By Lani Duke
Aldermen continue to ponder new pool
RUTLAND—After receiving a 40-page report from the Aquatics Group consulting firm, the Aldermen voted to continue studying whether to build a new pool at Giorgetti Park. Built in 1970 and upgraded in 1994, White Pool brings in $21,800 in annual revenue, against $90,278 in operating costs. Over a 62-day season, it provides recreation to 13,933 patrons. The pool shell itself has failed, the report says; the leak creates health, safety, and compliance issues, as well as an environmental hazard to Moon Brook. Modern code regulations call for depth markers and more signage than White Pool contains. The proposed pool would be 2-1/2 times the size of an adequate replacement pool, with a 497-person capacity compared to White Pool’s current daily usage of about 200. The report estimates that a pool and its support mechanisms would cost $1.3 million; it outlines an L-shaped pool holding 332,542 gallons of water. A section designed for swim team use and a 25-foot square wading pool are also part of the package.
Business bits
RUTLAND—Josh Moore and Lyndsey Canfield recently opened Moore Nutrition at 79 Merchants Row, offering a variety of alternative health products including the Herbalife line. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Rutland Country Store, 215 N. Main St. recently added cook Theresa House, former owner of Mama T’s, to its kitchen three days a week. She will reign over the kitchen Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Customers are invited to call 775-7901 with orders, or come in to pick up refrigerated items from the cooler.
AOT facilitates human-powered transportation
WEST RUTLAND—West Rutland recently received Vermont Department of Transportation funds for a scoping study aimed at connecting West Rutland to Rutland Town and Rutland City with a multi-use path, extending from the park-and-ride lot on Thrall Avenue to the Rutland Town park-and-ride lot at the town offices on Route 4A. West Rutland has been improving bicycle and pedestrian transportation routes for the last 10 years, installing sidewalks and safe crossing areas, widening road shoulders and utilizing Safe Routes to School help.
Connections with Rutland Town and Rutland City combine these alternative transportation routes in all three communities. Rutland Town recently finished a scoping study for an active transportation connection between Rutland Town School and Northwood Park. Rutland City is also planning and building similar alternatives with the Creek Path and the City Bike Route.
Chief Baker moves up in the world
RUTLAND—Rutland City police chief James Baker recently turned in his resignation, as he has accepted the position of director of law enforcement and support with the International Association of Chiefs of Police in Washington, DC. Many people in the community appreciate the work he has performed over the last three years. In his resignation letter, Baker said, “My decision to leave was made knowing that the Rutland City Police Department has in place structure, relationships, systems, processes and outcome measures that were not in place three years ago. It is these improvements that will allow for a seamless transition.” Among the changes already felt in Rutland are: scheduling drug prevention programs with younger age groups, more cross-communication between social workers and law enforcement, and a sergeant assigned to each neighborhood. In his new position, Baker has the opportunity to support police departments around the world, leading in improving officer safety and other best practices among police agencies.
Congratulations
…to new business Allbang and Strummit Music, recently opened on Wales Street directly across from the police station.
Thank you
to Southwest Freedom Riders for using its annual Bowl-A-Thon to raise money for the Boys & Girls Club. More than 60 people attended.
to golfers, sponsors, and organizers of the fifth annual Jean Cooper Memorial Golf Tournament, which raised more than $2,000 in support of patient care at the Foley Cancer Center.
Lani’s weekly picks
Friday, Oct. 31—It’s truly Halloween and perfect timing for the Paramount Theatre to show the classic scary movie, “The Exorcist.” 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 1—The Rutland Farmers’ Market has moved to the Vermont Farmers’ Food Center, 251 West Street. The Market is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 1—Sensei Rick Smith has organized a martial arts cross-training session. Several teachers of various styles and arts demonstrate and share their knowledge. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or later. 438-2750.
Saturday, Nov. 1—Harvest Dinner, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 18 Lincoln Ave. 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 1—The Really Big Show XVIII benefits the United Way of Rutland County at the Paramount Theatre. Thanks to People’s United Bank for sponsorship and Paramount Theatre for hosting the annual event. 7 p.m. 775-0903.
Sunday, Nov. 2—Christmas Present Bingo at Maple Valley Grange, South Wallingford. Call Beth, 802-6070 or Marie, 446-2163.
Sunday, Nov. 2—Blues man Guy Davis performs at College of Saint Joseph’s Tuttle Hall. 7 p.m. 558-7587.
Wednesday, Nov. 5—Mill Village Chapel on Route 7 in Rutland Town just north of Green Mountain Power holds Wednesday night dinner. 6 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 6—Middlebury Actor Workshop presents “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde” at the Paramount Theatre. 8 p.m. 775-0903.
Thursday, Nov. 6—Vermont Actors’ Repertory Theatre presents “True West” by Sam Shepard in the Paramount Theatre’s Black Box. The play continues Friday and Saturday both this weekend and the following weekend. 775-0903.
