience in other fine restaurants in the area including the original Lincoln Inn, Kedron Valley Inn, Juniper Hill Inn, and The Common Man Restaurant.

Students followed along with their own copies of recipes as Lemire demonstrated the preparation of one of the P&P’s most popular dishes: Maine crab cakes with wild rice and maple baby carrots. She also demonstrated how to make a homemade mayonnaise, which was the base for a French Remoulade, and two other dipping sauces.

Students had an opportunity to ask questions during the process and learned helpful kitchen techniques in addition to the recipe being demonstrated.

Best of all, following the class the students each dined on the dishes demonstrated.

Lemire also talked about the importance of kitchen sanitation and the recent challenge that all

Culinary classes, page 31

go ahead,

DISHWASHER and bus person needed. Apply in person or call Pasta Pot, 802-4223004.

Calling all Foodies: FT DELI POSITION: 40 hours/wk. Excellent Pay. Nights 12pm-8pm.

Food service experience preferred. PT DELI: 32 +hours/ wk. PT CASHIER: 24+hours/ wk. Weekends. Apply in person. 5680 US ROUTE 4, Bridgewater Corners Country Store.

HOUSEKEEPING. Busy wedding season begins soon at Mountain Meadows Lodge.

Call 802-775-1010 or send email to mountainmeadowsvt@gmail.com. Flexible hours.

restaurants face with the growing number of food allergies. Substitutes or elimination of certain foods create difficulties, but are not insurmountable problems for a restaurant. She indicated that one helpful point would be to let the restaurant know if you have food allergies before you arrive to eliminate last minute surprises in a busy kitchen.

“The chef was a terrific instructor and took us step by step through the recipes. The bar has been set very high and I look forward to the next class,” commented participant Bob Wagner after the class.

“The class was great and the chef did a great job of covering the details and answering questions,” added participant Joe Rosenberger.

On March 6 the second and final culinary class was held. The Lincoln Inn’s Executive Chef Jevgenija Saromova and owner Mara Mehlman hosted the event.

Saromova, who is originally from Latvia, has trained in Michelin star restaurants in Italy, France and England. Her limitless passion for cooking and her inventive dishes have pushed the boundaries of food innovation. She is particularly skilled in creative plate presentation and follows her philosophy,

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28 • The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017

Ski Shop Showcase Love your snowmobile trails?

Thank a farmer It’s no secret that Vermonters love snowmobiling, but did you know that more than 2,400 miles of VAST (Vermont Association of Snow Travelers) Trails cross Vermont farmland? That’s more than half of all the VAST trails, statewide.

“Without farmers, the VAST trail system as we know it would not exist,” according to Matt Tetreault, VAST’s trails administrator, who oversees VAST’s statewide network of 4,700 miles of trails. “VAST relies on the generosity of private landowners who allow the trail system to cross their property. We are especially grateful to the farmers who make their land available in wintertime, for our club members to enjoy.”

In fact, 64 percent of all the private land in the VAST trail network is farmland.

(Private land accounts for about 80 percent of the total VAST trail network.)

According to the USDA Census of Agriculture, there are more than 7,300 farms in Vermont, encompassing over 1.25 million acres.

“Farms add to the beauty and character of Vermont’s landscape, and many provide fun recreational opportunities for Vermonters, too,” according to Vermont Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts. “Thanks farmers, for all you do!”

“Be safe, enjoy the snow, and have some fun,” he added.

The Mountain Journal: short turn satisfaction

By Tony Crespi

Courtesy of Okemo Mountain Resort

A snowboarder rocks a retro one-piece at Okemo while playing the air guitar.

Break out the old-school duds for Okemo’s 80s Retro Jam LUDLOW—On Saturday, March 25, Okemo Mountain Resort will be rockin’ to the 1980s for its annual 80s Retro Jam event. Head to Bull Run at 1 p.m. to join the party.

That’s right, break out the acid washed jeans, bright neon, and a sweet hat.

Make sure to hang the fuzzy dice for the drive to Okemo. You will want to arrive in full retro style. Okemo’s recommendation? The brighter the one-piece, the

R E N TA L S DEMOS TUNING

better!

Participants should meet at the base of Bull Run at 1 p.m. to register for the Retro Jam. The event will kick off at 2 p.m. Prizing will be awarded for the Best Daffy, Best Method, and Best Outfit.

Then, gather for awards in front of the Sitting Bull to enjoy a beer and to show off that outfit.

This event is free to participate. For more information, visit okemo.com.

