by Ralph Pace
updated
Wed, Sep 28, 2011 09:39 AM
Representatives from FEMA and the SBA have setup temporary
regional headquarters in the Okemo Marketplace in Ludlow to deal
with requests for assistance by those who suffered losses as a
result of Tropical Storm Irene. Earlier they had met with area
property owners in the Cool Moose Café, next to their current
location, to discuss the types of support they offer and how to
apply for aid. Designed for both individuals and businesses, it is
open from 8-6, seven days a week. Some of the services provided
include: guidance regarding disaster recovery; clarification of any
written correspondence received; Housing Assistance and Rental
Resource information; answers to questions, resolution to problems
and referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance;
status of applications being processed by FEMA; and SBA program
information. Local resource information will also be available at
the Center.
On a much sadder note, Irene indirectly took another life in the
Black River area. Master Sgt. Shawn Stocker, 46, who lived in West
Rutland and was a veteran of the war in Iraq, had a heart attack as
his unit prepared to set out from Proctorsville to assist in the
road reconstruction efforts in the area. Stocker, who had served in
the Marine Corp, joined the National Guard in 1988 and saw service
all over the world, service that included a deployment in Iraq in
2006.
Like Ludlow before it, Cavendish is preparing for its 250th
anniversary as a town in mid-October. A number of events have
already taken place and many are still in the offering. For
information about these up-coming events, call 802-226-7736.
Cavendish also received some good news about its water supply
system. The "boil water" order has been lifted. The town still
faces long term problems repairing its sewage system; however, even
here, they have made considerable progress in restoring the
integrity of the system. The disruption of Route 131 traffic will
still require detours well into the winter.
It's rumored that Ludlow, following the success of its 250th
anniversary bash, may be thinking about creating an annual "Ludlow
Day." At the same time, Ludlow and the surrounding Black River area
is letting everyone know that it's open for business again,
especially as it approaches the foliage season.
Gypsy Reel will be returning to the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium on
Saturday, October 1 at 7 PM for a concert sponsored by FOLA
(Friends of Ludlow Auditorium). Tickets for the event are $10 and
may be purchased in Ludlow at the Book Nook, Wine and Cheese Depot,
Peoples United Bank, and, on the night of the concert, at the door.
For information, call 228-7239.
FOLA is also preparing for its special concert to honor Ludlow's
150th anniversary of its participation in the Civil War with a
special piano concert on Sunday, October 9 at 6:30 PM in the Ludlow
Auditorium. The concert, jointly sponsored with Black River Academy
Museum and the Town of Ludlow, will feature renowned pianist
Jacqueline Schwab playing music of the Civil War and Mark Twain
era. She has been highlighted in a number of Ken Burn's
award-winning documentaries on PBS, including the Civil War and
Mark Twain. The event is free. For further information, call
228-7239.
FOLA's "1st Thursday" movie, on October 6 at 7 PM in the Ludlow
Auditorium will be the highly-acclaimed "Close Encounters of the
Third Kind." Following FOLA's policy, the movies are free;
donations are appreciated to help offset the cost of the
film.
The Ludlow Area Rotary will be conducting its annual "Chili
Cook-Off" on Saturday, October 8 in Ludlow. The area at the
intersection of Depot Street and Main Street will be covered by a
tent to ensure that the various chili offerings are not diluted by
water. Individuals interested in entering their chili concoctions
should contact Glenn Heitsmith for an entry form. A flood victim
himself, Heitsmith advises those interested in making chili to
contact him via email for an entry form at: timberinn@tds.net. The
fee to enter is $10 and participants are asked to mix up a 3-5
gallon batch of chili, delivering it hot on the day of the event.
Rotary provides bowls and spoons and volunteers to serve the chili
starting at 11am. Awards will be handed out in three judged
categories: "Best," "Spiciest" and "Team Spirit." The public gets
to vote for their favorite chili, garnering the winner $100 and a
nifty plaque from the Rotary Club. Second place pays $50 and $25
goes to the third-place chef. Net proceeds from this year's
cook-off will benefit the charities of the Ludlow Rotary Club.
Sounds like it should be a "hot time" in Ludlow, regardless of the
temperature.
The Red Cross blood donation group will be in Ludlow on October 3.
They will setup shop in the Ludlow Community Center from 12:30 to
5:30 PM. A special note about this donation tour: those donating
blood will be entered into a contest to win a cruise for two to
Bermuda.
(If you have any information that you would like to see in this
column, simply email the information to ralphpace@tds.net.)
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