December 27th, 2017

The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018 • 1

Mounta in Times Volume 46, Number 52

I’m FREE - Pick me up and be prepared. Paper beats rock.

Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018

CSJ scholars celebrate semester of service

$3.5 million in grants allocated for housing and downtown redevelopment

Year in Review Take a look back on 2017 with some of the top local stories we published.

Section 2

The year of the dog According to the Chinese zodiac, 2018 is the year of the Dog. The primary element of the sign of the dog is the Earth element. Sympathetic and intelligent, the dog has a binary approach to life and his relationships with others. If you benefit from his friendship or his love, a dog will never disappoint you. People born during the following Chinese Calendar Years are Dogs: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018.

The city’s Board of Aldermen cut a bit deeper but when Rutland City Mayor David Allaire presented big-ticket items survived a marathon budget seshis first proposed city spending plan since taking sion. office in March.

The board Wednesday night adopted a proposed Board committees spent the past several weeks spending plan for the holding meetings to review next fiscal year totaling budgets for various city depart“I DON’T THINK THE $21,393,763, a figure that ments. The board, according TAXPAYERS CAN HANDLE will now go on the ballot for to the city charter, can only cut voters to decide on Town from the mayor’s proposed THIS KIND OF INCREASE,” Meeting Day, March 6. budget and can’t make addiETTORI SAID. The 2019 budget is up tions.

5.8 percent, or about $1 Among the bigger cuts the million over last year, officials said. board made Wednesday night included $25,000 The board went into the meeting Wednesday from the $175,000 contingency account and $25,000 night having identified about $40,000 in cuts. The from the $225,000 line item for overtime in the poboard ended the night after several hours of debate lice department. having to cut a bit more. The final cuts totaled about Alderman Christopher Ettori made several mo$75,000. tions to cut items from the budget, with little sucThe meeting Wednesday night was the culminacess. He said the mayor’s proposed budget lacked tion of a process that started in early November “creativity,” putting the board in the position of

College of St. Joseph’s Provider Scholars have a lot to celebrate as they close out another semester of service to the Rutland community.

CSJ recently announced that its Provider Scholars completed more than 2,200 hours of service in Rutland County during the fall 2017 semester, and a total of more than 20,000 since the program began in 2013.

“After my first semester as the Community Engagement Coordinator here at CSJ, I couldn’t be more thrilled about the work our students have accomplished within the Rutland area. I listen to their stories and witness their excitement after volunteering, and it is a heartwarming reminder of CSJ’s greater footprint in our home city. I look forward to building even more partnerships in the Rutland area in the near future,” said Kim Rupe, CSJ’s community engagement coordinator.

Representatives from nonprofit organizations from around Rutland County recently went to campus to talk about the impact that CSJ and its students have had on them.

Steve Peters and Nikki Hindman of Downtown Rutland Partnership spoke about their organization and the impact that Provider Scholarship students have had.

Peters offered great praise for the work CSJ students have done for Downtown Rutland in partnership with his initiatives.

“We have been fortunate to have so many of your students helping us,” Peters said. “Having volunteers is really important, and we appreciate partnering with you.”

Peters said CSJ students worked with him on streetscapes in the downtown and also appeared in a commercial for Downtown Rutland.

Another high point of the semester for CSJ students was their participation in the Share the Warmth clothing drive.

College of St. Joseph’s Provider Scholarship Program and the Downtown Rutland Partnership donated 436 pieces of cold-weather gear to NewStory Center in honor of Giving Tuesday. This included 188 coats, 103 hats, 87 mittens, 27 boots, 27 scarves, and more.

Other highlights include volunteering for Casella Construction’s Wheels for Warmth initiative, harvesting corn for RAFFL, and participating in the WonderFeet Kids’ Museum’ Wonder Paws Festival and Paw Parade. CSJ students also volun-

Budget showdown, page 3

Scholars, page 2

Governor Phil Scott joined local, state and federal partners Wednesday, Dec. 20 to announce over $3.5 million in community development grants to eight communities. Brownfield cleanup in Rockingham, downtown redevelopment in Springfield and funding for home repair programs statewide are among the projects receiving more than $3.5 million in grants from the Vermont Community Development Program announced today.

The Town of Springfield and its partners, Housing Vermont and Springfield Housing Authority, will leverage a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant to restore the iconic Woolson Block property on Main Street, building affordable apartments on the upper floors and new commercial space on the ground floor.

“From Brattleboro to St. Albans, communities across Vermont will use these grants to build affordable housing, clean up contaminated sites for redevelopment, expand services to their residents, restore historic buildings, plan for the future and make their communities more affordable,” said Gov. Scott.

“I’m encouraged by the efforts of our statewide network of HomeOwnership Centers – supported with these grants today – to help low and moderate-income Vermonters invest in their homes through much-needed home repairs, improvements, energy upgrades and accessibility modifications. I’m also very pleased to see this funding available statewide, to support small scale landlords in their efforts to improve existing housing stock,” added Gov. Scott. “This Redevelopment, page 5

Submitted

This winter, expect to see more of these snow bikes flying down the trails off Snowshed and Ramshead at Killington Resort.

Killington adds ski bikes to winter lineup

KILLINGTON—Killington Resort just became the only Vermont ski resort to offer ski biking, for experts and beginners alike. Also referred to as snow-bikes, ski bike rentals are available at the Killington Snowshed base area.

“Killington partnered with the legendary and locally-based Alpine Bike Works to bring this thrilling combination of skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking to the resort,” said Tracy Taylor, business development manager of Killington Resort and Pico Mountain. “Ski biking gives those who love to bike the opportunity to try it out on the snow.”

SKI BIKING IS “AN AMAZING WAY TO EXPERIENCE THE EXHILARATION OF SLIDING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN WITH THE FLOW OF SNOWBOARDING AND CONTROL OF MOUNTAIN BIKING,” SAID ACCURSO. “A ski bike is a bike frame with skis on the bottom in place of bike wheels, boots with mini-skis on your feet, and an amazing way to experience the exhilaration of sliding down the mountain with the flow of snowboarding and control of mountain biking,” said Anthony Accurso of Alpine Bike Works. “We’ve put together packages specifically for first timers to include everything they will need from rentals, a ski bike access ticket, and instruction.”

Killington Ski Bikes operates Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be open every day during holiday weeks. Ski biking is permitted on the Snowshed and Ramshead mountain areas, which provide optimal beginner to intermediate conditions.

Rutland budget showdown is underway

By Alan Keays, VTDigger

Living A.D.E. What’s happening? Find local Arts, Dining & Entertainment Pages 14-20

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LOCAL NEWS

2 • The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018

Head of Rutland Chamber faces DUI charges despite BAC test indicating she was below legal limit

By Alan Keays, VTDigger

The executive director of the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce is facing DUI charges even though tests showed her blood alcohol level was below the legal limit for driving, newly released court records show.

Prosecutors are pressing their case against Mary S. Cohen on two fronts: that a chemist can show her blood alcohol content was above the 0.08 percent legal limit when she was pulled over more than an hour before her test; and that, even if below that number, she was still drove while “under the influence of intoxicating liquor.”

Cohen, 54, of Rutland, pleaded not guilty to the charges Monday, Dec. 18, in Rutland Superior Court. She was released on conditions. Ultimately she can be convicted of only one or the other.

Attorney Devin McLaughlin, representing Cohen, vows to challenge both of those allegations. He said a dashcam video he reviewed shows the officer following Cohen for about 30 to 45 seconds before the stop and she was not weaving or speeding.

“She was driving exactly like a sober driver,” McLaughlin said Monday. “She failed to signal — yes, that happens.

That’s no indication of intoxication.”

The charges stem from a traffic stop early on Nov. 25 after a Rutland police officer said he saw her fail to properly signal while making turns as she was driving home.

Officer Jeffrey Warfle wrote in an affidavit that he asked Cohen how much she had had to drink and she replied, “Very little.”

According to that affidavit, Cohen told the officer she had had three alcoholic drinks, “[Mimosa], champagne, and orange juice,” the first around 7:30 p.m. and the last about 10 p.m.

A roadside breath test at 1:32 a.m. registered a blood alcohol content of 0.089 percent.

However, an evidentiary breath test at 2:44 a.m., more than an hour after the roadside one, at the Rutland police station registered a blood alcohol level of 0.061 percent, below the legal limit.

Documents filed in court Monday along with the charges include an affidavit from Jeffrey Dukette, a fo-

rensic chemist with the Vermont Forensic Laboratory in Waterbury.

“Given the particular factual information, I am able to estimate breath alcohol concentration [BrAC] values for breath samples obtained at a particular time for an earlier specified time,” Dukette wrote. “The estimate is founded upon known principles of absorption and elimination by the human body.”

Dukette wrote that he based his calculation on a breath test of 0.061 percent at 2:44 a.m. and a time of vehicle operation of 1:18 a.m. He added that the “assumptions” he used included “the subject’s” alcohol elimination rate of 0.015 percent per hour, based on “population averages as reported in peer-reviewed, published scientific literature.”

McLaughlin, Cohen’s attorney, questioned those assumptions Monday, including the one regarding his client’s elimination rate. “Obviously, there is zero medical evidence as to what rate Mary eliminates,” the attorney said. “The state chemist will concede, as they have in the past, that the kind of the best estimate of elimination rate ranges from .01 to .02.”

Due to varying elimination rates as well as margins of error, McLaughlin said, “There was no way that Mary was over .08.”

He added that his client also was not showing signs of impairment while behind the wheel. “There’s just nothing, outside of lack of signaling, which, unfortunately, most of us do at 1:30 in the morning,” he said. “It’s just frustrating this is charged.”

Rutland County State’s Attorney Rose Kennedy has said she can’t comment on a pending case.

However, talking generally in a previous interview, the prosecutor said she considers several factors in such cases before deciding whether to bring a charge, including how a person was driving at the time of the stop, how well he or she performed on the field sobriety tests, and witness statements.

“Remember,” Kennedy said, “in the state of Vermont a DUI is either driving under the influence or driving above a .08.”

go for it. We’ve got the landing.

Submitted

Kim Rupe, CSJ Community Engagement Coordinator, speaks at the Provider Scholarship cerebration.

Scholars:

2,200 hours of service celebrated

continued from page 1 teered more than 150 hours for Habitat for Humanity, which was the most time given to a single organization.

Kelly Giancola, executive director of the Community Cupboard, presented students with certificates in appreciation of their work for her organization. She said she counts on the help from CSJ students every Wednesday.

“Without community partnerships like this one, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” Giancola said.

Neighborworks of Western Vermont also recognized CSJ students’ efforts.

In a statement, Shannon Kelly, community relations director, said students helped to clean up a wellutilized but neglected pedestrian pathway to make it more accessible, visible, safe, and beautiful, and they were able to help make a unhealthy house into a healthy home for an individual suffering from asthma who lacked the means to improve their living space on their own.

“NeighborWorks of Western Vermont has benefited enormously from CSJ’s Provider Scholarship Program and, in turn, so have many residents of Rutland County. The Provider Scholarship Program and the students it supports enables us to achieve much more than we could otherwise do,” Kelly said.

Tamara Robitille was recognized for completing the most hours of service this semester - 65, more than four times the required number.

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LOCAL NEWS

The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018 • 3

Photo courtesy of VTDigger

DAVID ALLAIRE

Budget showdown:

Up $1 million

continued from page 1 having to make difficult choices to avoid hitting residents with a tax hike they can’t afford.

“I don’t think the taxpayers can handle this kind of increase,” Ettori said.

Alderman Tom DePoy often joined Ettori in the call for spending reductions.

“If we’re going to make some cuts, let’s do it,” DePoy said in apparent frustration after several of the proposed efforts to trim the budget failed to gain support. “If we’re not, let’s pass it and let the voters decide.”

Other board members said the proposed cuts would impact vital services taxpayers expect the city to provide or hurt the municipality’s fiscal future.

Alderman William Notte at one point called it a “bare bones” budget, while Alderman Gary Donahue said he couldn’t find very many, if any, places to cut in the spending plan.

“I think the mayor did a heck of a job,” Donahue said.

The board started the night taking a swing at the proposed 3 percent pay increase for non-union employees, a figure included in the budget to keep pay levels in line with union members. Ettori called for cutting that increase to 1.5 percent, which would have a resulted in a savings of about $35,000 from the 3 percent figure.

Notte said he did not support the reduction, saying that he didn’t want to “penalize” employees who are not in the union, or discourage workers from considering moving into leadership positions that are not unionized.

Ettori’s motion failed, as did a second one to limit the increase to 2 percent, which would have been a savings of about $23,000. That left the 3 percent pay raise for nonunion employees in the budget.

A more than $140,000 expense for a new five-ton dump truck with plow was next in the crosshairs, with DePoy making the motion to remove it. “Hopefully, we can get through a decent winter snow event with what we have right now,” he told his fellow board members.

Department of Public Works Commissioner Jeffrey Wennberg said the new truck would replace one that went on line in 2000 and maintain the city’s fleet of eight trucks.

The commissioner said replacing the 17-year-old truck would keep the department on an eight -year replacement schedule. “We need eight trucks just to keep up with inchan-hour snowfall,” Wennberg told the aldermen, “and that’s not even getting into the neighborhoods.”

Notte spoke in favor of keeping the plow truck in the budget, saying that the three key city services taxpayers expect are public safety, fire protection and plowed streets.

Most of the board agreed with Notte, and the motion to cut the plow truck went down.

The biggest proposed cut of the night was moved by Ettori, trying again on a proposal he pitched at the committee level to remove $325,000 from the $692,000 line item to fund the city’s pension liabilities.

“We have to look at something,” Ettori said of the areas in the budget available to cut. “If we don’t look at this, there’s not much to look at.”

Notte opposed Ettori’s hit on retirement benefits, calling it a fiscally irresponsible move that would lead to a “trainwreck” for taxpayers in future years. He called on the board to stick to a plan adopted a year ago to address the underfunded pension.

Alderman Tim Cook sided with Notte. “If we don’t follow through on this, we’re going to have a big problem down the road,” Cook said.

DePoy joined Ettori’s call for the need to look somewhere for cuts, and this was one of the biggest items in the budget. “When does it stop?” DePoy asked, adding that taxpayers can’t afford budget increases of more than $1 million each year. “That’s just not sustainable.”

The motion for the $325,000 cut failed, as did another one from Ettori to trim $125,000 from that same line item.

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4 • The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

Theater review: Company offers Dickens holiday classic

By Julia Purdy

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year!” With these words Scrooge appeals to the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come to help him escape the dreadful vision of a bleak and lonely ending to his life. The spirit offers no sympathy, forcing Scrooge to face the fact that he himself must make it happen.

Scrooge awakens from his dream a new man, fully in touch with life.

So ends Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol.”

Since 1900, the entertainment industry alone

Evan Breault, David Kiefner, Ken Kilb and Jonathan White rotated through the major male and spirit roles, and Meghan Wood portrayed Scrooge’s fiancee, Mrs. Cratchit, the nephew’s wife, and the Ghost of Christmas Past. All have acting experience and have played in previous Shakespeare on Main Street productions, including “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Hamlet.”

The reading theatre style allowed the plot to sweep toward the climax with no distractions. All the plot

“SHAKESPEARE IS THE OLYMPICS OF THEATER,” MEITROTT SAID. has produced at least 50 versions for film and TV. The recewnt strippeddown version of the “Carol” presented by local theater company Shakespeare on Main Street and directed

by Gary Meitrott brings the emotional core of the story to the surface, without the distraction of lavish sets and special effects.

Five actors in period costume, on a spartan stage read an abridged version of Dickens’ text from pages in looseleaf notebooks, portraying the narrator and all the key figures in the story, accompanied by dramatic body language, like animated props.

highlights were covered, including some that are sometimes overlooked in commercial productions.

The starving children, Ignorance and Want, were shown, as well as Scrooge’s old associates, laughing over his demise. By the time we reached the sordid scene where scavengers are selling off Scrooge’s bed curtains and cutlery, we felt emotionally moved. Like Scrooge himself, we could look back over his life and see his failings. Scrooge was not the object of contempt but pity and contemplation, in preparation for his awakening, as a symphony bursts from a subdued

minor key into a full major chord.

Dickens was a foe of laissez-faire economics that preached every man for himself. The chamber theatre presentation laid bare the central message of Dickens’ tale, as his deceased partner, Marley, put it: “Business! Mankind was my business! The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance and benevolence, were, all, my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business.”

Director and founder Gary Meitrott likes the chamber theatre format because of its focus on direct communication through the medium of language.

Shakespeare was his first love, although he also admires the 19th century authors such as Dickens, Poe and Melville. “Shakespeare is the Olympics of theater,” Meitrott said. “It taxes and tests and challenges all of us to understand how to work with language, we have to be actively listening, then it becomes easier to understand, being in the audience.”

Meitrott said this is Shakespeare on Main Street’s last season in its present form​. The performances of “A Christmas Carol” this season were not a bad note to go out on.

Matching grants available to local food producers The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) is pleased to announce the availability of up to $60,000 of funding for Local Food Market Development (LFMD) Grants to assist eligible Vermont farmers, businesses, and valuechain facilitators to reach new markets.

VAAFM works to support market opportunities with an institutional or other wholesale focus in Vermont.

This year the agency has engaged a public-private partnership with philanthropic partners to augment these efforts and match up to $30,000 from the Vermont Legislature for this grant effort.

“The strong program similarities between the VAAFM’s Local Food Development Grant Program and the priorities of philanthropic partners’ farm to institution initiatives, provides an opportunity to grow economic success for Vermont agricultural businesses, while providing

quality food to institutions like schools, colleges and hospitals,” says Secretary Anson Tebbetts.

The deadline for the FY2018 LFMD Grants is Jan. 24, 2018, and all applicants must demonstrate 25 percent of total project cost in matching funds.

This year’s grants will be available to projects that have goals to improve quality, efficiency, or food safety; address distribution challenges; and/or mitigate the financial risks associated with scaling up to meet new market demands. Grants ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 will be available for these efforts.

To qualify for funding consideration, applicants must either be a Vermont producer in pursuit of institutional market development or a value-chain facilitator that will directly support Vermont producers’ access to institutional and wholesale market expansion.

After slashing fuel tanks and lighting oil on fire, Milton fuel supplier fined

The Agency of Natural Resources announced Tuesday, Dec. 26 that Rowley Fuels of Milton, was fined $18,600 for illegally cutting open fuel oil storage tanks and lighting the fuel on fire. These actions violated multiple Vermont Hazardous Waste Management and Air Quality Regulations.

Rowley Fuels distributes heating fuel, propane and other petroleum products, and provides installation and service for related equipment including above-ground fuel storage tanks. Many Vermonters rely on heating fuel for their homes and businesses in the winter, and suppliers provide important materials management services by properly storing, transporting, and disposing of these hazardous products. However, when heating oil is released to the environment, it contaminates soils, groundwater and drinking water, and endangers public health. Because of this risk, hazardous waste generators are responsible for operating in compliance with laws that protect public health and the environment.

In March 2015, the Agency received a complaint of black smoke coming from a facility owned by Rowley Fuels. The Milton Police Department and Agency personnel responded to the scene and found two Rowley Fuels employees had slashed open two old heating oil storage tanks and were burning the excess fuel. The employees stated they were working at the direction of their boss, Scott Allard, and that this was not the first time they had

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The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018 • 5

STATE NEWS

Congress must help states protect the integrity of our elections

By Secretary of State Jim Condos

As Vermont’s chief election official, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our elections is one of my highest priorities. In a world of constantly changing technology we must stay ahead of those who seek to undermine the integrity of our elections. We must ensure that our elections are secure and free from interference, especially cyberattacks from foreign entities like Russia.

Alongside election officials from around the country, I work hard daily to do just that, and to stay ahead of rapidly developing technology and those who would use it to harm our democratic process. As Congress approves the largest tax cut in history, I can’t envision an investment more important to our democracy than an infrastructure that ensures our elections remain tethered to the important principle of “one person, one vote.”

Today I’m calling upon Congress to fulfill their commitment to this value.

In 2002, Congress passed the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) to help states improve election systems and practices. Under the Act, Congress committed $3.9 billion to states for these efforts.

However, today, 15 years later, Congress still has yet to provide $396 million of that funding. If members of Congress are serious about ensuring that our elections, the bedrock of this country’s democracy, remain protected from the electronic interference of those who would wish to do harm, it is imperative that they provide states with the remaining

$396 million due under the Help America Vote Act of 2002.

As existing election infrastructure ages, election officials are under increasing pressure to modernize and innovate in order to ensure that elections continue to be administered in a secure and efficient manner. These efforts have become even more important as election officials work to counter a new generation of cybersecurity threats to election systems. As I and my colleagues around the country work to update and maintain aging election

IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THEY PROVIDE STATES WITH THE REMAINING $396 MILLION. systems, we’re calling upon Congress to assist us in this critical effort by providing states with the remaining funding under HAVA. This investment will not solve all of the challenges we election officials face, but it will help states, including Vermont, enhance the efficiency and security of elections through the purchase of new voting systems, the implementation of additional cybersecurity tools, and the hiring of IT professionals.

My call to action for Congress doesn’t stop with the release of remaining HAVA money. In addition, Congress should also be actively considering a “HAVA II” to support the work my colleagues and I are doing to protect

our elections from interference by bad actors.

While the remaining $396 million under HAVA will help in assisting states in overcoming this new generation of threats to our elections systems, more funding beyond that amount will be required to meaningfully bring our country’s elections systems up-to-date.

I would invite any member of Congress who does not believe that prioritizing the integrity and security of our elections is worthwhile to have an honest conversation with me and with the bipartisan group of election officials from around the country who are calling for this muchneeded investment. This is about the very core of our democracy, and how their actions strengthen or weaken our ability to carry out those fundamental democratic principles.

Every day I strive to ensure that elections are administered in a secure manner, whether it’s protecting voter registration data from cybersecurity threats, or ensuring that votes cast are protected from tampering or manipulation. As election officials work to fulfill this commitment to improve voter confidence, Congress must fulfill its commitment to states by fully funding HAVA now, and by ensuring that there will be further investment in the security of our elections in the future to keep us ahead of the evolving threats in the digital age.

Only by doing so can we maintain the public’s confidence in our elections, and in democracy itself.

The stakes could not be higher, and Congress must step up.

Vermont Health Connect wraps up 2018 open enrollment State officials reported that nearly 23,000 Vermonters have confirmed a 2018 health plan and qualified for financial help to make the plan more affordable.

Total enrollment in qualified health plans is expected to surpass 80,000. This year’s earlier deadline means fewer members will experience gaps in coverage. In past years, nearly 2,000 members missed out on January coverage.

In addition to enrollment numbers, state officials pointed to record usage for the marketplace’s plan comparison tool, which helped individuals and small business employees determine the best plans for their needs and budgets. The tool was used 1,069 times on Dec. 15, nearly a 50 percent increase over the last day of open enrollment last year. Altogether, the 2018 tool hosted more than 23,000 sessions.

The amount of financial help varies by household in-

Redevelopment:

come, with Vermont Health Connect’s typical individual member having an annual income just over $25,000 and receiving nearly $400 per month toward the 2018 insurance plan of their choice. Couples and families generally receive more.

