By Lani Duke
posted
Apr 11, 2012
Vermont in transition talks
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute considers Vermont in Transition
during April. Roger Albee talks about Tipping Points in the History
of Vermont's Agriculture on April 13, describing how Vermont
agriculture developed from early settlements after the French and
Indian War up through the present. On April 20, Angela Miller
outlines the changes in her life as That New Woman Who Bought the
Old Nelson Farm. Today her farm is known as cheese-making Consider
Bardwell Farm of West Pawlet.
Writer Karen Lorentz focuses on The Ups and Downs of the Ski
Industry on April 27. Vermont is #3 in the ski-state ranking.
Programs are 1:30-3 p.m. on Fridays in the Godnick Adult Center.
Call 773-0184.
Crime on the upswing
We used to say that crime and criminal mischief in Vermont were
pretty much confined to Burlington, if anywhere. Some locals say
crime in Rutland has increased drastically in the last few years,
and is not the peaceful home town they used to know. Violent crime
is still a rarity. But the number of property crimes is high,
nearly double the statewide rate as a whole, charts show. Locals'
chances of being robbed in 1 is 22, compared to a statewide 1 in
43.
As March ended, two men held up a gas station/convenience store,
and were captured. Someone lit three fires in Pine Hill Park the
afternoon before. Two paintings were stolen from an art exhibit in
the middle of the month.
Most arrests seem to be for illegal drug-related activity,
including theft for money with which to buy drugs. Interim Police
Chief James Baker bases his argument for the proposed methadone
clinic on Rutland's drug difficulties, saying "Everything that we
are doing in Rutland City is driven by this problem." The police
department can't take care of other responsibilities because of how
pervasive the drug problem has become.
Nor are the people arrested coming in from out of town, Baker
observes, saying that those who are addicted are "kids raised in
this city." The substances to which they are addicted are harder to
intercept because, under other circumstances, they are legal
prescription products. Cutting off demand must be the focus in
order to diminish the number of crimes.
Stormwater separation proposed
Rutland City is proposing a stormwater separation project on
Library Avenue to satisfy state requirements on sewage overflows.
It calls for 5,000 new feet of storm sewer lines to pull stormwater
from a 59-acre expanse that is fully developed.
Preliminary design
work would take place in mid-2013, with a bond issue on the ballot
the following March. Project completion would come by November
2015. The city would monitor overflow for the following 13 months
to assess whether there need be additional work.
Wales Street Deli opens
The building between Timco Jewelers and Two Sheas on Wales Street
is back in the food business. Erik Bassalin has opened the Wales
Street Deli at 38 Wales St., offering sandwiches, daily hot dish
specials, homemade soups and a salad bar. Hours are mid-morning to
5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Facade matching on historic building
Pedestrians and motorists have wondered for years why the former
car dealership at 151 West Street remained unrestored, surrounded
by scaffolding. Work that started seemingly ages ago was halted
awaiting a decision on how best to maintain the historic character
of the 1927 structure. Original builders had decorated the exterior
in art deco terracotta, a material seldom used in Vermont. Post
Office authorities say they hope for a decision on how accurately
to restore the exterior and still have time to finish the work by
the end of September.
Art show planning begins
Members of the Carving Studio & Sculpture Center are planning
the annual members' show, scheduled for May 19 through July 1 at
the Gallery 259 Marble St., West Rutland. The show opens with a
reception for the artists, open to the public, from 5 to 7 p.m.,
Saturday, May 19. Works must be turned in by Friday, May 11. Call
438-2097.
Sirloin Saloon closes
Sirloin Saloon, 200 S. Main St., Rutland, recently closed, citing
recession induced economic pressure and rising costs. Owned by
Amresco Commercial Finance of Noise, ID, the Rutland Sirloin
Saloon, along with a Sirloin Saloon in Manchester and the Dakota
Steakhouse in Latham, NY, had been leased by DWH1 Susan
Schulze-Claasen for the past four years.
Started by Tony Perry as the Five Flys nightclub in 1963, the
business became a steakhouse in in 1999. Perry sold it to several
management employees, who financed their $17.5 million purchase
through Amresco. It had a staff of 30.
Wonder what will happen to the waving wooden bears that stood on
its front lawn for so many years.
LANI'S PICKS
Saturday, April 14 - Easter egg activities: West Rutland Public
Library Famous Egg Story Day, 10 - 10:30 a.m. Egg stories, egg
snacks, egg hunt. 438-2964. Rutland's Depot Park Egg Hunt 10 a.m.
Ages 8 and under. 773-9380.
Sunday, April 15 - Ariel Quartet in classical chamber music concert
at the Paramount Theatre, downtown Rutland, 3 p.m. 775-0903.
Tagged:
rutland, rutland report
