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By John Hall, VTF&W Bird feeders offer an easy and safe way to interact with wildlife, and installing them after Dec .1 limits the potential to attract bears, keeping you, your pets, the birds and the bears themselves safe — and properly wild.      “Winter bird feeding is a great way to observe and…

  By Merisa Sherman With my sleeping bag nestled snugly around me and a hot chocolate in my mittened hands, I sat on my front porch watching the snow slowly make its way down. It’s my favorite moment, that peaceful time when the snow absorbs all the sound and there is nothing to do but…

    By Dom Cioffi  I know it’s not the most traditional way to celebrate Thanksgiving, but this year, my family traveled to the beach to commemorate the holiday. Going to the beach during the off-season can be rewarding. Generally, the crowds are at a minimum, so it’s easy to go out to dinner and…

    By Susan Shea  For thousands of years, people have decorated their homes with evergreen boughs, a symbol of eternal life, during the darkest time of the year ­— around the winter-solstice and Christmas. In addition to common species such as spruce and fir, I’ve noticed another evergreen in my neighborhood: a low, sprawling…

Submitted   By Mary Ellen Shaw   The Mountain Times forwarded to me a hand-written letter from a regular reader of my “Looking Back” column. Her name is Ellen Lee Jones. She shared with me what she remembers about her own life when she “looks back.” Ellen gave permission for me to use the details…

By Bree Sarandrea   Crystals sparkle, As the sun hits, Just right, The evergreens shine, As if glitter had just been, Sprinkled all over them. Even the pine cones shimmer, The trees sparkle so bright, They almost look like they’re glowing, The branches have piles of snow, Resting on them, Making them twinkle so bright.…

  By Cassandra Tyndall When troubled times are on the horizon, there are various options to explore to discover truth.  There is religion.  There is wisdom from philosophers from ancient eras.  There are the historical facts, which can help put it in context.   One thing is for certain, as Greek philosopher Aeschylus said,” The…

  It’s that wintry time of year again and registration is officially open for Social Tinkering’s 4th annual Light Up Rutland. Light Up Rutland is a fundraiser and a community-wide decorating competition that is organized each winter season to brighten our neighborhoods and to bring people together, creating something beautiful for each other during the…

Submitted Jeffrey Gurian   By Dave Hoffenberg The second annual Vermont Comedy Festival is upon us, and this year the committee brought in some big names in the biz to give you some big laughs. One of which is Jeffrey Gurian, who people refer to as a “Renaissance Man”, because he’s involved in so many…

  By Peter Sterling Editor’s note: Peter Sterling is the executive director of Renewable Energy Vermont. There’s good news ahead in the fight against climate change. Utilities, business owners and energy experts now acknowledge there’s an affordable path to achieving what was once just a dream for environmentalists — a 100% renewable energy future for…

  Dear Editor, Last year, the Vermont Senate advanced a bill to bring Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) to presidential primaries, beginning in 2028. This bill had support from the three parties and the Vermont Secretary of State. But the Vermont House needs to act. Our current “choose one” voting system leaves many voters with no…

  Dear Editor, It is sad to see the ongoing media coverage about who is a “real” Indian and who makes the determination. All of these commentaries just continue to show that civility, acceptance of others’ lived experiences, and the uplifting of communities are so desperately needed in today’s society. Just when we thought that…

  Dear Editor, The better off get better off and the less fortunate get less fortunate. Every year the Social Security Administration (SSA) gives us elder people on Social Security a cost-of-living increase, or COLA. It is always in the form of a percentage increase. I’ve been on Social Security for over 10 years and…

  By Secretary Lindsay Kurrle and Secretary Jenney Samuelson  Editor’s note: Lindsay Kurrle is the secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, which includes the Department of Housing and Community Development. Jenney Samuelson is the secretary of the Agency of Human Services.   Vermont faces a housing crisis. So, like we did during the…