Alert Level Elevated per Department of Homeland Security 

OK... We are fighting a war!. People are dying (no disrespect here...this is really serious.) Troops need body armor and armored vehicles. The budget deficit is heading to the moon faster than you can say NASA. And yet, we take a pause in the action to do a Homeland Security Survey of business in Killington. Yes, you got that right, a Homeland Security Survey of business in Killington.

Yesterday afternoon, around 5PM, there was a nice gentleman wandering around our inn, bright red shirt on, clipboard in hand. He is here to do a survey of the property for the fire department paid for and required by the Department of Homeland Security. Now I have absolutely no complaints about the Sherburne Volunteer Fire Department. The people in the department are great, and are working for the best interest of the town of Killington. I also have no problem with people or agencies acquiring funding for projects based upon what our legislative leaders decide to fund. If the money is available by some statute, go for it and get it... because somebody else will...However, why is the money available in the first place?

It is quite rational for the Fire Department to survey business to be prepared just in case something awful happens. But why is this coming out of the Homeland Security Budget? Don't we have more important things to do with our national tax dollars than a pencil sketch site drawing of a small inn in a small town in Vermont? Bottom line... if the funding is available for this sort of thing, I congratulate local officials for figuring out how to acquire it and spend it. But why is funding available for this sort of thing in the first place??? Just my opinion, no body asked...

Mountain Bikers preparing for a lift up Killington 

Mountain biking is not just for the young and foolish. Just recently we played hosts to a delightful couple from Germany who came to Killington to mountain bike. They have stayed with us before, experiencing Killington for skiing during the winter. At the time they expressed an interest in visiting us in the summer, and we were happy to see them when they arrived.

Being thirty somethings, and in impressive physical shape (she ran the Boston Marathon this spring and was disappointed in a sub 3 hour time) they decided that they were going to bike up as well as down the mountain. They started at the Basin Ski Shop where they rented a bike (he brought his with him) and proceeded to bike straight up the mountain. They spent the day using Killington's trail system as a playground, returning to the Basin to pick up their car and purchase an assortment of ski gear to prepare for the upcoming winter.

On their second day, they took the bikes by car to the Chittenden Reservoir. Around the reservoir there is an 11 mile loop that combines mountain terrain with stunning views of the water. They finished up on the contra trail in Pittsfield with another 6 miles of workout.

The Killington region offers a real variety of biking challenges for those so inclined. Drop us a line if you have something to share about your mountain biking experiences at Killington.

Happy Birthday Dad 

I have not had a chance to post much over the last couple of days due to a project I have been working on, and a much needed trip to Cape Cod to visit with my folks. My father turned 80 this week. As much as I dislike traveling to the Cape in the summer, after all I prefer the mountains versus the beach, it was important to visit and celebrate one of life's milestones.

When you think of all that has occurred in the world in the last 80 years, it's hard to comprehend. I won't bore you with some pithy commentary about all my father has experienced during his time on the planet. Just simply, I realize I would not have the opportunity to live at Killington and write this blog without the hard work and sacrifice he endured to make sure life was good for his family. If you are among the lucky ones reading this blog whose father is still with us, give him a call. You both will appreciate it!.

Riders on the alpine slide at Pico 

No summer adventure in Killington would be complete without a trip down the Alpine Slide at Pico Mountain. The ride up to the slide, on a triple chair lift, is fun especially for those unfamiliar with winter activities at Pico. But it gets really exciting when you get on the slide and start careening down a chute on a sled equipped with a rudimentary braking system that most people only use at the very bottom to stop the sled at the end of the ride. A single ride on the slide, including the chair lift up, is $7.00. No one can do just one ride however, so a 5 pack is available for $28.00.

In addition to the Alpine Slide, you will also find mini-golf, a climbing wall, and a "Bungee Thing" located at the Pico base lodge for summer fun.

Sign at Killington town offices on River Road 

The plan by Killington to secede from Vermont and join New Hampshire is back in the news. The select-board, in cooperation with the town manager, Dave Lewis, are considering formally requesting that the legislature of Vermont consider the matter. Last fall, the New Hampshire legislature passed a bill calling for a study to consider Killington joining the Granite State. That bill had a clause in it which results in no action until the legislature in Vermont passes a similar bill, so that the two legislative bodies could work together. To date, no action has been taken by the Vermont legislature, other than to mock the proposal by Killington to secede. To get the process moving forward, the select-board is looking at the options to introduce a bill before the legislature. The bill would either be stand-alone, or piggybacked on a proposal made by a legislator last year to examine charging towns seceding from Vermont an "Exit Fee" for the privilege.

This issue is starting to heat up again for several reasons. Act 60/68 tax bills are due. Killington once again saw taxes increase. Also, late last week, a Rutland Superior Court judge once again dismissed a suit brought by the "Coalition of Municipalities", asking for Act 60/68 to be overturned. The reason the judge gave was based upon the legal technicality that Towns in Vermont are chartered by the legislature, and as such are "creatures of the state" without the right to sue the state.

In the interest of completeness, it should be noted that at town meeting, I voted to allow the select-board to pursue the succession issue, and I voted to allow the town to pursue all legal avenues. My personal opinion is that debates about taxes and education are healthy. There a pros and cons to both sides; as long as we all agree that educating children is a priority. However, as to the legal process I do have my concerns. In particular, I think that we are all headed down a very slippery slope (and I am not talking about skiing) when a judge rules that a duly authorized representative (i.e. the town government) of a citizen (i.e. the residents of Killington) is not allowed to bring legal action against the state when authorized to do so by the citizen.

Team Killington at the Race for the Cure.
Photo by Charlotte 

Team Killington was once again well represented at the Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure". The race, which took place on Saturday, July 31, saw over 110 participants from the Killington area who walked or ran in support of this annual Breast Cancer foundation event. Between sponsorships, donations, and entry fees, Team Killington raised over $6000 for the foundation.

Dick and Noel Gluck, again this year, deserve a lot of credit for coordinating the efforts to make Team Killingtons participation a great success (and for hosting the after race Team Killington party.) If you are interested in participating next year, or making a contribution, send a note to us at killingtonblog.com and we will get you in touch with the Gluck's.

Sherburne Public Library at Killington 

Each Thursday evening, the Sherburne Public Library, on River Road in Killington, is hosting a summer concert series. The events start at 6:00 and run till around 7:30. The concerts are held on the lawn at the library. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic to make a night of it.

Upcoming concers include Joey Leone on August 4th with an eveing of Jazz, Classic Rock and R and B. On August 11th, you will spend the eveing with the Brass Connection, a quartet featuring Brass horns.