Friday, September 28, 2018

Who Owns Lake Ninevah?

Who Owns Lake Ninevah?

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Who Owns Lake Ninevah?
Ida Gage
Patrick Leahy, Vermont Senator, created a bill for the state to run the Federal Forestry Legacy Program.  Federal has the money and gives it to the State to run when they submit an application. Realizing that most properties are privately owned the program allows owners to own and manage their lands but are paid a fair price for their property.  Combining Vermont Forest Programs(VFP) with non-profits was a perfect fit, The VFP pays 75% for the land and non-profits add the rest. The goal is to preserve wildlife habitats, forest resources, water resources basically keeping the area forever wild so the public can enjoy outdoor recreational activities offered. The State also establishes conservation easements and gives funds, not used for State projects, to local organizations to purchase and develop land for public recreational use. Both private owners and the State are committed to preserving the lands and opening them to the public for recreation, in perpetuity, which prevents this land being used for commercial purposes. Cow Mountain Pond in Granby Vt. was the first program. The non profits and State established goals and outlined a public involvement process to establish strong relationships with the community.  The 71 people, the population of Granby raised money to pay 25% for the 1600 acres surrounding the pond and VFP paid for rest. The area offered many summer and winter outdoor recreational activities. They made sure to protect and preserve their water and accesses to the pond. Areas were developed for swimming, boating. camping, fishing, and other aquatic activities in summer as well as winter recreation. The success of this first program resulted in many areas in Vermont receiving part of 4 million that first year and millions of dollars for the past 25 years from the VFP.
The Wilderness Corp. (now the Ninevah Foundation (NF) came to Ninevah with their nudity in 1961. Farm & Wilderness brought the Foundation to Ninevah and helped them provide areas and build camps for outdoor education. For 53 years the camps, ages 11- 17, were nudist.  Clothing was required in 2009. The NF reports 1000 youths attended the camps in 2017. How many were Vermonters? A counselor for the camps in Plymouth in the 60”s writes: “Farm & Wilderness has exposed many children from cities and suburbs to this wonderful state and motivated them to protect the environment.”  These camps receive grants and funds from Vermont and should serve Vermont’s children. Local children cannot even swim in the lake. Are we the only ones who feel this is wrong? The NF state they are committed to education, yet support public nudity. As educators, we believe practicing nudity at Ninevah is offensive.  It does not belong on a public lake, especially in front of the children. The NF has chosen not to work with the community, does not share the amounts received allows and does not involve the community. They have not been good neighbors from the beginning and by not involving the community there is a lot of animosities. We understood that one goal of VFP is to have the State and non-profit organizations work to assure public involvement to establish strong community support.  It is hard to understand why the state has not done this.
What was the purpose of Wilderness Corp. starting Ninevah Foundation in 1995 and Wilderness Community in 1996 with different officers and addresses?  The Wilderness Corp. immediately quit-claimed their original gated community, Blakely Beach, Dam/beach plus 3 beaches owned by those who purchased lots not on the lake, to the Wilderness Community. This closed every access to the lake. What funds were used to purchase these areas? They have been posted since 1965. The Wilderness Corp. quit-claimed all property to the NF in 2001 and then dissolved. The NF and Wilderness Community, Inc. are non-profit, tax-exempt organizations committed to keeping Ninevah and surrounding area forever wild for the public to enjoy. We believe these areas are tax exempt.  Members of the NF receive a tax break for their work with nonprofits. Are there reports as what these two non-profits, tax-exempt, charitable organizations have done in regards to their commitment to serve the public use of recreation areas on and around the lake?
We have owned property on the lake for 60 years and only recently did we learn, through research, that the NF has received over 1 million dollars from VFP, plus money for nonprofits and public donations.  In reality, the taxpayers have purchased the land and contributed to many of their causes. The Ninevah Foundation is not a local organization but a group, the majority from out of state and a few Vermonters who are now members.  Their loyalties do not seem to be for the Vermonters. My husband, Art, and I were born and raised in Vermont. In fact, Art is called the “Father of Wrestling in Vermont” as he started the first program at Benhi in 1962. This is where our loyalties lie.
Vermont requires that grants and non-profits not just list open lands but prove they are being used as designated.  The NP lists show lands that have never had a person on them. The Foundation purchased neighbor’s land at Ninevah and it remains in their name. The owners removed the septic, water, electricity modular, and planted trees across the front and have kept if forever wild. It has not been open to the public. If it was purchased by VFP,  that is a requirement. If so, are there other properties purchased by NF. Where are they located and are they open to the public? The NF purchased 840 acres of conserved land with highly restricted development available to only members. This encompasses the south end of the lake which starts with the bog and goes to their wilderness camp on the waterfront. It extends to the high tension lines. Why does this valuable land state the town has no say in its development and what funds were used to purchase it?  
The Foundation will tell you Ninevah is a private lake and that is the reason it cannot be used by the public. (The state access is provided by the State, not the NF.)  Once the Foundation started receiving Vermont grants and funds they have a commitment to the public. “Every charity is to establish and regularly review a mission statement to explain organization and purpose.  Perhaps it is time for a State review. If not maybe the Attorney General needs to investigate. If the Foundation is doing everything right than they should welcome this. Recently we asked the Town about rules and regulations for Ninevah and were told that the NF makes and enforces all of the rules.  The town has no say. My favorite quote from the Vermont Forest Legacy Program: “THE PROGRAM IS FOR ALL CREATURES INCLUDING HUMANS”. The Foundation makes many reports about education, environment, wildlife etc. Where are the reports on what they do for humans?  I will leave it to the readership to decide who owns Lake Ninevah.


