M ou nta i n T i m e s
Volume 47, Number 27
Your community free press — really, it’s FREE!
July 4-10, 2018
Lyft comes to Rutland
By Katy Savage
HOW TO KILL MOSQUITOES Mosquitos are more than just annoying, they can carry harmful and sometimes deadly diseases. But how should we protect against the bite? Health conscious residents take different sides. Page 3A and 5A
By Robin Alberti
HAPPY 4TH! Celebrate America’s birthday this Wednesday. See calandar for celebrations across the region. Pages 15-25A
Living a de
LIVING ADE What’s happening? Find local Arts, Dining & Entertainment Pages 16-29A
Mounta in Times 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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After navigating roadblocks preventing Lyft’s expansion in Vermont, a bill signed by the governor June 19 has made it possible for the ride hailing company to expand statewide. The popular transportation service available through an app went live in Rutland and Barre Sunday, July 1—the same day the bill (Act 3) went into effect. There were no drivers in the Rutland areas on Sunday. But the Lyft app was open for drivers to sign up. The act, sponsored by Rep. Jean O’Sullivan, D-Burlington, sets rules for drivers transporting people. It requires the driver to maintain a $1 million insurance policy for death, bodily injury and property damage when transporting someone for payment. The act allows a car company a driver works for to maintain insurance on the driver’s behalf. Lyft has been available in Burlington, Middlebury, Montpelier and the surrounding areas since May 2017. “We are excited that all Vermonters will soon be able to access reliable and affordable transportation with Lyft,” said Zachary Kizer, a spokesperson for Lyft. Lyft “can provide passengers with access to affordable and reliable transportation throughout the entire state of Vermont,” Kizer said. Though more popular in cities, Kizer said people in rural areas use Lyft to make trips to get to and from an airport or to get around while their car is being serviced. The availability of rides depends on the availability of drivers. “Ultimately, our goal is to provide drivers with the flexible earning opportunity of driving with Lyft —particularly in their own communities—and to provide passengers with access to affordable and reliable transportation throughout the entire state of Vermont,” Kizer said. Lyft’s competitor Uber, is available in Burlington, Killington and Waterbury. Lyft is available in 45 states, plus Washington D.C.
By Duane Finger
Saturday’s protest in downtown Rutland was one of 750 held nationwide across all 50 states.
Protest draws over 150
By Marguerite Jill Dye
RUTLAND—“Children don’t belong in cages!” stood out among the powerful signs at Rutland’s “Families Belong Together” event. Over 150 demonstrators of all ages lined up along Routes 4 and 7 at Rutland’s Main Street Park. There were 750 nationwide marches on Saturday, June 29, in 50 states. They protested abhorrence against the zero tolerance immigration policy. People joined together for moral support, demanding migrant families be reunited and remain together. When asked, “Why are you here?” Vermonters and visitors shared their reasons. I’m worried about the way our culture is changing with more signs of hate and less acceptance and love,” said protestor Beverly Darling. Protest, page 14A
Worthy ice cream! Sweet and Salty to serve creemees, froyo year-round
By Katy Savage
WOODSTOCK—Five years after opening Worthy Kitchen, bringing Sweet and Salty adds to Worthy’s list of popular restaurants, which local food and casual dining to the region, the restaurant owners have started with Worthy Burger in South Royalton in 2012. Worthy Kitchen opened a new year-round creemee and frozen yogurt shop. opened in Woodstock in 2013. The owners are planning another Worthy Sweet and Salty, located by the Woodstock Welcome Center off Main Burger expansion in Waitsfield this August. Street, had a soft opening Wednesday, June 27. An official open and rib“It’s all about the staff,” said Merrill. “We take care of them and they bon cutting is planned for the coming weeks. work hard for us.” Sweet and Salty offers two Sweet and Salty has outdoor patio different frozen yogurt flavors seating for the summer. It also serves (strawberry and salted caramel hot dogs and pretzels. Eventually it pretzel) and four creemee flavors will feature a sandwich of the day from (maple, fruity pebbles, vanilla and the Worthy Kitchen menu, which chocolate). could include a fried chicken sand“There’s nothing like it in wich or pulled pork sandwich. Sweet town,” said owner Jason Merrill. and Salty also serves coffee and drinks. Customers can dispense their “We’re seeing what people want own ice cream and add their own right now,” Merrill said. toppings, including chocolate Merrill hired two full time and two chip cookies, rainbow and chocopart time to run Sweet and Salty. “We late sprinkles, Oreos and candy. think Woodstock is in need of someMerrill purchased the buildthing fun like this—something more ing, formerly a real estate office, casual and relaxing,” Merrill said. and worked on construction and Sweet and Salty is open 11:30 a.m. remodeling the interior for two Submitted to 8 p.m. weekdays and 11:30 a.m. to 9 months before opening. Sweet ad Salty ice cream shop just opened on Mechanic Street, Woodstock. p.m. Friday and Saturday.
