Humans of Killington

Rutland Herald
8/3/15

Cassidy Tedeschi is having loads of fun this summer.

She is a first-time camp counselor for the Killington Recreation Department and has spent the summer leading kids on adventures in the area.

“These are the summers where I should have a job like this,” said the college student. “Right now I’m working outside with kids every day, doing really fun things. I’ll have the rest of my life to work at a desk.”

Her favorite part of the job is not doing cannonballs in the pool, going on hikes or even getting an awesome tan.

Her favorite part is watching the kids grow throughout the summer.

“Their personalities change so much, it’s fun to see,” she said. “And I really try to be a good role model for them because it’s so important at that age.”

Some of her traits that make her a good role model are her ability to talk with the kids at their level. She also said she thinks she has a good balance of discipline and silliness.

Another reason she loves the job is because she loves getting involved with the Killington community.

She helped organize both the Fourth of July celebration and the Killington Chili Cook-Off.

“I think it’s really important to get my name and face out there,” she said.

She isn’t from this area, she’s originally from Rhode Island but is attending Castleton University (formerly Castleton State College, it will always be CSC in her opinion).

But getting to know her surroundings is crucial to her.

“I want to stick around Killington once I graduate, so I need to get to know the people and the area.”

She eventually wants a career in social work, but she also wants to stay on board with planning local events.

“This is a really great area with so much to do,” she said. “I want to stay a part of that.”

Leo lost after fatal crash

Rutland Herald

By Kathleen Phalen Tomaselli
Staff Writer | August 04,2015

 

Provided photo

KILLINGTON — Several people are searching for Leo, a 4-year-old golden retriever, after he ran from the scene of a car crash that killed his owner in Killington late Friday night.

The dog was riding with his family as they traveled west on Route 4. At about 10:22 p.m., Jon M. Bellis, 64, the driver of the vehicle, struck a large Scottish Highlander bull that had escaped from its pasture at Mosher’s Excavation, according to Vermont State Police.

Police said after striking the bull, the vehicle went down a small grassy hill where it crashed into a tree.

According to police, Bellis died at the scene as a result of the crash.

The passenger, Kathryn Barry, 60, also of Woodbridge, Conn., was transported to Rutland Regional Medical Center with an injury to her right wrist. She was treated and released.

The bull was killed in the inital crash as well.

It is not known if the dog was injured.

The search for the missing dog began Monday morning when Debby DuBay of Rutland Town got an email from her friend Jill Simmons, who lives in Maine, that Leo ran off from the crash. Simmons is a friend of Leo’s family in Woodbridge, Conn.

“I am coordinating the search for the family because I live in the area,” DuBay said. “Six of us met at Mosher’s this morning. We’ve been putting up posters and talking to everybody — hikers, businesses. Everybody knows about Leo.”

At about 5 p.m. Monday, DuBay was rushing back to routes 4 and 100 where they got word of a dog sighting.

“The man who called saw him at 3 p.m. Sunday and again on Monday. He was sighted on Route 4 east and Route 100 south, near the snowmobile tours sign, about two blocks from the Citgo and behind the Back Behind Restaurant,” she said. “We are back searching now and the family is coming back from Connecticut to search.”

Although Leo’s family lives in Connecticut, they own a condo at Pinnacle Condominium Association in Killington.

The dog is not wearing a collar or tags, but he is microchipped, said Sue Skaskiw, executive director of Vermont Volunteer Services for Animals Humane Society. The microchip is an identification method for veterinarians. If the dog is found and brought to a vet, the dog’s chip could identify the dog’s owner.

Skaskiw made 25 posters for the search.

“The whole thing breaks my heart,” said Craig Mosher, president of Mosher’s Excavating, who owned the bull. And many area residents would often stop by to see the bulls that had been in the pasture for 11 years.

“It was so good for so many years,” Mosher said. “In the blink of an eye, it ends like this.”

Conn. man killed in crash with bull

Rutland Herald

8/2/15 

   ‍KILLINGTON — A Connecticut man was killed Friday night when his car crashed into a bull on Route 4 and then a tree, police said.    John Bellis, 62, of Wood-bridge, Conn., was dead when Vermont State Police and medical responders arrived shortly before 10:30 p.m., police said.    A passenger, Kathryn Barry, 60, also of Woodbridge, suffered a wrist injury and was taken to Rutland Regional Medical Center.    Police said Bellis collided with a large Scottish Highlander bull that had escaped from its pasture.    The vehicle left the road and hit a tree, police said.    Police did not say whether the bull survived.    Police asked anyone with information about the crash to call 773-9101.

Killington debuts ‘Locals Days’

Rutland Herald

July 31,2015

 

KILLINGTON — Killington Resort, a four season destination, recently introduced a new discount program for Vermont and New Hampshire residents.

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the summer, Vermont and New Hampshire residents save 50 percent off scenic lift rides, Adventure Center day passes, mountain bike lift and trail tickets, Mountain Bike Learn to Ride Packages and Segway tours.

