Bear near Roaring Brook Road (Photo by JohnnyC) 

In addition to rain showers visiting Killington on a regular basis this summer, visits by Eastern Black Bears are also on the rise around towm.

While occasional bear sightings are nothing new, this year there seems to be a larger bear population in the area than normal. Over the last 12 years at the inn, we have never noticed a bear on the property. We pay particular attention to our trash dumpster, as this is prime pickings for wild life. In the last couple of weeks, the situation has changed. Up and down the Killington Road dumpsters have been "raided" by a bear making the "circuit". Dumpsters up and down the road are sprouting tie down straps to make it harder for the late night poacher to get inside and make a mess.

During the day, many of our friends have reported bear sightings along the roads in the area. Today's picture is from JohnnyC, the gentleman who cuts our lawn at the inn. He lives approximately 800 yards away from the inn as the crow flies. He took this picture from his front deck of a black bear walking at the edge of the forest in his yard. No special camera or telephoto lens...JohhnyC was just up close and personal with a black bear in his back yard.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has published a lot of information on Black Bears in Vermont. Follow the link for more information.

Mary on the deck at Bear Mountain 

I guess it's a good thing! Summer has arrived this week to Killington.

The cold and wet weather that has been hanging tough at Killington for the last couple of months appears to have been broken. In its place, we have seen warm (low 80's) and damp (humidity around 70%) conditions overtake the area. While I tend to enjoy the cool weather, I live in Vermont after all, the last few warm days have been glorious.

This afternoon Mary and I took advantage of the weather to venture out on the mountain. We packed a lunch and wound up on the deck over at the Bear Mountain Base Lodge. Bear Mountain is very secluded this time of year, being on the "other side" of the resort. We had the deck to ourselves except for some barn swallows, and the roar of streams cascading down the mountain side. It was great to be outside!

Where ever you may be this weekend, get outside... and don't forget your sunscreen!

Noelie and Dick Gluck 

Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

11 years ago, Noel Gluck was diagnosed with breast cancer. Instead of adopting a "woe is me" approach, she decided to fight back. With the support of her husband, Dick, and her many friends, she has beaten back the disease. But she did not stop there.

Noel and Dick harnessed their family and friends to support research and treatment efforts for other women fighting breast cancer. "Team Killington" was born 10 years ago to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Since its inception, "Team Killington" has gotten hundreds of Killington locals and second home owners involved in raising money for the Komen Foundations' efforts. In the last 10 years, over $60,000 has been raised through the dedication of the Glucks and "Team Killington".

This year, Noelie was chosen Vermont Survivor of the Year by the Komen Foundation for her work to help fight breast cancer.

Small acts of kindness CAN make a big difference.

The Eighth Annual Killington Wine Festival went off without a hitch the last weekend. Even the weather cooperated with bright sunshine during Saturday afternoons Grand Tasting.

Embeded above is a video from the Killington Resort taken at this years festival... Enjoy! (Editors Note 7/22: I changed the link to a Youtube Feed from a Brightcove feed for better performance and to allow it to run on an Iphone/Itouch.)

Tent at K1 Gondola Base for Killington Wine Festival 

It is down to the short straws now... After volunteering my time to manage the Killington Wine Festival for the Killington Chamber of Commerce we are down to 2 days left to get everything done.

Under a beautiful sunny sky, the tent to support the event at the K1 Gondola Base Station was put up on Wednesday. Wine and food deliveries have also started with most of them teed up for Thursday. I can't tell you how many boxes are now occupying the Killington Chamber Office between programs, wine glasses and other swag.

The festival kicks off on Friday night at the Killington Grand Hotel for a tasting of estate and reserve wines. A special wine party, "The Crush", at the pool of the Killington Grand if the weather allows, also takes place Friday evening.

Saturday is the big day for the Grand Tasting at 4241'. This year we have 33 wine tasting tables set up between the tent at K1 and the restaurant at Killington peak. We also have a few other goodies as well which each guest to Saturday's festival can enjoy. (Champagne and chocolates anyone?)

If you would like more information about this weekends Killington Wine Festival, visit the Killington Chamber of Commerce's web site, or call the chamber office at 800.773.4181

Where ever you may be...don't forget your sunscreen.

Finally some sun on the mountain! 

Killington residents and visitors today were quaking in fear as the sky appeared to be on fire early this morning. A bright yellow orb hung over the Killington Basin, replacing the dark overcast and torrential rains of the last several weeks. The sun was shining!

I have not been good updating the blog this summer, and I apologize. Typing one handed has been a drag, but that is rapidly coming to an end as I complete my first round of physical therapy to heal the shoulder surgery I had a month ago. I doubt I will be swinging golf clubs this season, but I will start strength training for my shoulder in about 2 weeks.... so we will see.

I have been spending most of my time in my office working on the details of next weekends Killington Wine Festival. The festival logistics planning is just about complete. The festival did get a small write up in todays Wall Street Journal. ...Next week will be interesting as we watch ticket sales to the event grow every day. Last year we had close to 500 people on the mountain. Keep your fingers crossed about this year.

Of course, now that the sun has returned, get out and enjoy summer.... and don't forget your sunscreen.

2008 Check Presentation Ceremony at the Birch Ridge Inn. From l-r....Team Killington member Dr. George Lyons, Birch Ridge Innkeepers Bill Vines and Mary Furlong, Team Killington Organizers Dick and Noel Gluck, and Team Killington member Charlotte Lang. 

For the fourth consecutive year, the Birch Ridge Inn at Killington will host a special Sunday Brunch to benefit "Team Killington" and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. This year, the Brunch will take place on Sunday July 5th. Each year, local residents Dick and Noel Gluck organize Killington area residents and guests to form "Team Killington" to participate in the Komen FoundationÕs Vermont "Race for the Cure". The 17th Annual Komen VT-NH "Race for the Cure" takes place on Sunday July 26th. The innkeepers of the Birch Ridge Inn, Bill Vines and Mary Furlong, will donate all proceeds generated at the brunch to Team KillingtonÕs efforts in support of the Komen Foundation.

For this special day, Chef Stephen "Frizzie" Byrne brings back his legendary brunch menu. Brunch favorites made famous by Chef Byrne, such as "Eggs Sylvie", "Schnitzel ala Holstein", and "Hunters Toast" will be paired with additions from the award winning Birch Ridge Inn restaurants' menu. The "Team Killington" Brunch will be served at the Birch Ridge Inn on Sunday July 5th from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Seating is first come, first served.

In addition to this special brunch to benefit the Komen Foundation, the restaurant at Birch Ridge as re-opened for Killingtons' summer season. During the summer months, dinner is served Wednesday thru Saturday evenings starting at 6:00 PM. For additional information about Sunday Brunch at Birch Ridge, or for summer dinner and lodging reservations, call the inn at 800-435-8566, or 802-422-4293, or go online to www.birchridge.com.

We hope to see you on Sunday in support of Team Killington and the Komen Foundation.