Mountain Times - Vol. 49, No. 53 - Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan 2, 2021

Mou nta i n Ti m e s 

Vol. 49, Number 53 Get started on some FREEquent reader miles. Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021 

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

From all of us here at 

the Mountain Times, 

we wish you a restful, 

safe and happy new 

year! Ring it in Covidsafe 

with fireworks, 

food or live music! 

Page 26 

By Mike Beach 

Page 38 

Share 

snapshots 

with us. 

#mountaintimesvt 

STORM FORECAST 

Late Thursday into 

Friday 50 mph winds 

and rain (or snow?!) is 

forecast. Be prepared. 

Page 13 

ORGANIC MILK 

SEES UPTICK 

Vermont organic 

dairy farmers see 

demand rise during 

pandemic, creating 

new opportunities. 

Page 3 

Winter sports get the 

OK to restart 

By Katy Savage 

After a month of uncertainty, 

winter sports clubs 

and youth programs can 

now resume. 

Gov. Phil Scott relaxed 

restrictions on club programs 

at his press conference 

on Dec. 22, giving the 

green light for practices, 

conditioning sessions and 

contact-less drills to begin 

starting Dec. 26 for schoolbased 

and recreational 

youth sports. 

Scott said this was the 

first step in a phased restart 

of youth sports as Vermont’s 

Covid case numbers appear 

to have stabilized. 

“It’s important to remember 

the gains we made 

are fragile and we will only 

hold them if we remain 

smart,” Scott said. 

Scrimmages and competitions 

are still prohibited 

under Scott’s orders, but 

Scott suggested that prohibitions 

could also change 

soon. 

“I hope we’ll be able to 

roll back restrictions fur- 

Winter sports > 9 

In a pandemic, 

safety hinges on an 

honor system 

Ski resorts attract crowds, but 

protocols appear to be working 

By Emma Cotton/VTDigger 

On the snowy ascent to Killington Resort, blue road signs 

instruct out-of-state skiers to turn away if they haven’t quarantined 

according to Vermont’s Covid-19 guidelines. 

The signs are a final plea by the resort, and the state, 

for those who haven’t followed the guidelines to stay 

away. Through a “Know Before You Go” campaign, the 

state’s marketing department has tried to tell out-ofstaters 

they must quarantine for 14 days, or seven days 

followed by a negative Covid-19 test, before entering 

Vermont — even if just to ski for the day. 

“We don’t have a large marketing budget,” said Lindsay 

Kurrle, secretary of the Vermont Agency of Commerce 

& Community Development. “This was significant, 

over $1 million, spent to try to educate people on 

how to safely travel to our state.” 

Despite these precautions, some locals have expressed 

concern about activity at resorts. 

Honor system > 7 

By Polly Mikula 

For the second straight week, Vermont and the Northeast region have seen 

Covid cases decline. 

Governor Phil Scott called the trend a “promising sign,” before cautioning 

listeners at his regular Covid-19 press conference, Tuesday, Dec. 29, that it was 

“too early to see impact of holiday travel and larger gatherings.” 

He said, “Our hope is that we’ll continuing seeing a decline or at least a 

plateau in case numbers, but admittedly we’re holding our breath.” 

State Health Commissioner Mark Levine, added: “Throughout these next 

few months, while we’re still in the depths of the pandemic, we must continue 

to keep a steady hand on the wheel. It’s too early to know if we will see 

an increase or not in cases following the holidays, but the projections do look 

It's baaaaccckkk! 

By Devon Gulick 

Darkside Snowboards general manager Tucker Zink makes like an eagle and soars off the 

monolith in Pittsfield. The sculpture disappeared and then reappeared shortly after the 

snowboard session, Dec. 23. See full story on page 27. 

Officials predict brighter days in 2021 

Officials urge vigilance, adherence to Covid travel and gathering guidelines 

favorable.” 

Officials said the upcoming New Years holiday will be another test and appealed 

to Vermonters and visitors to remain vigilant and adhere to travel and 

gathering guidelines. 

“The end of 2020 is a day many of us are anxious to celebrate and begin 

our look toward brighter days again,” Levine said. “So I’m making an appeal 

to all to make that happen: follow the guidance and limit gatherings, and if 

you must gather, to do so with no more than one trusted household outside of 

your own. Reduce your exposure as much as possible and consider getting a 

test following any get togethers… keep in mind this simple guidance: Masks 

Covid guidelines > 8

2 • LOCAL NEWS 

The Mountain Times • Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021 

Study gives hope to people with internet 

connectivity problems in Rutland County 

By Emma Cotton/VTDigger 

Outdated internet services, exacerbated by the pandemic, have plagued residents 

in rural Rutland County towns. 

Now, a new feasibility study provides a path forward for them. 

Last spring, Meghan Hill, who teaches English at Fair Haven Grade School, taught 

classes remotely from her home in Benson, a community with no access to cable or 

fiber internet. 

With a remote learner also in the house, Hill said the push-and-pull for an available 

10 megabits per second of DSL connectivity caused her face and voice to freeze or blur 

during class, and sometimes the Google Hangouts call dropped her entirely. 

“You just scramble,” she said. “I was pretty lucky that I never had any problems, that 

my kids were pretty good.” 

In Sudbury, Keith Knapp, a consultant, tries to meet with business partners overseas. 

Knapp, who grew up in the area, moved away for a job in medical device engineering. 

He retired early with the idea of running his own consulting business back in 

his home state. 

“I knew what I was getting into with regard to DSL, but I don’t think I realized how 

painful it would be,” he said. “You can’t really even do an effective Zoom call, for example. 

You can’t really do video conferencing at all, because the upload speed is so slow.” 

Working virtually, Knapp said, is “one of the reasons I came back to Vermont.” 

Knapp’s daughter, who attends Castleton University, couldn’t attend her remote 

classes from his Sudbury home when the college shut down its campus this spring. 

Instead, specifically seeking improved internet, she’s renting an apartment near 

campus. Knapp said he tries to keep the problems in perspective. His family is faring 

OK in the pandemic, all things considered. But for many individuals — and local 

economies — the problem is severe. 

“At least from my perspective, the ability to be productive in business and industry 

with crummy connections like that — it’s crushing,” he said. 

Four towns shut out 

Benson, Sudbury, West Haven and Goshen have no access to cable or fiber internet, 

and only 10% of Hubbardton has access to those services. 

The feasibility study, issued last week, provides suggestions for Rutland County 

towns with those connectivity problems. Chartered in April through a $60,000 grant, 

its thesis is hopeful: A communications union district — CUD for short; it’s a municipal 

entity that pools the resources of multiple towns to guide the expansion of communication 

infrastructure — is economically viable in the area. 

Bill Moore, president of the newly-minted Otter Creek CUD, formed earlier this year 

in anticipation of the study, stressed that representatives from the organization’s 13 

member towns have many decisions to make before creating and expanding the network. 

Those decisions include choosing a network operator and determining whether 

they’ll partner with another CUD or remain independent. 

As a first step, to assess demand in the area, the study advises the CUD to conduct a 

pre-subscription campaign to find out what services residents want. 

The study was produced by ValleyNet and Rural Innovation Strategies Inc., the organization 

that recently produced a report offering a number of short-term solutions for 

the state’s connectivity problems during the pandemic, including using $2.4 million to 

install internet hotspots around the state. 

When the time arrives to begin building infrastructure in Rutland County, the study establishes 

a build sequence that prioritizes the four towns with no access to cable or fiber. 

A familiar story 

Moore said stories like Hill’s and Knapp’s are common throughout the rural areas of 

Rutland County. “You could randomly dial up anybody in Sudbury, Goshen, you know, 

and get those same sorts of stories,” he said. “Housing deals that fell through because 

they found that they couldn’t get more than satellite internet. We’re at a point now 

where we’re being held back.” 

The Vermont Legislature voted in 2015 to authorize the formation of CUDs, which 

act like sewer or solid waste districts. 

The state plans to ensure that all residences have access to high-speed internet by 

2024, and has encouraged municipalities to form CUDs to that end. 

ECFiber, a district that covers much of Windsor County, was formed around 15 years 

ago and now includes 31 towns, whose residents largely receive high-quality internet. 

The CUD has been used as a model for other districts. 

“Critically, in Vermont,” the study reads, “this legislation also ensures that taxpayers 

in individual towns are not liable or responsible for mismanagement or failure of the 

CUD to repay debt incurred in building the network.” 

Existing, high-functioning fiber and cables services in the state are focused in its 

population centers. Within the county, 98.86% of Rutland City and 100% of Rutland 

Town are served by cable and fiber, for example. 

Oh, the geography 

In its description of the county, the study gives a sense of the challenges for rural 

areas. The outskirts of the county are covered by “challenging mountainous terrain,” it 

says, and have few major roads that run east-west and north-south. 

“Existing infrastructure often dead-ends on rural roads and traverses cross-county off 

the roadway, making it difficult to create a network with redundant distribution,” it reads. 

“The terrain would also make it difficult for a wireless network to provide universal service.” 

A CUD needs 5,000 customers to be economically viable. Two scenarios outlined by the 

study — partnering with another CUD, or activating independently — predict that Otter 

Creek will be able to gain that many customers in less than a decade. 

If it operates alone, the CUD’s internal rate of return is estimated to be 5.05% — higher 

than the cost of capital, which makes it financially sustainable — but not as high as the 

alternative scenario, in which Otter Creek partners with another CUD. 

In that case, the rate of return increases to 5.6%. Moore said Otter Creek will likely 

partner with either Catamount Fiber CUD in Bennington County, or Maple Broadband 

CUD in Addison County. 

Moore called the study the CUD’s “guiding document.” 

He said broadband is more important now than ever, with school, work and doctors’ 

appointments all happening through the internet. 

As Brandon’s economic development director, Moore also worries about property 

values, and the study verifies his concern: Values increase 3% to 5% when the property is 

connected to fiber. On the other side, the study says lack of sufficient broadband “impacts 

the ability of homeowners to sell their homes at any price.” 

John Hill, Benson’s representative on the Otter Creek CUD, said he has similar 

concerns in the small town of 907 residents. “There are people who recently moved 

into town and recently started working from home and the service is really slow,” he 

said. “Benson is a nice little town with some good things going for it. If we had highspeed 

internet service, I think it would help the economy a lot.” 

The district has more decisions to make before it can act, and for many board 

members, there’s a learning curve involved. 

“We are all neophytes, every last one of us,” Moore said. “But it looks like we’ve got 

some paths forward we can choose.”

The Mountain Times • Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021 LOCAL NEWS • 3 

By Brett Yates 

Rutland residents will see an increase 

in their water and sewer bills next year. 

On Dec. 21, the Board of Aldermen approved 

the Dept. of Public Works’ new 

rate schedule for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22), 

which begins on July 1, 2021. 

Rutland City bills households and 

businesses quarterly for water, wastewater 

treatment, and wastewater collection 

(listed as “sewer maintenance”), based 

on usage, in addition to assessing two 

flat service fees each cycle. Next summer, 

the city will begin to charge $1.719 and 

$4.655 per 100 cubic feet of wastewater 

for collection and treatment, respectively 

— compared to existing rates of $1.344 

and $4.406. 

A concurrent reduction in the water 

rate — from $3.359 per 100 cubic feet 

to $2.968 — will only partially offset 

the raised sewer rates. The two flat fees 

($29.05 for water and $17.55 for sewer, 

every three months) will go unchanged. 

By Amanda Gokee/VTDigger 

Demand for organic milk in Vermont has gone up during 

the pandemic, which is welcome news for organic farmers, 

particularly after a three-year period without growth in 

consumption. 

Cooperatives such as Organic Valley, the largest farmerowned 

organic cooperative in the United States, have responded 

by allowing some farmers to increase production. 

The cooperative says demand for organic milk has gone 

up across the country by 11.3% in the past 52 weeks, based 

on data from SPINS MULO, a multi-outlet tracking service, 

looking back from Nov. 29. Over the past 12 weeks, it’s 

grown by 8.4%. 

The increase is encouraging news for the future of organic 

dairy farming in Vermont, said John Cleary, New England 

manager for Organic Valley Cooperative. “We do hope to 

bring on more farmers in Vermont in the future,” he said. 

Many farmers have gone organic to get a premium price. 

Even a modest 5% to 7% increase in consumption 

“means we need quite a bit more milk,” Cleary said. He estimates 

that market demand could sustain about 50 more 

organic dairy farms in the next five to 10 years. 

Vermont now has about 200 organic dairy farms, with 

herds ranging in size from 15 cows to 350 or so. Vermont 

has about 650 total dairy farms in all, accounting for 80% of 

the state’s working landscape. But dairy has been in crisis 

for years, with farmers losing 

money and many farms going 

out of business. 

Organic dairy is an attractive 

option for farmers because 

it pays more than conventional 

milk. Right now, organic milk in Vermont is sold for $30 to 

$35 a hundredweight, and there’s an extra premium for 

grass-fed milk, which ranges from $35 to $40. Conventional 

dairy farmers get about half that much. 

With organic milk, “that’s a price that farmers can make 

money, if you’re a good manager,” said Cleary. 

However, too much organic milk can cause a glut in the 

market and lead to a decrease in price, as happened in 2017. 

So, cooperatives have to coordinate carefully. 

While conventional dairy farms have been getting bigger 

in an effort to compete, organic dairies can do well on 

a smaller scale, and Cleary says that’s an opportunity for 

Vermont. “A lot of other parts of the country don’t have the 

same number of small-scale dairies left,” he said. 

Dairy farmers in Vermont have been grappling to find 

solid financial footing, and the pandemic made things 

Rutland to raise sewer rates 

All in all, the Dept. of Public Works estimates 

that, under the new rate schedule, 

an average family of four in Rutland City, 

using about 200 gallons of water per day, 

will pay $270.81 for 

water and sewer per 

quarter, an increase 

of 2.11% over their old 

bill of $265.22. 

The new rate 

schedule will also 

affect some customers in Rutland Town, 

Mendon, and Killington who make use 

of Rutland City’s water and/or sewer 

services. 

Sam Gorruso was the only Rutland 

City alderman to vote against the new 

water and sewer rates, observing that 

many ratepayers are already having a 

hard time covering their bills during the 

pandemic. “I don’t know why we can’t 

cut somewhere. I don’t know why, when 

we need more money, we just go to the 

“It’s all debt service 

that’s forcing this,” 

Wennberg explained. 

ratepayers all the time,” he said. 

Public Works Commissioner Jeff 

Wennberg sought to emphasize his 

department’s frugality. Although the 

lease-purchase of a 

new sewer flushing 

truck will contribute 

to a $13,592 jump 

in the operational 

budget for wastewater 

collection in FY22, 

that of wastewater treatment will drop 

by $41,777 due to expected efficiencies 

associated with the rehabilitation of the 

sewage plant’s digester. 

The Water Divisions’ total operational 

budget, meanwhile, will fall from 

$1,937,504 to $1,833,213, owing partly 

to the replacement of defunct meter 

contractor FATHOM Water Services with 

a collection of cheaper vendors. Reduced 

water usage — particularly noticeable 

during the spring’s coronavirus-induced 

worse. One casualty was Thomas Dairy in 

Rutland, a family business that closed in 

October after nearly 100 

years in operation. 

But while conventional 

milk lost the 

regular business they 

did with restaurants at 

the start of the governor’s 

stay-home order, organic dairy 

got a boost at a time when people were 

staying (and eating) at home more often. 

Demand for retail grocery products 

has increased, while food service has 

gone down, as people are eating more 

meals at home and fewer meals out, 

said Elizabeth McMullen, a spokesperson 

for Organic Valley. E-commerce 

has also been affected, according to 

McMullen, and demand for single-service 

milk products has gone up. 

“We have seen an impact in demand because of social 

distancing and more consumers eating at home. As more 

and more people look for healthy, quality ingredients, we 

have seen increased demand for our organic products,” 

McMullen said in a statement. 

“During stressful times, 

or for other reasons, maybe 

people are looking for healthy 

foods and foods that align with 

their values,” said Cleary. 

Longtime organic practices like cover-cropping are now 

being used by some conventional farmers to keep soil from 

eroding into nearby waterways; the practice keeps roots in 

the soil year-round. 

And organic farms are held to other standards, like crop 

rotation and pasturing animals. Rotating crops keeps the 

soil healthy and able to hold more water, while pasturing 

animals allows manure to spread onto soil more gradually 

than liquid storage. So, more organic dairies could benefit 

the environment, keeping waters clean. 

Maddie Kempner of the Northeast Organic Farming Association 

(NOFA) said Vermont producers report higher 

demand for organic food across all product categories, 

even beyond dairy. 

“People are going more out of their way to seek out options 

that they feel are supporting their overall health and 

well-being at 

a time when 

that’s really, 

really necessary,” 

she said. But added too 

much of Vermont’s agricultural 

economy is based on 

dairy, and that poses a risk. 

“I don’t think there’s any 

other state in the country 

who has as much of their 

farmland tied up in producing 

one commodity. So that’s 

an economic reality that 

we really need to look at 

and think about how to 

diversify, for our own food 

security and the future 

of that working landscape,” 

Kempner 

said. 

shutdown of restaurants and hotels — 

will also enable Public Works to skip its 

previously annual purchase of fluoride 

and zinc orthophosphate for water treatment 

and draw instead from its existing 

stockpile next year. 

But Rutland City’s responsibility, 

starting in 2021, to begin to pay off a 

$7.4 million bond approved by voters 

in 2019 to fund major sewage system 

improvements, made a rate increase 

unavoidable in Wennberg’s view. “It’s 

not operations. We’ve cut those as far as 

we dare. It’s all debt service that’s forcing 

this,” Wennberg explained at a meeting 

earlier in the month. 

Rutland previously raised the combined 

sewer and water rate three years 

ago. As of November 2018, Rutland City 

residents paid more for water and sewer 

than Vermonters in Burlington and South 

Burlington and less than those in Montpelier 

and Barre. 

Demand for organic milk has gone up during the pandemic 

Market demand could sustain 

about 50 more organic dairy 

farms in the next five to 10 years.



OBITUARY 

Debra Poplawski-Wilson, 57 

On Thursday Dec. 17, 

Debra Poplawski-Wilson, 

57, a former resident 

of Rutland passed away 

peacefully at her father’s 

home in Mendon. She 

bravely fought Glioblastoma 

Brain Cancer 

for 43 months and was 

considered a long-term 

survivor. 

The daughter of 

Eugene J. and Barbara P. 

(Grum) Poplawski she 

was born in Belleville, 

New Jersey on Nov. 17, 

1963. Early in her childhood, 

the family moved 

to Bridgewater and after a 

few years in Bridgewater, 

finally settled in Rutland. 

Debra Poplawski- 

Wilson was a very active 

person her entire life. In 

her teen years as a student, 

she played tennis 

and ski raced and varsity 

lettered for both. She was 

also active in choir, 

marathon, honor society, 

cheerleading, and other 

high school activities. She 

was also a member of the 

Pico Ski Club. 

Though COVID keeps 

many of us apart, 

I don’t feel alone 

at The Gables. 

Select residency 

now available 

She was a familiar face 

at Pop's Place, the restaurant 

owned by her family. 

After school, she 

participated in Rotary 

exchange program, which 

took her to Brazil. She 

said it was an experience 

of a lifetime and she 

learned fluent Portuguese 

while abroad. She also 

traveled Europe for a 

short time before coming 

back to Rutland. Once 

home, Deb renewed her 

educational goals and 

received her Bachelor of 

Science Psychology in 

1986 and, upon attending 

online courses with 

the Phoenix University, 

she finally received her 

Masters’ degree in Psychology 

in 2010. 

Deb’s life was funny 

though and she laughed 

that she could do better 

in the restaurant business 

than as a psychologist. She 

worked in many restaurants 

and clubs over her 

lifetime as a waitress and 

bartender but most passionately 

as a pastry chef. 

Her passion for baking 

led to what personified 

her life. Her passion for 

baking led to her operating 

four bakeries in the 

Rutland and Killington 

areas. Most recently, she 

operated Sweet Lovin’ 

Creations on Wales St. in 

2017 – 2018 before her 

cancer made it impossible 

to continue the shop. 

However, she also had a 

“home” bakery and was 

well known for her beauti- 

Obit > 19 

Dining Services • Housekeeping • Transportation • Maintenance • 

Pet-Friendly • One & Two Bedroom Residences 

Before another winter comes this way, 

explore Rutland County’s 

premier retirement community. 

For info or a tour, 

call Randi Cohn 

at 802-770-5275 or 

visit us online. 

Debra Poplawski-Wilson 

200 Gables Place, Rutland, VT 

www.thegablesvt.com 

Where the living is easy 

Farmers to Families Food Box program 

to continue through February 

Thanks to generous community 

support, the Vermont Foodbank is able 

to extend the Farmers to Families Food 

Box program into January and February, 

independent of the USDA. 

In partnership with the Abbey Group, 

Farmers to Families food boxes will 

continue to be available at multiple daily 

food distributions throughout the state 

through February. 

To keep wait times to a minimum, reservations 

will be required for the distributions. 

To register and see the dates and 

locations, please visit humanresources. 

vermont.gov/food-help or call 802-476- 

Schools can no longer ask 

about gatherings, state says 

By Lola Duffort/VTDigger 

Schools cannot ask students or parents 

about multihousehold gatherings, the 

Agency of Education announced just before 

Christmas, entirely reversing the state’s 

prior policy encouraging schools to do so. 

Gov. Phil Scott announced Tuesday, Dec. 

22, he would slightly loosen prohibitions 

on multihousehold events over the holiday 

week, allowing Vermonters to gather with 

one trusted household outside their own 

between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2. 

But the state’s new education guidance 

does not adjust the question schools should 

ask, or instruct schools to temporarily 

suspend its inquiries. Instead, it rescinds 

earlier guidance outright. 

“Schools may no longer include a question 

on multihousehold social gatherings in 

their daily health check 

questionnaires,” reads 

a three-line memo issued 

this week. 

On Thursday, Education 

Secretary Dan 

French called the prior directive “arguably 

probably the most challenging thing we’ve 

asked [schools] to do,” and noted coronavirus 

case counts had leveled off from the 

early November surge, when the question 

was originally posed. 

“We felt comfortable saying this guidance 

was no longer necessary,” French 

said during the governor’s twice-weekly 

press conference. 

Scott added that contact tracers are 

no longer seeing as many cases linked to 

social gatherings as before, which indicated 

that the second shutdown had persuaded 

residents to substantially change their 

behavior. “I think Vermonters have gotten 

the message,” Scott said. 

The new guidance gets schools out of 

the business of enforcing the governor’s 

(currently partial) ban on multihousehold 

socialization, a change some administrators 

will welcome. But it is equally likely that 

it will alarm many educators, who are worried 

people will let their guard down and 

bring an onslaught of cases into schools 

after Christmas and New Year’s. 

Darren Allen, a spokesperson for the VT- 

“I think Vermonters 

have gotten the 

message,” Scott said. 

0316 for assistance. 

New distribution dates and locations 

will be posted regularly—please continue 

to check back if you do not see the location 

or date you are looking for. January 

dates will be posted soon. 

Each reservation will receive one box 

with about 30 lbs of food, including fresh 

produce, dairy products, and meat. 

You are welcome to pick up food for 

other families who are not able to make it 

to the pickup site, just be sure to make a 

separate reservation for each household 

you would like to pick up for. Each reservation 

is for one box of food. 

NEA, said the union hadn’t known about 

the change ahead of time, but it appears 

to be in line with the governor’s general 

lockdown relaxation. 

“We continue to hope that everyone — 

families, staff and the community — continue 

to put the safety of themselves and 

other Vermonters first,” Allen said. 

As part of their new roster of pandemicera 

safety protocols, schools survey 

students or families daily about whether 

children are symptomatic or have recently 

traveled out of state before allowing them to 

attend school in-person. (In many districts, 

parents in the morning simply click 

through a quick questionnaire at home on 

their computer or phone.) 

When he imposed a second lockdown 

in November amid a 

record-breaking surge 

of Covid-19 cases, 

Scott also encouraged 

schools to begin 

including a question 

about multihousehold gatherings in their 

daily health check. 

The move proved deeply controversial, 

and put local education leaders in a difficult 

spot. Some administrators appreciated 

the clarity about whether they were within 

their rights to send students home if their 

families had attended events in violation of 

the governor’s orders. But others felt deeply 

uncomfortable prying into what they 

thought were private matters. The policy 

was also seized upon in the national rightwing 

media, where commentators suggested 

teachers would interrogate children 

and demand they spy on their parents. 

Jeanné Collins, superintendent of the 

Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union, 

did not ask students but instead put the 

question to parents, and gave them some 

latitude as to how they wanted to interpret 

the governor’s directive. 

She thinks simply asking the question 

raised awareness about the gathering ban, 

and got many to reconsider their plans. “I 

am concerned that I can no longer ask it 

because I think my staff will be quite concerned 

about safety,” she wrote in an email.


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Submitted 

Nurses at Rutland Regional Hospital celebrate receiving Magnet recognition for dedication to high-quality nursing. 

Rutland Regional receives highest nursing 

credential with prestigious Magnet recognition 

Recognition for the third time reinforces commitment to nursing excellence 

Rutland Regional Medical Center 

attained Magnet recognition again 

this December, a testament to its 

continued dedication to high-quality 

nursing practice. The American 

Nurses Credentialing Center’s 

Magnet Recognition Program® 

distinguishes healthcare organizations 

that meet rigorous standards 

for nursing excellence. This credential 

is the highest national honor for 

professional nursing practice. 

Receiving Magnet recognition 

for the third time is a great achievement 

for Rutland Regional, as it 

continues to proudly belong to 

the global community of Magnet 

recognized organizations. 

Just 547 health care organizations 

in the world have achieved 

Magnet recognition. 

“Our third designation as a Magnet 

organization comes during a time 

when nursing has been placed on 

a global and national platform for 

being a vital and leading profession 

in the Covid-19 pandemic,” said 

Betsy Hassan, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, 

CPPS, chief nursing officer and vice 

president of patient care services. 

“This honor reflects the continued 

focus of high-quality nursing care at 

Rutland Regional and how devoted 

our nursing staff is in caring for our 

community with evidence-based and 

patient-centered care. I could not 

be prouder of the Rutland Regional 

nursing team for their contributions 

over the past four years, and for their 

commitment and service to the community 

during the pandemic. This 

is an exceptional honor and a true 

testament to the high-caliber care our 

dedicated nurses provide every day at 

Rutland Regional!” 

Research demonstrates that 

Magnet recognition provides specific 

benefits to healthcare organizations 

and their communities, such as: 

• Higher patient satisfaction 

with nurse communication, 

availability of help and receipt 

of discharge info. 

• Lower risk of 30-day 

mortality and lower failure to 

rescue rates. 

• Higher job satisfaction 

among nurses. 

• Lower nurse reports of intentions 

to leave their positions. 

Magnet recognition is the gold 

standard for nursing excellence and 

is a factor when the public judges 

healthcare organizations. U.S. News 

& World Report’s annual showcase of 

“America’s Best Hospitals” includes 

Magnet recognition in its ranking 

criteria for quality of inpatient care. 

The Magnet model provides a 

framework for nursing practice, 

research, and measurement of 

outcomes. Through this framework, 

ANCC evaluates applicants across a 

number of components and dimensions 

to gauge an organization’s nursing 

excellence. 

The foundation of this model 

comprises various elements deemed 

essential to delivering superior patient 

care. These include the quality of 

nursing leadership and coordination 

and collaboration across specialties, 

as well as processes for measuring 

and improving the quality and delivery 

of care. 