“We came into this fall with three enrollment goals,” said Cory Gustafson, commissioner of Department of Vermont Health Access. “First, we wanted as many Vermonters as possible to sign up for January coverage and the financial help to make it more affordable.

Second, we wanted to encourage members who don’t qualify for financial help to sign up directly with their carrier and establish a single point of contact for managing their account. Third, we wanted everyone to do their homework and make sure they’re in the best plan for their needs and budget.”

State awards $3.5 million in grants to communities

continued from page 1 work is important to my administration’s focus on growing the economy, making Vermont more affordable, and protecting the most vulnerable.”

The state awards approximately $7 million annually in competitive grants through Vermont’s Department of Housing and Community Development. The grants are funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant Program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Funding is targeted to address the needs of lower income Vermonters and represents a true partnership between the federal, state and local government.

“We are excited to support this array of community projects, and

thank all the people and organizations working hard every day to improve the lives of Vermonters and the communities we call home,” said Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development Deputy Commissioner Josh Hanford.

Vermont’s congressional delegation has been steadfast in supporting the funding that makes the program possible. Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Congressman Peter Welch (D-Vt.) congratulated Wednesday’s recipients, adding, in a joint statement: “Housing is a vital part of our communities’ infrastructure, and housing is one of the most important investments we can make to

support individuals, families and the economic vitality and quality of life that we want for our state. These latest grants add to more than $400 million in federal CDBG funds that have been allocated to Vermont in the program’s 43-year history, leveraging more than $4 billion in additional investments. Now is not the time to make slashing cuts, as the President has proposed. We must strengthen these investments to ensure Vermont communities remain accessible and affordable. As we approach a year-end funding deal, we will continue to fight for CDBG to ensure that Vermont does not lose out on this irreplaceable funding source.”

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Table of contents Opinion...................................................................... 6 Calendar..................................................................... 8 Music Scene............................................................. 11 Just For Fun.............................................................. 12 Rocking the Region................................................. 13 Living A.D.E.............................................................. 14 Food Matters............................................................ 18 Lift Lines................................................................... 21 Columns................................................................... 22 Pets........................................................................... 24 Mother of the Skye................................................... 25 Service Directory..................................................... 26 Classifieds................................................................ 28 News Briefs.............................................................. 29 Year in Review ......................................................... 33 Real Estate................................................................ 43

Mounta in Times The Mountain Times is an independently owned weekly newspaper serving residents of, and visitors to Central Vermont Region. Our offices are located at 5465 Route 4, Sherburne Flats, Killington, Vt. ©The Mountain Times 2015 The Mountain Times • P.O. Box 183 Killington, VT 05751

(802) 422-2399

www.mountaintimes.info Email: editor@mountaintimes.info

Polly Lynn-Mikula ----------------------- Editor & Co-Publisher Jason Mikula ---------------------- Ad Manager & Co-Publisher Erica Harrington ------------------------------ Business Manager

Evan Johnson----------------------- Assistant Editor & Reporter Siobhan Chase ---------------------------------- Graphic Designer Tianna Bonang---------------------------------- Graphic Designer

Lindsey Rogers ----------------------------- Sales Representative Mac Domingus------------------------------ Sales Representative Curtis Harrington-------------------------- Distribution Manager Julia Purdy---------------------------------------------- Copy Editor Royal Barnard ------------------------------------ Editor Emeritus

- Contributing Writers/Photographers Julia Purdy Cal Garrison Dom Cioffi Lani Duke Marguerite Jill Dye Robin Alberti

Karen D. Lorentz Stephen Seitz Kyle Finneron Brett Yates Mary Ellen Shaw Brady Crain Paul Holmes Kevin Theissen Dave Hoffenberg Lee Crawford Flag photo by Richard Podlesney

6 • The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018

opinion

OP-ED

Governor Scott missing the mark on climate change

By Lauren Hierl

To the surprise of many, a recent Agency of Natural Resources report showed that Vermont’s statewide greenhouse gas pollution emissions are rising. Given all the impressive work we’ve done developing clean local renewable wind and solar energy, and the well-documented success of our cutting-edge energy efficiency programs, how could that be?

A key factor is that Vermont has yet to make serious inroads in transitioning to low-carbon heating and transportation solutions. Transportation, in fact, contributes almost half of our state’s climate pollution. That’s why the transformation of our transportation system is essential.

That transition will require thoughtful new policies to incentivize the transition, such as well-crafted carbon pricing. And, excitingly, funding from the Volkswagen legal settlement related to their diesel emissions scandal – Vermont’s share is $18.7 million – provides an opportunity to help jumpstart that transformation.

Comments at a public hearing last week were overwhelmingly in support of investing the VW funding in electric vehicle infrastructure and electric vehicles like public transit and school buses. The Vermont Climate Solutions Caucus, a group of dozens of state legislators, and the Legislature’s Joint Energy Committee also weighed in to urge the administration to use the Volkswagen funds to spur electrification of our transportation sector.

That’s why it’s extremely disappointing that the Scott administration is recommending that we leave open the possibility of using a large percentage of Volkswagen funds to help purchase new diesel vehicles.

Why is the Scott administration making this wrongheaded recommendation?

Perhaps it’s because Governor Scott doesn’t seem to see climate change as a major threat to Vermont. At a recent press conference, he said “I’m not sure that there’s a financial threat. I think if you look at it, climate change could be in some ways beneficial to Vermont.” Climate change’s threats to our economy and communities are alarming and well-documented and include, among other things, harm to iconic Vermont industries like maple syrup, skiing, and outdoor recreation, as well as the increased threat and cost of extreme weather events like Tropical Storm Climate chane, page 7

What to look for in 2018

By Lee Hamilton

This was an interesting year that’s just passed, wasn’t it?

And here’s the thing: I suspect 2018 will be just as intriguing.

Let’s start with some good news. The economy had a good year in 2017, but the question is whether this can continue. The Fed has been raising interest rates, income inequality is an economic drag and a strain on our social structure, productivity growth is lackluster, and the national debt and annual deficits are continuing to grow.

The nation’s politics, meanwhile, have been tumultuous and largely unproductive, and that will likely continue.

The Mueller investigation will determine a lot of the political agenda in 2018, but we’re mostly in the dark about where he’s headed.

There has been no sign of a letup in political polarization; indeed, if anything it’s been exacerbated over the past year, with conservatives moving to the right and Democrats becoming more left of center on issues like immigration, health care, welfare, and race. And we’ve had an intensification of cultural divisions – President Trump has shown special interest in these issues and a willingness to fan their flames. There’s nothing to suggest this will let up.

In world affairs, President Trump has made “America First” his byword – a focus that has led to a worsening of relations with our key allies, especially Europeans. I don’t think that will improve in 2018. Given his approach to the Middle East, his nuclear brinksmanship on North Korea, his mysterious ambiguity toward Russia, and his challenges to traditional U.S. policy and the global system the U.S. built and led for decades, there’s no reason to think that relations with key European and Asian allies will improve.

The dominant foreign policy issue – absent a crisis – will be our relationship with China, while North Korea will remain the principal “hot spot.”

2018, page 7

By Adam Zyglis

Think of pets’ safety during holidays

By Erin Forbes

With the holidays fast upon us, it can be easy to get caught up in the festivities, but it is important to remember that there is a variety of dangers facing our pets. From food to parties to decorations, there are many holiday hazards for pets.

There are some things you can do to ensure that this season is happy and healthy for your pet.

One of the easiest ways to keep your pet safe is to plan ahead.

Make sure you know your primary clinic’s holiday hours, the nearest 24/7 hospital, and keep the APSCA poison control number handy. This way, if there is an emergency, you will know who to call and where to go.

Holiday food poses many risks

for pets, especially since children, and sometimes adults, like to share the food with their furry companions. It is generally best to consider all foods toxic, but some foods are especially hazardous. Chocolate is an essential part of the holidays for many people, but it is toxic to dogs and cats and can cause seizures, high blood pressure, and even Pet’s safety, page 7

Balancing the scales: A waste disposal year in review

By Carl Diethelm, a.k.a. Compost Carl

The year of 2017 has seen a lot of changes around the world within the materials management industry. There is some positive momentum every year in the realm of waste diversion, but this year delivered some new hoops to keep items out of the landfill. Let’s start by examining the broader trends that result in international conundrums for companies and consumers.

International waste crises If you heard about “China’s Green Sword” lately, that is a reference to the campaign against contaminated bales of materials that are exported to China from various countries with single-stream (a.k.a. zero-sort) recycling.

A policy is under review at the World Trade Organization that would significantly reduce imports of many solid waste materials such as plastics and paper. According to Waste360, “China took in roughly 25 percent of U.S. recycled paper exports in 2016 and anywhere between 20 percent and 33 percent of recycled plastic, depending on the type of plastic.”

Already, expectations of rising costs have influenced what recycling facilities can sell materials for. With such a large portion of the market predicted to be rejected, the bales of materials are in surplus and will only sell for very cheap prices. In some cases, the transportation costs are higher than the value of the bales, which results in inadequate disposal of recyclables in the landfill.

In turn, recycling facilities must raise the cost of collecting the recyclables. In Vermont, recyclables are required to be free to dispose of by residents, so that cost falls on the towns and solid waste management entities that pay for the removal of recyclables. Businesses that pay for their own recyclables to be hauled away may see an increase in that cost as well.

The main purpose in creating this ban is to keep the amount of poor-quality materials that contaminate bales from going into landfills in China. China also plans to increase its own recycling rates, since only 2-3 percent of waste is recycled in China.

The best way to avoid trashing all these recyclables is

Balancing the scales, page 10

LETTERS

Hurricane relief urgently needed Dear Editor, Imagine living for months following the devastation of Hurricane Maria on US Virgin Islands, once paradise, still in tatters. Many remain without electricity, fresh water, food, medical attention and shelter. Imagine this is your reality.

I received a call from a friend who put her life on hold for three months to work on the islands of St. Croix and St. Thomas helping islanders and animals survive. The rains come daily, it is hot, humid. People are desperate.

Animals wander aimless-

ly, injured, hungry, alone.

Our call was cut short when two children arrived seeking medical help to remove “black mold” growing on their arms.

Living conditions are toxic and life-threatening. Islanders and animals need life-saving supplies. While this isn’t on the news now, the situation remains unimaginable for many.

Would you please consider a contribution to Vermont Volunteer Services for Animals Humane Society’s designated “Hurricane Relief” account at any Mascoma Bank?

Hurricane relief, page 27

State politicians ignore debt obligations, give more grants Dear Editor, In recent weeks the print newspapers and online news sources have covered Vermont politicians making exciting announcements about grants being awarded for an assortment of local projects and initiatives. Governor Phil Scott and his ribbon cutting ceremonies with state representatives come to mind. At face value the uninformed citizen enthusiastically applauds such events and

looks upon these politicians as heroic for delivering such large sums of money for these projects for “free.” Of course anyone with a whit of sense knows that there is no such thing as free. Phil Scott and his liberal minions in the two big parties conveniently fail to mention that Vermont state government has a $45 million dollar budget deficit and an $80 million dollar deficit in the education Debt obligations, page 27

The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018 • 7

CAPITOL QUOTES “This is a major step in what we hope will be a transformation of the health care system in Vermont.”

Said Green Mountain Care Board chairman Kevin Mullin after the board approved a proposal that it hopes will revolutionize how health care providers are reimbursed in Vermont.

The payment reform plan will change the current “fee for service” system — one that reimburses providers for every test and procedure — for one that is more focused on keeping patients healthy. The Board recently approved a $620 million budget for OneCare, which is an accountable care organization which plans to meet all health care needs of approx. 120,000 Vermonters during 2018.

“Santa delivered us 10 inches of fresh powder yesterday — and all of this fresh snow has Killington patrol busy dropping ropes and opening trails, bringing the trail count up to 128 for today.”

Wrote Killington Resort, Tuesday, Dec. 26, which was it’s 49th day of operation this season. The resort is reporting 61” natural snowfall thus far. Looking ahead, dangerously low wind chills of 15 to 25 below (or colder in some areas) are expected to develop across the region this week, according to the national weather which issued a wind chill advisory.

Pet’s safety: Be aware of seasonal hazards to pets’ health continued from page 6 death. It is important to be cautious with all sweet food, as some may contain xylitol, a deadly sugar substitute. Foods with a high fat content, such as turkey skin and gravy, can cause pancreatitis which can be very serious and sometimes deadly.

If you are ever worried your pet ate something it shouldn’t have, call your veterinarian or the emergency veterinarian right away.

Decorations, while beautiful, can also be a source of risky temptations to our pets.

Christmas trees can be especially dangerous but there are a few simple things you can do to make them safer.

Cats love to climb, and the Christmas tree is a perfect climbing object.

However, trees can easily tip over if climbed. If possible, try to tie your tree to a ceiling or door frame.

Ornaments can cause obstructions if eaten or lacerations if they break and your pet plays with the pieces, so try and put ornaments higher up on the tree where your pets can’t knock them off.

Tinsel is very tempting

2018:

to cats, since it is shiny and moves in the breeze like prey, but if eaten, can cause a severe intestinal obstruction and require surgical removal. If your cat seems interested in the tinsel, it might be best to not put it on the tree.

Many holiday plants are toxic to pets so always keep them where

FOODS WITH A HIGH FAT CONTENT, SUCH AS TURKEY SKIN AND GRAVY, CAN CAUSE PANCREATITIS. they cannot be reached; if your pet eats a plant and you are concerned contact the ASPCA poison hotline right away. Always make sure you never leave your pet alone with a lit candle, as many animals will be attracted to the flame and may try to play with it or knock it over, with serious consequences.

If you are having a party there are certain precautions you can take to keep your pet safe.

Visitors can be upsetting to pets, so don’t force

Said Andrew Savage, chief strategy officer at Williston’s AllEarth Renewables and a member of the national Solar Energy Industry Association’s board, according to VBM. The so-called investment tax credit available for the installation of solar systems, will remain at 30 percent for solar systems installed before 2020; it will then decline incrementally, and, in 2023, disappear completely, according to legislation enacted in December.

some animals may try to escape out an open door.

Finally, ensure your pet’s microchip is up to date, so if it somehow does get out, it can easily be reunited with its family when it is found.

These are just a few tips to help keep your holiday season a cheerful one. If you have any questions or concerns about your specific pet, please contact your veterinarian for advice.

Erin Forbes, Vermont Veterinary Medical Association

Looking ahead after a year of mixed news.

continued from page 6 Yet while I see plenty of troubled and challenging times ahead in 2018, there are also real opportunities. I think voters are tired of polarizing politicians, which offers us a chance to look for leaders with consensus-building skills.

And for all the stresses and strains of the past year – and the upcoming one – I believe people will respond to leaders in both public and private life who focus on what’s working well in the country, who avoid war, who emphasize common

Climate change: “The solar industry nationwide has garnered broad bipartisan support because of the job creation and the low-cost energy we are producing – making it very difficult to see a Republican-led rollback against our industry.”

your animal to interact with guests. It is a great idea to have a room that visitors aren’t allowed in and can be made into a safe haven. Put a litter box, toys, food, and a bed in the room, play calming music, and spray Feliway or Adaptil. Make sure that your guests are careful when they come in or leave, as

ground, and who are clearly devoted to the common good. Let’s hope 2018 proves me right.

Lee Hamilton is a senior advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar, IU School of Global and International Studies; and a professor of practice, IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

Governor falls far short of his responsibilities

continued from page 6 Irene.

According to a Vermont Public Radio analysis in October of 2016, the Scott gubernatorial campaign’s top financial contributors were: construction companies, real estate developers, the fossil fuel industry, and automotive industry – all of whom could potentially benefit from investments in new diesel vehicles. In one particular example, a significant donor to Scott’s campaign was the family who owns a Lake Champlain ferry company.

The Scott administration’s VW proposal specifically recommends using a portion of the funds to help support the purchase of new ferries – even though the report acknowledges that only an estimated 0.1 percent of diesel emissions in Vermont come from ferries.

In Washington, D.C., we’ve watched the national GOP reward campaign donors at the expense of working families, as seen starkly in numerous provisions in the tax bill enacted this week. I certainly hope Governor Scott and the Vermont GOP are not going down the same road of prioritizing wealthy campaign donors’ interests over the public interest.

Even the governor’s own Climate Action Commission disagreed with the administration’s proposal, voting last week to recommend prioritizing electric vehicle infrastructure and electric school and transit buses. The Commission is also recommending that Governor Scott support funding a study on carbon pricing, a potentially powerful policy that could not only reduce carbon pollution in the transportation sector, but could be shaped to benefit Vermont’s economy, create jobs, and protect the most vulnerable.

We must not squander the opportunity for innovative new policies, as well as the onetime opportunity provided by the Volkswagen funding to jumpstart the transformation of our transportation sector. By helping create a more affordable electric vehicle transportation system, we will ultimately help all Vermonters transition off expensive and polluting fossil fuels.

Vermonters should continue to weigh in with Governor Scott to support the Climate Commission’s recommendations, including funding a study on how carbon pricing could work in Vermont, and using the Volkswagen settlement to invest in the 21st-century transportation system we deserve, with clean electric vehicle infrastructure and electric transit and school buses – not doubling down on dirty diesel.

Lauren Hierl is political director at Vermont Conservation Voters, an environmental policy lobbying organization based in Montpelier. She previously worked for VPIRG.

CALENDAR

8 • The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018

WHAT TO DO IN CENTRAL VERMONT Story Time

10 a.m.

Maclure Library offers two preschool story hours, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. Parents and care givers are encouraged to bring children from birth to 5 years old. This is a great chance for children to socialize and parents / care givers to make new friends, share concerns, joys, ideas, and experiences and to learn from other parents. Small, intimate group.

Info, 802-483-2792. 840 Arch St., Pittsford.

V.I.N.S. Family Presentation

7 p.m.

This first-hand encounter with live falcons, hawks, and owls focuses on the natural history, ecology and adaptations of these predators. Event is held in the Roundhouse at Jackson Gore and admission is free. www.okemo.com

International Folk Dancing with Judy

7-8:30 p.m All dances will be taught by Judy and are free and open to everyone.

Dances are BYOB. Dress comfortably and wear solid shoes with non-skid soles. Info, www.rutlandjewishcenter.org.

Co ur tes yo f Ve rmo nt Fis h

and Wildlife

Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Display

THURSDAY

6 a.m.

Bikram Yoga holds classes Thursdays: 6 a.m. & 6:15 p.m. inferno hot pilates; 9 a.m. & 4:30 p.m. 90-min. Bikram. 1360 US-4, Mendon. Info, bikramyogamendon. com.

Bone Builders

WEDNESDAY

DEC. 27 Kripalu Yoga with Louise Harrison

10 a.m.

Louise Harrison hosts Kripalu Yoga at Just Dance, 41 Center St. in Rutland, Vt. Info, 802 747 8444.

Active Seniors Lunch

10 a.m.

Bone builders meets Thursdays at Roadside Chapel, 1680 Townline Rd, Rutland Town. Info, 802-773-4854.

Bridge Club

6:30 p.m.

Marble Valley Duplicate Bridge Club meets at Godnick Center Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Sanctioned duplicate bridge games. Info, 802-228-6276. 1 Deer St., Rutland. Please join.

Killington Bone Builders

10 a.m.

Bone builders meets at Sherburne Memorial Library, 2998 River Rd., Killington, 10-11 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Free, weights supplied. For info, 802-422-3368.

12 p.m.

Killington Active Seniors meet for a meal Wednesdays at the Lookout Bar & Grille. Town sponsored. Come have lunch with this well-traveled group of men and women. $5/ person. Info, 802-422-2921. 2910 Killington Road, Killington.

Level 2 Yoga

Bikram Yoga **

Open Swim **

6 a.m.

Bikram Yoga holds classes Wednesdays: 6 a.m. 60-min. Bikram; 11 a.m. inferno hot pilates; 4:30 p.m. 60-min. hot power flow; 6:15 p.m. 90-min Bikram. 1360 US-4, Mendon. Info, bikramyogamendon.com.

5:30 p.m.

Level 2 Flow Yoga at Killington Yoga Karen Dalury, E-RYT 500. 3744 River Rd, Killington. Info, killingtonyoga.com, 802-422-4500.

8 a.m.

Enjoy the warm water at Mitchell Therapy Pool at Vermont Achievement Center, 88 Park St., Rutland: 8-9 a.m.; 5-7 p.m. Call for more times & info, 802-773-7187.

Bingo

Story Hour

Free Knitting Class

Kids Winter Friends Sock Workshop

5:30 p.m.

Bridgewater Grange Bingo, Wednesdays nights, doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Games start 6:30 p.m. Route 100A, Bridgewater Corners. Just across bridge from Junction Country Store. All welcome. Refreshments available.

6:30 p.m.

Free knitting classes at Plymouth Community Center, by Barbara Wanamaker. Bring yarn and needles, U.S. size 7 or 8 bamboo needles recommended, and one skein of medium weight yarn in light or medium color.

RSVP to bewanamaker@gmail.com, 802-396-0130. 35 School Drive, Plymouth.

Gentle/Restorative Yoga

5:30 p.m.

Gentle Restorative Yoga at Killington Yoga with Louise Harrison. 3744 River Rd, Killington. Info, killingtonyoga.com, 802-422-4500.

Savvy Spending Solutions Financial Capability

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Learn how to prepare your 2018 budget and how to start the New Year with good financial goals. To register, contact Shelley Faris at 802-6651742 or sfaris@broc.org.

Rotary Meeting

6 p.m.

The Killington-Pico Rotary club cordially invites visiting Rotarians, friends and guests to attend its weekly meeting. The club meets Wednesdays at the Summit Lodge 6-8 p.m. for a full dinner and fellowship. Call 802-7730600 to make a reservation. Dinner fee $19. KillingtonPicoRotary.org

Rutland Wellness

5 p.m.

Education and support for people who are struggling emotionally. Focus on tools and methods for improving our lives mentally and physically.

Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m., Grace Congregational Church, 8 Court St., Rutland.

802-353-4365.

Ski Bum Race Series

10 a.m.

Ski Bum Race Series at Killington Resort, on Highline Trail at K1 happens on Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Local teams of skiers and snowboarders and telemark skiers race down Highline in pursuit of Ski Bum Glory. Registered competitors only, and after party follows. Info, killington.com.

FRIDAY DEC. 29

Bikram Yoga **

6 a.m.

Bikram Yoga holds classes Fridays: 6 a.m. 60-min. hot power flow; 11 a.m.

60-min. Bikram; 4:30 p.m. inferno hot pilates. 1360 US-4, Mendon. Info, bikramyogamendon.com.

DEC. 28 Bikram Yoga **

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT & POTLUCK, RUTLAND COUNTY AUDUBON, 6 P.M. DEC. 30

7:30 p.m.

Enjoy a free pyrotechnics show in the Okemo Clock Tower base area, following the torchlight parade on Open Slope. www.okemo. com

** denotes multiple times and/or locations.

10 a.m.

Promoting early literacy and socialization skills in a fun setting. Stories, songs, movement, craft. No registration. Ages 2+. Fox Room, Rutland Free Library, 10-10:45 a.m. 773-1860.