To be eligible for Locals Days, present a Vermont or New Hampshire driver’s license or similar proof of residency such as a passport or state-issued identification.

Utility bills are not accepted as proof of residency, and this deal cannot be combined with any other offer or discount.

For more information on this and other summer discounts, visit www.killington.com.

New York Post Names Killington One Of Top Five Summer Ski Towns In U.S.

Vermont Standard
7/30/15

KILLINGTON — In an article published this week, the New York Post named Killington one of “Five ski towns that are worth visiting in summer,” alongside the Western resort towns of Park City (Utah), Vail (Colorado), Jackson Hole (Wyoming) and Big Sky (Montana).

Killington Town Manager Seth Webb said “The NY Post article is nice recognition of the story unfolding here: the story of the Town and the Resort working together to revive summer tourism.” Webb views the article as a testament to the vision of the residents, the hard work done by the Town and Killington Resort, and the focused strategic plan adopted by the Selectboard.

In 2009, the summer economy in the Town of Killington was struggling, with many businesses shuttering as soon as the ski season ended, and not re-opening until September. For the six years prior, and leading up to 2010, the town experienced a steady decline in tourism spending during the months of July, August, and September.

In 2010, things started to turn around. Beginning in 2010 a series of new events were established like the Killington Jr. Golf Championship, the Cooler in the Mountains Concert Series, the Killington Hay Festival, and the Spartan Race. Additionally, classic events like the Killington Stage Race that had disappeared a decade before, were re-established and revitalized. A marketing campaign targeted regional visitors and promoted summer activities. Each year, more businesses stayed open throughout the summer, and that positive trend continues now in the summer of 2015.

Webb attributes this significant shift in Town in large part to the will and support of its residents. In the winter of 2008, the Town held a series of community planning days with the Vermont Council on Rural Development. During that process over 250 residents came together and prioritized goals for economic development. As a result of the meetings, the Town passed a 1% options tax to fund Economic Development and established an Economic Development and Tourism department.

The NY Post article sites the new adrenaline-pumping attractions at Killington Resort and the robust summer events calendar as key reasons for ranking Killington in the top five destinations. Among the new attractions highlighted are the 4,800-foot-long Beast Coaster, which opens August 1st, the Skyeride, and a four-story rope course, complete with 42 obstacles and a 5,000 square-foot maze. Also mentioned are many of Killington’s upcoming special events and activities. A more comprehensive list of upcoming events is below: � Cooler in the Mountains Concert

Series presented by Long Trail Brewing Company, Saturdays through Sept. 5. The Cooler in the Mountains Concert Series takes place at Killington’s Roaring Brook Umbrella Bars at the K1 Base Lodge every Saturday beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Biggest Loser Run/Walk, July

26. The event returns for the third year, providing participants a fun, healthy way to stay active in noncompetitive environment. Killington Resort hosts the race, which includes a half marathon and 5k, as well as a 1-mile fun run for children.

Chili Cook-Off, July 30. The

third annual Chili Cook-Off is guaranteed to bring back the best tasting chili in town! Join the competition and bring your finest dish to compete for the title of Best Chili.

Vermont JerkFestival, July 31 to

Aug. 1. Killington welcomes Vermont’s first JerkFest, a celebration of Jamaican Jerk food and Caribbean culture with live reggae and world music!

Race to the Peak ,Aug. 15. This challenging 5K hike/run traverses up the Resort to the second highest peak of Vermont’s Green Mountains and ends at the Peak Lodge.

Killington Classic Motorcycle

Rally, Aug. 27 -30. The Classic is Vermont’s premier motorcycle event featuring some of the best touring in New England along the picturesque roads of Vermont.

Killington Hay Festival, Labor

Day to Columbus Day. Visitors to Killington, Vermont this fall will have a surprise once they start exploring the region – amid the mountain vistas and fall foliage, they may find themselves face-to-face with a 25-foot bear or 30-foot moose!

Vittoria Eastern States CupEn duro Finals, Sept. 6. Mountain bikers will gather at Killington Resort for the Enduro Finals on Sept. 6.

Spartan Race, Sept. 19-20.

Home of the 2014 Spartan World Championship, this course is brutal.

Located in what is known as “Joe’s backyard,” this land is where the company was founded; that means anything goes. Steep slopes. Muddy waters. Huge hills. This epic setting makes for one of our most badass, challenging, demon-riddled Beasts of the year. We’re looking for the baddest beasts of the east to come tear up the terrains where Spartan Race has its roots.

Tractor-trailer wrecked by fast-moving fire

Rutland Herald

By Bryanna Allen
STAFF WRITER | July 28,2015

Photo by Christopher Thayer

Wreckage is all that remains of Jason Guimonds’ tractor-trailer after an engine fire Monday on Elbow Road in Killington.

KILLINGTON — Jason Guimonds had to leap from the cab of his tractor-trailer when the engine burst into flames.

