Christmas Celebration Draws SRO Crowd

The recent Community Christmas Celebration at Ludlow's Town Hall auditorium drew a much larger audience then expected by FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium), the group that sponsored the show.  According to FOLA estimates, the audience was well-over 200 people.  The audience enjoyed stellar performances by four different student musical groups, a humorous yet touching skit by two Broadway veterans, the lovely music of the Ludlow Community Handbell Choir, a touching solo rendition of 'I'll Be Home For Christmas' by Cara White, a closing sing-along of Christmas songs led by the 6th grade class from Ludlow Elementary School, the wit and charm of George Thomson who acted as program emcee, and, pictured above, the reading of Dylan Thomas' classic poem, 'A Child's Christmas in Wales', by Bruce Farr with Tony Mastaler providing background music on the guitar.  Constance Wilcox and Allison Good provided considerable help with both student musical direction and the handbell choir.

Community Christmas Celebration Dec. 17

Ludlow and the Black River area will enjoy a free "A Community Christmas Celebration" at Ludlow Town Hall's Auditorium on Friday, December 17 at 7 pm.

The program will feature four different student group performances ranging from a Clarinet Choir to a Jazz Band, all made up of local students from Black River High School and Ludlow Elementary School. The 6th grade class from LES will lead a sing-along to end the gala event.


Bruce Farr, a local creative writer and commentator, will read the famous poem by Dylan Thomas, "A Child's Christmas in Wales". Supporting Bruce with the reading of this tale of youth and a remembrance of Christmas will be Tony Masteler on the guitar.


Broadway and TV writers and authors Stan and Jane Hart will offer their own seasonal play, The Lottery Ticket, and Constance Wilcox will lead the Ludlow Community Handbell Choir to open the performance.


There will be a surprise offerring during the celebration that will add to the spirit of Christmas.


George Thomson will tie the entire event together acting as program emcee.


"This will be a chance for FOLA to thank the people for supporting us and to offer everyone a chance to celebrate this holiday with family, friends, and neighbors," said Ralph Pace, FOLA chairman. He indicated that the event was free and open to all to attend.


The Community Christmas Celebration will be at Ludlow's Town Hall on Friday, December 17 at 7 pm. The event is free to everyone. For information, call 802-228-7239.

Broadway/TV Veterans Appear in Christmas Production

Two veterans of Broadway and television will appear in the December 17 production of "A Community Christmas Celebration" at Ludlow's Town Hall Auditorium.

Stan and Jane Hart will perform the skit, "The Lottery Ticket", in the forthcoming holiday revue sponsored by FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium). The skit was written by the Harts and will be seen in its Vermont premiere in the Dec. 17 show.
Stan Hart was the head writer for the Carol Burnett Show on television, winning two Emmy's as a result. He also was a writer for TV specials for Hal Linden, Paul Linde, Carol Burnett with Julie Andrews, and Bonnie Franklin. When not writing for TV, he also managed to write the off-Broadway success, "The Mad Show", which was produced by Hal Prince and ran for twenty-two months, a record run at that time. His screen credits also include "Move", which starred Elliot Gould.
Jane Hart was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for her book, "The Hidden Children: The Secret Survivors of the Holocaust". She also published a number of parenting books, including "We Have a Problem: A Parent's Sourcebook", "Help, My Parents are Driving Me Crazy", and "Help: a Guide to Counseling and Therapy Without a Hassle". She also found time to co-author "Old Enough to Know Better - A Comedy Sketchbook". When not engaged in these works, Jane was contributing editor and writer for Mademoiselle, Glamour, Seventeen, Parents' Magazine. She also was a contributor to: Woman's Day, Glamour, Working Woman, Town and Country, Ladies' Home Journal, Good Housekeeping, New York Times Magazine, New York Magazine, Readers' Digest, McCall's, and others.


The skit will be one of the many segments of the Community Christmas Celebration. The program will open with the Bell Ringers, led by Connie Wilcox. Also included in the program will be a reading of Thomas' "A Child's Christmas in Wales", read by Bruce Farr with Tony Masteller playing guitar support, an excerpt from the Nutcracker Suite, the Black River High School jazz band, and music provided by the high school chorus and the a sing-along led by students from the Ludlow Elementary School.


George Thomson will tie the entire event together acting as program emcee.


"This will be a chance for FOLA to thank the people for supporting us and to offer everyone a chance to celebrate this holiday with family, friends, and neighbors," said Ralph Pace, FOLA chairman. He indicated that the event was free and open to all to attend.
The Community Christmas Celebration will be at Ludlow's Town Hall on Friday, December 17 at 7 pm. For information, call 802-228-7239.

FOLA Plans Christmas Program for BR Area

FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) announced the program for its Christmas Revue of Friday, December 17 at the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium, starting at 7 PM.