3 p.m. - 4 p.m Join the Killington ART Garage to create winter friends out of socks with this no sew craft! $27 per child; all materials and instructions provided to create a snowman or penguin. RSVP/tickets are only required for children participating; parents assisting do not need tickets. Visit www.artgaragevt. com or call 802-422-8844 to reserve a spot.

Adult ART Social

5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Join the Killington ART Garage in creating a wine bottle light. Event is $45 per person and includes all materials and instruction. Seats are limited and reservations are required. Visit www.artgaragevt.com or call 802-422-8844.

Story Time

10 a.m.

Maclure Library offers two preschool story hours, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. Parents and care givers are encouraged to bring children from birth to 5 years old. This is a great chance for children to socialize and parents / care givers to make new friends, share concerns, joys, ideas, and experiences and to learn from other parents. Today, Rutland Parent Child Center hosts. Snacks, crafts, stories, open playtime, dance, songs. Info, 802-483-2792. 840 Arch St., Pittsford.

Story Time

Level 1 Yoga

8:30 a.m.

Level 1 Hatha Yoga at Killington Yoga with Karen Dalury, RYT 500. 3744 River Rd, Killington. Info, killingtonyoga.com, 802-422-4500.

Magic: the Gathering

3:15 p.m.

Sherburne Memorial Library holds Magic: the Gathering Fridays, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Ages 8+, all levels welcome. 2998 River Rd., Killington. 422-9765.

Open Swim **

8 a.m.

Enjoy the warm water at Mitchell Therapy Pool at Vermont Achievement Center, 88 Park St., Rutland: 8-9 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call for more times & info, 802-773-7187.

Kids Clay Workshop

10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Kids ages 4 - 8 create their own clay self portraits. $27 per child includes all materials and instruction. RSVP/tickets are only required for children participating; parents assisting do not need tickets! Visit www.artgaragevt. com or call 802-422-8844 to reserve a spot.

Story Time

10:30 a.m.

Sherburne Memorial Library holds story time Fridays, 10:30-11 a.m. Join for stories, songs, activities. Babies and toddlers welcome! Info, 802-422-9765.

Paint & Sip

7 - 9 p.m.

With a drink in hand, a local artist works with guests to reveal their inner artist. Tickets can be bought in advance and remaining tickets can be bought at the door, cash-only. www.okemo.com/events

Kids 10+ Wind Chime Workshop

3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Kids create a snowman wind chime using a flower pot! $30 per child includes all materials and instruction. RSVP/tickets are only required for children participating; parents assisting do not need tickets! Visit www. artgaragevt.com or call 802-422-8844 to reserve a spot.

Adult ART Social: Wood Sign Workshop

5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

The Killington ART Garage hosts a workshop for adults, crafting personalized winter signs. $45 per person includes all materials, instruction, and fees. Seats are limited; registration required. Visit www.artgaragevt.com or call 802-422-8844 to reserve a spot.

SATURDAY Bikram Yoga **

DEC. 30

7:30 a.m.

Bikram Yoga holds classes Saturdays: 7:30 a.m. 60-min. Bikram; 9 a.m.

90-min. Bikram; 4:30 p.m. inferno hot pilates. 1360 US-4, Mendon. Info, bikramyogamendon.com.

Bridge Club

12 p.m.

Marble Valley Duplicate Bridge Club meets at Godnick Center Saturdays, 12-4 p.m. Sanctioned duplicate bridge games. Info, 802-228-6276. 1 Deer St., Rutland. Please join.

Christmas at the Farm

10 a.m.

Christmas at the Farm at Billings Farm & Museum. A family Christmas story, trivia, animal programs, holiday food programs and activities. Daily activities 10 a.m.-4 p.m. billingsfarm.org. 802-457-2355. 69 Old River Rd., Woodstock.

10 a.m.

Story time at the West Rutland Public Library. Thursdays at 10 a.m. Bring your young children to enjoy stories, crafts, and playtime. Info, 802-4382964.

Mixed Level Yoga

Tobacco Cessation Group

Wonderfeet honors Myra Peffer

Brandon “Taz” Niederauer at the Foundry

Open Gym

9 a.m.

Want to quit smoking but nothing works? Join the free tobacco cessation group. Free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges. Every Thursday, 9-10 a.m.

Behavioral Health Clinic, 1 Commons St., Rutland. 802-747-3768 for more info.

7 p.m.

A 14-year-old guitarist performs with Joey Leone at the Foundry at the Foundry. The 14-year old guitar prodigy has played with names including Gregg Allman, Stevie Nicks, Lady Gaga, Slash, and Buddy Guy.

8:30 a.m.

All Level Flow yoga at Killington Yoga with Judith Schneider. 3744 River Rd, Killington. Info, killingtonyoga.com, 802-422-4500.

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum hosts an event honoring Myra Peffer for her contributions to the community. Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided. Info at 802 282 2678.

6 p.m.

Friday night open gym at Head Over Heels, 152 North Main St., Rutland.

6-7:30 p.m. Ages 6+. First time is free! Practice current skills, create gymnastic routines, learn new tricks, social opportunity to be with friends! $10/ hour for members; $14/ hour for non-members. Info, 802-773-1404.

The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018 • 9

2017/2018

SEASON 30 CENTER ST. | RUTLAND, VT 802.775.0903 Full season listing at:

PARAMOUNTVT.ORG

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS LIVE ON STAGE! Wednesday | December 27 | 2 & 7 PM

Open Gym

10 a.m.

Saturday morning open gym at Head Over Heels, 152 North Main St., Rutland. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. All ages welcome. First time is free! Practice current skills, create gymnastic routines, learn new tricks, social opportunity to be with friends! $10/ hour for members; $14/ hour for non-members. Info, 802-773-1404.

Open Swim

5 p.m.

Enjoy the warm water at Mitchell Therapy Pool at Vermont Achievement Center, 88 Park St., Rutland: Tues., Thurs., Saturday 5-7 p.m. Call for more times & info, 802-773-7187.

Shakin’ Skate

6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Okemo hosts an evening of ice skating with a live D.J., games and fun for the whole family in Okemo’s Ice House skating pavilion at Jackson Gore.

Skate rentals are available for $5. www.okemo.com

2001: A Space Odyssey

3 p.m., 6 p.m.

The 8th Annual Woodstock Vermont Film Series at the Billings Farm & Museum features the award-winning documentary 2001: A Space Odyssey in HD projection and surround sound, with complimentary refreshments. All films are open to the public. For information, www.billingsfarm.org/filmfest.

Kids Canvas & Cocoa

3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Kids spend an afternoon of painting and hot cocoa. Kids will be painting on canvas with acrylic paints. $27 per child includes all materials, instruction, and hot cocoa! RSVP/tickets are only required for children participating; parents assisting do not need tickets. Visit www.artgaragevt.com or call 802-422-8844 to reserve a spot.

Kids “Dress a Gingerbread Person” Workshop

10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

The Killington ART Garage hosts a workshop for kids creating a gingerbread person. $27 per person includes all materials and instruction. Visit www.artgaragevt.com or call 802-422-8844 to reserve a spot.

Adult ART Social: Alcohol Inks/abstracts

Join us for an evening of exploding colors and exploration with Alcohol Inks. Alcohol inks are vibrant, playful and lend themselves to abstraction. $45 per person includes materials and instruction. Visit www.artgaragevt. com or call 802-422-8844 to reserve a spot.

SUNDAY Bikram Yoga **

DEC. 31

9 a.m.

Bikram Yoga holds classes Sundays: 9 a.m.

90-min. Bikram; 11 a.m. inferno hot pilates; 4:30 p.m. 60-min. Bikram. 1360 US-4, Mendon.

Info, bikramyogamendon.com.

Saturday | January 13 | 7:30 PM

10 a.m.

Christmas at the Farm at Billings Farm & Museum. A family Christmas story, trivia, animal programs, holiday food programs and activities. Daily activities 10 a.m.-4 p.m. billingsfarm.org. 802-457-2355. 69 Old River Rd., Woodstock.

Mixed Level Yoga

12 p.m.

All Level Flow yoga at Killington Yoga with Cristy Murphy. 3744 River Rd, Killington. Now at noon! Info, killingtonyoga.com, 802-422-4500.

10:30 a.m.

Morning Yoga with Dawn Sunday mornings at Plymouth Community Center, 35 School Drive, Plymouth. $12 or 10 classes for $90. All levels welcome, bring your own mat. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

guided hikes around the state. Simply show up to participate. Visit http:// vtstateparks.blogspot.com

Yin Yoga

5 p.m.

Yin Yoga, all levels at Killington Yoga with Karen Dalury, RYT 500. 3744 River Rd, Killington. Info, killingtonyoga.com, 802-422-4500.

TUESDAY Art Workshop

JAN. 2

4 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

The Killington ART Garage hosts an evening of crafts and celebrations for kids. Visit www.artgaragevt.com or call 802-422-8844 to purchase tickets.

10 a.m.

Annie’s Art Workshop, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Tuesdays at Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington. Open art workshop - collaborative artist group welcomes all levels, interests, mediums. Free. In memory of Ann Wallen. Info, 2991777.

Okemo’s Family New Year’s Eve

Bikram Yoga **

Sundays with Maurie

Bone Builders

Kids New Years Eve Party

5 p.m.

Midnight arrives early for friends and family enjoying a host of activities.

Festivities conclude at 9 p.m. with an incredible fireworks display. Tickets can be purchased at www.okemo.com.

10 a.m - 12 p.m.

Join local watercolor artist Maurie Harrington for her weekly painting sessions every Sunday morning at the Killington Art Garage. All levels encouraged! Visit www.artgaragevt.com or call 802-422-8844 to reserve a spot.

MONDAY JAN. 1

New Year’s Day

8:30 a.m.

All Level Flow Yoga at Killington Yoga with Karen Dalury, RYT 500. 3744 River Rd, Killington. Info, killingtonyoga.com, 802-422-4500.

Bikram Yoga **

6 a.m.

Bikram Yoga holds classes Mondays: 6 a.m. and 11 a.m., 60 min. Bikram; 4:30 p.m. 60-min. hot power flow; 6:15 p.m. 90-min. Bikram. 1360 US-4, Mendon. Info, bikramyogamendon.com.

Citizenship Classes

Vermont Adult Learning will offers free citizenship classes. Call Marcy Green, 802-775-0617, and learn if you may qualify for citizenship at no cost.

16 Evelyn St., Rutland. Also, free classes in reading, writing, and speaking for English speakers of other languages. Ongoing.

Killington Bone Builders

10 a.m.

Bone builders meets at Sherburne Memorial Library, 2998 River Rd., Killington, 10-11 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Free, weights supplied. For info, 802-422-3368.

Monday Meals

12 p.m.

Every Monday meals at Chittenden Town Hall at 12 noon. Open to public, RSVP call by Friday prior, 483-6244. Gene Sargent.

Bring your own place settings. Seniors $3.50 for 60+. Under 60, $5. No holidays. 337 Holden Rd., Chittenden.

Open Swim

11:30 a.m.

Enjoy the warm water at Mitchell Therapy Pool at Vermont Achievement Center, 88 Park St., Rutland: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call for more times & info, 802773-7187.

ou rte sy of Ve rm ont State Parks

Rutland Rotary

C

12:15 p.m.

Rotary Club of Rutland meets Mondays for lunch at The Palms Restaurant.

Learn more or become a member, journal@sover. net.

Tobacco Cessation Group

4:30 p.m.

Want to quit smoking but nothing works? Join the free tobacco cessation group. Free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges. Every Monday, 4:30-5:30 p.m. at RRMC Foley Cancer Center, conference room, 160 Allen St., Rutland. 802-747-3768 for more info.

First Day Hikes

10 a.m.

Bone builders meets Thursdays at Roadside Chapel, 1680 Townline Rd, Rutland Town. Info, 802-773-4854.

Chess Club

7 p.m.

Rutland Rec Dept. holds a chess club at Godnick Adult Center, providing a mind-enhancing skill not only to the youth but adults as well. The club will teach anyone who is willing to learn. All ages are welcome; open to the public. Tuesday evenings, 7 – 9 p.m. 1 Deer St., Rutland.

9:30 a.m.

VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region hosts their health clinic at the Brandon Senior Center. The cost of the clinic is $10. Call 802 770 1536 for more information

All Level Yoga

FIRST DAY HIKES, VT. STATE PARKS

6 a.m.

Bikram Yoga holds classes Tuesdays: 6 a.m. & 6:15 p.m. Inferno hot pilates; 9 a.m. & 4:30 p.m. 90-min. Bikram. 1360 US-4, Mendon. Info, bikramyogamendon.com.

Blood pressure/Foot care clinic

Happy New Year!

Christmas at the Farm

JAN. 1, START TIMES VARY

Friday | January 19 | 8:00 PM

Morning Yoga

Christmas Bird Count & Potluck.

6 p.m.

Join Rutland County Audubon in the field, or contact us to see if you live within the count circle and would like to count birds at your feeder. The day winds up with a potluck supper and a countdown of the day’s birds. at the Proctor Library. Bring a dish to share (beverages and utensils provided).

Contact birding@rutlandcountyaudubon.org

RECYCLED COMEDIAN PERCUSSION BOB MARLEY

Start times vary Vermont State Parks mark the start of 2018 with free

Kids Inspirational Prayer Flag Workshop

3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

The Killington ART Garage helps kids create personalized prayer flags. Visit www.artgaragevt.com or call 802-422-8844 to reserve a spot.

Christmas at the Farm

10 a.m.

Christmas at the Farm at Billings Farm & Museum. A family Christmas story, trivia, animal programs, holiday food programs and activities. Daily activities 10 a.m.-4 p.m. billingsfarm.org. 802-457-2355. 69 Old River Rd., Woodstock.

Family Playgroup

10 a.m.

Rutland Co. Parent Child Center holds playgroup, at Mount Holly Town Library, Belmont. Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m. Informal gatherings for families who share a common thread of wanting a supportive experience for their child. For info, rcpcc.org.

Legion Bingo

6:15 p.m.

Brandon American Legion, Tuesdays. Warm ups 6:15 p.m., regular games 7 p.m. Open to the public. Bring a friend!

Preschool Story Time

10:30 a.m.

Norman Williams Public Library holds 45-minute story time for kids ages 3-6 featuring three, thematically related books along with craft or activity reinforcing theme. 802-457-2295. 10 the Green, Woodstock.

Quit Smoking Group

5 p.m.

Is your goal to be tobacco free in 2017? Free quit smoking group in Castleton, Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m. Work on the skills to stay tobacco free and receive free nicotine replacement products. Castleton Community Center, 2108 Main St., Castleton. Info, 802-747-3768.

Tobacco Cessation Group

11 a.m.

Want to quit smoking but nothing works? Join the free tobacco cessation group. Free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges. Every Tuesday, 11-12 p.m. at Heart Center, 12 Commons St., Rutland. 802-747-3768 for more info.

Tobacco Cessation Group

5 p.m.

Want to quit smoking but nothing works? Join the free tobacco cessation group. Free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges. Every Tuesday, 5-6 p.m. at Castleton Community Center, 2108 Main St., Castleton. 802-747-3768 for more info.

TOPS Meeting

4:45 p.m.

TOPS meets every Tuesday night at the Trinity church in Rutland Vermont at the corners of West street and Church Street. Side entrance. Weight in starts at 4:45 until 5:30 and meeting starts at 6 until 6:30. Everyone is welcome come and join a stress free environment and take off pounds sensibly.

For more information call Ann Marie at 802-293-5279.

10 • The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018

skating:

Call in advance for daily operating hours

63 Summit Path, Killington 802-422-5335

2 Oak St. Extension, Rutland 802-775-7976

77 Okemo Ridge Rd., Ludlow 802-228-1406 195 Mountain Top Rd., Chittenden 802-483-6089

Olympus Rd., Proctor 802-459-2819 410 Hunter Park Rd., Manchester Center 802-362-0150 100 Diamond Run Mall Pl., Rutland 802-775-3100

80 Amsden Way, Woodstock 802-457-2500

nordic skiing: 1245 Goshen-Ripton Rd., Goshen blueberryhillinn.com 802-247-6735

75 Billings Rd., Plymouth hawkresort.com 802-672-3811

2363 Route 4, Killington xcskiing.net 802-775-7077

195 Mountain Top Rd., Chittenden mountaintopinn.com 802-483-6089

Balancing the scales:

77 Okemo Ridge Rd., Ludlow. okemo.com 802-228-1396

1119 Quechee Main St., White River Junction 802-295-7620

76 South St., Woodstock woodstockinn.com 802-457-6674 (the entire length of Vermont) 1 Mill St., Burlington catamounttrail.org 802-864-5794

Looking back on a year in waste disposal

continued from page 6 to decrease excessive consumption and poor material management in the production of goods. Then, by increasing sorting and recycling in the United States, there will be a more efficient closed-loop economy.

Meanwhile, hurricanes that caused loads of destruction to islands in the Carribbean Sea have created a need for more areas to dispose of all the damaged materials. In Puerto Rico, soccer fields are being turned into landfills because the official landfills are backed up from all the trucks removing items from all over the islands. Wood from trees, homes and other infrastructure, along with trash is all being packed into the same place and covered up, since there is an estimated 6.2 million cubic yards of debris. As if losing power wasn’t enough, now they must lose the space to play a sport that so many rely on for expression and exercise. While there is monetary aid being sent from the U.S. government, it will take much more to restore the infrastructure and help the island residents thrive.

Vermont waste reduction initiatives While there may be some international setbacks to materials management, Vermont is constantly moving forward to help conserve resources and turn “waste” into useful products. Earlier this year, there was a bill introduced to the Vermont General Assembly that would

ban of single-use carryout bags at stores. Instead, stores will be able to offer reusable or compostable bags at a cost. This bill was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Fish & Wildlife, and reviewed with testimonials four times in 2017. If passed during the upcoming legislative session, the ban would go into effect on July 1, 2018.

This year also marked a milestone for Act 148, the Universal Recycling Law that was passed in 2012. On July 1, 2017, all transfer stations in Vermont were required to begin accepting food scraps from residents. In Rutland County, most transfer stations have absorbed the cost and began offering food scrap collection for free. Some transfer stations, such as the Rutland Regional Transfer Station, have a minimal charge of $0.20 cents per gallon.

The scraps are delivered to a compost facility near Bennington, or an anaerobic digester in Bridport, depending on which hauler collects from the transfer station. Residents have been using this service, and it is still gaining momentum with the amounts of food being recycled.

On July 1, 2018, the requirement is that all trash and recycling haulers will also collect food scraps from residents. This is up for debate within the legislation, so ask your hauler if they will collect food scraps next summer.

For more information call 802-775-7209.

The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018 • 11

Music scene by dj dave hoffenberg

WEDNESDAY

DEC. 27 BOMOSEEN 6 p.m. Tap Room Aaron Audet

KILLINGTON 2 p.m. K1 Base Lodge Duane Carleton

2 p.m. Snowshed Long Trail Pub

[MUSIC Scene] STOCKBRIDGE 7 p.m. The Wild Fern Rick Redington

FRIDAY DEC. 29

BOMOSEEN

6 p.m. Iron lantern Gary Wade

Daniel Brown

KILLINGTON

6 p.m. Liquid Art F- Open Mic

Daniel Brown

7 p.m. The Foundry

R&B Night with Jordan Snow and Jeff Poremski

7:30 p.m. McGrath’s Irish Pub Curragh’s Fancy

8 p.m. Outback Pizza

Snowplow Comedy Competition

9 p.m. Jax Food and Games The Heavily Bros.

LUDLOW

2 p.m. Pico’s Last Run Lodge

6 p.m. Wobbly Barn

9 p.m. The Foundry

7 p.m. O’Dwyer’s Public House

10 p.m. Sushi Yoshi

7:30 p.m. McGrath’s Irish Pub

DJ Prime

Happy Hour with Krishna Guthrie

The County Down

Shananagans

DJ Dance Party with Flow Dancers Nikki Royce and Julie Elizabeth

Aaron Audet Band

8:30 p.m. Outback Pizza Stone Sdrum

6 p.m. Wobbly Barn

9 p.m. Moguls Sports Pub

7 p.m. O’Dwyer’s Public House

9 p.m. Liquid Art

7 p.m. The Foundry

The Benderz

7 p.m. Outback Pizza Stone Sdrum

Supply and Demand

Ugly Sweater Party with DJ Dave

10 p.m. Wobbly Barn LUDLOW 2:30 p.m. Sitting Bull Lounge

6 p.m. Mr Darcy’s Wayne Canney

7:30 p.m. McGrath’s Irish Pub Donal O’Shaughnessy

6 p.m. Icehouse Arena

7:30 Clock Tower Base Area

8 p.m. Pickle Barrel Nightclub – Sparks the Rescue

9 p.m. Mangiamo’s

9 p.m. Mangiamo’s

9 p.m. Jax Food and Games

RUTLAND

9 p.m. Moguls Sports Pub

DJ Mega

Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Silas

RUTLAND

Just Jamie

Guy Burlage Trio

Shakin’ Skate with DJ DJ LSJ

9 p.m. Center Street Alley

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live

10 p.m. Wobbly Barn

9:30 p.m. The Hide-A-Way Tavern

9:30 p.m. The Venue

LUDLOW

WOODSTOCK

STOCKBRIDGE

2:30 p.m. Sitting Bull Lounge

2 p.m./7 p.m. Paramount Theatre Jenny Porter

5:30 p.m. The Wild Fern Jo Moon: Piano and Vocals

THURSDAY

DEC. 28 KILLINGTON

2 p.m. Pico’s Last Run Lodge Daniel Brown

6 p.m. Outback Pizza Ryan Fuller

7 p.m. The Foundry

Joey Leone and Brandon “Taz” Niederauer

7:30 p.m. McGrath’s Irish Pub Donal O’Shaughnessy

8 p.m. Pickle Barrel Nightclub – Sparks the Rescue

DJ Dave’s All Request Dance Party The Benderz

Guy Burlage Trio

9 p.m. Mangiamo’s Fiddlewitch

RUTLAND 9 p.m. Center Street Alley DJ Dirty D

9:30 p.m. The Hide-A-Way Tavern – Del Rue

Jazz Trio

PITTSFIELD

9 p.m. Clear River Tavern Rick Redington and The Luv

RUTLAND 8 p.m. Paramount Theatre First Night of Funny

9 p.m. Center Street Alley DJ Dirty D

9:30 p.m. The Hide-A-Way Tavern – DJ Mega SHARON 8 p.m. Seven Stars Arts Center Bow Thayer

STOCKBRIDGE 12 p.m. Wild Fern

Cigar Box Brunch w/ Rick Redington

1 p.m. Wild Fern The People’s Jam

WOODSTOCK 10 p.m Bentley’s Restaurant

Videotheque w/ Jam Man Entertainment

MONDAY

10 p.m Bentley’s Restaurant

JAN. 1

DJ Andraudy

SUNDAY DEC. 31

BOMOSEEN

KILLINGTON

2 p.m. K1 Base Lodge Duane Carleton

7 p.m. The Foundry Joey Leone

KILLINGTON

Clay Canfield and Brother John

10 p.m Bentley’s Restaurant

11 a.m. The Foundry

DJ Andraudy

SATURDAY

DEC. 30 BOMOSEEN 6 p.m. Iron lantern Brendan O’Bryan

KILLINGTON

6 p.m. Red Clover Inn

PITTSFIELD

WOODSTOCK

LUDLOW

MENDON

9 p.m. Mangiamo’s

PITTSFIELD

6 p.m. The Taproom

Karaoke with DJ Evan

Karaoke 101 with Tenacious T

Family New Year’s Eve with DJ

6 p.m. Iron lantern

9 p.m. Jax Food and Games – MB Padfield 9 p.m. Mangiamo’s

LUDLOW

8 p.m. The Foundry

Never in Vegas

Just Jamie

Jordan Snow and Aaron Audet

10 p.m. Wobbly Barn

5 p.m. Jackosn Gore Inn

4 p.m. The Foundry

Daniel Brown

Ring in the New Year w/ DJ Dave

8 p.m. Pickle Barrel Nightclub

9 p.m. Jax Food and Games – Joey Leone Band

Happy Hour with Krishna Guthrie

Jamie’s Junk Show

Ryan Fuller

1 p.m. Bear Mountain Base Lodge Duane Carleton

4 p.m. Pickle Barrel Crow’s Nest Jamie’s Junk Show

Carlo Romeo

7 p.m. Clear River Tavern

TUESDAY

Brunch with Jordan Snow

1 p.m. Bear Mountain Base Lodge Duane Carleton

4 p.m. Outback Pizza Nate Byrne

4 p.m. Pickle Barrel Crow’s Nest

JAN. 2

KILLINGTON

2 p.m. K1 Base Lodge Daniel Brown

Jamie’s Junk Show

6 p.m. Outback Pizza

5 p.m. Wobbly Barn

Happy Hour with Krishna Guthrie

8:30 p.m. Charity’s Tavern

7:30 p.m. McGrath’s Irish Pub

POULTNEY

Shananagans

8:30 p.m. Outback Pizza Tingle Sauce

9 p.m. Jax Food and Games – Aaron Audet Band

Ryan Fuller

Name That Tune Bingo with DJ Dave

8 p.m. Taps Tavern Bluegrass Jam

RUTLAND 7 p.m. The Venue

Working Mans Karaoke w/ Bob Hudson

7 p.m. Clear River Tavern

4 p.m. Preston’s Restaurant

9 p.m. Lookout Tavern

8 p.m. Center Street Alley

7 p.m. The Draught Room

4:30 p.m. The Foundry

9 p.m. Moguls Sports Pub Super Stash Bros

9:30 p.m. The Hide-A-Way Tavern

9:30 p.m. The Hide-A-Way Tavern

5 p.m. Outback Pizza

Open Mic Jam

Wayne Canney

College Night with DJ Mega

Ryan Fuller

Jordan Snow

Apres Ski Dance Party with DJ Dave

Dirty Boost

9 p.m. O’Dwyer’s Public House The County Down

Trivia

Open Mic with Krishna Guthrie

12 • The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018

• SUDOKU

• MOVIE TIMES

• CROSSWORD

• MOVIE DIARY

just for fun the MOVIE diary

SUDOKU

Shaping up

By Dom Cioffi

Each block is divided by its own matrix of nine cells. The rule for solving Sudoku puzzles are very simple. Each row, column and block, must contain one of the numbers from “1” to “9”. No number may appear more than once in any row, column, or block.