To achieve initial Magnet recognition, 

organizations must pass a 

rigorous and lengthy process that 

demands widespread participation 

from leadership and staff. This process 

includes an electronic application, 

written patient care documentation, 

an on-site or virtual site visit, 

and a review by the Commission on 

Magnet Recognition. Health care organizations 

must reapply for Magnet 

recognition every four years based on 

adherence to Magnet concepts and 

demonstrated improvements in patient 

care and quality. An organization 

reapplying for Magnet recognition 

must provide documented evidence 

to demonstrate how staff members 

sustained and improved Magnet 

concepts, performance, and quality 

over the four-year period since the 

organization received its most recent 

recognition. 

“I am pleased to share that during 

this designation the Commission on 

Magnet recognized Rutland Regional 

for our high performance related 

nurse engagement and nursing influenced 

patient outcomes,” said Amy 

Martone, BSN, RN, MBA, NPD-BC, 

director of nursing excellence. “This is 

evidence of our ongoing commitment 

to excellence in nursing practice and 

patient care. It is an incredible honor 

for our nurses to achieve this third 

designation in 2020 as we wrap up the 

International Year of the Nurse and 

Midwife.” 

Table of contents 

Local news....................................................................2 

State news...................................................................10 

Opinion.......................................................................16 

Calendar......................................................................20 

Puzzles........................................................................23 

Living ADE..................................................................26 

Food matters...............................................................29 

Pets..............................................................................34 

Horoscopes.................................................................35 

Columns......................................................................36 

Classifieds/Service directory....................................40 

Real estate...................................................................43 

Mou nta i n Ti m e s 

is a community newspaper covering Central 

Vermont that aims to engage and inform as well as 

empower community members to have a voice. 

Polly Lynn Mikula ............................... Editor & Co-Publisher 

Jason Mikula .......................... Sales Manager & Co-Publisher 

Lindsey Rogers ...................................... Sales Representative 

Krista Johnston............................................Graphic Designer 

Brooke Geery........................................ Front Office Manager 

Katy Savage Dom Cioffi 

Julia Purdy 

Mary Ellen Shaw 

Curt Peterson Paul Holmes 

Gary Salmon Merisa Sherman 

Flag photo by Richard Podlesney 

©The Mountain Times 2020 

The Mountain Times • P.O. Box 183 

Killington, VT 05751 • (802) 422-2399 

Email: editor@mountaintimes.info 

mountaintimes.info 

Dave Hoffenberg 

Virginia Dean 

Aliya Schneider 

Ed Larson



Open for the Season 

Every Day 9:30am-5pm for Injuries Only 

3902 Killington Road (next to the Rams Head Base Lodge) 

Killington Medical Clinic operates as an URGENT CARE CENTER. Our 

physicians have extensive experience in the effective treatment of ski 

and snowboard injuries. We have an on-site X-ray suite and casting 

room to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of common injuries. 

NO COVID-19 Testing 

If you are ill and would like to be seen, please call 

802.422.6125 to be triaged over the phone 

Hours subject to change – 

check www.killingtonmedicalclinic.org for updates 

For EMERGENCIES and AFTER HOURS CARE, Go To: 

Rutland Regional Medical Center, 160 Allen St, Rutland, VT | 802.775.7111 

SVCOA honors Donton, Jones as 

Community Partners of the Year 

Southwestern Vermont Council on 

Aging (SVCOA) has named Cinda Donton 

of Rutland Mental Health Services – Community 

Care Network, and Doug Jones of 

Meals on Wheels of Rutland County – TRIO 

Community Meals, as the agency’s 2020 

Community Partners of the Year. 

“We’re proud to honor Cinda and Doug 

for their significant 

contributions 

to SVCOA and 

older Vermonters 

throughout our 

region,” said Chris 

Adams, development 

and communications 

director 

with SVCOA. “Both 

individuals have 

been incredible resources in our community 

for decades, supporting so many 

through their hard work, compassion and 

professionalism.” 

Donton, who is contracted by SVCOA 

to serve as its elder care clinician, provides 

mental health support and counseling 

to older Vermonters throughout Rutland 

County, a role she's held for 20 years. 

“In addition to serving countless 

clients, Cinda spearheaded the creation 

of substance abuse support for older Vermonters, 

a model that may be replicated 

in other areas of the state, and has provided 

caregiver counseling to numerous 

“We’re proud to honor 

Cinda and Doug for their 

significant contributions 

to SVCOA and older 

Vermonters throughout our 

region,” said Chris Adams. 

caregivers needing support to continue 

to provide care to their loved ones,” said 

Dana McMahon, Rutland County aging 

services director with SVCOA. “Cinda has 

also been an asset to SVCOA staff and 

other community partners in providing 

training and sharing her vast knowledge.” 

Jones, general manager of the Rutland 

TRIO Community 

Meals team that 

is contracted by 

SVCOA to support 

its Meals on 

Wheels program, 

has served in his 

role for 34 years. 

“Doug’s dedication, 

hard work 

and countless 

hours served have kept Meals on Wheels 

running strong despite all the challenges 

being thrown at us on a daily basis during 

the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Courtney 

Anderson, nutrition director with SVCOA. 

“Doug’s forward thinking has enabled the 

production of an additional 1,000 meals per 

day on top of the normal daily production 

to build up a stock of frozen meals and plan 

for worst-case scenarios with the pandemic. 

Doug has also offered assistance to other 

meal providers across the state to help them 

keep up with demand. He has shown tremendous 

leadership over the past 34 years 

and is a true asset to our organization.”


Honor system: So far, no cases of Covid-19 have been traced back to ski resorts in Vermont but some are worried about increased travel to resorts 

> 

from page 1 

On social media, photos have circulated widely of 

crowded lift lines, along with stories of parking lots packed 

with non-Vermont license plates. Kurrle said those photos 

were the subject of several official complaints to the state. 

Officials, including Gov. Phil Scott, also warn against 

making assumptions based on license 

plates, as many out-of-staters have followed 

the guidelines, or have temporarily 

relocated to Vermont to work remotely or, 

for some, specifically to ski. 

Molly Mahar, president of the Vermont 

Ski Areas Association, said she 

worries that comments from locals 

could dissuade visitors from coming to 

the state in the future. 

“They may have quarantined, they may be living here for 

the season, or they may have moved here and just haven’t 

changed their car registration yet,” she said. “I really worry 

about the rhetoric around out-of-state people, because our 

economy depends on those people.” 

‘I want them to play by the rules’ 

While expressing the need for safety, many locals have 

celebrated the arrival of snow and broader opening of 

resorts after months of cabin fever attributed to the virus. 

On social media and in interviews with VTDigger, many 

have cited instances where resort employees have encouraged 

mask wearing, and others said they felt generally 

comfortable with measures taken by resorts. 

“I think the resorts are doing what they need to do,” said 

Todd Wright, who often skis with his family at Sugarbush, 

and is also the director of Adventure Sports at St. Michael’s 

College. “I think a lot of it falls down on the users. The 

people that do this stuff have a lot of responsibility, and we 

just can’t shift it all and say, ‘It’s the resort’s job to manage 

my behaviors.’ I need to manage my own behaviors.” 

Still, he was unnerved by sudden increases in drivers 

from out of state. 

“I want them to play by the rules,” he said. “As a 

parent, it’s really important for my kid to go back to 

in-person learning. Working at the college, I just look at 

how much work time and effort we’ve spent into managing 

Covid on campus. We’ve invested all this energy, 

and all it takes is someone not following the rules, and 

then it spreads like wildfire.” 

He’s seen posts from travelers who say they’ll arrive, 

ski and leave, but he worries about those who stop for 

gas, go into stores for food, or interact with customer 

service at the resorts. 

“You’re plugging into those communities just for a second, 

but that contact can be catastrophic,” he said. “I think 

that’s what all of us in Vermont struggle with.” 

A survival year 

Ski areas’ roles in enforcing Covid-19 restrictions 

changed in early November, when cases surged and 

Gov. Scott reinstated strict quarantine guidelines on 

travelers from other states. 

Hotels reported a flood of cancellations, and 

multiple ski resorts refunded more than $1 million 

in season pass sales to those who couldn’t swing the 

requirements for out-of-state travel. 

“We know that the hospitality industry has been 

particularly hard hit,” Kurrle said, “and they have this 

additional burden, the ski areas, of this frontline enforcement, 

letting visitors know what our expectation 

is, and trying to do it ahead of time.” 

Kurrle said the industry revenue will likely decrease 40% 

to 70% this season, a significant hit to the state’s economy. 

In an average year, the sport brings around 4 million skiers 

and riders to Vermont. 

Mahar, of the ski areas association, estimates that in a 

typical season, skiers spend $925 million in Vermont, and 

two-thirds of that is spent in communities surrounding 

resorts. “It means a lot to the state,” she said. 

The organization estimates $125 million in tax receipts 

from sales tax and rooms and meals tax during an average 

ski season. The industry is an economic driver in rural 

areas, and employs about 13,000 people at the height of a 

typical winter season. 

“We knew it’d be tough,” said Mike Solimano, president 

and general manager at Killington. “The ski resort business 

is very expensive to operate, and very capital-intensive. So 

“If we find somebody hasn’t done that [quarantine], 

we’ve already told people that we will pull their pass and 

probably give their name to the state,” Solimano said. “It’s 

the same thing if people are on site and refuse to wear a 

mask. We have a no tolerance policy for either of those.” 

most of us can’t survive with a 50% reduction in revenue. 

This is a survival year, to be totally honest.” 

He said reservations were down 40% to 50% for the 

Christmas/New Years holiday week. 

In a phone interview Tuesday, Bonnie MacPherson, 

communications manager at Okemo, sighed. She had 

been thrilled last week about the 40-plus inches of snow on 

the mountain — a boon for the ski area, which has had to 

deal with warm temperatures in addition to the confines of 

the pandemic year. 

Since then, the resort’s social media page, which she 

manages, has had an onslaught of commenters concerned 

about social distancing and overcrowding at the resort. 

“I think they’re just scared, they’re frustrated, they’re 

fearful about this pandemic,” she said. “There are rumors 

that we’ve never dealt with before, and there’s just 

so much misinformation about what’s happening and 

what’s going on.” 

MacPherson listed the precautions the resort is taking, 

similar to other resorts: reduced capacity, mandatory face 

masks and social distancing, ghost lanes between skiers 

in lift lines, required reservations, spaced-out chairlifts, 

reduced capacity indoors. 

Employees enforce social distancing at Okemo, 

MacPherson said, but many skiers are funneled into 

designated lift lines because the resort can’t yet open all of 

its terrain. Opening a trail requires snowmaking efforts and 

approval from Ski Patrol. 

Enforcement within the honor system 

So far, no cases of Covid-19 have been traced back to ski 

resorts in Vermont. 

Still, some locals have argued for stricter enforcement 

within what is one of the state’s only industries 

that brings thousands of travelers to gather in one place 

during the pandemic. 

Based on state guidelines, resorts require signatures 

from travelers, promising that they’ve adhered to the rules, 

but some locals have reacted squeamishly at the thought of 

handling community safety through an honor system. 

“I’m not going to say that nobody’s breaking the quarantine,” 

said Solimano at Killington. “I’m not naive … and 

I think the governor’s not either. I think the key for us is we 

need to do all the things we can control.” 

Solimano said he’s made an appearance in lift lines, and 

has offered pass refunds to people who need extra encouragement 

to properly wear their face coverings. “All of them 

have decided that they will pull their mask up,” he said. 

Skiers aren’t required to wear masks while skiing, so 

most of the time, he said, he assumes those without masks 

have forgotten to pull them back up when they reach the 

lift line. He’s more concerned about indoor spaces, where 

skiers are removing masks to eat. Lodges are reduced to 

50% capacity or a maximum of 75 people, and Solimano 

said guidelines are enforced resort-wide. 

“It’s with the threat of taking away your $1,000 pass,” 

he said. “I think we’re pushing harder than probably a lot 

of businesses. If you just walk into a retail store, nobody’s 

questioning where you came from.” 

Resorts can revoke skiers’ passes if they aren’t adhering 

to mask wearing, social distancing, or if the resort learns a 

skier hasn’t quarantined. 

“If we find somebody hasn’t done that [quarantine], 

we’ve already told people that we will pull their pass and 

probably give their name to the state,” Solimano said. “It’s 

the same thing if people are on site and refuse to wear a 

mask. We have a no tolerance policy for either of those.” 

‘The benefit of the doubt’ 

Neither Killington Ski Area nor Okemo 

Mountain Resort has revoked any season 

passes yet, though MacPherson said the 

resort’s hotels have turned travelers away 

upon learning they hadn’t quarantined. 

Mahar said she had not heard of any 

resort in the state pulling a season pass 

because of violating guidelines. 

Ski areas are responsible for following 

the state’s guidelines, but there’s no specific procedure 

in place for a ski resort that does not take away someone’s 

pass if they haven’t followed the guidelines. 

“The way we manage other businesses in the state is 

we’ve given people the benefit of the doubt that they’re 

going to follow our guidelines,” Kurrle said. “If we knew 

that somebody was in violation, our first approach 

would be to provide more education and more opportunity 

for them to adjust their operations to improve 

health and safety.” 

Solimano said there is little the resort can do about 

travelers who promise they’ve quarantined, but 

haven’t. He’s hopeful that outdoor recreation businesses 

can continue to flourish during the pandemic. 

A summer season busy with out-of-state mountain 

bikers didn’t cause any problems, he said. 

“To me, this says it’s working, that it’s safe to be 

outdoors,” he said. “We’re trying to balance this. We 

don’t want to have it be a police state. We’re trying to let 

people enjoy the outdoors, but you know, we have to 

balance that and try to stay open.”



> 

Covid: Recent trends and projections for Covid case numbers in Vermont are more promising than have been in past weeks, but officials encourage vigilance 

from page 1 

on faces, 6-foot spaces, uncrowded places.” the public to understand,” he said. 

Michael S. Pieciak, commissioner of the “There will be age bands established as 

Vermont Dept. of Financial Regulation, to when you will be eligible to be vaccinated. 

noted, “As terrible as 2020 has been, Vermonters 

For example, 75-plus will be the first to 

have many reasons to look back get the vaccine after the completion of 1a, 

on the year with pride and to look forward then 70 and older, then 65 and old, and so 

with optimism for the year ahead.” 

on. Underlying conditions will be a priority 

While Vermont added another 1,000 no matter what age, and those conditions 

cases in just the past 11 days, bringing the will be clearly defined,” he said. 

total to 7,000 cases since the beginning of “What we are trying to do is design a 

the pandemic, that remains a relatively system that is easily implemented, easily 

low figure. “To put this in a more helpful understood and prioritizes our primary 

perspective,” Pieciak said. “Maine has recorded 

goal of protecting lives,” Smith summa- 

more cases than that [7,000] in just rized, adding that “definitions such as 

the past three weeks and New Hampshire ‘essential worker’ or ‘frontline worker’ often 

just the past two weeks. So Vermont continues 

cause confusion and unnecessary divisive- 

to maintain a very low case count both ness and doesn’t put enough emphasis on 

in the aggregate and on a per capita basis.” our primary goal of saving lives.” 

Maine and New Hampshire 

have populations roughly 

twice as large as Vermont but 

have been averaging 433 cases 

per day, and 612 cases per day, 

respectively, according to the 

New York Times. Vermont’s 

average is 84. 

However, December has been the 

deadliest month in Vermont since the 

beginning of the pandemic with 52 deaths 

this month — more than a third of the 

state’s 129 total deaths. 

Of this month's deaths, 10 have died in 

the past five days and 85% of the deaths 

were connected to long-term care facility, 

Levine added. That’s compared to 70% of 

the total deaths being among residents of 

long-term care facilities, he said. 

Levine emphasized that the deaths at 

long-term care facilities are not a reflection 

of a poor facility or staffing, but rather a result 

of the virus being more prevalent in our 

communities and, thus, leading to more 

exposure, which affect vulnerable populations 

more severely leading to higher rates 

of illness and death. 

“Deaths are almost exclusively among 

Vermonters age 60 and older. Only seven of 

the 129 deaths have been among Vermonters 

age 30-59,” Levine noted. 

This data has informed state officials 

on whom to prioritize for vaccinations. 

“Our main focus is on reducing hospitalizations 

and saving lives. Those who are 

at the greatest risks, are the oldest age 

bands and those with chronic conditions,” 

Levine continued. 

However, “there are over 400,000 Vermonters 

who, when you survey them, 

would tell you they fit the criteria of age 

over 65 and/or a chronic condition,” 

Levine said. 

Mike Smith, secretary of the Agency 

ofHuman Services, further explained the 

state’s vaccination plan and prioritization 

of population subsets. 

The completion of priority group 1a 

(vaccinating healthcare workers and those 

in long-term care facilities) marks the beginning 

of the mass vaccination program, 

Smith said at the press conference Tuesday. 

“Vaccines will be prioritized and given 

based on age. Because the older you are 

the more vulnerable you are to Covid-19, 

and it meets our prime objective, which 

is protecting lives. It’s the easiest way to 

administer vaccines, and it’s the easiest for 

“Vaccines will be prioritized and 

given based on age. Because the 

older you are the more vulnerable 

you are to Covid-19,” Smith said. 

Smith reported that 9,751 Vermonters 

have been vaccinated, so far — 14.8% of 

priority group 1a — with approximately 

8,000 of those being healthcare workers, 

900 EMS workers, and 900 at long-term 

care facilities through the pharmacy care 

program. He also noted that pharmacies 

have 72 hours to report to the federal 

government, which creates a significant 

lag time in that data. “In fact, by Jan. 8 we 

expected to be finished providing the first 

dose of the vaccine to all but one of the 

residents of skilled nursing facilities where 

the frailest of the elderly often reside,” 

Smith said. 

As of Tuesday, 19 of 37 skilled nursing 

facilities have received the first dose of 

vaccine, he added. And by the end of January, 

all in priority group 1a should have 

received at least their first dose, and many 

their second dose, including most in skilled 

nursing facilities, Smith said. 

Courtesy Vt Dept. of Health 

Vermont continues to stand out for its low active cases per million on the heat map for 

the Northeast. Of the over 500 counties on the map, eight of the ten counties with the 

lowest case volume were in Vermont. 


Air travel decreased significantly through Christmas eve compared to 2019, with a 58% 

reduction nationally and an 80% reduction at Burlington International Airport (BTV). 

However, airports still saw more travelers than over Thanksgiving 2020. 


While it took Vermont 228 days to reach 2,000 Covid-19 cases (March-October), the state has added 5,000 cases in just 66 days (November-December). 

However, for the past two weeks, cases have been declining slightly week-over-week.


When can I get a vaccine, and other important Covid-19 questions 

By Katie Jickling and Alan J. Keays/VTDigger 

Covid-19 vaccines are arriving in Vermont and shots 

have been administered to the first recipients. 

The state Dept. of Health is still ironing out the details 

about who exactly can be vaccinated first and when 

those doses will be available. 

The supply of vaccines is growing — the U.S. Food 

and Drug Administration approved the Moderna vaccine 

on Friday, Dec. 18, in addition to the Pfizer vaccine 

— but smaller states such as Vermont will receive a 

limited number of doses. 

State officials said they expected about 5,850 vaccine 

doses each week through the end of the year, although 

a hiccup in initial deliveries delayed the arrival 

of some of those doses. 

Younger, healthier Vermonters likely won’t get their 

turn in line until this spring. 

As we wait, here are some answers to some of the 

frequently asked questions about the vaccines: 

I’m an essential worker. When can I get a vaccine? 

The short answer: It depends on exactly what that 

essential work is. 

Now for the longer one. 

Due to the limited supply, the Vermont Dept. of 

Health wants to set the priority order for who gets the 

shot, starting with long-term care residents and frontline 

health care workers. 

The health care workers include staff at long-term 

care facilities who have direct contact with patients, EMT 

staff, dentists, and most home health care providers. 

The department is waiting for recommendations 

from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

before planning next steps. 

Dr. Mark Levine, Vermont’s health commissioner, 

said the next group “will almost certainly involve some 

combination of people” over the age of 65 and people 

with chronic or immune-compromising conditions. 

That next group is also expected to include teachers 

and child care workers, and people living in group 

situations, such as homeless shelters, prisons and 

group homes. 

“We hope to have a practical and rational prioritization 

scheme that first and foremost focuses on 

reducing sickness and death,” he said, “but takes into 

consideration our other goals of keeping our kids in 

in-person instruction in schools and protecting our 

workforce and businesses.” 

According to Levine, the state is expected to receive 

about 35,000 vaccine doses by the end of December, 

which won’t be enough to cover all the health care workers 

and residents of long-term facilities, which total 

between 50,000 and 60,000 people. The process of vaccinating 

that group will likely take until the end of January. 

And it is expected to be spring before the general 

population can register for a shot. 

How do I know when it’s my turn? 

The first group — health care workers and long-term 

care residents and staff — are getting direct notification 

about when and where they can get vaccinated. 

As more of the vaccine becomes available, the department 

says it will work with health care practices, employers, 

pharmacies and media outlets to get the word 

out as additional groups become eligible. 

To avoid long lines and allow for social distancing, 

people will have to register for appointments to get the 

vaccine. Most Vermonters should expect to get the shot 

from their primary care doctors. People who don’t have 

insurance or a primary care doctor can get the shot at 

vaccine clinics run by the department. 

How much will it cost me? 

Good news. It’s free. 

The federal government is picking up the tab, with 

CARES Act money covering the cost. 

If I’ve had Covid, do I still need a vaccine? 

Yes. 

According to the CDC, there is not yet enough 

information available to determine if or how long 

after a Covid-19 infection a person is protected from 

getting it again. “Early evidence suggests natural 

immunity from Covid-19 may not last very long, but 

more studies are needed to better understand this,” 

according to the CDC. 

How effective are the vaccines? 

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are about 95% 

effective, but because they are new it is still not yet 

known how long the protection will last. 

What are the side effects of getting a vaccine? 

It’s common to have flu-like symptoms the day after 

receiving the immunization, including symptoms 

such as fever, chills, tiredness, and swelling on the arm, 

around the site of the injection. Side effects typically 

come after the booster shot, which is administered 

three weeks after the first injection. 

The most common side effects on the arm where a 

person receives a shot includes pain and swelling. 

“You may have some side effects, which are normal 

signs that your body is building protection,” according to 

the CDC. “These side effects may affect your ability to do 

daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.” 

Once I get the vaccine, can I stop wearing this 

mask? 

Nope. Sorry. 

That’s because the vaccines are not 100% effective, 

and it’s still not known if a person who gets a vaccine 

can still spread it to others. 

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute 

for Allergies and Infectious Disease, told CNN he recommends 

people still wear masks and practice social 

distancing even after getting the vaccine. 

“Obviously, with a 90-plus-percent effective vaccine, 

you could feel much more confident,” he said. “But I 

would recommend to people to not abandon all public 

health measures just because you have been vaccinated, 

because even though, for the general population, it 

might be 90 to 95 percent effective, you don’t necessarily 

know, for you, how effective it is.” 

Will there be a mandate to get the vaccine? 

President-elect Joe Biden has repeatedly said that, 

when he takes office, his administration will not make 

any Covid-19 vaccinations mandatory. 

“I don’t think it should be mandatory,” he told reporters 

earlier this month, according to a report in Business 

Insider. “But I would do everything in my power — just 

like I don’t think masks have to be made mandatory nationwide 

— I’ll do everything in my power as president 

of the United States to encourage people to do the right 

thing and when they do it demonstrate that it matters.” 

Winter sports: State restrictions relaxed for youth sports teams, including club and school ski teams. Practices started this week on-slope 

> 

Submitted 

A youth skier carves just past a Giant Slalom gate as she races toward the finishline. 

from page 1 

ther,” Scott said on Dec. 22. 

The governor’s announcement was welcome to ski and snowboard clubs and teams, 

which had been waiting for the governor’s updates since restrictions were put in place on 

Nov. 14. Ski club and academy leaders met with state officials on Dec. 7 to find a solution. 

Vermont Alpine Racing Association (VARA) Executive Director Julie Woodworth called 

the governor’s announcement a “win.” 

“I think everyone’s just pretty psyched in general,” said Woodworth. 

Under the restrictions, students in ski sports are required to stay in cohorts no larger 

than 25 individuals. Students can only interact with people in their own club and can’t 

ride chairlifts with those outside their cohorts. 

“Everybody has to stay in their unit,” Woodworth said. 

The winter programs are about a month behind schedule due in part to the pandemic 

and in part to the lack of snow. 

“The weather and Covid have been working together to beat us up,” Woodworth said. 

Though the state is allowing race programs to resume training, U.S. Ski and Snowboard, 

the national governing body for skiing and snowboarding, is not allowing competitions 

to begin until Jan. 1. Ski races in Vermont are currently scheduled to start Jan. 12 

under restrictions. 

Races will be capped this season to 100 participants to meet Vermont’s requirement 

that limit group gatherings to 150 people, Woodworth said. The cap is a downsize from 

typical races, which can draw up to 200 participants. 

Woodworth said it will be up to the race site to make sure it has enough staff to 

work the race. 

Though youth programs can begin, adult programs, for those 18 and over, are 

still on pause. 

“That’s the one little hitch we have right now,” Woodworth said. “It’s just a matter of 

educating the state on how Alpine racing works.” 

Chuck Hughes, the development program director of the Killington Ski Club and Killington 

Mountain School, said programs started on Dec. 27 with “a great day of social distancing 

and mask wearing.” Hughes declined to say more about the future of the season 

until more is known about the events schedule. 

Meanwhile, Okemo and Killington Resort are emphasizing one-on-one lessons this 

year and are limiting group ski and snowboard lessons to private groups. 

Scott’s announcement came as most schools were on break for the holidays. Scott 

said hockey, cheerleading, basketball can hold practices if athletes stay 6 feet apart. 

Cheerleaders are not allowed to hold vocal routines this winter. High contact sports like 

wrestling will not be able to hold practices and indoor track will also not be sanctioned 

this winter.

10 • STATE NEWS 


Covid-19 made a bad situation 

worse for many Vermonters 

It also revealed the crucial role of government, 

not just in crises, new report shows 

The recession created by the Covid-19 

pandemic, beginning in February 2020, 

ended the longest economic recovery on 

record. The highest-income Vermonters 

came out of that recovery better off. But 

no one else did. Those at the bottom had 

less income in 2019 than in 2007 before 

the start of the Great Recession. Real 

median household income—the middle 

of the scale—ended 2019 where it was in 

2007. And the state’s poverty rate showed 

no improvement. 

So when Covid-19 suddenly put nearly 

100,000 Vermonters out of work, many 

were already in economically poor shape. 

Nearly $5 billion in federal assistance to 

Vermonters this year definitely helped 

Vermonters weather the pandemic, so 

far. But more is needed, now and in the 

future. The state needs to invest in the 

public good—child care, education, 

housing, and other essentials—to secure 

the long-term economic well-being of 

Vermonters. 

This story, reflecting the challenges of 

Vermont’s top-heavy economy and the 

exacerbating effects of the pandemic, 

is laid out in State of Working Vermont 

2020, released Dec. 28 by Public Assets 

Institute in Montpelier. Vermont’s 

economy expanded, but too many 

Vermonters haven’t seen the benefits of 

this growth. Wages increased, but more 

for high-wage workers than for those 

earning less. 

Child poverty hit its lowest point in 

16 years, but remained at nearly 10 percent. 

Inequality grew: Half of all 2019 

income in the state went to the top 20 

percent of Vermonters. 

