Thursday, January 30, 2014

Ludlow Donates Projector to Black River Museum


















 
Pictured above are, from left to right, Anita Alic, representing Black River Academy Museum (BRAM) and Frank Heald, Ludlow's Town Manager, as the town of Ludlow formally presents BRAM with a Sharp movie projector.  The projector was originally presented to the town in 2010 by FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) for use showing movies.  FOLA has since replaced the projector with a new one that was also donated to the town.  Heald thought that BRAM, given its frequent historical presentations and programs, would be an ideal location for the still very useful projector.
 

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Award-winning "Lincoln" next Movie at Ludlow Town Hall On Feb. 1



      
                        
                                         

Lincoln is a 2012 American epic historical drama film directed by Steven Spielberg, starring Daniel Day-Lewis as United States President Abraham Lincoln and Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln. The screenplay by Tony Kushner was based in part on Doris Kearns Goodwin's biography Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, and covers the final four months of Lincoln's life, focusing on the President's efforts in January 1865 to have the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution passed by the United States House of Representatives.

In January 1865, President Abraham Lincoln expects the Civil War to end within a month. However, he is concerned that his 1863 Emancipation Proclamation may be discarded by the courts once the war has concluded and that the Thirteenth Amendment be defeated by the returning slave states. Lincoln feels it is imperative to pass the amendment by the end of the month, thus removing any possibility that slaves who have already been freed may be re-enslaved. The Radical Republicans fear the amendment will merely be defeated by some who wish to delay its passage; the support of the amendment by Republicans in the border states is not yet assured either, since they prioritize the issue of ending the war. Even if all of them are ultimately brought on board, the amendment will still require the support of several Democratic congressmen if it is to pass. With dozens of Democrats having just become lame ducks after losing their re-election campaigns in the fall of 1864, some of Lincoln's advisors believe that he should wait until the new Republican-heavy Congress is seated, presumably giving the amendment an easier road to passage. Lincoln, however, remains adamant about having the amendment in place and the issue of slavery settled before the war is concluded and the southern states readmitted into the Union.

As with all FOLA movies, the film is free to all; donations are appreciated to help underwrite the cost of the movie. Thanks to Berkshire Bank, the popcorn will also be free along with water provided by FOLA - while supplies last. For information, call 802-228-7239 or email info@fola.us.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Okemo alpine "superpipe" is first of its kind in the east



 Okemo Mountain Resort’s Amp Energy Superpipe made its season debut on Saturday, Jan. 18, as the first halfpipe to open in the East.
Okemo Mountain Resort’s Amp Energy Superpipe made its season debut on Saturday, Jan. 18, as the first halfpipe to open in the East.First Posted: Tuesday, January 21, 2014 -11:09 a.m.

 — Okemo Mountain Resort’s Amp Energy Superpipe made its season debut on Saturday, Jan. 18, as the first halfpipe to open in the East.
Measuring 500 feet in length, the Amp Energy Superpipe at Okemo has 18-foot high walls and a span of 54 feet between decks. The slope angle is 16 degrees –achieved with a depth of 14 feet of snow under the bottom of the pipe at the high end. The total amount of snow required to build the Amp Energy Superpipe was 51 acre-feet, which required more than 10 million gallons of water.
“It’s a big project,” said Okemo Director of Mountain Operations Eb Kinney. “We started snowmaking for the pipe on Dec. 27 and started building on Dec. 30. Once the first wall is built we chainsaw-cut the vert and shape it somewhat with an excavator. This speeds up the process for cutting with the Zaugg pipe cutter. It took approximately eight hours of excavator time and 140 hours of cat time. We feel the pipe is a major part of Okemo’s Park program and we all take a lot of pride getting this pipe open.”
Okemo’s commitment to providing skiers and riders with a quality halfpipe experience includes the use of laser technology. By affixing adjustable laser units to a stationary base at the bottom of the superpipe, and attaching a receptor device to the arm of the Zaug Pipe Monster, Okemo’s groomer operators can monitor superpipe shaping for better construction and upkeep.
“We start setting up our lasers in late fall and get all of our points of reference in place so once it gets cold and the mountain is in good shape, we’re ready to start work on the pipe,” said Kinney. “The lasers help us keep a straight line for the vertical and elevation of the floor and decks.”
In addition to being home to the East’s first superpipe this season, Okemo offers a variety of terrain parks, bump runs, glades and ungroomed trails with natural conditions.
Okemo Terrain Parks Manager Jeremy Baronet said, “we are currently rocking 32 features of various sizes and shapes amongst six parks. Temperatures permitting, we are looking at additional snowmaking on Upper Nor’easter and construction of an additional 15-plus features in the Rockstar Superpark."

