Top Stories for Tuesday March 1, 2016

Celebrating The Ancient Art Of Glass Blowing And Anticipating Classes For All Ages At Orwell Glass
By Cookie Steponaitis
Orwell Glass owned by John Chiles opened its doors in 2002 and produces glass for galleries, architects, lighting designers and local shops. Glass artist Chiles began making glass in the early 1980’s and worked in shops and factory settings. Working with glass for Chiles is a lifetime pursuit and one he enjoys sharing with people of all ages and walks of life. “For me the actual making part is like a sport, you can always get better at it, it is very physical and challenging,” explained Chiles. “I get a lot of satisfaction and inspiration from the process itself and find designing both product lines and one of kind pieces to be equally challenging and rewarding in their respective ways.”  [ more ]

Local Orator Advances To State Championship

For the 63rd year, contestants from across the state of Vermont will come together to compete on March 5th at Middlebury College for the honor of representing the state of Vermont at the national competition of the American Legion Oratorical. With top national prizes of $18,000, $16,000 and $14,000, the best of the high school orators from around the nation compete annually for scholarship money.
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And Soon We Gather Together A Look at Town Meeting
By Cookie Steponaitis
On the first Tuesday of March each year something truly American and unique happens. All around the state, towns hold meetings to elect officials, conduct business, approve the budget and discuss and vote as citizens. Whether brief or lengthy, these gatherings are the living proof of direct democracy and that people can and do govern themselves. The presence of discussion, debate and even possible disagreement are not only seen and heard but encouraged. Each citizen’s voice can be heard and often does make the difference in the outcome of a discussion or a vote.
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