RUTLAND—The 12th annual Mentor Bowl takes place on Jan. 26 at Rutland Bowlerama. This fun-filled afternoon offers a much-needed outlet for those that feel “winter housebound.”  The Mentor Bowl is one of only two fun(d)raisers hosted by The Mentor Connector. It brings in over 300 enthusiastic supporters including community partners, mentor matches, and families.  Grab up to four people to…

Thursday, Jan. 3, 7 p.m.—RANDOLPH—A special gathering of world-class bluegrass, old-time, Americana, jazz, and new acoustic musicians will share their original compositions – and many traditional tunes – with the public at Chandler’s Upper Gallery in Randolph on Thursday, Jan. 3 at 7 p.m. The performers will include banjoist Ben Krakauer, mandolinist Joe K. Walsh, guitarist Grant…

Jan. 7-11—KILLINGTON—Calling all college students! You worked hard all semester, now it’s time to blow off a little steam at the Beast. Killington College Week is filled with loads of activities both on and off the hill. In addition to parties and events talking place day and night, students will receive discounts at restaurants, nightclubs and retail…

Thursday, Jan. 3, 1:15 p.m.—CASTLETON—A beginner tai chi class will be held on Thursdays at 1:15 p.m. at the Castleton Community Center. This will be the short form of sun style tai chi which is evidenced-based in both falls prevention and arthritis. Tai chi routines are safe, easy to learn and suitable for every fitness…

Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 5-6—WOODSTOCK—The story of the Three Wise Men bringing gifts to the baby Jesus is an integral part of the Christmas season. Italian-American composer and librettist Gian Carlo Menotti found inspiration in the tale and created the classic Christmas opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors” in 1951. The opera will be performed at…

Thursday, Jan. 3, 9 p.m.—KILLINGTON—Burlington-based American rock band Gang of Thieves is hitting the stage at the Pickle Barrel Nightclub in Killington on Jan. 3 at 9 p.m. Start the new year off right by jamming all night long to funky riffs, catchy melodies and energy that puts the room into full-throttle mode. This show is…

By Elizabeth Gribkoff/VTDigger Customers of Vermont’s largest electrical utility will see a slight rate decrease on their bills for the first nine months of next year. The rate case drew an unusual amount of public scrutiny last month due to an anonymous letter, and subsequent public comment from a former senior official, claiming that the state…

Dear Editor, To the legislators, first, thank you all for your willingness to serve your constituents and all Vermonters. You are appreciated by most of us. But please remember, you serve both the special wants and needs of your constitution, and, of all Vermonters, whose needs sometimes differ. Foster the balance. The bill-drafting process is…

Dear Editor, Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging would like to thank the many individuals and organizations throughout our service area, who, in recent months, have generously coordinated and contributed to a range of charitable initiatives benefiting the clients of SVCOA. In November, Rutland Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1122, the Salvation Army of Rutland, Elks…

Dear Editor, The Vermont Veterans’ Home wants to thank those who participated in this year’s National Wreaths Across America Day at the Vermont Veterans’ Home. Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the mission to remember, honor and teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as over…

Dear Editor, Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging would like to thank the many individuals and organizations throughout our service area, who, in recent months, have generously coordinated and contributed to a range of charitable initiatives benefiting the clients of SVCOA. In November, Rutland Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1122, the Salvation Army of Rutland, Elks…

By David Moats Economic stagnation in Vermont is not new. For decades, it has defied the efforts of political leaders, Republican and Democrat, to solve it. What’s new is a growing awareness that the problem is a widespread condition, animating protests from Paris to London, from Oklahoma to Arizona, West Virginia to Vermont. A new…

By Laura Wilkinson The light is slowly returning and the final days of 2018 are upon us. The festivities of December will be replaced by the quiet starkness of January. As much as I enjoy the rituals of the season, I welcome the opportunity to mirror the dormancy of the outer world with introspection. For…

By Kit Norton/VTDigger As the Boy Scouts of America faces mounting legal battles, the organization has opened multiple scout programs to females and, since June, 95 girls have joined the Cub Scout program in Vermont. The Green Mountain Council, the Vermont chapter of the national organization, has currently enrolled 95 girls in the program that…

MENDON—George and Marion Wright of Mendon celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Dec. 26. In their words, they are woodchucks who settled back in Vermont after having careers in the military and nursing in Ohio for 30 years. Congratulations, George and Marion!