'SUMMER SCHOOL' IS FUN THE BENNINGTON WAY

Posted At : July 29, 2010 5:00 PM | Posted By : Craig Altschul
Related Categories: 1) News of the Day
Bennington middle school kids are getting a chance to learn new skills, thanks to 22 different five-week programs funded by the Mosaic Grant. The Bennington Banner reports the programs focus on a variety of subject areas, including career development, arts, and health and wellness and are taught by a mix of teachers, paraprofessionals, and community residents. Students can attend one or multiple weeks and can choose a different program each of those weeks. "There really is something here for every kid," said Chris Maguire, coordinator of the programs. No child is turned away because of an inability to pay. Several programs run each week, such as gardening techniques, humane education for house pets and farm animals, how to create "funky" clothes, play rock instruments, and how to make stained glass. Participant Erika Burgess had this to say about the gardening program: "It's my first day and I already learned a lot about plants and vegetables." We bet they're having fun too.

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THE BAND PLAYS ON...AND ON

Posted At : July 19, 2010 7:00 AM | Posted By : Craig Altschul
Related Categories: 1) News of the Day
The Bristol Band opened its 140th outdoor summer season recently. It plays every Wednesday night at 7 throughout the summer. Approximately 55 members, ranging in age from fifth graders to 80-something-year-old seasoned musicians, played a 1.5 hour outdoor concert in the Roy J. Clark Memorial Bandstand on the town green, said the Addison Independent. While not Vermont’s oldest band, the members think it has the distinction of having the state’s longest continually running streak, playing since its start in 1870. The band’s repertoire ranges from polkas to John Philip Sousa marches to Broadway show tunes and jazz classics. There’s even the occasional rendition of YMCA. “…People from all different backgrounds, all different musical abilities. We come together, and somehow every Wednesday it works,” said lead trumpeter Michele McHugh. The band has developed a very loyal following over the years, from youngsters to seniors, playing in rain and sunshine. “It’s very Vermont,” concluded 16-year-old Bridport clarinetist Addison Tate.

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IT'S ELEMENTARY, MY DEAR READERS

Posted At : July 12, 2010 7:00 AM | Posted By : Craig Altschul
Related Categories: 1) News of the Day
OK, so maybe Sherlock and Watson couldn't attend the conference at Bennington College in June, but their fans were there to pay tribute and learn. Billed as "Sherlock Holmes: The Man And His Worlds," it was the second conference in 16 years organized by the Baker Street Breakfast Club, a local Sherlock society in honor of its 20th anniversary. The 90 or so attendees came from near and as far away as Ireland and Louisiana to experience speakers, exhibits, films, music, and mysteries, according to The Bennington Banner. "The committee wanted the conference to be variety of things, not just papers," said Sally Sugarman, principal organizer of the conference and founding Bakers Street Breakfast Club member. Associated events took place around town to give the participants a chance to explore the surrounding Bennington area. Sherlock is most popular with fans of mystery and, according to Baker Street Irregular Michael Whelan, while he didn't create the detective story, "he made it what it is today."

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BRIAN UPHOLDS FAMILY TRADITION - PERFECT ATTENDANCE

Posted At : July 5, 2010 7:00 AM | Posted By : Craig Altschul
Related Categories: 1) News of the Day
"Class night" at Leland & Gray high school in Brattleboro honored Brian Urato, graduate of the class of 2010, for not missing a day of school in 12 years. The acknowledgement was reminiscent of the same honor that went to his sister, Rachel, in 2007. The family tradition began when Rachel overheard her parents discussing a newspaper article about a valedictorian who had perfect attendance throughout her school years. "We never imagined Rachel was listening," said Jake Urato, Rachel's father. That is until the first time she refused to stay home because she wasn't feeling well. "I won't get the award," Rachel told her dad. Luckily both siblings can attribute their attendance record to great health. Sports played an important role in helping to keep them healthy and provided the incentive to come to school to practice - Rachel as captain of her softball team, and Brian as head of the cross-country team. Brian said the feat was no big deal - he just never got sick, at least on school time. Neither did Rachel.

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