The beginning of the end for Maple Sugar Bowl?

The Rogers 11 Thesaurus defines a "death knell" as "an omen of death or destruction."

That’s was definitely the sound that the fans heard mingled with rumbles of thunder as they filed out of Dartmouth’s Memorial Field following the 59th Maple Sugar Bowl Football Game on August 4. New Hampshire made a shambles of the summer classic by crushing Vermont 62-24 for its 12th consecutive blowout.

Enough already! We have established without a shadow of a doubt that the style of high school football in the Granite State is superior. The sheer population, size of schools, caliber of play and number of talented Division I college-bound players are all huge factors. Please, let the beloved summer classic reach its historic 60th birthday, but not in the present format. Shrine officials. Do something!

Make no mistake, I love the Shrine Football Game with a burning passion. As a sports writer and photographer, I have covered about 25 of those 59 games and still anticipate the event every August. My wife and I have witnessed two sons and a grandson play in the Shrine Game for Vermont. The cause is still noble and worth all the effort. Let’s go forward and make it improved, raising even bigger amounts for those children in the Shriners Hospital.

Last year, I forwarded a proposal to the Shrine Committee that gained support from many of my sports writing colleagues. In Vermont every November they have the North-South Senior Game. Great entertainment and extremely competitive football. New Hampshire just staged its inaugural East-West All Star Game. The Granite State players got a much stiffer test of their abilities going against each other.

Take both of those all-star events and place them under the wing of the Shrine Football Committee. Stage a doubleheader at Dartmouth’s Memorial Field on the first Saturday in August as featured in the past but remember, Memorial Field now has lights. That way you can still stage the fantastic pre-game parade.

The All Star Band would still be featured and perhaps give two performances. You would now feature twice as many players from both states and thus would draw twice as many fans for the entire event. More fans, more money raised. Not to mention thrilling high school football!

One former colleague stated. "That’s a great concept but you can’t do a doubleheader. This isn’t baseball."

I beg to point out that the Vermont Principals Association stages "Championship Saturday" at Castleton State College every November, and they fit in three championship games in one day and the crowds are huge.

Simply stated, this plan would work. Give it a chance!

DAVID NELSON

Windsor I would keep my promises

Labor Day is fast approaching and with it comes a change in our attention to the fall and Election Day. At the heart of our concerns are the state of our economy and the faith we have in our government to make wise choices.

Since beginning my campaign for the position of Vermont state representative, I have focused on two key principles: balance and choice. If I am fortunate enough to earn your support at the polls in November, you can be assured that the importance of these ideas will not be lost.

Choice is important. We choose our leaders; We choose our personal battles, and it is our choices that make each individual who they are as a person. Some choices are easier than others and it is often the ones that are most difficult that define the character of a person or a state. Vermont has always been unique because of our size and our scenic beauty. I see the job of a representative as critical in the maintenance of our special character.

Balance is the guiding hand that keeps our needs in line with our desires. As a former principal it was my task every day to provide balance. Citizens want the very best education for their children, but they also realize there is not an endless supply of money. Efficiencies must be created in a school just as they are needed in state government.

As I speak with the citizens of House District 2.1 in Bennington, I have heard the following specific requests. Each item has my full support:

* No taxation on the Internet

* Completion of the Welcome Center for Route 279

* Local control of education and schools

* Vocational training connected to jobs already here in Bennington

* Full payment from the state and federal government for local mandates

* A government that keeps its promises

Government needs balance. It is up to the voters to choose who will best be able to reach that goal. A representative needs to communicate and act. Please consider voting for me in November. Send any ideas you have to whroaf@gmail.com

WARREN ROAF

Bennington