Business Briefs

Home Heating Assistance for Seniors

Is the cost of paying for your winter heating fuel becoming difficult? The State of Vermont’s Home Heating Assistance Program might be the way to get some help. All types of fuel - wood, pellets, electric, oil, gas, kerosene or coal – are included.

To qualify, the gross monthly income limit for all households, regardless of age, is $1,680 for one person and $2,269 for two people. There is no limit on one’s resources, or savings. However, interest and dividends on any resources or savings are considered part of the gross income.

You are strongly encouraged to apply by January 31st, but February 29th is the final date to apply.

If you are a Senior (age 60+) in Rutland or Bennington county, the Senior HelpLine is ready to assist you with information and the form needed to apply for Vermont Home Heating Assistance. Call 802-786-5991 or 1-800-642-5119. All others should call Vermont Economic Services at 1-800-479-6151 or go to www.dcf.vermont.
gov/esd/fuel_assistance. The Senior HelpLine is a program of the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging, serving Seniors since 1974. www.svcoa.org; seniorhelpline@svcoa.org.

Call For Vendors For The 51st Annual Art In The Park Festivals

RUTLAND- Calling all fine artists and craftspeople! The Chaffee Art Center is pleased to announce its 51st Annual Art in the Park Fine Art & Craft Festivals for 2012. The August 2012 Festival has been voted a Top 10 Summer Event by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. The Chaffee is currently looking for vendors for the August 11-12 and October 6-7, 2012 shows. They are seeking fine art of any media and totally handcrafted items of good taste and high quality. Artisans and craftspeople who would like to demonstrate their craft are encouraged to do so as well.

Last year in honor of the 50th Anniversary Celebration, refinements were made to elevate the shows to become signature events for the Central Vermont area. Signage, advertising and marketing efforts were implemented to increase the number of high-end buyers in attendance and the number of new vendors representing a range of quality products. Volunteers wearing 50th anniversary t-shirts handed out commemorative bags at the event gate to remind attendees that they were a part of “Vermont’s Oldest Continuing Arts Tradition.”

Exhibitors reported good sales and a high degree of satisfaction with the events. Art in the Park vendor Peter Huntoon shared, “Art in the Park 2011 was a success all the way around with exceptional weather, appreciative crowds, high quality art, and enthusiastic organization. We look forward to more of the same in 2012"!

Art in the Park Festivals are held in Main Street Park, at the Junction of Routes 4 & 7 in the heart of Rutland. This major crossroads in central Vermont provides a significant market for drive-by traffic. The show already brings traffic from the Central Vermont population with the addition of the tourists who travel Route 4 and 7, with estimated attendance of 8,000 to 10,000. Art in the Park has been named one of the “Sunshine Artist 200 Best,” and voted Rutland Herald’s Best of the Best in the category of the Best Arts Festival. Added value like food, music, craft demonstrations, and kids activities are also offered.

A panel of professional jurists who are well versed in the various mediums represented will ensure a high degree of quality from the artisans and products that are represented at the events. Don’t delay. Space will be allocated on a first come, first served basis so we encourage you to submit your application in a timely manner. The number of vendors in each category will be limited to ensure a wide range of product at the Festival. As artisans are accepted, names will be posted on the Art in the Park information page with a link to the vendor’s website. This new feature brings added value by driving traffic to your website in advance of the shows. It’s a great reason to apply early and take advantage of this free publicity. Check out the website often for updates and new information.

There is a $25 discount per show for applications received by March 31, 2012. Recruit a new vendor and receive a $25 bonus. Please refer to application regulations for jury dates and eligibility guidelines. Vendors will be notified if accepted into the show(s). Together, let’s make the 51st Art in the Park a celebration to remember! Visit www.chaffee
artcenter.org to download an application to become a food vendor or craft vendor, or call 802-775-0356 for more information.

Important Changes to Downtown Rutland Parking Fees

Rutland City—City Treasurer Wendy Wilton is advising downtown parking permit holders that the monthly rate will increase to $35 per month effective March 1, 2012, to comply with the new parking ordinance changes approved by the Board of Aldermen in December. The parking permits may be used at all 10 hour meters located on Washington, Wales, Court, Church, West, Cottage, Evelyn and Upper Center Streets as well as the “Pit” and the Justice Square parking lot. According to Wilton, “There will be more than 140 spaces of long term parking where downtown employees can park with a City parking permit, which far exceeds the number of permits that we have issued at this time.” As of March 1, parking permits may not be used in the Wales Street parking lot as that will be designated for downtown resident parking, in accordance with the Board’s policy. Resident permits will be available through the Treasurer’s Office for that lot to take effect on March 1 at a cost of $20 per month.

For those parking in the “Pit” without a parking permit the fee will increase to $3 per day, sometime after February 1 when the ticketing machine is expected to be recalibrated. Beginning February 1, the owner of the downtown plaza will begin monitoring parking compliance in that lot, rather than the City, as it is privately owned.

