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.

Canoe on Woodward Resevoir 

I had another story planned for today, but this unexpectedly caught my attention. There is quite a bit to do up in Killington this summer if you know where to look..

My sister is coming up to visit with her family and friends(4 couples with kids). They have rented a house in Killington for the week. She asked us if we could put together a list of things to do in the area. Mary collected a bunch of information for her and put together a short list. Since I hang out on the golf course for my summer recreation, when I saw the list, it just hit me how much there is to do at Killington. The short list given to my sister, includes the following:

- Beach : There is a nice beach on Echo Lake. Take Route 100 south to the Echo Lake Inn. At the inn, take a left. The road brings you to the beach. At the beach they have paddle boats and a bath house.
- Tubing: Route 100 North to Stockbridge. Get tubes at the Stockbridge General Store.
- Renaissance Faire : This weekend the 30th and 31st at the Cortina Inn. $10 for Adults, $5 for kids, Under 5 Free.
- Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences (VINS). They have a raptor exhibit (Birds of Prey). $8 for adults, $6.50 kids. (Very good)
- Killington Adventure Center : Thursday thru Sunday's Alpine Slide at Pico, Gondola, Water Slide, Climbing Wall, Bungie Thing, Mountain Biking,,, Adults $30 all day, Kids (under 4 feet tall) $10.
- Summer Concert Series - Sherburne Library (The name of the Killington Library) Every Thursday night in the summer. Next week it's Joey Leone with a night of Jazz, Classic Rock, and Blues. Thursday Aaugust 4th at 6:00. Don't forget to bring a picnic supper and have it on Library Lawn
- Pamper yourself with a spa treatment. Spa at the Woods - Manicure $45, Pedicure $60, Massage, $75. Full health club
- Deers Leap - Nice hike up to the top of Deers Leap Cliff. Great picnic destination. 45 minutes up...30 minutes down. One of many great hikes in the forest around Killington.

The local papers including the Mountain Times and the Rutland Herald have a bunch of additional activities listed each week. If you are coming to Killington this summer, I'm sure that wherever you stay, your innkeeper will be glad to recommend things to do.

(PS. Golf is great at Killington. The courses are in the best shape of the summer...)

Sign at Killington town offices on River Road 

The Killington select-board, in a public hearing convened during their normal biweekly select-board meeting, approved a new version of the Town Plan for Killington. The public hearing was attended by less than a dozen local citizens. While the plan is not substantially different from the previous plan, there was significant discussion concerning the plan language for R3 districts. An R3 designation means that a property needs approximately 3 acres minimum before development can take place on the property. A R3 district nominally calls for a single family home density of 1 home per 3 acres. However, the R3 district also allows developers to exceed this density (they are allowed 1 home per 1 acre) if they develop the property under a PUD (planned unit development) approach. Some local citizens were concerned that this approach was causing parts of North Sherburne to experience development at densities higher than was originally conceived under the R3 rating. After listening to the discussion, the selectmen advised the citizens that the proper place to effect change is with the town Zoning plan, which is prepared by the Town Planning Commission.

The only other significant change in the Killington town plan appeared to be a relaxation of plan requirements for development in the Commercial Districts in town (primarily along the Killington Road). The select-board changed the town plan to allow development to take place on parcels less than 1 acre, with no side and rear setbacks. While not yet implemented in the town Zoning regulations, it is anticipated that when zoning changes take place, cluster development in the commercial districts will face an easier time in the permit approval process. The new Town Plan was passed unanimously by the select-board and referred back to the Planning Commission for follow through. Copies of the town plan are available at Killington Town Office.

For those interested in further reading, the town planning process is covered under Vermont's Act 250 statutes. A Vermont Town Plan Guide is available online from the University of Vermont.

In related discussions at the select-board meeting, the ongoing prospects for development of a new Village at the base of Killington was briefly discussed. There have been several articles in the Rutland Herald of late quoting officials from the Resort and Centex (the development company being used to develop at least parts of the project) concerning thier ongoing planning process. The select-board were reacting to these articles, and letters from Centex asking the board to expedite rule making processes to allow clarification of some issues prior to permit application. The select-board, it appears, have not been briefed on the development process lately by either the Resort or Centex. It will make for an interesting next few months if in fact the Resort and Centex file for a permit without doing the education of town officials necessary to expedite the approval process.