By Lani Duke
Raccoon tested positive for rabies
WALLINGFORD — Authorities recently captured a raccoon on School Street in Wallingford that tested positive for rabies. Be wary of approaching any wildlife or domestic animals that are acting oddly. For information on rabies, call the Health Department, 863-7240.
Fill the Cupboard food drive has begun
Green Mountain Power has challenged the Rutland community to the annual Fill the Cupboard food drive, with the intent of garnering 200,000 nonperishable food items for the Rutland Community Cupboard before Sept. 30. GMP plans to donate up to $5,000 to an additional 25 centers, plus $500 in the name of the group that collects the most food.
When donors drop off their contributions at the Cupboard, they must identify their organization as a Challenge participant for credit in the contest. The event has grown from an initial goal of 20,000 items to 10 times that amount, says GMP spokesman Steve Costello, who hopes that last year’s 45 participants will increase to 50. Challenge participants are asked to pre-register by calling Bonnie O’Rourke (GMP), 747-6883, or Sue Bassett (the Cupboard), 747-6119.
Even with increased donations, the Cupboard may well have its capacity stretched extremely thin as the result of the additional families needing help after the Rutland Plywood fire.
Re-employing Rutland Plywood workers
Local employers are also stepping up to help the Rutland Plywood employees left jobless.
Employers in the Rutland region and beyond have inquired about hiring the displaced employees of Rutland Plywood. Local Department of Labor regional manager Wendy Morse has said that privacy concerns prohibit her from identifying those potential employers but that they represent a variety of business activities. Some have permanent job openings; others, temporary.
The DOL is planning a job fair in Rutland exclusively for Rutland Plywood employees.
Other community development organizations are also funneling employment requests. Among them are the Rutland Economic Development Corp. and the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce.
Slightly Off Center to open
Given approval by the Architectural Review Board, Jaymie Gudelis will now begin renovating the exterior of 146 West Street. She plans to open the retail site as Slightly Off Center, a women’s accessory shop. Her design calls for a white and gray front sporting a yellow awning. The site had formerly been home to Sweet Revival.
Lani’s weekly picks
Friday, Sept. 5—Vermont State Fair activities include Ty & Lisa, Heart to Heart in concert, and garden tractor pulls.
Saturday, Sept. 6–Vermont State Fair features State Championship Demolition Derby. 7 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 6-7–The Franklin Center hosts the Rutland Green Mountain Gun Show. Family friendly, antiques and collectibles. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 7–Annual Duck Derby raises money for Rutland County Humane Society. Plastic ducks launch from Rotary Park, Route 7 North. First four ducks crossing the finish line win cash prizes, as does the last duck.
Sunday, Sept. 7–Vermonters for Vermonters hosts a benefit concert for drug rehab and after care to wrap up the fair. Music starts at 11 a.m.