1782 Lake Ninevah Road

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Rental Wanted

From: J Max 

"Good day. A pet-free, nonsmoking, quiet, and extremely neat, female Vermonter is looking for a small living quarter or room to rent in/around Mnt Holly (closer to Rutland is fine too). I am currently working in education and am not a tourist. I can afford $100/wk and would be willing to take part in a minor work exchange if a rental fee was a bit higher. Honestly, I am a pretty private individual who appreciates going home to a quiet living environment, which is no longer the case where I am currently staying. If you can assist in my search I thank you. If you have a space you would like a trusting and respectful person to rent, please contact me: 802-274-2442. :) Julie"

FOLA Movie Press Release - for week of October 1st.

A Zombie Horror/Comedy Movie Classic 

"Shaun of the Dead"  will be the next FOLA movie on Saturday, October 6th at 7:00 P.M. at Heald Auditorium at the Ludlow Town Hall.
Shaun of the Dead is a 2004 horror comedy film directed by Edgar Wright, written by Wright and Simon Pegg.

Pegg plays Shaun a shop salesman with no direction in his life. His colleagues disrespect him, he does not get on with his stepfather Philip, and his girlfriend Liz breaks up with him. After the break-up, Shaun drowns his sorrows at his local pub, the Winchester, with his housemate and best friend Ed. At home, their housemate Pete, complaining of a bite wound from a mugger, berates Shaun to get his life together.

By morning, a zombie apocalypse has overwhelmed London, but Shaun and Ed are slow to notice until they encounter two zombies in their garden and kill them with blows to the head. They form a plan to rescue Shaun's mother, Barbara, and Liz, then wait out the crisis in the Winchester. They escape in Pete's car, and pick up Barbara and Philip, who has been bitten, then Liz and her friends Dianne and David. Philip makes peace with Shaun before turning into a zombie.

Shaun of the Dead received critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a score of 92%.a of 7.8/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Shaun of the Dead cleverly balances scares and witty satire, making for a bloody good zombie movie with loads of wit".

As with all FOLA movies, the film is free and open to everyone; donations are appreciated. Popcorn will be supplied by Berkshire Bank with FOLA providing water.  For information, call 802-228-7239 or visit the FOLA website at www.fola.us


Attachments area

Sunday, September 23, 2018

The Mount Holly Photo Contest and Calenda



Mount Holly 2018
Photo Contest

OPENING RECEPTION
and
AWARDS CEREMONY

Sunday, September 30, 2018
4:00 p.m.