2A • LOCAL
NEWS
The Mountain Times • July 4-10, 2018
Rutland area native and business owner plans to opens beauty school
By Katy Savage
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A new beauty school is coming to Rutland. Paige Carrara, 25, the owner of Blush Salon and Beauty Lounge, received a $10,000 loan from the Business Incentive Assistance Program to open what she plans to call the Paige Elizabeth Academy of Cosmetology. The business incentive program was created to encourage business development in the area. The program allows loan forgiveness if certain conditions are met at the end of the loan. Carrara plans to open the school in the fall of 2019. She said the beauty school will teach, “from the bottom to the top everything you need to learn about cosmetology.” Students will learn how to braid and lighten hair, how to give manicures and pedicures, control infections and how to properly mix chemicals. “I’ve always had a passion for the industry and I’ve always strived to be most current,” Carrara said. “I’ve eaten it up from an early age.”
Submitted
Abbie Ballie 19, (left) of Rutland, currently works for Paige Carrara, 25, (right) owner of Blush Salon and Beauty Lounge and plans to attend her school when it opens in 2019. end trips to New York City, where she worked under mentors and attended seminars. Carrara opened her own beauty salon when she was 19. At 23, she opened Blush Salon and Beauty Lounge on Center Street in Rutland. Now, she has 12 employees. “When I expanded I was realizing how many
state. Stafford Technical Center in Rutland has a cosmetology program geared toward high school students while O’Brien’s Aveda Institute in Willison is the only other program in the area. “It’s a trade and the trades are getting lost right now,” Carrara said. “Not only will we be able to teach students and supply jobs in the Rutland community “IT’S A TRADE AND THE TRADES ARE but we’ll also be able to have GETTING LOST RIGHT NOW,” CARRARA SAID. workforce in the community.” Carrara took an “unapplicants were coming in Carrara plans to take conventional” path to get that weren’t certified. 16 students the first year. where she is today, she I had so many appliThe one-year school said. cants who wanted to will include 500 hours of “I decided I wasn’t going apprentice under me,” said bookwork, followed by to work under someone,” Carrara, who estimated practical work and then a she said. more than 100 people have final examination geared Carrara went to the approached her about toward training students former Salon Professionlearning opportunities in to become licensed and al Academy in Williston the past two years. certified. before furthering her Cosmetology proFor certification, stueducation by taking weekgrams are limited in the dents have to show their
skills before a judge and pass a written exam. Carrara already has one eager student. Abbie Ballie, 19, of Rutland has been a nail technician apprentice for Carrara for the past year and she plans to attend Carrara’s school to be a fulltime cosmetologist. “This is the best job I’ve ever had,” said Ballie. Ballie has learned life skills under Carrara’s mentorship and practical skills for her job, she said, such as how to shape a nail. “It’s fun to work with someone as young as her and see what she does,” Ballie said. The school will be located on Woodstock Avenue. Carrara is in the process of renovating the building and finalizing the details. She has not set tuition prices yet. “We’re in the beginning stages,” she said.
