Maine's Tobogganing Championship

Lauren Abbate | BDN

A two-person team crosses the finish line at the 29th annual U.S. National Toboggan Championship

So now that we have a little snow in Connecticut to put us in the winter mood think back to the fun you use to have riding the family toboggans down the near by hills. They we great fun unless you were one always dragging the toboggan back up the hill. Here is a what the Toboggan championships look like last week in Bangor Maine.

By Lauren Abbate, BDN Staff • February 11, 2019 3:31 pm

It was cold and windy this weekend at the U.S. National Toboggan Championships in Camden, but organizers say the weather allowed for faster sledding speeds and did not stop record turnout from participants and racers.

About 5,000 people attended the three-day event at the Camden Snow Bowl, including about 1,000 racers, according to organizer Holly Anderson. This year’s turnout was one of the highest the event has generated in the 29 years it’s been held.

“It was an awesome, awesome weekend. We had a record number of spectators come in,” Anderson said. “Because of the cold temperatures, I think a lot of people were coming and going more often, so it allowed more people to come in and experience the nationals.”

Revenue from the championships helps offset the operating cost of the Camden Snow Bowl, which is a town-owned ski area. Annually, the event brings in about $25,000 to a high of $55,000 for the Snow Bowl.

While this year’s revenue is not yet known, Anderson said she is confident this was a banner year financially. Organizers broke a revenue record from the $10 parking fees this weekend, Anderson said. Continue reading at the Bangor Daily News

Sad new from Martha's Vineyard: Chilmark Chocolates Will Close at Year End

If you have been to Martha's Vineyard more than few times it's likely that you discovered  Chilmark Chocolates. Waiting in line to purchase some of the best handmade chocolate treats has been a tradition for my family and thousands of other people for decades. So we were stunned to hear that they would be closing for good later this year. The story of Chilmark Chocolates is a unique one of the two owners and the wonderful business they built with the help of some remarkable people. A visit to the shop was always an uplifting experience and this story explains why. Don't miss the comments sections for additional insights into the wonderful world of Chilmark Chocolates.--TG

The signature up-Island confectionery that is a Vineyard institution its own right, will close at the end of the year, the owners have said.

A letter went out to employees this week from owners Mary Beth Grady and Allison Burger informing them that they will close the store in December.

The letter is posted in the store, which recently reopened for Valentine’s Day.

“We are hanging up our aprons and gloves. We feel very fortunate to have had a chance to work with all of you and so many other inspiring people over the past 33 years,” it says in part.

The letter quotes Mother Teresa and also says the business will not be sold.

The business model for Chilmark Chocolates, which produces high-quality handmade chocolates and candy, is unique and includes training and employment for people with disabilities. The owners met when they were counselors at Camp Jabberwocky more than 30 years ago, and later became employees and then owners at Chilmark Chocolates. Continue reading at the Vineyard Gazette

'This is the world I want for her:' Father thanks stranger for showing his daughter kindness in viral post

I couldn't resit posting this "feel good" story. Our hats off to Joseph from Samsung in Oklahoma and others like him who take the time show kindness to young and old.--TG

A Marine Corps veteran took to social media to thank a stranger for the unexpected kindness he showed his daughter — a kindness he hopes will travel with her through life.

A Marine Corps veteran took to social media to thank a stranger for the unexpected kindness he showed his daughter — a kindness he hopes will travel with her through life. Read more at the NY Daily News

Rep. John Larson thinks the third time will be the charm in his effort to expand Social Security benefits and prolong the program’s solvency.

With more than 200 Democratic sponsors in the House, the Social Security 2100 Act would increase Social Security benefits for all recipients, providing the biggest boost to those who are now receiving the smallest benefits, and would establish a more generous cost-of-living adjustment.

Larson’s bill would also raise the cap on tax-free Social Security benefits, to $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for married couples.“Social Security does need some updating,” said co-sponsor Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif “Benefits have not kept up with the cost-of-living.”In the Senate, Sens. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., have sponsored a companion bill.But to pay for the more generous benefits, the Social Security 2100 Act contains tax increases, something that poses a political challenge in the Senate, which is controlled by Republicans. Many Republicans have taken a “no new taxes” pledge.

Currently, Americans pay Social Security taxes only on the first $132,900 they earn. Larson’s bill would leave income between $132,900 and $400,000 untaxed.  But wages that exceed $400,000 would, for the first time, be subject to Social Security taxes.Larson’s plan would also slowly increase – over a 24-year period —  the Social Security tax paid jointly by  workers and their employer, from the current 6.2 percent to 7.4 percent of person’s wages.
Read more in the CT Mirror