By Lani Duke
Growing graphics
Green Screen Graphics of Rutland recently announced the hiring of Brian McCarthy, graphic designer; Nicole Pfeiffer, print production and customer relations; and Dustin Perkins, sign and display construction. Over the years, staff has grown to a total of “eight or nine,” owner Mike Gauthier said recently.
His business has expanded beyond that of a traditional graphics and sign shop, now offering logo design, stationery, brochures, truck and bus wraps, restaurant menus, and even help with business names. “We’re a one-stop shop for business identification,” he commented.
He praised the economic vitality he sees growing in Rutland, with the filling up of long-vacant commercial space downtown and a feeling of new enthusiasm.
Clarendon town plan contemplated
A survey of what residents want their town to become has been released for local input. The town’s planning commission has been developing the survey questions throughout the summer. Input will be collected by mailed-in paper surveys and online.
Among the topics likely to come up are bike and pedestrian paths, trails, or bike lanes marked in roadways; preferences in housing; renewable energy supplies; and types of businesses that would fit into the community well.
Town Meeting glimpse
Dave Allaire, president of Rutland’s board of aldermen, is planning to run for mayor in March, sources say. However, he has not yet made the formal announcement. In the last election, Allaire also ran for mayor, losing when he amassed 1,611 votes to Louras’ 2,032.
Mayor Chris Louras has not announced whether he will toss his hat in the ring for a fifth term.
Additionally, Alderman Chris Siliski has commented that he may run either in 2015 or 2017, depending on whether or not Louras runs.
State Fair to shorten run in 2015
The Rutland County Agricultural Society board recently voted to reduce the number of days the Fair runs in 2015. It will still begin on the Friday before Labor Day, but now will close the following Wednesday.
Don Chioffi, president of the organization, said the reason to have a 10-day fair — a long-enough harness-racing season — was no longer part of the fair’s programming. Chioffi noted that shortening the season makes the Fair’s success more dependent on having good weather.
The highest number of visitors attended during the first weekend that the Fair’s gates were open; visitation tapered off afterwards, Chioffi reported.
Was the Fair a success?
A post-Fair meeting led to Chioffi’s walking out, saying he would not be back until the RCAS holds its annual meeting in December. Chioffi said he has felt ambushed by criticism and frustrated that the board failed to provide needed support while the Fair was in session.
Chioffi had hoped to recommend a number of changes to the fair’s organization; instead he met a wall of criticism from the trustee board.
Don Chioffi organized this year’s Vermont State Fair on short notice with his hands tied by a $120,000 debt and other circumstances. It has been reported that the Fair closed with a $200,000 gate, below what Chioffi had hoped but an acceptable figure as it allows the Fair to pay off bills. Nearly 40,000 people visited the Fair, this year.
Duck derby winners announced
The Rutland County Humane Society saw a successful 10th annual RCHS Duck Derby. 1,300 brightly colored plastic ducks were released into the stream at Rotary Park. RCHS Executive Director Gretchen Goodman estimated that the event raised $1,300 – $1,500.
The first duck crossing the finish line belonged to Darcy Nelson, who received a $200 cash prize. Both second- and third-place ducks belonged to Tom Neary, who won $100 and $50 cash prizes. Barbara LaFave owned the fourth place finisher, receiving a $25 cash prize, while the last duck to cross the finish line belonged to Katelyn Perkins, who won a $50 cash prize.
Thank you
to the anonymous donor who recently committed to purchasing a new flagpole for Main Street Park. Approved by the city’s Board of Finance, the new pole will have an internal halyard system.
to the 32 employers who participated in the recent job fair held for Rutland Plywood employees who were left jobless when their former workspace recently burned to the ground.
Lani’s weekly picks
Friday, Sept. 19 — The Rutland Health Foundation Annual Golf Invitational benefits Rutland Regional’s volunteer support program, Bridges and Beyond and pediatric programs of the Rutland Area Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice. Rutland Country Club. Registration at 8 a.m., shotgun start at 9:30. 747-3634.
Friday-Saturday, Sept. 19-20 — Rutland Free Library basement book sale. Fri. 10 a.m –4 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 20 — New Orleans-based crooner Aaron Neville “tells it like it is” at the Paramount at 8 p.m. His latest album, “My True Story,” includes classic doo-wop such as “Tears on My Pillow,” “Under the Boardwalk,” and “This Magic Moment.”
Sunday, Sept. 21 — The Euripides tragedy “Medea” storms onto the Paramount’s big screen live from The National Theatre of Great Britain with Helen McCrory in the title role. 2 p.m.