Cyclists raise $280,000 for Vt. Adaptive at Long Trail charity ride
An Exciting Customized ATV Experience for All Ability Levels
Midway between Killington and Okemo
KILLINGTON—Despite steady, ipants for the ride hail from all over mont Adaptive’s executive director. heavy rains on Saturday, June 23, New England and the mid-West, and “It was the same community-filled more than 600 cyclists took to many riders are repeat participants vibe as in years past. People shared Vermont’s scenic roads to pedal for year after year. stories, supported each other and a cause, raising $280,000 for enjoyed a day of friendship Vermont Adaptive Ski and and cycling while giving “DESPITE THE STEADY, HEAVY Sports’ year-round programs back. We give a huge thanks RAIN, EVERYONE CONTINUED TO for people with disabilities. to all who participated, to Held annually the Saturday the sponsors and vendors PEDAL AND THEN ENJOY THE BBQ after Father’s Day, the 8th anthat supported the event, to AND POST-RIDE FESTIVAL WITH A nual Long Trail Charity Ride Killington Resort for their to Benefit Vermont Adaptive incredible partnership, and SMILE,” SAID ERIN FERNANDEZ. included a Century, 60-, 40to our title sponsor, Long 20- and 5K routes, plus a mountain The charity ride supports the Trail Brewing, for joining us for the bike session at Killington Resort. organization’s annual operating seventh year as the lead sponsor. The organization’s goal is to raise budget, participant scholarships, We’re excited to see what we can do $300,000 from cyclists’ fundraising lessons, expensive adaptive equipin 2019.” efforts, sponsors and supporters. ment, and more. Grateful Dead and Allman BrothDonations are still being accepted in “What amazed me most about ers-inspired Steal Your Peach, plus order to reach that goal. the event this year, is that despite Duppy Conquerors, an eight-piece Fifty-plus adaptive athletes and the steady, heavy rain, everyone Bob Marley tribute band, played at their guides and assists participated continued to pedal and then enjoy the after-ride party. Vendors, a full this year, yielding the largest adapthe BBQ and post-ride festival with BBQ, silent auction, and kids’ activitive field for the event to date. Partic- a smile,” said Erin Fernandez, Verties rounded out the festivities.
LOCAL NEWS
The Mountain Times • July 4-10, 2018
Mosquito spraying called into question Toxics Action Center, VLS challenge BLSG permit
By Lee J. Kahrs
Environmentalists seek to block the state permit allowing the local insect control district to spray pesticides to control mosquitoes. The Toxics Action Center and the Environmental Natural Resources Law Clinic at Vermont Law School filed an appeal on June 13 with the state Environmental Court regarding the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s May 16 Pesticide General Permit for the Brandon, Leicester, Salisbury, Goshen, Pittsford Insect Control District (BLSG). The permit allows the BLSG to spray the pesticides Malathion and Permethrin along the district’s roadways to kill adult mosquitoes. As required by law, the BLSG issued a notice of intent (NOI) to spray notice last fall in the member towns this season regarding the insecticides. The NOI is issued under the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s Vermont Pesticide General Permit and, if approved, is good for five years. The BLSG has been using the same two insecticides to control mosquitoes in the district for roughly 20 years, and the battle between property owners who do not want to be sprayed and the quality of life issues for those who do has been going on just as long. The appeal comes as no surprise, since property owners in Salisbury have gone public with their concerns over the last few years and gave public comments about the pending DEC permit during the public comment period in March. They enlisted the help of VLS to help fight the spraying of pesticides near their organic farms and local waterways. The BLSG sprays around Otter Creek, Fern Lake and Lake Dunmore. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture is the sole permitter and regulator of pesticide application in the state. The DEC’s main concern is waterways and water quality with regard to pesticides. Like most pesticides, Malathion and Permethrin are not without their drawbacks. According to the National Pesticide Information Center, Malathion is highly toxic to bees, some fish and birds, but is considered lowly toxic to mammals. There is no known cancer risk to humans, and the risk to pregnant women is considered low as well. Permethrin is more toxic to fish than insects or mammals, according to the National Pesticide Information Center, but offers little threat to pregnant women. There is no evidence that limited exposure from spraying causes cancer. A closer look Woody Little is the Vermont and New Hampshire Community Organizer for Toxics Action Center, a Boston-based environmental action non-profit that addresses air and water pollution issues across New England. In a press release accompanying the appeal, Little writes that “Neighboring areas