Working closely with Connie Wilcox, the program will consist of a wide range of holiday music along with a seasonal reading and playlet. Current plans will call for the students from Black River High School to provide some piano treats from the Nutcracker Suite, a number by the high school jazz band, featured singing by the BRHS chorus, and, to top of the evening, a sing-along lead by members of the Ludlow Elementary School's 6th grade class.

In addition to these treats, Connie Wilcox will direct the Bell Ringers in Christmas music, Bruce Farr, accompanied by guitarist Tony Masteller, will read Dylan Thomas' "A Child's Christmas in Wales", and the Harts will perform a little playlet called "The Lottery", supplying some holiday humor.

To oversee the entire event, George Thomson has agreed to act as emcee.

According to FOLA chairperson, Ralph Pace, the Christmas program is free and open to everyone. "It's our way of wishing everyone a very happy and peaceful Christmas and expressing our thanks for the community's support."

FOLA Gets Movie Equipment

Pictured above are Jerry and David from Edgewood Studios in Rutland with some of the motion picture and media equipment they delivered to the Ludlow Auditorium today.  The equipment, funded by donations from over 90 people plus an award from the 2010 Ludlow Town Meeting, will be used to show classic and recently-released family-oriented films to Ludlow and surrounding area residents in the auditorium.

According to Ralph Pace, Chair of FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium), the purchasers of the equipment, Edgewood Studios will return to the auditorium in mid to late fall to finalize the setup of the equipment, designed to project films onto a large screen being purchased by the town.
A special "movie" committee is preparing to decided what films will be shown and the dates for them.

Pace noted that "all we need now is about $1,000 to enable us to finalize the legal requirements for displaying copyrighted films and purchase a popcorn machine to make everyone feel at home at the movies."

FOLA OFFERS ‘CELTIC MUSIC IN OVERDRIVE’

In keeping with its plans to bring great entertainment to the recently-restored Auditorium in Ludlow's Town Hall, the Friends of Ludlow Auditorium (FOLA) announced that it had aranged to have the internationally-acclaimed musical group, Gypsy Reel, perform in the Ludlow Auditorium on Nov. 6. Gypsy Reel play high energy stirring music rooted in the Celtic tradition but garnered from the whole world. Their music is an exciting synthesis of world rhythms and influences from 3 continents. Their latest studio album, ‘Red Red Rose' features music from the tradition and original material from the band and is their eighth CD. Their tours of the States, Canada, Central America and the UK have gained them rave reviews - ‘Ended the set in a frenzy’, ‘Gypsy Reel rocks stage at Charleston Spoleto Festival’, & ‘Fine sparky playing - bags of originality’. As a band based in Ludlow for over twenty five years, they are delighted to be back at the Ludlow Auditorium for this special fund raising concert on November 6th. The line-up includes hot banjoist Claudine Langille, formerly of ‘Touchstone’, the sensational Irish/American fusion band that won critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic, Graham Parker – eclectic fiddler extraoirdinaire; and Camille Parker who has captivated the hearts of audiences across the globe with her singing in Spanish, French and English. For this concert they will be joined by special guest Dave Paton on concertina. Dave most recently played with them on a live Celtic broadcast on WGBH radio in Boston. FOLA chair Ralph Pace enthused that "having Gypsy Reel perform in the auditorium will really make the place come alive. Hopefully it will be the beginning of a long-term relationship."

Ludlow Debate Draws Over 90

The debate among the five Democratic Party candidates for the party's nomination for Governor drew over 90 people last night in Ludlow's Town Hall Auditorium. The debate was sponsored by FOLA, Friends of Ludlow Auditorium.


Consisting of Susan Bartlett, Matt Dunne, Deb Markowitz, Doug Racine, and Peter Shumlin, the debate covered topics ranging from Ludlow's educational property tax, single-payer health care system in Vermont, to a balanced budget requirement for the legislature.


Ralph Pace acted as moderator while David Almond served as time-keeper.


A news account of the debate is available on the Black River Today blog by clicking here.

OYAP Concert Draws Over 100

In its first two concerts in the Ludlow Hall Auditorium, the Okemo Young Artists Program (OYAP) has drawn close to 200 attendees.  Over 100 attended the second concert which featured senior student and faculty members in a memorable concert performance.

In addition to the concerts at Town Hall, OYAP is presenting weekly concerts at the United Church of Ludlow on Tuesday and the Sugar House on Okemo Mountain on Wednesday.  All concerts on these dates start at 7:30 PM  and will continue through July 14.

OYAP will present a special 4th of July concert at the Calvin Coolidge State Historic site in Plymouth starting at 2 PM.  Its final concert will be at the Sugar House on Friday, July 16 to close its season.

