Top Stories for Tuesday March 22, 2016

Farming Hunting And Fishing Sharing Memories With Larry Blackmer
By Cookie Steponaitis
As the ground begins to thaw and nature sends out messages of the coming spring Vermonters of all ages begin to appear outdoors. Larry Blackmer’s grin get bigger and the twinkle in his eyes gets brighter whether he is talking about farming, hunting, fishing or simply walking through the woods as spring approaches. The land and nature are teacher, partner and blessing all rolled up into one for Larry. He was born in 1937 on the Keller farm in Orwell to a farm family. Larry, his brothers Gerald, Ralph and his mother and father Ralph and Jessie knew first-hand how the Great Depression spared no family and played no favorites. Larry’s family lost the farm during the Great Depression like several families in the valley and made their living working for other farms around the region.
  [ more ]

Addison County Line Dancers Bring Fun For Family And Friends
By Cookie Steponaitis
Krystal Sweeney and Andrea Warren have been line dancing for a total of twenty eight years between the pair. Sweeney was previously part of “Country Pleasure Dancing” alongside Keith and Annie Craig and Warren for about six years in New York State. Both recognized the need and interest in the Champlain Valley to bring line dancing back and after talking to a lot of people and researching decided to open line dancing to the community at the New Haven Town Hall. While the pair expected a “fair turn out” they were blown away by the close to 150 people of all ages that showed up. “Line dancing is appealing to so many because it is a source of exercise that is fun and easy to learn,”commented Sweeney. “It does not require a partner and is a way to meet new people in the community.”  [ more ]

The Sweet Smell Of Spring At Triple T Mapleworks In Shoreham
By Mike Cameron
Michael Burns and Michelle Matot boil maple sap on Tuesday March 15th 2016 at their sugar house on the Shoreham Whiting Road.  Michael, Michelle and their children Taylor, Tanner and Taryn have every reason to be proud of their operation.  The sweet smell of success begins with plenty of hard work and planning.  The business property has been in the family for over 100-years. 
  [ more ]