by Ralph Pace
updated
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 12:54 PM
Whether you viewed them from West Hill, where they actually
occurred, or from Gill Home hill, or from one of the many lovely
sites on South Hill, Ludlow's fireworks display last Saturday was a
special event. It was in keeping with the long-standing tradition
of Ludlow for celebrating the nation's birthday; but, of equal
importance, was the fact that it represented the hard work and
consistent effort of Ludlow merchants to ensure that this tradition
was securely kept.
Everyone enjoyed the spectacular fireworks display. (Just remember
to help the merchants raise the funds for next year - assuming they
have plans to continue this delightful and inspiring
tradition.)
While the next film scheduled by FOLA (Friends of Ludlow
Auditorium) may not match the weekend's fireworks, it should
provide considerable entertainment. FOLA will feature the very
special western, "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", on Thursday,
July 7 at 7 PM at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium. The film, winner
of many awards, is part of FOLA's "1st Thursday" film program. Per
FOLA policy, these films are free and open to everyone; donations
are appreciated to cover the cost of the film and equipment usage.
One of the interesting things about the Sundance Kid is how he got
that name. Apparently, in his teens, he was arrested in Sundance,
Wyoming. Thereafter, since no one knew his real name, he was
referred to as "the kid from Sundance." At any rate, it is a
delightful twist on the conventional western plot line with an
ending that some still claim was not the real ending of this pair
of fancy desperados. For information, call 228-7239.
FOLA is also in the planning stages of a more serious nature.
Efforts are underway at FOLA to prepare and sponsor a round table
discussion of the current Vermont healthcare legislation, its
meaning, costs, and impact on state citizens. A panel of state-wide
known people reflecting the various opinions on the subject will be
brought together to address the issues, problems, and promises of
this legislation. A tentative date in late October is being
considered for this event.
Following its very successful fund raising drive for an elevator
for its new wing, the Black River Academy Museum is hosting a
special Civil War exhibit and program. The Music of the Civil War
program will be held at 7PM on July 9. The Civil War exhibit will
open on July 9 at 1PM with a special reception at that time. In
cooperation with the Amity Art Foundation, Inc. the museum will
also be presenting its first installment of art and documents from
or concerning the Civil War. The exhibition will focus on images of
the war and the people who served in it. Reference will be made to
the some of the over 170 men from Ludlow that served in the Union
Army. Images of the leaders of both sides of the war will be
presented and period etchings and other graphics done by artists
that covered the war will not only show examples of the battles,
but also the day to day lives of the soldiers.
The Friends of Fletcher Memorial Library in Ludlow will offer a
book discussion on Thursday, July 21 at 7 PM at the Library. Thomas
Brooks of Andover will discuss his book "North of Rome, 1944-1945"
whose foreword was written by Senator Robert Dole who also fought
in this theater of war. After the invasion of France, the Allied
armies in Italy found themselves in a forgotten war theater. Until
now their eleven month saga of bitter conflict and gallant
sacrifice has been ignored.
As the date of its historic founding draws closer, members of the
Ludlow 250 committee are continuing to plan for the two day
celebration, September 16-17, of the issuance of the charter that
created Ludlow in 1761. The committee will consider fund raising
and parade plans at its next meeting on Wednesday, July 6.
Cavendish is also continuing its efforts for its
semiquincentennial celebration. The celebration committee recently
purchased new banners for the effort that may be purchased for $150
each from the committee. For information call 802-226-7807.
Cavendish also announced the annual summer music series on the
Proctorsville Green will be held again this year on Wednesday
nights in July and August. All concerts are free and open to the
public and will start at 6:00 p.m. The schedule includes: July 13th
- Chris Kleeman; July 20th - Union Street; July 27th - Rick
Redington; August 3 - Gypsy Reel; and August 10 - Voodoo Alien
Blues Band.
Ludlow area Democrats who would like to participate in state and
national conventions are currently out-of-luck. According to the
Windsor County Democratic Party, the towns of Ludlow, Plymouth, and
Reading are not eligible since no formal party organization exists
in those town.
Incidentally, a note to whoever called for a 'rain dance' for the
area; thanks for getting the dancer to lay off for a few days! It
was nice to enjoy several consecutive days without the wet stuff -
even as the rain approaches while we write this column.
(If you have any comments or news about the Ludlow or Black River
area, contact Ralph Pace at ralphpace@tds.net.)
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