Fall Festival on the Green

The 40th annual Fall Festival on the Green in the Town of Chester, VT., will be held on the weekend of September 20-21st 2014.  High quality artists and craftspeople creating handmade work in New England are encouraged to participate.  Applications are due by April 1 st  and are currently being accepted.  They are downloadable at www.chesterfallfestival.org.  Participating vendors and corporate sponsors will be listed on the Fall Festival website.  A limited number of spots are available at no cost to local non profit organizations, but an application is required.  This event is sponsored by the Chester VT Rotary Club.  Contact:chesterfallfestival@yahoo.com.   

Weston Theatre Company Offers Classes in Ludlow this Spring

Weston Theatre Company Offers Classes in Ludlow this Spring

The Weston Playhouse Theatre Company is offering two classes this March into April which are sure to chase away the winter blues. On a series of Mondays, beginning March 17, students in grades 6-12 are invited to participate in “Make A Scene”; and adults are encouraged to sign up for “Strike Three Cabaret.” The classes will be held in the spacious and gracious auditorium in Ludlow’s Town Hall on Depot Street. The classes will be taught by Broadway performer and Weston favorite Susan Haefner. Classes are sponsored by Friends of Ludlow Auditorium (FOLA).

Make a Scene will introduce students to acting through ensemble-building exercises, theatre games and improvisation. Participants will be assigned scenes from popular plays, learn how to create characters from the inside-out, speak and step on stage with confidence, and relate believably and imaginatively with fellow actors. 7 Mondays, March 17 - April 28 with an evening presentation on April 28. Kids in grades 6-8: 3:15-4:30. Grades 9-12: 4:45-6:00. Cost: $125. (Scholarships are available thanks to FOLA, Okemo and Ben & Jerry’s.)

Strike Three Cabaret is designed for adults with a dose of post-winter cabin fever and at least a smidge of talent. Susan, who has directed cabarets for the Weston Playhouse, will lead class participants as they choose material, learn songs, develop skits, dig up props… and basically just have a lot of laughs. Assisting Susan is the talented Mr. Kent Baker on keyboards. Open to ages 18-80 on up! 6 MondaysMarch 17 - April 21 (April 21st performance.) Cost: $150. (Assistance may be available upon request.)

About the Instructor: Susan Haefner has been a Weston Playhouse company member for over 20 years (42nd Street, To Kill a Mockingbird, Bad Dates). She is a Broadway actress (Billy Elliot, Thoroughly Modern Millie, 42nd Street, State Fair.) As a teacher, Susan has taught at numerous Performing Arts Schools such as Geva Theatre Summer Academy, Studio New Canaan, and Shuffles Tap School. Susan holds a BFA degree in Musical Theatre (SUNY Fredonia) and an MFA in Acting (FSU). She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Registration is requested by February 24. Class size is limited, so sign up today! A registration form can be downloaded at the Weston website at www.westonplayhouse.org/classes. For more information, contact Education Director Jacki Brown: 802-297-7364 orjbrown@westonplayhouse.org.

POLITICAL FORUM

POLITICAL FORUM SET FOR
Saturday JANUARY 25th, AT 2 P.M.
Mount Holly Town Office

A political forum on the issues in Montpelier will be held at the Mount Holly Town Clerk’s Office on Saturday, January 25 at 2 p.m. In attendance will be our Senator Alice Nitka from Ludlow and Representative Dennis Devereux from Mount Holly. They will discuss their understanding of bills that will likely have serious consideration, and some other important issues.  We invite the public to join us with your questions for the Senator and the Representative, so please mark your calendars and plan to attend. It will be hosted by the Mount Holly Republican Committee.  Refreshments will be provided.

Monday, January 20, 2014

An unedited letter from the Farrow family about Benji's Olympic experience.