When you’ve filled the entire grid the puzzle is solved.

This week’s solution is on page 25

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CLUES ACROSS 1. Sharp pain 5. Military hats 11. Software app on a network (abbr.)

14. Genus of freshwater mussels 15. Continent 16. Afghani monetary unit 17. Recovered 19. Ribonucleic acid 20. Refers to end of small intestine 21. Ethiopia’s largest lake 22. Hostelry 23. Defunct American automaker 25. Denotes origin by birth or descent 27. Part of a watch 31. Stare with mouth open wide 34. Found in granite 35. Competing 38. Stone film “__ Given Sunday” 39. Junction between two nerve cells 41. Greek goddess of the dawn 42. Fight 44. Thin, narrow piece of wood or metal 45. Ribosomal ribonucleic acid 46. Type of kitchenware 49. Specialty of The Onion 51. Major Mexican river 55. Kilometers per hour 56. Species of mackerel 60. Bones 61. Interest rate 62. New York Mets legend 64. 19th letter of Greek alphabet 65. Shawl 66. Gracefully thin 67. Type of deciduous tree 68. Not classy 69. Taro corm or plant

CLUES DOWN 1. Jewish festival 2. Anoint 3. More pleasant 4. Type pf painting 5. Witness 6. Harm 7. Builder of Arantea (Greek myth.)

8. City in India 9. Used to unlock cans 10. Induces sleep 11. More bouncy 12. A branch of Islam 13. White (French) 18. Legal term 24. Covered with frost 26. Hengyang Nanyue Airport 28. Wash 29. Disorder of the scalp 30. North American tree 31. Helps cars run 32. Mandela’s party 33. Aromatic plant of the daisy family 36. Negative 37. College student educator (abbr.)

39. Most rare 40. Harm with a knife 43. Folk singer DiFranco 45. Return to 47. One who repairs 48. Eastern England river 49. Hockey players need two 50. Dismay 52. Rebuke 53. Plant of the arum family 54. Fish genus 57. Plant of the mallow family 58. Amounts of time 59. 11th letter of the Hebrew alphabet 63. One of Napoleon’s generals Solutions on page, 25

This past summer, I coached my son’s rec league basketball team. We had a diverse group of kids with varying degrees of talent. My goal was to teach them the game that I love and inspire them to improve their skills.

One of the kids, who was of average height and build, showed up the first day with one arm and one leg covered with a synthetic material, almost like a compression sock.

These days, it’s not uncommon for young players to sport a shooting sleeve or compression shorts as they try to emulate their favorite NBA all-star. My general opinion is that the kids who wear these are more interested in looking good than playing well.

I knew after getting up close to this kid that his situation was different. On the left side of his neck and on his left hand were scars that spoke to a horrible burn accident from years prior. I knew then that the coverings were meant for protection.

Throughout the season, this kid played with more passion than I had ever seen. Even though the movement on the left side of his body was somewhat restricted due to his scarring, he still found ways to overcome better players.

His shooting release was almost all righthanded (because he was unable to fully extend his left arm), but he still had a wonderful stroke. And his tenacity on defense made him our go-to defender whenever we faced a highly skilled opposing guard.

By the end of the season, I was this kid’s biggest fan.

I loved the way he played the game, but I especially loved how humble he was. He congratulated his teammates when he did great things and he took the blame whenever things went wrong. If I had five guys like him, I swear I could compete with any team.

On the last day of the season, when we lost in the tournament finals, this kid’s father walked up to thank me. He shook my hand and stated how much his son enjoyed playing for me and how he appreciated that I pushed him to excel.

I took the opportunity of our one-on-one conversation to finally inquire how his son had been so terribly burned. He then told me the story of how his son’s life changed in a matter of seconds.

Over the winter a few years prior, his son had been coming down with an illness that had made him weak. He was experiencing the chills from a fever, so he decided to take a shower. As he was climbing in, he passed out as the hot water hit him. The water was scalding, and while he lay unconscious at the bottom of the shower, the water continued to burn him.

Thankfully his mother had heard him fall and rushed in to save him. Paramedics arrived within minutes and he was transferred to a burn unit, where he stayed for several months.

Showings December 26 - 28, 2017

Downtown Rutland Shopping Plaza MOVIES

143 Merchants Row, Rutland, VT 05701

FERDINAND PG STAR WARS LAST JEDI PG13 12:00 GREATEST SHOWMAN PG13

2:45 1:25

PITCH PERFECT 3 PG13

1:10

FERDINAND PG 12:30 ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORL R

2:28 12:40

FATHER FIGURES R

1:00

DOWNSIZING R

12:50

3:20 4:25 3:00 4:10 2:45 3:45 3:30 3:02 4:20 2:51 3:50 3:05

6:05 7:15 6:00 7:10 5:45 5:43 6:55 5:52 7:15 6:11 6:45 6:05

9:55 6:40 9:40 8:50 9:20 8:45 6:50 9:45 9:17 9:50 9:06 9:40 9:00

TIMES 11:53 9:25 11:15 10:55 8:48 12:07 11:41 11:55

**Flatliners is a No Pass Engagement for the first 14 days of release. No MMB Coupons, Film Fanatic Passes, complimentary passes, birthday passes. No exceptions.

877-789-6684 • WWW.FLAGSHIPCINEMAS.COM

THE SHAPE OF WATER

I marveled at the story and shook my head continuously as I contemplated how awful the experience must have been for everyone involved.

The father then went on to tell me that his son had been an aspiring basketball player, that it was his favorite sport and the thing he most enjoyed doing.

Since the accident, however, he had been depressed, believing he would never play again.

Coming out for that season was his first foray back into the game.

I finished talking with the father and then found my way over to his son, who was sitting on the bench, gathering his belongings. I threw my arm over his shoulder and looked him in the eye, telling him how proud I was of his play, but more importantly, how courageous I thought he was for stepping onto the court every game.

I ended my conversation by pointing out that there are very few true warriors in the world these days, but that he was the definition. He thanked me and then this young man, who so easily could have felt like a victim, smiled at me and said, “As soon as they think I’m handicapped, I know I’ve got ‘em.”

It’s amazing how adversity can create epic character.

This week’s film, “The Shape of Water,” also features someone who refuses to let a handicap dictate what she is capable of.

Written and directed by Guillermo del Toro (“Pacific Rim,” “Pan’s Labyrinth”), “The Shape of Water” is a strange, awkward love story between a mute cleaning lady and a creature being housed in an experimental science laboratory.

This is far from your typical love story, which makes it oddly interesting, but it’s also an incredibly wellcrafted motion picture that is highlighted by several amazing performances.

Don’t be turned off by the bizarre suggestion of an intimate relationship between man and beast – it’s difficult to think about, but makes perfect sense when seen though del Toro’s lens.

Check this one out if you’re in the mood for a bizarre love story wrapped in a visually captivating production.

A fluid “A-” for “The Shape of Water.”

Got a question or comment for Dom? You can email him at moviediary@att.net.

The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018 • 13

n o i g e R e h T ’ n R ock i Rockin’ the Region with Chad Hollister Ring in the New Year with Chad Hollister at Liquid Art 9 band thing,” he said. “We traveled around New England p.m. He’s been ringing and rocking that party for the past but Nectar’s and Club Metronome in Burlington was our few years. He enjoys it because it’s a niche crowd and he main haunt.” does not have to deal with Hollister has since performed some bigger shows like amateur night that ensues summer concerts, fairs and private gigs with his 10-piece on New Year’s Eve. band. His biggest show of the year is coming up on Jan. 18 rockin’ “Liquid Art on New Year’s at Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center in Stowe. He has the region has become a place where been performing there for the past five years and selling by dj dave people that don’t want the it out. That show necessitates a big production with set hoffenberg madness but want to have a design, lighting, sound, etc. good time go,” Hollister said.

“Now we have four piece horn section. It grew because Hollister describes his of wanting to really put on a show...People just love it. They music as, “Roots rock for and from the soul.” come back every year. They love to get up and dance. It’s He plays mostly originals which are very good and get a really amazing Vermont place. It’s funny because we go you moving and he also has some cool cover songs. to Higher ground in Burlington and we’re lucky to sell 100 This show will be Hollister playing solo but he also has tickets but here in Stowe we have the community support a 10-piece band and everything in between. Hollister and everyone kind of rallies behind it. Here we sell out 440 said that no matter what the lineup is, it’s always a feeltickets. It’s great.” ing of positivity. “In our world right now we need music That show will kick off a six month tour for Hollister. He and especially positive music more than ever. Music is an will bring his wife Katie and kids Riley (12) and Bodi (10) amazing medium to move people and has always been along with him. They’ll pack up the RV and head all over that way, crossing over borders and flying though different the U.S. Chad and Katie Hollister home school their kids languages.” and are fortunate to be able to tour as a family, he said. In Hollister who will be 50 years old in January, grew up addition to playing shows, he’ll also be working with kids in Burlington, Vt., went to South Burlington High School in song writing workshops.“That’s a big focus of this tour, and then to UVM. He started out on the drums and then inspiring kids to write,” he said. progressed to hand percussion. He didn’t pick up the One of the earlier members of Hollister’s band was felguitar until college.He taught himself and the only lessons low local musician, Rick Redington. He became Hollister’s he ever took were just this past year; almost 25 years later. guitar player. Hollister recalled, “The Heavily Bros (Duane Right after college he and a buddy Jeff Wick started a duo Carleton and Redington) had just broken up. Rick was aptly named “Chad and Jeff.” They made a record in 1994 doing his solo shows at the Outback and then we became at White Crow where Phish and Alice Cooper have both re- buds and he toured with us for a good seven months corded. That took them on a tour of the Northeast but after and was our lead guitar player...We’ve been great friends their record didn’t hit the throughout each of our big time, Jeff Wick decided careers and been mutually to hang up the guitar and supportive of what ever traded it for law books. each of us have going on.”

Hollister, however, was Redington introduced not discouraged. He knew Hollister to another guy, that it is common for a the amazingly talented Jeff musician’s first album not to Poremski. “ Jeff, he’s such a have great success. soul brother,” he said.

“In the duo I was playing Another great local soul congas but in the back. It in Hollister’s band is Jared was fun but it was time to Johnson. “He’s the most stand up front and front the craziest kook in the whole band,” Hollister said. band. He’s a mad man,” HolIn 1996, he released lister said. his first solo album, ‘Long “There is not a day that Haired Boy.’ After that he goes by that I don’t feel formed his first band with lucky to be playing music John Carleton (Drums), ... Katie and I feel lucky and Sean Harkness (Lead Guiblessed in so many ways. tar) and Thom Carvey (Bass) We are so lucky to have met and it was just called “Chad” in Killington and lived such and they release an album an amazing time there,” he by the same name in 1998.

Submitted said. He and his family now “That kind of started the Chad Hollister poses in front of a wall of guitars. live in Worcester, Vt.

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More information at killington.com

14 • The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018

Fun facts about your Christmas Tree

By Leonard Perry

Knowing a few facts about Christmas trees and their production will give you a new appreciation of them this holiday season, and why many prefer them over artificial ones.

About 25 to 30 million real trees are sold in this country every year.

About 350,000 acres are used in this country to grow Christmas trees, preserving much green space.

An acre of Christmas trees produces enough daily oxygen for 18 people.

The trees on farms in this country currently provide enough oxygen for 18 million people a day.

There are an estimated 350 million trees growing on farms in all 50 states, with more if you include the many farms in Canada.

These trees are grown by over 15,000 farms in this country, which employ over 100,000 people either full or parttime.

Time to grow a tree (6 to 7 feet) for sale can vary from 4 to 15 years, depending on species and climate, with the average being 7.

Of those buying real trees, about one-quarter cut their own at local farms. This upward trend parallels the interest by many in supporting local

business and agriculture. Also, cutting your own tree ensures that you will have the freshest one possible.

Top selling trees include balsam fir, Fraser fir, and Scotch pine.

The top tree growing states nationwide are Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington.

In contrast, over 80 percent of artificial trees worldwide are made in China.

Christmas trees in home, both real and artificial, account for less than one-tenth of one percent of all home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Real trees kept fresh are difficult to ignite.

Real Christmas trees are recyclable, often chipped into mulch at one of the more than 4,000 recycling centers nationwide. (The average family uses an artificial tree for 6 to 9 years before discarding, where it will remain in landfills for centuries, as they are not recyclable.)

A study by Swedish researchers found that, considering all the inputs, a real tree is five times more environmentally compatible than an artificial one.

Courtesy of Warner Brothers Entertainment, Inc.

Keir Dullea portrays Dr. Dave Bowman in “2001: A Space Odyssey.”

Woodstock Vermont Film Series screens “2001: A Space Odyssey” Saturday, Dec. 30, 3 p.m.—WOODSTOCK— The eighth annual Woodstock Vermont Film Series at the Billings Farm & Museum will feature the award-winning documentary “2001: A Space Odyssey,” on Saturday, Dec. 30, at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. in HD projection and surround sound, with complimentary refreshments. All films are open to the public and accessible to people with disabilities. Reservations are

strongly recommended.

“Only a few films are transcendent and work upon audience’s minds and imaginations like music or prayer or a vast belittling landscape ...

Alone among sciencefiction movies, 2001 is not concerned with thrilling us, but with inspiring our awe,” said Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun Times.

The film is rated G. It won an Academy Award for Best Special Effects; plus Academy Award

nominations for Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Art Direction; and an additional 13 wins and 10 nominations.

Tickets prices for members: adults 16 age up, $9; non-members: adults 16 and up, $11. For more information, visit billingsfarm.org/filmfest or call 802-457-2355.

Billings Farm & Museum is located one-half mile north of the Woodstock village green on Vermont Route 12.

NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION & CHAMPAIGN TOAST

NEW MENU WITH NEW YEARS EVE SPECIALS OPEN AT 3:00 P.M.

802-422-ROCS | 2384 KILLINGTON ROAD ONTHEROCSLOUNGE.COM

LIVING A.D.E.

The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018 • 15

Courtesy of Okemo Mountain Resort

Crowds watch the New Year’s eve fireworks display at Okemo Mountain Resort.

Midnight arrives early on New Year’s Eve at Okemo Courtesy of RCAS

A black-capped chickadee is one of the birds that stays around to weather the winters in New England.

Rutland County Audubon Society holds annual Bird Count Saturday, Dec. 30—PROCTOR—The annual Rutland County Audubon Society (RCAS) Christmas Bird Count will take place on Saturday, Dec. 30. This has been an RCAS tradition for over 40 years. Field team participants and feeder watchers within each count circle have been recruited, and are always needed.

The countdown and potluck following the day’s count will follow at the Proctor Library at 6 p.m. Bring a dish to share. Beverages and utensils will be provided. Contact birding@ rutlandcountyaudubon. org or Kathleen Guinness at 802-287-9338 to be a participant.

The Christmas Bird Count originated on Christmas Day in 1900, when ornithologist Frank M. Chapman, an officer in the newly organized Audubon Society, suggested a Christmas Bird Census that would count birds during the holidays, and take the place of the Christmas Side Hunt. This annual hunting tradition was a contest where whoever brought in the

largest number of birds (and other animals) won. That first bird count inspired 27 birders from Toronto to California to participate, with a tally of 90 specimens in the combined 25 counts.

Each year Audubon and other organizations use the data collected to assess the well-being of bird populations and to help guide conservation action. The data collected by observers (citizen scientists) provide valuable information to Audubon researchers, conservation biologists, wildlife agencies and interested individuals to study the health and status of bird populations across North America. This data is combined with that collected from other surveys, such as the Breeding Bird Survey to show how our bird populations have changed over the past hundred years. The long-term perspective informs strategies to protect birds and their habitat, and helps identify environmental issues, with implications for people as well. For more information, visit audubon.org.

Sunday, Dec. 31, 5 p.m.—LUDLOW—Okemo Mountain Resort turns New Year’s Eve into a family celebration by moving midnight forward, allowing families with young children to ring in the New Year with events, activities and fireworks — and still get a full night’s sleep.

Okemo’s Family New Year’s Eve Party is scheduled from 5-9 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31.

Following early evening mountain coaster rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, magic shows, ski movies,

arts and crafts, marshmallow roasting, party-hat decorating, bingo, trivia and even fire dancers, families can ring in the New Year early with a DJ Dance Party and Pizza Buffet — and still get the kids to bed in time for a full day on the slopes the next day. Okemo’s mascot, Calvin the Catamount, will lead the kids in some fun party games. Dux the Balloon Man will entertain party goers, plus a family photo booth, noisemakers and a 9 p.m. fireworks display will add to the New Year’s Eve celebration at

Okemo’s Jackson Gore.

New Year’s Eve Activity Wristbands are $35 for access to all activities excluding the Pizza and Dance Party. Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster rides are sold separately. Activity Wristbands that include the New Year’s Eve Dance Party and Pizza Buffet at Jackson Gore’s Roundhouse are priced at $45 for children 2 to 6, and $50 for ages 7 and up. Children attending the Pizza and DJ Dance Party must be accompanied by a parent. For more information, visit okemo.com.

DEC.

30

• 1 Hour Mountain Tours • Kids Tours on Mini Snowmobiles, Ages 4-11 • 2 Hour Backcountry Tour Through the Beautiful Calvin Coolidge State Forest

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER & CELEBRATION

December 31, 2017 Seatings 6-9:30 pm • Gourmet four-course prix fixe menu • Champagne Toast • Live jazz until midnight with the Glendon Ingalls Red Clover Inn Trio $95/person, tax and gratuity additional.

Reservations required. Space is filling fast!

Restaurant open Thursday-Monday, 5:30-9 pm Reservations: 802.775.2290 www.redcloverinn.com innkeepers@redcloverinn.com 7 Woodward Road, Mendon, VT Just off Route 4 in the heart of the Killington Valley

Open Daily Dec. 26th - Jan. 1 from 2 - 10 pm New Years Eve dinner; 2 Seatings 6:30 pm & 9:30 pm. Call for reservations Cocktails and food crafted from locally produced spirits and ingredients

Group Dinner & Event Options Available Contact Kristen Anderson at Kristen@highlinelodge.com

Courtesy of Killington Art Garage

Create items like these at the Killington Art Garage, during a week of workshops for all ages.

Killington Art Garage offers workshops during holiday week

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Dec. 28-Jan. 2—KILLINGTON—Killington Art Garage is offering daily craft and art workshops for kids and adults during the holiday week.

On Thursday, Dec. 28, join Kids Winter Friends Sock Workshop from 3-4:30 p.m.

Create winter friends out of socks with this no-sew craft. Cost is $27 per child; all materials and instructions are provided to create a snowman or penguin. RSVP/tickets are only required for children participating; parents assisting do not need tickets.

That evening, for the adults is an Art Social: Wine Bottle Light Workshop, 5-7 p.m.

Create a beautiful wine bottle light. $45 per person includes all materials, instructions, and fees. Seats are limited; registration is required.

On Friday, Dec. 29, there will be a Kids Clay Workshop for ages 4-8, from 10-11:30 a.m. Kids can create-their-own clay self portraits. $27 per child includes all materials and instruction. RSVP/tickets are only required for children participating; parents assisting do not need tickets.

Also on Friday will be a Wind Chime Workshop for kids ages 10 and up, from 3-4:30 p.m. Kids will create a snowman wind chime using a flower pot. Cost is $30 per child and includes all materials and instruction. Parents assisting do not need tickets.

That evening, another adult Art Social will be held from 5-7 p.m.: Wood Sign Workshop. Join for a hand lettering/wood sign workshop and create a personalized winter sign. Participants will start by learning hand lettering stroke techniques with a brush pen, then use chalk markers to create the signs. No experience is necessary. $45 per person includes all materials,

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instruction, and fees. Seats are limited; registration is required On Saturday, Dec. 30, kids can Dress a Gingerbread Person in a workshop 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. for $27 per child. At 3 p.m. will be a Kida Canvas and Cocoa painting workshop, where kids will paint on canvas with acrylic, plus enjoy hot cocoa. Cost is $27 per child. An adult Art Social will be held from 5-7 p.m.: Alcohol Inks/ abstracts.