have developed successful programs to reduce mosquitos that do not include spraying chemical pesticides, and Toxics Action Center is calling on the DEC to force the (BLSG) District to consider safer alternatives instead, as is required by the law.” When asked, Little cited the neighboring Lemon Fair Insect Control District, which comprises Bridport, Weybridge and Cornwall. He said officials in that district only use the organic larvacide that the BLSG uses, and does not spray any pesticide to kill adult mosquitoes. “No one living there is saying that the mosquito problem is so much worse because of that,” Little said. But it was noted that the BLSG is not only a larger district, but also a more populated one, with thousands of visitors flocking to Lake Dunmore and Fern Lake at this time each year. Little conceded that point, adding that the purpose of the appeal is clear. “(The appeal) is not going to lead to the BLSG not using adulticide,” Little acknowledged, “but based on talking to folks in the area, there are lots of things the DEC can do to improve the impacts.” Little suggested expanding buffer zones and more strongly enforcing the “No Spray” operations in those Bug spray, page 14A
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• 3A
4A • LOCAL
NEWS
The Mountain Times • July 4-10, 2018
Obituary: David Marc vanOrman, 67
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David Marc vanOrman, 67, of Pekin, IL., passed away at 11:45 a.m. Sunday, June 24, 2018, at his home. He Glassware was formerly of Green Valley, IL,Pottery where he ware wasWood a farmer of 46 years. Flatware Born Oct. 27, 1950, Linens in Peoria to Forrest Gifts and Alverne (Craig) Custom Tables vanOrman, he marFine Art ried Sarah Whiteford on Aug. Jewelry 21, 1971, in David Marc vanOrman Manito. She survives. Also surviving are his father and step-mother, Forrest and Marilyn VanOrman of Pekin; three daughters, Cydil Waggoner (Nathan) of Vlashaj, Albania, Jenny Shaw (Seth) of Bridgewater Corners, Vt., and Hannah vanOrman of Pekin; four grandchildren: Elisona and David Reni Waggoner and Tua and Pippa Shaw; one brother, Rick VanOrman of Forest City and six nieces and six nephews.He was preceded in death by his mother, Alverne in 1995. David vanOrman was a 1968 graduate of Forman High School and a 1972 graduate of the University of Illinois. In January 1993, he visited the eastern European country of Albania on an agricultural mission trip. Shortly thereafter, he returned to Albania on a regular basis, along with his wife, Sarah and eventually established Planters Seed Foundation, which he was dedicated to for more than 20 years. vanOrman’s engaging mannerisms endeared him to everyone he met. The lives of those around him were enriched by his candor and humility. He carried a spirit of genuine interest in the passions of others. His zest for farming closely paralleled his love for people and he spent his life investing in both with the knowledge that the yield would be eternal. His funeral was Friday, June 29, in Delavan, IL. and burial at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Forest City, IL. Memorial contributions can be made in his honor to Planters Seed Foundation, 2815 Black Oak Drive, Pekin, IL 61554.
Coolidge Cup debate tournaments underway By Stephen Seitz
PLYMOUTH NOTCH— High school students from around the country have descended on the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site to vie for the annual Coolidge Cup in academic debate. “It’s such an effective way for students to learn,” said Matt Denhart, the executive director of the Calvin Coolidge Foundation, which hosts the tournament. “I see it as a useful pedagogical tool.” Academic debate is often described an an intellectual contact sport. Each team has two members: the first and second affirmative, and the first and second negative. The affirmative presents a case for change under the broad general topic, in this case, “Resolved: That socialism is better than capitalism for the well-being of the average person.” The first affirmative presents the case. The first negative points out the potential flaws. Then the second affirmative rises to defend the case. The second negative’s job is to point out the case’s prac Debate, page 14A
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STATE NEWS
The Mountain Times • July 4-10, 2018
Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile in Springfield SPRINGFIELD—Five mosquito pools collected in Springfield have tested positive for West Nile virus at the Vermont Department of Health Laboratory. These are the first positive pools – or group of up to 50 mosquitos of the same species – of the 2018 surveillance season. The infected mosquitoes were collected by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture and tested at the laboratory as part of an ongoing interagency mosquito surveillance program that helps the state better understand
• 5A
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SYMPTOMS CAN BE TREATED, BUT THERE IS NO CURE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS INFECTION.
