I had landed in Paris after an overnight flight, found my hotel room in the city center, and was now ready to begin my adventure. I had been planning this trip for years, and now the events were finally unfolding.  Looking back, it may have been a bit of a midlife crisis. I was…

Bright red, soft, and velvety … no, I’m not describing a Valentine’s Day decoration, but a red velvet mite. Built like eight-legged, scarlet Beanie Babies, red velvet mites are hard to miss, even though most of them are no bigger than an eighth of an inch long. They are arachnids in the family Tombidiidae, so…

Winter has arrived. In fits and starts as the pattern is now. It came in an all-day snowstorm, covering every surface in deep, furry pillows of white. All wildlife went silent, hidden and still. They will return when the storm passes. Hungry. Cold constricts and heat expands. Sick with Covid and the unhelpful gremlins Gripe,…

Birds, They flutter around, Their tiny little wings beating so fast, You can barely see them, They are just a blur flying past you, Then they fly up to the nearest tree, And they sing. They sing their happy little songs of love and joy, Maybe if you sit there watching them, One curious little…

Some words, once spoken, can’t be taken back. However, words these days seem to mean whatever people want them to mean. Don’t like a word? Then change the meaning of it. Don’t like its definition? Then take it out of context and manipulate it. Doesn’t fit with feelings? Then demand that others affirm it, even…

Courtesy Vermont Symphony orchestra The Vermont Symphony Orchestra will perform "VSO Jukebox: Hammer & Glass" at The Paramount Theatre on February 10 at 7 p.m., featuring two percussionists for an immersive musical experience. Feb. 10 at 7 p.m.—RUTLAND—The Vermont Symphony Orchestra (VSO)will present an extraordinary musical journey with "VSO Jukebox: Hammer & Glass."  This innovative…

Submitted Sat. Feb. 10 and Sun., Feb. 11—WEST RUTLAND—The Vermont Actors’ Repertory Theatre will host a return of its  popular show, “An Evening of Improvisation or Wing It”. The Valentine themed comedy show will be presented Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. The improv will be performed at the West…

Firehouse sign, crafted by Killington founder Preston Smith, is on display along with video about its making By Karen D. Lorentz Saturday, Feb. 10 at 11 a.m. —KILLINGTON— While change often brings major improvements, it sometimes comes at the expense of losing a connection with the past and/or a sense of community.  That’s not the…

Courtesy Barn Arts Sat., Feb. 10 and Sun., Feb. 11—WHITE RIVER JUNCTION—The Junction Dance Festival holds  its annual fundraiser  at the Briggs Opera House in White River Junction this weekend. The festival is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increase the visibility of the art of dance in the Upper Valley. For three years it has…

The 49 member team of Cobra Gymnastics in Rutland, wrapped up a successful weekend in New York at the well- attended Saratoga Winterfest competition. The start of their season included traveled to Albany, New York, Saco, Maine, Williston and Essex, Vermont. The teams found success at all events; highlights include two first place team wins at…

Courtesy Barn Arts Jack (Kevin Donohue) considers how to tell the truth to his beloved Gwendolen (Kyle Huck) and his ward Cecily (Dory Psomas). Fri., Feb. 9-Sat., Feb. 18—BARNARD—Barn Arts will present "The Importance of Being Earnest" at Barnard Town Hall, 115 North Road, in Barnard. The stage is set for laughter, love, and absurd…

            Saturday, Feb. 10 at 10 a.m.—KILLINGTON—There will be plenty to gear up for at Killington's Peace Park on Saturday, where legendary pro snowboarder Danny Davis will kick off the "Party in the Peace Park"  festivities in style. Join us for an epic celebration featuring smooth transitions, autographs, live music,…

Vermont Fish & Wildlife announced Monday, Feb. 5, that a Longnose Gar taken by a bowfishing angler in 2023 has been certified as a new state record. In May of 2023, Pennsylvania angler Jeremy Bicking was out bowfishing in the evening on Lake Champlain and took a gar that weighed 18.6 pounds. This big fish measured…

Submitted   By John W. Casella Editor’s note: John W. Casella is the chairman and CEO of Casella Waste Systems, Inc. The Vermont State Senate recently supported Governor Scott’s 2023 veto of H.158, an act relating to expanding the beverage container redemption system. The governor’s veto letter to the legislators expressed concerns on how H.…

Dear Editor, I am Andrew Gieda and I am running for Select Board. Most people know me as a builder, I’ve built homes and condos. I know how to repair almost anything. I’ve been fixing things for a long time. That is why I am asking you to vote for me. We have lots of…