The Board of Aldermen increased parking rates, at both long term and short term meters, which will become effective as the meters are re-calibrated for the new rates during the month of February, with completion estimated by March 1. However, parking meter violations will increase to $15 on February 2. If the violation is unpaid it will double to $30 in 10 days, and then increase to $60 if not paid within 10 days thereafter. Violations for parking in the Amtrak area designated by signage will increase from a $6 violation to a $50 violation for non-Amtrak use. Violations for parking in designated handicap space now carries a $200 fine under Vermont state law.

The changes made by the Board reflect a policy to that will bring City-owned parking rates closer to rates in private parking lots and the state-owned transit center.

Rutland Area VNA & Hospice Recognized as We Honor Veterans Partner

It may surprise many people to learn that 25 percent of those who die every year in the U.S. are Veterans. To help provide care and support that reflect the important contributions made by these men and women, Rutland Area VNA & Hospice (RAVNAH) has become a national partner of We Honor Veterans, a pioneering campaign developed by National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

As a We Honor Veterans Partner, RAVNAH will implement ongoing Veteran-centered education for their staff and volunteers to help improve the care they provide to the Veterans they proudly serve. The nation is seeing many of the Veterans who served in World War II and Korean pass away—and the number of deaths of Vietnam Veterans is beginning to rise.

By recognizing the unique needs of our nation’s Veterans who are facing a life-limiting illness, RAVNAH is better able to accompany and guide Veterans and their families toward a more peaceful ending. And in cases where there might be some specific needs related to the Veteran’s military service, combat experience or other traumatic events, RAVNAH will find tools to help support those they are caring for.

“VA shares a common goal with hospice, and that is to provide the best possible care specifically tailored for Veterans, meeting their goals of care in their preferred setting. As we focus on working together we will channel our combined strengths directly to Veterans - wherever they are receiving care,” says Julie Scott, BSN, Hospice Director for RAVNAH.

To learn more call the hospice program at Rutland Area VNA & Hospice at 770-1502 or visit our website at www.ravnah.org.

Brandon Auto South kicks off “Lowest Priced RV’s in America”

At Brandon Auto South in Pittsford, Vermont last week, Charlie “Pappalardi” and Kevin Smith took a minute from their busy day to participate in a ground breaking ceremony signifying the kick off their “Lowest Priced RV’s in America” campaign. For many years Brandon Auto South has been offering a wide selection of RV’s and campers to it’s customers varying from wild to contemporary in both style and size. Also offering some of the best service for miles around, Kevin and Charlie are able to get you those RV parts you’ve been looking for, or the entire RV that will help you and your family relax in comfort and within the budget. For more information on parts, service or sales you can give them a call at 802-483-9934 or stop by their location just north of Pittsford along Route 7. Sam’s Good News photo by Jason Wolinsky.

Charles “Chuck” Hall Retires

Rutland City Police Officer Mike Schrader with just one year on the Rutland City Police Department looks on as two veterans get together as one prepares to leave the force. Corporal Charles Chuck Hall (center) retired from the Rutland City Policed Department this past week and Detective Corporal Robert Gorruso Sr. offers well wishes to his co-worker of 28 years. Sam’s Good News Photo

After wearing a badge for “thirty years and six months” Rutland City Police Corporal Charles “Chuck” Hall is officially retiring from being a police officer. “I was appointed by Interim Chief Paul Philbrook in1986 as a Patrolman and served on the day shift under the supervision of Sergeant Bernard “Skip” Mulcahey. Nine years later I was promoted to corporal by Chief Anthony Bossi,” said the proud city servant as he sat at his desk on one of his last few days at the police department.

“I have mixed feelings about leaving, probably because I’m going from the security of the known to the unknown,” said Corporal Hall as he reflected on how he feels about leaving the force. “It’s been a very rewarding career and I’ve loved every minute of it. On a daily basis you don’t know what you are going to do and you certainly don’t spend it in the same spot all day,” referring to how busy he was as an officer and corporal for so very long and how he patrolled for the City police for years. “One day you are a cop, a family counselor, mediator, referee and that’s what makes police work fun, being someone specifically who reacts and responds on their feet”.

“Hall continued, “I have fulfilled my career, in service to the City of Rutland. I’ve worn a badge for thirty years and six months and I have been a police officer since I was eighteen years old. I’m the second constable in North Clarendon, an auxiliary trooper with the Vermont State Police, a special deputy with the Rutland County Sheriff’s Department, I had a stint as a correctional officer and I was a law enforcement specialist with the United State Air Force. I’ve held multiple badges in my career.”

When it came to thanking the many people Corporal Hall said helped him have a successful career, he said, “This is a demanding career and you are at the community’s beck and call twenty four/seven. You risk being pulled from any family functions, birthdays and it takes a special person and a special family who supports you”.

Look for Cpl. Charles Chuck Hall, he’s a tough man to keep down and he will be re-surfacing in the community. We too thank him for his service and his many years of commitment.

Spartan Arena Director Steve Wolf in front of the new 2800 square foot Spartan Arena Fitness Center located at 100 Diamond run Mall Place. Phone 802 775-3100. Sam’s Good News photo by Alan Hall.

