By Lani Duke
Food drive falls short
RUTLAND–The National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive in Rutland was a bust this year. Held the second Saturday in May annually, it is an effort to restock food pantries at a time of the year when they are likely running low and summer vacation means children may be without free or reduced price school lunches. In 2014, Rutland mail carriers picked up a record 30,000+ pounds of food. This year, the as-yet unweighed donation amount is down by one-half to two-thirds that amount. In previous years, the NALC delivered reminder postcards to mail patrons’ mailboxes and donation bags to local post offices The sudden loss of a sponsor meant the NALC printed fewer cards and no bags were available.
Spring improvements
RUTLAND–After two accidents involving pedestrians and cars in front of Bardwell House, Rutland City officials are planning a way to help residents using walkers and wheelchairs to cross the street more easily. Traffic signals will be reset to turn red in all four directions so that all automotive traffic comes to a halt while pedestrians and other traffic from the sidewalks cross the street. The change will also include “No Turn On Red” signs.The estimated cost for the changeover should total about $4,000, police Lt. Kevin Geno told the public May 13.
World War II memorial nearing completion
WEST RUTLAND–Work on West Rutland’s World War II memorial continues to make progress, with Rutland Masonry overseeing the project and Fabian Earth Moving excavating the site (as a donation). Buddy Miles is supplying the stamped concrete around the monument; Gawet Marble is furnishing the Neshobe grey marble.
The finished work is to be an eagle on a black granite pedestal along with a new flagpole capable of supporting two flags. Dedication is planned for Saturday, August 15 at 10 a.m., followed by a luncheon.
Congratulations
to Marty Wasserman on the good work as Rutland Town’s new part-time emergency management director. Starting work in March, he coordinated a state-required emergency operations plan and obtained memoranda of understanding with some of the community’s larger structures to serve as shelters, including the town office and the school. He also set up agreements with the Red Cross to provide food and other support.
to Matthew Burd of Rutland Town on his upcoming Eagle Scout installation. For his mandatory service project, the 17-year-old erected new bleachers at Rutland Town’s Northwood Park.
to new Rutland Downtown Farmers Market’s interim manager Moira Wildman.
Thank you
Stafford Tech students in the cosmetology program recently spent three days raising funds for the Children’s Hemiplegia & Stroke Association, an organization to help families of children with pediatric stroke disorders. The students raised money by cutting hair in the Bellezza Salon at Stafford. Thanks to all who participated, both wielding shears and sitting in the chairs.