SALE

The best skiers seem to float down the mountain gracefully linking one turn after another. Like running water, each turn flows fluidly. In truth, while many skiers can ski fast, not every skier can smoothly link one short turn with the next.

“To me, short turns make a greater ability to ski a wider variety of terrain and conditions,” explains former PSIA national team member Shawn Smith.

Shawn Smith is an exemplar! From serving as a guest coach for the United States Ski Team, to

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some two decades skiing with and coaching PSIA’s elite National Demonstration Team, Shawn Smith is considered one of the most knowledgeable and technically astute coaches in the country. When we last spoke he shared his thinking.

“In certain conditions, you need a short turn,” said Smith. “On steeper terrain you need that skill!

Short turns are key to advanced skiing.”

True black diamond skiers can change the radius of their turns quickly and deftly. The best skiers can maintain short-radius turns while changing speed, and while adapting to changing conditions.

Here are keys to shortradius turns: The short turn clinic 1) Face the upper body down the fall-line. Intermediate skiers often face in the direction of travel. Advanced skiers, by contrast, face down the fall-line. It’s often a subtle distinction, but the difference can be powerful.

Project your whole upper body down the hill (many find it easiest to focus on

keeping their shoulders squarely facing downhill) while your feet and skis pass underneath.

2) Stand with the skis functually apart. “The key is not to lock the feet together. You need to work both skis,” said Smith. “If your feet are too close you will probably feel your tempo is impeded. You may feel like you are tripping,” he added.

The ideal stance varies from person to person.

Modern experts know how to keep the skis functually apart, and their weight centered over both skis. A balanced stance is critical to expert skiing.

3) Master effective pole use. “I see two primary functions of a pole,” explained Smith. “It helps to hold the angles of the body and stabilize those angles and as you redirect those angles into a new turn (a gliding turn) the swing helps redirect the body into the new direction of travel. It helps smooth out our skiing,” he said.

Tony Crespi has served as both a ski school trainer and development team coach.

NEWS BRIEFS

The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017 • 29

By Lani Duke

Loyalty Day looks for parade entrants Planning for the May 7 Loyalty Day parade is underway, and Ron Fairbanks is looking for entries.

The parade is the first Sunday in May to express their patriotism and honor the men and women who have served their country. Begun in 1956 during the Cold War as a parade for democracy to counter Russian Communist May Day parades, the Loyalty Day parade was – and may still be – the state’s longest. Scout troops, marching bands, police and fire departments, floats, tractors, and community organizations are invited, call 802-558-3965.

Local teams win championships Rutland High basketball enthusiasts are rejoicing with the Raiders’ winning the Division I state championship Mar. 13. It’s the first state championship for the school’s basketball team in 50 years.

Rutland High’s cheerleaders were also recent winners, bringing home the first National Cheer championships won by any Vermont squad. They competed in the Reach the Beach National Competition held in Ocean City, Md.

Fairgrounds plans on warmer weather The Rutland County Agricultural Association is looking ahead to bringing a smorgasbord of events to the Rutland County Fairgrounds in a few short months. The first is the Holstein Summit, two days in which youth learn about animal health, nutrition, showmanship, and clipping, April 28-29. The following weekend is likely to be far less quiet, with two days of Vermonster 4x4 Trucks Gone Wild.

Feet will fly during Girls on the Run, May 13 and Relay for Life, June 17-18. July is busy beginning with the Summer Smash demolition extravaganza Sunday, July 2, winding up with the annual Chamber of Commerce fireworks. The Rutland Area Vehicle Enthusiasts (RAVE) car show lines up at the fairgrounds, July 8-9 and Rutland County 4-H Dairy Days, July 15-16.

The Vermont State Fair brings five days of fun, youth exhibits and contests, midway fun and food, demolition derby, livestock contests, vendors, domestic arts, and exhibits.

Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights, the Woodbooger Demolition Derby provides a family-oriented smash-up.

Vehicles are the focus of the fairgrounds’ three remaining scheduled events: the Vermont State Championship demolition derby, Sept. 9; VW car show, Sept. 17; and Vermonster 4x4 Fall 4x4 Festival, Sept. 23-24.

Opportunities for doing good Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers and a homeowner-partner for a home to be built at 42 Cleveland Avenue. The College of St. Joseph is raising money for its Provider Scholarship Fund with a scholarship gala, April 21 in Baxter’s Restaurant at the Rutland Country Club. The evening celebrates Tom Donahue as Provider of the Year and thanks Lawrence Jensen for serving as interim president.