“Policy makers deserve a lot of credit 

for their handling of the pandemic,” said 

Paul Cillo, founder and president of Public 

Assets, “but we need to think beyond 

this crisis. After decades of policies that 

disproportionately harm people of color 

and those on the lower rungs of the economic 

ladder, the state needs to shift its 

focus not just to people’s basic needs but 

also to racial and social equity.” 

The report includes a graphic breakdown 

of 2020 federal pandemic aid and 

how Vermont is using it, as well as stories 

in Vermonters’ own words about their 

lives during the pandemic. “What we 

kept hearing in these stories was a feeling 

of insecurity—about jobs, food and 

housing, the care of children and elders, 

and about the future,” Cillo said. 

Yet some who received relief from the 

government also recognized what a little 

help from the state can do: take the edge 

off the anxiety and pressure of living on a 

low wage, open up time to think and heal, 

and offer opportunities for a better life. 

“Vermonters are looking for opportunity 

and a reason to hope,” said Cillo. “They 

deserve nothing less from our policy 

makers.” 

Public Assets produces the State of 

Working Vermont annually in conjunction 

with the Economic Policy Institute in 

Washington, D.C. The report shows how 

working Vermonters and their families 

were faring economically at the end of 

2019—the latest year for which most data 

are available—and how conditions have 

changed, for better or worse, in recent 

years. Its analyses are based on data 

released in 2020 by the U.S. Census, U.S. 

Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other state 

and federal agencies. This year’s report 

also uses available data and stories from 

2020 to document this extraordinary 

year of Vermonters’ lives during a deadly 

pandemic. 

State of Working Vermont 2020 can be 

viewed or downloaded at publicassets.org. 

Dept. of Public Safety invites 

feedback on statewide draft 

use-of-force policy 

The Vermont Dept.of 

Public Safety is continuing 

to accept public and 

stakeholder feedback on 

Vermont’s initiative to modernize 

policing across Vermont. 

The latest document 

available for public review 

is a draft Statewide Policy 

on Police Use of Force. 

The ongoing opportunity 

for comment and 

feedback is part of Governor 

Phil Scott’s Public Safety 

Reform Initiative, created 

through Executive Order 

03-20, which directed the 

commissioner of public 

safety to “actively engage 

with communities, particularly 

those communities 

that have been historically 

marginalized or harmed 

by policing, as we develop 

and deploy best policing 

practices.” 

This fall, the Dept. 

of Public Safety shared 

multiple draft proposals for 

public consideration and 

feedback, including policies 

related to body-worn 

cameras, citizen oversight, 

hiring and promotion, and 

internal affairs. 

All of these policies, along 

with the newly posted draft 

Statewide Policy on Police 

Use of Force, are available 

for review at dps.vermont. 

gov/modernization. Stakeholders 

and members of the 

public who wish to provide 

feedback through that website, 

or by emailing policing. 

feedback@vermont.gov. 

The Dept. of Public 

Safety intends to update the 

draft Statewide Policy on 

Police Use of Force shortly 

after the new year, so DPS 

asks the public to submit 

any feedback prior to Jan. 

6, 2021. 

The U.S. 4th Fleet presents a plaque as part of a gift exchange with Brazil. 

Submitted 

U.S.S. Vermont brings sweet treats to Brazil 

While operating in the U.S. 4th Fleet, USS Vermont (SSN-792) conducted antisubmarine 

warfare (ASW) exercises with the Brazilian Navy Submarine Tupi (S30) and 

maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. 

U.S. Ambassador to Brazil Todd Chapman hosted President Jair Bolsonaro, accompanied 

by Vice Adm. Daryl Caudle, Commander, U.S. Submarine Forces and other 

Brazilian Navy dignitaries for a key leader engagement on USS Vermont, reaffirming 

the strong history of military collaboration between the United States and Brazil. 

Now for the rest of the story: As part of the gift exchange between the Brazilian and 

U.S. Navies, U.S.S. Vermont’s Captain Charles Phillips presented Brazil’s president and 

other dignitaries with some “Vermont gold,” otherwise known as pure Vermont maple 

syrup. The commanding officer of the Vermont asked for a recommendation from the 

Vermont Commissioning Committee (VCC) for an appropriate gift for our ally that 

would best represent the boat’s namesake state. VCC Gifts Chair Gary Frymire reached 

out to Morse Farm Maple Sugar Works of Montpelier where several crew members 

learned about sugaring prior to the July 4 parade in 2019. Burr Morse had glass maple 

leaf syrup decanters available that were reviewed and approved by Captain Phillips, 

and they were prepared with both Morse Farm and VCC logos, along with a “Gift from 

the VERMONT (SSN 792) Commissioning Committee” message. The syrup decanters 

travelled over 5,000 miles before being part of the gift exchange between the U.S and 

Brazilian dignitaries at Brazil’s newest submarine base, the Itaguai, in Rio de Janeiro, a 

“Vermont” unique and sweet touch to international relations. 

Submitted 

Maple-shaped decanters and a USS Vermont hat bring VT sweetness to South America.

The Mountain Times • Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021 • 11 

Vermont is seeing a surge 

in COVID-19 cases. 

Vermonters must act now to slow the spread. 

• Do not get together or socialize 

with anyone you don’t live with. 

• Avoid non-essential travel, even 

in Vermont. 

• Anyone returning or traveling 

to Vermont must quarantine. 

Thank you for doing your part to keep our 

businesses and schools open, and 

Vermonters working. 

HealthVermont.gov/StaySafe

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RNeSU responds to Covid-19 cases in schools 

Remote learning week already planned Jan. 4-8 

By Lee J. Kahrs 

The first cases of Covid-19 have 

been reported in two Rutland 

Northeast Supervisory Union 

(RNeSU) schools. 

RNeSU Superintendent 

Jeanne Collins, 

herself recovering from 

the coronavirus, confirmed 

the first cases on 

Dec. 18 and Dec. 23 sent 

out an email and a Facebook 

post to parents 

and staff. 

The first positive 

cases came just two 

days after Collins 

announced that all 

students in the supervisory 

union would 

be doing remote learning the week 

following the break, Jan. 4-8, 2021. 

That was announced to mitigate the 

effects of families and staff who may 

have mixed households during the 

Christmas/New Years break. 

Collins announced all remote 

learning for the district the first two 

days of school following the Thanksgiving 

break as well. 

Of the two new positive cases 

announced Dec. 18, one involves a 

student at Otter Valley Union High 

School, and the other involves 

Courtesy of VSP 

Courtesy of VSP 

VSP seek tricycle-riding bandit 

On Dec. 12, the Vermont state police received a report of multiple break-ins to motor vehicles, as well as garages, 

along Vermont Route 30 in the town of Cornwall. The incident occurred in the early morning hours. 

Surveillance from multiple banks in Rutland have provided photographs and videos of the suspect using the victim’s 

stolen bank cards and withdrawing cash at multiple ATMs. The male used the bank ATMs on the morning of Dec. 13 at 

8 a.m. The male has yet to be identified. The public is encouraged to contact Trooper Rob Helm at the New Haven Barracks 

or text the keyword VTIPS to 274637 (CRIMES). Tips can also be submitted anonymously to 844-848-8477. 

Super Shoes in 

Mendon burglarized 

On Dec. 27, at about 2:45 a.m., troopers responded to 

an active burglary alarm at Super Shoes store on Route 4 

in Mendon. Upon arrival, troopers observed a shattered 

front window with numerous items missing from the 

store. These items consisted of Carhartt footwear and 

apparel. Anyone with information regarding this incident 

is encouraged to contact Trooper Nevison at Nathaniel.Nevison@Vermont.gov 

or 802-773-9101. 

the SOAR afterschool program for 

kindergarten through second grade 

students. That program has been 

shut down until after the holiday 

“I acknowledge that there are a lot of 

different family situations out there. I 

recognize that it’s just going to be much 

more difficult at Christmas and if we had 

a case, it would pop up the week of Jan. 

4-8, so it made sense that would be a 

remote learning week in order to return 

on Jan. 11 and be stable,” said Collins. 

break. Students who attended that 

SOAR program from Dec. 7-15 have 

been asked to quarantine. Siblings 

do not need to quarantine, according 

to school officials. Third through 

sixth graders in SOAR were not been 

asked to quarantine. 

Otter Valley remained open for 

the last two days of classes before 

the holiday break. 

“The Department of Health does 

not recommend any further action 

at Otter Valley at this time,” Collins 

wrote in the message 

to parents and staff. “We plan 

to be open as usual on Monday and 

Tuesday before break. We will continue 

to take appropriate measures 

as we are updated.” 

On Dec. 23, Collins 

confirmed a few more 

confirmed cases affecting 

the district. In 

an email to parents she 

wrote: “Late afternoon 

on Dec. 22, 2020 we 

learned about persons 

in our learning community 

with Coronavirus 

2019 (COVID-19) 

at Otter Valley UHS 

and at Lothrop and 

Barstow Elementary 

Schools. These cases are NOT related 

to the earlier OV case. People 

who are close contacts have been 

identified and contacted at both 

locations and given guidance as to 

next steps to take.” 

At both Otter Valley and Lothrop, 

close contacts of the positive case 

were notified and the Vermont Dept. 

of Health did not recommend any 

further action. 

At Barstow, the individual who 

tested positive was not at school dur- 

RNeSU > 19 

RRPC to assist state 

tactical basin planning 

The Rutland Regional Planning Commission (RRPC) 

announced Dec. 29 expanded outreach and services to 

municipalities and the public to enhance water quality 

and tactical basin planning efforts for South Lake Champlain 

(Basins 2 & 4). 

RRPC staff will assist by facilitating enhanced municipal 

and public input during the drafting process. A 

formal draft of the TBP is anticipated to be released in 

2022. For more information visit rutlandrpc.org.

The Mountain Times • Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021 STATE NEWS • 13 

Strong winds forecasted for 

Thursday evening into Friday 

Green Mountain Power (GMP) has alerted customers to be alert to the forecast, as 

meteorologist predict a region-wide storm system bringing the possibility of strong 

winds that could take down trees and power lines, along with one to two inches of 

rain (possibly snow in the higher elevations) and the potential for localized flooding 

Thursday into Friday. 

GMP continues to track the storm closely and is urging customers to be safe. 

“We want customers to be aware of possibility of outages and heavy rain this storm 

may bring. We follow multiple forecasts to be ready to respond as quickly and safely as 

possible. If winds are strong enough to take down trees and lines, it is so important for 

customers to stay far away from power lines, and always assume a downed line is still 

energized and a danger – call us,” said Mike Burke, chief of field operations at GMP. 

On a statewide planning call for utilities and state agencies, meteorologist Roger 

Hill, who specifically forecasts for potential weather impacts to utility infrastructure, 

said winds could slowly ramp up Thursday evening with the strongest gusts above 50 

miles per hour possible overnight. 

“Right now, the models show high elevations and along the western slopes of the 

Green Mountains are where those winds will be strongest,” Hill said. 

In preparation for any storm, GMP is recommending Vermonters have on hand a 

fully charged cell phone, bottled water, battery-powered flashlights, emergency phone 

numbers, and a plan of where to go if you were to need to leave your home. You can 

find more storm safety tips at greenmountainpower.com. You can report outages by 

calling 888-835-4672, through GMP’s online Outage Center, and through GMP’s app. 

Report: 100% electrification could save 

Vermont households an average of $3,603/ 

year & create 22,792 jobs 

A new analysis by Rewiring America 

shows that transitioning to 100% clean 

energy through electrification would 

save Vermont as much as 

$973 million in energy costs 

each year while dramatically 

reducing economy-wide 

greenhouse gas emissions. 

The Rewiring America Report, 

“No Place Like Home: 

Vermont. Saving money 

and creating jobs by electrifying 

America’s households,” 

by Dr. Saul Griffith 

and Dr. Sam Calisch, finds 

that savings would mean up to $3,603 

per year in savings to each Vermont 

household’s energy bills. 

The report builds on an earlier analysis 

by Rewiring America that shows that 

clean energy electrification could create 

25 million new jobs and save Americans 

$321 billion in total. Every zip code in the 

state would see employment gains and 

it would create a total of 22,792 jobs in 

Vermont. 

Today, the average Vermont household 

spends approximately $5,759 per 

year on heating and cooling the home, 

generating hot water, and driving cars. 

Transitioning away from fossil fuels and 

electrifying the Vermont economy – 

replacing old fossil fuel-based machines 

with electric versions at every opportunity, 

and switching electricity generation 

from dirty sources such as coal to 

clean ones such as rooftop solar – would 

provide significant savings to every 

Vermonter. 

“As Vermonters continue to struggle to 

make ends meet, this analysis provides 

an exciting and desperately needed 

roadmap for a brighter future,” said 

Adam Zurofsky, executive director of 

Every zip 

code in 

the state 

would see 

employment 

gains. 

Rewiring America. “If we do it right, electrifying 

the Vermont household presents 

a unique opportunity to create jobs, 

save families money, and 

dramatically slash harmful 

emissions in the process.” 

The report from Rewiring 

America analyzes what upgrades 

would cost households 

in each state and 

under what circumstances 

folks could expect to save 

money. 

Key findings of the report: 

• Vermonters as a whole 

would annually save $973 million. 

• The benefits laid out in the report 

are strictly economic, independent 

of additional benefits electrification 

would bring in terms of health, 

climate, reduced maintenance costs, 

and more consistent performance. 

• Massive industrial growth will 

be necessary to meet increased 

demand for electric machines and 

bring about lower costs over the 

longer term. 

• New jobs would be created in every 

zip code in Vermont. 

Rewiring America is a coalition of 

engineers, entrepreneurs, and volunteers 

focused on rejuvenating the economy and 

addressing climate change by electrifying 

everything. It’s a relatively new nonprofit 

“dedicated to demonstrating that solving climate 

change is both technically possible and 

economically beneficial,” according to the 

company’s statement. The reports produced 

by Rewiring America transparently include 

the data they used to reach their conclusions 

as well as provide high-level analysis of the 

U.S. energy economy. To read the full report 

and it’s background data visit rewiringamerica.org. 

Attorney General Donovan joins 

lawsuit seeking to end Google’s 

illegal search monopoly 

Solid Waste Transfer Station 

Location: 2981 River Road (Behind Town Garage) 

Phone Number: (802) 422-4499 

SAT.& MON. (8 a.m.- 4 p.m.); SUN. (8 a.m.-noon) 

Collection & transfer of solid waste deposited by residents and property owners of 

the Town. (Windshield sticker & punch card needed) Recycling Center for residents 

and property owners of the Town. (Free with windshield sticker) If you need to 

dispose of solid waste outside the normal operating hours of the Transfer Station 

or have construction & demolition debris or other non-acceptable waste, residents 

and property owners of Killington can go to the Rutland County Solid Waste District 

Transfer Station & Drop-off Center located on Gleason Road in Rutland. 

Winter hours began November 1, 2020. 

Attorney General T.J. Donovan joined 

a bipartisan coalition of 37 attorneys 

general in suing Google for anticompetitive 

conduct in violation of Section 2 of 

the Sherman Act on Dec. 17. The coalition 

alleges that Google illegally maintains 

its monopoly power over general 

search engines and related advertising 

markets through a series of anticompetitive 

exclusionary contracts and 

conduct. As a result, Google has deprived 

consumers of competition that could 

lead to greater choice, innovation, and 

better privacy protections. Furthermore, 

Google has exploited its market position 

to accumulate and leverage data to the 

detriment of consumers. 

“Google has become a company 

that Vermonters know and rely on, 

but their anticompetitive conduct 

has denied consumers the benefits of 

healthy marketplace competition,” said 

Attorney General Donovan. “It is time 

for the legal system to take a look at 

Google’s marketplace dominance and 

illegal conduct to restore a competitive 

marketplace.” 

The coalition’s complaint is consistent 

with the lawsuit filed by the U.S. 

Dept. of Justice in October 2020, which 

alleged that Google improperly maintains 

its monopoly power in general 

search and search advertising through 

the use of exclusionary agreements. 

The coalition’s filing, however, asserts 

additional allegations and describes 

Google’s monopoly maintenance 

scheme as a multi-part effort. The lawsuit 

alleges that Google: 

• Uses exclusionary agreements and 

other practices to limit the ability of rival 

general search engines and potential 

rivals to reach consumers. This conduct 

cements Google as the go-to search engine 

on computers and mobile devices. 

• Disadvantages users of its searchadvertising 

management tool, SA360, 

by promising that Google would not 

favor its search advertising over that 

of competing search engines such as 

Bing. Instead, Google continuously 

favors advertising on its own platform, 

inflating its profits to the detriment of 

advertisers and consumers. 

• Discriminates against specialized 

search sites – such as those that provide 

travel, home repair, or entertainment 

services – by depriving them access to 

prime real estate because these competing 

sites threaten Google’s revenue 

and dominant position. 

The coalition argues that more 

competition in the general search 

engine market would benefit consumers 

– for example, through improved 

privacy protections and more targeted 

results for consumers. Competitive 

general search engines also could offer 

better quality advertising and lower 

prices to advertisers. The coalition also 

explains how Google’s acquisition and 

command of vast amounts of data – 

obtained in increasing part because of 

consumers’ lack of choice – has fortified 

Google’s monopoly and created significant 

barriers for potential competitors 

and innovators. 

The attorneys general are asking the 

court to halt Google’s illegal conduct 

and restore a competitive marketplace. 

The states also seek to unwind any advantages 

that Google gained as a result 

of its anticompetitive conduct, including 

divestiture of assets as appropriate. 

Finally, the court is asked to provide any 

additional relief it determines appropriate, 

as well as reasonable fees and 

costs to the states.



Vermont is a 'Top 10 State for Afterschool,' 

even as unmet demand increases 

Student participation that exceeds the national average 

and overwhelming parent satisfaction with afterschool 

programs make Vermont a “Top 10 State for Afterschool,” 

according to a household survey commissioned by the 

Afterschool Alliance and released earlier this month. Nevertheless, 

unmet demand for programs – the percentage of 

Vermont parents who say they would enroll their child in an 

afterschool program if one were available to them – is high, 

especially among low-income families, who report cost as a 

significant barrier. 

Despite being in the Top 10, for every child in an afterschool 

program one more is waiting to get in. 

America After 3PM 2020 is based on survey responses 

from more than 30,000 American households, including 

244 in-depth interviews in Vermont. It was completed 

before the coronavirus pandemic struck. It finds that 22% 

of Vermont students, 19,092 children and youth in all, are 

enrolled in afterschool programs. But 26,148 Vermont 

students are still without the afterschool programs their 

parents say they need. 

Vermont is doing better than most and that’s an important 

accomplishment that speaks to the state’s strong 

commitment to children and youth,” Afterschool Alliance 

Executive Director Jodi Grant said. “But much more work 

remains. America After 3PM 2020 paints a picture of unmet 

need, and that is a problem we must fix. Every parent 

should have access to an affordable, quality afterschool 

program that will keep their child safe, supervised, and 

learning.” 

The Top 10 States for Afterschool in the new study are the 

District of Columbia, California, Florida, Alaska, Tennessee, 

North Carolina, Georgia, Missouri, Vermont, and South 

Carolina. 

Cost and access top the list of roadblocks to afterschool 

program participation in Vermont. A significant percentage 

of parents in Vermont report challenges to enrolling their 

child in an afterschool program, with nearly two in five 

parents saying that the cost of programs was an important 

factor in their decision not to enroll their child in a program. 

Low-income families are also struggling to access 

programs, with only 14% of children from low-income 

households participating in afterschool programs across 

the state. This is the lowest percentage 

in the entire nation. 

“We are determined to 

continue the progress to make 

afterschool programs available to all children and youth 

here in Vermont,” said Holly Morehouse, executive director 

of Vermont Afterschool Inc. “America After 3PM 2020 finds 

incredibly strong support for afterschool programs among 

parents here in Vermont, with 85% saying they are satisfied 

with the program their child attends. Also encouraging 

is the overwhelming support for public funding of afterschool, 

with 86% of Vermont parents expressing their support. 

Students and families need afterschool programs now 

more than ever, since the pandemic has changed school 

schedules, disrupted our economy, and put many children 

and youth at risk. It’s essential that we address the unmet 

need for afterschool programs in this state now.” 

To determine the state rankings, a composite score was 

calculated for all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, 

and indexed against the national average. Each state’s 

overall score is based on afterschool program participation, 

afterschool programs reaching children in need, 

and parents’ satisfaction with key features of their child’s 

afterschool program. 

In important respects, Vermont results mirror the national 

survey findings, which include: 

• Support for afterschool programs is strong. Parents 

give high marks to afterschool programs, with 83% 

agreeing programs give working parents peace of 

mind, 81% agreeing programs help parents keep 

their jobs, and 76% agreeing programs help children 

gain interest and skills in STEM – all increases 

from 2014. 

• Unmet demand for afterschool programs is soaring. 

Demand has grown 60% since 2004, from 15.3 million 

children (30% of non-participants) 

waiting to get into a program in 2004 to 

18.4 million children (38%) in 2009 

to 19.4 million children (41%) in 

2014 to 24.6 million children 

(50%) in 2020. 

• Cost and access are barriers to participation, and inequities 

persist. In total, 61% of low-income parents 

report that cost is a barrier to enrolling their child 

in an afterschool program. Access (lack of transportation) 

is a barrier for 58%. Both are significant 

increases from 2014. 

• Just 7.8 million children are enrolled in an afterschool 

program today, down from a high of 10.2 

million children in 2014. The inequities in terms of 

which students are accessing programs are stark. 

The number of children from low-income households 

participating in afterschool fell from 4.6 million 

in 2014 to 2.7 million in 2020, while the number 

of higher-income children in afterschool fell by just 

under 450,000 over the same period. 

• The number of elementary school students on their 

own after school rose slightly to more than 850,000, 

an increase of almost 38,000 since 2014, while the 

number of unsupervised middle and high school 

students dropped from 2014 to 2020. 

• 87% of parents favor public funding for programs 

that provide afterschool opportunities to students 

in communities that have few opportunities for 

children and youth. Support crosses demographic 

and political divides, with 91% of parents who 

identify as Democratic, 87% of those who identify 

as Independent, and 85% of parents who identify as 

Republican in favor of public funding. 

“During the pandemic, in Vermont and around the 

country, afterschool programs have been stepping up to 

meet the growing needs of students and families, even as 

programs face higher costs, dwindling budgets, and uncertain 

futures themselves,” Grant added. “Nationally, 

nearly half of afterschool programs that are 

serving students in person, and are located in 

school districts that are operating virtually, have 

waitlists. We must do better.” 

The national and Vermont America After 3PM 

2020 reports, and accompanying data, are available 

at afterschoolalliance.org.


Staying Safe 

During the Holidays

Opinion 

16 • The Mountain Times • Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021 

OP-ED 

A hunch and a 

New Year’s wish 

By Angelo Lynn 

With the New Year upon us, let’s look for silver linings. 

Nine months into this pandemic, for instance, we 

have fine-tuned the art of looking at bleakness and 

coming up with ways to smile. We’ve turned panic of 

the unknown into a calm resignation of semi-isolation. 

We are learning how to infuse those longer stretches of 

isolation — particularly from family and close friends 

— with outdoor activities, masked up and social 

distanced, accepting close proximity in abeyance of 

hugs. We gladly accept bike rides, runs, hiking in the 

woods with friends instead of a beer-laden barbecue in 

a neighbor’s backyard. 

Vermonters have learned the art of socially distanced 

engagement well. And, bless this little state for 

its good nature, Vermonters have been among the most 

diligent at safeguarding 

those around 

them; their friends 

and neighbors, their 

town’s folk — who, 

even if they don’t 

know them personally, 

still care enough 

to be respectful of 

their health. These 

are small sacrifices 

for big returns. 

And it has been so 

refreshing to watch 

as most Vermonters 

Vermonters have 

been among the 

most diligent 

at safeguarding 

those around 

them... These are 

small sacrifices 

for big returns. 

reject the insensitive idea that it was their right to inflict 

harm on their neighbors in order to protect their own 

warped vision of individual freedoms and rights. 

A year ago that would not seem like such a huge distinction, 

but in light of this past year, it is. 

The silver lining is realizing how special this Vermont 

community truly is. When times are tough, Vermonters 

have each other’s backs simply because they care 

about their neighbors, and they intuitively know that’s 

far more important than this nation’s politics when it’s 

caught up in a stormy web of deceit, unhinged egos 

and personal fortunes. 

The fog on the national scale is not always easy to see 

through. Priorities get confused, messages are easily 

twisted and contorted; the allure of rhetorical frenzy can 

be mesmerizing. Lemmings can follow leaders in dangerous 

directions — including off the proverbial cliff. 

Politically, this is a year in which we have truly seen 

the good, the bad and the ugly. 

Trump and many of his supporters were in rare form 

all year — first in denying the virus, rejecting science and 

common sense, and insisting on individual freedoms 

that caused deadly harm to friends and neighbors. That 

same kind of destructive ignorance was later manifested 

in their refusal to believe election results, swearing 

allegiance to a would-be tyrant with shouts of 12 more 

years, ranting at court decisions and Republicans state 

officials who wouldn’t overturn what those in office 

knew was the correct election outcome. It was ugly. 

Too frequently those caught up in the thrall of righteousness 

showed their hatefulness and spite toward 

other Americans, yelling, ranting, harassing and spreading 

false information as if it were their own gospel to the 

darker side of the human spirit. 

In that darkness, Trump’s lies, conspiracies and 

temptations captured the souls of 70 million Americans, 

each fueled by a willingness to believe in false 

promise, and for those in leadership, a willingness to 

bear false witness. 

New Year's > 18 

LETTERS 

Covid-19 is winding down 

Dear Editor, 

As 2020 comes to an 

end (and no one is sad to 

see it go), the Woodstock 

Area Relief Fund (WARF) 

is winding down Covid-19 

relief activities. The fund 

was established as a shortterm 

measure to get folks 

through these economic 

challenges until they could 

get back on their feet. 

It is the intent of WARF to 

fill the gaps of these other 

programs, and to provide 

more immediate and timely 

assistance specifically to 

individuals and families 

in the Windsor Central Supervisory 

Union (Barnard, 

Bridgewater, Killington, 

Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading, 

and Woodstock) for 

food, medicine, shelter, and 

childcare. 

For some, that hasn’t 

happened quite yet, but 

WARF volunteers are 

diligently guiding every 

applicant to the many 

longer-term resources that 

are better equipped than 

WARF to provide ongoing 

support. 

Although WARF has 

ceased fundraising efforts, 

a number of generous endof-year 

donations allows 

WARF to maintain our current 

commitments and still 

help some more families 

with basic household needs 

while funds remain. 

Please apply if you’ve 

been impacted by the Covid 

crisis and are still struggling 

financially. 

Looking ahead, we’re ensuring 

that the organization 

can be quickly revived in 

response to future community-wide 

crises, and 

we are initiating conversations 

with local financialrelief 

organizations about 

Please apply if you’ve been 

impacted by the Covid crisis and 

are still struggling financially. 

a coordinated approach to 

providing needed support 

during “normal” times with 

initial goals of simplifying 

access and using community 

resources efficiently. 

In the meantime, we’d 

like to thank the many 

WARF donors and volunteers 

(especially the caseworkers) 

who so generously 

donated their time, effort, 

and money to help neighbors 

in need. It’s a different 

holiday season for sure but 

we wish you much joy as the 

year comes to the close and 

best wishes for a healthy 

New Year! 

