News

NEWPORT — For Tod Pronto and Cynthia Shelton, nothing can stop the music.

Hunkered down in reaction to the global pandemic, the two have teamed up to form a “Socially Distant Chorus,” inviting the community to harmonize and play along with Pronto on his version of “What a Wonderful World.”

So here are the rules:

You listen to the .mp3 version of Pronto’s song through your headphones and use your cell phone to record yourself singing along.

Shelton will put it all together and everyone will sing along as a chorus in the edited version.

If you want to participate, write to Shelton at: nekgigs@gmail.com and she will send you a copy of the .mp3 as well as provide additional instructions.

“We were looking for a general theme of hopefulness and beauty, as well as a song that is well known enough that everyone could sing along,” Pronto said. “What a Wonderful World has been a staple of my live performances for years. As a songwriter, it’s just one of those rare perfect songs that you wish you were smart enough to write yourself.”

Pronto released a studio version of What a Wonderful World back in 2016 and says it’s one of his favorite songs.

“When Cynthia approached me about doing a virtual sing-along I just couldn’t resist.”

Before COVID-19 interrupted the world as we know it, the two had been talking about several different projects they wanted to do to bring the community together.

Suddenly, anything that could unite the community became even more important than it already was.

“The main concept is just to bring people together and focus on the positive,” Pronto said. “We see every day how heart aching this situation is, but it’s also important to remember how beautiful the gift life is.”

NEWPORT — Three seniors in the art program at North Country Union High School are curating a new exhibit of Diana Mara Henry’s photographs in color at the Red Wall Meeting Place and Gallery on Main Street, in Newport.

The opening of the exhibit titled “As Yet Unseen,” will take place on March 18, from 4-7 p.m.

The public is invited to a free festive reception that day.

Raiden S. Brown, Tarah Michelle Vasquez, and Lindsay Wiggett, students of April Caspari and Natalie Guillette in the NCUHS Visual Art Program, are gaining experience in their chosen paths for careers in the arts, including art history and criticism.

Raiden, a Presidential Scholar, and accomplished photographer is headed to art school in Edinburgh this fall.

Lindsay, an illustrator, and a graphic artist will be going to SUNY Plattsburgh.

Tarah Michelle Vasquez, is a fine artist who works in charcoal.

All three students contributed to the multi-faceted tasks of choosing and preparing the work for display.

“The Visual Arts Program at NCUHS serves hundreds of students each year within our Visual Arts Enrichment Program,” said Natalie Guillette, co-teacher in the Arts and Communications Academy at the high school in Newport. “Students who become involved may travel to places like Montreal, North Adams, Massachusetts, New York City, Europe, and several other local destinations.

Guillette says she feels that enculturing a global perspective within students helps foster a deeper understanding of the world, a richer educational experience while with us during high school, and a desire to continue their travels as they enter adulthood.

Diana Mara Henry’s images “As Yet Unseen” were first developed as a project during her residency at Vermont Artist’s Week at the Vermont Studio Center in Johnson.

Unusual for her work, which is better known for its black and white photojournalism of the women’s movement, politics and the social scene in NYC, the images chosen by the students are all from color slide originals.

They offer intriguing glimpses of people and landscapes, from a boy in the dunes of Cape Cod to a couple going to be wed in Haiti, Carnaval at the Waldorf Astoria, a Parisian grande dame at home, and lush nature scenes.

A portion of the sale of the fine art prints produced by special arrangement with Don Whipple will contribute to the arts program, with pricing on the night of the reception or by advance sale.

The exhibit will be on view through May.

The gallery is open from 3 on weekdays and on Sundays from 10-4.

The artist’s website is www.dianamarahenry.com.

NEWPORT — With ice as thick as 30 inches some winters, Vermonters never tire watching for any indicative sign of the changing season.

To celebrate this time-honored tradition, Newport Parks & Recreation runs the annual “ICE OUT” contest for residents and visitors on Lake Memphremagog.

Each year a weighted Ice Out “mascot” is placed in the bay at Gardner Memorial Park attached to a time clock.

The facade can be seen from the Causeway bridge and stands steadfast through snowstorms until the ice beneath finally gives way to the early warmth of spring.

When the mascot drops, the clock stops and records the official moment that the ice is out in Newport.

“People keep pretty close tabs on the facade as they pass the Causeway,” said Jessica Booth, Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Newport.

Parks Foreman Mac McKenny comes up with a ‘theme’ for the contest each year.

This year it’s a math pun. A play on the phrase ‘ice cube,’ by showing an ice chest with an exponent of three, or ice CUBED.

Booth and McKenny say they’re always inundated with calls and emails as soon as the mascot goes under.

“Checking the clock throughout the day is part of the fun while we work around the park,” says McKenny who is in charge of making the official call for ice out time. “But if the ice goes out on the weekend or in the evening when we’re not around, there’s plenty of people ready to report in.”

When the ice finally does go out on Lake Memphremagog, the news is always welcome to one lucky contestant who entered the closest prediction in the annual contest.

The nearest prediction, without going past, to the actual date and time wins 50 percent of the contest pool.

Last year the winning amount was over $1,500.

The other half of Ice Out proceeds will benefit the Gardner Memorial Park Playground & Splashpad Project.

Memphremagog Ice Out tickets can be purchased at Azur’s Liquor Store, Hoagies Pizza & Pasta, Jimmy Kwik, Westside Market & Deli, The Pick & Shovel or at the Parks & Recreation office on Main Street.

Predictions can be submitted online too at NewportRecreation.org/ICEOUT.

The deadline to submit is Wednesday, April 1, 2020, or when the ice goes out, whichever comes first.

No tickets/guesses are accepted after the ice is out.

For more information, call Newport Parks & Recreation at 802-334-6345.