By Paul Holmes
Swimming and soaring Above, a beaver enjoys a salad one recent evening on Kent Pond. Below, an osprey looks for dinner.
the risk of diseases spread by mosquitoes. West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who are infected do not become sick, but of those who do, symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea and skin rash. Fewer than 1 percent of people who are infected become more seriously sick with symptoms like high fever, disorientation, tremors, and even paralysis. People age 50 and older have the highest risk of severe disease if bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile virus. While symptoms can be treated, but there is no cure for West Nile virus infection. In 2017, the Agency of Agriculture trapped and identified over 200,000 mosquitoes that were submitted to the Health Department laboratory to be tested for West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus. More than 4,000 pools of up to 50 mosquitoes were tested last year, and 89 pools tested positive for West Nile virus. West Nile virus has been found in every county in Vermont. Since 2011, 11 cases of West Nile virus in Vermont residents have been reported. No human cases have been confirmed so far this year. There were three human cases of West Nile virus reported in 2017. “Preventing mosquito bites altogether is the most important step people can take to avoid West Nile virus and other diseases spread by mosquitoes in Vermont,” said Natalie Kwit, DVM, the state’s public health veterinarian. “We want to make sure Vermonters know that there are simple steps they can take to keep themselves and their families healthy,” said Kwit. Protect yourself from mosquito bites • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. • Limit the time you spend outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are more likely to bite. • Use an EPA-registered insect repellant. The EPA has a tool to help find the right repellant for you. • Cover baby carriages, strollers and outdoor playpens with mosquito netting. • Mosquito-proof your home by fixing holes in screens and making sure screens fit well into doors and windows. • Get rid of standing water in things like gutters and empty flower pots, which can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. If you have a bird bath, change the water every three or four days.
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Table of contents Opinion....................................................................6A Calendar...................................................................8A Music Scene...........................................................11A Just For Fun............................................................12A Rockin’ the Region.................................................13A Switching Gears.....................................................15A Living ADE.............................................................16A Food Matters..........................................................24A Pets.........................................................................30A Sports.....................................................................31A Columns.................................................................32A Mother of the Skye.................................................33A Classifieds..............................................................34A News Briefs............................................................35A Service Directory...................................................40A Real Estate..............................................................42A
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
(802) 422-2399
www.mountaintimes.info Email: editor@mountaintimes.info
Polly Lynn-Mikula ----------------------- Editor & Co-Publisher Jason Mikula ---------------------- Ad Manager & Co-Publisher Erica Harrington ------------------------------ Business Manager
Katy Savage -------------------------- Assistant Editor/Reporter Siobhan Chase ---------------------------------- Graphic Designer Tianna Bonang---------------------------------- Graphic Designer
Lindsey Rogers ----------------------------- Sales Representative Mac Domingus------------------------------ Sales Representative Curtis Harrington-------------------------- Distribution Manager Julia Purdy---------------------------------------------- Copy Editor Royal Barnard ------------------------------------ Editor Emeritus
- Contributing Writers/Photographers Julia Purdy Karen D. Lorentz Stephen Seitz Cal Garrison Kyle Finneron Dom Cioffi Mary Ellen Shaw Brady Crain Lani Duke Paul Holmes Kevin Theissen Lee Crawford Marguerite Jill Dye Dave Hoffenberg Robin Alberti Flag photo by Richard Podlesney
Opinion
6A •
The Mountain Times • July 4-10, 2018
OP-ED
In Vt. budget standoff, who won what, and who lost? By Angelo Lynn
As Gov. Phil Scott allows Vermont’s fiscal year 2018-19 budget to become law without his signature, it’s natural to question what all the fuss was about and what it means to Vermont residents. In a nutshell, the fiscal news is mostly good. It’s good because the budget posted a larger-than-expected surplus of about $55 million. The surplus, contrary to Gov. Scott’s attempts to claim credit for it, has much more to do with a world and national economy hitting on all cylinders than anything Scott (or President Trump) have done. Nonetheless, the Democratic-led Legislature wanted to use the bulk of that surplus to buy-down debt on the teachers’ pension fund, saving Vermonters a guaranteed $100 million over 20 or so years, and to slightly increase the non-residential property tax to pay for the expenses to which the government was obligated. Gov. Scott wanted to use $40 million of the surplus to buy down the property tax increase, and postpone raising taxes for education until the following year—a move that would automatically leave the Legislature with a projected $40$50 million shortfall at the beginning of the next fiscal year. That shortfall, if the state did not see surplus funds next year, would mean taxes would increase exponentially to make up for the annual increase plus the deferred $40 million — a somewhat risky and irresponsible way to fund education spending that was approved by voters at Town Meeting all across Vermont. Gov. Scott, when he was Lt. Gov., advocated against using one-time funds for precisely this purpose, as did most Republicans in the Legislature. The Democratically led Senate, on the other hand, compromised with the governor to keep the residential property tax rate flat using $20 million in one-time funds from the surplus, plus the budget bill creates a statewide teacher health benefit and sets up a task force to study how to reduce staff-to-student ratios at PreK-12 public schools. The budget also allows about $4 million to buy down some of the tax increase for the non-residential and business category of property tax for the coming year, though that rate will still increase by 4.5 cents. About a third of nonresidential tax revenue, which is assessed on properties like second homes and small businesses, comes from Vermonters, while the other two-thirds come from out-of-state property owners.