The WARF Volunteers 

2020 hindsight by Dave Whamond, Canada, PoliticalCartoons.com 

Red Crossers shine bright 

Dear Editor, 

As one of the longest and 

most challenging years of 

our lives draws to a close 

— with the promise of a 

vaccine offset by the gravity 

of staggering infection rates 

and devastating loss of 

loved ones — I would like 

to take a moment to reflect 

on the amazing resilience of 

our Red Cross partners. 

The Red Cross, born of 

a desire to bring assistance 

without discrimination to 

the wounded on the battlefield, 

endeavors to prevent 

and alleviate human suffering 

on a global scale. As 

all of us can attest, there has 

been no shortage of human 

suffering in 2020. However, 

it is in these dark times that 

the passion and tenacity 

of Red Crossers shine the 

brightest. 

To this end, I want to 

acknowledge all who have 

enabled the continuance of 

our mission this year. Thank 

you to the staff who have 

risen to every challenge 

that Covid has presented 

— from creating physically 

distanced emergency 

shelters and delivering nocontact 

meals, to developing 

nationwide antibody 

testing and producing an 

entirely new blood product 

in convalescent plasma. 

Thank you to our amazing 

Vermont volunteers who 

have — throughout the 

pandemic — deployed to 

areas ravaged by hurricanes 

and wildfires, staffed 

blood drives, responded to 

house fires, and supported 

veterans. Thank you to our 

corporate partners and 

financial supporters, who 

continued to acknowledge 

the value of supporting the 

Red Cross. And of course, 

thank you to our blood 

donors and blood drive 

sponsors who helped us to 

secure the nation’s blood 

supply and recover from 

critical shortages experienced 

in the spring. 

Indeed, as we reflect 

on 2020, it is important to 

look beyond tragedy and 

hardship and to recognize 

the tremendous resilience 

displayed by our state. This 

was evidenced by the leadership 

of our governor and 

public health officials, and 

by all government workers 

who continued to execute 

the business of governing 

amid numerous challenges. 

It was exemplified by our 

healthcare workers, who 

unflinchingly stepped into 

the breach to combat this 

novel virus, and our educators 

and students who met 

the challenges of remote, 

hybrid and in-person 

learning. So too, by our essential 

workers who made 

Red Cross > 17

The Mountain Times • Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021 OPINION• 17 

CAPITOL QUOTES 

On the end of 2020 and hopes for 2021... 

“This year has been tough, but there’s 

light at the end of the tunnel. It’s more 

important than ever to be careful to get 

there safely,” 

said Gov. Phil Scott 

“From Covid-19 and the economy to climate 

change and racial justice — our nation is facing 

four historic crises at once. And come January, 

there will be no time to waste. That’s why my team 

and I are hard at work preparing to take action on 

day one,” 

said President-Elect Joe Biden 

“In this dangerous moment – Covid, 

oligarchy, economic desperation, climate 

change, a dysfunctional health care system, 

systemic racism, etc. – we must continue 

fighting for a political revolution and 

transformative change. Nothing less than 

the future of the world is at stake,” 

said Congressman Bernie Sanders 

“Under Operation Warp Speed, we’re on track 

to vaccinate 20M before years end. We’re at 

the beginning of the end of the Coronavirus 

pandemic!” 

said VP Mike Pence 

“The Biden administration can solve 

the challenge of hunger in America and 

improve our capacity to take on other big 

fights — climate, healthcare, justice. Hard 

to do big things on an empty stomach,” 

said Senator Beto O’Rourke 

“Goodbye and good riddance, Betsy Devos. 

Can’t wait to see our schools flourish under 

an Education Secretary who cares more 

about thriving students than a thriving bank 

account,” 

said Congresswoman Ilhan Omar 

COMMENTARY 

The tip of the iceberg: 

Nature and the pandemic 

How our disregard for nature is making us sick 

By Tom Rogers 

On a warm summer evening this past July, I arrived home feeling unusually worn 

down. I’d been exhausted all day, and I was soon overcome with waves of crippling 

chills, my fever spiked, and I spent the night sweating through my sheets. 

I drove to the clinic the next morning thinking I would be added to the growing 

number of Covid-19 cases in the state. Instead, the doctor examined me and quickly 

came to another conclusion. “It’s Lyme disease,” she said with confidence, “or a similar 

tick-borne illness.” 

I was not alone in contracting Lyme disease this summer. Most years, Vermont is 

either first or second in the nation in per capita cases of Lyme, and prior to the pandemic, 

Lyme was the fastest growing infectious disease outbreak in the country. 

This growth in Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses is a result of development patterns 

that have created the ideal conditions for ticks to thrive. As sprawl has taken over 

the eastern United States in recent decades, and native plants have been crowded 

out by tangled mats of invasive weeds like barberry and honeysuckle, tick numbers 

have exploded. Worse still, climate change is pushing black-legged ticks northward, 

with projections for their range to double in the next fifty years. Ticks are increasingly 

spreading nasty diseases, with symptoms ranging from the life-threatening (babesiosis) 

to the weird (alpha-gal syndrome causes an allergy to red meat). 

Forest fragmentation, and the resulting wildlife that are pushed into recently deforested 

areas, make it easier for many infectious diseases to spread to humans. In the 

Iceberg > 18 

Earth rising in 2021? 

It’s up to us 

By Michael J. Caduto 

It was one of our country’s most turbulent 

years. Demonstrations and riots demanding 

equality were staged nationwide. 

Gunshots rang out. World leaders threatened 

military force to control protesters 

while millions of sympathizers joined demonstrators 

on the front lines. A foreign war 

dragged on, seemingly with no end. Daily 

news reports shared heart-rending stories 

of thousands of people who had died. 

Political upheavals wracked the country as 

a contentious presidential election came 

down to the wire. 

This could easily describe 2020, but 

these events occurred more than 50 years 

ago. In 1968 the United States was riven by 

divisive nationwide protests against the 

Vietnam War. Our sense of civility and national 

security was rocked by the assassinations 

of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert 

F. Kennedy. After a tumultuous year, on 

Dec. 24, 1968, people from across the land 

stared at their television screens in a rare 

unifying moment, mesmerized as Apollo 8 

astronauts Jim Lovell, Bill Anders and Frank 

> 

Red Cross: Thank you to all who have helped ensure blood supply 

from page 16 

quarantine living possible, 

and by everyone who has 

been negatively affected by 

this pandemic. 

We are proud of our 

state and our Red Cross 

sponsors, donors, staff 

and volunteers who have 

persevered through this 

pandemic. While it may 

be far from over, the end 

is in sight, and we have 

demonstrated that we 

have the determination 

and fortitude to see this 

through. As we navigate a 

physically distant holiday 

season, please be safe and 

well, and appreciate all that 

we have accomplished and 

Borman became the first humans to leave 

low Earth orbit and circle the moon. 

During this flight, Anders took several 

now-famous photographs of Earth rising 

above the cold lifeless lunar horizon. The 

juxtaposition of our blue home planet next 

to the moon’s stark cratered surface, and 

surrounded by the vastness of space, presented 

humankind with a perspective that 

emblazoned in our consciousness a symbol 

of how finite and fragile Earth really is. 

Earlier in 1968 Paul Ehrlich had published 

“The Population Bomb,” a seminal 

book that warned of the environmental 

impacts caused by overpopulation—at a 

time when the global population was less 

than half of today’s nearly 8 billion people. 

Stewart Brand’s Whole Earth Catalog began 

publication in the autumn of 1968 and 

quickly became a bible for everything from 

green products and engineering plans to 

grassroots wisdom that fed a passion for 

taking personal control away from the 

establishment and going back to the land. 

(In contrast, 2020’s exploding interest in 

Earth rising > 19 

endured. 

On behalf of the board 

of directors of the Vermont 

Red Cross, 

Michael Lash, Shelburne 

, Board Chair of VT 

Red Cross 

Kevin Mazuzan, Williston, 

Exec. Director of VT 

Red Cross

18 • OPINION 


CARTOON 

The Delegitimizer by Adam Zyglis, The Buffalo News, NY 

Snow Day by John Cole, The Scranton Times-Tribune, PA 

Looking ahead to 2021 by Bruce Plante, PoliticalCartoons 

New Year: Vermonters have stepped up in a challenging year 

from page 16 

But in every good morality tale, from 

darkness comes light. More Americans 

stayed positive and focused. More saw 

through the fog. More listened to the 

saner voices around them and sought 

wiser sources to read, trust and believe. 

Not unlike the pandemic, while there 

were and are many stories of ill-will and 

disappointment, there are more stories of 

hope, goodwill, generosity, tolerance and 

perseverance. 

The silver lining in all of this is the 

opportunity to see how close we came 

to ruin, and the steps that led down that 

torturous path. It is easy to blame others, 

to despise others for their differences, to 

take grievance of others’ good fortune. 

It’s much harder to be generous, to feel 

the pain of others, to understand and 

practice tolerance. But that is the way to 

strength and power as a community, as a 

Iceberg: Ignoring environmental factors is making us sick 

> 

> 

from page 17 

tropics, malaria spreads more easily in recently deforested areas where mosquitoes 

thrive. In the U.S., our need for vast, green lawns (the single largest irrigated crop in the 

country, covering an area equivalent to New York state) has caused an increase in robins, 

a preferred host of West Nile virus. Exploitation and unregulated markets of exotic 

wildlife have been breeding grounds for a host of new diseases to be spread to people, 

from Ebola to bird flu to SARS. 

But never has our neglect of nature been more apparent than the Covid-19 outbreak 

that has killed more than 1.5 million people worldwide and caused life to come to a 

standstill. The novel coronavirus is believed to have originated in horseshoe bats and 

spread to humans through wildlife trafficking – specifically, the illegal trade of pangolins, 

a scaly anteater that is among the most heavily trafficked wildlife species on earth. 

When you add in the effects of air and water pollution on human health, the true 

cost of an unhealthy natural world becomes even more apparent. The U.S. is seventh 

in the world for pollution-related deaths, with poor air and water quality causing nearly 

200,000 Americans to die prematurely each year, in addition to promoting sublethal 

diseases like asthma, cancer, heart disease, and birth defects in children. 

Protecting nature is clearly the best form of preventive medicine. 

A landmark 2012 study in the journal Science estimated it would take an investment 

of $80 billion to protect all nature 

worldwide between 2012 and 2020. 

By comparison, the U.S. spends $3.6 

trillion annually on healthcare, most 

of which is spent to address health issues 

once they have arisen. We didn’t 

make that relatively small investment 

to protect nature in 2012, and 

now our carelessness has resulted in 

a pandemic that is projected to cost 

state and as a nation. 

Will we learn to see that? 

It’s hard to say. 

But the next four years will see a different 

influence coming from the White 

House that will appeal to our better 

angels. That influence is basic American 

goodness — not nastiness, not arrogance, 

not greed — and it will serve as 

the example to follow, just as Trump’s 

self-serving politics of grievance shaped 

the nation in his image. 

Our hunch and New Year’s wish is that 

this goodness will find fertile ground in 

a nation starved for decency, truthfulness 

and personal honor and, with a bit 

of divine good fortune, a keener sense 

of justice will seep into the American 

consciousness. 

Let’s vow to make this a truly happy 

New Year for all. 

Exploitation and unregulated 

markets of exotic wildlife 

have been breeding grounds 

for a host of new diseases to 

be spread to people. 

the U.S. economy $16 trillion. It is clear we need to make a large financial investment 

in nature, but that investment will pay exponential dividends in human health, and 

the health of our communities and our economy. 

Beyond a financial investment, we need a society-wide effort to keep nature 

healthy. We need landscapers who plant with native, wildlife-friendly plants; voters 

who demand their elected officials tackle climate change and address the loss of 

biodiversity; landowners who keep their forests and waters healthy; volunteers who 

plant trees or pull invasive weeds; planners who slow forest fragmentation in their 

communities; and a generation of professional conservationists working to tackle our 

most pressing issues. 

Vermont should seize this opportunity to once again be a model for the nation in 

this time of crisis by prioritizing innovation and initiatives that support both our local 

economy and a healthy environment. The Nature Conservancy has partnered with 

land trusts, conservation organizations, and watershed groups to craft a Covid recovery 

vision that seeks to create a future where both people and nature thrive. 

If our world continues to become hotter and more crowded, and global biodiversity 

continues to decline, we can expect pandemics like the one we are currently in to 

become more frequent. Much like climate change has caused what was once a hundredyear 

storm to hit every few years, our disregard for nature will cause the hundred-year 

pandemic to similarly increase in frequency. We must care for the natural world as we 

care for our own bodies, or we will be doomed to suffer the illnesses we inflict on nature. 

Tom Rogers is a resident of Stowe and associate director of philanthropy for The Nature 

Conservancy in Vermont.

The Mountain Times • Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021 OPINION • 19 

> 

> 

RNeSU: Covid cases in schools addressed 

from page 12 

ing an infectious period. As a result, there were no identified 

close contacts who need to quarantine. 

Regarding the decision to go all-remote learning for 

the week following the holiday break, Jan. 4-8, Collins 

said she heard enough from families and staff to make 

the decision. 

“They’re just sob stories,” she said. “The last 

Christmas of a parent, things like that. I acknowledge 

that there are a lot of different family situations out 

there. I recognize that it’s just going to be much more 

difficult at Christmas and if we had a case, it would 

pop up the week of Jan. 4-8, so it made sense that 

would be a remote learning week in order to return 

on Jan. 11 and be stable. I wanted to make that decision 

as early as I could, and I absolutely understand 

how difficult it is.” 

Collins added that the Vermont Department of 

Health has been very responsive and helpful with 

contract tracing the positive cases and other support 

measures. 

“I’ve had several conversations with the Department 

of Health regarding who was a close contact or who 

needed to answer more questions and talked through 

the level of risk,” she said. “They’ve been very responsive 

and individuals who have questions about their 

own contacts should contact the Department of Health 

directly.” 

Lastly, Collins would like to remind all families and 

staff members that if they plan to travel and/or mix 

households over Christmas, to plan on quarantining 

from Dec. 28-Jan. 11. 

For more information or to ask questions regarding 

Covid protocols, quarantine, school cases and safety 

precautions, call the Vermont Department of Health at 

800-464-4343 or at 802-863-7200. 

Obit: Debra Poplawski-Wilson loved the outdoors, skiing, kayaking, hiking and gardening 

from page 4 

ful wedding, anniversary and birthday creations. 

Debra Poplawski-Wilson loved the outdoors and 

was a lifelong skier that raced in her early years and 

taught at the Killington Ski School. 

After her cancer diagnosis and closing of the bakery, 

she strived to ski 100 days a season at Killington, 

a goal that she accomplished three times in the last 

five years. She was at 84 days when Covid ended her 

season in March. She was also an avid kayaker, hiker, 

nature lover and had a “green thumb” for all of her 

indoor and outdoor gardens. 

Poplawski-Wilson was also a loving, caring and 

devoted mother to her two children, Tamra Kaye and 

Madison (Madi) Claire Jaurigue. Madison was born 

with hydrocephalus. Madi’s care required constant 

attention, multiple surgeries, three shunts and 

numerous other items required for a special needs 

child. Unfortunately, Madi predeceased her on March 

12, 2012. 

Tamra completed college and now resides in Texas. 

In 2015, Debra Poplawski met George Wilson 

through and on-line dating service and they were 

immediately drawn to each other. Their abilities as 

expert skiers, outdoors junkies, kayakers, hikers, 

etc. drew them together and on Oct. 1, 2016 they 

were married in Killington. Nine months later, they 

received the devastating news that her recent seizure 

was due to brain cancer. From that day forward, Deb 

and George attempted to do anything and everything 

she wanted. George repeatedly told Deb to “live life on 

your terms.” 

She was also an active member of causes that were 

dear to her, including: 

• She was the creator and founder of the Madifund. 

A program that brings top neurosurgeons 

and other health care professionals from around 

the country to speak at UVM lectureship. This 

was established in honor and memory of her 

dear Madison. 

• She was active in the Vermont readiness group 

with the National Guard and one of few civilians 

to be honored by them. 

• Rutland Family support network 

• One of the creators of the “woodchip” parkway 

to divert traffic flow on Route 4 during Tropical 

Storm Irene 

• Parent to parent peer recognition 

• National Hydrocephalus Foundation 

• Fundraised for Madi’s room at the new Andrea 

Mead Lawrence Lodge – Home to Vermont Adaptive 

Ski & Sport center at Pico mountain 

• Mary Kaye Cosmetics 

Debra Poplawski-Wilson leaves her loving husband 

George Wilson of West Wardsboro, her father Eugene 

Poplawski of Mendon, her mother, Barbara Poplawski 

who predeceased her in August 2019, and her daughter 

Tamra Jaurigue of Texas. Her sisters Donna Poplawski- 

Kreie of Texas, Denise Wall of Massachusetts, Deonne 

Myrick of Randolph, Karen Terry of Islip, New York, and 

her brother, E.J. Poplawski of Salt Lake City, Utah, she 

also left her close friends affectionately known as the 

Divas from the Sarana, New York area, numerous family 

of the heart from around the world and all of her friends 

and neighbors. 

A memorial service to recognize and remember 

Debra Poplawski-Wilson's life will be held at a later 

date. Memorial gifts in her memory may be made to the 

Hydrocephalus Association hydroassoc.org. 

To send personal condolences to the family, please 

visit sheafuneralhomes.com. 

Submitted 

On Dec. 24, 1968, Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders became among the first to circle the moon. He took this now-famous photo juxtaposing earth and the moon's cold, cratered surface. 

Earth rising: What will the future hold for one and only habitat? Only we can choose. The past holds examples of hope but also tales of caution 

> 

from page 17 

self-sufficiency and growing one’s own food 

has been a response to widespread food 

insecurity brought on by economic disruptions 

from the coronavirus pandemic.) 

History does not repeat itself, but 

the core issues with which humankind 

struggles, and the ways in which we tend 

to respond, do not fundamentally change 

over time. Environmentalists celebrated 

in 1972 when—following a decade of litigation 

and activism inspired by the 1962 

publication of Rachel Carson’s “Silent 

Spring”—the U.S Environmental Protection 

Agency finally banned the use of 

DDT. As a result of these regulations and 

decades of hard work by wildlife biologists 

working to restore wildlife populations, 

numerous species of birds that 

were teetering on the brink of endangerment 

and extinction were brought back 

from the precipice, including the bald 

eagle and osprey. 

Did we learn from DDT? Consider the 

current widespread use of neonicotinoid 

pesticides, which were developed to 

replace carcinogenic organophosphates 

like malathion and diazinon. “Neonics” 

have now become the DDT of the 21st 

Century, polluting the environment and 

causing catastrophic declines in the 

populations of honeybees, bumblebees, 

solitary bees and other insect pollinators 

that play essential roles in the functioning 

of healthy ecosystems and in the pollination 

of most fruits and vegetables. The 

European Commission has banned most 

neonics, but the U.S. EPA refuses to do so. 

Neonics are just one example of how, 

when it comes to the environment, we often 

make the same mistakes through time. 

The issues we face today—ranging from air 

and water pollution (including discarded 

plastic) to deforestation, food waste, climate 

change and loss of biodiversity—have 

been with us in one form or another for 

decades, and often for centuries. 

The critical question at the dawn of 2021 

is: What can we do—individually and collectively— 

to ensure that Earth, as we know 

it, keeps rising? We don’t need resolutions 

at the turn of the year, we need resolve to 

make commitments and take action. Only 

then may future generations look back at 

the history we are now creating and truly be 

able to say the only reason we’re here today 

is because back in 2021—when faced with 

a global pandemic in the midst of climate 

change—humankind found the will, the 

wisdom and the way to stand up and do 

something about it.

Calendar 


FIDDLE WITCH 

with SUMMIT LODGE 

DEC. 31 & JAN. 2 at 5 p.m. 

Courtesy of Summit Lodge 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 30 

RSVP Bone Builders 

9 a.m. 

An Osteo Exercise Program on Mondays/Wednesdays mornings at 

9 a.m., 1 p.m. and evenings at 5:30 p.m. and Tuesdays/Thursdays at 

3:30 p.m. This is a free program through RSVP at the Godnick Adult 

Center. All you need to bring with you is a bottle of water. The weights 

are provided. For more info or sites call RSVP at 775-8220. 

Jenny Porter 

4 p.m. Performing live at the Foundry. 

Everyone Eats - Rutland 

4 p.m. 

Free double-sized served up at the Vermont Farmer’s Food Center from 

4-6 p.m. More info at vermontfarmersfoodcenter.org/everyone_eats 

Everyone Eats - Fair Haven 

4 p.m. Free restaurant-prepared meals to pick up at Fair Haven Grade 

School in Fair Haven. 

Tony Lee Thomas 

5 p.m. Performing live at Jax food and games. 

Kim Wilcox and Guest 

5 p.m. Performing live at The Public House, 5813 Woodstock Rd in 

Quechee. 

Sammy B 

5 p.m. Performing live at Neal’s Restaurant & Bar in Proctorsville. 

Everyone Eats - Poultney 

5 p.m. Free restaurant-prepared meals served up at Young at Heart 

Senior Center, 206 Furnace St in Poultney. 

Everyone Eats - Chittenden 

5 p.m. Free restaurant-prepared meals served up at Barstow Memorial 

School in Chittenden. 

Everyone Eats - Brandon 

5 p.m. Free restaurant-prepared meals served up the Brandon American 

Legion. 

Everyone Eats - Killington 

5 p.m. Free restaurant-prepared meals served up at Mission Farm, 316 

MIssion Farm Rd. 

Everyone Eats - Danby 

5 p.m. At the Smokey House Center, call Jamie Lombardo in advance, 

802-772-5919 

The Idiots 

6 p.m. Performing live at the Pickle Barrel. 

Jim Yeager 

6 p.m. Performing live at Du Jour VT in Ludlow. 

Forevergreen Concert 

7 p.m. 

Lucius, Ryan Miller and Will Keeper perform. Watch at youtube.com/ 

user/VermontTourism. 

Al‐Anon and Alateen 

7 p.m. 

A Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is also where Little Lambs Learning 

Center is located, 6 Church Hill Road in Rutland. 

THURSDAY, DEC. 31 

“The Woman Who Loves Giraffes” 

ALL DAY 

Woodstock Film Series presents a fascinating tale of science, gender 

and giraffe conservation. To purchase tickets and passes, go to billingsfarm.org/filmseries 

or call 802-457-5303. 

Line Dancing 

9:30 a.m. 

Groovy Grannies Line Dance at Godnick Adult Center. Intermediate 

line dance, mostly country with a little variety. No partner is needed. 

The line dance class also includes the option of practicing routines 

for entertaining residents at the local nursing homes. Adults only: $3/ 

class. Buy a pass for 10 classes for $25 and save $5. 

Circle of Parents 

10 a.m. Virtual. contact Cindy Atkins, Family Support Programs Coordinator, 

at 802-498-0608 or catkins@pcavt.org. 

Story Hour online 

10 a.m. See Miss June’s virtual story time on The Rutland Free Library 

YouTube channel. 


2 p.m. Performing live at the Pickle Barrel. 

NAMI Connection Peer Support Group 

3 p.m. 

Have you been struggling with managing your mental health? NAMI 

Connection Peer Support Group can help. This is a free, 90-minute 

recovery support group for people living with a mental health condition. 

In these meetings, attendees learn from one another’s experiences, 

share coping strategies and offer mutual encouragement and 

understanding. NAMI Connection provides an ongoing opportunity 

to discuss the challenges of living with a mental health condition and 

the techniques for maintaining wellness. All meetings are facilitated by 

trained NAMI peers, ie. individuals with mental health conditions who 

are at a good place in their recovery journey and want to help other 

peers get to a good place in their recovery. For more specific information, 

visit namivt.org/support/peer-support-groups/. 


3:30 p.m. 






King Arthur Junior 

4 p.m. Performing live at the Foundry in Killington. 

Circle for Foster & Adoptive Families 

5 p.m. Virtual. Contact Heather Niquette, Family Support Programs 

Coordinator, at 802-498-0607 or hniquette@pcavt.org 

Fiddle Witch 

5 p.m. Performing live at the Summit Lodge. 

Nurturing Skills For Families 


Virtual. Contact Cindy Atkins, Family Support Programs Coordinator, 

at 802-498-0608 or catkins@pcavt.org 

Tony Lee Thomas & Jenny Porter 


Virtual New Year’s Eve Dinner & A 

Show 

6 p.m. 

Next State Arts invites the community to a free, virtual 

New Year’s Eve celebration featuring performance. 

Dinner is available for $30. Register at flipcause.com/ 

secure/cause_pdetails/MTAzNDkw or via our website 

nextstagearts.org. 

Duane Carleton 

6 p.m. Performing live at Moguls Sports Pub. 

Ryan Fuller 


George Nostrand 

6 p.m. Performing live at Du Jour VT. 

Yoga for the Mindful heART 


In this all level Vinyasa Flow class you will synchronize breath with 

movement. Students will focus on linking conscious breath with a 

mindful flow. In a Vinyasa class, students awaken their strength, energy, 

and flexibility in a fun atmosphere. Be prepared to leave your mat 

with dignity and self love as you honor yourself with yoga! At Chaffee 

Art Center in Rutland. $5. 

Virtual Knit Knite 

7 p.m. 

Six Loose Ladies and friends host a knitting circle from Chester via 

Zoom. More info availabe at facebook.com/events/973117296469197. 

Sammy B with Jim Yeager and King Arthur Junior 

7:30 p.m. Performing live at Neal’s Restaurant & Bar. 

Circle for Kinship & Guardianship Families 

8 p.m. 

Virtual. Contact Heather Niquette, Family Support Programs Coordinator, 

at 802-498-0607 or hniquette@pcavt.org 

FRIDAY, JAN. 1 

Adult Open Studio 

9 a.m. 

Get muddy on with Rutland Rec’s drop-in clay at the art studio. This 

is a great chance to make some functional art for yourself or as a gift 

for someone else. This is a drop-in program, there is no instruction 

other than peer pottery support from fellow drop-in participants. 5 Visit 

Punch Card $20R/$31NR. At Rutland Recreation Courcelle Facility, 16 

North Street Extension in Rutland. 

Writers’ Group 

12 p.m. 

Work together with fellow writers in our creative space critiquing each 

other’s work, asking questions, and exchanging insights. Whatever 

you can learn from a single instructor is multiplied by all the knowledge 

and wisdom you gain by sharing ideas with a roomful of your peers. At 

Chaffee Art Center in Rutland. 

Jenny Porter 

1 p.m. Performing live at the Foundry in Killington. 



Jamie 

2 p.m. Performing live at the Pickle Barrel Nightclub. 

Aaron Audet 

5 p.m. Performing live at Bomoseen Lodge and Tap Room. 

Sammy B 


Virtual 

event 

Calendar > 21 

‘THE WOMAN WHO 

LOVES GIRAFFES’ 

DEC. 31 - JAN. 3 


6 p.m. 







Jamie 


Super Stash Bros. 

6 p.m. Performing live at Nite Spot Pizza. 

Courtesy of Woodstock Film Fest

The Mountain Times • Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021 CALENDAR • 21 

> 

Calendar: Email events@mountaintimes.info 

from page 20 

Krishna Guthrie 

6 p.m. Performing live at Du Jour VT in Ludlow. 

Jamie 


Chris Pallutto 

6 p.m. Performing live at Mogul’s Sports Pub in Killington. 

Stash Bros. 

6 p.m. Performing live at Nite Sport Pizza. 

Tony Lee Thomas & Jenny Porter 


Friday Night Funfest with Duane Carleton 

7 p.m. A live performance at the Summit Lodge in Killington. 

