By James Duff Lyall Editor’s note: This commentary is by James Duff Lyall, executive director of the ACLU of Vermont. The ACLU of Vermont has been defending the civil liberties of everyone who calls this state home for almost 60 years. Right now, many in our communities are understandably worried and afraid of the threat…

By Deborah J. Benoit The middle of winter, with snow covering brick-hard, frozen ground, may seem like an odd time to plan a new garden bed, but it’s the best time. If you make decisions now, you’ll be ready when the weather warms and the ground is workable. Putting in a new garden bed takes…

Saturday, Feb. 8 at 8 a.m.—KILLINGTON—Park Affair, a snowboard progression camp rooted in community and empowerment, returns to Killington for a full day of skill-building, camaraderie, and fun. This event, designed for all ability levels, welcomes snowboarders 14+ who feel comfortable in a women-led space. The day kicks off with check-in from 8-8:45 a.m. at…

Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m.—LUDLOW—Vermonters facing food and housing insecurity take center stage in “Just Getting By,” a new documentary by Bess O’Brien, screening at Ludlow Town Hall auditorium on Feb. 6. Director O’Brien will participate in a post-film Q&A. The film provides an intimate and urgent look at the daily struggles of working…

Saturday, Feb. 8 at 3 p.m.——WOODSTOCK—Experience the vibrant world of Frida Kahlo at the Film & Food Soirée on Saturday, February 8, at Billings Farm & Museum. The evening begins at 3 p.m. with a screening of “Frida,” an Oscar-shortlisted documentary exploring the legendary Mexican artist’s life, art, and legacy through lyrical animation and her…

Saturday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m.— Whether you’re a seasoned textile artist or a curious beginner looking to unravel the mysteries of weaving, the Vermont Weavers Guild has an exciting lineup of events to help expand your creative horizons. With free public presentations from nationally recognized weavers and hands-on workshops designed to elevate skills, there’s…

WOODSTOCK—This February, children ages 8-11 can immerse themselves in the wonders of winter farm life at Billings Farm & Museum’s Winter Wonders Farm Camp, running Feb. 19-21 (students are off school for winter break in most local schools), from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The three-day camp offers a unique blend of hands-on farm activities,…

Saturday, Feb. 8 at 7 a.m.— POMFRET — Skiers and riders will take on The Hard Mile, Saskadena Six’s uphill race, to support the Woodstock Ski Runners Educational Fund. Participants will skin up Easy Mile, starting near the Woodstock Ski Runners Clubhouse and finishing at the Ski Patrol Hut, before enjoying a free ski down…

By Amy Simone, Extension Master Gardener, University of Vermont   Imagine having sunny orange, bright yellow, and luscious green fruit growing in your home, especially during this gray, cold time of year. While we do not associate citrus plants with our northeast climate, several varieties can be grown as indoor/outdoor houseplants. Citrus plants, native to Southeast…

For those looking to experience Vermont’s winter landscape up close, Base Camp Snowshoe Tours offers a scenic and accessible way to explore the outdoors. Departing from 2363 US Route 4, Killington, these guided tours provide an immersive snowshoeing experience for both beginners and seasoned adventurers. With fresh snowfall covering the trails, conditions are prime for…

Feb. 1 & 2 at 3 p.m. — WOODSTOCK — The Woodstock Vermont Film Series presents “Common Ground,” a documentary highlighting how regenerative agriculture can restore soil health and mitigate climate change. Screenings occur Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Billings Farm & Museum Visitor Center Theater. Directed by Rebecca Harrell Tickell and…

Feb. 1 at 8 a.m. — RUTLAND — Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum is bringing its signature spirit of fun and play to Stonehedge Indoor Golf on Saturday, Feb. 1, for an exciting indoor golf tournament designed for adults. The 18-hole, six-person team scramble offers a day of friendly competition while supporting the museum’s mission of inspiring…

Jan. 31 - Feb. 2 — KILLINGTON — Subaru WinterFest is back, bringing an action-packed weekend of live music, outdoor adventure, and winter lifestyle experiences to Killington Resort. Running from Friday through Sunday, this free event invites skiers, snowboarders, music fans, and adventure enthusiasts to celebrate their love for winter with gear demos, live performances,…

Dear Editor, Nearly all Vermonters agree we want living in our state to be more affordable. When it comes to energy, continued dependence on high-cost and price-volatile fossil fuels like gasoline, fuel oil, and propane is not a path to affordability. In 2023, $2.2 billion was spent on fossil fuels for transportation and heating in…

Dear Editor, Back in February 2024, Vermont Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced a bill, “Preventing Algorithmic Facilitation of Rental Housing Cartels.” What does the bill’s name translate to in plain English? Rent-fixing. In a press release dated Aug. 23, 2024, the U.S. Dept.  of Justice (DOJ) announced it, along with…