Mountain Times - Volume 48, Number 21: May 22-28, 2019

The Mountain Times • May 22-28, 2019 LOCAL NEWS • 3
Green Mountain College
graduates final class
Dandelions used to symbolize persistence, tenacity, endurance
Staff report
POULTNEY — Green Mountain College
celebrated its final commencement
ceremony, Sunday, May 19. It was the college’s
182nd commencement and 185th
year open.
In January, the college, known for its
environmental programs, announced it
would close at the
end of the spring
semester due to
ongoing financial
struggles.
Graduating
students wore the traditional emerald
gowns with dandelions embellishments
that stood out in stark contrast – they were
tucked behind student’s ears, pinned on
lapels, and held as bouquets.
GMC Professor Eleanor Tison addressed
their symbolism to the overflowing
crowd.
Castleton University celebrates
232nd commencement
“GO FORTH, AND
GROW WHERE YOU ARE
PLANTED,” TISON SAID.
The graduating class
of Castleton University
passed across the stage
at its 232nd Commencement
ceremony on Saturday,
May 18.
Former Vermont Gov.
James Douglas addressed
the more than 3,500 guests
in attendance and thousands
more streaming the
ceremony online.
“If your experience
matches mine, the time
has gone quickly: I hope
you’ve found it enjoyable,
as well as enriching,”
Douglas said. “I’ll let you
in on a secret: time will
continue to fly, so make
the most of the empowerment
of your degree. I’m
confident that you’ll all
contribute meaningfully
in the years ahead.”
Castleton President
Karen M. Scolforo shared
how the ambition demonstrated
by this class
will undoubtedly serve
them well as they set out
to make a difference in the
Dandelions “are masters of survival,”
Tison said. “These hardy plants are persistent,
tough, tenacious, and can endure.”
GMC’s professors, graduates, students
and staff, must now find new places to
sow their seeds, he said, encouraging the
graduates and now former students of
GMC to have strong
roots, like dandelions,
which always
grow back quickly
and just as strong.
“Go forth, and
grow where you are planted,” Tison said.
When GMC President Robert Allen
addressed the crowd, his tone was more
reflective at first, but he also called for students
to look ahead, preserver and make a
positive change in the world.
“I arrived three years ago with an ambitious
goal of turning around a multi-year
GMC, page 5
Mentors reflect at CSJ’s 60th
and final commencement
Ninety students received degrees at the College of St. Joseph’s 60th and final commencement
ceremony on Saturday, May 18.
CSJ President Jennifer Scott conferred degrees upon the graduates with Vice President
of Academic Affairs David Balfour and Board of Trustees chair A. Jay Kenlan.
Commencement speakers included journalist and author Yvonne Daley, Sister Shirley
Campbell and Scott.
In her keynote address, Daley spoke to the importance of education and its affordability
for all. “Education is the key to real and lasting freedom. To be informed, to fill your
mind with knowledge, not just facts but important concepts and beautiful words, to be
able to discern the truth, is a gift that will stay with you throughout life… We must ensure
that education becomes affordable for all who are willing and able to do the work…Of all
the places on the planet you could have landed, you could be huddled in a refugee camp
or living on a spot of land ravaged by any form of mayhem. But you are here, safe, blessed,
accomplished, graduated.”
Sister Campbell called upon the graduates to live by the Mission of the Sisters of St.
Joseph. “I ask you as you walk out these doors today, take an inventory of what your values
are,” said Campbell. “We have a world that is suffering right now...You folks, young people,
have the ability to turn things around.”
Scott, in her Farewell Address, spoke to endurance, perseverance, and hope as she
CSJ, page 5
world, and reflected on
their impressive accomplishments
during their
time at Castleton.
“We are facing unprecedented
challenges, and
we look to our new leaders
for solutions, for diplomacy,
and for action. Never
has the world needed
these graduates more,”
she said. “This generation
of Spartans refuses to
settle for mediocrity. They
own the passion and drive
to create change in this
CU, page 5
By Julia Purdy
Jenn and Chris Curtis take a break from stocking their new grocery-deli in Proctor.
Proctor’s corner market
By Julia Purdymakes a comeback
The West Street neighborhood in Proctor
will soon have their corner store back—
with some differences. Jenn and Chris
Curtis are preparing to open The Market On
West Street in Proctor, formerly known as
the West St. Market, before Memorial Day.
The front has been refreshed and painted
in cheerful sunshine-gold with green trim,
upper windows have been replaced with
green shutters, and the interior is filling up
with grocery staples, wines, snacks and a
deli counter.
The latest glitch has been getting the POS
equipment up and running.
The store has a comfortable, inviting
atmosphere, with emphasis on Vermont
country store rustic. It’s an eclectic collection
of old stuff given new life. One window
features a stained-glass panel. Lighting has
been updated with hanging barn lights and
modern fixtures featuring reproduction
Edison bulbs. A new cast-iron pellet stove
will warm the space.
“I just love industrial style,” Jenn Curtis
said. She planned the color scheme of
Great summers
2019
start here!
Activities may include:
Swimming
Tennis
Hiking
Board Games
Field Games
Movies
Lego’s
Dancing
Science Experiments
& Much More!
Financial assistance available
warm shades and the design herself. “I
thought it had good bones.”
Completing the picture is the original,
well-worn maple flooring, which has been
kept natural and refinished. Chris Curtis
gets emotional when he talks about the
flooring. He pointed to the discolored and
cracked area at the door and mused how
many local folks have crossed that threshold,
including his own relations.
“When you’re replacing things, the history
is gone,” he said.
Chris’ grandparental generations
worked in marble. His maternal greatgrandfather,
Lucian Lizewski, came over
from Poland individually with friends. Then
he met and married Chris’ great-grandmother,
who had also come from Poland as
a young girl. Lucian Lizewski’s job was lowering
men into the Hollister quarry and he
was known never to have had an accident,
according to family lore.
Chris’ paternal grandfather Curtis was
in charge of the vast military headstone
department.
Proctor market, page 17
Merchants Row Site
71-75 Merchants Row Rutland, Vt.
June 24 - August 9
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Breakfast & Lunch Provided
5-12 years old
Unit Director: Courtney Santor
802-747-4944 Ext. 20
Fair Haven Site
Fair Haven Elementary School Fair Haven, Vt.
June 24 - August 9
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Snack & Dinner Provided
5-12 years old
Unit Director: John Pedone
802-747-4944 Ext. 14