SATURDAY, JAN. 2 

Christmas Bird Count 

All Day 

The end of the year for RCAS (and the beginning of a new one!) with the 

Christmas Bird Count, now in its 121st year (and Rutland’s 47th). The 

count will be held following current Vermont COVID guidelines (no multihousehold 

carpooling or caravanning; quarantine restrictions in effect) 

and there will be no countdown potluck. Feeder watchers still needed 

within count circle. Contact birding@rutlandcountyaudubon.org. 

Cars and Coffee 

7 a.m. Enjoy a cup up of coffee, look at cars and show off your own at 

Forest Dale Grocery in Brandon. 

Book group for the mindful heart 


Do you love to read? Are you looking for other book lovers to discuss 

literature with? Then you’ve come to the right place. Join us in our 

creative space on the 1st Saturday of the month to talk about books 

and the reading experience. Meet new people and make new friends 

with common interests. At Chaffee Art Center in Rutland. 

Vermont Winter Farmers’ Market 

10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Vermont Farmers Food Center, 251 West St. in Rutland. 



Jamie 

2 p.m. Performing live at the Pickle Barrel Nightclub in Killington. 

Sammy B 

4 p.m. Performing live at Outer Limits Brewing. 

Duane Carleton 

4 p.m. Performing live at Nite Spot Pizza. 

The Winter Drive-In Experience 

4:20 p.m. 

With Rick Redington and The Luv at the Wild Fern in Stockbridge. 

Aaron Audet 

5 p.m. Performing live at Bomoseen Lodge and Tap Room. 

Fiddle Witch 

5 p.m. Performing live at the Summit Lodge in Killington. 

Super Stash Bros. 

6 p.m. 

Performing live at Moguls Sports Pub. 2360 Killington Rd. in Killington. 

MB Padfield 


Jenny Porter 


Adam McMahon Trio 

6 p.m. Performing live at Du Jour VT. 

Jamie 

6 p.m. Catch a live performance at Jax in Killington. 

Forevergreen Concert 

7 p.m. 

Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks, Grace Potter, Dwight & Nicole perform. 

Watch at youtube.com/user/VermontTourism. 

HEBREW READING CLASS 

JAN. 3 at 9:30 a.m. 

Submitted 

SUNDAY, JAN. 3 

Hebrew Reading Class 


If you know the Hebrew alphabet and want some practice reading, then 

join Rutland Jewish Center for a 10-week Hebrew reading class. Call 

the synagogue office in order to register and receive the zoom link. $15 

for members and $25 for non-members. 

JD Tolstoi Piano Brunch 

11 a.m. Live piano music while you dine at the Foundry. 

Jenny Porter 

2 p.m. Performing live at Jax Food and Games. 

Virtual 

event 


6 p.m. 







MB Padfield 


MONDAY, JAN. 4 


9 a.m. 






Nurturing Skills For Families 

10 a.m. 

Virtual. Contact Heather Niquette, Family Support Programs Coordinator, 

at 802-498-0607 or hniquette@pcavt.org 

Nurturing Program for Families in Substance 

Abuse Recovery 

4 p.m. 

Virtual. Contact Cindy Wells, Family Support Programs Coordinator, at 

802-498-0611 or cwells@pcavt.org 

Nurturing Fathers Program 

5 p.m. 

Virtual. Contact Amber Menard, Family Support Programs Coordinator 

at 802-552-4274 or amenard@pcavt.org 

TUESDAY, JAN. 5 

Line Dancing 


Country Line Dance at Godnick Adult Center. Join for a fun cardiovascular 

workout with both new and old-line dancers. No experience 

necessary and no partner needed. Adults only: $3/class. Buy a pass for 

10 classes for $25 and save $5. 








Jim Yeager and Friends 

5 p.m. 

Performing live at The Public House, 5813 Woodstock Rd in Quechee. 

Circle of Parents in Recovery 


Virtual. Contact Cindy Atkins, Family Support Programs Coordinator, at 

802-498-0608 or catkins@pcavt.org 

Adam McMahon Trio 

7 p.m. Performing live at Du Jour VT. Virtual Volunteer Fair 

Virtual Volunteer Fair 

5 p.m. 

Learn about how to volunteer with your local American Red Cross of 

Northern New England in Killington and the surrounding area. We will 

be talking about both in-person and virtual opportunities. Email Erica. 

fuller4@redcross.org to sign up and receive the link. 

Courtesy of Vermont State Parks 

Vermont State Parks 

encourages public to 

celebrate the New Year 

with a first day hike 

Start the new year on the right foot with a hike in a 

Vermont state park. On Jan. 1, 

2021, Vermont State Parks 

is inviting everyone to 

celebrate the New Year 

Jan. 

by heading out on the 

trails at one of Vermont’s 

55 state parks. 

Park entry is free on 

New Year’s Day (and all 

winter long), and this 

is a great opportunity to 

discover a whole new world 

outdoors in winter. 

In response to the Covid-19 

pandemic, first day hikes will be different from previous 

years. While state park officials are not offering in-person 

guided hikes this year, they have carefully selected 

hikes throughout the state for self-guided adventures. 

Hikers are strongly encouraged to learn about and follow 

Covid-19 outdoor recreation health and safety guidance 

by visiting fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoorrecreation-and-covid-19 

before they go. 

1

22 • NEWS BRIEFS 

The Mountain Times • Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021

The Mountain Times • Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021 PUZZLES • 23 

WORDPLAY 

‘POINSETTIA’ Word Search: Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally and backwards. 

SUDOKU 

Solutions > 38 

How to Play 

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. 

AMBASSADOR 

AZTEC 

BLOOMING 

BOTANICAL 

BRACTS 

CARE 

CENTRAL 

AMERICA 

CHRISTMAS 

DECEMBER 

DECORATION 

FESTIVE 

FOLKLORE 

HOLIDAY 

LANDSCAPING 

LEAVES 

LEGEND 

MEXICO 

PLANT 

POTTED 

RED 

TRADITION 

UNIQUE 

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 

Solutions > 38 

CLUES ACROSS 

1. Home of the 

Cowboys 

7. “Hawaii Five-O” 

actor McBride 

10. Most aged 

12. Fitted with a 

shoe 

13. Courteously 

14. They form over 

cuts 

15. Western 

Alaskan river 

16. Aggressive men 

17. Farm animal 

18. Young woman 

(French) 

19. Sixth month of 

Hebrew calendar 

21. Short cry 

22. State capital 

27. Rural delivery 

28. “Twilight Zone” 

creator 

33. Gigabyte 

34. Flammable 

hydrocarbon 

36. Supervises 

flying 

37. An actor who 

plays a 

principal role 

38. Furnace for 

pottery 

39. Fall back 

40. Afrikaans word 

for language 

41. Chinese city 

44. Fleshy 

45. Inventor 

48. Taxis 

49. A citizen of 

Spain 

50. Important age 

for aging workers 

(abbr.) 

51. Body part 

CLUES DOWN 

1. Chinese 

mountain range 

2. Romanian city 

3. Fishermen 

cast it 

4. Shelter from 

wind 

5. Sign language 

6. Pigpen 

7. Make sore 

8. Flat metal 

shelves 

9. Forms that say 

who you are 

10. Cigar lovers’ 

necessity 

11. Popular cooking 

ingredient 

12. Skin covering 

the head 

14. Unshakable 

17. Exclamation 

meaning “Finally!” 

18. One of the wise 

men’s gifts 

20. Take away from 

23. In accordance 

with the law 

24. Nicole Kidman’s 

husband 

25. NY Giants 

legend 

26. Utilize 

29. Beloved 

Hollywood alien 

30. Unwell 

31. More destitute 

32. Grinded 

together 

35. Sun up in New 

York 

36. Italian-made 

cars 

38. Most sacred 

site in Islam 

40. Rip apart 

41. Go in a 

specified direction 

42. Freshwater 

mussel genus 

43. “__ the Man” 

Musical 

44. One thousand 

cubic feet (abbr.) 

45. West coast time 

zone 

46. Mimic 

47. You can get 

one in summer 

Full Service Vape Shop 

Humidified Premium Cigars • Hand Blown Glass Pipes 

Hookahs & Shisha Roll Your Own Tobacco & Supplies 

CBD Products • Smoking Accessories 

131 Strongs Avenue Rutland, VT 

(802) 775-2552 

Call For Shuttle Schedule 

Like us on 

Facebook! 

FOR COVID-19 UPDATES 

• Visit mountaintimes.info 

• Sign up for our e-newsletter 

• Follow us on Facebook 

MOUNTA IN TIMES


Sending 2020 

Out with a 

BANG! 

DEC 14 – JAN 3 

65% OFF 

STOREWIDE 

CURBSIDE 

PICKUP! 

DEC 1 – JAN 3 

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(802) 229-9659 | (802) 424-1530 

www.northstarfireworks.com 

2235 VT Route 14 South East Montpelier, VT 05651 

1306 Memorial Drive Saint Johnsbury, VT 05819 

Northstar_9.75x11.94-Inch_ad_2020.indd 2 

12/21/20 11:06 AM


Student Pass Deadline Extended, Buy Yours Now! 

FEEL GOOD FRIDAYS 

VERMONT STUDENT 

SEASON PASS $ 119 

Exclusively for Vermont students in Grades K-12 -Unlimited access to Pico Mountain all season long, 

Plus perks for pass holders and their family too, including 50% off 1-day Sunday lift tickets 

(max two per day) for immediate family members, plus $35 equipment rental for that family member. 

Visit picomountain.com for more details and to purchase. 

[VIVID] Local color. 

(866) 667 PICO 

(866) 667 PICO picomountain.com

LivingADE 


This week’s living Arts, Dining and Entertainment! 

The best Covid-safe New Year’s Eve plans in and around Killington 

By Brooke Geery 

If ever there was a year we were ready to have in the 

rearview it’s 2020. Thank goodness 2021 is almost here. 

While like most other things this year, celebrations will 

look different than ever before, that doesn’t mean you 

can’t eat, drink and be merry from a safe social distance. 

Sure, Covid regulations have bars closing at 10 

p.m. so your desire to cram into a small space and drink 

copious amounts of alcohol until AT LEAST midnight 

won’t be possible, but area organizations, bars and restaurants 

are doing their best to provide some entertainment 

this New Year’s Eve. 

In-person events 

Live music 

The shows may not go until midnight, but several 

venues in Killington are offering live music to 

start off your celebration! 

At Jax Food and Games, Ryan Fuller 

will play on the covered patio at 2 p.m. 

and Tony Lee Thomas and Jenny Porter 

will put on a show beginning at 6 p.m. At 

The Foundry, Ryan Fuller will play from 

6-10 p.m. and Pickle Barrel will have happy 

hour with Tony Lee Thomas from 3-6 p.m. 

and Jamie from 6-10 p.m. Fiddle Witch will take the 

stage at Summit Lodge at 5 p.m. and at Moguls, Duane 

Carleton will play at 6 p.m. Nite Spot pizza will host 

Super Stash Brothers beginning at 6 p.m. 

In Ludlow, Du Jour VT will present George Nostrand 

at 6 p.m. and Sammy B will join up with Jim Yeager and 

Kind Arthur Junior for a night of music at Neal’s Restaurant 

in Proctorsville beginning at 7:30 p.m. 

Fireworks in Middlebury 

Thanks to the incredible generosity of its members, 

American Legion Post 27 on Boardman St. in Middlebury 

will be sending 2020 out with a bang! They are 

sponsoring a New Year’s Eve fireworks display. Spectators 

are asked that you stay in their cars for the show 

or remain near their cars with immediate household 

members only. Mask use is required for anyone outside 

their cars. 

Sugarbush torchlight parade and fireworks 

Celebrate NYE with Sugarbush’s annual torchlight 

parade followed by the spectacular Northstar Fireworks 

show held on Spring Fling. The action begins 

at 7 p.m. and can be viewed from Lincoln Peak Courtyard. 

For the best viewing location, consider making 

online dinner reservations at either Rumble’s Bistro & 

Bar or Castlerock Pub. Hurry up, restrictions apply and 

both are booking fast. You can also order take-out food 

and drink online as well. 

Sugarbush asks everyone to help ring in the much 

anticipated 2021 by adhering to safety protocols and 

plan to arrive, watch and leave. 

Dinner 

Flannels Bar and Grill 

Mendon, 802-855-5135 

Flannels returns after a brief 

closure for a special New Year’s eve, 

followed by full-service menu resuming 

on Jan. 1. Seating is limited 

so make your reservations now. 

Choices 

Killington, 802-422-4030 

Chef Claude and the new owners 

of Choices restaurant invite all to 

dine for New Years Ever with specials 

from the kitchen and a champagne 

toast at 9 p.m. 

Liquid Art 

Killington, 802-422-2787 

Liquid Art (pictured to the right) will 

offer an intimate dining experience this 

Dec. 

31 

Courtesy of Liquid Art 

Check social media for NYE menus. 

New Year’s Eve. Tee Boneicus Jones will be entertaining 

with some fantastic music while you dine. Limited 

seating is available to keep everyone safe, so make your 

reservations soon. 

You can also order the menu as takeout, and it will 

include two splits of Prosecco. If you wish to order 

takeout, you must order by noon on Wednesday for 

pickup Thursday between 4-5 p.m. 

Taso on Center 

Downtown Rutland, 802-775-8276 

Taso on Center is reopening on New Year’s Eve with 

a special menu and reserved seating! Be sure to make 

your reservations in advance. 

Cluckin’ Cafe 

Pittsford, 802-725-8014 

Open for dine-in from 5-9 p.m. and offering a 

$75 take out special, which includes an appetizer, 

two entrees and two desserts, as well as a bottle 

of wine or champagne. Pre-order to-go dinners by 

Wednesday at 4 p.m. 

Virtual events 

Dinner and a show with Next Stage Arts 

Next Stage Arts Project invites the community to 

a free, virtual New Year’s Eve celebration from, 6 – 90 

p.m. featuring performances from a variety of local 

musicians, puppeteers, poets, storytellers, business 

owners, and visual artists. Dinner will also be available 

for takeout, cooked in the Next Stage kitchen by 

community members, with proceeds being donated 

to the Putney Foodshelf. 

The dinner menu includes za’atar roasted chicken 

or sweet potatoes with French green lentils, roasted 

New Year’s Eve > 31 

Courtesy of Sugarbush 

Fireworks illuminate the sky over Sugarbush’s Lincoln Peak at a past 

celebration.

The Mountain Times • Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021 LIVING ADE • 27 


The mysterious monolith gleams in the sun and snow, surrounded by the scenery of the green mountains. 

Darkside Snowboards crew 

shreds the monolith 


Sometime during the middle of December, a large 

metal monolith appeared on top of a mountain in Pittsfield. 

Like the other monoliths that have showed up in 

Utah, Romania and California recently, its appearance 

was a mystery. Then, late in the day on Wednesday, Dec. 

23, it disappeared. Not, however, before some locals got 

the chance to snowboard on it. 

Darkside Snowboards 

manager Tucker 

Zink resides in Pittsfield 

and met up with Mike 

Garceau and Killington 

Mountain School photographer 

Devon Gulick 

early in the day on the 

Dec. 23 to complete the 

mission. 

“We couldn’t let a 

random piece of metal 

in the mountains go un-jibbed,” he said. “The Green 

Mountain Trails are in my backyard so we just followed 

the trail of Reese’s pieces right to its base.” 

In an almost perfect scenario, a sunny day combined 

with the recent 2-foot snow storm, creating ideal conditions. 

However, a lack of slope around the sculpture 

made things a bit tricky. 

“We couldn’t let a random piece of 

metal in the mountains go un-jibbed,” 

he said. “The Green Mountain Trails are 

in my backyard so we just followed the 

trail of Reese’s pieces right to its base.” 

“We had plenty of snow to build a transition, a good 

hour of shoveling led us to a nice pile of packable slope,” 

Zink said. “We’d reshape the lip after every hit. As soon 

as we strapped in it was as if the monolith pulled us towards 

it like some sort of jet propulsion. Just kidding— 

we used a banshee bungee and some pump bumps. 

We had seen someone else try and drop off the roof of 

Shrek’s the day before and 

not have nearly enough 

speed, so we knew the bungee 

was the ticket.” 

For about two hours, the 

crew took turns flinging 

each other into the set-up, 

and managed to capture 

some photographic 

proof, in addition to the 

memories. Their session 

was a spectacle on top of a 

spectacle, so they did have some company. 

“One character who claims he had just been in Utah 

studying the monolith was there, and one nice couple 

who seemed bummed at first, but accepted us after 

Mike offered to take a photo for them,” Zink said. 

With social media content achieved, the crew left 

the monolith gleaming in the sun. A few hours later, 


Mike Garceau completes a textbook monolith air. 

it was gone... but then reappeared on Christmas Eve. 

Zink and crew admittedly had left some scratches on 

the metal with their boards and it seems someone 

attempted to fix it. The sculpture now stands at a different 

orientation and is slightly less stable. Riverside 

Farm general manager Peter Borden hopes to stabalize 

it and was happy to learn it wasn’t intentionally 

vandalized and that people we’re getting outside and 

being active. 

Working at the Darkside, Zink said lots of people are 

getting out snowboarding admid the pandemic. 

“The shop has been thriving,” Zink said. “People are 

flocking to the outdoors and we have been reaping the 

benefits of that. Split/uphill gear is almost completely 

sold out. We’re seeing less people overall but everyone 

that comes in is looking to buy. We’ve been adhering to 

all CDC guideline, but otherwise it’s biz as usual. Just 

don’t ask us to use the bathroom!”

28 • LIVING ADE 


Hogenkamp’s third book 

available for preorder 


Rutland-based author 

Peter Hogankamp announced 

the cover art 

for his latest book, “The 

Vatican Secret” as well as 

offering pre-orders of the 

title on his website. 

“The original title of 

the book was ‘Doubt,’ but 

the publisher decided to 

change it to match ‘The 

Vatican Conspiracy,’ he 

said. “I am still not sure 

if there will be a third in 

the series; it will depend 

upon how well ‘The 

Vatican Secret’ sells. I did 

originally intend to write 

a trilogy, but we’ll see,” 

Hogenkamp said. 

“The Vatican Secret” 

is now available for 

pre-order at peterhogenkampbooks.com 

and 

officially releases April 

12, 2021. 

Virtual 

event 

McGrath’s 

Irish Pub 

By Elaisa Vargas 

‘The Woman Who Loves Giraffes’ streaming, Dec. 31 

SPECIALS 

MONDAY-FRIDAY 

1/2 Price Appetizers 

3pm-5pm 

WEDNESDAY is Mule 

Night $10 all Mules 

THURSDAY is Smash 

Night $10 Goomba 

Smashes 

SATURDAY 

Apres-Ski Party 

SUNDAY BURGER NIGHT 

Gourmet Burger 

+ any Cocktail $20 

or 

+ any Beer or Cider $15 

COCKTAIL AND BEER 

SPECIALS EVERYDAY 

A fascinating tale of science, gender and giraffe conservation 

Dec. 31 - Jan. 3—WOODSTOCK—Billings Farm & 

Museum’s 11th annual Woodstock Vermont film series features 

“The Woman Who Loves Giraffes,” a fascinating tale of 

science, gender and giraffe conservation. 

In 1956, four years before Jane Goodall ventured into 

the world of chimpanzees and seven years before Dian 

Fossey left to work with mountain gorillas, in fact, before 

anyone, man or woman had made such a trip, 23-yearold 

Canadian biologist, Anne Innis Dagg, made an unprecedented 

solo journey to South Africa to become the 

first person in the world to study animal behavior in the 

wild on that continent. 

In “The Woman Who Loves Giraffes,” an older (now 

85), wiser Anne Dagg takes us on her first expedition 

Inn at 

L ng Trail 

Deer Leap 

back to Africa to retrace where her trail-blazing journey 

began more than half a century ago. By retracing her 

original steps, and with letters and stunning, original 

16mm film footage, Anne Dagg offers an intimate 

window into her life as a young woman, juxtaposed with 

a firsthand look at the devastating reality that giraffes 

are facing today. Both the world’s first “giraffologist,” 

whose research findings ultimately became the foundation 

for many scientists following in her footsteps, and 

the species she loves, have each experienced triumphs 

as well as nasty battle scars. “The Woman Who Loves 

Giraffes” gives us a moving perspective on both. 

The film can be streamed in the comfort of your home 

Dec. 31-Jan.3. Visit billingsfarm.org/filmseries. 

McGrath’s 

Irish Pub 

Pub Open Daily 

Mon.–Fri. 3-9 p.m. 

Sat. & Sun. 12-9 p.m. 

Take-Out Available 

Inn 

L 

KILLINGTON DISTILLERY & 

STILL ON THE MOUNTAIN CoCktail Bar 

47 Old Mill Rd, Killington, VT | 802-422-8200 

Mon.-Fri. 3p-9p | Sat. 1p-9p | Sun. 1p-8p 

Full Dinner Menu, Patio Dining 

with Fire Pit & Potbelly Stove 

Reservations Required via Open Table or 802-422-8200 

Medical Grade HEPA filters installed indoors for your added safety. 

rath 

2.2 mi. from 

start to 

cGrath’s 

cGrath’s 

Monday - Thursday 

Stew & Brew Special 

$15 

Rte. 4 between Killington & Pico 

802-775-7181 

innatlongtrail.com 

Rooms & Suites available 

McGraths 

McGrat 

McGrath 

Irish 

Irish P

Food Matters 


Ingredients: 

• 6lb Long Island duckling 

• Salt and pepper 

• 1 Tb butter 

• 1 shallot, diced 

• ¼ cup 

• Runamok ginger infused maple syrup 

• ¼ cup white wine vinegar 

• 1 cup chicken broth 

• ¼ cup orange juice 

• 4 strips orange zest 

• 1 tsp chopped rosemary 

Duck with maple ginger orange sauce 

Run a sharp knife through the layer 

of fat across the breast in several 

places but do not cut deep enough 

to pierce the meat below. 

Directions: 

Preheat the oven to 475. Check the duck for any innards or neck bones in the cavity and remove. Trim excess fat 

from any area that is not covering meat such as the neck or back opening. Put the fat trimmings alongside the duck. 

Run a sharp knife through the layer of fat across the breast in several places but do not cut deep enough to pierce 

the meat below. Season all over with salt and pepper. 

Place the bird in a roasting pan with the fat trimmings and put in the oven. Roast for 30 minutes, then reduce the 

heat to 350. Continue to cook, occasionally taking the duck out to remove excess fat accumulation in the pan. Roast 

for another 60– 75 minutes or until a thermometer put in the thigh reads 170 F. Remove from the oven and let rest. 

To make the sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan and add the diced shallots. Cook until the shallots 

are soft and just beginning to brown and then add the maple syrup, vinegar, chicken broth, orange juice and zest. 

Bring to a boil and then low er the heat to a simmer. When the sauce has thickened (about 8–10 minutes), remove 

the zest and add the rosemary. You can add an extra pat of butter to further smooth it out. 

Carve the duck and serve the sauce on the side. 

Courtesy of Runamok Maple 

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 12 

closed mon. + tues. 

23 West St, Rutland 

802-773-7810 

Courtesy of Mountain Top Inn & Resort 

Come to our sugarhouse for 

the best breakfast around! 

After breakfast, check out 

our gift shop for all your 

souvenir, gift, and maple 

syrup needs. We look 

forward to your visit! 

Dine-in or Take-out available. 

Serving Breakfast & Lunch 

7a.m. - 2p.m. daily 

Check out our menu online! 

Sugar & Spice Restaurant & Gift Shop 

Rt. 4 Mendon, VT 

802-773-7832 | www.vtsugarandspice.com 

Cross-country skiing 

and snowshoeing now 

open at Mountain Top 

Inn & Resort 

Mountain Top Resort in the town of Chittenden is 

now open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. 

You can also join them for a sleigh ride or enjoy a 

sleigh and dinner package. Their cross-country and 

snowshoe trails are pet-friendly, so the entire family 

can enjoy the wintery experience! 

Complete your active day by visiting the tavern and 

restaurant with a Vermont craft brew and winter view 

of Chittenden Reservoir and the Green Mountains. 

Visit mountaintopinn.com or call 802-483-2311 

for reservations and/or more information about 

activities this season.

Food Matters 

30 • The Mountain Times • Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021 

RUTLAND 

CO-OP 

grocery 

I 

household goods 

77 Wales St 

GRAB SOME 

LOOKOUT for 

TAKE OUT! 

produce 

health and beauty 

20 20 

NEW 

WINTER 

MENU 

Back Country Café 

The Back Country Café is a hot spot 

for delicious breakfast foods. Choose 

from farm fresh eggs, multiple kinds of 

pancakes and waffles, omelets or daily 

specials to make your breakfast one of a kind. Just the right heat Bloody 

Marys, Mimosas, Bellini, VT Craft Brews, Coffee and hot chocolate drinks. 

Maple Syrup and VT products for sale. Check Facebook for daily specials. 

(802) 422-4411. 

Birch Ridge 

Serving locals and visitors alike since 1998, dinner 

at the Birch Ridge Inn is a delicious way to 

complete your day in Killington. Featuring Vermont 

inspired New American cuisine in the Inn’s dining 

room and Great Room Lounge, you will also find 

a nicely stocked bar, hand crafted cocktails, fine 

wines, seafood and vegetarian options, and wonderful house made desserts. 

birchridge.com, (802) 422-4293. 

Casey’s Caboose 

Come for fun, amazing food, great drinks, and 

wonderful people. A full bar fantastic wines and 

the largest selection of craft beers with 21 on tap. 

Our chefs create fresh, healthy and interesting 

cuisine. Try our steaks or our gourmet burgers 

made with 100% Vermont ground beef, U.S. lamb or home-grown pork— we 

have 17 burgers on our menu! Try our famous mac n’ cheese with or without 

lobster. Yes! the train is still running... caseyscaboose.com,(802) 422-3795. 

Choices Restaurant 

& Rotisserie 

Choices Restaurant and Rotisserie was 

named 2012 “Ski” magazines” favorite 

restaurant. Choices may be the name of 

the restaurant but it is also what you get. Soup of the day, shrimp cocktail, 

steak, hamburgers, a variety of salads and pastas, scallops, monkfish, lamb 

and more await you. An extensive wine list and in house made desserts are 

also available. choicesrestaurantkillington.com (802) 422-4030. 

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. 

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. killingtonmarket.com (802) 422-7736 

or (802) 422-7594. 

Liquid Art 

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. 

Lookout Tavern 

Celebrating 20 years of fun, friends and good 

times here in Killington! Everything from soup 

to nuts for lunch and dinner; juicy burgers, fresh 

salads, delicious sandwiches and K-Town’s best 

wings. Your first stop after a full day on the Mountain 

for a cold beer or specialty drink and a great 

meal! lookoutvt.com, (802) 422-5665. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

FOR TAKE OUT, CALL 

802-422-5665 

Open Daily 

at 11:30 a.m. 

happy hour 

DAILY WING 

SPECIAL 

McGrath’s 

Irish Pub 

Dream Maker Bakers 

Dream Maker Bakers is an all-butter, from-scratch 

bakery making breads, bagels, croissants, cakes 

and more daily. It serves soups, salads and 

sandwiches and offers seating with free Wifi. At 

5501 US Route 4, Killington, VT. No time to wait? 

Call ahead. Curb-side pick up available. dreammakerbakers.com, (802) 422- 

5950. 

Inn at Long Trail 

Looking for something a little different? Hit up 

McGrath’s Irish Pub for a perfectly poured pint of 

Guinness, Inn live music at on the weekends and delicious 

food. Guinness not your favorite? They also 

L ng Trail 

have Vermont’s largest Irish Whiskey selection. 

