Arguments over East Middlebury airport expansion

Middlebury town residents disagree over a possible expansion to the East Middlebury airport.  According to Vermont Digger some locals support the expanded airport for safety and economic development reasons.  Others oppose it for sound quality problems, which could impact Ripton, as well as seeing the expansion as a gift solely for the rich.

CD release party on Saturday night

On Saturday night, May 16th, a CD release party will be held at the Ripton Community Church.  Starting at 7:30 PM and running until 9:00 PM, the Michele Fay Band will unleash their new recording.
According to a FrontPorchForum posting,

The band features original and Americana music that brings forth a comfortable groove of folk, swing, and bluegrass-influenced songs that are woven seamlessly together. 

Entrance is $8 for adults, $4 for kids.  There will be food.  Proceeds go towards the continued restoration of this historical building.
For more information, call: 388-1062 or 388-6863.

(thanks to Lisa Knickerbocker and Norm Tjossen)

Fires and no fires in Ripton

We're under a burn ban for the moment, due to very dry weather.

On the Robert Frost Trail the Forest Service conducted a very careful prescribed burn.

 It was dicey to be burning at all. The previous morning, the 15-member crew had assembled only to discover the National Weather Service had just issued a "red flag" advisory warning of high wildfire risk. The combination of 80-degree weather, clear skies, gusting winds, low humidity and still-bare branches made for a significant threat of wildfire. 

"It's kind of like tempting the devil to burn on a red-flag day,'' said Boness, who is fire management officer for the Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests.

Celebration of Life in memory of Justine Billings

Please join us on Saturday, May 16th, for a celebration of Life in memory of Justine Billings.

The event begins at 11 am in the Ripton Community Church.  There will be pot luck food.
(thanks to Lisa Whitman)