Lyme disease warning is announced for 2017

Health officials expect 2017 to be a year for Lyme disease. The state has been tracking this tick-borne illness since 1990, when 14 cases were recorded. In the following 25 years, the number has been growing; nearly 500 cases were reported in 2015.

Prevention begins with deterring ticks by wearing light colors, long sleeves and long pants and checking for ticks upon coming in from outdoors. Experts say to see a doctor if you find an attached tick or a tick bite. Antibiotics can stop the disease.

West Rutland school budget gets revote WEST RUTLAND— West Rutland residents are asked to return March 27 to revote on whether to approve the $5,814,209 school budget.

On Town Meeting Day, ballot-casters were evenly split on that issue, 157 to 157.

Six voters apparently did not weigh in on the issue; total voter turnout was 320.

Vermont journalist inducted into VSC Hall of Fame Last week the Vermont State Colleges inducted its second alumni Hall of Fame class and raised thousands of dollars for student scholarships at its annual VSC Hall of Fame ceremony. Darren Perron was honored as the second Castleton alumnus inducted into the VSC Hall of Fame.

Darren Perron, who grew up in Barton, graduated from Castleton in 1995 with a bachelor of science degree in mass media communications and now anchors the WCAX-Channel 3 evening news. Perron went to WCAX in 1995, where he worked as a weekend anchor for nearly a decade before replacing longtime anchor Marselis Parsons. Throughout his career Perron has received several awards including an Emmy, the Vermont Association of Broadcasters Broadcaster of the Year award,

nine Edward R. Murrow awards, and 12 Associated Press awards. He was the only non-network reporter to be nominated for the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation award for “Becoming,” which was his series about the transgender community in Vermont. Perron has also been recognized as one of the top investigative reporters of New England by the National Television Academy and has won readers’ choice awards from Seven Days, the Times Argus, and the Rutland Herald.

In 2013 he returned to his alma mater as the commencement speaker, where he urged the thousands in attendance to learn from their mistakes. “If you don’t do something stupid when you’re young,” quipped Perron, “you won’t remember something funny when you’re old.”

Rutland County Humane society executive director to retire It is with a heavy heart that the board of directors of the Rutland County Humane Society announces that their executive director, Gretchen Goodman, will be retiring at the end of 2017.

Goodman has served in the position of director for 13 years. The agency will be starting a search for her replacement in the near future.

During her tenure, programs were put in place to control pet over-population through low or no-cost cat spay/ neuter surgery, TNR (Trap/Neuter and Release) services for feral cats, and a Spay the Mom program for unexpected litters of kittens and puppies.

Rutland County Humane Society (RCHS) was founded in 1958 by concerned citizens who operated out of a downtown bookstore and the farm of Ed Wheeler. In 1968, the agency opened its shelter on Stevens Road in Pittsford. Goodman oversaw extensive renovations to the shelter in 2009 to make it healthier for resident animals and to operate more efficiently.

The shelter served more than 1,400 animals in 2016 and accepts stray or owned companion animals from Rutland County.

Prior to coming to RCHS, Goodman worked for several non-profit agencies in the Rutland area including BROC and Rutland Mental Health. Her experience in animal welfare came from service as the director of operations for the Humane Society for Greater Nashua in Nashua, N.H. According to Goodman, “The level of support we receive in Rutland County from businesses, veterinarians and

the general public was such a surprise to me, as it far exceeded what I saw in other communities. We have tried to listen to the community and respond to their needs,” she said.

Goodman also stated, “There are sad and discouraging times in the animal welfare field but there are so many good people out there who adopt animals, including those with special needs, provide funds and supplies for our operation and volunteer their time and efforts. On a bad day we try to remember the kids who ask for donations to the shelter instead of birthday presents, or operate a lemonade stand or other fund raiser to help animals in need.

We think of the animals who waited for many months but eventually found that perfect home.”

The best thing about the job for Goodman is having the luxury of bringing a dog into your office or visit cats when things get hard. It’s also been having a dedicated and hard-working staff who always put the animals first.

“Leaving will be hard,” she said “but it’s time, and I am confident that the board of directors, staff, volunteers and supporters will make sure this agency continues to help those animals who need us.”

Judy Taranovich, president of RCHS said, “Gretchen Goodman has not only been a wonderful asset to the shelter for the knowledge she brought to her job 13 years ago but has also been a wonderful ambassador for the Rutland County Humane Society ever since. We as a board will miss her greatly and realize we have big shoes to fill.”

