By Governor Peter Shumlin It’s no secret that the economic recovery across America has been felt most by those with higher incomes. For working families in America, the recovery has been slow to take root. And for those fighting to get into the middle class, the recovery has been almost nonexistent, with many still struggling.…

Dear Editor, This is the story of my experience with Vermont Health Connect. I retired in the beginning of 2014. At that time our family was covered under my husband’s policy through his employer. My husband died in March of that year and the coverage ended. I had the option of being covered as a…

By Rob Roper It is safe to say that all or at least most of us believe that Vermont is a very special place, and we all want to do what’s necessary to preserve and pass on this unique treasure that both draws and keeps us here–majestic mountains, pristine waters, and wild, open spaces. The…

Editor’s note: The Mountain Times receives many questions from readers every week about Killington Resort and Pico Mountain operations. In order to best answer some of the most common questions we will pose them directly to Mike Solimano, president and general manager for Killington Resort and Pico Mountain, who has agreed to respond in an…

By Dom Cioffi My son had a group of friends over this past weekend and as expected with any large gathering of boys, several arguments inevitably broke out.  I spoke with the “dad voice” on a couple occasions to try to contain things, but it only worked for short periods of time. Eventually tempers would…

In an effort to promote youth hunting in Vermont, youth hunters had the opportunity to sign up for the third annual Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt this spring. Young hunters were treated to a luncheon on Sunday, April 19, then, on the weekend of April 25-26, the young hunters will take part in a guided turkey…

By Lovey Heartburn Living in any small town has its plus and minuses. When trying to date in any rural town that’s like Cheers where “everybody knows your name” (and your date’s, too), it can be hard to have any privacy on a date. You get date bombed! Date bombing is where you are on a date…

Tasty teas (and more) from trees: black and yellow birch By Russ Cohen Scratch and then sniff a black or yellow birch twig, and the pleasant aroma will likely put a smile on your face. What you are smelling is oil of wintergreen (methyl salicylate). This chemical compound is present in the inner bark of…

What exactly is the state of sushi in American culture? Once the most cutting-edge, exotic style of foreign cuisine to reach American shores, it now sits humbly within mass-produced plastic trays at virtually every large supermarket in America. Today, “California Rolls” are about as edgy as “Pumpkin Spice Lattes,” but presumably there will forever be…

Submitted TIM DONOVAN This year marks Castleton’s 228th commencement ceremony CASTLETON—Castleton is pleased to welcome former chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges Tim Donovan to give the address at the college’s 2015 commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9 at 11 a.m. in the Castleton Pavilion. Donovan recently retired from a career in higher education that…

By Lani Duke RHS expands technology RUTLAND—Rutland High School’s library is undergoing a transformation with the addition of a second level designed for computer labs and classroom and study space. Tools from the folks at Google are a major component of the renewed learning environment, enabling students to work independently, while teachers may oversee and…

ROCHESTER—This year marks 40 years of independent publishing for Vermont-based  Inner Traditions Bear & Company. Founded by Ehud C. Sperling in 1975, Inner Traditions has established itself as a landmark publisher of books on new age spirituality, alternative health and more, with over 1,400 books in print. Inner Traditions moved to Rochester, Vt., in 1986…

By Lani Duke GMC professor receives grant to study Lyme Disease POULTNEY—Green Mountain College biology prof Bill Landesman recently received a grant to study the ecology and microbiology of Lyme Disease in Vermont. He is working under a $25,000 Pilot Renewal Grant from the Vermont Genetics Network. His work this summer will include quantifying infections…

Submitted Photo one: Trailhead parking lots are becoming an easy target for break-ins. Photo two: A sign warns visitors of potential theft. Incidents reported frequently Spring weather is here and there will be an increase in recreational hikers using hiking access points throughout Vermont. Last year there were numerous car break-ins at various locations, and…

Submitted This “getaway” bicycle was ditched by a robbery suspect in Royalton, and detained by police as evidence. On April 19 at 8 p.m. Vermont State Police Dispatch was contacted about an armed robbery which had just occurred at RB’s Deli located at 232 Chelsea Street in Royalton. State Troopers responded and found that a lone…