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Vol. 3 No. 51 • December 28, 2011
Community News, Sports, Arts, Entertainment and Food for Rutland and Southern Vermont
Model A flood survivor restored to life 1930 antique truck rescued
By Lou Varricchio
newmarketpress@denpubs.com
Chris Keyser’s company, Keyser Energy, has turned the traditional lump of coal into a good cause—to help the Open Door Mission in Rutland.
Local coal drive helps the needy By Lou Varricchio
newmarketpress@denpubs.com
RUTLAND & BRANDON—This holiday season you can take your lumps for a good cause, thanks to Keyser Energy in Rutland County. Keyser officials have announced that all the proceeds collected from its fun, new Holiday Coal Bag sales program will be donated to the Open Door Mission located on Park Street in Rutland. “This is a unique way to help raise funds to eliminate homelessness in Rutland area,” according to Mary Rachel Keyser. “In traditional Christmas culture, coal signifies that you have been bad. But in other cultures, receiving coal is a good thing- a gift of warmth and love.” Keyser said the company is selling the genuine coal at $2 a bag. Each decorative bag will have a hand full of hard coal tied with a holiday ribbon. “Give one as a laugh or it may be the perfect gift for those naughty on your list,” she said. In case you think coal is “bad”, think again. “Coal isn’t cold, it can be warm. That’s why we’re saying thank you to Chris Keyser and Keyser Energy See COAL DRIVE, page 8
Damon Pelkey of Brandon helped bring an Irene damaged 1930 Ford pickup back to life at his garage in Middlebury. Photo by Lou Varricchio
MIDDLEBURY—Tropical Storm Irene wreaked havoc on Vermont on Aug. 28, 2011. Buildings, roadways, and natural resources were damaged or destroyed in the wake of the storm’s brief hours of violence. Most tragic was the loss of four human lives. While not the least bit precious when compared to the loss of a human life, Irene still produced its share of material losses, from houses and highways to private tractors and even a private airplane. So add one more thing to the matériel casualty of the Aug. 28 flooding—a classic, and highly collectible, 1930 Ford Model-A Huckster pickup truck. The truck, lovingly stored in a residential garage by an unidentified man in Bridgewater, Vt., was covered in filthy flood water where it soaked into the upholstery, engine and wood paneling. The truck sat in high water, to a level just above the windshield, for many hours. The Model A’s owner lost his home in the flash flooding. One of the few possessions to emerge was his venerable pickup—but it was a total loss. In need of funds to rebuild his house and family’s life, the owner accepted an insurance payment of $14,000 for the Model A. But, knowing it was a mess, the insurance company let the owner keep the vehicle if ever wanted to work on it. However, requiring immediate cash to make See RESTORATION, page 2
Rutland Gift-of-Life Marathon falls short of U.S. record From Staff & News Reports
newmarketpress@denpubs.com RUTLAND—Rutland’s Gift-of-Life Marathon netted approximately 1,800 pints, just short of the national blood drive record. The national one-day community blood drive record is 1,968 pints.
“It was an extraordinary day and an amazing display of community spirit and determination,” said Steve Costello of Central Vermont Public Service spokesman, one of the organizers. “The national record didn’t fall, but this was the largest per-capita blood drive in U.S. history, the secondlargest ever, and the region should be proud of
what it accomplished.” Organizers from CVPS, WJJR and the American Red Cross set their sights on the record within days of it being set, and amped up recruiting to high school and colleges students and residents of the towns surrounding Rutland. See MARATHON, page 8
PHS elves serve up movie and popcorn By Catherine M. Oliverio
newmarketpress@denpubs.com The Poultney High School Student Council organized a fun-filled afternoon screening of the motion picture “Elf”. The holiday movie commenced the start of winter break. Students and faculty enjoyed the council’s screening and popcorn service. After the movie, eighth-grader, Ben Seamans, led the student body in singing, “Jingle Bells.” The PHS Winter Concert was also held last week. Students performed a variety of songs before an assembly of faculty, staff and students. An Emergency Medical Technician Class, sponsored by the Poultney Rescue Squad, will be held every Monday and Thursday, 7-10 p.m., starting Jan. 9. If interested, students must contact Crystal at the Poultney Rescue Squad by Jan. 5. The PHS varsity basketball team will host a special alumni game at the high school Friday, Jan. 6, at 4 p.m. See PHS, page 2
Poultney High School Student Council Secretary Kate LaRose and Vice President Hayley Mead got in the holiday spirit. The pair joined other PHS faculty, staff and students in dressing for the season during a festive schoolwide screening of “Elf” last week. Photo by Catherine M. Oliverio
THIS WEEK Adopt-A-Pet ..................2 Opinion ........................4 Sports ..........................6,8 Vermon Gardens............9 29082
Classifieds....................11 Okemo..........................12
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