NEWS BRIEFS

30 • The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017

Mount Tabor murder suspect on 911 call: ‘My husband fell with his gun’

By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger

A Mount Tabor woman facing a murder charge listened Tuesday, March 14, to a 911 recording in which she told police her husband shot himself.

Prosecutors contend the call was a ruse, to cover up her shooting of David Shores.

“911, where is your emergency?” the dispatcher asked Peggy Shores. Then the dispatcher confirmed Shores’ phone number and address on Brooklyn Rd in Mount Tabor, Vt. “What’s going on, ma’am?”

“My husband fell with his gun,” Shores, 51, tells the dispatcher, her voice at times breaking and halting.

“Please get somebody here, quick.”

“Ok, he fell where, ma’am?” the dispatcher asked.

“On the stairs,” she replied. “He fell with his gun.”

The dispatcher said, “Did it discharge?”

“Excuse me?” she responded.

“Is he breathing?” he asked.

“Yes,” Shores replied.

The dispatcher said, “Ok, is he injured anywhere?”

“Yeah,” Shores told him.

“Ok, how is he injured?” the dispatcher asked. “Does he have a gunshot wound?

Shores responded, “Yes.” ‘Ok, where?” the dispatcher asks.

“He was walking up the stairs,” Shores told him, “I didn’t think the gun was loaded. I don’t know if he knew it was.”

She added, “He missed a step and fell on his elbow.”

The dispatcher, his voice getting louder, assured Shores help was on the way.

“Where did he get hit?” he asked her.

“I’m not sure,” Shores answered.

“Ok, can we put something on it to help with the bleeding?” the dispatcher said to her.

“Get somebody here, please, quick,” Shores replied.

Seconds later the call drops.

The tape ended there and Rutland County State’s Attorney Rose Kennedy told the judge, “that’s when she

disconnects.”

The call lasted under 2 minutes.

In Rutland criminal court Tuesday, Shores sat next to her attorney with her head down at the defense table as prosecutors played the tape of the 911 call.

Shores made the call at about 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 seeking medical care for her husband, David Shores, 54, who had been fatally shot inside the home.

In a show of support, three rows of friends and relatives, from both her and her late husband’s sides of the family, sat on benches behind Peggy Shores in the courtroom.

Peggy Shores was arraigned on a second-degree murder charge last month. She entered a not guilty plea through her attorney and has been held without bail since.

The 911 call was played to determine if Peggy Shores would continue to be held in jail without bail pending her trial.

After hearing the tape in court Tuesday, Judge David Fenster went back into his chambers to review affidavits from police, the medical examiner and forensic experts.

He was expected to return to the courtroom to hear arguments from attorneys. But due to blizzard conditions, the court closed for the remainder of the day, and the hearing was not continued. The date of the next hearing was not immediately available.

Prosecutors say forensic evidence shows there is no way David Shores could have shot himself based on the location of his wound and the trajectory of the bullet.

Investigators allege that the gun was fired from a distance and that he couldn’t have shot himself.

The evidence, the prosecutor and police investigators say, points to the only person in the home other than David Shores at the time of the shooting: his wife, Peggy Shores.

Peggy Shores has contended that her husband accidentally shot and killed himself. She told investigators her husband was walking up stairs from their home’s cel-

Man dies in car crash

Nutrition for the Everyday Athlete

KILLINGTON — Police say a Massachusetts man died from injuries sustained in a one-car crash that occurred Saturay, March 18 in Killington. According to a press release from the Vermont State Police, Stephen Driscoll, age 25 of Bedford, N.H. and Alejandro Phoenix, age 30 of Rockland, Mass., were driving on Tanglewood Drive in Killington on Saturday night when their Ford Focus left the roadway after failing to negotiate a turn and struck a tree. Driscoll and Phoenix were trapped inside the car but were extracted by friends. Driscoll, who was wearing a seat belt, was transported to Rutland Regional Medical Center for treatment. Phoenix, who was not wearing a seat belt, sustained a significant head injury and died at the scene. The investigation is on going.

lar, carrying a loaded .44 Magnum revolver when he tripped, fell, and the gun went off, according to court records.

An autopsy, conducted by Dr. Steven Shapiro of the state medical examiner’s office, showed that David Shores suffered a gunshot wound to his upper left side, below his collarbone, a police affidavit stated.

Courtesy of Vermont State Police Shapiro said it Peggy Shores has pleaded appeared the shot, not guilty to a charge that which had a downward she fatally shot her husband, trajectory, came from a David Shores. distance because there was no contact wound.

