Monthly Archives: September 2009

Submitted by Sara Colgan

During the past 25 years the Green Mountain Union High School stage has been host to singers, dancers, drummers, actors, magicians, and musicians from many corners of the country and world.  The Green Mountain Festival Series originated with the belief that the arts bring a unique and exhilarating quality to our lives.

It began in 1985 when a group of local residents recognized a need in our community for live entertainment during winter months.  These six volunteers worked diligently to engage performers and find a donated site at the local high school.  Area businesses and individuals got behind the mission of the organization: to provide quality entertainment at affordable prices.  In 1990 an Arts in Education Committee was formed to support direct artistic experiences for students in the Windsor Southwest Supervisory School District.  Since that time hundreds of students have enjoyed arts workshops, residencies and live district-wide performances. 

For this 25th anniversary occasion, all of the season performances will feature alumni from the local community.  In celebration of this important year, the GMFS is also offering a special ticket price of $10 ($12 at the door) for most of the shows. 

GMFS, President Kathleen Willis said "it just felt right to showcase the talent that resulted from the programs offered in our local schools.  I can't think of a better way to celebrate our 25th season than welcoming alumni back to our stage.  We are also thrilled to offer a special $10 anniversary price to almost all of our shows."

The first show of the season is A Haunted Night featuring storytelling with Joseph A. Citro and a tribute to Houdini by magicians Scott Morley and Britni Orcutt.  The show will take place on Saturday, October 24th starting at 7:30pm.

Saturday, November 21st at 6:30pm a Reunion Night of Music will rock the halls of the Green Mountain Union High School Auditorium.  Make sure to get there early to see Brendon Thomas, Rusty Belle, Dylan Duncan and Ida Mae Specker.  Sam Lloyd Jr. will also make a special appearance.

Sam and Barbara Lloyd will perform A.R. Gurney's Love Letters on Saturday, February 6th beginning at 7:30pm.  This Valentine's Event will also feature dance by Ashley Hensel-Browning.

World renowned conductor and pianist Ignat Solzhenitsyn will return to the GMFS stage on Saturday, March 6th at 7:30pm.  The 25th Anniversary Auction will also take place the same evening.

The Green Mountain Festival Series wishes to thank all our generous sponsors whose donations make this concert series possible.  A special thanks to Newsbank, Nancy and George Malin, Singleton's Store, Biben's Home Center, Chester Rotary Club, Dakin & Benelli, P.C. and F.L.T. Grand Lodge of Vermont Independent Order of Odd Fellows.  

All shows will be at the Green Mountain Union High School is Chester, Vermont.  Tickets can be purchased at the following ticket outlets – Village Square Books in Bellows Falls, Misty Valley Books in Chester, Green Mountain Pharmacy in Londonderry, Blue Sky Trading Post in Ludlow, Northshire Books in Manchester, or 56 Main Street Restaurant in Springfield. You may also call 802-875-4473 or visit  www.greenmountainfestivalseries.com.

Letter to Editor

On behalf of the Black River Booster Club and the Black River High School Girls and Boys soccer players and coaches, I would like to send out a huge Thank You to the sponsors of the annual Soccer Tournaments in Ludlow that took place September 11 – 12 & September 18-19.

The Black River Invitational Soccer Tournament consists of Girls teams from Black River, Otter Valley, Green Mountain and Proctor.

The Josh Cole Memorial Tournament consist of Boys teams from Black River, Green Mountain, Leland & Gray and Bellows Falls.

Both Tournaments showcase the talents of our local soccer players as well as bring the community together for two weekends of some great soccer.  These tournaments would not have been possible if it was not for the incredible support of the following businesses and organizations:

- Cota & Cota Heating Fuels  – 3rd year sponsor
- TPW Property Management – 2nd year sponsor
- Okemo Mountain Resort – 4th year sponsor
- BRACC – Black River Area Community Coalition – 2nd year sponsor

All players and coaches involved with these tournaments receive a commemorative T-shirt that would not be possible with out their generosity.

T-shirts are also sold and the receipts go to the Black River Booster Club, which in turn goes towards their quest to continue to support athletic and academic endeavors at Black River Middle and High School in Ludlow.

Please take some time to thank these local sponsors for all they do to help bring two great soccer tournaments to the town of Ludlow.

In Soccer,

Bruce Schmidt,
Black River Booster Club

Submitted by Laurie Marechaux

Have you ever wanted to learn to carve wood? Now is the time to try “Beginning Woodcarving and More” with Al Wilkinson. Take some time in the evening on Wednesday, October  7, 14, 21, 28, November 4th from  6:00pm – 9:00pm. Learn the basic skills of Woodcarving in a few easy lessons. You will create a story stick of a wood spirit , the human face will be discussed and studied. We will complete a caricature bottle stopper and may also choose from: a Santa, animal, wood spirit s and more. Experienced carvers are welcome to join this class.  On October 10 & 11, Sat., 9:00am-4:00pm, Sun., 9:00am-3:00pm try Donna Dewberry’s method of One Stroke® Painting and Fabric… a Natural Combination with Barbi Weaver will help students become comfortable with the basic strokes upon which the world-renowned technique is based. Students will practice on several varied fabric surfaces. Once mastered, the same strokes apply equally to any other surface the student would care to decorate paper, glass, metal, stone or ceramic, you name it and you can paint it. Let your imagination run free!  October 17 & 18 try your hand at Drawing Nature with Roger Hyndman. Capture in sketches and drawings the powerful drama and beauty of the landscape, utilizing a variety of drawing materials and tools. Students will use a variety of drawing materials such as graphite, pencils, charcoal, Craypas®, pastels, and mixed media. Explore perspective, balance, focal point, movement, size, and shape. Capture the “open air” image, utilizing highlight and shadow, texture, and shading. This class is great for beginners to the advanced.

Oct.24 & 25-Let’s make a “One Patch Quilt”  with Susan Damone Balch. Create a small wall quilt using a single geometric shape that is repeated throughout. The primary focus of the instruction will be on learning how to produce exceptional quilts through your choices of color and fabrics. Guidance will be provided for choosing the size and shape “patch” best suited to each individual project. Ideas for finishing your piece will be discussed as well. Also on Oct. 24 & 25-Watercolor for the Beginner with local artists Bob Sydorowich. This course will cover the essential elements of watercolor painting, including sketching, value studies, paper and paint selection, mixing of colors and various watercolor techniques. After demonstrations of the basic principles, students will explore their own style and direction with help and individual instructor attention.

Weekend class times are Sat., 9:00am-4:00pm, Sun., 9:00am-3:00pm . Please call for tuition pricing. View our website at http://www.fletcherfarm.orgfor more Fall classes. Most classes have a materials fee and student supply list. One-on-one instruction is always emphasized in all of our classes and class size ranges from 6-10 students. Fletcher Farm School is one of the countries leading Arts and Crafts Schools. If you are a Ludlow, Cavendish or Proctorsville resident (age 7 & up) you are entitled to 50% off one class per calendar year. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from the country’s finest instructors. Register online or for a copy of our fall flyer call 802-228-8770.