By Leslie J. Matthews Editor’s note: Leslie J. Matthews, co-chair of the Vermont Workers’ Center campaign team. On August 12, the Green Mountain Care Board approved a 19.8% increase for BlueCross BlueShield premiums on Vermont Health Connect individual plans, along with a 22.8% increase for small group plans. This is the third year in a row with…

The United Way of Rutland County (UWRC) announced the recipients of its 2024 Community Impact Grant cycle, Aug. 12. This year’s cycle awarded 18 programs across 16 nonprofits within Rutland County. The Community Impact Grant process is guided by UWRC’s three pillars of impact: health, education, and financial stability. All organizations that applied were required…

By Deborah J. Benoit, Extension Master Gardener, University of Vermont We purchase them at the market. We dine on them in salads and sauces. Some of us indulge in the joy of growing our own at home, but how much do you really know about tomatoes?  To begin, the botanical name for the tomato is Solanum lycopersicum.…

The Vermont Historical Society is publishing a new book in September, titled “Ira Allen: A Biography.” Ethan Allen is a household name here in Vermont, but this book really showcases his younger brother’s important role in the entire saga that was the founding of Vermont. With the United States Semiquincentennial kicking off in 2025, there…

By Curt Peterson During Killington Town Manager Michael Ramsey’s last regular Select Board meeting Monday night, Aug. 12, two contentious topics arose: financing debt and personnel policies.  Selectman Jim Haff accused Ramsey of irresponsible financial planning, particularly around payment obligations — including an $8.4 million Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) due Aug. 21, plus approx. $11.6…

Following a national search, The Mentor Connector (TMC) announce Aug. 7 that Bobbi Jo Stellato has been selected to guide the Rutland organization into its third decade as its next executive director. Among the many attributes that distinguish Stellato as an exciting new leader for the organization is her commitment to youth advocacy and stellar…

By Deborah J. Benoit, UVM Extension master gardener When someone mentions wildflowers, what comes to mind? Daisies? Black-eyed Susans? They’re as familiar as the summer days of our youth, so well-loved that we often pick wildflowers for bouquets or add them to our gardens. What we call weeds tend to be any plant claiming a…

We grew up on the water. Once you passed the swim test, a quarter of a mile swim around the boundary of the swimming area and you reached the age of 7, you were allowed to run around our community completely unattended. (Although we did find out later that the moms could see us wherever…

Saturday, August 10, 2-5 p.m. — NO. CHITTENDEN— Baird Farm Maple Syrup at 65 West Road will host the 3rd annual Great North American Maple Pie Contest.  Activities will include: pie contest with local celebrity judges, pie throwing, and of course eating pie and ice cream. The winner of the pie contest will receive a…

Thursday, August 8, 6:30 p.m. — MT. HOLLY (BELMONT)— Jamie Ward, also known as Mr Pianoman, will perform a free concert on the Belmont village green in Mt. Holly, located just 1 mile from the flashing light off Rt. 103. Part of the summer Music on the Green series presented by the Mount Holly Community…

Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 10-11—RUTLAND—Chaffee Art Center’s 63rd annual Art in the Park Summer Festival will take place Aug. 10 & 11 in Rutland’s Main Street Park at the junction of routes 4 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Juried fine artists, craftspeople, and specialty food producers will be featured.  Rounding out the…

July 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.—POULTNEY—Stone Valley Arts, Stone Valley Arts 145 E. Main St., Poultney holds it's 10th anniversary summer cook out on Saturday July 13, 5-7 p.m.  The event will feature a cookout,  art and live music featuring the local sounds of Mean Waltons, an acoustic bluegrass duo from the Rutland area. The gallery…

7/10 BOMOSEEN6 p.m. Lakehouse Pub & Grille – Shakey PinesBRANDON6 p.m. Brandon Inn (Behind) – Music on the Riverbend with Deb Bryson & the Hay BurnersLUDLOW6 p.m. Off the Rails – Learn to Line DancePOULTNEY7 p.m. Poultney Pub - Open Mic with Danny LangPROCTORSVILLE6 p.m. Svec Memorial Green – Summer Concert Series with Soul RockersQUECHEE6…

Monday, June 24 at 7 p.m. —LUDLOW—Jane McGarry  is hosting a special SINGO Night on Monday, June 24, at 7 p.m., to raise funds for the United Church of Ludlow’s “Ring Out Love” Capital Campaign. Ludlow musician Sammy Blanchette, a.k.a. Sammy B, will perform the songs live, adding a unique twist to a fun event…

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid beverages that can dehydrate you, such as alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Keeping a bottle of water handy can help remind you to sip regularly. Wear Light Clothing: Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. These choices help your body…