This is an unedited letter from the Farrow family about Benji's Olympic experience. Please leave comments and well wishes at the bottom of the page.
Newsflash

The LORD has locked the door on Sochi for Benji...we are in a mild sort of disbelief and sadness for him regarding this last Saturday, but know that GOD is in control of all things and His children.   Benji for some reason is not to snowboard fo.
r a while.  On Saturday (Jan 18th) at the end of the day of riding and practice he was coming off of a rail with his back on the downhill.  He was "blind" to as to what was downhill at this precise moment.   A snowmobile was turning in his path - well Benji hit it and did damage to his knee - not significant - but enough to put him out for a few weeks if surgery is not needed.  Isn't this just amazing?  The poor kid, is just trying so hard to keep up a positive outlook, is not going after the young man who made the mistake (being in the path of a jump/rail on it a major no no on any mountain) - even though it has ruined some opportunities for Benji's next few weeks or season.  Because we trust in GOD and He is greater than us, we are holding onto the truth that something better is going to happen from all this - we don't know what, but we can trust that the God who created the heavens and the earth, is the same God who cares even for the sparrows and Benji Farrow!  Thanks for keeping us in prayer.  Just another beautiful story about who Benji is and  that one day it will all fit together .


-- 
PS 73v28
As for me, it is good for me to draw near to God: therefore I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.

Need Computer Help?

Computer Help!
Mount Holly Town Library
Sundays 1 to 4 pm
We’ve had a great response to our Computer Intern.
This coming Sunday, Jan. 26th we have an opening at3 pm.
Call for an appointment or stop in!
Every Sunday until June the intern will be here to help you!
Take advantage of this free service to Mt. Hollyites
Bring your device or use our computer!
Stop by the Library, call 259-3707 or emaillherbst@vermontel.net
Stop in any Sunday or make an appointment
 for a specific Sunday and time.

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Friday, January 17, 2014

MOUNT HOLLY'S VERY OWN OLYMPIC SNOWBOARDERS

We will be keeping up with Hannah Teter and Benji Farrow when ever news is available.

Belmont grown Hannah Teter competing at two Olympic qualifiers today placed 3rd twice putting her within the top 4 that go to the 2014 Olympics in Russia. The final deciding qualifier is this Sunday you can watch  it live on NBC 3:00PM EST local Benji Farrow will also be competing.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Morgan Kathan's "Coats for Kids" Project Succeeds in Goal






Morgan Kathan's "Coats for Kids"
Project Succeeds in Goal
 
Appearing on a recent episode of TW3 (That Was The Week That Was), broadcast over LPCTV, cable channel 8 and 20, Morgan Kathan, a senior at Black River High School, provided an update to her project to provide warm winter coats to area kids in need of them.  Assisted by Karen Tromboli, Principal of Ludlow Elementary School, Morgan announced that her project had raised enough funds to purchase over 78 heavy winter coats for a number of students in Ludlow and Mt Holly.  She noted that she had been able to raise the monies for this project with the aid of a number of community organizations, private individual donations, "Zumbathon" contests, local media support, and raffles over the past several months.  Trimboli noted that Morgan had exercised "extreme willingness to ensure that kids in needs of warm clothing secured it through relentless work and dedication".  Morgan also thanked Sharon and Ron Bixby for the help they provided in sending out donation request letters to area businesses and organizations.  She noted that she hoped the project would be continued by her classmates in future years.  She is pictured above during her interview on TW3.  From left to right are, Ralph Pace, TW3 moderator, Morgan Kathan, and Karen Tromboli.



Student council is holding a bingo fundraiser on Saturday, January 18th.  All proceeds of this fundraiser will go to benefit the music department.  So come out and support student council, Black River and especially the music department. It will be held in the gym on Stage. Doors open at 5:30 and games begin at 6:00. The game will be held on the stage in the gym.