Also, the doctor said, the gunshot was not instantly fatal. The bullet didn’t strike the heart, according to Shapiro, meaning that David Shores was alive for a “time duration” after the shot was fired.

Attorney Steven Howard, representing Peggy Shores, has said the entire case against his client is “circumstantial.” It is based, he said, on “assumptions,” with nothing to show his client ever held the gun or pulled the trigger setting off the fatal shot.

The investigation, which spanned more than two months, included police re-creating scenarios inside the Brooklyn Road home, using measurements and other evidence collected in the probe.

That showed, according to investigators, a trajectory “consistent’ with a shot fired from the upper stair area, including the living room. Peggy Shores told police she was at the top of the cellar stairs when her husband fell.

If convicted of the murder charge, Peggy Shores faces 20 years to life in prison.

Man allegedly kept body of woman in shed

By Alan J. Keays, VTDigger

POULTNEY — Police say as they searched for several days for a missing Fair Haven woman, Wayne Oddo knew where she was and never said a word.

Oddo, 53, has not been charged in the death of Alexandra Rooker, 26, though he is being questioned in her disappearance.

Federal prosecutors, however, did charge Oddo on Thursday with being a drug user in possession of a firearm.

Police said they found Rooker’s body Wednesday evening on Oddo’s property on Morse Hollow Road in Poultney. She had been reported missing March 8 by family members who hadn’t heard from her since March 2.

Police said they discovered her remains in a shed a short distance from Oddo’s home when Whether you are a high school or they raided the residence, collegiate athlete, a weekend warrior, or armed with a federal search warrant. just somebody who likes to run come to Rooker reportedly was this free class and learn about nutrition last seen March 3, when for performing at your very best! Light a friend dropped her off refreshments will be available. at Oddo’s home, federal prosecutors said in a statement late Thursday afternoon.

Rutland Regional Medical Center Preliminary autopsy CVPS/Leahy Community Health Education Center results revealed no signs of trauma to Rooker’s Registration is required – Go to Classes & Events body, with the cause and at www.RRMC.org or call 802.772.2400 manner of her death still under investigation, prosecutors said. The time and date she died are still to be determined Presented by as well.

Vemont Orthopaedic Clinic Athletic Trainers “This death is being Matthew Howland, ATC treated as suspicious at this time and possibly reDominick Maniery, ATC lated to a drug overdose,” Tyler White, ATC prosecutors added in the statement.

During the past week, the statement said, Vermont State Police Missing woman, page 31 Our Promise to You – We Listen, We Respect, We Care…Always!

Proper Nutrition – the Fuel You Need for a Winning Performance

March 28, 2017, 6-7:30pm

NEWS BRIEFS

The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017 • 31

Culinary classes:

By Lani Duke

Fair Haven Select Board holds special, short emergency meeting FAIR HAVEN—Fair Haven’s Select Board had planned an evening meeting for Tuesday, March 14, but thought it would be wiser to hold an emergency meeting at noon to conduct a partial reorganization. Town Manager Herb Durfee posted notice of the meeting on the town webpage and Facebook page, notified regional media, and put up an official notice at the post office, Shaw’s, Merchants Bank, Peoples’ United Bank, and the town office’s bulletin boards.

The board members elected Robert Richards chair and Richard Frazier clerk before setting regular meetings as every other Tuesday from that date (March 14, 2017) at 7 p.m. in the town office conference room. They also discussed how to accommodate more communication with the town’s state legislative delegation, deciding to warn special meetings that would best align with the delegation’s legislative schedule. Other business included adopting the existing rules of procedure, and declaring the Lakes Region newspaper as the designated newspaper of record.

After reviewing finance reports payroll and bills to pay, the Select Board members scheduled a special meeting Tuesday, March 21, to complete items from the March 14 agenda.

Schools providing many experiences Benson secondand third-graders are discussing the concept of “rights” during their English Language Arts curriculum. They have been thinking about slavery, not only that of

African-Americans but also the Irish.

Science classes at this level are observing the types of rocks and their physical properties.

Kyle Wilson hopes to coach the Fair Haven

Missing woman:

girls’ basketball team to a second title in two years.

Fair Haven Union High School won the first-ever state bowling championship with a five-person coed team.

Notes on town community events PAWLET—Pawlet Public Library plans its third annual Springtime Handmade & Homemade Festival on April 8. An energy fair on Earth Day, April 22, will promote energy efficiency and technology options at the Pawlet town hall.

