The Mountain Times • Jan. 11-17, 2017 • 1
Mounta in Times Volume 46, Number 2
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Jan. 11-17 , 2017
Gondola mechanic dies in accident By Evan Johnson
By Robin Alberti
Kids shred at Killington Mini Shred Madness hits the terrain park at Ramshead, Jan. 14.
By Kevin O’Connor, VTDigger
Brattleboro’s Centre Congregational Church is one of nearly 50 spiritual congregations in the social justice coalition Vermont Interfaith Action, which sponsored a Sabbath of Listening and Healing, Jan. 6-8.
Clergy take to pulpits to decry religious and racial hate
By Kevin O’Connor, VTDigger
Celebrating MLK, Jan. 16 MLK Day is observed on the third Monday of January. The day commemorates the birthday of American civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and celebrates his life, achievements and legacy. Page 39
Churches, synagogues and mosques usually focus on love. But recently, many are fending off hate. “Some people are using the current political climate to justify anti-Semitic or Islamophobic beliefs or degrade human beings,” Vermont Episcopal Bishop Thomas Ely said. “That’s not
Church, page 12
1,200 attend Gov. Phil Scott inaugural gala By Anne Galloway, VTDigger
Beware: Friday the 13th This Friday is the 13th, a day of bad luck for those who believe the superstition. The scientific name for the fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia.
living A.D.E.
Living A.D.E. What’s happening? Find local Arts, Dining & Entertainment Pages 33-48
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acceptable, and religious people need to say that.” To do so, Vermont Interfaith Action — a nonpartisan coalition of more than 40 spiritual communities encompassing 10,000 members from Brattleboro to Burlington — spoke out over the weekend through a Sabbath of Listen-
Organizers say Gov. Phil Scott’s inaugural gala was the largest in the state’s history. More than 1,200 people attended the event. Scott, the newly sworn in Republican governor, celebrated his inauguration at a helicopter hangar at the Vermont Air Guard complex in South Burlington Saturday night, Jan. 7. The cavernous hangar was bathed in blue light and partygoers grooved to classic rock tunes by Blue Jay Way, a Rutland band. The overt military theme was underscored by the presence of dozens of uniformed Vermont National Guard and Air Guard personnel. A Black Hawk helicopter was on display, along with several vintage Army motorcycles. In brief remarks, Scott made a point of thanking military personnel for their service to the country and recounted his own father’s sacrifice on D-Day where he lost both his legs. The laid-back gala was a tripartisan affair with Progressives, Democrats and Republicans in attendance. “Their attendance proves what a special place Vermont really is,” Scott said.
Local “newly” weds to compete for charity
Pack The Paramount food drive reorganizes RUTLAND—Pack the Paramount, which has annually filled seats at the Paramount Theatre with tons of food for the Rutland Community Cupboard, BROC Community Food Shelf and Salvation Army, is changing names and focus. It will now be known as Pack The Paramount–The “Newly”wed Game Rutland. With an eye toward significantly increasing its impact on donations and public awareness of hunger issues, organizers of one of Rutland County’s largest annual food drives are completely revamping the signature event into an entertainment fundraiser. All proceeds will be split equally among the three food banks. “Instead of bags of food, we will aim to fill the Paramount with people for a fun, entertaining evening of laughs,” said GMP Vice President Steve Costello, one of the organizers. “With the Vermont Food Bank now in Rutland, we’re turning our attention to raising funds so the food shelves can buy exactly what they want—at prices well below retail.” The annual event is modeled after the popular television game show and will be held on the Saturday closest to Valentine’s Day, Feb. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Eight couples will compete on the Paramount stage. They range from true newlyweds to one couple celebrating more than 55 years of marriage. Comedian and magician Tom Joyce will host. Attendees can renew their vows at the event and have a chance to win prizes. Children may attend, but parents are reminded that the night’s content may not be suitable for all ages. Couples include Gwen and Joel Flewelling, Tom and Tricia Huebner, Ed and Fran Kelly, Peg and Joe Kraus, Brent and Amanda Godnick, Ryan and Rebecca Buonadonna, Rich and Jess Cowden, and Angelo and Bessie Centini. Four couples each will square off in two rounds, with the top two couples from each group competing in the finals. Terry Jaye, program manager at Catamount Radio, said the change represented a natural progression for Pack The Paramount after more than a decade. “This event, like the Gift-of-Life Marathon and Walk A Mile, is focused equally on raising awareness of issues and addressing them,” Jaye said. “We think the new model will have people talking more than ever about the event, which will bring a lot more attention to the issue of hunger in Rutland County.” Paramount Programming Director Eric Mallette added, “Like the original TV show, the only thing that will be predictable will be that it is unpredictable.”
KILLINGTON—A longtime Killington Resort employee died while on the job Saturday, according to state police. According to a news release, EMS responded to the Killington Ski Resort for an injured employee. The employee, Jeffrey K. Chalk, age 53 of Pittsford, had been found injured and unresponsive by a fellow employee. Chalk, a gondola mechanic, was discovered on the floor of Skyeship Gondola’s North Brook Terminal. Chalk was aided by medical personnel at the resort and subsequently transported to the Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC) where he was pronounced dead at 5:33 p.m. The initial indications are Chalk was working alone when he fell approximately 13 feet from a catwalk to the cement floor below. There was evidence that Chalk had sustained a serious head injury. Chalk will undergo an autopsy at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) to determine the cause and manner of death. Chalk’s death is being jointly investigated by the state police and the OCME. state police have made a standard referral to Vermont’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration. President and General Manager of Killington Resort Mike Solimano issued a statement: “All of us here at Killington Resort are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and co-worker. We extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Jeff’s family and friends during this very difficult time. Jeff worked tirelessly throughout his 28-year-career to ensure lifts operated safely and reliably. He will be missed by coworkers and guests alike.”
By Pepijn Klerkx
Moose obverved closely Experts study moose locally and statewide, environment a factor. Page 2-3