FOLA Sets Sights on New Seating for Ludlow Auditorium





FOLA Sets Sights on New Seating for Ludlow Auditorium


At its annual meeting at the Ludlow Town Hall, FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) reaffirmed its plans to raise funds to replace the existing seating in the Town Hall Auditorium.  According to FOLA Chairman, Ralph Pace, "The existing seats are just uncomfortable and need to be replaced by seats that that are comfortable for the usual two plus hours of normal event use."  As a result, FOLA will initiate fund raising plans for 2014 aimed at raising monies to purchase new chairs.  Pictured above are the current chairs used in the auditorium.  At the meeting, FOLA also agreed to underwrite scholarships for area students and adults participating in the acting and cabaret classes to be taught by Susan Haefner, Broadway and Weston actress, as part of a program developed in concert with the Weston Playhouse.  These classes will take place in March and April.  Additional information on the classes is available from Jacki Brown of the Playhouse at 802-297-7364.  FOLA will again assist the Music-Comp Opus Concert for area students.  The group also indicated that long-range plans for the auditorium will include consideration of satellite tranmission of live concert program, ranging from pop music to the opera, and the possible inclusion of programs associated with the Vermont Humanities Council.  The program schedule for 2014 was approved and may be found on the FOLA website atwww.fola.us.  For additional information, 228-7239 or www.fola.us.

Black River School is hosting a Parent Night on the evening of Monday, January 27th


Black River School is hosting a Parent Night on the evening of Monday, January 27th.  There will be sessions on teenage trends in social media, tech tips for parents, internet addiction, and use of technology in the classroom.  This is similar to the program that was made available to parents in the fall with some new and current additions. 

Thanks to the Okemo Mountain Challenge Grant, we will be able to offer free dinner at 5:15 p.m. in the Community Center. DJ's Restaurant will be preparing stuffed shells, sausages, marinara sauce, salad, and dessert for our enjoyment. Childcare will be provided and all attendees will have a chance to win a gas card.

It is so important it is to keep up with you teenager's life online.  It is also important to know that you can monitor and control the amount of time your child spends using electronic devices. With students using devices in the classroom, it is an advantage for parents to know what to look for in their child’s device use and how to encourage your child to use it effectively for school. Let Black River show you how!

Again, dinner is from 5:15 to 5:45 in the community center.  Sessions will start at 6:00 and the program will end at 8:00 p.m.

A flyer is attached for more information.



--------------------------------
Janet Pipkin
Dean of Students
Yearbook Advisor

FOLA Begins Rehearsals For New Follies Production







FOLA Begins Rehearsals
For New Follies Production
 
FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) started rehearsals for its "FOLA Follies of 2014" at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium.  The new version of the Follies will be produced on Saturday, March 29.  Tesha Buss will direct a cast of local and regional artists on music primarily from Hollywood movies.  Pictured above are, standing left to right, Linda Thomson and George Thomson, with Kasia Karazim playing the piano, as they rehearse one of their numbers for the show, "Sunrise/Sunset".  There are still opening for anyone interested in joining the Follies cast; for information, call 802-228-7239 or info@fola.us.
 

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

SELECT BOARD BUDGET WORK SESSION January 9, 2014

SELECT BOARD
BUDGET WORK SESSION
January 9, 2014
Jim Heald, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:45 pm. Jim Heald, Raymond Tarbell, and Tim Martin, Select Board members, met with David Johnson, Town Treasurer, to prepare a FY 2015 budget. Also present were Susan Covalla, Rhonda Rivers and Don Richardson.
1. The Board reviewed a line item worksheet prepared by David Johnson showing the FY12-13 budget and actuals and the FY13-14 budget, and developed a proposed budget for FY14-15.
2. A decision on carryover to a General Fund revenue item was deferred.
3. Social Service requests were reviewed.
4. Jim Heald presented an email he had received following the School Board meeting last night, which outlined a proposal for purchase of the 5.6 acres for the proposed new garage. There was no further discussion on the email.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:36 pm.
Rhonda Rivers
Minutes are DRAFT until approved at a Select Board meeting. Approved on:________________

The Holy Shroud of Turin Exhibit

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Pope John Paul II said in 1998:”The Holy Shroud of Turin is the most
Splendid Relic of the Church.” Pope Frances in a Vatican Broadcast said, “…by means of the Holy Shroud, the unique supreme Word of God comes to us….”