THE FISCAL NEWS IS MOSTLY GOOD. The political ramifications, on the other hand, are mixed. Gov. Scott and his chief of staff Jason Gibbs have come under deserved criticism for their last-minute exploits to hold the budget process hostage to a take-it or leave-it ultimatum by the administration. They also deserve criticism for creating an increasingly hostile and partisan atmosphere in Vermont politics, something we didn’t expect from Gov. Scott and his team. On a governance front, it’s less civil than when Gov. Scott came to office, but all is not lost. Ultimately, Scott backed off his high-stakes gambit; he accepted the Senate budget proposal that was backed by a unanimous Senate (Republicans and Democrats supported it and thought the governor should as well); and each side has their talking points for the campaign season ahead. Scott will run on his efforts to hold down school taxes (albeit with one-time funds that can’t be depended on going forward), and Democrats will champion their fiscal integrity, good governance and willingness to compromise. But Gov. Scott also loses the belief that he would be an honest broker. On the contrary, he has twice held the budget hostage on needless last-minute shenanigans, reversed his position on gun rights (to his credit, but it’s a grave affront to gun rights advocates), and he has still not taken the lead on a substantive issue to the point that he’s become a candidate without a credible agenda to take the state forward. And if he keeps practicing the art of contentious, partisan politics, he’ll lose his image as a nice guy (if he hasn’t already) as well. That’s a lot to lose in the past year and a half. Angelo Lynn is the editor and publisher of the Addison Independent, a sister paper of the Mountain Times.
By John Cole, The Scranton Times-Tribune, PA
LETTERS
MTB business mini-series offered useful information Dear Editor, Last week the KPAA wrapped up a three-part mini-series aimed at teaching how to capitalize on the largest growing segment of summer recreational activity in our region: mountain biking. This information was provided free and open to the public. The combined expertise and knowledge shared by our presenters was invaluable to local business owners. The KPAA sends our sincerest thanks to our experts and guest speakers who freely donated their time and knowledge. The seminar kicked off with Tony Accurso of Alpine Bike works and Randy Elles of First Stop Board Barn explaining vocabulary unique to the sport of biking. At the second seminar, attendees got a regional snapshot of the various trail systems and learned how biking can support the summer recreational economy in a big way. Ben Colon of Killington Resort, Tom Horrocks of Pine Hill Partnership, Caitrin Maloney of Slate Valley Trails and Jason Mikula of Mountain Times (publisher of GRIP) created a comprehensive view of what the region has to offer, and where our community can go from here. Finally, the third
seminar benefited from the combined knowledge of Phil Black of The Lookout, a long-time bike aficionado and advocate, and Rich McCoy of Pico Mountain. The two were able to impart practical knowledge about how to support bikers with small upgrades such as building a simple bike rack, what secure storage could look like and a simple wash station. All of us at the KPAA are thinking about how we can support the area as a mountain bike destination, much in the way that Kingdom Trails are. While some businesses are at the front line for interacting with bikers, we know that the rising tide raises all boats. The KPAA hopes to continue to offer more informational seminars because of the positive feedback we’ve received. That being said, attendance was low. We would love to have broader feedback about what times, format and topics would be of interest to the business community. Feel free to email me at Sarah@killingtonpico.org, or stop by the Killington Welcome Center! Sarah Newell, KPAA Volunteer & Communications Coordinator