Check out this medium, learn techniques, and see the diverse nature of alcohol inks and their vibrant colors. Explore alcohol inks on Yupo paper and then apply those learned skills to a set of ceramic tiles. The cost is $45 per person.

Sunday, Dec. 31 is Sundays with Maurie from 10 a.m.-noon. Join local watercolor artist Maurie Harrington for her weekly painting sessions every Sunday morning at the Killington Art Garage. All levels are encouraged! $37 includes all, plus complimentary tea, coffee, and sweets will be served.

Later that evening, the Art Garage will host a Kid’s New Year’s Eve party from 4-8:30 p.m. Participants will start the party by creating hats and noisemakers, followed by a dinner next door at Killington Diner.

At 8 p.m., they will have their own ball drop. $35 per child includes everything. Reservations are required.

Moving into the new year, kids can join the Inspirational Flag Workshop on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 3-4:30 p.m. Create unique and personalized inspirational prayer flags for $27 per child Most of these workshops require registration by visiting artgaragevt.com or calling 802-422-8844. Killington Art Garage is located at 2841 Killington Road, Killington.

Killington’s first and foremost Irish pub

Guinness, Harp, Smithwick’s & Long Trail

Open for dinner 7 days a week MAKE YOUR NYE RESERVATIONS NOW!

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LIVING A.D.E.

16 • The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018

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Courtesy of the Foundry

BRANDON “TAZ” NIEDERAUER

Taz joins Leone in Killington Thursday, Dec. 28—KILLINGTON—Brandon “Taz” Niederauer will return to the Foundry Thursday, Dec 28 to play a night with Joey Leone. The 14-year old guitar prodigy has played with some pretty big names — Gregg Allman, Stevie Nicks, Lady Gaga, Slash, Buddy Guy (to name a few). Catch him here in Killington. The Foundry is located on Summit Path, just off Killington Road. For more info, visit foundrykillington.com.

LIVING A.D.E.

The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018 • 17

JAN.

1

Courtesy of Vt. State Parks

Get a fresh start in the New Year with a free guided hike at one of many Vermont State Parks.

Join Vermont State Parks for fun, guided, First Day Hikes Monday, Jan. 1—VERMONT—Start the new year on the right foot with a hike in a Vermont state park.

On Jan. 1, everyone is invited to join a free, guided, family-friendly hike taking place at many state parks and forests across Vermont.

Hikes will be led by professional guides and outdoor educators eager to share their knowledge and love of Vermont’s outdoors. Don’t need a guide? No matter where you live in Vermont, a state park or state forest is always close by, and you can still get outside to enjoy it. State park entry is free on New Year’s Day (and all winter long). You’ll discover a whole new world in winter.

This year, a First Day bike option is available at Seyon Lodge State Park.

Bring your fat bike and helmet for this guided ride!

If you’ve never tried fat biking, demo bikes will also be available (but please still bring a helmet). See below for more details.

Please dress for the weather and bring snowshoes if the snow is deep.

Please also bring beverages and snacks. Dogs are welcome on leash unless otherwise noted. There’s no need to pre-register — just show up! To check

the status of the hikes, call the First Day Hikes Hotline at 802-249-1230. Updated messages will be posted to the Hotline on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

Check out our website at http://bit.ly/VTFirstDayHikes2018 and Facebook and Twitter feeds for more information and more hikes as they are added.

State parks currently offering guided first day events: Bomoseen State Park, Fair Haven Guide: Caitlin Gates (Vermont State Park Interpreter) Meet: 1 p.m. at park entrance station Hike: 1-plus hour, easy terrain Button Bay State Park, Vergennes Guide: Ron Payne (Otter Creek Audubon Society) Meet: 9 a.m. at park entrance Hike: 3 hours, easy terrain Camp Plymouth State Park, Ludlow Guide: Scott Davison (The Woodstock Naturalist) Meet: 10 a.m. at the plowed parking area just south of park entrance Hike: 2 hours, easy to moderate terrain Groton Nature Center,

GROCERY MEATS AND SEAFOOD

beer and wine DELICATESSEN BAKERY

PIZZA

CATERING

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner To Go www.killingtonmarket.com Hours: Open 7 days a week 6:30 am - 9:30 pm.

2023 KILLINGTON ROAD 802-422-7736 • Deli 422-7594 • ATM

Big Deer State Park, Groton Guide: Dave Spencer (local expert) Meet: 1 p.m. at Groton State Forest Nature Center parking area on Boulder Beach Road, 1.6 miles from Route 232 Hike: 1-plus hour loop, easy terrain.

Little River State Park, Waterbury Guides: Jes Halterman (Park Manager) and Lorne Currier (Green Mountain Club) Meet: 10 a.m. at CCC Trailhead (park at the bottom of the hill below the dam — please don’t block the gate). Follow signs/ guide to trailhead.

Hikes: Two options, 1 hour, easy or 2-3 hours, moderate Lake Willoughby South Shore Trail Loop, Westmore Guide: Jean Haigh (Green Mountain Club) Meet: 10 a.m. at the South End Beach parking area off Route 5a Hike: 2 hours, 3 miles, easy to moderate terrain Seyon Lodge Fat Bike/ Hike, Groton Guides: Sarah Galbraith (Riders in PlainfieldMarshfield), Darren Ohl (Vermont Bicycle Shop), and Greg Western (Cross Vermont Trail)

Note: Parking is limited at this location: please carpool!

First Day Bike: Helmets are required! Bring your own fat bike for the guided ride.

Meet: 10 a.m. Fat bike demos for all abilities, short and easy loop; ride signups 11 a.m. Guided rides depart, beginner 45 minutes and intermediate 90 minutes, easy to moderate terrain Hike: 11 a.m., 1-hour, easy hike around the pond Snacks: 12 noon, hot cocoa and waffles Taconic Mountain Ramble State Park, Hubbardton Guide: Alyssa Bennett (Bat Biologist) Meet: Noon at the Hubbardton Battlefield parking lot on Monument Hill Road Hike: 2-3 hours, easy to moderate terrain, followed by fresh baked cookies Underhill State Park, Underhill Guide: John Connell (Greenmont Farms) Meet: 1 p.m. at gate just below Underhill State Park on Mountain Road, in Underhill Center Hike: 3 hours, easy to moderate terrain. Bring a snack and warm beverage to share.

JONES DONUTS “Jones Donuts and Bakery is a must stop if you reside or simply come to visit Rutland. They have been an institution in the community and are simply the best.”

OPEN WED. - SUN. 5 TO CLOSED MON. + TUES.

12

23 West St, Rutland 802-773-7810

ALPINE AND FREESTYLE COMPETITION SPECIALISTS

KIDS RENT FREE* OVERNIGHT SKI TUNING* SKIS BINDINGS* RENTALS* LEASE PROGRAMS *WITH ADULT RENTAL. APPLIES TO JUNIOR EQUIPMENT ONLY 2324 Killington Road • 802-422-3950 forerunnerskishop.com frskishop@comcast.net

18 • The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018

FOOD 506 Bistro

The 506 Bistro serves a simple, seasonal menu featuring Vermont highlights. Set in the open bar and lounge, the atmosphere is casual and warm. Your are likely to be served a yankee pot roast, a great organic burger from a nearby farm or fresh strawberry shortcake with Vermont berries. Local, simple, home cooked is what we are all about. (802) 457-5000

Back Country Café

506 506

The Back Country Café is a hot spot for delicious breakfast foods. Choose from farm fresh eggs, multiple kinds of pancakes and waffles, omelet’s or daily specials to make your breakfast one of a kind. Check our Facebook for daily specials. (802) 422-4411

Birch Ridge

506 and Bar ServingBistro locals and visitors alike since 1998, dinner at the Birch Ridge Inn is a delicious way to complete your day in

Killington. Featuring inspired New American cuisine in the inns dining room and Great Room Lounge, you Serving a seasonal menuVermont featuring VT highlights will also find a nicely stocked bar, hand crafted cocktails, fine wines, seafood and vegetarian options, and wonderful house made desserts. www.birchridge.com. 802-422-4293.

506 Bistro and Bar

Serving a seasonal menu VT Restaurant highlights Casafeaturing Bella Inn and If Italian |food is what you want, check out Casa Bella Inn and Restaurant. “A little bit of Tuscany in a Vermont 802.475.5000 ontheriverwoodstock.com

is their slogan and that holds true. Chef owned and operated, the antipasti, insalate, and entrees are LocatedCountry in OnInn” The River Inn, Woodstock VT sure to delight. Call for reservations and take away is available. www.casabellainn.com (802) 746-8943 A short scenic drive from Killington 802.475.5000 | ontheriverwoodstock.com Choices Restaurant and Rotisserie Located in On The Chef-owned, River Inn,Choices Woodstock VTand Rotisserie was named 2012 ski magazines favorite restaurant. Choices may Restaurant the name the restaurant but it is also what you get. Soup of the day, shrimp cockatil, steak, hamburgers, pan A short scenicbedrive fromof Killington

seared chicken, a variety of salads and pastas, scallops, sole, lamb and more await you. An extensive wine list and in house made desserts are also available. www.choices-restaurant.com (802) 422-4030

GET YOUR BASS IN HERE FOR THE NEW YEAR!

Clear River Tavern

Our fantastic American tavern menu featuring burgers, pizza, salads, steak and more is now being handcrafted by our new Executive Chef Tim Galvin. . Nestled on 10 acres directly on the VAST snowmobile trails and only 8 miles from the Killington Road. Our live music schedule will keep you entertained, and we never charge a cover. We’re sure you’ll agree that “When You’re Here, You’re in the Clear”. www.clearrivertavern.com (802) 746-8999

Highline lodge

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HIGHLINE LODGE Mid-way up Killington Access Rd. Sun - Thurs 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri & Sat 11:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. vermontsushi.com • 802.422.4241

Irish Pub

HIBACHI | SUSHI | ASIAN

KILLINGTON VERMONT

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Visit the Highline lodge. Join us in our newly renovated fireplace lounge featuring craft cocktails, local brews, small plates and lively conversation. Our in-house restaurant offers fresh, seasonal local fare with a menu changing monthly. The intimate dining room and outside patio are the perfect spots for private events, conferences and weddings. Contact Kristen Anderson at kristen@highlinelodge.com.

Inn at Long Trail

Looking for something a little different? Hit up McGrath’s Irish Pub for a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, live music on the weekends and delicious food. Guinness not your favorite? They also have Vermont’s largest Irish Whiskey selection. Reservations are appreciated. innatlongtrail.com/Home.html (802) -775-7181

Foundry

Enjoy an intimate dining menu or tavern specials at Killington’s only waterside dining that also has live entertainment every Friday and Saturday. Appetizers include crab cakes, buffalo drumsticks and a cheese slate while the entrees include chicken Marsala, meat loaf, steamed lobster and more. The tavern menu features nachos, fried fish sandwich, teriyaki steak sandwich and others. www.foundrykillington.com (802) 422-5335

JAX Classic Italian Cuisine

At Killington’s hometown bar, you’re bound to have a good time with good food. Starters, burgers, sandwiches, wraps and salads are all available. With live entertainment seven days a week, they’re always serving food until last call. www.supportinglocalmusic.com (802) 422-533

Old World Tradition

Jones’ Donuts

Offering donuts and a bakery, with a community reputation as being the best! Closed Monday and Tuesday. 23 West Street, Rutland. See what’s on special at Facebook.com/JonesDonuts/. Call (802) 773-7810

fresh. simple. delicious!

Killington Diner

Looking for an ALL DAY Breakfast Spot? How about a ‘GRAB and GO’ egg sandwich on your way up the hill?

We’ve got you covered with local eggs, bacon and coffee. Come check out our cool DINER vibe, grab a Bloody Mary and enjoy some classic comfort food. Serving lunch too! 802.422.8422

Killington Market

Take breakfast, lunch or dinner on the go at Killington Market, Killington’s on-mountain grocery store for the last 30 years. Choose from breakfast sandwiches, hand carved dinners, pizza, daily fresh hot panini, roast chicken, salad and specialty sandwiches. Vermont products, maple syrup, fresh meat and produce along with wine and beer are also for sale. www.killingtonmarket.com (802) 422-7736 or (802) 422-7594

Liquid Art

Forget about the polar vortex for a while and relax in the warm atmosphere at Liquid Art. Look for artfully served lattes from their La Marzocco espresso machine, or if you want something stronger, try their signature cocktails.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, they focus on healthy fare and provide you with a delicious meal different than anything else on the mountain. LiquidartVT.com (802) 422-2787.

1/2 price appetizers & flaTbreads DAILY from 4-5 p.m.

Lookout Tavern

With a free shuttle, take away and call ahead seating, Lookout Tavern is a solid choice. Nachos, quesadillas, sweet potato fries, salads, soups, sandwiches and dinner options are always a good selection and happy hour is from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. Open daily at noon and serving until 10 p.m. on Friday. www.lookoutvt.com (802) 422-5665

OPEN DAILY AT 4 P.M.

For reservations call 802-422-3293.

Closed Christmas Day pasta | veal | Chicken seafood | steak | flatbreads

422-3293 First on the Killington RoaD

Vermont Inspired New-American Cuisine Serving Nightly from 6:00 PM in the Dining Room and the bar in the Great Room (Closed Monday January 1) Reservations Welcomed

At the Covered Carriageway 37 Butler Road, Killington birchridge.com • 802.422.4293

The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018 • 19

MATTERS Voted the best ribs and burger in Killington, Moguls is a great place for the whole family. Soups, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, buckets of chicken wings, salads, subs and pasta are just some of the food that’s on the menu. Free shuttle and take away and delivery options are available. (802) 422-4777

Mountain Top Inn & Resort

Whether staying overnight or visiting for the day, Mountain Top’s Dining Room & Tavern serve delicious cuisine amidst one of Vermont’s best views. A mix of locally inspired and International cuisine – including salads, seafood, poultry and a new steakhouse menu - your taste buds are sure to be satisfied. Choose from 12 Vermont craft brews on tap.Warm up by the terrace fire pit after dinner.! Just ashort drive from Killington. www.mountaintopinn. com 802.483.2311

Peppinos

Chef-owned since 1992, Peppino’s offers Neapolitan cuisine at its finest: pasta, veal, chicken, seafood, steak, and flatbreads. If you want it, Peppino’s has it! Aprés-hour daily features half price appetizers and flatbreads. For reservations, call 802-422-3293. www.peppinosvt.com.

Phat Italian

You want a sandwich? The Phat Italian can make you a sandwich. Choose from their signature hot sandwiches, paninis, and their signature cold sandwiches. Check out their refreshing smoothie and juice bar to perfectly accent one of the delicious sandwiches. www.thephatitalian.com (802) 422-7428

Pickle Barrel

Being Killington’s largest and most exciting venue, you’re bound to have a good time in here. Party the night away and feed yourself on delicious food such as chicken wings, onion rings, French fries or even a bowl of bacon. If that doesn’t interest you, you’re able to make your own pizza, by the slice or the whole pie. www.picklebarrelnightclub.com (802) 422-3035

Red Clover

Farm to Table Vermont Food and Drinks. Thursday night Live Jazz. Monday night Chef Specials. Open Thursday to Monday, 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. 7 Woodward Road, Mendon, VT. 802-755-2290, redcloverinn.com

Rosemary’s

Rosemary’s was built around an indoor boulder,features an illuminated garden view, and photographs capturing the Inn’s history. Chef Daniel Molina, who comes to us from from Salubre Trattoria and the Canoe Club¬†¬†in Hanover, blends the flavors of Ireland with those of countryside New England created with a host of fresh local Vermont and New England seafood products. We take pride in serving you only the best quality, and supporting the local farmers. innatlongtrail.com 802-775-7181

Seward’s Dairy

If you’re looking for something truly unique and Vermont, check out Seward Dairy Bar. Serving classic homemade food including hamburgers, steaks, chicken, sandwiches and seafood. Craving something a little sweeter? Check out their own homemade 39 flavors of ice cream. Vermont products also sold. (802) 773-2738.

Sugar and Spice

Stop on by to Sugar and Spice for a home style breakfast or lunch served up right. Try six different kinds of pancakes and/or waffles or order up some eggs and home fries. For lunch they offer a Filmore salad, grilled roast beef, burgers and sandwiches. Take away and deck dining available. www.vtsugarandspice.com (802) 773-7832

O’Dwyers Public House

O’Dwyers Public House at the Summit Lodge welcomes you to enjoy traditional Irish fare including Guinness Stew, Seafood Pie and Bangers and Mash, in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Irish and local brews are on tap, and we have live music every weekend! (802) 422-3535.

Culinary Institute of America Alum

Outback Pizza & More &

N I G H T C L U B

Look for the bears! Outback Pizza has new ownership, and is completely renovated with a firehouse bar and zebra room. Still enjoy the wood fired brick over pizza, plus soups, burgers, pasta, salads, wings, chili, and more, plus a kids menu. Daily specials, 16 microbrews available; with a free shuttle van. 2841 Killington Road, Killington. (802) 422-9885.

Pasta Pot N I G H T C L U B

& N I G H T C L U B

Sunup Bakery

Killington’s favorite bakery and sandwich shop offers a variety of breakfast sandwiches served on fresh English muffins, bagels croissant and even gluten free bread is available. A variety of sandwiches are freshly made with all organic products. If coffee is something you’re craving, they have an espresso bar. www.sunupbakery.com (802) 422-3865

Sushi Yoshi

Sushi Yoshi is Killington’s true culinary adventure. With Hibachi, Sushi, Chinese and Japanese, we have something for every age and palate. Private Tatame rooms and large party seating available. We boast a full bar with 20 craft beers on draft. Lunch and dinner available seven days a week. We are chef-owned and operated. Delivery or take away option available. Now open year round. www.vermontsushi.com (802) 422-4241

New Years EVE With Chad Hollister Dec 31st | 9PM- 1AM | $50 Tickets Available Online

Special New Year’s Eve Dinner Menu Call For Reservations Details at www.liquidartvt.com

506 506 Bistro and Bar

Serving a seasonal menu featuring VT highlights 802.475.5000 | ontheriverwoodstock.com Located in On The River Inn, Woodstock VT A short scenic drive from Killington

UGLY SWEATER PARTY To Benefit VT Food Bank

Please Bring A Non-Perishable as Admission

MUSIC BY DJ DAVE Dec 23rd | 9PM- 12AM

50/50 RAFFLE & PRIZES

“ “

&

Chef owned, the Pasta Pot has 40 years of authentic Italian cuisine under its belt. Whether you’re in the mood for ante pasta, pasta, pizza or homemade entrees, you’ll be satisfied. All menu entrees and pasta are available in half orders and don’t forget to ask about seasonal dishes. (802) 422-3004

Happy New Year

“ “

“You are about to have the best food you’ve eaten, no ifs, ands, or buts.”

-The Rutland Herald

• A Farm to Table Restaurant • Handcut Steaks, Filets & Fish • All Baking Done on Premises

• Over 20 wines by the glass • Great Bar Dining • Freshly made pasta

All entrées include two sides and soup or salad Sun. - Thurs. 5-10 p.m., Fri. - Sat. 5-11 p.m.

~ Sunday Brunch 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. ~ “The locally favored spot for consistently good, unpretentious fare.”

-N.Y. Times, 2008

422-4030 • 2820 KILLINGTON RD. WWW.CHOICES-RESTAURANT.COM

2018

20 • The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018

LIVING A.D.E.

Award-winning “Best Evening Cuisine”

—Arrington’s Inn Traveler

Open Thurs. - Sat. 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Serving Set Dinner only Casual Dining

Please Call 746-8943 for reservations

Route 100, Pittsfield,VT

A little bit of Tuscany in a Vermont Country Inn

Great Breakfast Menu Mimosas ~ Bellinis ~ Bloody Marys

EGGS • OMELETTES PANCAKES • WAFFLES OPEN FRIDAY - MONDAY AT 7 A.M.

923 KILLINGTON RD. 802-422-4411

By Patrick Perras

A great bonding experience, ice fishing can be a source of great annual memories for families and friends.

Ice fishing clinics are scheduled

New Owners, Clean, and Delicious!

NOW SERVING BREAKFAST AND LUNCH ALL DAY Holiday Hours: Everyday starting at 6:30am-5pm

• 802.422.8422 • 2841 Killington Rd. (Old Ppeppers) •

Groovin’ the pasta & the salads & the lasagnas & mussels & the garlic bread & ...since the ‘70s Rte 4 Killington 422-3004 pastapotvt.com Open Daily 5 to 10 p.m.

Learning how to participate in an outdoor activity can be challenging, and ice fishing is a good example. Knowing this, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has scheduled a series of ice fishing clinics for first-timers and those who would like to learn more about hard water fishing.

“Our ice fishing clinics will be held from mid-January to mid-February with the possibility that some dates may change according to ice and weather conditions,” said Fish & Wildlife education specialist Corey Hart. “Everyone is welcome no matter their experience level. We want this to be fun and helpful for all.”

The basic ice fishing courses will teach beginners all the skills they need to know to be successful and safe while ice fishing. The Introductory courses will review the basics while focusing on teaching anglers the skills they need to target a specific species.

Each clinic will last two-and-a-half to three hours, and exact location details will be given when people register for the event. Topics to be covered include ice safety, hole

drilling, equipment and techniques, regulations and different techniques for different fish.

All participants will have the opportunity to practice what they have learned near the end of each event. Everyone is urged to wear clothing suitable for the weather conditions.

Pre-registration is required by contacting Corey Hart at LetsGoFishing@vermont.gov or 802-265-2279.

Vermont Fish &Wildlife’s ice fishing clinics for 2018: Tuesday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m. — Introduction to Walleye Fishing at Lake Carmi Thursday, Feb. 1, 10 a.m. — Basic Ice Fishing Clinic at Shelburne pond Saturday Feb. 3, 10 a.m. — Introduction to Walleye Fishing at Chittenden Reservoir Thursday, Feb. 8, 2 p.m. — Basic Ice Fishing Clinic at Lake Bomoseen Thursday, Feb. 15, 4 p.m. — Introduction to Smelting at Waterbury Reservoir

FOLA announces 2018 program schedule LUDLOW—As it enters its 10th season, Friends of Ludlow Auditorium (FOLA) has announced an ambitious schedule. “We’ll be offering events that will satisfy the interests and likes of everyone,” noted FOLA Chair, Ralph Pace.

Featured events will include the streaming of the great musical “Les Miserables” and “Billy Eliot Live” along with the classic comedies, “The Man Who Came to Dinner” and “Present Laughter.”

In a special event to benefit Black River Good Neighbors, FOLA will present the sing-along version of the hit musical, “The Sound of Music.”

“We’ve also arranged for another first,” said Pace. “In mid-September the Enerjazz Big Band will be on stage to present great jazz and dance music.” He indicated that

the event will give everyone a chance to “test their dancing feet.”

Sixteen feature movies will be screened, featuring such popular films as “Pillow Talk,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Star Wars,” and “The Trouble with Harry.”

Additionally, the annual silent movie festival will again feature the great music of Jeff Rapsis as he provides background music to the comedy, “Her Sister from Paris.”

The April movie series will screen great films of the 1960s including “A Hard Day’s Night,” “The Graduate” and double-featured

“spaghetti” (Italianmade) and Japanese westerns.