Visit innatlongtrail.com, (802) 775-7181. 

Moguls 

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. mogulssportspub.com (802) 422-4777. 

Nite Spot Pizza 

Outrageously good pizza. Join us for wood fired 

pizza, salads, kids menu, family arcade and live 

music! (802) 332-4005 

OUR 20 TH ANNIVERSARY! 

DINE IN & BAR SEATING AVAILABLE 

2910 KILLINGTON ROAD, KILLINGTON VT 

802-422-LOOK LOOKOUTVT.COM

The Mountain Times • Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021 FOOD MATTERS • 31 

Peppino’s 

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. 

Reservations accepted. peppinosvt.com, (802) 422-3293. 

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. 

Still On the Mountain 

Killington Distillery & Still on the Mountain 

Cocktail Bar invite you to enjoy our handcrafted 

small batch spirits inspired from the blissful Killington 

region. Pair your cocktail with one of 

our delectable food offerings made from sustainably 

sourced, local ingredients. Sit back, 

sip on your cocktail, and dig into a delicious meal in the lap of nature. 

killingtondistillery.com, (802) 422-8200. 

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 available. 

www.vtsugarandspice.com (802) 773-7832. 

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. We are chef-owned and operated. Serving lunch 

and dinner. Delivery or take away option available. Now open year round. 

www.vermontsushi.com (802) 422-4241. 

Taco X 

Taco X is the place to go for a wide selection of 

tacos and entrees full of house-smoked meats, 

fresh-made toppings and artisanal fermentation. 

Don’t forget the Margarita! Located at 2841 Killington 

Road. Call (802)422-2424 for take-out orders. 

Follow @killingtontacox on Facebook. 

> 

New Year’s Eve: How will you celebrate? 

from page 26 

carrots and Brussels sprouts, a soup, salad, and dessert. 

The dinner costs $30 for the whole meal, or $20 for 

soup, salad, and dessert. The event is free to any community 

member who wishes to attend the virtual party 

without dinner. 

Register at flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/ 

MTAzNDkw or at nextstagearts.org. 

Concert with Recycled Percussion 

For 14 straight years Recycled Percussion has taken 

the stage on New Year’s Eve to perform for a sold out 

audience. For many years they have fans who have 

never missed a performance. With all that is going on, 

they had to make the insanely unfortunate decision to 

cancel the annual holiday tour. However, they came up 

with an even better idea. 

For the last several weeks they have been installing 

the most insane production they’ve ever had and they 

will host a New Years’ Eve Live stream concert to your 

living room. 

The music will go from 6 p.m. thru midnight, and will 

be the first time the band as ever performed until the clock 

hits 0. They will also be bringing in other bands, artists and 

special guests to entertain throughout the evening. 

There are two package options available. For $40 you 

can stream the concert or for $77 you can stream the 

concert and receive a surprise memorabilia item. Tickets 

are available at chaosandkindness.store/collections/all/ 

products/new-years-eve-concert-live-streaming. 

Concert with The Avett Brothers 

New Year’s Eve concerts are a long-standing tradition 

for The Avett Brothers. This year will be no exception 

marks the band’s 17th annual New Year Eve’s 

performance. Despite the challenges of Covid-19, the 

band was determined to continue the ritual, albeit this 

year reaching even more people with the show being 

made available to fans across the globe virtually. With 

their passionate and memorable live performances, 

this event will be no exception, promising to deliver an 

extraordinary evening of music. 

The virtual concert will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are 

$39.99 / $49.99 (HD/4K) per screen and you’ll receive 

48-hour access to the video on demand, just incase you 

can’t join live. The show will include a full band performance 

with host Dax Shepard, and special guests Willie 

Nelson, Brandi Carlile, Ben Bridwell, Taylor Goldsmith, 

Mickey Raphael and more. 

PEG TV New Year’s Eve Community Spotlight 

Who will star in PEG TV’s New Year’s Eve special? 

It could be you or someone you know! On New Year’s 

Eve, the cable access station based in Rutland will 

air videos of area residents showing their talents, 

whether it’s singing, comedy, juggling, dancing or 

reciting poetry. Performances will be played on New 

Year’s Eve on Comcast channels 1075, 1085 and 1095, 

VTel channels 163, 164, and 165, and on PEGTV’s 

social media. 

GET YOUR BASS 

IN HERE FOR 

THE NEW YEAR! 

Mid-way up Killington Access Rd. 

Open for Indoor & Outdoor Dining, Take-out and Delivery 

SUN, TUE, WED & THURS – 11:00AM to 9:00PM. CLOSED MON. 

FRI & SAT – 11:00 to 10:00PM • vermontsushi.com • 802.422.4241 

HIBACHI | SUSHI | ASIAN 

Classic Italian Cuisine 

Old World Tradition 

~ Since 1992 ~ 

Fresh. Simple. 

Delicious! 

1/2 price appetizers 

& flaTbreads 

from 4-5 p.m. 

Open daily at 4 p.m. 

thru Jan. 5 

Sunday Lunch at 1 p.m. 

Open 

7 am - 3 pm – Mon. & Thurs. 

7 am - 5 pm – Fri./Sat./Sun. 

Cafe Style Dining & Take Out 

Fresh and delicious house made artisan 

breads, baked goods signature sandwiches, 

local meats and poultry, farm-to-table 

produce, smoothies, hot coffee & more! 

5501 US Route 4 • Killington, VT 05751 

802.422.5950 

Breakfast • Pastries • Coffee • Lunch • Cakes • Special Occasions 

pasta | veal 

Chicken | seafood 

steak | flatbreads 

For reservations 

802-422-3293 

First on the Killington Road

Food Matters 


Vermont 

Gift Shop 

(802) 773-2738 

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner 

LARGEST SELECTION OF ICE CREAM TREATS! 

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE! 

Celebrating our 74th year! 

Open Daily 6:30 a.m. 

KILLINGTON 

FOOD SHELF 

Specials 

Daily 

We are stocked with nonperishable food, paper goods 

& cleaning supplies. Any person in need, please call to 

arrange a pickup. Donations accepted. Please call Nan 

Salamon, 422-9244 or Ron Willis, 422-3843. 

Sherburne UCC “Little White Church,” Killington, VT 

Virtual 

event 

Courtesy of BarnArt’s 

Courtesy of BarnArt’s 

BarnArt’s Winter Carols 2020 video online now 

If you missed the premiere of BarnArt’s 2020 Winter Carols, never fear! The 38-minute video presentation is now 

available on Youtube. 

The video includes a new performance by the BarnArts Chorale, new performances by Michael Zsoldos, Trifolium, 

Mark van Gulden & Kathleen Dolan, three sing alongs led by BarnArts Youth and a celebration of 10 years of 

Winter Carols in song, video and photos, compiled from all performance years - 2011-2019! 

Enjoy this musical gift from BarnArts as you relax and celebrate the season safely from home. The joy of music and 

community can still be shared at youtube.com/watch?v=hEmMxz9LXFI. 

Wood Fired Pizza 

OPEN 

Thurs.-Sun. 

@ 4pm 

• NEW YEAR’S EVE: 

SUPER STASH 

BROS. 

• FRI: STASH BROS. 

salads desserts kids menu 

Take-Out 

available 

call (802) 422-9885 

NYE 

WITH 

SUPER 

STASH 

BROS. 

• SAT: HAPPY HOUR 

DUANE CARLETON 

DOUBLE PLAY 

• SUN: 

CHRIS PALLUTTO 

to-go RotisseRie speCial Call by 3:30, pick up after 5 pm 

Whole dry-rubbed chicken $14* 

Whole dry-rubbed chicken + 2 sides (mash and veg.) $20* (* plus tax) 

@back_country_cafe 

Chef Owned since 1986 

• A farm to table restaurant 

• Freshly made pasta 

• All baking done on premises 

• Hand-cut steak, lamb and fish 

• Great bar dining 

• Over 20 wines by the glass 

OPEN foR DINNER thuRs.-mon. (5-9 p.m.) 

Sunday Brunch is back! 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 

422-4030 • 2820 KILLINGTON RD. 

ChoiCesRestauRantKillington.Com 

Open 

7 Days 

at 7 A.M. 

*Including 

Christmas 

HAPPY 

NEW 

YEAR! 

BC 

BACKCOUNTRY CAFE 

KILLINGTON VERMONT 

BC 

BACKCOUNTRY CAFE 

KILLINGTON VERMONT 

10% 

off 

your 

online 

order 

Use code: 

Killington 

2337 

2841 KILLINGTON RD, KILLINGTON 

EGGS • OMELETTES • PANCAKES • WAFFLES 

Great Breakfast Menu 

TAKE-OUT AVAILABLE 

923 KILLINGTON RD. 802-422-4411

ATM 

The Mountain Times • Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021 FOOD MATTERS • 33 

‘Forevergreen: A Vermont 

Adventure in Music’ is underway 

Vermont Dept. of Tourism & Marketing presents a new music series to keep visitors and 

residents connected with live music and arts in the state. 

The Vermont Dept. of Tourism & Marketing (VDTM) is proud to present a five-part virtual 

concert series featuring local Vermont musicians, as well as regional and national acts 

who have an affinity for the state. The series is called “Forevergreen: A Vermont Adventure 

in Music” and launched on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020. The first episode 

featured Kat Wright, Twiddle, and Taj Mahal. Other 

artists in upcoming episodes include Grace Potter, 

Neko Case, The Avett Brothers, Susan Tedeschi & 

Derek Trucks and many more. 

All episodes will stream live on the Vermont 

Tourism YouTube and Facebook channels at 7 p.m. 

“We have all been missing the sense of community 

and connection that live performances offer, 

and Vermont has so many talented musicians that 

either got their start here or who still call the state 

home,” said VDTM Commissioner Heather Pelham. 

“We wanted to find a way to support the arts 

in Vermont and Forevergreen is one way we can 

bring the music and spirit of Vermont to all those 

who are missing it, wherever they may be. We hope 

this concert series will keep people connected to 

the state and provide some inspiration for better days ahead.” 

Virtual 

event 

Higher Ground Presents is producing the series and each of the five episodes will feature 

a performance from the stage at Higher Ground in South Burlington, a performance at a 

Vermont ski resort, and a visit with national artists from across the country. Higher Ground 

Presents has enlisted local performers, artists, and video production teams to bring these 

concerts to life and deliver needed support to a first to close, last to open sector. 

“Forevergreen provides a connection for viewers to explore, and support, some of the 

incredible music that lives in Vermont. Vermont punches way above its weight class in 

performing arts and these intimate performances showcase a wonderful range of this talent,” 

said Higher Ground founder Alex Crothers. 

For the preview video, full artist line-up and air dates for all five episodes, visit vermontvacation.com/forevergreen. 

Next Stage Arts offers 

virtual New Year’s Eve 

dinner and a show 

Thursday, Dec. 31 at 6 p.m.—PUT- 

NEY— Next Stage Arts Project invites 

the community to a free, virtual New 

Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31, 6 – 9 

p.m. featuring performances from a 

variety of local musicians, puppeteers, 

poets, storytellers, business owners, 

and visual artists. 

Dinner will also be available 

for takeout, cooked in 

the Next Stage kitchen by 

community members, with 

proceeds being donated to 

The Putney Foodshelf. 

“It’s cold, Covid is on 

the rise, and everyone is 

prepared for this to be a long, 

lonely winter. Next Stage 

wants to be so much more 

than just a nice place to see a concert,” 

said Keith Marks, executive director 

at Next Stage. “We have a unique 

opportunity to serve through bringing 

us together. This New Year’s dinner 

allows us to share a meal, connect with 

our neighbors, and be entertained 

by our friends. We wanted to ring in 

2021 as a united community, even if it 

means virtually.” 

Dec. 

31 

The event officially begins at 6 p.m. 

with a virtual dinner hour. Dinners can 

be picked up between 5-6 p.m. The first 

hour of the party will allow community 

members to “mingle” virtually. A lineup 

of local performers will provide entertainment 

from 7-9 p.m. 

Guests will be connected with other 

diners and performers via zoom 

for an interactive and intimate 

holiday celebration. 

Local performers include 

The Stockwell Brothers, 

Sunny Lowdown, Bad 

Galaxy, Tim Merton, Jennifer 

Morsches, Peter “Fish” Case, 

Chard DuNiord, Eric Bass, 

Margaret Shipman, and 

other guest entertainers are 

being added daily. 

There is an opportunity to “Nourish 

Your Neighbor” as a donation option 

to the Putney Foodshelf. The event is 

free to any community member who 

wishes to attend the virtual party without 

dinner. 

Register at flipcause.com/secure/ 

cause_pdetails/MTAzNDkw or via 

nextstagearts.org. 

Virtual 

event 

GROCERY 

MEATS AND SEAFOOD 

beer and wine 

DELICATESSEN 

BAKERY PIZZA CATERING 

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 

Sun. - Thurs. 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. 

Fri. & Sat. 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. 

2023 KILLINGTON ROAD 

802-422-7736 

*CALL FOR 

CURBSIDE 

PICK UP 

CHAMPAGNE, 

CRAFT BREWS 

& SEAFOOD 

HERE 

Take-Out Convenience: 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

Check out our Daily Specials 

on @KillingtonMarket 

& our website. Order by 2 p.m. 

Call Deli 802-422-7594 

Any special requests are always welcome. 

www.killingtonmarket.com 

HOUSE SMOKED MEATS • FRESH-MADE TOPPINGS 

TACOS, BURRITOS, FAJITAS, CHIMICHANGAS, NACHOS, 

EMPANADAS, KIDS MENU 

Specialty 

Tacos 

& more 

take out available 

802.422.2424 

FAMILY STYLE TACO KITS, MARGARITAS TO GO 

2841 KILLINGTON RD, KILLINGTON 

Free POOL Mondays • DARTS • 20 TV Screens • PIZZA 

BURGERS • BBQ RIBS • SALADS • GYROS • WINGS 

NEW 

YEAR’S 

EVE 

WITH 

DUANE 

• NYE THURS.: 

DUANE CARLETON 

• FRIDAY: 4-8PM 

CHRIS PALLUTTO 

• SATURDAY: 4-8PM 

STASH BROS. 

• SUNDAY: NFL SUNDAY 

3 NFL TICKETS 

WE’VE GOT YOUR GAME 

16 DRAFT BEERS 

OPEN MON/THURS/FRI @ 3 p.m. 

SAT/SUN @ NOON 

ON THE KILLINGTON 

ACCESS ROAD 

TAKE-OUT 

AVAILABLE 

CALL 

(802) 422-4777 

TAKE-OUT 

& 

RESERVATIONS

34 • PETS 


Rutland County Humane Society 

CHANCE 

Are you an experienced dog owner that loves obedience 

training and watching a dog blossom into the perfect 

companion? Chance is here waiting for someone just 

like you to love! He is a 2 year old mixed breed and is doing 

very well with obedience training. Chance needs a pet 

free home and with an owner that is home most of the 

time. If this handsome boy sounds like the dog for you 

give us a call or complete our online application. 

This pet is available for adoption at 

Springfield Humane Society 

401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT• (802) 885-3997 

*Adoptions will be handled online until further notice. 

spfldhumane.org 

BELLE 

I’m an 9-month-old spayed female Boxer/Shepherd 

mix. Things changed at my previous home and 

I was unable to stay, due to no fault of my own. I’m 

learning new things pretty quickly! Due to my sensitive 

nature, I would be best in a quiet, calm environment 

and a home without children would be best. 

However, the right feline or canine companion would 

be exciting! If you have room in your home and heart 

for a smart and sweet girl like me, please call today to 

learn more! 

This pet is available for adoption at 

Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society 

4832 VT-44, Windsor, VT • (802) 484-5829 

*(By appointment only at this time.) Tues. - Sat. 12-4p.m. 

& Thurs. 12-7p.m. • lucymac.org 

JUNIOR - 3-years-old. 

Neutered male. Jack Russell 

mix. Tan. I am a little 

guy that is full of energy 

and can get a little nippy 

at the heels when I get 

worked up. 

DOC - 3-months-old. 

Spayed male. Domestic 

Shorthair. Grey. Working 

Cat looking for a place to 

hang my hat and where I 

can be independent and 

not have to be stressed 

about human contact. 

FLINT - 2-year-old. 

Spayed female. Domestic 

Shorthair. Black. My 

friends here at the shelter 

feel that I would do best as 

a Working Cat. 

ROXIE - 2-years-old. 

Spayed female. Domestic 

Shorthair. Brown tabby. I 

love to sit on the window 

sill and take my afternoon 

naps. 

BAILEY 

THUMPER - Adult. Female. 

Rabbit. Domestic. 

White. I love my greens, 

apples, apple branches 

and carrots. 

2-years-old. Spayed female. German Shepherd 

mix. Brown. I am a very sweet loving girl but can 

be a little shy when we first meet. 

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 

Thank you 

from the 

Rutland 

County 

Humane 

Society! 

The board of directors, 

staff and animals 

at the Rutland County 

Humane Society 

would like to send out 

a special “thank you” 

to our community 

who is so supportive 

of us! Whether it’s volunteering 

your time 

and talents, adopting 

an animal or supporting 

us with donations, 

you’re always there 

for us and we couldn’t 

do what we do without 

you! May the new 

year fill your heart 

with new hopes, open 

up new horizons and 

bring for you promises 

of brighter tomorrows 

for all creatures. 

Our best wishes for 

a wonderful holiday 

season and a happy 

new year! 

“Until one has 

loved an animal 

a part of one’s 

soul remains 

unawakened.” 

- Anatole France 

Five ways pets can make New Year’s resolutions stick 

It’s that time of year again when many of us start making 

New Year’s resolutions. After a tumultuous 2020, it 

may be more imperative than ever to strive for physical, 

mental, and emotional balance. 

The good news is that there is someone who might 

be able to help you reach those goals who’s closer 

than you think: your dog or cat. That’s right, Fido and 

Fluffy can provide you with the motivation to get 2021 

started on the right track. 

Best Friends Animal Society, a leading animal welfare 

organization focused on making America a no-kill 

nation by 2025, offers five ways your pets can be the 

best resolution buddies. (Keep in mind masks, leash 

laws, and social distancing should be observed whenever 

you’re in public. It’s also wise to research hours of 

operation for any destination before you visit.) 

Start moving 

Do you have an active dog? Then you have a free 

personal trainer! Dogs love to get exercise and do it with 

such enthusiasm, they’re sure to make you smile as 

you head out the door. Walking at a vigorous pace for just 

30 minutes, five times a week can provide the moderately 

intensive cardiovascular exercise most physicians 

recommend. (If you and your dog aren’t quite ready to 

hit that goal at the moment, try a 10 minute walk at your 

own pace and boost your time by five-minute increments 

each week). 

Some cats even like to go for walks on a leash and 

harness or in a stroller. If you’re not sure how your kitty 

would feel about it, do some research online to find 

the safest ways to introduce walking or strolling into 

your routine. Resolutions > 38

The Mountain Times • Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021 HOROSCOPES • 35 

Cosmic 

Catalogue 

Copyright ©2020 - Cassandra Tyndall 

Aries 

March 21 - April 20 

The past six months have been 

about shifting priorities and focus. 

Through the struggle, you may 

now have new perspectives about 

what is truly important to you. Perhaps 

you also realized that continuing 

to do things in the matter you’ve always 

done them is futile. This week, 

catch up with your soul. If your body 

and mind is tired, then rest. Allow the 

truest desires of your heart bubble up 

to the surface again. 

Taurus 

April 21 - May 20 

If you go into 2021 complaining 

about a situation not changing, then 

it’s also you who is not changing. 

You like things to stay the same, but 

you also know that life doesn’t work 

that way. Ready or not, you’ve got an 

immense amount of change heading 

your way. Begin establishing rituals 

and routines that will help you feel 

calm, grounded and cared for when 

the winds of change begin to pick up 

speed, if they haven’t already. 

Gemini 

May 21 - June 20 

Many people are setting New 

Year’s resolutions now, but for 

you, you’re still in the thinking and 

planning stages. That being said, no 

doubt you’ve got exciting goals for 

studying, learning or finding ways to 

incorporate meaning and purpose into 

your life. If you also want to make a 

ton of money, begin to strategize your 

plan so you don’t lose focus or get 

distracted when the pace of life picks 

up again. 

Cancer 

June 21 - July 20 

With the cosmic focus on you this 

week, you might like to take a 

moment to stop and catch your breath. 

If you get the chance to see the Full 

Moon on Wednesday, look up and 

soak in her rays. As you move into a 

New Year, you may want to move in 

a new direction, especially if you feel 

liberated from a former obligation or 

responsibility. Make some new commitments 

that honor your future self, 

as you gently release any emotions attached 

to the past. 

Leo 

July 21 - August 20 

They say that pride always comes 

before the fall. This week, you 

might consider the ways in which 

you’re allowing your pride to stand in 

the way of meaningful emotional connections. 

With so much changing in 

your relationships now, and into 2021, 

you might like to take the warmth and 

generosity you so freely give to others, 

and reflect it back onto yourself. 

If you can swallow just a bit of pride, 

you’ll discover that the recognition 

you seek can be found within. 

Virgo 

August 21 - September 20 

Remember back in 2019 when 

those we love could visit for that 

special kind of heartwarming and 

soul-nurturing kitchen table wisdom? 

Cups of tea, glasses of wine, laughter, 

tears and joy – seems like forever ago. 

Online video calls are not the same, 

I know. That being said, if that’s all 

you’ve got right now, then embrace it. 

If there is a special friend you long to 

connect with, don’t let your procrastination 

get in the way just because the 

conditions aren’t ideal. 

Libra 

September 21 - October 20 

Compared to 2020, the skies are so 

much less intense for you in 2021. 

That being said, it’s no reason to not 

consider the lessons learned and glean 

the wisdom you can from the year that 

was. Also, it’s no excuse to get lazy or 

fall back into old habits. With renewed 

perspective, it’s time to focus on your 

desires now. Perhaps a career or life 

direction change that deeply nourishes 

you and provides you with the abundance 

you want, is worth considering. 

Scorpio 

October 21 - November 20 

Sometimes, when we don’t choose 

change, change chooses us. This 

can be a good thing, especially when 

that change thrusts us into something 

better. For you though, it makes you 

feel powerless and your controlling tendencies 

come to the surface. So much 

change is heading your way in 2021. 

This week, starting aligning yourself 

with intention about what brings meaning 

and purpose to your life. So even as 

the winds change direction, you can go 

in the direction you choose. 

Empowering you to lead a divinely inspired life. 

Sagittarius 

November 21 - December 20 

As far as your finances go, the pressure 

feels like it has eased. That 

being said, there may be still some 

loose ends to tie up. No doubt, recent 

events over the last 12 months really 

shattered your confidence. Challenges 

offer us the chance to overcome them 

and glean, oftentimes, hard-won wisdom. 

Don’t allow a reckless attitude 

to hold you back from the future you 

really want. Releasing bad habits will 

set you up for success as your optimism 

and sunny outlook remerges. 

Capricorn 

December 21 - January 20 

You’ve worked so incredibly hard 

these past few years. No doubt 

you’re worn and weary, and quite possibly, 

your most intimate relationships 

are as well. As a result, you probably 

have a better understanding of what 

you do and don’t want. The good news 

is, the rewards are coming for your efforts. 

If you learned anything from the 

recent past is that those you love really 

need you, not just financially, but emotionally 

too. You’ll be reminded of that 

this week. 

Aquarius 

January 21 - February 20 

cannot possibility begin to tell you 

I about the challenges and opportunities 

that await you in this short horoscope. 

However, I can tell you that if 

you don’t have your health and wellness 

rituals sorted yet, then start now. 

You’ve got so much to do and achieve, 

that you’ll want your body firing on all 

cylinders so you’re not slowed down 

in any way. Nourishing your body will 

also help relieve any stress that has 

been taking its toll on you. 

Pisces 

February 21 - March 20 

Did you know that you don’t have 

to extend your empathy and compassion 

to everyone while depleting 

yourself in the process? Saying no is 

always an option and so is simply being 

unavailable. You don’t have to be 

everything to everyone. When you do 

this, you rob others of the opportunity 

to be something to you. Whether it’s 

at work or within your personal life, 

you’re going to learn some tough lessons 

about boundaries. I can tell you it 

won’t be easy, but oh so worth it! 

Cassandra has studied astrology for about 20 years. She is an international teacher of astrology who has been published all over the globe. 

Take time to catch 

up with yourself 

So much has changed 

astrologically in the last 

couple of weeks. As we 

cross the threshold into 

a new calendar year, the 

sky is reasonably quiet, 

comparatively. 

Dec. 30 brings the 

Full Moon in Cancer. It’s 

been three years since 

the Moon has been at her 

most powerful without 

the influence of heavy 

Saturn. Take some time 

out this week to do 

something that is truly 

nurturing and restorative 

for your soul. This may be 

spending time with those 

you hold near and dear. 

It could be simply curling 

up with a good book or 

chilling out with a movie. 

It seems so simple I know, 

but after the year that’s 

been, it’s a great opportunity 

to catch up with 

yourself and with those 

you care about. 

The sign of Cancer is 

particularly concerned 

with family, home, 

comfort and care. It’s also 

about the past. With so 

much of 2020 worth leaving 

in the past, you may 

like to bask in the light 

of the Moon and remind 

yourself of what really 

matters moving forward. 

Leave behind, release 

and let go of anything 

that you don’t want to 

take into 2021. Recognize 

it. Thank it. And say 

goodbye. 

RUTLAND’S PREMIERE 

YOGA & PILATES STUDIO 

22 WALES STREET, RUTLAND, VERMONT 

Go online to see our full schedule: 

@trueyogavt 

trueyogavermont.com 

Karen Dalury 

3744 River Rd. Killington, VT 

802-770-4101 

KillingtonYoga.com 

@KillingtonYoga 

Live classes via Zoom. 

Online Schedule, 

check our website for updates: 

Monday 8 - 9 am Vinyasa 

Tuesday 5 - 6 pm Basics 

Thursday 5 - 6 pm Vinyasa 

Friday 7 - 8 am Basics 

Sunday 5 - 6 pm Yin 

Effective 11/25/2020

Columns 


Hair ice and frost flowers, 

ephemeral frozen forms abound 

If you are out walking on an early winter morning, you 

might be lucky enough to see some of nature’s most beautiful 

and ephemeral sights: hair ice and frost flowers, both 

snow-white and delicate against 

the dull forest floor. 

Recently, a friend sent me 

a photo of hair ice, seemingly 

sprouting from a rotten log in 

the woods. She guessed she was 

seeing tufts of deer or rabbit fur 

The Outside 

Story 

By Laurie D. 

Morrissey 

curled around a branch – until she 

touched one and it melted. Hair ice 

forms on dead wood, aided by the 

presence of the Exidiopsis effusa 

fungus. Scientists believe that as 

the fungus breaks down the wood 

of a broad-leafed tree species, it 

produces complex molecules that mix with the water in the 

stem. Moisture near the surface of the dead branch or log is 

extruded from the pores of the wood and freezes into thin 

hairs of ice, which build up overnight into what looks like a 

tuft of wool or a white, shiny beard. 

Frost flowers are similar, but occur on the stems of certain 

plants. They may resemble white ribbon candy, flowing 

curtains, swanlike sculptures, serpentine swirls, silky spirals, 

or glossy fans. Despite the name, they’re neither flowers, 

nor frost. While true frost occurs when moisture in the 

air condenses on a cold surface, these fanciful shapes result 

when sap, augmented by water drawn up from the roots, 

slowly pushes through the stem of an herbaceous plant and 

freezes on contact with the cold. They form most often near 

the base of the stem, but may extend further up. 