Winter Carnival Comes to Ludlow

Ludlow – Love will be in the air, on the streets and all over Okemo Mountain when Winter Carnival comes to town. This year’s February 9-12 festival raises funds for the July 4 fireworks and builds upon last year’s “Lovin’ Ludlow” theme with several new attractions. Look for a Scavenger Hunt involving local merchants and a poetry walk of elementary school literature about “Why I love Ludlow.”

Baby boomers and their kids are sure to be excited by the showing of Warren Miller’s 62nd annual ski film, “Like There’s no Tomorrow,” twice during carnival week in the Town Hall Auditorium. Sponsored by Vermont Country Properties/Sotheby’s International Realty, admission has been set at a recession-busting $10.

Complete carnival details about the parties, parades, fireworks, bonfires, roasted marshmallow and ever-popular snow sculpture competition may be found on the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce website: www.yourplace
invermont.com

Chocolate, Chocolate And More Chocolate

Love Chocolate and have a recipe that you consider a winner? Do you serve a dessert that makes all your friends rave as they ask for seconds and thirds? Then this is your opportunity to enter your special creation in The Friends of the Pember Library's Second Annual Chocolate Lovers' Contest.

The contest will be held at the Pember Library, 33 West Main Street, in Granville, New York on Friday, February 10 at 7:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: cookies, candies, cakes, pies, and miscellaneous. The criteria for judging are as follows: taste (20 points), chocolateness (15 points), presentation (10 points), and creativity (5 points). Winners will be determined by total points awarded.

Contestants are strongly encouraged to pre-register at the library or may register on the night of the contest. All entries will be accepted. There is no fee to enter the contest. Entries should be dropped off at the library between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. Judging will begin at 7:00. Please note that there are no provisions for heating or cooling of entries.

If you love all things chocolate but don’t want to enter the competition, you are welcome to come and join in the fun of seeing all of the fabulous selections and watching the judges determine the contest winners. You can test your knowledge of chocolate in the Trivia Contest and win prizes for correct answers. Door prizes will also be awarded. Beverages will be available to audience members.

After the judging, all entries will be sold. Take advantage of this opportunity to purchase and enjoy some of these mouthwatering confections. Deciding what to bring home will be a difficult decision. You won’t go wrong with any of the selections available!

In case of bad weather conditions or for additional information about the contest, please call the Pember Library at 642-2525.

Vermont State Championship coming to Devil’s Bowl Speedway and Thunder Road Four-race series posts big money and state title for Late Model teams

Joey Laquerre (#15), Eric Chase (#40), and Jamie Fisher (#18) battle through the turns at Devil's Bowl Speedway's American-Canadian Tour Spring Green in 2011. They and other Late Model drivers will have a four-race Vermont State Late Model Championship Series to contend for between Devil's Bowl and Thunder Road Int'l Speedbowl in 2012. (Eric LaFleche photo)

West Haven, VT -- Officials from Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Barre, VT and Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, VT have announced a Vermont State Late Model Championship Series for the 2012 race season.

Four (4) long distance stock car events for Late Model race teams will determine the Vermont State Late Model Champion. The American Canadian Tour (ACT) type Late Model division is the most popular form of stock car racing in the northeastern US and eastern Canada, serving the needs of racers and fans at fifteen different race tracks and two regional touring divisions.

Thunder Road will present the historic 50th anniversary Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic and annual Vermont Governor’s Cup 150 as part of the Vermont State series. The new owners of Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, VT, Mike and Alayne Bruno, have joined over a dozen regional tracks by incorporating the ACT Late Model rules as a part of their NASCAR weekly racing program.

Mike Bruno, a former ACT Late Model competitor himself, said, “I know how competitive these cars can be and when Tom (Curley) and I talked about this idea, it just seemed like a good fit for our first year with Devil’s Bowl Speedway, and for the entire Late Model region”.

Devil’s Bowl Speedway will host a 100-lap event on Friday, June 8, 2012. The Vermont State Late Model Champion will be crowned at the Devil’s Bowl season finale on Sunday, September 16, 2012. Both events will be 100 laps in distance. The two tracks will post over $10,000 in point fund money for participating teams.

“The ACT US Tour Late Models have put on a great show at Devil’s Bowl over the past couple years, and the opening event at Devil’s Bowl will once again be the traditional Spring Green 112 lap event. This combined effort to give the weekly teams around the region an opportunity to have a four race weekly type series and honor the first Vermont State Late Model Champion is a nice balance between tour racing and weekly racing. I think it will be well received by Late Model teams in the region,” said Tom Curley, long time promoter of Thunder Road and the American Canadian Tour. 2012 Vermont State Late Model Championship Series Schedule

Sun., May 27, Thunder Road, Mekkelsen RV Memorial Day Classic (100L)

Fri., June 8, Devil’s Bowl, Devil’s Bowl Speedway (100L)

Thu., July 12, Thunder Road, Vermont Governor’s Cup (150L)

Sun., Sept. 16, Devil’s Bowl, Vermont 200 Weekend (100L)

For additional information contact the ACT office at 802 244-6963, www.acttour.com, or email media@acttour.com; or Devil’s Bowl at (802) 265-3112, www.devilsbowl
speedwayvt.com, or email devilsbowlspeedway
@gmail.com.