FOLA Starts Fund Raising Effort to Fund Movie Equipment

In an effort to purchase equipment for Ludlow's Town Hall auditorium to show movies and other graphic displays, FOLA has started a fund raising campaign.  According to Ralph Pace, FOLA Chairman, the equipment, which will cost $7,500, is valued at over $40,000 when both the hardware, wiring, and technical support are considered.

FOLA plans on showing recently-released and classic family films for local residents who are unable to attend the only for-profit movie theaters that are hours away from them.  The equipment will also the town and other groups to utilize state-of-the-art graphics equipment for everything from PowerPoint presentations to travel slideshows  - all on a large screen.

Donations may be sent to:

FOLA
1 Whispering Pines
Ludlow, VT  05149

All donations are tax-deductible and will be acknowledged.

OYAP Group to Perform on TW3

Talented young students and faculty of the Okemo Young Artists Program will again bring their exciting chamber and solo music to the Black River area. Celebrating a month-long series of free classical concerts, they will begin with a Gala Opening Night performance Thursday, June 17 at 7:30 PM at their Sugar House Lodge training facility on Okemo Mountain. The series continues with four weeks of concerts every Saturday (Ludlow Town Hall auditorium), Tuesday (United Church of Ludlow), and Wednesday (Sugar House Lodge). The festival runs from the June 17 Gala through the Grand Finale performance on Friday, July 16 (Sugar House Lodge) and the public is invited to all concerts, which mark the group ’s 5th season at Okemo Mountain. All events are free; goodwill donations are welcome and applied toward scholarship funds. Picture above are members of the Okemo Quartet: Ade Williams (age 13), Hansuh Rhee (age 13), Mira Williams (age 12), and Josiah Yoo (age 12). The students are members of the prestigious Academy of the Music Institute of Chicago and were semi-finalists in the Junior Division this year's Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition.  Prior to their appearance in concert, the quartet will be guests on TW3 (That Was The Week That Was) on channel 8, LPC-TV.

FOLA Gets Piano For Auditorium

Following a lengthy quest, the Friends of Ludlow Auditorium (FOLA) realized one of its major objectives when it was able to see a piano installed in the auditorium of Ludlow's Town Hall. Due to the generosity of Glenn Brown of Ellison Lake Road, a very rare and historic piano was delivered to Town Hall this past week. "The piano, an upright baby grand piano, along with its matching bench, will provide a fundamental musical tool to support a number of possible attractions in the auditorium," noted FOLA chairman, Ralph Pace. He added that the condition of the "new" piano was excellent, citing its cherry wood construction, raised top, and beautiful sound. Pace said that FOLA plans to have the instrument tuned very soon. Pictured above, enjoying the piano, are Anita Alic, FOLA member, standing, and Frank Heald, seated, Ludlow's Town Manager.

FOLA Gets Some Help Preparing for Movies

In keeping with its efforts to present first run and classic movies to Ludlow residents, members of the Friends of Ludlow Auditorium (FOLA) gathered in the auditorium with its technical consultant, David Giancola of Edgewood Studios in Rutland, to consider where the projector to show movies will be positioned. The position of the projector dictates the size and lens of the projector needed. Pictured above in the auditorium's balcony are, from left to right, Frank Heald, Ludlow Town Manager, Jean Egglesston and Janet Pace, members of the FOLA board, and David Giancola. Giancola, who provided technical assistant to Rutland's Paramount Theatre's efforts to install large screen facilities to present major movies, noted that he was pleasantly surprised by both the restoration work and attractiveness of the Ludlow auditorium.

FOLA Sponsors Gubernatorial Debates

At its recent meeting, the Directors of Friends of Ludlow Auditorium (FOLA) decided to conduct two major political debates in the auditorium at Ludlow's Town Hall. FOLA has invited all five Democratic Candidates for Governor to participate in a debate on Thursday, July 29. Following the recently-rescheduled primary elections in August, FOLA will sponsor a General Election gubernatorial debate of all candidates appearing on the November ballot. This debate will take place on Thursday, October 14.


Ralph Pace, FOLA Chair, indicated that details for both debates would be released within a month.


"Our first priority is to get all the candidates to participate in these important debates," Pace said. He noted that invitations had already been sent to the five Democratic Party candidates: Deb Markowitz, Doug Racine, Susan Bartlett, Peter Shumlin, and Matt Dunne. Additionally, Brian Dubie, the unchallenged Republican candidate for Governor, had been notified of the Oct. 14 debate.


"While details for these debates are still to be worked out," Pace continued, "I think they should be of great interest to everyone in the area. The next Governor of Vermont will have some difficult and painful decisions to propose. These debates will give the electorate some idea of what those decisions may be."