In cooperation with the Vermont Humanities Council, FOLA will present a lecture on Vermont in the movies.

Since 2018 will be an election year, FOLA plans to present two candidate forums for primary and general election candidates.

It will close its 2018 season with the annual Community Christmas Celebration.

Full schedules are available from the FOLA Web site, fola.us.

Courtesy FOLA

Dancer Gene Kelly performs in the musical film, "Singin' in the Rain," one of the many movies to be screened by FOLA during its 2018 season.

The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018 • 21

Junior & Adult SEASON LEASES Available Sign up now for THE BEST Season Tune in the area!

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3429 Rt. 4, Killington at the Time & Temperature Sign 802-422-3739 • www.aspeneast.com

The Mountain Times • Nov. 25-31, 2017 • 23

KILLINGTON’S ULTIMATE RENTAL AND DEMO CENTER

802-422-4281

By Evan Johnson

Tuning Ski & Snowboard Rentals, Demos & Sales

Welcome to Lift Lines, a weekly column where local and visiting skiers and riders share their thoughts on Killington, skiing and riding, and the winter lifestyle.

“What do you think of Killington’s plans to build a village?”

Accessories Apparel

BLACKDOGDEALS.COM MOUNTAIN GREEN BUILDING 3 • EAST MOUNTAIN RD

IL OFBrian THE Wolfe WEEK: Old Lyme, Conn.

EVAN JOHNSON

“I guess I’ve got mixed feelings about it. A big village would be great, but I do wonder about it changing the character of the area. But this place is so big you could get away from it if you wanted to by going to Bear Mountain.”

- Brian Wolfe

Chad Allen

“I don’t ski for the resort scene, I like simplicity. Mad River Glen is more my scene, but I wonder about how a big village would fit into this area.”

Glastonbury, Conn.

- Chad Allen

John Swingler Stanford, Conn.

“The thing about villages, whether they’re at Whistler or Stratton, is they make you feel like you’re corked up. Like you can’t walk through without needing to stop in some shop, bar or restaurant. At least with the way Killington is now, you can scoot down to Rutland.”

- John Swingler

Moutnain Times mountintimes.info

22 • The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018

Stuff I read in 2017 The list below is not my take on “the best books of the year” – I haven’t yet read more than a handful of books published in 2017. Instead, the titles below represent my favorites of the books I happened to read this year, not ranked but listed simply in the order I read them.

• “The Black Book” by Orhan Pamuk, translated by Güneli Gün (Farrar Straus & Giroux, 1990) – I sometimes think about how exciting it would be if the United States had a novelist on par with the Turkish Nobel Laureate, whose Joycean stories of Istanbul condense urban history, politics, and sociology into emotionally complex, aesthetically beguiling articulations of individual experience that are as penetrative as they are enigmatic, as ironic as they are romantic. “The Black Book,” a hypnotic, baffling amateur-detective story, is one of his classics.

• “NaS Lost: A Tribute to the Little Homey” by Byron Crawford (self-published, 2013) – A St. Louis warehouse worker by day and internet provocateur by night, Crawford is an unstoppable writer and critical freestylist, emitting a unending stream of hip-hop gossip, no-holds-barred cultural commentary, and subversively tasteless humor. Better than any work of careful scholarship could, his hilariously dismissive yet oddly insightful book-length study of the legendary rapper Nas captures – in its errors, digressions, and personal ruminations – the nature of the lifelong journey that listeners take with their favorite artists.

PICK UP THIS LESSER-KNOWN NOVEL OF SORROW, ANGER, AND LOVE, WHICH SETS A TEENAGE PUNK GIRL’S COMING OF AGE AGAINST A BACKDROP OF FAMILIAL DYSFUNCTION. • “Red Snow” by Susumu Katsumata, translated by Taro Nettleton (Drawn and Quarterly, 2005) – In this manga collection of haunting, sometimes nostalgic tales of rural Japan, the author-artist casually and persuasively weaves the folklore of his country into otherwise realistically detailed depictions of the labor and loneliness of remote mountain life. Amid invocations of the supernatural, Katsumata’s appealingly subtle work pays particular attention to the suffering and sexual exploitation of impoverished women within Japan’s preindustrial patriarchy.

• “My Cousin, My Gastroenterologist” by Mark Leyner (Vintage Contemporaries, 1990) – Leyner’s postmodernism-for-the-MTV-generation absorbed the adrenalized incoherence of mass culture with wit and enthusiasm. The author’s belief that the tacky, neonhued consumerism of his time could be translated into satisfying literary art earned him a following among college students as well as the opprobrium of David Foster Wallace, and this frenetic story collection remains an impressive performance, forever walking an electrified tightrope between comedic social commentary and total incoherence.

• “Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative?” by Mark Fisher (Zero Books, 2009) – Fisher’s readable and perceptive multichapter essay exposes the means by which capitalism manages to present itself to the public – in the face of ever-widening inequality and obvious ecological unsustainability – as a permanent condition nonetheless, the only logical or plausible economic system and an organic extension of human nature. Today, even capitalism’s opponents can’t imagine life without it, and Fisher’s book, for all its usefulness as a political treatise, also serves as a moving literary evocation of the personal hopelessness (politically induced depression, in other words) that resides at “the end of history.”

• “Trampoline” by Robert Gipe (Ohio University Press, 2015) – Instead of reading a Republican venture capitalist’s take on the supposedly politically ineradicable social rot of the Rust Belt and the apparently inborn moral defects of Appalachians in J.D. Vance’s wildly overpraised “Hillbilly Elegy,” pick up this lesser-known novel Gen Y, page 26

Beech bark disease

By Joe Rankin

If you’ve ever seen chevrons on the bark of an American beech, you know you’re looking at a tree that’s been hugged by a black bear. And you’ve likely been impressed with the bear’s climbing ability. And perhaps looked over your shoulder while you were busy being impressed.

But bear-clawed beeches aren’t as common as they once were. The American beech has become another member of the North American Trees Devastated by Imported Pests and Diseases club.

Beech trees are still out there in the forest. But many of the big ones are gone, victims of the notorious beech bark disease. It’s a one-two punch – a tiny scale insect bores holes in the bark, and a fungus marches in and infects the tree.

These days, beeches in northern New England are all too likely to be small and stunted or to bear the ugly, puckered cankers that mark them as infected.

Beech bark disease “causes significant mortality and defects in American beech,” write U.S. Forest Service researchers David R. Houston and James T. O’Brien. It’s a disease that has changed the role of the tree in the forest and undoubtedly had a trickledown effect on animals that relied on the tree’s nutritious nuts for food.

The malady was already killing beech across Europe in the mid1800s. By 1890 it had arrived in Nova Scotia and by the 1930s was killing beeches in Maine.

At first the tiny, non-native scale insect was seen as the direct cause of death. In 1914 scientists figured out that one of two European fungus species invaded through the wounds made by the insect and spread beneath the bark, weakening and eventually killing the tree.

Mark Twery, who researched beech bark disease in graduate school and later during a career at the U.S. Forest Service’s Northern Research Station, characterizes it as an opportunistic relationship. The scale insect’s damage makes the beech more susceptible to the fungus. Later, rough patches on the bark created by the fungus give the scale insect more crevices to

settle into. Twery calls it a “positive feedback” loop. It is a complicated disease, and that complexity has made it difficult to combat.

Over a hundred years after it arrived, beech bark disease is still spreading across the continent, said Twery. It has made it as far as Michigan, is headed deep into the South, and is pushing north into Quebec, apparently destined to penetrate to every corner of the American beech’s range.

It is interesting that the disease has taken more than a century to get as

far as it has. It’s been slowed not by geography, but climate, said Twery.

The scale insect is mainly spread by wind, and the prevailing winds in North America are west to east. But, of course, sometimes they blow the other way. Think nor’easter. Birds have undoubtedly carried the insect on feet and feathers. These days, said Twery, the main long-distance vector is people moving firewood.

Twery said his initial research in forests in Massachusetts and New Hampshire showed that when the disease swept through it killed off many of the bigger specimens.

But, he says, “some beech trees are totally resistant to the insect and they don’t get the fungus. Some are resistant to a certain extent. Some are tolerant, but to different degrees.

Some trees can wall out the fungus, so the necroses don’t actually reach the cambium and the tree stays much healthier,” he said.

THE OUTSIDE STORY Twery said he finds it fascinating that the tree’s response to the “stress and insults from this combination disease” isn’t just to give up and die.

The declining trees send up root suckers that grow into small trees that are then disfigured by the disease. “The beech keeps growing. It gives you a lot of respect for the tree.”

Of course, a thicket of stricken saplings or even bigger diseased trees isn’t going to make the same contribution to the forest ecology as a big, healthy beech. The disease “certainly reduced the amount of mast in the northern hardwood forest … which has made it harder for animals that depend on hard mast,” said Twery –ear, deer, and now, wild turkeys among them. People don’t tend to look as kindly on the species, either.

There are organisms that prey on both the scale insect and the fungi, but biocontrols probably aren’t the answer. The scale insect is a tough customer, notes Twery. It’s parthenogenetic, so it doesn’t need to mate and spends most of its life beneath the bark. And chemical sprays aren’t practicable in a forest.

Modern genetics may help.

Researchers have been working to isolate the genes that make trees resistant to the disease. This past summer a team identified “a single locus of major effect contributing to beech bark disease resistance” which they reported “might be used in applied breeding, conservation and restoration programs.”

Twery notes that even “if you took people out of the mix and waited hundreds or thousands of years, those few beech that are resistant would likely eventually succeed and replace those susceptible to the disease.”

That’s good news for the trees, though not much solace for this year’s hungry bears.

Joe Rankin lives in Maine. He writes on forestry and nature. The illustration for this column was drawn by Adelaide Tyrol. The Outside Story is assigned and edited by Northern Woodlands magazine, northernwoodlands.org, and sponsored by the Wellborn Ecology Fund of New Hampshire Charitable Foundation: wellborn@nhcf.org.

Year-end financial to-do list • #1: Use any remaining flexible spending account balances. Make sure you use up any remaining funds in your health spending accounts, flexible spending accounts for child care and dependent care and transportation accounts.

Typically, the expenses you are reimbursing yourself MONEY MATTERS for must have occurred in 2017. Some plans offer

BY KEVIN THEISSEN greater flexibility. Check to see if your plan allows you to file for reimbursement of 2017 expenses after the start of the new year (funds typically give you 90 days to file). Plans may also allow you to roll funds over for use in 2018 or allow you to use 2017 dollars to pay for expenses that incurred in 2018.

• #2: Maximize retirement plan contributions at work.

Make sure you put as much as you can into your employer-based retirement plan, such as a 401(k) plan. You can contribute up to $18,000 or $24,000 if you are 50 or older.

• #3: Make charitable contributions now to get 2017 tax deductions. Donations must be dated before Dec. 31. Stock donations to charities must be completed by then, too. Tangible gifts must also be received by the charity by Dec. 31 as well – make sure to keep a detailed list of what was donated for any gifts of this type. If you think you may be in a lower tax bracket next year, you may want to consider accelerating your charitable contributions to this year to get more money from deductions.

• #4: Reimburse yourself for college expenses from your 529 college savings plan. The expenses you are Money Matters, page 23

The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018 • 23

A time for new beginnings

Snow storm stories

“I learned this, at least, by my experi3. Write your goals down to set intenment: that if one advances confidently tion and kickstart them into motion. in the direction of his dreams, and 4. Michael suggests reviewing goals endeavors to live the life which he has often and asking, “What’s the next step imagined, he will meet with a success that I need to take to move closer toward unexpected in common hours.”—Henry this goal?”

David Tho5. Once you’ve determined just what reau your goals are, keep them to yourself or The share them selectively with someone Mountain Winter else who’s committed to helping you on Meditation

By Marguerite te Solstice and achieve them.

Jill Dye the New The tradition of setting Winter SolYear are stice or New Year’s intentions gains powespecially er by putting them in writing. Did you auspicious times to conceive and set know that writing a detailed account of life goals and intentions. “Solstice” in one’s goals increases the likelihood that Latin means “sun set still” and refers to they’ll be attained by 48 percent? Setting the darkness before light returns. The the intention, once again, by lighting a Winter Solstice ushers us through the candle or saying a prayer, keeping the longest, darkest night of the year. It’s a paper in a special container and placing time of reflection and setting objectives it in a place of power, gives the intenthat will incubate as the darkness yields tions yet more momentum. In feng shui, to the new cycle of the sun. This magical the ancient Chinese art of placement, era gives us hope as rays of light warm the location for goals is in the back cenfallow ground. Seeds awaken and unfold ter of each room and dwelling, straight as fragile sprouts that grow vibrant and ahead and directly across from the door strong. to the room or the home’s front enA simple way to begin to examine tranceway. A living plant in the goal area our values, dreams, and intentions is by is another way to enhance feng shui. It’s gathering pictures, words, and ideas to often surprising to reread intentions afcreate a collage: a vision board. How do ter a year has passed, but some folks are you want to live your life, with intention certain reading goals often gives them and joy as your aim? What matters to more power to manifest. you most of all? Family, career, growth, Success.com gives us “5 Ways to or friends? What is your purpose? What Become the Person You Aspire to Be.” 1. do you love most to do whenever you We must be honest with ourselves about can? What would your ideal life look our passions and who we really are. 2. like? Consider where you’d most like Having a vision of our dreams gives us to live. How do you wish to spend your the blueprint to our future. 3. Persevere days? Are you and never give committed to up when setWRITING A DETAILED improving your backs and chalACCOUNT OF ONE’S GOALS health? Setting lenges arise. 4. fitness goals Avoid naysayers INCREASES THE LIKELIHOOD and an exercise and self-doubt THAT THEY’LL BE ATTAINED routine, even if purveyors. it’s solely isoOvercome your BY 48 PERCENT. metric, can help own self-limdetermine your body’s future, delaying iting beliefs. 5. Believe in yourself and or avoiding that slippery slope. your power to manifest your goal, your In “The Beginner’s Guide to Goal Setintention, your dream. ting,” Michael Hyatt offers five prinI confess, I’m a procrastinator, and ciples: I’m darned good at it. But procrastinal. Five to seven goals are sufficient. tion is not a helpful trait. It diminishes You can memorize them and they won’t happiness and fulfillment in life. When overwhelm. we work toward our goals and make 2. Set “S.M.A.R.T.” goals. S: Be as progress, a cycle of progress called specific as you can. M: Goals must be subjective wellbeing, or SWB, is promeasurable to quantify their results. duced. Our positive feelings motivate A: Start each goal with an action verb the behaviors that help us advance and (like to “build” or “write”). R: Make goals stay on task. realistic but also a challenge and a bit In “Goal Progress and Happiness” of a stretch. T: Goals should always be in Psychologytoday.com, Timothy A. time-bound.

Pychyl, Ph.D, recommends beginning

Now before we all start roads. People started driv- one could drive around a complaining about the ing again. It was a mystical corner without creeping rain, lets get something time. Anyway, we had seen out into the intersection straight: I have seen this some snow. to see what was coming. winter before. I believe it But the folwas the winter of 1978-79, lowing winter in the year after the fabled Randolph was “Blizzard of ‘78”. We had different. Aside just moved to Randolph, from being way Vt. Having lived through colder than the ridiculous blizzard of southeastern By br brady ‘78 in southeastern MasMassachusetts crain sachusetts, my family was (two whole under the opinion that we growing zones had seen some snow. colder, if I recall That storm saw four the temps never feet of snow fall over night, went below zero, stranding motorists on the let alone to -40, where I The snowbanks were so highways and sometimes was from), the personalhigh that my neighborkilling them. My famity of the winter was very hood of 6-12 year olds ily was snowed in for two very different. The pattern (and there were a ton of weeks, my father eventuof the snowfall went like us) never went to any of ally taking a sled a mile this: snow, freezing rain, our usual sledding hills, or two to the local store hard freeze, then rinse and but rather just went and and bringing played on the MY FAMILY WAS SNOWED IN back groceries. snowbanks in our Keep in mind neighborhood, FOR TWO WEEKS, MY FATHER that he was which ranged from EVENTUALLY TAKING A SLED 290 pounds, 10-20 feet high. and post holed They were perfect A MILE OR TWO TO THE LOCAL through four and an amazing STORE AND BRINGING BACK feet of snow to introduction into get there and what real snow is.

GROCERIES. back.

We have since During this period of repeat. had bigger snow years, time I had scarlet fever.

This cycle started in late but what we haven’t had, The doctor came to see November and went right is that magical cycle of me on a snowmobile for through March and April, snow, freezing rain, hard two weeks. After a week, with snow coming two freeze, then rinse and remy fever was less, and my to three times a week. By peat. The reason that this parents let me go outside, mid-February, when the cycle is magical is manibecause I was seven years temperatures were swingfold. First of all, it settles old and crazy for snow. ing from the low 40s to things down thoroughly I ran off the porch and 40-below zero The snow in the woods, making the disappeared into the snow. in our yard was four feet snow pack thicker and My father literally grabbed deep, but it wasn’t normal icier so that you aren’t me by he collar of my coat snow. It was a four-foot hitting giant chunks of and lifted me away from deep block of ice. My granite every time you my flounder in the snow 290-pound father could head into the woods. like I was a kitten (my easily walk on the ice. Our When the cycle is tight father was the very definidoghouse was covered. enough you get good tion of “fat strong”, and While my father walked powder days, then you get could do things like pick on the top crust of snow, some heavy wet powder up the front end of our ‘72 I built warrens of tunnels (fine by me), and then you VW Super Beetle). My fever in the snow throughout get great groomers when then came back, and I was the yard. Normally my the snow sets. sentenced to another week parents would warn me of Finally, the biggest reastuck in the house, wishing the dangers of collapsing son to welcome this cycle, I could play in the snow. snow tunnels, but since is that the more freeze I still remember the day my father could walk on thaw cycles we have, the that the National Guard top of them, we figured longer the snow lasts, and came through with giwe were safe. the less affected the snowant Caterpillar D-3s and That year, the snowpack is by periodic melts. similar type earth moving banks were so high in our It is because of December equipment to clear the neighborhood that no rain that we ski in June.

Mountain meditation, page 26

Money Matters:

Altit Altitude Sick Sickness

Financial to-do list

continued from page 22 reimbursing yourself for this year must have occurred in 2017.

• #5: If you are in business for yourself, set up a solo 401(k) or SEP IRA. These accounts are also known as a Self Employed 401(k) or and Individual 401(k). This can help save a great deal on taxes and maximize your retirement savings. You must set these accounts up by Dec. 31.

• #6: Carry out transactions that can lower your 2017 taxes. Review your portfolio and consider selling stocks or funds that have decreased in value at a loss.

If you sell a stock of a fund at a loss, you can write off those losses on your taxes against gains. Also, check on medical expenses and other tax deductions. You can only deduct certain expenses after they exceed a certain percentage of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) – e.g., medical expenses must exceed 10 percent

of your AGI – so you may want to accelerate those payments into this year or push them out until next year.

• #7: Consider making financial gifts to your children or grandchildren. You can give up to $14,000 to any one person each year without paying a federal gift tax.

For example, you could give $14,000 to your daughter and $14,000 to her husband, and your spouse could do the same, for a total of $56,000 ($14,000 x 4). If you go above that limit, say $50,000 to help a child with a down payment on a home, you most likely won’t have to pay more taxes, but you will have to file an additional form with the IRA, the Gift Tax Form 709. For couples filing a joint return, the gift tax form threshold is $28,000 for an individual when the money is coming from separate accounts from the husband and wife.

• #8: Consider whether you should withdraw funds from your individual retirement account (IRA). If

you are over 70 ½ or have an inherited IRA, you must take money out as a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) based on age and marital status. If you don’t take out enough, the IRS will fine you 50 percent of the amount you were supposed to withdraw but didn’t.

That is in addition to the taxes you already owe on the distribution. So, if you didn’t take out $10,000 that you were supposed to on the RMD, the IRS can take away $5,000. If you are over 59 ½ and in a bracket this year that is lower than normal, consider taking money out of your account this year. Just make sure you don’t take out an amount that would bump you into a higher tax bracket.

• #9: Talk to your advisor about your financial goals for 2018 and beyond. If you don’t have an advisor, consider getting one.

Kevin Theissen is principal at Skygate Financial.

PETPersonals

24 • The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018

GUNTHER - 7-year-old neutered male. Rottweiler. I’m super handsome if I do say so myself! And I’m super sweet and I’m easy to have around. I’m a big dog so I’ll need lots of room for me to romp around and spread out. I’m very playful and I do love toys.

CALLIE - 6-year-old spayed female. Treeing Walker Hound. I’m an adorable lady with unique markings who loves getting lots of love and attention. I’m smart and I already know how to “sit” so I’m looking forward to learning more commands and maybe even some tricks.

PEACHES - 11-year-old spayed female. Domestic Long Hair. Torbie with white.

I am affectionate and loving but will need time to adjust to my new home before coming out of my shell. I am looking for a quiet home that I can spend my golden years in. I would prefer to be pampered and the only kitty!

KITTY KITTY - 1.5-year-old spayed female. Domestic Short Hair. Gray and white.

I am a young and energetic girl cat. I love to play and am full of energy. I have had plenty of outdoor adventures and would like to be an indoor only cat from now on.

ROSA - 2-year-old spayed female. Hound mix. I’m a social, outgoing lady who loves getting lots of love and attention. I’m a sweet love bug and I’m looking forward to getting spoiled in my new home. I’m a high energy gal and I’ll need lots of exercise.

LEXI - 4-year-old spayed female. Pit Bull mix. I’m a very playful gal who loves tennis balls! After I play and play I will relax and take a well-deserved snooze. I’m very social, too, and enjoy hanging out with my favorite people.

DIVA - 4-year-old spayed female. Domestic Short Hair.

Torbie with white. I am as sweet as they come. I am gentle and laid back and just like to hang out and lounge.

I would make great company and a great cuddle buddy! I really do love attention and when I am being pet I like to roll over.

JUNO - 4-year-old spayed female. Domestic Short Hair.

Brown tabby. I am a slim and trim lady cat full of love to give. I am very good with children of all ages and with other cats but I do not like dogs. I am very clean and use my litter box well. I am very anxious to find my forever home.

HOWIE - 5-year-old neutered male. Labrador Retriever/Pit Bull mix. I’m very outgoing and social and I’m fun to be around. I love hanging out with my favorite people and getting lots of love and attention. I’m a big fella so I’ll need lots of room to romp around and spread out.

AMELIA - Adult spayed female. Rex. White. I am a big fluffball who loves to snack on carrots and lounge around in my pen. If you would like to come visit, I am here waiting to go to my forever home with unlimited supply of carrots and treats!

BLACKIE 3-year-old spayed female. Domestic Short Hair. Black. I am very affectionate and I love to be petted and rub my head against you. I get along very well with my friends in the community cat room where I enjoy being on a high perch so I can watch all that goes on.

ISABELLA - 2-year-old spayed female. Domestic Short Hair. Tortoiseshell. I am absolutely stunning. Not only do I have great looks but I have a personality to match. I love attention and will follow you around asking for pets and I do love to be scratched behind my ears!