Monday night, the Pittsford resident was driving up Elbow Road with an empty trailer to get a load of firewood when he noticed smoke beginning to pour from beneath the hood.

“One minute it was just a puff of gray smoke and the next it was fully engulfed,” Guimonds said, still a little shaky from the event.

Guimonds said once he noticed the smoke, he stopped the truck and jumped down to check it out.

He then ran back into the cab to grab his fire extinguisher — to no avail.

“I grabbed it and then realized it was too late,” he said, rubbing the singed hairs on his forearms. “By the time I grabbed it, the flames were all the way up to the trees.”

And he was right. Not only was the entire cab of the truck scorched, but so were the leaves high above.

His friend and logging partner, Brian Hier, said he heard the whole thing from farther up the road.

“I was waiting for him to bring the truck up here so we could start loading, but then I just heard banging and clattering, then heard Jason shouting,” he said.

Hier said he then ran down the hill to see his friend on the phone calling for help as the truck was devoured by flames.

“I’ve never seen anything like this before,” Hier said.

Neither Hier nor Guimonds said they had any idea what started the fire, and the firefighters who responded were equally without a clue.

Mark Fiore, captain of the Killington Volunteer Fire Department, said by the time they got to the scene around 5:10 p.m., there was nothing but a smoldering wreck.

“There was nothing left,” he said. “It was a quick response, but also a quick fire. The good thing is that no one was hurt.”

The Killington firefighters were accompanied by the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department and the Mendon Police, who said the fire is not being labeled suspicious.

And although an old truck, Guimonds said, it was his heart and soul and he had recently put money into “dolling it up.”

He and Hier stood for a while just looking at what was supposed to be the quick Monday night task of gathering firewood.

“It’s a good thing that we hadn’t loaded it with logs yet,” Hier said. “But too bad we didn’t have any hot dogs to roast.”

Local Muralist Honored At Killington Event

Vermont Standard

Posted date: Friday, July 24 2015In: Archive, Killington, News, People & PlacesNo Comments

By Virginia Dean, Standard Correspondent
KILLINGTON — Even though local artist Peter Gould doesn’t consider himself to be a good artist, members of the Sherburne Memorial Library would strongly disagree – so much so that they just renamed their children’s department the Peter Gould Children’s Library with a plaque that reads, “In honor of a man who captures the wonder of childhood.”
The recent honor was part of the library’s third annual Ann Wallen Day celebration. Wallen was a commercial artist in New York City and came to the Rutland-Killington area and used her talents and energy to support the arts and develop a diversified community atmosphere.
“She was instrumental in the formation of the Killington Art Guild and in helping raise funds to furnish the Sherburne Memorial Library when the current building was built in 1999,” said Library Director Jane Ramos. “Ann was a wonderful teacher, mentor and community supporter and built a legacy of compassion and caring.”
Now joining the likes of Wallen, Gould has worked on a number of murals for the children’s department at Sherburne Library since December 2014.
“Much like Ann, he has a warm and generous spirit and is a phenomenal artist who has been able to capture the wonder of childhood in each and every brush stroke,” said Ramos. “People who have stopped in to see his work leave in awe using words like enchanting and magical.”
Festivities began late morning last Saturday with local award winning quartet Bullseye followed by a potluck community lunch and an open house in the children’s department to honor Gould and his work.
“I never expected that,” said Gould. “I don’t know what to say. I just wanted to create a place where people could come, get lost in the art and not want to leave.”
Arriving in the Killington area in the 1970s, Gould spent most of his life bartending. He has always dabbled with paint but started making a living selling art a few years ago. He works mostly with acrylics but loves pen and ink and pencil drawings as well.
In 2005, Gould painted a room in the library’s children department, turning the children’s bathroom into a Tiki hut complete with beach scene, bright jungle animals, and glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling.
Last year, the artist worked on a project to turn an office into a usable children’s space.
“We paid him what we could but no amount of money could come close to what his art is worth,” Ramos said.
Gould chose to paint shelving with windows in between to make the space look more like a children’s room. Visitors brought in stuffed animals for him to paint on the shelves. Each window looks out to a different season.
“The room detail is hard to describe,” said Ramos. “It is breathtaking and something you really have to see in person to appreciate. Peter is very humble an unassuming but he is an outstanding talent who has a eye for seeing the wonder and whimsy of things. Patrons walk into the room and don’t ever want to leave.”
Each of Gould’s murals contains a story in which children become enthralled, Ramos said.
“You can get lost in the detail he paints into every piece,” Ramos said. “Patrons use terms like awesome, beautiful, or extraordinary when they see what he has created for us.”
Gould also has other pieces of his works on display at the library and often displays his art at such local places as the Liquid Art coffeehouse and gallery that has a loyal local following for its signature martinis and unique restaurant menus.
“We hope folks will take some time to stop in and see the wondrous world he has created here at the Sherburne Library and encourage folks to purchase his paintings,” said Ramos. “Each one is a masterpiece. We’re very lucky to have such a talent here in Killington.”