Each spring, cities from New York to Texas celebrate the spectacular blooming of ornamental cherry trees. In many cultures, the lovely, delicate pink and white cherry blossoms symbolize rebirth and renewal, as well as the fleeting nature of life. Beyond these showy cultivated trees, our region boasts three native cherry species, which are important in…

When I saw the obituary for Lucian Wiskoski back in March I realized that he was the last of Rutland’s downtown pharmacists whom I had the pleasure of knowing from childhood into adulthood. Back in the ‘50s five pharmacies were located in downtown Rutland. They were: Shangraw’s, Carpenter’s, Carroll Cut Rate, McClallen’s, and Beauchamp &…

I couldn’t find my center of balance for the life of me. A few days off from skiing and I felt like a fish flopping about on dry land. I would get stuck in the rut and get launched upwards and then I could feel my weight slamming into the back of my boots. The…

I never dreamed of being a writer, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. It was an early morning in 1994, and I was standing in the composition department of the Mountain Times, having been hired the prior year as a part-time graphic artist. Computers were just coming onto…

Building a Killington dream lodge: Part 13 Dad was focused and totally devoted to building his Killington dream lodge each weekend. It became his life purpose and passion to build his heart-felt legacy for our family. His dedication was inspiring to behold. Mom was committed (they were still married) but she had other interests, as…

By Meira Christine It’s that time of year.  Rhubarb’s in season, Spring fevered Feminist movementbe damned  I’ll make pie If it pleases me And chase men, too No promises of pie though Fork you! Really serious about That. Just thankful the foolery of April is Done with And all of that You-know-what Bring on the…

The grass sparkles as we walk to the car.  The dew flies from the bird’s wings after they fly away.  My boots tap the freshly damp ground and leave imprints.  The wind blows my hair side to side.  Birds whistle and chirp in the distance.  The sun just opens its eyes to the world.  Good…

Sometimes, a situation can be so unbelievable, so stark or so out of your comfort zone, that it doesn’t even fully register on your radar that it happened. Even when the blatantly obvious is right under your nose, you still don’t see it. Even when those who know, those who speak from experience, the blind…

Friday, May 17 at 7 p.m. —SHREWSBURY—Scott Garren will present an overview of the recent  total solar eclipse of April 8, at the Shrewsbury Library, 98 Town Hill Road, Shrewsbury. This is  a follow-up to his program last December.  Participants are encouraged to share their stories and impressions and to bring their photos to be…

Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m.—LUDLOW—The third annual Divided Sky Fun(d) Run is a morning filled with fitness and community spirit. This event aims to support the Divided Sky Foundation and the Springfield and Rutland Turning Point Centers. Lace up your running shoes and  meet at Jackson Gore, 111 Jackson Gore Road, Ludlow. Schedule: Friday, May…

There’s some great music this Saturday at Okemo, which I highly recommend. Music on the Mountain, a donation-based concert celebrating recovery, presented by The Phoenix, will be from 2 - 7 p.m. in the Jackson Gore Courtyard with performances by Anders Osborne, Dogs in a Pile, and Saints and Liars. I had the pleasure of…

Sunday,  May 19 at 4 p.m.—RUTLAND—There will be a trumpet recital featuring Andrew Loose, trumpet, and Alastair Stout, organ and piano at Grace  Church, 8 Court St., in Rutland on Sunday at 4 p.m.  Originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Andrew Loose is an accomplished  jazz and classical trumpet recitalist, building a performance career in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh…

Sunday, May 19 at 10:30 a.m.—BARNARD—Races begin and end at Silver Lake State Park, 20 State Park Beach Road, Barnard, with courses encircling Silver Lake on town roads, dirt roads and single-track wooded trails with intermittent views of the lake. The challenging 10K route pops out of the woods on Royalton Turnpike and loops back…

Sunday, May 19, 12-2 p.m.—CUTTINGSVILLE—Laurel Glen, the property of John P. Bowman, a wealthy businessman who made his fortune during the Civil War, invites the public to an open house. Located across from the cemetery on Route 103 where Bowman interred his beloved wife and two daughters, will be open for exploration. Uniformed docents will…

Sunday, May 19, at 7 p.m.—STRAFFORD—The Upper Valley Voices (formerly the Thetford Chamber Singers) is holding a May concert at United Church of Strafford, 232 Justin Morrill Memorial Hwy, Strafford. It will be an evening of music that addresses the darkness of our times and offers a call to manifest our own healing light. History…