Featuring pets from:

RUTLAND COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY LUCY MACKENZIE HUMANE SOCIETY SPRINGFIELD HUMANE SOCIETY

Springfield Humane Society

LIZZIE My name is Lizzie and to help find my furever home I took a few “elfies”. I love people, walks, car rides, food, but not other animals. Stop by Wednesday thru Saturday from Noon to 4:30 to meet me or call 802-885-3997 for more information and ask about my waived adoption fee.

Stop by 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT, Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 4:30.

Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society

All of these pets are available for adoption at

Rutland County Humane Society

765 Stevens Road, Pittsford, VT • (802) 483-6700 Tues. - Sat. 12-5p.m., Closed Sun. & Mon. • www.rchsvt.org

MOUNTA IN TIMES mountaintimes.info

HAZEL Hi! My name’s Hazel and I’m a 6-year-old spayed female. I was originally adopted from Lucy Mackenzie as a tiny little kitten years ago, but came back when my adopter moved and couldn’t take me with them. I love being around other cats, people and treats! As you can see, I’m a larger girl, but that doesn’t mean I’m not playful and frisky. I love to play, give head-buts and lots of love. I have allergies that I’ve dealt with my entire life, and things have been made better by a diet change recently. I also take a pill every other day and some eye drops daily, but it’s all very easy to do. I’m a highly cooperative cat! If you’ve been looking for an adorable bundle of love that promises to bring lots of joy to your life, stop in and meet me today! Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society is located at 4832 Route 44, West Windsor, VT. We’re open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 12 - 4 PM. Reach us daily at 802484-LUCY. Visit us at www.lucymac.org, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter. We hope to see you soon!

The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018 • 25

Discarding illusions for the holidays

By Cal Garrison, a.k.a. Mother of the Skye

This week’s Horoscopes are coming out under the light of a Void-of-Course Pisces Moon. The Moon left its Void-of-Course pattern and entered the sign of the Ram at about 7:30 p.m. EST on Christmas Day. As the holiday revels play out, there are a number of subtle aspects to consider. On Jan. 31st, a major eclipse will bring whatever’s coming to a head to the fore, so let’s take a look at a couple of issues that are about to arise out of our current state of affairs.

The big shots will be called to task and held accountable for their past and current actions. A similar picture between Neptune and Kron tells us that the dishonesty of our leaders, and our disappointment in them is already rising to the surface.

Hades and the Trans-Neptunian Point, Apollon will be adding their weight to this process. What I see is the picture of multitudes of mistakes coming out of the woodwork in ways that give new meaning to the expression “What goes around comes around.”

Wait and see: ancient history will bring us face-toface with stuff that goes way beyond being hard to believe, and which shocks many of us to the core.

With Christmas and its joys beckoning me to rejoice, in my heart of hearts I see all of this intensity, and disillusionment as a beautiful sight. Why? Because the road to enlightenment is paved with disillusionment. On the cusp of a major wake-up call, it comes down to discarding our illusions and allowing the truth to set us free. With that thought in mind, I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and invite you to take what you can from this week’s ‘scopes.

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Y

Aries

Cancer

Libra

Capricorn

March 21 - April 20

June 21 - July 20

September 21 - October 20

December 21 - January 20

ou have done everything you can to make this work.

What happens next depends on fate, and maybe a little on luck. If your motives have been clear and your soul is free of the issues that keep so many of us from realizing our dreams, your heart’s desire is within reach. Time is of the essence. So is the need to come to terms with a few things. Those of you who can step out of your ego long enough to face yourself will be better off than those of you who keep denying it. No amount of manipulation will turn things in your favor. Like everything else, this is an inside job.

S

ou’ve got everything wrapped up perfectly. Things appear to be working out in your favor. If the way you feel about it belies that statement, then you’re either looking at the glass as half full, or this is all a pretense.

Changing your tune will bring you to the point where you are able to grok the fact that you created this.

If you’ve come to the realization that you’ve outgrown it, it might be time to rearrange things. You don’t like being in situations where you don’t know what will happen next. Relax. This is what happens when it comes time to turn your life around.

Y

ou are sitting on the cusp of a change that will give you a whole new set of problems to deal with. It will be interesting to see how you handle it when what you wanted more than anything finally comes to pass. Others are very much part of this. As much as you are totally clear about what needs to happen, you’re just as clear about the fact that you may not be ready for what it will require of you. Growing up and owning the fact that you’re ready to chew up tons of old Karma, will start to feel doable.

H

olding the whole show together has turned out to be too much. It’s hard to say why you feel like so much more is expected of you. Your current situation got out of hand when you let your sense of guilt or obligation overrule the idea that you deserve to have a life. Others will continue to take. You will continue to give. The scales will be tipped the minute you begin to understand that the greater part of your being needs a venue that will allow you to flourish without having anything you do require you to sell out, martyr yourself, or be a beast of burden for anyone.

Taurus

Leo

Scorpio

Aquarius

April 21 - May 20

July 21 - August 20

October 21 - November 20

January 21 - February 20

tanding in the middle of your life you’re wondering what things would look like if all of this got rearranged. Desperately wanting to return to some state of balance, you’re smart enough to know that it can only be achieved if you get back to center. For the next few weeks you’re going to need to let go of your preoccupation with what others want out of this, and figure out where you really stand. Because it isn’t about them, or anything external. All of this would look fine to you if you could find a way to see it that isn’t colored by the need for everything to stay the same.

I

Y

S

everal adjustments need to be made, at the practical level, and/or in your attitude, and in your core beliefs. If there was ever a time when the ability to walk your talk mattered more than anything, this is it. What you wish for is already here. Your ability to step up and be there for it is more to the point. Getting to the place of knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are being guided by higher forces is a primary issue. Ordinary life drags us down in ways that make us forget who we are. You’re in the middle of a spiritual upgrade; wake up to what it means to you.

T

oo many fish to fry is showing you how hard it is for you to have this much going on.

What seemed so good at the time has boiled down to realizing that you’ve gone too far afield. This will mean different things for all of you. No matter how the shoe fits, your self-preservation depends upon how well you are able to scroll back and anchor yourself to the one thing that always keeps you centered in the midst of change. The thought that you might have to limit yourself obscures the truth; you can be, and do, and have anything you want as long as you know who you are.

D

on’t try to figure people out.

Even your beautiful mind is not equipped to see where they need to go from here. You have rededicated yourself to your work, either by choice or by decree. Whatever that’s about your devotion to your ‘chores’ will be your saving grace until you find a way to connect with your life in a more human kind of way. The next new thing is right around the corner. Others are here for it, or not. Whether you’re on your own with things, or you’re swimming with a partner, the rest of your life will be born out of what you’re working on now.

Gemini

Virgo

Sagittarius

Pisces

May 21 - June 20

August 21 - September 20

November 21 - December 20

February 21 - March 20

t’ll be a few more weeks before the fruits of your labor come to life. In the meantime, forces that give you cause to doubt yourself will be all over the place. This is what happens when our dreams come to the moment of realization. It will help you to keep that thought in mind and remain humble enough to keep praying. As time gives way to the next thing, the trials of the last year or so will evaporate in the face of what has always been true. In just a few months your trials will end. Keep your shoulder to the wheel and your eye on what matters more than anything.

Y

ou guys hold so much light; it’s amazing the way you shine. The worst thing that can happen to a Virgo is when life, people, and circumstances conspire to burn you out. At the moment, there’s enough going on in your reality for all, or just one aspect of it to be rocking you to the core. No matter how lost, or out of touch you feel, all of this is coming together to give you a chance to reclaim yourself. The world works in mysterious ways. After a period of intensity and confusion you will be redeemed by events that have been woven together to carry you back to the light.

Y

ou have come to terms with your share of heartache.

Those who accuse you of being too detached don’t understand enough about life to see that your survival has depended upon your ability to remain above it all. For the last few months you’ve been thinking a lot about how it really feels to be the one to do this. For once in your life the things you could never say, or give yourself the right to feel, need to be felt and said. Now may not be the time, but sooner or later this backlog of energy will find expression and release you from the need to keep it to yourself.

Mother of the Skye

I

t’s good to have compassion for people but this is no time to be overly kind. Your inner ‘Hard Ass’ needs to show up if you’re going to get past this. As you prepare for the next round of BS try to keep your sense of humor and watch others continue to lie through their teeth. It will take two more months for things to play out. No need to worry; you can sit back and watch people shoot themselves in the foot, or you can leave them to their nonsense and move on to the next thing. The next thing will take you beyond all of this; give yourself enough of a break to get on with it.

Mother of the Skye has 40 years of experience as an astrologer and tarot consultant.

She may be reached by email to cal.garrison@gmail.com

26 • The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018

Gen Y:

Stuff I read in 2017

continued from page 22

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of sorrow, anger, and love, which sets a teenage punk girl’s coming of age against a backdrop of familial dysfunction and Kentucky’s struggle to resist the environmental devastation of mountaintop removal mining.

Gipe’s naturalistic writing provides a clear vision of the problems facing his native region; it’s the work’s clarity that allows for its empathy, and for its ability to see the aforementioned problems in a context of hope.

• “The Pure and the Impure” by Colette, translated by Herma Briffault (NYRB Classics, 1932) – Narrated by Colette herself, her favorite of her own novels has the courage not to be much of a novel at all. Composed of a series of interviews with friends and acquaintances who, by the standards of their time, were considered sexual deviants, Colette’s candid, opinionated, yet still slightly dreamy exploration of homosexuality, promiscuity, and gender variance contains, like all her work, the sensual, indomitable spirit of its author.

• “I Hate the Internet” by Jarett Kobek (We Heard You Like Books, 2016) – Set against San Francisco’s cultural destruction at the hands of the tech industry, this self-published novel uses the deadpan, factual tone of Vonnegut’s “Breakfast of Champions” to steer its audience away from the empathetic immersion of

Mountain Meditation:

establishment literary fiction and into critical engagement. Although Kobek’s urban parable incorporates a wide variety of very funny rants about contemporary life, his primary subject is the myth of the internet as liberator of mankind: all the internet really does, in Kobek’s view, is facilitate the theft of writers’ and artists’ intellectual property by corporations run by sociopathic libertarian billionaires, who sit back and profit off the otherwise meaningless culture wars that play out across the social media platforms into which they’ve funneled the First World’s wasted political energy.

• “Listen, Liberal” by Thomas Frank (Metropolitan Books, 2016) – Frank’s much-needed polemic provides a strong historical background on the modern failure of the Democratic Party: how it came to abandon the class politics of FDR; how it reoriented itself around the interests and attitudes of educated, whitecollar workers; how it learned to prize “innovation” and “opportunity” more than equality. By elucidating the disastrous consequences of technocratic neoliberal policy, Frank’s book illustrates not only why the Democrats lost in 2016 but why life in America would still be really bad if they’d won.

A time for new beginnings

continued from page 23

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the day with the toughest tasks because “priming the pump” helps him get started, then the momentum is easier to build up. If the task isn’t something we want to do, we drag our feet, but need to claim it.

Recognizing its value in some way makes it easier to get it done. Then we can proceed to the goal-related tasks that enhance our SWB and joie de vivre.

I learned about Jon Butcher’s system of creating a “Lifebook” through the Mindvalley Academy, “the Ultimate Personal Growth University.” A Lifebook is a detailed vision of what one values and wants in life: the beliefs, outcomes and steps to make one’s dreams and intentions come true. The categories of one’s life to investigate and explore are: physical, intellectual,

Fined:

emotional, character, spirituality, romance, parenting, social, career, finances, quality of life, and life vision. Through decades of study and feedback, Butcher determined that the best measure of “success” is determined by those who curate and plan their own lives according to their values and desires. Instead of defining success by wealth or progress in one’s career, it’s important to consider happiness and fulfillment, relationships, health, and other aspects of our lives.

In “The 3 Key Ideas from Aristotle That Will Help You Flourish” by Charlie Gilkey, I discovered that our questions are nothing new under the sun. “What does it mean to be happy and to live a good life? How do we focus on what matters most and live up to our own potential?

Why do some people succeed while others barely get by?” Aristotle and other philosophers, religious leaders, and spiritual teachers throughout the millennia also pondered these questions.

Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do.” To better our lives and manifest our dreams, we identify our deepest values and develop the character traits that best reflect them.

What virtues do you choose to exemplify? Which actions will you change into habits to help you realize your life goals? What are your aspirations, and how do you wish to transform yourself?

Marguerite Jill Dye is an artist and writer who divides her time between the Green Mountains of Vermont and Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Rowley Fuels fined $18,637.50

continued from page 4

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tried to get rid of excess fuel by burning it. Burning heating oil remnants in such an uncontrolled manner sends dangerous toxic pollutants and particulate matter directly into the air at ground level, where they can be easily inhaled.

Agency personnel observed multiple additional violations of the state’s Hazardous Waste Management Rules including improper and unsafe storage, handling, and clean-up of hazardous heating fuel materials.

The Agency put Rowley Fuels on notice of these violations, and the company subsequently hired a consultant to conduct a site assessment. The site assessment estimated that 80 gallons of fuel was burned from the perforated tanks, or the equivalent of a large, full home hot water heater. Additionally, the consultant removed the two aboveground fuel storage tanks and excavated approximately 45 cubic yards, or approximately 18 pickup truck loads, of contaminated soil from the property.

“Proper management of petroleum, tank-bottom sludge, and hazardous waste protects human health and the environment,” said Emily Boedecker, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). “Vermont’s fuel dealers are responsible stewards of our environment while providing an essential service to Vermonters. When open-burning of fuel and harmful release of petroleum do occur, Vermonters depend on the state to hold responsible parties accountable.”

Rowley Fuels has been ordered to stop burning waste fuel and is required to return the company to full compliance with Vermont Hazardous Waste Rules. On Dec. 1, 2017 the Vermont Superior Court’s Environmental Division ordered a penalty of $18,637.50 for the violations.

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The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018 • 27

RRMC names Cacciatore new manager of security RUTLAND—Rutland Regional Medical Center is pleased to welcome Chuck Cacciatore as its new manager of security and switchboard. His duties include overseeing and coordinating security efforts across the hospital.

Prior to joining Rutland Regional, Cacciatore had a long and distinguished career with the Vermont State Police. He began as a road trooper in 1991, spent 15 years as a Drug Abuse Resistance

Debt obligation:

Education (D.A.R.E) officer, and was the first state trooper to work as a school resource officer at Mill River Union High School. In 2004, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant/patrol commander of the Middlebury Barracks, and in 2010 was elevated to the rank of lieutenant station commander of the Rutland Barracks, where he remained for six and one half years.

He completed his law enforcement training career in the Office

of Professional Development and Training and led the department’s recruiting effort. Cacciatore retired five months early from the state police to take the position with Rutland Regional.

Cacciatore was born and raised in Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., and graduated from Hartwick College in Oneonta, N. Y., with degrees in political science and history. He is married and has two college-age children.

Letter urging politicians to watch rising debts before giving grants

continued from page 6 fund. This doesn’t seem to matter as long as money can be found to buy votes from the hapless citizenry.

The French political thinker and historian Alexis De Tocqueville two centuries ago warned us of the dangers of reckless spending and buying votes. He said, “The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public’s money.”

Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and President of the United States also warned us. He writes: “I sincerely believe... that the principle of spending money to be paid by posterity under the name of funding is but swindling futurity on a large scale.” --Thomas Jefferson to John Taylor, 1816.

Not much is said these days about President Jefferson, Alexis De Tocqueville or the debts of the state and federal government. The wisdom of Jefferson and his contemporaries is lost on the majority of present day politicians.

The U.S. national debt is a whopping $20 trillion dollars and growing. That is almost $63,117 for every man, woman and child and $176,300 for each taxpayer. I equate the national debt to a Texas size asteroid of our own making hurtling toward the world economy. The asteroid is made of unrealistic campaign promises, payoffs to special interests, government grants, and every form of pork and waste a career politician can fantasize about.

This metaphorical asteroid will deprive us of our liberty and hinder our pursuit of happiness just as a real one

Hurricane relief:

would deprive us of life. I ask, “What do the voting records of Vermont’s congressional delegation tell us about how these three career politicians have addressed the national debt?”

Citizens against Government Waste is a private, nonpartisan, non-profit organization representing more than one million members and supporters to eliminate waste, mismanagement, and inefficiency in the federal government. This organization gives the Vermont congressional delegation of Bernie Sanders, Patrick Leahy and Peter Welch a rating of “hostile” in addressing wasteful government spending. Bernie Sanders has the dubious distinction of being rated as THE most hostile member of the Congress in trying to reign in the destructive spending appetite of our government. In January 2013, Peter Welch, was awarded “Porker of the Month” for violating his constitutional oath in attempting to circumvent legal authority to raise the debt ceiling which rests solely with the Congress. Welch distributed a petition to members of congress suggesting that President Obama be given a blank check to raise the debt ceiling at his own discretion.

Say goodbye to separation of powers and hello to dictatorship.

This begs the question, “Why do good Vermonters continue to elect people that willfully mortgage the future liberty and happiness of our children and grandchildren?”

Stu Lindberg Cavendish

Letter seeking donations for victims, pets

continued from page 6 These funds will be used only to purchase life saving supplies, medicines, food and water in Florida, then shipping to their destinations. Donations are tax deductible. (Leave your contact information.)

VVSA is a non-profit organization incorporated in 1986. We will ask Congressman Welch, Senators Leahy and Sanders to help arrange transport to facilitate the final transport step. Once on the islands, donations will be in responsible hands assuring the recipients receive the needed items.

These U.S. territories need our help. We can help our fellow human beings and animals survive. By gifting a contribution in a loved one’s name, you’ll not only save a life, you’ll exemplify the true meaning of Christmas and Chanukah.

To donate to VVSA’s General Operating Fund, please make checks payable to: VVSA, P.O. Box 100, Bridgewater, VT 05034. In 2017, with your support, we continue to administer the Vermont Spay-Neuter Incentive Program (VSNIP). We have paid for over 50 of these surgeries, provided funds for medical attention, distributed tons of animal food and litter, rescued 24 cats living on the street, investigated several reports of cruelty/neglect of animals, made and distributed insulated cat boxes, and organized a relief effort for For All Your Home and Commercial Petroleum Needs hurricane victims with contributions of nearly $20,000 for transport, food, kennels, medicines, traps, etc. that Heating Oils • Gasoline Shell Lubricants benefited Florida and St. Martin.

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28 • The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018

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NEED A SKI HOUSE? Check out this 6 Bedroom Rochester Gem! Built in 1912, this charming and spacious, in-town home is set back from the road on 1.2 acres.

Walking distance to Rochester School (K-8), park, grocery store, library, health center and the famous Rochester Café! Excellent Rt. 100 location - only 20 minutes to Killington/Pico and Interstate 89. Large yard backs up to White River - summer rafting & kayaking right out your door! Tons of room for a big family or ideal for ski house group. Don’t miss this great opportunity! Can be seen on Zillow. Priced below appraisal at $259,000. Call 802-7679150 or email lizvhm29@ gmail.com.

NEW LISTING: Killington ski village location, mountain v i e w. P i n n a c l e 1 b d r m condo, $116K. Furnished, never rented, deck, stone fireplace, kitchen upgrade, ski locker, health club, shuttle to mountain. Owner, waynekay@ gmail.com, 802-775-5111.

STRONG RENTAL I N V E S T M E N T O P P O R T U N I T Y !

K I L L I N G TO N G AT E WAY CONDOS! Penthouse newly renovated two level, 2 bed/2 bath. Hardwood flooring throughout, wood burning fireplace in dining/living area, updated kitchen, two separate balconies w/views, sold furnished! $114,500. Also available, 1 Bedroom w/Den + full bath newly updated. $79K priced to sell! Gateway Owners enjoy a great owner’s lounge/ game room, private ski lockers, tennis courts, and a beautiful in-ground pool in the summer months! 2 miles to Pico Ski Resort, minutes to downtown Rutland & super close to the World Class Killington year round Resort. For more info or to schedule a showing call Tucker Lange, Sales Associate & Realtor, Peak Property Real Estate. Mobile 303-8188068 or Killington Office 802775-1700.

KILLINGTON—2 BDRM 1.5 bath condo, Mountain Green bldg. 2. FP, ski lockers, health club membership. $92K. Owner, 800-576-5696.

MENDON LAND: 267 acres of secluded yet close to Killington and Rutland with outstanding mountain views of Pico and Blue Ridge Mountains. This land is bordered on the uphill side by the Rutland City watershed. There are thousands of sugar maples and a variety of hard and softwoods. There are two ways to access the land, one by truck from Rt 4 and by car through a gated right of way.

Info, LouiseHarrison.com or call 802-747-8444.

PITTSFIELD LAND: River View Trail Road: 4AC for $49,900 with State septic permit for a 4BR, 6 person home. Nice level building lot (B #1). Ski Country Real Estate, 335 Killington Rd, 802-7755111.

PITTSFIELD LAND: River View Trail Road: 8AC for $69,900 with State septic permit for a 4BR home. Lot 5.

Private Location. Ski Country Real Estate, 335 Killington Rd, 802-775-5111.

LAND FOR SALE: Improved building lot in Killington neighborhood with ski home benefits. Views. Call 802-4229500.

ERA MOUNTAIN Real Estate, 1913 US Rt. 4, Killington— killingtonvermontrealestate. com or call one of our real estate experts for all of your real estate needs including Short Term & Long Term Rentals & Sales. 802-7750340.

KILLINGTON PICO REALTY Our Realtors have special training in buyer representation to ensure a positive buying experience. Looking to sell?

Our unique marketing plan features your very own website. 802-422-3600, KillingtonPicoRealty.com 2814 Killington Rd., Killington. (next to Choices Restaurant).

KILLINGTON VALLEY Real Estate PO Box 236, 2281 Killington Rd., Killington. 802422-3610 or 1-800-833-KVRE. Email: kvre@vermontel.net LOUISE HARRISON REAL ESTATE: An independent broker offering professional guidance and representation to buyers and sellers in the greater Killington, Mendon, Rutland area. 30 years experience. Available by appointment 7 days a week at the location of your choice. 8 Mountain Top Rd, Chittenden.

LouiseHarrison.com, 802747-8444.

P E A K P R O P E RT Y R e a l Estate, 1995 US Route 4, Killington. VTproperties. net. 802-775-1700, 802353-1604. Marni@ peakpropertyrealestate.com.

Specializing in homes/condos/ land/commercial/investments/ winter rentals. Representing sellers & buyers all over Central Vt.

www.LouiseHarrison.com REALTOR / Independent Broker since 1998 KRIPALU YOGA TEACHER since 1995

Louise Harrison Real Estate & Yoga Attention Buyers and Sellers: Private & Group YOGA Classes: Buyer Representation Restorative Wed 5:30 Killington Yoga Listongs Welcome Gentle Flow Sunday 9:30 Chittenden PICO 3 BR Weekly/Weekend Rentals Restorative Sunday 4:00 Chittenden Seasonal & Yearly Rentals Private Classes Available By Appointment 802-775-9999 | 8 Mountain Top Rd. | Louise@LouiseHarrison.com | 808-747-8444

THE PERFORMANCE GROUP real estate 1810 Killington Rd., Killington. 802422-3244 or 800-338-3735, vthomes.com, email info@ vthomes.com. As the name implies “WE PERFORM FOR YOU!” PRESTIGE REAL Estate of Killington, 2922 Killington Rd., Killington. Specializing in the listing & sales of Killington Condos, Homes, & Land. Call toll free 800398-3680 or locally 802-4223923. prestigekillington.com.

