On Sept. 6 U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) visited Habitat for Humanity of Rutland County and toured an active construction site for new affordable housing. Senator Welch also stopped by the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which sells new and gently-used clothes and home goods. Proceeds from the ReStore are used to build Habitat for Humanity homes.  “Home…

Only facility in Vt or NH to earn the top rating The White River Junction Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (WRJ VAHCS) announced Sept. 5 that it received a 5-star Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). WRJ VA was the only facility in Vermont and New Hampshire to earn the…

Beth Saradarian, executive director of the Rutland County Humane Society (RCHS), has submitted her resignation to the board of directors. Saradarian stated she made the difficult decision to resign to pursue new opportunities after 20 years and much consideration. She joined the organization in 2004 and has been executive director since 2019. Prior to joining…

Vermont State University (VTSU) begins its second year by welcoming more than 1,700 new degree-seeking students in the Class of 2028 to its campuses this fall and reports a strong retention of returning students as well, meeting expectations for all campuses and exceeding projections in many programs. The new class is just over 200 students…

Five companies have been selected to participate in a national startup accelerator program including three Vermont-based startups and two from out-of-state, according to a news release Sept. 10. Tacitly, Aprexis Health, Brightwater Tools, SkinGenius and Cathoven will participate in the gBETA Rutland program through national venture capital firm gener8tor. gBETA Rutland is a free 7-week…

By Dave Vance Editor’s note: Dave Vance is a former naval officer, trial lawyer, and Rutgers University professor who currently resides in Voorhees, New Jersey. He writes the “Occasional Column” for many newspaper across the country.  I recently lost my wife of many years and it has hollowed me out. I go through the motions…

The stars of late summer Before the trees put on their colorful autumnal cloaks, the newly rewilded fields at my home turn to gold and purple. New England American-aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) begins blooming in August or September and continues to splash the meadows with deep purple color well into October, mixing with the bright yellow…

Vermont Fish & Wildlife (VTF&W) is reminding hunters to wear fluorescent hunter orange. “Hunting is one of the safest outdoor activities, thanks to advances in education as well as science,” said Vermont Hunter Education Program Coordinator Nicole Meier. “Our volunteer hunter education instructors stress that wearing orange during hunting season is important, and studies prove…

By Ann Hazelrigg Editor’s note: Dr. Ann Hazelrigg is the University of Vermont Extension plant pathologist and director of the UVM Plant Diagnostic Clinic.  With our recent rainy weather and storms, I am not surprised that we diagnosed late blight (Phytophthora infestans) in the University of Vermont Plant Diagnostic Clinic in late August. So far,…

When it comes to pizza, it is often difficult to stop after just one slice. Although pizza originated in Italy, people from all around the world have made pizza their own by experimenting with different flavor combinations and toppings. Whether you’re in the camp who thinks it isn’t pizza if there’s more than mozzarella cheese…

By Nadie VanZandt Editor’s note: Nadie VanZandt is a UVM Extension Master Gardener from Panton. An excellent choice to consider for late-season interest in your garden is the New England aster, a North American native plant with many benefits. When other plants start to wither, New England asters bloom with brilliant shades of violet and…

Including more spinach in one’s diet can be a healthy decision. Spinach is rich in iron, potassium, magnesium, folate, and vitamins C, E and K. With that strong profile, spinach supports the heart, eyes, skin, and immune system. Spinach also can aid digestion and strengthen bones.  The good news is that spinach is a versatile…

By Bruce Bouchard and John Turchiano Editor’s note: Bruce Bouchard is former executive director of The Paramount Theatre. John Turchiano, his friend for 52 years, was formerly the editor of Hotel Voice, a weekly newspaper on the New York Hotel Trades Council. They are co-authoring this column to tell short stories on a wide range…

Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m.—POMFRET—Songwriters Taylor Abrahamse and Sage Christie will perform at Artistree Community Arts Center on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. Taylor Abrahamse floats between the borders of song, gender and genre with his/her deftly crafted, hook-laden hammerclaw pop. A Paul Simon/Jim Carrey crossbreed, Abrahamse will leave audiences laughing, inspired, and…

Saturday, Sept. 7 — WEST RUTLAND — An exciting group of artists will present sculptural installations for SculptFest24, Sept. 7-Oct. 20, at The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center (CSSC). Proposals were submitted in response to this year’s theme of “Coruscation.”  The Coruscation theme calls for works to “illuminate” the grounds of the Carving Studio’s Sculptfest24 through light inspired…