By Alan J. Keays/VTDigger Some housing units will be closed at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility in Rutland so workers there can be shifted to the Springfield prison to cover staffing shortages there.  “I wouldn’t say it’s dire but I would say it’s concerning,” Al Cormier, chief of operations for the Vermont Department of…

By Mia Schultz Editor's note: Mia Schultz is president of the Rutland Area Branch of the NAACP. Three hundred: the number of new members the Rutland Area NAACP received this time last year. Three hundred allies. Three hundred folks committed to equity, equality and change. This was significant; it put us over the top as far…

Dear Editor, This is an important time in history, a tipping point. The view of adversity and divisiveness is fogging the lens. A refocusing of our attention may change the view so we can see the light in the shadows.  The restructuring of our country at this critical time requires a more expanded view of…

Dear Editor, The scarcity of animal meat caused by the Covid-19 pandemic will keep our outdoor grills safer this Independence Day. Folks who grill hamburgers and hot dogs face a nasty choice. The U.S. Meat and Poultry Hotline advises grilling at high temperature to avoid food poisoning by E. coli and Salmonella bacteria. But the…

Dear Editor, It’s been a tough year for all of us, but kids in particular have been significantly impacted by a year of remote or hybrid learning, disrupted routines and a lack of socialization and normal activities. Anxiety and depression have skyrocketed, social-emotional skills have taken a hit and many children have fallen behind in…

By Matt Krauss Editor’s note: Matt Krauss of Stowe is a happily retired state employee and a former Vermont legislator. Vermont women were denied membership in the exclusive and private Ethan Allen Club until 1990. The welcomed change came about because of very intense public pressure. Women remember the sting of exclusion, and Vermonters have rightfully rejected joining these private, very restrictive clubs. Not all private clubs in New England are so progressive. Bailey’s Beach Club in…

By Brooke Geery It’s been 18 years since the Sound Barrier — Rutland’s last official skateboard shop — closed its doors on Center Street. That void has now been filled.  On Friday, June 25, members of the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR), state Senator Cheryl Hooker, and local skateboarders gathered to…

From breweries to bandstands, July performances feature something for all The Vermont Symphony Orchestra (VSO) is pleased to announce its 2021 summer season, consisting of a series of 17 free, themed chamber concerts and two 25-piece orchestral performances, all held throughout July. After touring all of Vermont’s counties last summer for casual outdoor performances, the…

July 4 at 10 a.m. — WOODSTOCK — Celebrate Sunday, July 4th in Woodstock, rain or shine! Billings Farm & Museum’s Old Vermont Fourth Celebration, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. will feature wagon rides, historic speeches, traditional music and games, an old-fashioned game of baseball, spelling bees, and more. Trail Break Taps & Tacos will be on site from…

July 2-4 — STRATTON MOUNTAIN — Stratton Mountain is excited to welcome back a sky-high Fourth of July celebration in southern Vermont, taking place July 2, 3, and 4. Excitement is in the air as fireworks, family activities, and live music return to the mountain, alongside summer operations including downhill mountain biking, scenic lift rides,…

By DJ Dave Hoffenberg The best and most affordable festival around is the Basin Bluegrass Festival in Brandon, next weekend July 8-11. It’s back after the pandemic break and now in its 26th year. I attended the 25th in 2019 and was blown away by all it had to offer.  A weekend pass with camping…

July 3 at 10 a.m. — LUDLOW —The Fletcher Farm School’s craft festival is returning on Saturday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will be held rain or shine. This is a chance to return to local craft shopping after a year of the Covid-19 pandemic. The festival will feature many new…

July 2-Aug 29 — POULTNEY — Stone Valley Arts at Fox Hill in partnership with the Poultney Historical Society proudly present a special exhibit, Portraits of a Community, featuring photography by Chuck Helfer, Tikko Freilich, Martin Van Buren III and vintage photos from the collection of the Poultney Historical Society. The exhibition takes place Friday, July 2 through Sunday, Aug. 29. …

Killington Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce the return of the annual July 4th celebration. The festivities will begin at 9 a.m. with the Friends of the Library book sale and ending with the fireworks show at 9 p.m. The theme this year is Celebrating America as One Killington. Activities are scheduled all day.…

Join in for a family-friendly celebration at Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock July 4 at 10 a.m. — WOODSTOCK — Start your Independence Day celebration at Billings Farm & Museum’s “Old Vermont Fourth” on Sunday, July 4, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The day’s event features good old-fashioned fun with traditional music, wagon rides, patriotic speeches, and an historic…