Dec. 19-21—RUTLAND—The 2018 annual Gift-of-Life Marathon blood drive continues for three days this week, Dec. 19, 20 and 21. The American Red Cross urgently needs blood donors to give now to ensure that blood is available for medical treatments and emergencies during the holiday season. Make an appointment or drop-in at the following locations: Wednesday,…

Thursday, Dec. 20, 6 p.m.—RUTLAND—The Rutland Young Professionals will hold their monthly mixer Thursday, Dec. 20, 6-8 p.m. at College of St. Joseph, 71 Clement Road, Rutland. December is the time of year when individuals give back to the community. This monthly mixer will take place in part with the Gift of Life Marathon blood…

Dec. 21, 11 a.m.—QUECHEE—This December and January children and their families are encouraged to join VINS for a read-aloud story series. They will be reading four captivating children’s books: “Kate Who Tamed the Wind” by Liz Garton Scanlon, “Extra Yarn” by Mac Barnett, “Stranger in the Woods” by Carl Sams, and “Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner. Programs will feature a…

Monday, Dec. 24, 10 a.m.—RUTLAND—Ever wish you saw “The Polar Express” in theaters? Here’s a chance to see it for free on Christmas Eve, in Rutland. Head to Flagship Cinemas in the Rutland Shopping Plaza on Monday, Dec. 24 for a free showing of the holiday classic. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for the 10…

Dec. 21-23—MIDDLEBURY—The night fires will be lit once more on Dec. 21, 22 and 23 at Town Hall Theater in Middlebury. Theatre Group, Ltd’s annual winter solstice pageant or mystery play for our times will this year, as in many performances past, be a song of celebration for the earth and all who live upon…

Thursday, Dec. 20—RUTLAND—The Downtown Rutland Partnership has organized a late night shopping evening on Thursday, Dec. 20, when participating locations will be open later than usual, offering discounts, refreshments, free gift wrapping, and more. Get your last-minute purchases locally. Many shops will be open until 8 p.m. Enjoy the holiday-decorated windows while strolling. For a…

Monday, Dec. 24, 4:30 p.m.—KILLINGTON—Celebrate the season with scripture and carols on Monday, Dec. 24 at 4:30 p.m. at the Little White Church on Route 4 in Killington. The community is welcomed to join us for this special service planned early in the afternoon so that people can enjoy the evening at home with family…

RUTLAND—Eight fun and funny couples are lined up and tickets are on sale now for February’s Pack The Paramount “Newly”wed Game to benefit the Rutland Community Cupboard, BROC’s Community Food Shelf, and the Salvation Army.  The Feb. 9 event, presented by WJJR and Green Mountain Power, will feature couples Joel and Bernadette Robin, Eliza and Jarod Wilcox, Liam…

WOODSTOCK—Discover the traditions of a late 19th century Vermont Christmas with a visit to the Billings Farm & Museum this holiday season. Christmas at the Billings Farm will be featured on weekends in December and Dec. 22-Jan. 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (excluding Christmas Day). Tour the authentically decorated farmhouse, visit the dairy farm for interactive programs including “An Introduction to…

Sunday, Dec. 23, 1 p.m. & 6 p.m.—RUTLAND—A holiday classic is made even more special with the likes of area children performing it. Sunday, Dec. 23, Miss Lorraine’s School of Dance presents “The Nutcracker” at the Paramount Theatre for two performances: 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Experience the magic as dozens of area dance students…

KILLINGTON—Killington Elementary School 6th graders visited places around town, and took nature photographs using various photography techniques, such as the rule of thirds and framing. This photography unit was part of an on-going project where students learned about and connected with their community. Students have their own web pages that promote the Killington Valley region and…

MIDDLEBURY—The Sheldon Museum is bursting with creativity and excitement this holiday season. Don’t miss the amazing operating train layout, miniature Christmas tree display, and two holiday exhibits. “Ho Ho Historical Holidays to You” is curated by the Sheldon’s archivist Eva Garcelon-Hart and Sheldon trustee and archives volunteer, Lucinda Cockrell, featuring classic Christmas images, antiques postcards, seasonal…

Last weekend (Dec. 14-16), I got the pleasure of covering the WinterWondergrass Festival at Stratton Mountain. The festival started in Colorado and is in it’s seventh year there, and also goes to Lake Tahoe. This was its first time on the East Coast. For a first-year festival I was impressed with the setup and layout…

Saturday, Dec. 22, 5 p.m.—SOUTH POMFRET—Tis the Season, A Holiday Evening will be held at ArtisTree Community Art Center on Saturday, Dec. 22 at 5 p.m. Bring the family for a “Small Works” closing reception at the gallery with cookies and hot cocoa. Afterwards, enjoy caroling over to the Grange Theatre for a holiday variety…

Saturday, Dec. 22, 5 p.m.—BROWNSVILLE—On Saturday, Dec. 22, from 5-7 p.m., youth and adult members of the Brownsville Community Church will stage for the community the church’s first live Nativity. This will take place outside of the church in Tribute Park. Beginning at 6 p.m., members of the Brownsville Community Church Choir will lead with…