Library & Community Center
Community Room

Enjoy wine and refreshments!
Be the first to see this year’s photos and
meet the 2018 award winners 

Vote on your favorite photos for the 2020 Calendar 


The Mount Holly Photo Contest and Calendar are sponsored by the Mount
Holly Community Association.  All proceeds help fund activities in our community

Saturday, September 15, 2018

WILL NYE RESPONSE TO “TAKEOVER” OF LAKE NINEVAH CROSSES OVER THE LINE

WILL NYE RESPONSE TO “TAKEOVER” OF LAKE NINEVAH CROSSES OVER THE LINE by Art Gage

This recent response by Will Nye, to my wife Ida’s article, crosses way over the line: “Interesting take. The Gage’s seemed to have a different opinion as to how to ‘protect’ the lake. Cranked up music, fireworks, lots of cars, loads of people. I seem to have a recollection of them putting a backhoe in the lake to ‘dredge’ their shoreline for their boat. I also seem to remember that there was an issue with their permit for the house they built and a black bear that was shot out of season.” I ask Mr. Nye if he can document these statements as this attack is slanderous. Will Nye’s parents came to Ninevah in 1995 and were very active in the Foundation. Will lived at Ninevah from 2011-2014. It was 24 (1994) years ago when three families, Bill and Greta Hewlitt, Barb Nevin and ourselves got together to celebrate the fourth of July as many Americans across our great country do. It became an annual event. We celebrate birthdays, reunions, births, anniversaries, and even a graduation and a wedding with our very dear friends and neighbors at the lake. Mr. Nye seems to have a recollection of us using a backhoe to “dredge” our shoreline for our boat. It was 1991 when the lake was drained for about 30 feet or more from shore. We had no boat as the Foundation won a ban on boats and water skiing This was done in the winter when there were no roads to the lake and their lawyer went to Montpelier, ignoring the grandfather clause longtime residents were proposing. We got permission to dig some of the 2 – 3 feet of mud in front of camp so our young children could swim. The Foundation would no longer allow us to use Blakely Beach, a part of our plot agreement when we purchased our lot. Paul Nevin spread the mud for us and we had a beautiful lawn. The mud did return. Mr. Nye’s parents came to Ninevah in 1995? Mr. Nye also remembers there were issues with a permit for the house we built. We started building our camp in 1991 and completed it in 1992. I believe it was 1994 when we added a bedroom. The town was concerned the addition was too close to the road so they came to check it. Paul Nevin was a selectman then and informed them he built a garage and apartment for his mother (which was the second camp to our right) and it was closer to the road than our bedroom. Our permit was approved. Mr. Nye’s last recollection is, “a black bear was shot out of season”. This is an outright lie. There is only one person who could have helped Mr. Nye with his recollection and memories. This person has been a dear friend for 60 years. He is a member of the Foundation. We understand the Foundation is not pleased with the article written by Ida but dishonesty by their members further defines the organization. The Foundation has received grants of over 1 million dollars, according to our research. They also, at this time, have two non-profit, the tax-exempt charitable organization dedicated to education, and keeping Vermont forever wild for the public to enjoy. We are asking for accountability by an outside source, such as the Vermont Attorney General. If the Foundation is doing everything right then there should be no reason for them to lie. Will Nye is correct in stating we have a different opinion as to how to “protect” the lake. We believe it should be “protected” for Mt. Holly residents, those in the surrounding areas and Vermonters to forever enjoy.

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Our Dog Lily, from the Wilkins Family


On Friday September 7 our dog Lily went out for her early morning walk, as she has done every morning for years.  She always returned after making a loop around our property on Frost Hill Road and down Blackberry Lane.  But this time she didn't come back.  News of her disappearance went out on the NewsFlash and we spent three days searching for her, day and night.  On Monday we found her body on our property, where she had dragged herself in an effort to make it home after being hit by a car.  Following a thorough examination by her veterinarian, it was determined that she suffered a tremendous blow by a fast moving vehicle close to home, quite possibly a speeding truck.  Her internal injuries were massive. Lily was a large dog and the vet stated that it would have been impossible for the driver not to know they had hit her.  We are viewing this as a hit and run.
Lily was a beloved member of our family and we endured three days of anguish in our search to find her.  If the driver had stopped to look at the animal they had hit and reported it to area neighbors or the authorities, it would have saved us days of heartbreak and searching.  Stepping forward would have been the right and courageous thing to do.
Anyone with information about this incident can contact Gerry and Marty Wilkins at 259-2046. 

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Ludlow Rotary Announces 28th Annual Chili Cook-Off

Ludlow Rotary Announces 28th Annual Chili Cook-Off

The Ludlow Rotary Club is looking for a few good cooks to make chili for next month’s 28th Annual Chili Cook-Off. Think you’ve got a taste that can’t be beaten? Here’s your chance to vie for bragging rights, cash prizes, and a nifty plaque.