Frost flowers occur so infrequently that many woods 

walkers never see them. Their rarity is largely due to the 

limited circumstances that create them. The ground must 

be warm enough for the plant’s root system to be active 

and the air must be cold enough to freeze the water flowing 

up its conductive tissues. However, it’s not uncommon for 

them to form in the same area night after night, to the delight 

of those early morning perambulators lucky enough to 

spot them. 

New Hampshire’s state botanist, William Nichols, knows 

of only a few northeastern United States plant species that 

form frost flowers: the native Canada frostweed, which 

occasionally occurs in central and southern New England 

in dry, open fields and woodlands; the non-native wingstem 

crownbeard, which has naturalized in Massachusetts; 

and the rare sweet-scented camphorweed. Of these, only 

Canada frostweed creeps into central and northern New 

England, he said. Frost flowers also have been observed on 

certain garden plants, such as vinca and salvia. 

Frost flowers have appeared in the botanic literature 

since at least the early 19th century and, surprisingly, are 

not strictly northern phenomena; they occur as far south 

as Georgia. They are the subject of much scholarly research 

and even have a scientific name. The late Robert Harms of 

the University of Texas, Austin (a linguist, not a botanist), 

coined the term “crystallofolia” in the 1960s because he 

Looking 

Back 

By Mary Ellen Shaw 

believed the forms resembled leaves (Latin folia). 

James Carter, an Illinois State University geologist, 

became fascinated by frost flowers when he spotted them 

while hiking in Tennessee in 2003. He described four 

products of ice segregation in nature: ice flowers on plant 

stems, hair ice on dead wood, needle ice in soil, and pebble 

ice on small rocks on the ground surface. He refers to ice 

that extrudes from linear cracks on plant stems as ice flowers 

and ice ribbons rather than frost flowers, but notes that 

there is no widely accepted term. (I’ve come across such 

labels as ice fringes, frost freaks, and rabbit ice to describe 

frost flowers.) 

Carter writes that he knows of about 40 species worldwide 

that support the growth of ice flowers. He is, perhaps, 

the world’s only ice flower farmer; the professor has planted 

white crownbeard and salvia in buckets and flower beds in 

his yard and photographed the formations that appeared. 

Now that we’re well into winter, the opportunity to see 

frost flowers or hair ice is most likely past for the time being. 

I may have to wait until next November to spot these fleeting, 

frozen forms, but I plan to be on the lookout. 

Laurie D. Morrissey is a writer who lives in Hopkinton, 

New Hampshire. Illustration by Adelaide Tyrol. The Outside 

Story is assigned and edited by Northern Woodlands magazine 

and sponsored by the Wellborn Ecology Fund of the New 

Hampshire Charitable Foundation: nhcf.org. 

Dating is often a time when you try to be good at something…even 

when you are not! 

With ski season just beginning I am reminded of my diehard attempts to 

strap on skis and get from the top to the bottom of Pico. It’s not that I had never 

skied before, it’s just that I was never any good at it! 

I had skied with my female friends since the 50s and will admit that the 

rope tow at the Rutland Country Club was about my speed. A lot of us learned 

to ski there and our only goal was getting from the top to the bottom in an 

upright position. We were especially glad when we stopped at the foot of the 

By Gary Salmon 

French and Indian War blockhouse recreation in New York. 

transparency 

This headline is not related 

to politics. The term is the goal 

of people who make windows 

for homes and businesses and 

the clearer the better for those 

of us looking through a pane of 

glass. Early glass windows were 

limited in size and had “waves” 

Tree Talk 

By Gary Salmon 

Seeking 

in them due to the primitive glass 

making process. As time progressed 

so did clarity and in more 

recent years the focus has been 

on a window’s thermal qualities 

as related to overall house heat savings. Now I may be 

condensing time here since glass has been around as 

a popular item since the bronze age but glass has been 

a part of our lives for centuries as that item that allows 

light into the insides of our houses and workplaces. 

Glass has always been created using silica (sand), 

soda ash, and limestone as the basic ingredients combined 

with some high heat to transform these materials 

into something to see through. This float glass 

process makes sheets of glass. But make way for a new 

“glass on the block” with wood as the basic property, 

according to researcher Junyong Zhu from the Forests 

Products Lab November 2020 issue of “The Forestry 

Souce.” Zhu in collaboration with fellow researchers 

at both the Universities of Maryland and Colorado 

have “developed a transparent wood material” that 

could “outperform glass.” 

According to The Forestry Source “The researchers 

created transparent wood by treating balsa wood in 

an oxidizing bath that bleaches it of nearly all visibility. 

A synthetic polymer called polyvinyl alcohol is then 

Attempts at becoming a skier! 

Tree talk > 38 

hill because if you didn’t you would end up in East Creek! 

Then in 1974 along came Peter, my future husband. Skiing was one of his 

passions so I knew my life was about to get interesting. When he picked me 

up for our first date I noticed that his license plate said “QASI.” I immediately 

thought of the Latin word, “quasi,” meaning “what if.” I had been a Latin 

major in college so that’s where my mind went! But where was the “u?” I asked 

about the plate and found out that those letters stood for “Qualified Amateur 

Ski Instructor.” It’s a program that certifies a skier to teach on an amateur level. 

Looking back > 39

The Mountain Times • Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021 COLUMNS • 37 

The Movie 

Diary 

By Dom Cioffi 

I take great joy in decorating my house for the holidays. 

It’s a lot of work, but it’s all worth it when the lights 

are on, the tree is up, and the house is filled with Yuletide 

imagery. 

I decorate early (usually the 

day after Thanksgiving) so I can 

enjoy the atmosphere I’ve created 

for several weeks. Nothing 

gives me more pleasure than to 

sit in front of my fireplace with 

holiday music playing, scented 

candles burning, and my surroundings 

awash in decorative 

lighting. Throw in a gingerbread 

cookie and some eggnog and I’m 

fully gratified. 

But then, Dec. 25 rolls around 

and the reality of deconstructing my personal Christmas 

village seeps in. Setting everything up coincides with 

the excitement of the ensuing holiday season; tearing 

everything down coincides with the reality that a new 

year is about to start, and work with all of its pressures 

are about to kick in. 

This year, I started breaking things down the day 

after Christmas. This was not my original plan. My wife 

initiated the process when she collected several holiday 

It happened on a bluebird day 

in March, as we were descending 

from the summit of Mt. Washington. 

We watched as an old mountaineer 

stepped out of the clouds below, diligently 

following the rocky, snow covered 

trail. He walked slowly, the long 

wooden handle of his mountaineering 

axe serving more like a cane 

than a safety device. His long 

down coat was so worn and 

faded, it seemed as if he had 

borrowed it from a museum 

instead of pulling it from his 

own closet. For a moment, 

we felt as though we were 

watching a ghost ascend the 

trail, but then a most beautiful 

thing happened. 

Arriving at the top of 

Lion’s Head, a rocky landing 

that overlooks the Tuckerman 

Ravine, the old mountaineer 

stopped. We watched as he 

turned his attention from the trail and 

turned instead toward the valley below. 

Still convinced he might be a ghost and 

not wanting to disturb him, we paused 

in our descent. For what might have 

And now, the end is near 

n some ways it was actually easier 

this year, given the cessation of 

travel and the cancellation of 

countless holiday parties. 

Howl into the wind 

Livin’ the 

Dream 

By Merisa 

Sherman 

chachkas and set them on 

the stairs. She didn’t ask 

me to un-decorate, but her 

actions clearly pointed to 

her desire to put a fork in 

the season. 

I took the bait and 

pulled out one of the 

containers in the attic. I was only going to put away the 

items on the stairs, but before I knew it, I was tearing 

apart the whole house. Four hours later and I had the 

majority of my inside decorations packed away and 

everything cleaned. 

I will sheepishly admit to having an artificial Christmas 

tree. I grew up in a household that shunned anything 

but a real tree, but when I 

got cancer several years ago and 

couldn’t function, my wife made 

the decision to purchase a fake 

one, thinking it would be easier. 

And like everything my wife 

does, she spared no expense. 

I have to admit, the tree she 

purchased is beautiful. It’s 8-feet 

tall and a beautiful replica of a 

balsam fir – the quintessential 

Christmas tree. It’s also loaded 

with white lights that are preinstalled 

and wired in such a way 

that if one bulb goes out, the rest of 

the strand stays lit. 

Of course, there are downsides 

to artificial trees, namely, setting 

them up and putting them away. I 

revel in the memory of dragging my 

real trees outside and tossing them 

over the bank to naturally rot. Now, 

I have to break down my artificial 

tree and struggle to push the pieces 

inside the gigantic carrying bags. It sounds easy enough, 

but the fact is, it’s an exhausting activity. 

And then I have to 

muscle the bags upstairs 

and into the attic. Inevitably, 

I will break a multitude 

of tree lights in the 

process, but I won’t have 

to deal with that until next 

November. 

After I finished clearing out the interior of my house, I 

laid down and took a long, well deserved nap. 

The next morning, I got up, had a cup of coffee, and 

then walked outside to look at my outdoor decorations. 

The thought about climbing up and down the ladder 

multiple times didn’t sit well with me, but I decided it 

had to be done. 

been an hour, he stood silently staring 

outward before we heard a harrowing 

sound echo through the mountains. 

The old mountaineer was yodeling. 

It wasn’t a cheery yodel, like you hear 

from Goofy as he tumbles down a cliff 

or at an après ski party in the Swiss 

Alps, but a sorrowful, harrowing yodel 

that breaks your heart. I felt 

a tear roll down my face and 

had to sit down from the 

impact of the sound. The 

BF grabbed my hand and 

our golden retriever, Vespi, 

came to snuggle between us 

as we sat, spellbound, and 

listened to the old mountaineer’s 

song. 

As he passed us, it was like 

looking at a ghost. His faded 

clothes, his heavy, wooden 

gear and his old hemp rope 

were signs of decades ago 

and he himself seemed to only exist in 

black and white. Had we stepped back 

in time or had he come forward? Or 

had time cease to exist on the ridgeline 

of this old mountain? We honestly 

Livin’ the dream > 39 

I asked my son for some help and he 

obliged. Honestly, I don’t need any assistance 

with the task, but it gives me 

an excuse to have him around. 

It took us a couple hours to get 

everything down and packed away. 

When the final container was stacked 

in our supply room, I went inside and 

took another nap. There’s something 

incredibly soothing about naps after 

you’ve completed manual labor. 

Maybe it’s just me, but those are the 

most restful breaks. 

As I was dozing off, I reviewed the 

prior month. The holidays of 2020 

will be long remembered given the 

influence of the Covid pandemic. In 

some ways it was actually easier this 

year, given the cessation of travel 

and the cancellation of countless 

holiday parties. It was also hard not 

being around family as much (but 

even that has its advantages). 

Not being around family is one of 

the dominant themes of this week’s Netflix feature, “The 

Midnight Sky,” a sci-fi drama based on the 2016 novel, 

“Good Morning, Midnight,” by Lily Brooks-Dalton. 

Directed by and starring George Clooney, “The 

Midnight Sky” follows a terminally ill scientist who is 

stranded at a polar outpost while the rest of the planet 

suffers through an extinction level event. If the scientist 

can warn a returning space mission about the earth’s 

demise, humanity may have a chance of survival. 

As is typical with any Clooney project, this is a wellacted 

and executed motion picture, delivering on a 

multitude of levels. Its crafty storyline will also offer up 

some interesting surprises at the conclusion. 

Check this one out if you love sci-fi with a heady edge. 

A chilling “B” for “The Midnight Sky.” 

Got a question or comment for Dom? You can email 

him at moviediary@att.net. 

There are always risks 

After a year of living with the fear of Covid-19, many investors are hoping 2021 

will bring a return to “normal,” even if the new normal may not be exactly like the 

old one. 

Optimism about the future has many investors feeling 

bullish, according to most of the sentiment surveys listed 

in Barron’s last week. Financial Times reported, “Almost 

universally, fund managers believe the year will bring a 

rebound in economic activity, supporting assets that have 

already soared in value since the depths of the pandemic 

crisis in March, but also lifting sectors that had been left 

behind. Bond yields are expected to stay low, lending further 

Money 

Matters 

By Kevin Theissen 

support to stock valuations.” 

This doesn’t mean 2021 will be risk free. In its December 

market sentiment survey, Deutsche Bank asked more than 

900 market professionals about the biggest risks to global 

financial markets in 2021. Here are the concerns they highlighted: 

• 38 % – Virus mutates and vaccines are less effective 

• 36 % – Vaccine side effects emerge 

• 34 % – People refuse to take the vaccine 

• 34% – Technology bubble bursts 

• 26% – Central banks end stimulus too soon 

• 22 % – Inflation returns earlier than expected 

It’s possible none of these will occur and investors will sail smoothly into and 

through the new year. We hope that’s the case and next year brings with it a return to 

normal. Just remember, normal doesn’t mean risk-free. In 2021, investors will still need 

to balance risk and reward on the journey toward their financial goals – just as they do 

every year. 

Kevin Theissen is the owner of HWC Financial in Ludlow.

38 • COLUMNS 


> 

Tree talk: The process of making glass from wood may have positive benefits in the future 

from page 36 

applied creating a product that is 

virtually transparent.” Now for the 

“outperform” part and again from 

The Forestry Source. “Wood cellulose 

combined with an energy-absorbing 

polymer filler creates clear 

panels that are far more durable and 

lighter than glass.” “The panels can 

withstand much stronger impacts 

than glass, and unlike glass, they 

bend or splinter rather than shattering.” 

“In addition, transparent wood 

is about five times more thermally 

efficient than glass, cutting energy 

costs, and it is made from a sustainable 

natural resource with low carbon 

emissions compared to glass 

manufacturing.” 

Now don’t expect to see balsa 

wood sheets at your next glass 

blowing demonstration (different 

process). And don’t expect to 

see clear glass panels just yet from 

balsa wood dipped in an oxidizing 

bath. But do expect to read their 

findings which were published in 

the Journal of Advanced Functional 

Materials and do expect to see 

great things continuing to come 

from the National Forest Products 

Lab (original established in 1910 

in Madison, Wisconsin and now 

totaling seven facilities under the 

US Forest Service, US Department 

of Agriculture.) 

My parents always used to say 

don’t lie to people they can see right 

through it. With glass and politics 

isn’t that the point? 

> 

Submitted 

Resolutions: Pets can help keep you on it 

from page 34 

Ease stress 

Of course, pets are adorable to look at and fun to hang 

out with...it turns out they’re also good for you! As 

research has shown, spending quality time with pets 

can lessen anxiety, lower blood pressure, and bolster your 

immune system—health benefits many of us can use. 

How can you can make the most of this natural stress 

relief? A daily 15-minute break with your cat or dog to 

meditate is a great start. Sit with your pet in a quiet, 

comfortable place, focus on being present, breathing 

deeply, and stroking your pet’s fur. Another option 

is to break out a yoga mat and do some poses with your 

cat or dog, which will not only ease stress, but also provides 

a gentle workout. 

Eat better 

Did your eating habits change in 2020? This year, 

swap out fatty, sweet or salty treats and start sharing 

some good-for-you snacks with your pet. 

Dogs can eat raw sunflower or pumpkin seeds, plus 

produce like watermelon, blackberries, cranberries, 

blueberries, bananas, apple slices, and baby carrots 

(but no grapes or raisins, which can be toxic). Cats 

can get in on the fun, too. Felines are able to enjoy 

fish like salmon or mackerel, meats like plain boiled 

chicken, and even a bit of cheese or egg. 

Just keep in mind that only 10 percent of a pet’s 

daily calories should come from treats. Your veterinarian 

can confirm which foods are appropriate for 

your particular pet. 

Venture out 

If you’ve been stuck at home and can’t take one more 

day staring at four walls, leash up your dog (or a travel 

loving cat, if you’ve got one) and hit the road for a day 

trip. Many beaches, state parks, and local landmarks 

are still open for sightseeing, so find a spot that’s sure 

to boost you and your pet’s spirits. 

Be social 

Socializing may seem oxymoronic during Covid-19, 

but there is a way to be amongst others safely. Get outside 

with your dog! They are natural ice breakers and 

you’re sure to meet like-minded people who want to 

share about their own pets. A game of fetch or frisbee at 

the local park can also be a fun, socially distant activity 

to enjoy with friends and family. 

Wait...what? You don’t have a pet? 

Well, there’s no better time than the new year to 

adopt a new best friend! By adopting, not only will you 

be saving a life, you’ll get a great deal, as most pets are 

also fixed, vaccinated, micro-chipped and ready to 

go home for just one low fee. To get started, visit bestfriends.org 

and find a local shelter or rescue where your 

perfect pet is waiting. 

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 

By Mike Beach 

SUDOKU 

Weather 

dog says 

snow 

@piper.goodgirl, the selfdescribed 

“goodest golden” 

on Instagram dons a bow 

tie and poses in the snow 

for some flash photography 

fun with her owner 

Mike Beach in Bennington. 

> 

Do you have photos 

to share? Send 

them to editor@ 

mountaintimes.info 

or share it with us on 

Instagram/Facebook 

using hashtag 

#mountaintimesvt 

PUZZLES page 23

The Mountain Times • Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021 COLUMNS • 39 

Livin’ the dream: Find the spirit of the mountains within you and seek the adventure in every day 

> 

from page 37 

couldn’t tell what was happening or when we were. 

Our modern equipment felt almost soulless when 

compared to the stories that resided within his one 

wooden axe. 

We were, quite simply, awed. 

Until recently, the old mountaineer and his wife 

had climbed these mountains together their whole 

lives. Now, he climbs them alone — but always with 

her. No matter how many years it had been since they 

had hiked together, he always felt her presence while 

he climbed these particular mountains. And so he 

would hike. And sing a song to her. His yodel would be 

picked up by the wind and carried to where it needed 

to be. His song of love would intertwine with her 

spirit, floating in the winds of the mountains. 

We continued our descent, feeling otherworldly 

but still following the well placed cairns that were 

almost buried by the snow. As we approached the 

So, as we begin 2021 and 

leave this horrendous year 

behind us, I encourage you all 

to howl into the wind... 

landing at Lion’s Head, Vespi surprised us by breaking 

away from our little group and jogging ahead. We 

paused in our hike to watch our little golden retriever 

stand in the exact spot that the old mountaineer had 

vacated an hour ago. 

Vespi always loved to stand in silence atop mountains 

and feel the winds swirl around her. She would 

sit quietly for hours, allowing the smells and sounds 

from miles away rise up and overtake her. I always 

believed she was surrounding herself with wisdom, 

as she listened to what the mountain wanted to teach 

her. She was always attentive but not once, in all our 

adventures, had she ever made a single noise. 

Until this moment. 

Suddenly, she let out a long, wolf like howl that 

echoed the sorrowful yodel of the old mountaineer. 

We heard her voice, full of awe and reverence, as she 

sang into the mountain winds. We had never heard 

her howl before and over the next five years of her 

life, we would never hear her howl again. There was 

something about this one spot in this one moment 

that inspired her to combine her voice with the wind. 

I’ve never wanted to understand a dog so much in my 

By Merisa Sherman 

Vespi, the dog, ventures out alone on the landing of Lion’s Head peak, a perfect place to howl into the wind. 

entire life as I did in that moment. 

But in some ways, I think I am learning. Vespi always 

had a deeper understanding of the mountains, 

and she knew them from such a different viewpoint 

that I often followed her lead in the woods. I allowed 

myself to be taught how to see and explore the mountains 

from the viewpoint of a dog, albeit a wise and 

experienced one. And, in her honor, every year I recommit 

myself to the basic principles that she taught 

me. So, as we begin 2021 and leave this horrendous 

year behind us, I encourage you all to howl into the 

wind, seek adventure in the every day ... and, as Vespi 

showed me, may you find the spirit of the mountains 

within you. 

Looking back: Learning to ski for love, and the memories made in the process 

> 

from page 36 

I could see ski lessons in my future and wondered how 

those would go. This romance could be over just as it 

was beginning. 

Before meeting Peter I had occasionally ventured 

onto slopes beyond the Country Club. I skied at both 

Pico and Killington…if you can actually call it skiing! 

At Pico I always knocked my partner off the T-bar when 

we got to the steep upper part. When I was on the chair 

I had trouble figuring out the timing of a proper exit. I 

practically jumped off each time which is certainly not 

the way to do it. I took the gondola once at Killington, 

thinking that would make my life easier, and I forgot to 

take out my skis and down the mountain they went. As 

you might guess getting up the mountain was as challenging 

for me as getting down! 

I definitely knew that Peter had his work cut out for 

him if I was going to have any success on the slopes. Our 

first venture together was on the infamous T-bar and I 

had a proud moment when I didn’t knock him off. Then 

the real challenge began, getting me down without going 

from one side of the trail to the other. No nicely carved 

turns for me, and turning to the left definitely happened 

with a lot more grace than turning right. I did a snowplow 

most of the way down…crossing in front of other skiers as 

I made my way from one side of B Slope to the other. Peter 

did his best to teach me but my lack of coordination and 

fear prevailed and my “style” never changed! 

Every Sunday Peter taught in the Junior Program at 

Pico. While he was teaching I was happy reading a book 

inside the Pico Ski Club building. At one point I offered 

Peter did his best to teach me but my 

lack of coordination and fear prevailed 

and my “style” never changed! 

to help an instructor with the really little kids who had 

lessons on the “bunny slope.” They were so cute and had 

no fear. Of course, I chalked that up to the fact that they 

were closer to the ground than I was! By the way, the only 

“help” I qualified for was bringing the kids back to the 

lodge to use the restrooms. I had found my niche in the 

ski world. 

Skiing changed for me when we took a getaway weekend 

at Stowe. We skied downhill on Saturday but the 

temperature was frigid. Inside the motel were brochures 

for the Trapp Family Cross Country Center. We went 

there on Sunday and rented skis. I had the time of my 

life! There were no lifts and no gigantic hills to traverse… 

and very few people to get in my way! It was peaceful in 

the woods and I could take time to enjoy the beautiful 

scenery and views. Peter had a good time too and our 

“accidental XC adventure” was the beginning of many 

others over the years. 

As time went by Peter split his time between 

downhill skiing with his friends and cross-country 

skiing with me at local places like Mountain Meadows, 

Mountain Top and Blueberry Hill. They are all beautiful 

areas and it’s nice to have choices nearby. 

Unfortunately as we age our bodies don’t always let 

us do the things we want to do. That is the time when 

the two words “Remember when?” are used to start 

many of our sentences. At this time of year, a “skiing 

story” is sure to follow those two words 

If it’s your turn to make ski memories, strap on the 

skis and head down a mountain vertically or enjoy a 

cross country adventure. Some day you will look back 

and say, “Remember when?”

Classifieds 


RENTALS 

THE CASCADES LODGE, 

Killington Resort. Rent the 

entire hotel for the 2020- 

2021 winter season. 30,000 

sq feet. 42 rooms & baths. 

Heated indoor pool, hot tub, 

sauna, gym. Email: info@ 

cascadeslodge.com 

PRIVATE ROOM available 

in large, socially-distanced 

ski house for season. Ideal 

location. 917-796-4289 

outdoordiva7@yahoo.com. 

SEASONAL/MONTHLY 

rentals Killington 7br/5b and 

8br/6b. Free shuttle, hot tub/ 

sauna, pool/foosball tables. 

413-388-3422 

REAL ESTATE 

FOR SALE by owner. 

Killington 7br/5b and 8br/6b. 

Free shuttle, hot tub/sauna, 

pool/foosball tables. 413- 

388-3422 

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. 802-775- 

0340. 

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 Specializing 

in the Killington region 

for Sales and Listings for 

Homes, Condos & Land 

as well as Winter seasonal 

rentals. Call, email or stop 

in. We are the red farm house 

located next to the Wobbly 

Barn. PO Box 236, 2281 

Killington Rd., Killington. 

802-422-3610, bret@ 

killingtonvalleyrealestate. 

com. 

PEAK PROPERTY 

GROUP at KW Vermont. 

VTproperties.net. 802- 

353-1604. Marni@ 

peakpropertyrealestate. 

com. Specializing in homes/ 

condos/land/commercial/ 

investments. Representing 

sellers & buyers all over 

Central Vt. 

THE PERFORMANCE 

GROUP real estate 1810 

Killington Rd., Killington. 

802-422-3244 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 802-422-3923. 

prestigekillington.com. 

SKI COUNTRY REAL 

ESTATE, 335 Killington Rd., 

Killington. 802-775-5111. 

SkiCountryRealEstate.com – 

8 agents servicing: Killington, 

Bridgewater, Mendon, 

Pittsfield, Plymouth, 

Stockbridge, Woodstock 

areas.Sales & Winter 

Seasonal Rentals. Open 

Monday-Saturday: 10 am – 4 

pm. Sunday by appointment. 

FOR SALE 

FIREWOOD FOR SALE- 

We stack. Rudi, 802-672- 

3719 

10-BURNER Garland 

range, runs great, good 

condition. Call Mark 802- 

353-8804. 

FREE 

FREE REMOVAL of scrap 

metal & car batteries. Matty, 

802-353-5617. 

SERVICES 

BEAUREGARD PAINTING, 

30 years experience, 802- 

436-1337. 

CHIMNEYS CLEANED, 

lined, built, repaired. 802- 

349-0339. 

WANTED 

HIGHEST PRICES PAID 

- Back home in Vermont 

and hope to see new and 

returning customers for the 

purchase, sale and qualified 

appraisal of coins, currency, 

stamps, precious metals 

in any form, old and high 

quality watches and time 

pieces, sports and historical 

items. Free estimates. No 

obligation. Member ANA, 

APS, NAWCC, New England 

Appraisers Association. 

Royal Barnard 802-775- 

0085. 

EMPLOYMENT 

ROGER CLARK Memorial 

Library is seeking an 

energetic, part-time library 

professional. For more 

information, and to apply 

visit pittsfieldlibrary.com 

DISHWASHERS AND 

waitresses wanted for Nite 

Spot Pizza. Apply within 

Thursday - Sunday after 

4 p.m. 

HOUSEKEEPER WANTED: 

Seeking energetic, 

responsible, take charge 

individual to join our team. 

Candidate must be a team 

player while overseeing all 

of our housekeeping needs 

to ensure guests comfort. 

Reliable transportation 

required. Position is year 

round. Call 802 422 3407 

or email: snowedinn@ 

vermontel.net 

NEED CASH? Perfect, we 

need help! Sought-after fast 

growing cleaning service 

seeking a motivated and 

meticulous person to clean 

condos in Killington. Our 

clients’ units are pristine 

when we leave them and 

for that we are very well 

compensated. If you like 

getting paid well for doing a 

thorough job, shoot us a text 

and let’s talk. 802-345-1205 

CASHIER WANTED 

Evening. PT/FT/Year 

round. Competitive wage. 

Killington. Please call 802- 

558-0793. 

DELI HELP WANTED: Deli 

Clerk, line cook. Experience 

would be great, but if you 

enjoy working with food, we 

will train. Competitive wage. 

Please call 802-558-0793. 

BUNKY SKI WAX 

Rub on ski wax that lasts all day. 

Buy locally at Killington Shirt Co., next to Killington Market, Killington. 

Find us on Facebook 

WASHBURN & WILSON 

AGENCY, INC. 

