Schools consider free pre-K By Katy Savage Faced with declining enrollment, rising costs, and community need some schools are offering full time preschool for free. Voters in Windsor Central Supervisory Union approved the $50,000 program 926-432 on Town Meeting Day, March 5, as part of the $18 million school budget. “It makes our area attractive…

By Julia Purdy If farmers know how to do anything, it’s making things grow. That’s the spirit being expressed by faculty and alumni of Green Mountain College, which stunned the campus community and the town by suddenly announcing that spring semester 2019 will be its last. But since the initial shock of finality, the tradition…

The Agency of Natural Resources Department of Environmental announced that Edgemont Owners Association, Inc., which operates the public drinking water system serving the Edgemont Condominiums in Killington, was fined $11,250 for failing to take required response measures after a test of the its drinking water system revealed lead levels above the federal action level, according…

By Susie Spikol I’ve taken to wandering the night lately – one of the pleasures of having a puppy. Willow, my pup, and I walk at all hours, from twilight to midnight and into the shadowy early morning. Some nights we walk under the cover of stars and moonlight, and other nights the world is…

By Mary Ellen Shaw Having a sixth grade dance in a strict Catholic school seemed unlikely to happen back in the ’50s. But our principal, Sister Saint Michael, scheduled a Friday night dance for us. She came to the United States from Ireland along with her four Moroney siblings who all entered the Sisters of…

By Marguerite Jill Dye Why are you here, I beg of my pain. What brought you on? Why have you invaded my life? “What must I do to loosen your grip? Can’t you stop this living hell? Pain has hijacked my life, my concentration and focus. If I try to think of anything else, it…

Sunday, March 17, 3 p.m.—RUTLAND—On March 17, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra (VSO) will be joined by the New York Philharmonic Principal Clarinetist Anthony McGill for a live Masterworks performance in Rutland. McGill joins the VSO’s Principal Bassoonist Janet Polk to perform Richard Strauss’ “Duet Concertino,” and takes the stage for Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. The VSO…

Saturday, March 16, 1 p.m.—RUTLAND—Kick off St. Patrick’s Day weekend by running or walking in the sixth annual Shiver Me Shamrocks St. Patty’s Day 5K Run/Walk on March 16, at 1p.m. to benefit Come Alive Outside. The first 250 registered runners/walkers will receive a free nordic hat. Every registered runner and walker will receive a drink ticket…

Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m.—QUECHEE—VINS Nature Center holds two very different events on Saturday, March 16, during its normal hours of 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Discover stupendous snakes at the nature center! Get up close and personal with this often under-appreciated reptile, and learn about their fascinating lifestyle. Watch as VINS’ snakes are fed one of…

Friday, March 15, 7:30 p.m.—BRANDON—Enjoy the groove and good humor of Durham County Poets at Brandon Music, Friday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. Hailing from Ormstown, Quebec, and the surrounding Chateauguay Valley, the five seasoned musicians, all songwriters, work together individually and collaboratively in composing their music. Delving into a variety of styles and genres,…

Saturday, March 16, 7:30 p.m.—RANDOLPH – Internationally acclaimed fiddlers and step-dance sensations Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy will return to the Chandler Center for the Arts for a spirited celebration of St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, March 16, at 7:30 p.m. MacMaster and Leahy continue to bring fans throughout the world on a musical and…

Sunday, March 17, 1 p.m.—MIDDLETOWN SPRINGS—Maple lore and demonstrations, sweet treats from local kitchens, a raffle and a silent auction featuring local artists and craftspersons, merchants, and professionals highlight the 31st annual Maple Festival of the Middletown Springs Historical Society on Sunday, March 17 from 1-4 p.m. The event will feature a demonstration of early…

Tuesday, March 19, 7 p.m.—RUTLAND—On Tuesday, March 19, Rutland County Audubon Society member Lee Allen talks about wilderness in Vermont following the Eastern Wilderness Act of 1975, in particular the Lye Brook Wilderness. Hear Allen at 7 p.m. at Grace Congregational Church, in Fellowship Hall. One hundred years ago the Lye Brook area hosted numerous…

Sunday, March 17, 3 p.m.—WEST RUTLAND—The tenth annual West Rutland Variety Show will showcase local talent to raise money for the Rutland Meals Challenge. It is being held Sunday, March 17 at 3 p.m., at the West Rutland Town Hall. Tom Leypoldt, executive director of PEG-TV, and Terry Jaye of WJJR will serve as the masters of…

As the snow continues to fall in the Killington and Pico mountains, the Killington Aquatic Club swimmers continue to train at the Pico Sports Center. The swim season is winding down for the KAC Competitive Team with one last Silvers Championship meet to go on March 15-17. KAC Senior Competitive swimmers Heidi Alf, Julia Michel,…