The entry fee is $10 and all that’s needed are 3-5 gallons of your favorite chili delivered hot to the Cook-Off on the morning of the event. Email cook-off co-chairpersons for an application: Suzanne Garvey at Mary Davis Real Estate,s.garvey@davisandcompany.com, or Glenn Heitsmith at Timber Inn Motel, timberinn@tds.net or drop a note at Box 216, Ludlow, VT 05149.

The Cook-Off will be held Sat., Oct. 6 – rain or shine – under the tent on Depot Street by the traffic light and offers up to two dozen varieties of chili, including traditional, vegetarian and exotic. The cost to the public is $10 for all-you-can-eat served in a collectible mug, while supplies last. There's also cider, bread, and ice cream. Tasting starts at 11am and continues until the last spoonful is ladled out, usually around 2pm.

Participants vie for cash prizes in three People’s Choice categories: First ($200), Second ($100) and Third ($50). Plaques are awarded by the Rotary-appointed judges who decide Favorite, Spiciest and Team Spirit.

Monday, September 10, 2018

Response to Paul and Judy and Dorothy Weisbord

Response to Paul and Judy and Dorothy Weisbord




           My name is MacKenzie Gage, granddaughter of Art and Ida Gage.  I have been upset about the attacks made against my grandparents.  I would not describe either of them as making charges against anyone out of anger or being bitter.  Growing up my family and I spent a lot of time at Lake Ninevah.  My grandfather taught all of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren how to fish.  All of us cousins were always busy catching salamanders, swimming, hiking, boating, and learning to love our lake and the outdoors.  In the winter we all learned to ski and I loved rabbit hunting with the guys.  Vermont and Lake Ninevah became my favorite place to be.  When my grandmother asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up my reply was always:  "I want to be a Vermonter."  My grandparents took us many places like the Bennington Monument, the Old First Church, the Bennington Museum, Clarendon Gorge, Wilson Castle to name a few.
            I chose Castleton College and obtained my BS degree in physical education.  It was so much fun being in Vermont for four years.  With our camp nearby my parents and grandparents visited often and loved going to my soccer games.  When I graduated I wanted to celebrate at Lake Ninevah.  Many of my friends and relatives came for the weekend.  Both of my grandparents were physical education teachers.  My plan was to stay in Vermont but I got a job in New York.  In fact, I now teach in the district my grandfather taught in for 30  years.  Everyone there tells me I have some pretty big shoes to fill.
           I take offense that people have chosen to make false accusations against my grandparents.  They did not initiate a lawsuit the Foundation did.  I know that whatever they are doing it is because they love Vermont and love Lake Ninevah.  They want to make sure that all of us have a place we can love and enjoy when they are no longer with us.

Sunday, September 9, 2018

Response to Dorothy Weisbord Article 1958

Response to Dorothy Weisbord Article 1958

Dorothy Weisbord chose to attack Art and I refer to us as bitter. We are not bitter people. She related change as missing her neighbor, George Burgess, a real Vermonter, who sat on his porch loving and admiring Lake Ninevah.
Dorothy Weisbord is not aware that Art and I were classmates of George and his first wife Shirley from K – 12 in Bennington. We were the ones who told them about Lake Ninevah. Art’s mom and her two brothers lived at Wilson Castle in Rutland when they were in high school. All the school proms were held in Vermont. We are true Vermonters who moved out of the state for a job. We love our state and also love Lake Ninevah.
We are aware of the positive changes the Foundation have made at Ninevah and have acknowledged them. We are not happy with changes they have made such as, exposing our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to the nudity that has dominated our public lake for too many years. We would describe the Ninevah Foundation more like a cult than an organization dedicated to keeping the lake forever wild and beautiful for the public to enjoy. They have received Vermont Grants and solicited donations from the public to assist them in their projects and land purchase. Vermont grants should make it a priority to open lands first to Vermonters. When they cut off every access to the lake this does not happen. The Foundation should provide the access, not the State.
Art and I ran the waterfront at Elfin Lake in Wallingford in 1958 and 1959. It had a beautiful beach, float with a diving board, bathhouses, flush toilets, a picnic area, and a concession stand. Art taught swimming lessons 5 days a week and it was open from 8a.m- 8 pm. 6 days a week. Price was $3.00 a family in a 6-mile radius and $6 for those outside. It is a little more expensive today but even more beautiful. It has a day camp for area children. Is a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization dedicated to serving the public allowed to deny access to Vermont residents and the few owners on the waterfront who are not members?
I quote Dorothy: “I was very sorry to read the Gage rant. I hope that it hasn’t caused mischief in the community.” We Vermonters tend to stick to ourselves and have dealt with the Foundation for years finding our own fun time in spite of the Foundation. When the Foundation chose to charge us with encroaching on their land March 2015 Art and I decided to start investigating them. Three years ago we knew nothing of their activities. The Foundation gave us the perfect incentive to rant and cause mischief in the community. That is why we have decided to share our findings with area residents.


