A TABLE FOR THE AGES

Posted At : June 30, 2008 7:00 AM | Posted By : Craig Altschul
Related Categories: 1) News of the Day
Many high schools offer woodworking in shop class, including U-32 in East Montpelier. But, there's woodworking projects (birdhouse) and then there's woodworking projects (antique-style card table). Will Barstow, 17, has always opted for a challenge piece, says the Times Argus. This year the accomplishment of that challenge was recognized when he was awarded second place in the student division of the Vermont Wood Products Design Competition from among a field of 72. "I liked the challenge of the design," Will said. His 1800s Baltimore-style federal card table took Will two years and 350 hours to complete. He's still putting the finishing touches on his masterpiece: resin and oil finish. Next up on his challenge list? It's summer - give the kid a break. But he'll have plenty of time to think about one.

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VERMONT ARTS HEADS OUT TO YOU

Posted At : June 23, 2008 7:00 AM | Posted By : Craig Altschul
Related Categories: 1) News of the Day
Did you know Vermont's state government has been a gallery - of sorts - of fine art since 1837? It has collected 1,000 pieces to date, says Stowe Reporter. The Vermont Arts Council and the Vermont Department of Buildings and General Services is kicking off a state-wide tour of selected works to mark the 20th anniversary of the Art in State Buildings program. First stop was Jeffersonville's Bryan Gallery in late May where some 300 people attended the opening. "Art of Vermont: The State Collection" will remain at the Bryan Gallery until July 6, when it travels to the Goodrich Library in Newport; then Bennington Museum in Old Bennington; and finally, the Chaffee Art Center in Rutland. The focus of the exhibitions changes with each location in keeping with the character of the venues, emphasizing landscapes, history, or contemporary. Digitized slides and reprints can't compare with the appreciation of seeing these works up close and personal. So go and enjoy.

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MONKEYING AROUND

Posted At : June 16, 2008 7:00 AM | Posted By : Craig Altschul
Related Categories: 1) News of the Day

The theory of evolution has a new perspective. Fifth grader Jay Tilden, an aspiring playwright from Barre, chose Loco the monkey as the play's central character in his story about evolution. But the critter characters didn't stop there, said the Times Argus. There was another monkey, a Spanish-speaking bird, a tortoise, a dog, a long-eared rabbit, an elephant, a bear, a greedy explorer, and a guest appearance from anthropologist Jane Goodall. The eight-act play was submitted to Project Playwright 2008. More than 90 fifth- and sixth-graders entered the contest with the hope of winning a free laptop computer for themselves and a $500 donation to the school's library. "It worked better without the caveman," Tilden said. "I'm happy with it." Apparently the audience also was happy with the play as they gave it the "Audience Choice Award." Wonder what Darwin would have thought? Ah, who cares?

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HALL OF FAME HAS GONE TO THE DOGS

Posted At : June 9, 2008 7:00 AM | Posted By : Craig Altschul
Related Categories: 1) News of the Day

Man's best friend now is also a hall of famer. Fourteen teams of Vermont police officers and the dogs they handle were the first to enter the Hall of Fame with a public ceremony at the Vermont Police Academy in Pittsford last month, said the Rutland Herald. Officers realized that while police dogs had been active in the state for about 30 years, there was nothing to honor their achievements. Teams were chosen from nominations submitted by police chiefs and handlers across the state. "These are canines that caught bad guys, helped suicidal persons, got a lot of drugs off the street or even saved officers' lives," said Colchester Police Officer David Dewey. The granite monument on which the teams' names are etched is available for public viewing. Dewey said he couldn't find any other state that had set aside a physical space to honor the hall of fame. We hope they got an extra pat and a dog goodie to celebrate their well-deserved, now carved in stone, status.

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