Vermont through the eyes of Hollywood

The Vermont Historical Society’s Amanda Gustin will present “Vermont vs Hollywood, 100 Years of Vermont in Film”.

The event will be held on Sunday, Dec.10 at 1:30 p.m. at the South Londonderry Depot, located on West River Street at the intersection with Route 100, immediately south of the West River Bridge.

“Vermont versus Hollywood: 100 Years of Vermont in Film” is a Vermont Humanities Council program hosted by Weston Historical Society and co-hosted by the Friends of the West River Trail and the Londonderry Arts & Historical Society.

Vermont has been a featured location in Hollywood movies for nearly a century. It has represented many different ideals during that time, and its portrayal reflects both Vermont’s own history, as well as that of America.

The talk is free, open to the public, and accessible to those with disabilities. For more information, contact Bob Brandt at rbrandt840@aol.com.

Image from the film “Way Down East” courtesy of the Brandon Reporter.

Office Space Available in Historic South Londonderry Depot

Looking for office space in the Southern Vermont area?

Conveniently located along VT Route 100 within renovated historic structure owned by non-profit organization.

Offering +/-350 sq ft space with private entry, open reception area and enclosed office space, as well as shared use of kitchen-ette, restroom and parking.

Lease to include utilities, snow removal, and potential for periodic access to +/-560 sq ft meeting space.

Seeking compatible, respectful tenant for immediate occupancy. For more information, please send email to gunyb@yahoo.com

Green Mountain Club Hike

West River Trail

LONDONDERRY — Join the Green Mountain Club and explore the West River Trail on Saturday, Feb.16, 2019. Participants are meeting 1 p.m. in the old railroad depot building at the corner of Rt 100 and West River Street in South Londonderry, then carpooling to the trail head. Depending on snow cover, snowshoe or hike with traction on the level railroad bed of the old West River Railroad on this northernmost part of the West River Trail. This is an easy, beginner hike. RSVP to Dale Malekoff at 802-824-5030 or dmalekoff@myfairpoint.net.

Celebrate National Trail Day

west river trail run

West River Trail Run poster

West River Trail Run featured in the Manchester Journal.

Celebrate National Trail Day by participating in the fourth annual West River Trail Run Saturday, June 4, known as 11 Miles of Trouble after the infamous 36 miles of trouble along the West River. Over 130 years ago, the trail was 36 miles of railroad from South Londonderry to Brattleboro, trouble because of its narrow gauge and winding route leading to undependable service. Luckily for trail run participants that means a moderately challenging, beautiful race through various terrain. Woods, waterfalls, and switchbacks will be seen throughout the 11 miles from South Londonderry’s Depot to Jamaica State Park.

The first 200 individuals to register will receive a t-shirt, goodie bag filled with locally donated products, and free entrance to Jamaica State Park for the day. The race begins at South Londonderry’s Depot at 9 a.m., and ends at Jamaica State Park. It is suggested that participants park their cars at Jamaica State Park and take the race bus at 7:45 a.m. to South Londonderry’s Depot. Participants are welcomed to run the full 11 miles or section the run as a three-person relay team. It is timed for competitors but open to all. New this year is the 5K fun run/walk. It will start at Jamaica State Park at 9:30 a.m. It is an out and back along the beautiful West River.

‘Eleven Miles of trouble’ article published in the The Manchester Journal on 04/04/2016 04:42:17 PM EDT.
Read more at http://www.manchesterjournal.com/community/ci_29724148/eleven-miles-trouble

Hitchcock Presented at Londonderry Depot

Hitchcock Presented at Londonderry Depot

The_Trouble_with_Harry

Alfred Hitchcock was a master of suspense, mystery, at times horror and even humor. Two upcoming Londonderry Depot events on Hitchcock are featured in the Manchester (VT) Journal Arts section. To read the full article, click HERE.

The public is invited to two events in early May celebrating the career and legacy of famed film director Alfred Hitchcock, both taking place at the restored South Londonderry Depot on Route 100 and hosted by the Friends of the West River Trail.
The first, on Friday, May 2, at 7 p.m. will be a presentation of Hitchcock’s career, supported by clips of his most renowned works, by film expert Rick Winston. Two weeks later, on May 16 at 7:30 p.m., the Friends of the West River Trail will present a screening of “The Trouble with Harry,” perhaps Hitchcock’s most comedic venture, though still with a touch of the macabre.
The Depot is handicapped-accessible. The events are free and open to all.

The first, on Friday, May 2, at 7 p.m. will be a presentation of Hitchcock’s career, supported by clips of his most renowned works, by film expert Rick Winston.
Hitchcock famously said “Some films are slices of life; mine are slices of cake.”
Winston’s presentation consists of 12 film clips, from “The Thirty-Nine Steps” (1935) to “The Birds” (1963), with a discussion of the evolution of Hitchcock’s craft, an exploration of his favorite themes and motifs (innocence and guilt, ordinary people in extraordinary situations, thrilling climaxes in public places, inanimate objects which take on great significance), and his work with famous collaborators. Winston grew up in Yonkers, N.Y., and became hooked watching old films on TV at a young age. He went to Columbia College and University of California, Berkeley. He moved to Vermont in 1970 and founded the Lightning Ridge Film Society, which morphed into the Savoy Theater in 1981. He was a founder of the Green Mountain Film Festival and was its Programming Director until 2012. Since 2009, he has been teaching film at Burlington College and the Community College of Vermont.
Winston’s presentation is sponsored by the Vermont Humanities Council as part of its’ Speakers Bureau program. The Vermont Humanities Council is dedicated to creating a State in which every individual reads, participates in public affairs, and continues to learn throughout life. Thanks to the sponsorship by the Humanities Council, there is no cost to attend. Voluntary contributions to support the preservation of the Depot will be gratefully accepted, but are not required.

On May 16 at 7:30 p.m., the Friends of the West River Trail will present a screening of “The Trouble with Harry,” perhaps Hitchcock’s most comedic venture, though still with a touch of the macabre. The story is set, and partially filmed, in Vermont and, unlike some of Hitchcock’s films, will not afflict its viewers with recurring nightmares. Fledgling performers appearing in “Harry” include Jerry Mathers, before “Leave it to Beaver,” and Shirley MacLaine (her film debut) alongside veterans John Forsythe and Edmond Gwenn.
This is a community event hosted by the Friends of the West River Trail. There is no admission charge. Again, however, voluntary contributions to assist with the upkeep of the Depot will be accepted.