Ida Gage

Thursday, September 6, 2018

The Big Band Era Comes to Heald Auditorium September 15


The Big Band Era Comes to Heald Auditorium September 15

Want to hear some swinging music - better, dance to it? On Saturday, September 15 at 7 PM in the Heald Auditorium of the Ludlow Town Hall, that's exactly what you'll experience. The Enerjazz Big Band will be cooking up a storm of great music for you.

FOLA decided it was time you had a chance to listen to - and dance to it, if you're so inclined, the music of the Swing and Big Band era.

The eighteen members of EnerJazz, Vermont's high energy big band, are dedicated to playing your favorite hits of the Swing Era in their original style, using the original arrangements whenever possible. In addition to the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller and others, the band's repertoire also includes arrangements by contemporary big bands from Maynard Ferguson to Gordon Goodwin as well as jazz interpretations of popular tunes from other genres.

Whether you're up on your feet and dancing or just tapping your toes and listening, you'll undoubtedly be entertained by this group of hard working, fun loving musicians. You can listen to the music of Enerjazz at its web site at enerjazz.net or visit its Facebook page. But better than that, just plan on getting your dancing feet in shape for this great band event.

It's free and open to everyone - young, middle aged, or senior in age; donations are appreciated. Call (802)228-7239 for more information or visit FOLA's web site at www.fola.us

Saturday, September 1, 2018

2018 Okemo Golf Tournament - Sept 11



2018 Okemo Golf Tournament - Sept 11
Reserve your spot in the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament on Tuesday, September 11, 2018. Teams and individual golfers are welcome! Registration fees are $125 per player or $85 if you are a member of Okemo Valley Golf Club.

Registration is from 12 noon to 12:45pm with Tee-Off at 1pm. Shotgun Scramble Format, 18 Holes of Golf with Cart, Range Balls, Contests, and Prizes for Top Low Gross and Net Scores.

HOLE-IN-ONE CONTEST: Win a NEW Chevrolet, sponsored by Benson's Chevrolet, Inc.

Join us at Willie Dunn's Grill for a Barbecue and Cash Bar after the Tournament.

For more information, contact Julie Bowyer at jhbowyer@ctmmedia.comor call either 802-440-3058 or the OVRCC office at 802-228-5830.

170th ANNIVERSARY GAGE WALK & TALK

170th ANNIVERSARY GAGE WALK & TALK
On September 13, 1848, Phineas Gage left his Cavendish boarding house and walked into the annals of medical science. Approximately ¾ of a mile from where he was staying, Gage was a foreman overseeing the blasting of rock for the laying of the railroad. In a matter of seconds, Gage went from talking to his crew to being knocked off his feet when a charge was accidentally set off, sending a tamping rod through his head.
He would become the first documented case of traumatic brain injury and helped to usher in the field of neuroscience. Each year on the Sunday closest to the anniversary of the accident, the Cavendish Historical Society hosts a Gage Walk & Talk.
This year’s Walk & Talk takes place on Sunday, Sept. 9 at the CHS Museum, Route 131 in Cavendish, VT. The program begins at 2 pm. The walk includes the location of the accident, Dr. Harlow’s home/surgery, and the boarding house where Gage was taken after his injury.
The site of the accident is approximately three quarters of a mile from the Museum and by the time other sites of interest are visited and we return to the museum, you will have walked close to 2 miles. Participants can stop at any time. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
This program is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com