Young Artists Program Set Dates For Ludlow Auditorium Concerts

The Friends of Ludlow Auditorium (FOLA) has announced the scheduled dates for performances by the Okemo Young Artists Program (OYAP) in the Ludlow auditorium in Town Hall this summer.


According to Annalee Letchinger, OYAP Administrator, the concerts will be scheduled for Saturday evenings on June 19, June 26, July 3, and July 10.


These concerts will feature both the faculty and students participating in the OYAP festival. The festival is a month-long teaching and performance experience for young artists of the violin, viola, cello, and piano. The faculty, headed by Marko Dreher, consists of profesional musicians.
Additional concerts, scheduled in other venues, will be announced as dates are scheduled.

FOLA Seeks Piano for Town Hall

The newly-formed Friends of Ludlow Auditorium (FOLA) is seeking a grand piano for the auditorium in Ludlow Town Hall.

According to FOLA Chairperson, Ralph Pace, the group has arranged for five master concerts next summer in the auditorium for the Okemo Young Artists Program. "The only problem," Pace said, "is that they need a grand piano for their performances."

Pace noted that FOLA has made acquisition of a grand piano its first priority. Pace added, "We need a grand piano in the auditorium for a number of reasons beyond those of the Okemo Young Artists Program. Many musical groups depend on a piano to augment their programs. Additionally, it would be of use to local students and school performances."

H also noted that the auditorium could use a regular piano, in good condition, for other musical support.

FOLA was organized to support and promote the use of the newly-renovated auditorium in Ludlow Town Hall.

Pace said, "FOLA's mission is to encourage and promote the use of the renovated auditorium in town Hall for all appropriate forms of the performing arts". He added that "Ludlow has a great venue to support the entertainment and education of its residents. FOLA is a means of ensuring that area residents will benefit from it".

Anyone who would like to donate a grand piano to the auditorium, or a regular piano in good tuning and condition, may contact Pace at 802-228-7239 or ralphpace@tds.net.

Chittenden Awards FOLA $250

The Friends of Ludlow Auditorium (FOLA) recentlt received a $250 award from the employees of the Ludlow Branch of Chittenden Bank. The award was earned by the Chittenden employees for their achievements on behalf of the bank. "It was decided by the employees to give this award to FOLA, a move that we are extremely grateful for," said FOLA Chair, Ralph Pace. Pictured above, from left to right, are Abe Leber, Ralph Pace, Barbara LeMire, and Linda Olivieri. FOLA will use the funds to help it purchase a movie projector that will be used to show recently-released and classic films at the newly-renovated auditorium in Ludlow's Town Hall. The projector will be donated to the town.

Town Meeting Awards $3,000 to FOLA

The 2010 Ludlow Town Meeting was FOLA's first efforts at major fund raising and was successful.  While the Fola request was the last voted on article at Town Meeting, it was agreed to without comment or opposition.

The $3,000 appropriated will not be available until July or August when the new fiscal year for the town begins.  It will be applied to the purchase of a projector so that FOLA can begin showing movies in the auditorium.

Everyone associated with FOLA thanks the voters of Ludlow for helping in this effort to provide the town folks with first class movies.  This is just the start of the entertainment objectives FOLA has set for itself.

FOLA Seeks Funding For Movies

The Friends of Ludlow Auditorium (FOLA) hope to provide first run movies for area residents in the restored Ludlow Auditorium in town Hall in 2010.

According to FOLA chairman, Ralph Pace, the group is seeking to provide new entertainment forms in the auditorium. "One of the best ways to do this," Pace said, "is to offer some first rate movies here in Ludlow."

He noted that FOLA had already scheduled 5 summer concerts in the auditorium consisting of master concerts presented by the Okemo Young Artists Program (OYAP). These concerts will feature star pupils and their teachers in special concert presentations in June and July.

In order to underwrite the cost of the movies, FOLA has submitted an approved petition for Town Meeting seeking to raise $3,000 for the purchase of projection equipment for movies. Pace noted that FOLA has already begun to raise some of the additional funding required to get the equipment. "The people of Ludlow deserve a first class presentation of good family-oriented movies." He added that any equipment purchased by FOLA would be given to the town.

Pace indicated that, In addition to the summer OYAP programs and movies, FOLA was scheduling other programs at the auditorium such as a Christmas Festival featuring local students, possible band concerts, and public service programs.

The approved petition that will be included in the March Town Meeting agenda reads as follows:

"Shall the voters of the Town of Ludlow authorize the Select Board to appropriate the sum of $3,000 to the Friends of Ludlow Auditorium, Inc., to support its programs in the Town Hall auditorium that will include the showing of recently-released movies to local citizens, 5 summer concerts, Christmas programs, and other entertainment and community services in the auditorium in 2010."