144 Main St. • P.O. Box 77 • Bethel, VT 05032 

Providing Insurance for your Home, Auto or Business 

Short Term Rentals • High Value Homes 

Free Insurance Quotes 

Call Mel or Matt 802-234-5188 

www.washburnandwilson.com 

For All Your Home and 

Commercial Petroleum Needs 

746-8018 • 1-800-281-8018 

Route 100, Pittsfield, VT 05762 • cvoil.com 

Professional Service, Professional Results 

For All Your Plumbing & Heating Needs 

Specializing in Home Efficiency & Comfort 

24 Hour Emergency Service 

(802) 353-0125 

WATER WELLS 

PUMPS 

COMPLETE 

WATER SYSTEMS 

HYDRO FRACKING 

GEOTHERMAL 

East Poultney, VT 05741 

802-287-4016 

parkerwaterwells.com 

GIVE A CALL OR RENT YOUR STORAGE 

UNIT ONLINE TODAY! 

1723 KILLINGTON ROAD, KILLINGTON, VT 

Renovations, Additions & New Construction 

Vision 

(802) 342-6026 

www.VisionBuildersVt.com 

FREE ESTIMATES • FULLY INSURED 

ALL CALLS RETURNED 

ERIC SCHAMBACH • 36 Years Experience 

• Structural 

Repairs 

• Preventative 

Maintenance 

• Siding 

• Framing 

• Decks

Service Directory 


HELP WANTED- Kitchen, 

line cooks, dishwashers and 

waitstaff. Full time/part time. 

Apply in person at Moguls 

Sports Pub. 

KILLINGTON RESORT’s 

Mountain Operations has 

multiple positions available in 

different departments. Road 

maintenance, snowmaking, 

lift operations and more. For 

more information and to view 

all of our open positions visit 

www.killington.com/jobs , 

(800)300-9095 EOE 

KILLINGTON RESORT 

is hiring housekeepers 

for the Grand Hotel and 

Condo’s. Safe, friendly, 

team environment. For 

more information and to 

view all of our open positions 

visit killington.com/jobs 


KILLINGTON RESORT 

is in need of Lodge 

Maintenance Technician. 

Light maintenance, labor 

& construction tasks. For 

more information and to 

view all of our open positions 

visit killington.com/jobs 


EQUAL 

HOUSING 

OPPORTUNITY 

All real estate and rentals 

advertising in this newspaper 

is subject to the Federal 

Fair Housing Act of 1968 

as amended which makes 

it illegal to advertise “any 

preference, limitation or 

discrimination based on 

race, color, religion, sex, 

handicap, family status, 

national origin, sexual 

orientation, or persons 

receiving public assistance, 

or an intention to make such 

preferences, limitation or 

discrimination.” 

This newspaper will not 

knowingly accept any 

advertisement which 

is in violation of the law. 

Our readers are hereby 

informed that all dwellings 

advertised in this newspaper 

are available on an equal 

opportunity basis. If you feel 

you’ve been discrimination 

against, call HUD toll-free at 

1-800-669-9777. 

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. 

Weekly • Bi-Weekly • Seasonal • Year-Round 

802-422-2230 • redduckrefuse.com 

#1 RENTAL AND MANAGEMENT OFFICE 

IN KILLINGTON FOR 45+ YEARS 

Reliable Service 

Since 1980 

• Vacation Rentals 

• PRoPeRty ManageMent 

• cleaning seRVices 

KILLINGTONGROUP.COM 

KILLINGTON ROAD - (802) 422-2300 

— Cabinets 

— Countertops 

— Flooring 

Kitchen and Bath 

Design, LLC 

— Hardware 

— Plumbing Fixtures 

— Installation 

Kelly & Nick | 802.855.8113 

125 Valley View Drive, Mendon, Vermont 

kndesigns125@gmail.com 

Land Company, WoodstoCk 

deRosia & assoC. inC. 

Got cash? Trade for land! 

Need help sub div., timber, 

commercial, buy/sell? 

Important development lot permit for 9 units; make 

easy money; city water/sewage, flat ... 

for less than you want to spend, $99K - Rutland 

802 324-3291| ivanland@aol.com 

candido electric 

residential & light commercial • licensed & insured 

office: 802.772.7221 

cell: 802.353.8177 

frank candido rutland/killington 

candidoelectric@yahoo.com 

we help you see the light! 

Clifford Funeral Home 

2 Washington Street • Rutland, VT 05701 

(802) 773-3010 

Gary H. Clifford • James J. Clifford 

ISLAND SHADING SYSTEMS 

SHADES ~ BLINDS 

WINDOW TINTING 

Vermont’s largest cleaning service, with over 400 clients & counting. 

802.355.6500 

vtbestcleaners@gmail.com 

michellenolanscleaning.com 

Since 1998 

BLOCK ISLAND 

KILLINGTON • STRATTON 

islandshading.com 

islandshade@hughes.net 

802-747-8248 

Susan Malone Hunnewell


“Celebrate endings— 

for they precede new 

beginnings.” 

- Jonathan Huie 

Courtesy of MelindaMyers.com 

Moon Valley pilea is a moisture-loving plant that prefers high humidity but will tolerate average home humidity. 

Winter care for houseplants 

By Melinda Myers 

Holidays are filled with new plants and decorations 

that often find our houseplants relegated to any out of 

the way available space. Be sure to keep your houseplants 

looking their best with proper winter care. 

Make sure houseplants receive sufficient light now 

and throughout the winter. The shorter, often gray 

days of winter mean less light reaches our plants. Start 

by moving plants to the sunniest available window. A 

south-facing window is usually best, but if it is obstructed 

by trees, awnings or shears it may be no better than 

an unobstructed window facing another direction. 

If brightly lit locations are limited in your home, try 

rotating plants between high and low light areas. Switching 

plants every few weeks usually keeps them growing 

healthy. Give the pots a turn every few weeks to ensure 

each side of the plant 

has time facing the light. 

This encourages even 

growth and discourages 

stems stretching toward 

the light. 

Consider supplementing 

natural 

light with artificial light when light is limited. Newer 

styles that clip onto pots, are mounted on the wall, or 

tucked into furniture grade stands make them attractive 

and easier to use. And now LED plant lights are 

more affordable, longer lasting and use less energy. 

Humidity is the other winter stress. Many of our 

houseplants are tropical and require higher humidity 

than our homes provide. As we turn up the heat, the 

humidity declines. 

Boost the humidity around your plants by displaying 

them together. As one plant loses moisture, the 

others will benefit. Add a gravel tray for additional 

humidity. Fill a tray or saucer with pebbles and water. 

Then set the plant on the pebbles elevated above the 

water. As the water evaporates, it increases humidity 

around the plant. 

Boost the humidity around 

your plants by displaying them 

together. As one plant loses 

moisture, the others will benefit. 

Adjust your watering schedule to fit the conditions 

in your home. Always water thoroughly but only as 

needed. Use your finger to check the soil moisture 

below the soil surface. Water moisture-loving plants, 

like Moon Valley pilea, when the top few inches are 

barely moist. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry 

for cacti and succulents. And always pour off excess 

water that collects in the saucer, or use gravel trays to 

capture the excess water, eliminating this task. 

Most houseplants do fine in the same temperatures 

we prefer. They do not tolerate drafts of hot air 

from heat vents or cold air from windows and doors. 

Move plants as needed to avoid drafty locations. 

Never trap houseplants between the curtain or 

blinds and the window. The temperature can be significantly 

colder, resulting in 

injury and even death of some 

plants. Place plants on a table 

near the window or windowsill 

extension, leaving room to 

close the window coverings at 

night. 

Wait until spring to fertilize. 

Plants do not need as many nutrients when their 

growth is limited by less-than-ideal winter conditions. 

As the outdoor growing conditions improve 

with longer days and brighter light, so do those 

indoors. 

You will be rewarded with healthier, more attractive 

plants when giving them the care they need this 

winter. And as you tend your indoor garden, you will 

help fight the winter blues. 

Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening 

books, including “Small Space Gardening.” She 

hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD 

series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s “Garden 

Moment” TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist 

and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine 

and her web site is MelindaMyers.com. 

Rochester Gap 

By Peggy Mckinley 

It’s just another day in the @life_in_rochestervermont, 

where a thin layer of snow remains after the meltdown 

and is illumnicated by the soft morning light. 

Do you have photos to share? Send them to 

editor@mountaintimes.info or share it with 

us on Instagram/Facebook using hashtag 

#mountaintimesvt

The Mountain Times • Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021 REAL ESTATE • 43 

How to choose the right lighting inside your home 

Lighting in a home serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. It’s easy to maneuver 

around a well-lit home, reducing the risk of slips and falls, and the right lighting can 

help homeowners create their desired ambiance, which typically changes depending 

on which room you’re in. 

When choosing lighting for their homes, homeowners must walk a fine line between 

appearance and functionality. A fixture in the foyer that instantly impresses visitors 

likely won’t prove as awe-inspiring if it’s installed in the living room. When choosing 

lighting for a home, some general rules about what works in each room can help homeowners 

make the most informed decision. 

Kitchen 

Kitchens are often the busiest room in a home, so lighting here can be especially 

important. A kitchen often benefits, both practically and aesthetically, from different 

types of lighting. For example, pendant lighting above kitchen islands can make 

meal preparation easier and safer, but such lighting likely won’t work in breakfast 

nooks and informal dining areas in the kitchen. Recessed lighting works best in such 

areas. In kitchens with no island, under-cabinet lighting can be used to illuminate 

countertops and simplify meal preparation. 

Formal dining room 

Many people enjoy the look of chandeliers in formal dining rooms, and such fixtures 

can be installed directly above the dinner table. The interior design experts at Better 

Homes & Gardens advise hanging chandeliers roughly 33 inches above the table in dining 

rooms with eight-foot ceilings, adding three inches for each additional foot above 

eight feet. Darkened dining areas may be ideal in restaurants, but homeowners may 

want to split the difference at home and choose dimmable chandeliers for their dining 

rooms. This allows homeowners to dim the lights for romantic dinners but turn them 

up for family gatherings with lots of people around the table. 

Living room 

Adaptability also is important in the living room, where homeowners may host anything 

from movie nights to book clubs to parties for the big game. It can be a tall order 

to accommodate such a wide range of activities, and many homeowners come down 

to deciding between recessed lighting and track lighting. If the living room currently 

has neither style, homeowners should recognize that it will cost considerably less to 

install track lighting than recessed lighting. Better Homes & Gardens notes that flexible 

track lighting provides ambient, task or accent lighting, and track lights can even be 

moved to change lighting schemes at any time, making them a budget-friendly option 

for homeowners whose living rooms are multi-purpose spaces. Recessed lighting also 

Submitted 

works well in living rooms, especially ones with low ceilings. That’s because recessed 

lighting is installed into the ceiling, meaning it does not take up any visual space in the 

room. That can help living rooms feel bigger. 

Bedroom 

The home improvement experts at BobVila.com note that bedroom lighting should 

provide enough light when getting dressed, but also be able to be toned down as residents 

prepare for their bedtime routines. Both portable and installed lighting can be used in 

bedrooms to serve these various functions. Recessed fixtures that dim can ensure there’s 

ample light to get dressed in the morning, but they also can be dimmed at night as residents 

try to get ready to sleep. Portable nightstand lights can make it easier for couples sharing a 

bedroom, allowing one person to stay up and read while the other goes to sleep. 

Homeowners have many options and many needs when choosing lighting for their 

homes. A professional consultation with a lighting expert or interior decorator can help 

homeowners find lights that provide both practical and aesthetic appeal. 

The mountain is calling 

Let us be your guide to the Killington 

area real estate market 

85 NORTH MAIN STREET | RUTLAND | 802.774.7007 | FourSeasonsSIR.com 

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

44 • REAL ESTATE 


November property transfers for town of Killington 

Seller Buyer Address Property Location Sale Price Closed 

Walker, Estate of Nicholas M Pomeroy II, Raymond N & Dawn M Killington, VT 1 Acre, East Mountain Road 12,000.00 9/21/2020 

Fowler, Edwin J & Killington, Town of Gieda, Andrew Killington, VT 3.13 Acres, US Route 4 15,077.00 10/20/2020 

Lucey, John J & Rosemarie A Meyer Chalet De Esqui, LLC Chalfont, PA Sunrise, TLJ2 36,500.00 10/30/2020 

Sheppard, Ralph H & Tint T Storch, Jeffrey & Melissa Marlton, NJ .28 Acres, Bart’s Hill Road 42,500.00 11/12/2020 

Yanazzo, Joseph & Jennifer Resnick, Allison Rutland, VT Whiffletree, H5 125,000.00 11/16/2020 

Kunzmann, George Osborne, Jennifer Haverhill, MA Whiffletree, F2 133,000.00 11/6/2020 

Bowen, Ricky E & Rossiter, David & Rossiter, William Middlebury, VT 134 Acres, Sherburne Valley Road 139,000.00 11/25/2020 

Revenko-Bowen, Claudia 

KMK, LLC Miller, Luke & Poirier, Aubree Barnstead, NH Moon Ridge, 4D 154,000.00 11/13/2020 

Coyne, Richard J & Theresa M Pelszynski, Dorota Summit, NJ Edgemont, D8 167,750.00 11/20/2020 

Royall, William D & Wilma C Duggan, Brian Huntington, NY Trail Creek, #55 175,000.00 11/16/2020 

Davis, Carolyn I Lapatka, Julie Boonton Twp., NJ Woods, V36 184,000.00 11/20/2020 

Killington Slopestyle Holdings LLC Uliano, Justin M & Roxanne R Migliacci Sunnyside, NY Mountain Green, IIID6 200,000.00 11/6/2020 

Killington Vacation Rentals Inc Grimaldi Jr, William S Hackensack, NJ Killington Center, R22 200,000.00 11/13/2020 

DeFrancesco-Sias, Jean Pierre Barnard, Stephen & Dortch, Ashley Long Beach, NY Woods, D2 205,000.00 11/6/2020 

& Kathleen B 

Stackhouse, Carol V Davidson, Ryan Hoboken, NJ Highridge, C2 207,000.00 11/12/2020 

Stanton, John & Elizabeth Chun, Jay & Ha, Jung Eun New York, NY Woods, V1 229,000.00 11/6/2020 

DeChristofaro, William & Ski Kelly Killington LLC Katohah, NY Mountain Green, C5 240,000.00 10/30/2020 

Lanni, Joshua L 

Gagnon, Paula Buck, Matthew & Marianne Richmond, RI 35 Anthony Way 256,394.00 11/17/2020 

Jones, Darren Feeney, James E Quincy, MA 246 Anthony Way 263,000.00 11/20/2020 

DeBiase, Todd N & Robin A Davis, Carolyn I Billings, MT Woods, V27 265,000.00 11/16/2020 

Instone Investments, LLC Gore Investments, LLC Killington, VT 405 Killington Road 280,000.00 11/18/2020 

Bond, Ronald R & Christine A Gulden, Neil M South Boston, MA 121 Upper Rebecca Lane 290,000.00 11/6/2020 

Ruiz, John P Cefalo, Frank P Wappingers Falls, NY Sunrise, TLM3 300,000.00 11/12/2020 

Lewis, James E & Lisa Davis- Shorr, Michael & JoAnn Princeton Jct, NJ Glazebrook, J2 301,000.00 11/5/2020 

Muskat Real Estate Trust, Olson, Brian Medford, MA 400 Acres, Little Sherburne Road 320,000.00 11/24/2020 

Muskat Trustee, David 

DTK, LLC Gagnon, Paula Methuen, MA 316 Currier Road 325,000.00 11/6/2020 

Keefe, Brian D McGuinness, Zachary P & Kelly, Julie A Killington, VT 44 Rocky Ridge Road 417,500.00 10/30/2020 

Hult, Robert E & Paula L Alhadeff, Rodrigo & Juli-Ann Ford Pembroke, MA 310 Barts Hill Road 440,000.00 11/19/2020 

Isenburg, Donald & Joanne Farber, Jonathan D & Amy L Boston, MA Sunrise, TLG1 454,241.00 11/9/2020 

Kings Pines Associates, LLC Fraga, Matthew J & Lynn M Hebron, CT 06248 Burke Hollow, C2 475,000.00 11/19/2020 

Cerullo, Michael J & Roberts, Leopold, Mark & Scott Killington, VT 532 Tanglewood Drive 525,000.00 10/30/2020 

Sally Anne 

Deppe, Timothy J & Michelle M Lewis, James & Davis-Lewis, Lisa Carlise, MA 74 Gina Drive 895,000.00 11/6/2020 

Sylvester Realty Trust II, The; Silva, Mark J & Autumn E Concord, MA 3593 East Mountain Road 1,000,000.00 10/16/2020 

Sylvester Trustee, Janice B 

Prestige Real Estate welcomes 

Liz Pulsifer Sailer to the team 

Prestige Real Estate of Killington is proud to announce 

the addition of a new real estate agent to its 

team, Liz Pulsifer Sailer. Sailer began providing marketing 

support over the summer and officially joined the 

Prestige team as a real estate agent in November. Her 

many years of marketing experience, project management 

and extensive knowledge of the area make her an 

exciting addition to the team. 

Sailer is a native Vermonter who grew up in the Killington 

area, enjoying all the area has to offer throughout 

each of its seasons. On a personal level, Sailer enjoys 

skiing with her family and friends, as well as hiking, 

gardening, and baking. 

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join 

Prestige Real Estate. It’s clear everyone on the Prestige 

team supports each other by promoting professionalism 

and providing clients a positive and enjoyable 

experience.” 

Submitted 

Liz Pulsifer Sailer 

Christmas Owl spotted 

A solitary owl perches on a stump at the top of 

Walker Mountain Road in Clarendon. The owl 

seemed unphased by the screeching brakes, 

which were applied hastily upon spotting it! 

By Brooke Geery


Prestige Real Estate 

of 

E x c l u s i v e l y K i l l i n g t o n ! 

Killington 

Edgemont 

C O N D O S 

High Ridge 

High Ridge 

L A N D 

.65 acre, commercially zoned lot 

located directly on Killington Road 

with access to sewer system right in 

front of the lot, $99,000 

Convenient 1 BR/1BA located 

at the end of a ski home trail 

$125,000 

Mountain View 

Spacious and well maintained 

1 BR/1BA condo with private 

entrance $145,000 

The Vistas 

Bright, spacious & updated 

1BR/1BA condo $159,500 

H O M E S 

Gina Drive 

Roaring Brook 

.94 acre lot in Killington, 3BR septic 

system, well and driveway. Ready to 

build on! $115,000 

10 acre building lot on Gina Drive, 

benefitted by a 5BR wastewater 

permit, $198,000 

Trailside Drive 

Heidi Bomengen 

Kaitlyn Hummel 

Large 4BR/3BA home just 

off the "access" Road 

with mountain views 

$499,000 

Stunning home in ski on/ski 

off neighborhood! 4 luxury BR 

suites each w/private baths & 

balconies $1,250,000 

6,000 sq. ft contemporary 

home on 8 acres with 

views, 3BR/6BA 

$1,250,000 

2 9 2 2 K i l l i n g t o n R o a d 8 0 2 - 4 2 2 - 3 9 2 3 

i n f o @ p r e s t i g e k i l l i n g t o n . c o m 

One of a kind, 5BR/6BA 

luxury home with ski 

trail views $1,625,000 

Luxury ski on/ski off 

5BR/6BA custom designed 

mountain home 

$3,000,000 

w w w . p r e s t i g e k i l l i n g t o n . c o m 

Liz Pulsifer Sailer

REALTOR ® 

10/23/2020 -7760165007106236330.jpg 

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/#inbox?projector=1 1/1 

46 • REAL ESTATE 


Celebrating 

31 years! 

802.775.5111 

335 Killington Rd. 

Killington, VT 05751 

Happy Holidays! 

We are grateful for all our clients and 

colleagues who helped us have a great 2020 

and we thank you! 

Here’s to a shiny new year with all the 

trimmings of happiness, health, and success! 

Lenore 

Bianchi 

‘tricia 

Carter 

Meghan 

Charlebois 

LOCATION & OPEN FLOOR PLAN 

• 3BR, 3BA, office area, 

storage space, wood 

floors, lg. fireplc & hearth, 

family room 

• Paved driveway, 2-car 

garage;Turn-key home, 

furnished & equipped; Home freshly painted, inside & out ; 

Winter retreat or full-time home $664K 

PICO-SKI HOME, WALK TO LIFT 

• 2BR + LOFT /2BA, 1,176 Sq.Ft. 

• “H” bldg. 

(closest to Sports Center) 

• NEW: w/dryer, hot water heater 

& boiler 

• Furnished & equipped, 

$299,000 

ON DEPOSIT 

KILLINGTON - NOB HILL 

• 7 BR, 4BA, 2,700 Sq.Ft., 

3.3 AC 

• Remodeled/updated in 

2010 

• Perfect for personal use 

• and/or rental home 

• Exterior hot tub 

• $475K 

SKI IN-SHUTTLE OUT – HIGHRIDGE 

• 1 BR unit w/wood 

burning fplc 

• Sports Center: 

Indoor pool, 

outdoor hot tub, 

exercise room 

• $149,000 

MOUNTAIN GREEN 

TELEMARK VILLAGE ...RARE TO THE MARKET 

Merisa 

Sherman 

Pat 

Linnemayr 

• BLDGS #2: 2 BR, $168K 

• BLDG #3: 2BR $179,900 

1BR’S: $120-150K 

• Onsite: Indoor & Outdoor Pools, 

Whirlpl, Restaurant, Ski & Gift 

Shops, Pilate Studio, Racquetball/ 

basketball; Shuttle Bus 

• Updated Kitchen & master bath 

• Townhouse: 3 levels of living space 

• 2 Bedrooms + loft plus Bonus Rm 

• Family room, Tennis & 

Outdoor pool 

• Deck on the south side 

• Next to Kent Pond $349,500 

Kyle Kershner 

Broker/Owner 

See videos of all our listings on 

YouTube! 

Jessica Posch 

Realtor 

Daniel Pol 

Associate Broker 

2814 Killington Rd. 

802-422-3600 

www.KillingtonPicoRealty.com 

Joseph Kozlar 

Realtor 

Jane Johnson, 

ALHS, ASP(r) 

Realtor 

REALTOR ® 

Chris 

Bianchi 

Katie 

McFadden 

Michelle 

Lord 

Kerry 

Dismuke 

Patrick 

Bowen 

SKI HOME, SHUTTLE OUT - FALL LINE 

• Spacious & light, 1BR 

end unit 

• Steps to Ski home trail, 

indoor 

• Pool, sauna & hot tub 

• Mtn Views, in-unit w/dryer 

• Furnished & equipped 

• $169K 

• 3BR, 3BA, 3,000 sq.ft., 

5AC 

• Attached garage 

• Outdoor hottub & firepit 

• New kitchen, hot water 

heater 

• New well pump; $575K 

EXECUTIVE VACATION HOME 

• Spectacular Killington 5BR/4.5 BA home 

• Architectural features, spacious kitchen 

• Southern exposure, massive stone fplc 

• 2 living areas, game rm, 2-car garage 

• Panoramic mtn ski trail views $1,425,000 

ON DEPOSIT 

HOME ON 5 ACRES 

THE WOODS VILLAGE UNIT 

• 2 Bedroom + Loft / 2 Baths 

• The Woods special 

Amenities 

• Include :Indoor lap pool, 

soaking pool hot tub, 

sauna,tennis courts 

• Fitness Center 

• $229,000 

• Can’t beat this 

• Very rare Trailside location 

• Build your dream house 

• state permit engineering 

in process 

• level Driveway. Great 

access to & from trail 

• $400,000 

ON DEPOSIT 

TRAILSIDE ON GREAT EASTERN TRAILSIDE DR 

Over 140 Years 

Experience in the 

Killington Region 

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE 

MLS 

PEAK 

PROPERTY 

G R O U P 

802.353.1604 

VTPROPERTIES.NET 

Marni@PeakPropertyRealEstate.com 

59 Central Street, Woodstock VT 

505 Killington Road, Killington VT 

AT 

IDEAL PROPERTIES CLOSE TO 

KILLINGTON, OKEMO OR WOODSTOCK! 

HOMES | CONDOS | LAND 

COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT 

Marni Rieger 

802.353.1604 

Tucker A. Lange 

303.818.8068 

Samantha Ecke 

802.661.8069 

MENDON -- 

BRAND NEW 

HOME! 

High end interior 

finishings 

throughout, 

inquire for 

detailed list. 2 car 

attached garage. 

1 min. to Pico. 

Property abuts 

state land. MUST 

SEE! $534K 

PRIME DEVELOPMENT 

OPP W/7 POTENTIAL 

HOME SITES! BASE 

OF THE KILLINGTON 

RD! ONE OF THE BEST 

SPOTS IN KILLINGTON! 

Retail Property 17 acres 

consists of a main building 

w/11,440 sq. ft. on 3 

levels w/elevator. Direct to 

xcountry trails. Immediate 

access to 20 miles of 

MTN bike trails on Base 

Camp & Sherburne Trails! 

$1,350,000 

PRIVATE MTN 

CHALET W/ VIEWS 

20 MINUTES TO 

KILLINGTON! 

Great Hawk 

open concept 

contemporary. 4 bed 

+ loft, 2 full baths. 

Strong investment 

w/short term rental 

potential. Sleeps 14. 

$259K 

AMAZING VIEWS 

CLOSE TO 

KILLINGTON OR 

OKEMO. 

88+ ACRES 

development 

potential! 5 bed/2 

bath home, 1 bed/1 

bath apt, 2 car 

garage, 3 bay pole 

barn & sugarhouse. 

DIRECT ACCESS 

TO VAST TRAILS! 

$569K


Wishing you a 

happy & healthy 

New Year. 

We are thankful to our friends and neighbors for your 

continued support this year and are grateful to live and 

work in the best community in Vermont. 

Bret, Judy, Sarah and Allan 

KILLINGTON VALLEY REAL ESTATE 

LAKE ST. CATHERINE 

views 

77 Carver Street, Brandon, VT 

$84,500 | MLS#4788407 

9 Deer Street, Rutland City, VT 

$155,000 | MLS#4815332 

4 Taplin Road, Yes Barre, 2 pages. VT Front and back 

$545,000 

3997 US 7 Route, Pittsford, VT 


2826 Main Road, West Haven, VT 

$199,000 | MLS#4818153 

90 Center Street, Rutland City 

$300,000 | MLS#4805730 

237 Kinni Kinnic Lane, Poultney 

$799, 000 MLS#4817250 

233 Stratton Road, Rutland City, VT 

$129,500 | MLS#4821043 

206 Adams Street, Rutland City, VT 

$244,000 | MLS#4823386 

1851 York Street Extension, Poultney 


Our Approach 

Our office will follow the Vermont 

Department of Health and CDC 

guidelines and put your safety 

first as you find your new home. 

93 Baxter Street, Rutland City, VT 

$135,000 | MLS#4816362 

456 Hartsboro Road, Wallingford, VT 

$225,000 | MLS#4822291 

14 Franklin Street, Brandon 

$374,900 | MLS#4796653 

Alison 

McCullough 

Real Estate 

ALISONM C CULLOUGHREALESTATE.COM 

29 Center Street, Suite 1 • Downtown Rutland, VT • 802.747.8822


STAY LOCAL 

SAVE BIG 

Calling all Vermont and New Hampshire residents. 

Monday-Thursday are your days to get the biggest savings 

on access to The Beast with $ 65 lift tickets! 

Killington.com or call 800-621-MTNS

Mountain Times - Vol. 49, No. 53 - Dec. 30, 2020 - Jan 2, 2021

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