The Holy Shroud of Turin Exhibit:  A visit of the Holy Shroud of Turin Exhibit will take place at the Church of the Annunciation of the Blesssed Virgin Mary  in Ludlow from 9:15-10:15 AM on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014. In the Holy Shroud, we have a visual history of the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Our presenter, Mr. Don Messier of Jericho, is a sindonologist and has been a student of the Holy Shroud for over 50 years. 
Come to an inspiring presentation on Sunday, Jan 19, 9:15-10:15 Am. The presentation will include a dramatic exhibition of three full-size photographs of the actual Holy Shroud (8 ft. x 4 ft.) with accompanying slides and clips from BBC, Discovery, History, and EWTV Channels.  There will be an opportunity for questions and answers after the presentation.
Call 1-800-295-5158 or e-mail DWAMessier@aol.com for more information.
This is free and open to the public.  The most up-to-date historical and scientific information on the Holy Shroud will be presented.  Pope Benedict authorized the viewing of the Holy Shroud in Turin, Italy, from April to May 2010.   Over 3 million people visited it in a period of 6 weeks.  Pope Francis, in a live broadcast on RAI WEB stated,”…By means of the Holy Shroud, the unique and supreme word of God comes to us….”
Come to see the life-size photographs of the Holy Shroud! Don’t miss it!

Monday, January 13, 2014

SELECT BOARD MEETING January 14, 2014

SELECT BOARD MEETING 
January 14, 2014 
7:30pm 

AGENDA 

1. Approval of Meeting Minutes 
a. Regular Meeting Minutes of December 10, 2013 
b. Special Meeting Minutes of January 09, 2014 

2. Highways 
a. Sign Certificate of Highway Mileage 
b. Highway/Bridge restrictions (due 02/10/14) 
c. Healdville Road – 1970’s curve relocation question 
d. New garage 

3. Report of Treasurer 
a. Monthly income and expense report 
b. VT Division of Property Valuation and Review 
c. External Audit – progress report 

4. Proposed FY15 Budget 

5. Set date/time to review Town Meeting warning (01/23/14?) 

6. Transfer Station 

7. Emergency Management Coordinator 

8. Planning Commission 
a. Local Hazard Mitigation Plan – Fred Nicholson, RRPC 

9. Star Lake Dam Reconstruction project 

10. Select Board Expansion 

11. Other 
a. Tarbellville Cemetery – tree removal 

12. Review and sign December orders for payment 

13. Executive Session (if needed) 

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Think Before You Donate





Can you spell big time G R E E D?  All in the name if helping others!


  THINK BEFORE YOU DONATE!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE YOU MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS:   As you open your pockets to do a good thing and make yourself feel good, please keep the following facts in mind: 


The American Red Cross
President and CEO Marsha J. Evans'

salary for the year was $651,957 plus expenses

MARCH OF DIMES
It is called the March of Dimes because

only a dime for every 1 dollar is given to the needy.
The United Way
President Brian Gallagher

receives a $375,000 base salary along with numerous expense benefits.

UNICEF
CEO Caryl M. Stern receives

$1,200,000 per year (100k per month) plus all expenses including a ROLLS ROYCE.

Less than 5 cents of your donated dollar goes to the cause.
GOODWILL 
CEO and owner Mark Curran profits $2.3 million a year.
Goodwill is a very catchy name for his business.

You donate to his business and then he sells the items for PROFIT. 
He pays nothing for his products and pays his workers minimum wage! Nice Guy. 
$0.00 goes to help anyone! 

Stop giving to this man.
Instead, give it to ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

GO "GREEN" AND PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE IT WILL DO SOME GOOD:

The Salvation Army
Commissioner, ToddBassett receives a small salary of only

$13,000 per year(plus housing) for managing this $2 billion dollar organization.

96 percent of donated dollars go to the cause.

The American Legion
National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary
Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!

The Veterans of Foreign Wars
National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary.

Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!
The Disabled American Veterans
National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary.
Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!

The Military Order of Purple Hearts
National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary
Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!

The Vietnam Veterans Association
National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary.

Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!
Make a Wish:For children's last wishes.

100% goes to funding trips or special wishes for a dying child.
St. Jude Research Hospital

100% goes towards funding and helping Children with Cancer who have no insurance and cannot afford to pay.
Ronald McDonald Houses

All monies go to running the houses for parents who have critical Children in the hospital.

100% goes to housing, and feeding the families.
Lions Club International

100% OF DONATIONS GO TO HELP THE BLIND,BUY HEARING AIDES, SUPPORT MEDICAL MISSIONS AROUND THE WORLD. THEIR LATEST UNDERTAKING

IS MEASLES VACCINATIONS (ONLY $1.00 PER SHOT).

Please share this with everyone you can.