I’m inspired by artists’ journeys and the quality of their powerful work on an international blog that features 52 artists each year. It’s called “Artists Tell Their Stories.” Beginning Dec. 6, I’m honored to be the artist of the week. Along with showing colorful paintings of various places I’ve traveled and lived, it’s made me…

Finding a gift that will continue to give for a full year is a challenge, but the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department says it has a solution.  Fish & Wildlife now has a license gift certificate for annual licenses on its website. “People have long requested hunting and fishing license gift certificates so we created…

The Killington Cup set American attendance records with an estimated 39,000 spectators across Thanksgiving Weekend (5,500 Friday night for opening ceremonies; 18,500 for Saturday’s Giant Slalom and 15,000 for Sunday’s Slalom) beating last year’s attendance by 5,000 spectators. “Showcasing Killington and the state of Vermont to the international ski community for a third year in…

Saturday, Dec. 8, 8 a.m.—POULTNEY—The holiday festivities continue in the community of Poultney. On Saturday, Dec. 8 from 8-11 a.m., the Poultney Women’s Club will host Breakfast with Santa. For over 30 years the club has provided a hearty meal of scrambled eggs, sausage, home baked goods, orange juice, cocoa and coffee for $1.25. Photos with…

Dec. 7-9—WOODSTOCK—There’s something for all ages throughout this festive holiday Wassail weekend. Schedule: Friday, Dec. 7 10 a.m.-5 p.m. - Woodstock Wassail Weekend Artisan Market at 23 Elm St. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. - Christmas at Billings Farm & Museum 4 p.m. - Storytelling by Scott Davidson at Norman Williams Public Library 5-7 p.m. - Wassail…

Saturday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m.—RUTLAND—On Saturday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Phoenix Books Rutland will host Stephen Russell Payne for a book signing and meet-and-greet featuring his new novel, “Life on a Cliff.” “Life on a Cliff” is the highly-anticipated sequel to Payne’s award-winning novel, “Cliff Walking.” Famous seascape artist Francis Monroe has come to love Kate Johnson…

Friday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.—ROCHESTER—Bald Mountain Theater presents “Krampusnacht — Stories of Light and Dark” for the Winter Solstice on Friday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Spice Studio in Rochester. This one-night event highlights the dual nature of the season: the long, dark night full of tension and fear and longing; and the glimmering…

Saturday, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.—RUTLAND—Join Merchants Hall for an evening of self expression on Dec. 8 for the themed drag show, XXXxmas. The show is the first of four themed nights for the queens, being held the first Saturday of each month, December through March. Let your hair down as the enchanting performers entertain with…

Monday, Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m.—MIDDLEBURY—The world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will bring their classic, big-band hits as well as several holiday favorites to Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater on Monday, Dec. 10. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show. First formed in 1937 by Glenn Miller, the orchestra continues to thrill crowds worldwide, playing…

Thursday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.RUTLAND—Fresh off the standing-room-only release of their debut album, “The One That Got Away,” Miss Guided Angels will play the historic Chaffee Art Center in Rutland on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. The show is part of a series produced by New Edge Productions and hosted by The Chaffee Arts Center. Miss Guided Angels came together three years…

Saturday, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.—RUTLAND—The Paramount Theatre will present America’s Got Talent breakout star, Piff the Magic Dragon, on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. When it comes to Piff, think a man in a dragon suit (with a trademark chihuahua named Mr. Piffles) who performs jaw-dropping magic tricks, and you’re on the right track. With over…

Dec. 6-8—KILLINGTON—The Killington-Pico Area Association will be hosting its annual Vermont Holiday Festival, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7-8 at the Killington Grand Hotel. On Thursday, Dec. 6, the KPAA will hold its sponsor party and mixer, catered by Preston’s from 5:30-8:30 p.m., to include a silent auction. At the holiday festival, guests can enjoy the…

Dec. 7-9—WOODSTOCK—Billings Farm & Museum will open for Wassail Weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7, 8, and 9, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The farm will feature historic Christmas ornaments – to make and take home. Don’t miss the authentically decorated farm house, visits to the dairy farm for interactive programs, holiday activities, plus the Academy Award…

Dec. 11, 19-21—RUTLAND—The 2018 annual Gift-of-Life Marathon blood drive is scheduled for four days in December. It comes at a time when 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. Please mark your calendar and plan to…

By Russell Jones BRANDON — From in-store discounts and sales to a chance to get cash back or win money, the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Brandon Alliance have teamed up with the town to offer residents more reasons than ever to shop local this year as Moonlight Madness kicks off Wednesday,…