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November 18, 2009
A New Market Press Publication
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Local Flavor
Vermont Rail Action Network parties to promote rail travel.
Another secret from the Coupon Queen; some days are better than others.
Castleton College has been thrust into the limelight as a top choice in New England.
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Santa Claus to speak at Depot Park, Nov. 27
Vermont tops N.E. states in private-sector job losses
North Pole’s chief elf to make special visit
MONTPELIER — The 2009 recession hit hard and deep in Vermont's private sector, especially in construction and manufacturing. About 6 percent of private sector jobs have disappeared since the recession started nearly two years ago. Losses have also spread to the public sector in 2009, as state government made cuts to reduce state spending. The Douglas administration is on track to reduce the number of state jobs by more than 8 percent by the end of the year—eliminating a total of over 700 state positions. A report, State of Working Vermont 2009, by Public Assets Institute in Montpelier, highlights these changes and their effects on Vermont’s workers and their families. It argues that cutting state jobs has worsened the recession for the state’s economy and its people. "We have to recognize that there are negative consequences to cutting the state payroll," said Public Assets Institute president Paul Cillo. "In the private sector, companies have to lay off workers because there is no work for them. We’re seeing cuts in state services just when the recession is forcing more and more people to turn to state government for help. And to the extent the administration is laying off state workers, it is making the recession worse and increasing the cost of unemployment." According to the report, Vermont had lost more of its private sector jobs through 2009 than any of the other New England states. Since the start of the recession, the number of private sector jobs in Vermont dropped by more than 15,000.
15,000 jobs lost
RUTLAND — Attention, Rutland-area paparazzi and autograph hounds! Get ready for the arrival of a famous international personality at Depot Park on the evening of Friday, Nov. 27. What will all the celebrity glitter and hubbub be about? Well, the world’s most famous elf, jolly old St. Nick, is expected to make his annual whistlestop visit to downtown Rutland. A spokesperson for the North Pole resident announced that the big elf wants to meet hundreds of local boys and girls and hear all about their Christmas wish lists. The tradition of Santa making his way into Rutland to help kick off the holiday season begins at 6 p.m. when Santa arrives in style in Depot Park. Rutland City Mayor Christopher Louras will join in officially welcoming Santa to the City of Rutland. Santa and Louras will light the holiday tree. Wagon rides and carolers will add to the festive evening. Once Santa has illuminated the city’s holiday tree, he will head to Santa’s Land located at Boys and Girls Club on Merchants Row. There, the big elf will visit with children to
See SANTA, page 2
MSJ football moves to Div III Switch strengthens football program
RUTLAND — Mount St. Joseph Academy will petition the state's regulating agency to change its football program status from the current Division I to Division III in a move that MSJ Principal Paolo Zancanaro referred to as part of a process to strengthen the school's overall athletic programming. Zancanaro said the school is positioning itself for "a bold future," and the change in football divisions is one part of it. The Vermont Interscholastic Football League (VIFL) met in a special meeting Nov. 9 to consider MSJ's petition. The decision of the VIFL will be passed on to the Vermont Principals' Association Football Committee for final approval. If approved, the change would be effective for the 2010-11 season. "It is important to acknowledge that MSJ football has had a noble record in Division I since the 1930s," Zancanaro stated. "However, the current needs of the school and the student body necessitated an evaluation of our division standing." "This is in the best interests of Mount Saint Joseph Academy." Zancanaro notified parents via e-mail last Monday, and
SPARTAN TIME — Castleton’s answer to London’s “Big Ben” is the analog clock tower standing guard at Castleton State College’s impressive new Spartan stadium. Last week, Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce members joined college President Dave Wolk for an elegant mixer at the new campus center and tours of the new facilities. See story inside this week’s Tribune. Photo by Catherine M. Oliverio
See FOOTBALL, page 12
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