Central Vermont Biz Bits

Montpelier’s ranking in AARP Magazine as one of the best places to live “the simple life” underscores the city’s exceptional quality. While Mountaineers fans may quibble with AARP’s claim that politics is the city’s top sporting event, most residents would agree the golden dome shelters both entertainment and historical assets. Montpelier residents value their schools, open space, farmers market and recreational facilities very highly. It is great to see their investment recognized nationally.

Barre Town selectboard discussed consolidation of public safety services Tuesday, but tabled the issue of participating in a regional committee. Although most comments were supportive of exploring multi-town solutions, members were clearly irked by Barre City’s recent offer to contract with Berlin for fire and ambulance services.

Con Hogan and Deb Richter have again collaborated in print, a 50-page book pressing the case for Vermont universal health care. Entitled Gridlock: The Unhealthy Politics of Health Care in Vermont, the book is available for $13 (including S&H). Contact chogan@conhogan.com. This blogger does not endorse the arguments or conclusion, but the authors present their case fluidly and forcefully through a mix of data, social passion, and political history.

Mary Ellen Simmons and her son Stephen Looke of East Montpelier are the first to redeem their Pick 6 free attractions registrations for tickets to Lost Nation Theater. The pair visited the Vermont State House, Bragg and Morse farms, Barre’s granite sculptures, and did historic walking tours of Barre and Montpelier this weekend to qualify. Forms and details are posted at central-vt.com/freerewards

Barre’s Heritage Festival organizers deserve a round of hearty applause. A wide range of events offered something for every age and taste. A challenging agenda artfully conducted in challenging times.  A great opportunity to take the family out to enjoy Barre and celebrate its past and its future. Congratulations to all.

Brochures with registration forms for free tickets to Lost Nation Theater have been distributed to more a dozen locations in Barre, including Rock of Ages Visitors Center, Vt Granite Museum at Millstone Hill, Barre Clerk’s office, Depot Square info center/Simply Delicious, Vt History Center, Studio Place Arts, area lodging establishments and restaurants. Obtain verifying signatures when visiting six free attractions and earn a voucher for ticket to Lost Nation Theater. Nothing could be easier - or more fun. Also download a form at central-vt.com/freerewards. Additional brochure distribution next week.

Discussion of regional needs for a regional recreation/seniors facility or programs saw light turnout Wednesday on one of the few dry evenings in recent days. Moderated by Bill Doelger, the meet’s webcast is posted at www.ustream.tv/cvchamber. Meetings held in the Milne Room of the Chamber’s conference space can be webcast live as well as saved for later viewing.

Visit six FREE area attractions, obtain verifying signatures, and redeem for a ticket to Lost Nation Theater! No charge to play. No admission. Take the family to visit free. Enjoy the sights and sounds. Visit six and earn a voucher for a $15 ticket to Lost Nation. What could be easier? Or more fun? Registration form posted at:

central-vt.com/freerewards

Believe it or not, your firewood can kill Vermont trees. Insects and diseases hiding in your firewood can kill trees in Vermont forests. When foreign species are introduced to native trees, the results can be devastating. Visitors and residents are asked to leave their firewood at home and by wood near their camp. More at the link below.

http://www.vtfpr.org/Firewood/index.cfm

Depot Square became more welcoming this morning when Simply Delicious and Bag Ladies Express opened in their new location. The renovated space in the former railroad station provides a gracious entree to the wide variety of confections and gifts as well as the lunch counter. The foyer once again provides visitor information. 479-1498