SKI COUNTRY Real Estate, 335 Killington Rd., Killington.

8 0 2 - 7 7 5 - 5 111 , 8 0 0 - 8 7 7 5111. SkiCountryRealEstate. com - 8 agents to service: K i l l i n g t o n , B r i d g e w a t e r, Mendon, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Rochester, Stockbridge & Woodstock areas. Sales & Winter Seasonal Rentals.

Open 7 days/wk, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES STORE FOR RENT next to Outback Pizza, approx.

2,500+ sq. ft. Call owner Ron Viccari, 914-217-4390 (cell); 800-694-2250 (office). Let’s make a deal.

C O M M E R C I A L S PA C E AVAILABLE with another well established business. Small or large square footage. Close to ski shop, restaurant and lodging. Great location for any business. Call 802-345-5867.

KILLINGTON MALL for sale, 4-apartments, 2-stores, 1-nightclub/restaurant, 1-50s diner restaurant.

4 acres plus building. Call office 800-694-2250 or cell 914-217-4390. Ron Viccari.

RENTALS FAMILY RENTAL 5-bedroom, 3 bathroom, large mansion 45 minutes from Pico/Killington on RT. 73. See estatefarenough. com. 802-388-8947.

SKI SHARES/Full rooms available. Prime location in the heart of Killington. Brand new house. 2B per room/ singles. No bunk beds, lots of amenities. 917-796-4289, outdoordiva7@yahoo.com.

KILLINGTON SEASONAL rental on mountain, 3 BR, 2 BATH, completely furnished w/ FP, low utilities, excellent location. Just became available. 781-749-5873, 339214-6683, toughfl@aol.com.

RUTLAND SEASONAL RENTAL 2 BR furnished, utilities included. Dec. 15-April 15. $5,000 or monthly. 802345-3913.

APARTMENTS for rent: 1, 2 BR units available. Nonsmokers only. $750/$850, all included. 15 min. to Downtown. Mendon. 802770-8786.

FOR SALE

K I L L I N G T O N R E N TA L on mountain. One person private room in 3 BR, 2 BA ski house with fireplace. Excellent location. $600 per month, total people in house 3; 2 people in private room $750 per month with 4 people in house total. toughfl@aol.com; 781-7495873.

(4) BRIDGESTONE Ecopia H/L 235/60R18 103H M+S all season tires for sale. $100/ tire, less than 200 miles on the tires. 802-417-1663.

KILLINGTON SEASONAL rental 1 BR, good location, completely furnished, $5,000/ season. 781-749-5873, 339214-6683, toughfl@aol.com.

HONDA EU6500is Inverter Generator. Rated 5.5KW. Used only 35 hours. New cost $4,000 selling for $2700 o.b.o. 802-775-0085. Pick up in Rutland.

ROOMMATE WANTED to share two bedroom apartment at Gateway Condominiums in Mendon with one roommate (Killington Ski Lift Operator). Ten minute bus ride to Killington. Nov. 1, 2017 – April 15, 2018. $3550 for term plus $500 security deposit. Would consider rental payments made monthly. Call Ruth at 917882-9515 or Stephen at 917882-7549.

BRIDGEWATER SHARES h a v e i t y o u r w a y. F U L L AVAILABILITY FOR WORLD CUP! First chair. Ledges ski shares - pick a plan: 1/4 share, 13 nights, $575. 1/2 share, 26 nights, $1,000. Full share, 52 nights, $1,400; or $50 nightly B&B. 6 bdrm contemporary mountain setting, 12 minutes to Killington. Hot tub, full kitchen privileges. Contact Scott, 860-930-0098.

A M A Z I N G M O U N TA I N VIEWS & CLOSE TO KILLINGTON SKYESHIP! Newly renovated 2 bedroom/1 bath lower unit! Winter seasonal rental! Available now! $6,900 from Dec. 1, 2017 to April 30, 2018. Sleeps 4. No pets or smoking. Call Marni Rieger 802-353-1604.

PITTSFIELD SEASONAL rental: 5 BR, fully furnished, new renovation, on VAST trails, minutes to skiing. $17,000 for season. Call Roger 802-345-5622.

APARTMENTS FOR RENT: 5 bdrm, above Outback Pizza.

Other apt. is 3 bdrm, above Outback Pizza. Call owner Ron Viccari, 914-217-4390 (cell); 800-694-2250 (office).

CHITTENDEN (Burr Pond, East Pittsford) 1 BR/ 1BA fully furnished with shared laundry and Kitchenette. Utilities included. Quiet, trails, 15 min. to Pico. Seasonal, $5,500.

LouiseHarrison.com, 802747-8444.

K I L L I N G T O N R O YA L FLUSH Rentals/Property management. Specializing in condos/winter & summer rentals. Andrea Weymouth, Owner. www. killingtonroyalflush.com, 802746-4040.

Want to submit a classified? Email classifieds@ mountaintimes.info or call 802-422-2399. Rates are 50 cents per word, per week; free ads are free.

Foreclosure: 4BR Ranch Home w/Garage Wed., Jan. 10 @ 11AM

36 Easterly Avenue, Rutland, VT

Cute 4BR, 1BA home in nice development. Full basement, detached garage on a quarter of an acre.

One-story easy family living and maintenance. Close to schools and downtown or skiing at Killington or Pico.

Thomas Hirchak Co. • THCAuction.com • 800-634-7653

2004 CHRYSLER PT Cruiser — Runs well. Winter & Summer tires. Some rust.

80K miles $1,400 or best offer.

Call 802-236-9593.

SET OF 4 Winterforce studded snow tires, 195/60R15. No faults, bought Oct. 13 for my 2014 Fiesta, drove 200 miles on them, then traded in the car. An excellent tire, had Winterforce previously.

Cost $500 new, asking $350 o.b.o. Need to sell! Please call Julia at 802-483-2020, Rutland Town.

FIREWOOD for sale, we stack. Rudi, 802-672-3719.

SERVICES SNOW REMOVAL: Roofs, walkways, etc. Professional Property Maintenance, 802558-6172.

BEAUREGARD PAINTING, 25 years experience. 802436-1337.

BOOKKEEPING SERVICES of Vermont. QuickBooks software. Accurate and efficient. $28/ h o u r. 8 0 2 - 3 4 5 - 6 8 8 1 .

EMPLOYMENT NEW RESTAURANT and lounge on Killington access rd looking for polished professional wait staff & experienced prep and line cooks Saturday& Sunday.

Contact highlinelodge@ outlook.com.

SEEKING LIVE-IN home care provider for gentleman with TBI and memory issues. Candidate will enjoy books, humor, hiking & good communication skills. Shrewsbury home, taxfree stipend. Contact aterry@ Pridetbi.com.

VACASA is hiring a Senior Housekeeper as well as Seasonal Housekeepers.

Weekend availability and reliable transportation required. $20/hour plus perks.

Visit vacasa.com/careers to apply.

SNOWMOBILE VERMONT is now taking applications for inside and outside positions.

Weekend and holidays are a must and computer skills are a plus. Call 802-422-2121.

JANITORIAL - evenings, weekends, supervisor positions available. Call 802422-2300 or stop by to fill out an application. The Cleaning Crew, 10 West Park Road, Killington.

INN AT LONG TRAIL seeking experienced cook (short order, breakfast or dinner)/ prep cook. Pay commensurate with experience. Will train competent and motivated individual. Weekends and holidays a must. Call 802775-7181 or email resume or brief work history to patty@ innatlongtrail.com to set up interview appointment.

PASTA POT is looking for energetic staff to join our team.

Positions include wait staff, pizza/prep cook & dishwasher.

Apply in person at Pasta Pot on Route 4, Killington (Thurs.Sun., 5-10 p.m.) or call 802422-3004.

INN AT LONG TRAIL seeking experienced cook/prep cook. Pay commensurate with experience. Email (ilt@ innatlongtrail.com) resume or brief work history, or call 802-775-7181 to set up interview appointment. Will train competent and motivated individual. Weekends and holidays a must.

CHOICES RESTAURANT is accepting applications for parttime host and experienced line cook. Call 802-4224030 or email resume to claudeschoices@yahoo.com.

CASEY’S CABOOSE is looking for some great people to help us continue to rebuild Killington’s most loved restaurant. Immediate help, and fall and ski seasons. All positions considered. Part time positions available, too.

Email resume and cover letter to john@caseyscaboose. com, or stop by and introduce yourself.

MOGULS SEEKING: Line cooks, wait staff; full time and part time work available. 802422-4777. Apply daily, open 7 days.

LINE COOK Needed at P r e s t o n ’s R e s t a u r a n t a t Killington/Pico Ski Resort.

Prepare and produce a wide variety of menu items, perform a variety of complex cooking tasks, meal service and proper plating of all meals. Full timeseasonal. Apply online at www.killington.com/jobs or in person at Killington Human Resources. 4763 Killington Rd. Killington, VT 05751. 800300-9095. EOE. PASSIONATE about fresh food: FT DELI POSITION: 40 hours/wk. Excellent pay.

Nights 12-8 p.m. Food service experience preferred.

SEASONAL PT DELI: 32 +hours/wk. Weekends.

Bridgewater Corners Country Store, 5680 US ROUTE 4. Call or text resume to attention Wendy 802-299-1717.

WANTED

NOW BUYING High quality watches, precious metals, EMAILED ADVERTISEMENT PHAT ITALIAN - All positions- coins & paper money, stamps all Shifts. Cook, deli, cashier. and historic paper, objects of art and virtue.

If it’s rare, Please call to inquire or apply ADVERTISING INSERTION ORDER in person: 2384 Killington fun and beautiful I can help.

Thomas Hirchak Company Road, Killington; 802-422- Member NAWCC, ANA, APS, NEAA and Vermont’s first 3636.

FROM: Terra Keene legally licensed precious O N T H E R O C S - APhone: ll m e t800-634-7653 a l s d e a l e r. Tr a d i n g positions. Chef-prep cookworldwide in the very best Email: Advertising2@thcauction.c bartenders-servers. Please personal property, since 1972. call to inquire or apply in Legitimate sellers ONLY and person: 2384 Killington Road, by appointment only. Royal 1C= 1.5625 2C= 3.3125 Killington; 802-422-3636.

Barnard 802-775-0085 or email rbarn64850@aol.com.

TO: COMPANY: Mountain Times

The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018 • 29

By Lani Duke

Time of year for budget discussions FAIR HAVEN— Kids are on holiday break, but school districts are hard at work as they struggle to plan the next fiscal year’s budgets.

The Slate Valley Unified Union School District Finance Committee dived into

its first merged budget draft Dec. 14 at Fair Haven Grade School, as Director of Finance Cheryl Scarzello reminded the group that revenues in the budget are estimates. Compared to the Addison Rutland Supervisory Union, there is no tuition for Hubbardton and West Haven.

Benson’s Small Schools grant will go down as the school’s enrollment decreases. The first draft shows overall education spending as down by $927,849.86;

administrators are checking to assure that nothing was left out.

The Agency of Education has not yet provided equalized pupil numbers, but estimates of per pupil spending are $14,467.04, less than the previous year.

Relocating the central office may be financed by a bond rather than through the budget process.

Scarzello recommends using a bond because interest rates remain very low, and the project will last more than 20 years.

Business changes for Lake Bomoseen Lodge BOMOSEEN—The owners of Lake Bomoseen Lodge requested permits for demolition, changes of use and/or structure expansion at 2550 Rt. 30 North at the Castleton Development Review Board meeting Dec. 5.

One of the cottages will become the office. There will be six employees. The restaurant’s third floor will become a banquet hall, seating 150; it had been guest rooms.

Khele Sparks said renovations will accommodate 140

on the other floors, including both indoor and outdoor seating.

There are plans for 96 parking spaces, the number required by zoning, some of them on grass. Sparks argued against paving them all, saying that paving would increase run-off and have more negative effect on the environment. VTrans will determine what crosswalks need to be created.

Multiple employers trigger Select Board questions Jeffrey Biasuzzi, zoning administrator for Castleton and three other towns, was on the hot seat at the Castleton Select Board meeting Dec. 11. The board wanted to move into executive session, but Biasuzzi refused, saying the meeting should be an open meeting, on public record, at the advice of his attorney.

Planning Commission member Bruce Longtin told the board that Biasuzzi had both designed a property for Christine Ryan and acted as the zoning administrator when that property came before the Development Review Board. The Planning Commission found Biasuzzi’s dual role to violate the town’s conflict of interest policy. The DRB should make decisions without the zoning administrator present and should write up those decisions themselves, Longtin said; he had recommended the commission follow a two-page request for formal disci-

plinary action regarding the conflict of interest and find clarification for the zoning administrator’s role in deliberative sessions and decisionwriting.

Biasuzzi defended his seemingly dual role, saying that the Ryans had asked him to design a year-round habitable structure that used the existing footprint of their hunting camp at 130 S. Mason Point, adding a mudroom, drafting a floor plan and including design suggestions.

He said he did the work for a straight hourly fee, not with any contingency of permit approval, and that he had disclosed his work as design draftsman at the start of the permit application hearing.

He designed the house, took the permit application, and turned it down, recusing himself from the DRB’s deliberative session. Although he had sat in on deliberative sessions in the past, now Biasuzzi

asks if the board wants him to stay.

There has been dissatisfaction that Biasuzzi’s other commitments conflict with meetings in Castleton.

The zoning administrator said he had been receiving notice of meetings after he had already committed to being at another town’s deliberations at the same time.

The board asked why no changeof-use permit was required when Heritage Family opened a branch in space formerly occupied by Citizens Bank, although the three rental housing units above the bank were converted to office space. Biasuzzi said the attorney for the property owner described the application as the same as the previous tenant, so there was no need for a change-ofuse permit.

The discussion on disclosure and when a permit is necessary are being continued as the town mulls over updating zoning regulations.

Preservation Trust grants in Lakes Region 2017 Preservation Trust of Vermont announced a summary of its Robert Sincerbeaux Foundation grants for 2017 on Dec. 15. The town of Pawlet received $250 to use toward an access plan for the library, awarded Nov. 30, 2016. Further north, both the United Church of Benson and the Orwell Village School received $250 grants for assessment activities and the 1843 United Church of Christ in Orwell received a $500 grant for a study of accessibility and design in May 2017. In June, the United Church of Benson received a $500 grant towards an engineering assessment.

OPEN DAILY AT 3 P.M.

Sat - Sun: Open for lunch at Noon

Serving Breakfast & lunch 7am-2pm daily Breakfast all day, lunch after 11am Come to our sugarhouse for the best breakfast around! After breakfast check out our giftshop for all your souvenier, gift, and maple syrup needs.

We look forward to your visit!

Sugar & Spice Restaurant & Gift Shop Rt. 4 Mendon, VT

802-422-9885

802-773-7832 www.vtsugarandspice.com

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30 • The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018

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WELLS— Police say a man arrested for charges that included domestic assault and driving while intoxicated was back in custody the day he violated the conditions of his release.

According to a press release issued by the state police’s Rutland barracks, Scott Burdick of Wells was arrested in Wells on Monday, Dec. 18 for operation without consent of owner, driving under the influence (his third), domestic assault, unlawful restraint and

interference with access to emergency services. Police said Burdick assaulted a family or household member and would not allow them to call for emergency services by taking the phone from them and preventing them from leaving the residence.

The family member was able to escape and run from the residence to a vehicle. Burdick forced the individual out of the vehicle and drove off, leaving the person by the side of the road. Burdick was located at his own residence and was taken into custody for processing. He was lodged at the Marble

Valley Regional Correctional Facility and was scheduled to appear at Vermont Superior Court, Criminal Division on Dec. 19 to answer to the charges.

On the evening of Dec. 19, a trooper from the Shaftsbury Barracks arrested Burdick during a traffic stop in Shaftsbury. Burdick was arrested for having contact with his passenger and for operating a motor vehicle. He was again lodged at Marble Valley Correctional Facility for lack of $2,500 and scheduled to appear in Bennington Superior Court, Criminal Division on Dec. 20.

Police carry out county-wide traffic operation On Dec. 20, the state police, along with members of the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles and police departments of Rutland City, Castleton and Fair Haven, collaborated in a county wide traffic safety operation. The purpose of this operation was to identify aggressive driving, distracted driving, seatbelt violations, electronic device usage and impaired operation.

The operation resulted in 278 motor vehicle stops and the issuance of the 62 speeding violations, 35 vio-

lations for operating while using a portable electronic device, nine for operating with a civilly suspended driver’s license, three commercial motor vehicle violations, and 66 violations for other motor vehicle offenses.

Throughout the operation, 99 written warnings were issued and three individuals were arrested for criminal offenses. The state police will continue enforcement efforts by conducting saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints over the holiday season.

Woman arrested for repeated armed robbery attempts WALLINGFORD—A Wallingford woman was in court last week, answering to charges stemming from two armed robbery attempts. Police say Jennifer Graham attempted to rob the Mac’s Market store on Route 103 in East Wallingford on Dec. 19.

Police arrested Graham in the evening of Dec. 20 in connection with that robbery. Further investigation linked Graham to a second assault and robbery that occurred on Earl Waite Road, also in East Wallingford.

According to a press release from the state police’s Rutland Barracks, troopers responded to an alarm at the Mac’s convenience store Tuesday evening. The store clerk told officers that a white woman had tried

to rob him. The suspect was described as about 5 feet 5 inches, with her face covered with a black scarf and wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt and dark pants.

The suspect demanded the clerk place the money drawer on the counter and stated she was carrying a knife. When the clerk refused to comply with her demands, the suspect left the store and walked south on Route 103.

Graham was lodged at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility and appeared in Rutland County Superior Court on Thursday, Dec. 21, where she was charged with two counts of assault and robbery, interference with access to emergency services and unlawful mischief.

Poultney gas station robber arrested The state police charged John L. Carter, 24, of Middletown Springs with the July robbery of the Irving Station in Poultney.

He pled not guilty to one felony charge of assault and robbery with a weapon in Rutland Criminal Court Dec 20, and was held in jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.

A clerk working at the gas sta-

tion said an armed man demanded all the store’s money when she came out of a back room. While she opened a cash drawer, she activated a silent alarm about 6:30 p.m. The man took the $993 from the drawer and left; he wore a gray cloth over his face and a dark hooded sweatshirt, according the Rutland Herald.

A car seen leaving the station belonged to Carter’s girlfriend, who said he had driven it that day.

Carter came to court for a hearing on an outstanding warrant, and was arrested for the armed robbery at the time. Other charges against him include drug possession and Fish & Wildlife violations.

Contact Us.

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The Mountain Times

NEWS BRIEFS

The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018 • 31

By Lani Duke

Change of guard in Wallingford WALLINGFORD—Rutland County Sheriff Stephen Benard told the town of Wallingford there will be a 2.25 percent increase in his department’s annual agreement with the town, to $36,639. Wallingford will have to adjust its law enforcement outlook for another reason: Constable Jerry Tift has announced he will not seek reelection when his term expires in March. Sheriff Benard will prepare an estimate for 30 to 40 hours per week of coverage and send it to the town administrator by e-mail.

River corridor designation urged in Clarendon CLARENDON—Vermont Agency of Transportation Mapping and Planning Coordinator Ned Swanburg, Department of Environmental Conservation river scientist Shannon Pytlik, and land conservation expert David Rosen attended the Clarendon Select Board and Planning Commission meeting Dec. 11 to promote the town’s adoption of river corridors in its planning process. Swanburg presented slides in a review of Clarendon’s flood plains

and explained the goals of the river corridor program.

It sets aside room for rivers to change course while preserving flood plain function, thereby minimizing infrastructure damage and economic loss.

Flooding is the disaster that causes the most impact in Vermont, Swanburg said. A river corridor ordinance would prohibit new structures within the river corridor, preventing loss. In addition, the Emergency Relief Assistance Fund would add 5 percent more funding if the town establishes river corridors.

Board Chair Daniel Pinkowski expressed con-

cern that the railroads might not cooperate on river issues because they had not in the past. Marjorie Southard recommended identifying all waterways in town, leading to a general discussion on watersheds. Responding to Planning Commission Chair Carol Geery’s concern that not all watershed maps were correct, Swanburg replied that field-based data updates for those maps were on their way. Swanburg also reassured Pinkowski that banks and insurance companies have not had negative reactions to property located on a river corridor.

Manure spreading ban in effect, Dec. 15 - April 1 The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets would like to remind all state farm operations that the 23rd annual winter manure spreading ban is underway. As required by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets’ (VAAFM) Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs), between December 15 and April 1, no manure or other agricultural wastes (including: compost and spoiled feed) may be spread on agricultural fields throughout Vermont.

This annual ban is required by the RAPs, which is a part of VAAFM’s overall strategy to protect water quality, the working landscape, and natural resources. VAAFM works closely with farmers across the state to ensure the RAPs are understood and complied with.

The winter manure spreading ban is a regulation that has been in place since 1995.

A revision to the RAPs – newly effective one year ago – continues the winter manure spreading ban while expanding the types of farm generated wastes which are prohibited from application in winter, as well as extending the winter spreading ban to many floodplain fields from October 16 to April 14. The new RAPs also prohibit the application of manure or agricultural wastes on frozen or snow-covered fields. Manure spreading has been prohibited across Vermont’s farm fields since this past Tuesday’s statewide snow storm. Manure spreading is a common practice in Vermont agriculture which enriches

QUICKER RECOVERY AND LESS PAIN

the soil for production and helps manage animal waste.

For a PDF booklet explaining RAP’s and the winter manure spreading ban, please visit http://agriculture.vermont.gov/sites/ag/files/RAPsummaryPDF.pdf .

For this winter’s manure spreading ban, farmers must either have a storage structure that is capable of holding all manure produced between December 15th to April 1st, which is 106 days, or they must be able to stack all manure produced in a way that will not lead to adverse water quality impacts.

When field stacking manure, the RAPs require that stacking sites be located at least 200 feet from private wells and 100 feet from property boundaries. In addition, manure cannot be stacked within 200 feet of surface water, 100 feet of a ditch, on land that is subject to annual overflow from adjacent waters, or on exposed bedrock.

Exemptions for winter manure spreading are available only for emergency situations, such as structural failure of a waste storage facility. If a farmer anticipates having an issue meeting the winter manure spreading ban restrictions, they should contact VAAFM for assistance with planning winter manure management.

Questions about the manure spreading ban, or any requests for assistance in the selection of appropriate manure stacking sites or to request an emergency exemption, can be directed to VAAFM at (802) 828-2431.

Gift-of-Life Marathon Blood Drive

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Thanks, Rutland, for helping to save lives this holiday season.

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32 • The Mountain Times • Dec. 27, 2017-Jan. 2, 2018

FUN for all.

Sure, skiing and riding are our winter staples, but there are so many other ways to fill your winter days at The Beast. Check out the Killington Tubing Park, Snowshoe Tours, the Beast Mountain Coaster, Ski Biking, Scenic Gondola Rides, Snowcat-Drawn Sleigh Rides and Snowmobile Tours.

Learn more at killington.com/activities.