Native trees and shrubs once again are available through the Poultney-Mettowee Natural Resource Conservation District at moderate cost. These native species attract backyard wildlife and pollinators, as well as stabilizing stream banks and growing well in rain gardens.

A brochure and order form are on the district’s website.

Body found; may be overdose-related

continued from page 30 detectives interviewed Oddo as they tried to find Rooker. ing housing to people who sell deadly drugs.

Oddo told detectives that Rooker had been at his residence “In the midst of this, he was in possession of various but was no longer there. firearms,” Burris wrote. “The combi“Perhaps most disturbing,” Asnation of these drugs and firearms is sistant U.S. Attorney Nathanael Burris dangerous.” wrote in a court filing seeking to detain If convicted on the firearms charge, Oddo pending a trial, “the defendant Oddo faces up to 10 years in prison. was aware that the body of a deceased Oddo’s 2½-story home is on a dirt young female was wrapped in a tarp in road about four miles from Route 140. a shed on the premises of his residence Two troopers were at the scene Thursfor approximately one full week, and day morning providing security — yet took no action to alert law enforceone blocking a long driveway leading ment or medical personnel. to the home and the other on the road “The level of disregard for human looking down on the residence. life inherent in this behavior is inA state police crime scene vehicle dicative of his dangerousness and the was also parked in the driveway degree to which drug use is a motivatThursday morning. There was little ing factor for the defendant’s action,” the ALEXANDRA ROOKER activity outside the home at that time, prosecutor added. and no one was inside.

Oddo made an initial appearance Thursday afternoon Sap collection lines ran across maple trees in the front of in federal court in Burlington. Magistrate Judge John Conthe property, and posted signs warned against going onto roy ordered him detained pending a hearing March 24. At the land. that hearing, Conroy is expected to rule on the prosecuDetectives with the state police crime scene search tor’s motion to detain Oddo until trial. team continued to process the scene Thursday afternoon.

Federal prosecutors described both Rooker and Oddo Anyone with information about Rooker’s disappearance as heroin users. Burris alleged that Oddo also was providor death is asked to contact the VSP at 802-773-9101.

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continued from page 27 “we eat with our eyes.”

As a participating chef in past culinary classes, Saromova decided to step out of the box and introduce the students to a new cooking method called, “sousvide.”

This is a style of cooking that originated in France. Translated it means “under vacuum.”

Using this technique, food is placed in a vacuum sealed plastic pouch and immersed in an agitated water bath at varying temperatures depending on what is being cooked; meat, fish, or vegetables. The agitation assures that the food is properly cooked inside without overcooking the outside. Flavors included in the pouch are totally infused with this technique. For the final step, the meat or fish is removed from the pouch and is finished in a sauté pan to add an attractive caramelized color.

The students enjoyed the dish with both meat and vegetables prepared with this method. It included Maple Farm duck breast with parsnip

puree and a medley of vegetables such as confit potato, baby broccoli, asparagus, and baby carrots.

“It was a great evening,” said participant Tom Watson. “I’m looking forward to many visits to the Lincoln Inn.” “I was very interested in the workings of the new equipment and brought up to date on this new method of cooking,” added participant Kathleen Ladd.

The Learning Lab is a nonprofit organization in Woodstock, Vt. On a modest budget derived entirely from course fees, the program offers five to seven classes in the fall, winter, and spring each year. Classes are usually held at the Norman Williams Public Library or Woodstock History Center, but specialty classes may be held at ArtisTree or at area restaurants or inns or at a private home. The Learning Lab aims to serve the entire community–people of all ages and interests.

For more information visit thelearninglabwoodstock.com.

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If you have a problem with domestic violence, sexual violence or child abuse you can get help! These organizations offer FREE and CONFIDENTIAL assistance 24 hours a day, EVERY day. You don’t need to suffer alone. Ask for help!

LOCAL HELP The Rutland County Women’s Network and Shelter is dedicated to assisting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. www.rcws.org 24-hour hotline : 802-775-3232 Free & Confidential STATEWIDE HELP The Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence is committed to eradicating domestic and sexual violence through advocacy, empowerment and social change. www.vtnetwork.com 24-hour Hotlines Domestic Violence: 1-800-228-7395 Sexual Violence: 1-800-489-7273 NATIONAL HELP Stop It Now!® prevents the sexual abuse of children by mobilizing adults, families and communities to take actions that protect children before they are harmed. www.stopitnow.com 24 hour hotline: 1-888-PREVENT

32 • The Mountain Times • March 22-28, 2017

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