There’s much happening at Killington Resort Dear Editor, On March 1, we announced the largest capital improvement plan in 20 years. The highlights of this plan included a new 6-person high speed bubble chairlift at Snowdon, the return of lift service at South Ridge, RFID lift access, upgrades to the K-1 Express Gondola and resort-wide infrastructure improvements. Since then, we have committed to invest even more in upgrades ahead of the 2018/19 season. These improvements include over $1 million in snowmaking equipment, employee housing,
four new groomers and additional infrastructure (like paving). Now that we are in the full swing of summer, I want to update you on where we are and what’s ahead. Summer Update The Snowshed Adventure Center officially opened for seven-day a week summer operation on June 22, and with it we celebrated the grand opening of the new Woodward WreckTangle. The WreckTangle is an adventure ninja course that has 10 obstacles, which can be swapped out and changed, includResort update, page 7A
A sad goodbye to the Pasta Pot Dear Editor, Something was missing. I’ve read every page of the The Mountain Times Volume 47 Number 26 June 27-July 3. It just wasn’t the same. What am I looking for? Where was it? I’ts usually on the right, lower corner, mid-way through. The weekly Pasta Pot ad. “PIE Mussels – Open 5-10. See you Then!” Then I remembered, the story from a few weeks ago. “Pasta Pot sold after 44 years.” It hit me like a freight train. Sounds dramatic,
doesn’t it? But there was no other way to describe how I felt reading those words. I screamed out loud… “NO!” I told my kids, I texted my husband. What? Are you serious? NO! And then there was silence and a sigh. In this world, you see things come and go. Seasons change, fads die, the political arm swings. But what we hold onto, what keeps us grounded, what keeps us sane – are the small things. Sitting by the fire with your loved ones. Pasta Pot, page 7A
CAPITOL QUOTES
The Mountain Times • July 4-10, 2018
ICE UST ’S J N Y O ... NED KEN EMENT R I RET
CAPITOL QUOTES “My election night depression has returned with the announcement of Justice Kennedy’s retirement. I think about my daughter and the U.S. future under an extremely conservative court. Reproductive choice, campaign finance, right to organize, civil rights, so much now in jeopardy. Peace,” Tweeted Lt. Gov. Dave Zuckerman June 27 after Justice Anthony Kennedy announced that he would retire from the U.S. Supreme Court after serving in the senate judiciary for 43 years.
“Justice Kennedy’s retirement could cement a right wing court for a generation. All of us who care about civil rights, civil liberties, women’s rights, getting dark money out of politics and more should make our voices heard in any way we can. Immediately,” Said Congressman Peter Welch in a statement June 27.
“When it comes time to decide on a replacement for Justice Kennedy, I hope that my Republican colleagues who believe that women, not the government, have the right to control their own bodies will stand with those of us who oppose any nominee who would deny any woman the right to choose,” Said Sen. Bernie Sanders in a statement June 27.
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Resort update: Summer investments and positive growth continued from page 6A ing a quarter pipe finish. The thrilling early pass product sales and is encourobstacles are designed to be achievable aging for the growth of our year-round and fun for kids and adults. business as a community moving Two new interactive water forward. games also opened; DownEvents update pour Derby and Water This summer we have Wars. taken over events We are building a previously planned by new walking/jogthe EDTC. We have ging trail around ramped up our the Snowshed events staff from Pond which will 2 to 4 full-time open in the next employees to help few weeks and find and execute just completbigger and better ed an outdoor events. exercise pod next In June, we to the Killington welcomed back Grand. the Vermont Bike & In order to Brew which douincrease summer bled in numbers from visitation, we have last year, bringing in extended our local adabout 500 riders and beer venture center season pass enthusiasts. The Cooler in deal, to the entire state. Mike Solimano the Mountains Concert Series As I explained in the spring kicks off on July 14 and based on update, Mountain Bike visits grew 90 community feedback was moved back percent from 2016 to 2017 producing to the K-1 Base Area. You can expect 23,000 mountain bike visits last season. headliners like HIRIE, Rustic Overtones Year to date we are up 46 percent from and Donavan Frankenreiter. last year’s early season, about 2,000 We are also excited to introduce the visits so far. While the numbers are small US Open of Mountain Biking Aug. 1-5. relative to the whole summer, the trend This event is expected to bring in 5,000 is encouraging. people for four days. Construction update As most of you in the community We spent the spring in the thick of know the local Option Tax (Sales and permitting and are almost there. All lift Use portion) was repealed by the voters projects inat the Town cluding the Meeting Day MOUNTAIN BIKE VISITS GREW 90 new 6-perin March 2017, PERCENT FROM 2016 TO 2017 ... son bubble and will cease chairlift at to exist after WE ARE UP 46 PERCENT FROM Snowdon, June 30, 2018. LAST YEAR’S EARLY SEASON. installation We were big of the South supporters of Ridge chairlift and K-1 Express Gondothat repeal, and we made a commitment la updates are on schedule. It’s been a to this community and are proud that we complicated process with permitting are holding to that commitment through but we expect the last permits in the upthe continual expansion of summer coming weeks for the mountain tunnel events and year-round activities. and trail improvements. We plan to have In the interest of open community RFID installed by October and RFID sea- communications, I pledge to keep the son passes will be mailed this fall. Stay community informed as projects progup-to-date on construction by visiting ress. I also welcome community feedKillington.com/seasonofmore. back, questions and comments. Feel free Season pass update: to contact me directly at msolimano@ We finished our early season deadkillington.com. line with season passes outpacing last Thanks, year by 7 percent. We introduced the Mike Solimano, president and general new Beast 365 All-Seasons Pass, which manager for Killington Resort and Pico accounted for almost 20 percent. of our Mountain.
Pasta Pot: A sad farewell to a beloved place ,tradition continued from page 6A
“I am concerned that anyone who passes President Trump’s litmus tests for judges will not be capable of rising above politics and providing a check against this administration’s many excesses. I am concerned that the rights of consumers, workers and vulnerable Americans would be expendable in favor of the wealthy and the powerful. I am concerned that a woman’s right to choose has never been so at risk in the 45 years since Roe v. Wade. And I am concerned that, just as our country has embraced an individual’s right to marry whomever they choose, marriage equality is now at risk as well,” Said Sen. Patrick Leahy in a June 27 statement.
A song from way back when. A killer powder day. For us it was Pete’s Hunters Lasagna, Veal Timpone, Shrimp scampi with White Clam sauce. And the hot garlic bread presented as though they knew we were coming. These meals I can taste as I sit here. And more to the point, I remember how I felt when I took my first bite. An exhale. Eyes closed. Cares melting away. This is what life’s all about. We paid our first visit to The Pasta Pot almost 30 years ago. Before marriage, kids, and at least three faithful dogs ago. Since then Pete Timpone has graced us with his warm hospitality, delicious food, and a place we called our own. We brought our children here as babies, we brought our house guests here, we joked that our kids would work the kitchen one day. We remember Ozzie, and the lovely Norma, and so many loyal members of Pete’s team. Pete would be in the kitchen every single night. No easy task. His menu and food were steadfastly consistent. Never
changing, always just as we remembered from the time before. Never needing a menu, we ordered verbatim from memory. From the outside looking in, I cannot fathom the level of commitment owning a restaurant and running a kitchen requires. Pete Timpone is a champion in his field. I know he is a legend in these parts. He’s earned the respect of his peers, his friends, family and his faithful patrons. He always greeted us with a friendly “Hi guys!” from the kitchen window when we arrived. We always felt welcomed. We were given a seat by the fire, a large carafe of the house Chianti and we were on our way. To Pete and Barbara, we wish you all the best this life has to offer. You deserve to watch every sunset from every corner of this earth. Thank you for years and years of wonderful memories. We will miss you more than you could ever know. Janine Chris Noelle and Mason Mesbah, Plymouth, Vt., by way of Westfield New Jersey