Spring and summer are seasonal reminders to me of those who have contributed to my perennial gardens. As their gifts to me come into bloom I remember the person who gave the plants to me and their kindness in doing so. This year in particular I will be remembering our neighbor, Eleanor DiSabito, who sadly…

Three vibrant young 20-somethings were just gathering up, skis on their shoulders as they walked from their vehicle to the trailhead. Their day packs were small, ready for whatever fast and light adventure they had chosen for the day. But they had definitely been here before, definitely had a plan and definitely ended the day…

When I was playing basketball in high school, there was a strict rule that no team member was allowed on the ski slopes during the season. Apparently, too many athletes had fallen prey to freak injuries while skiing and cost the school state championships.  I had been involved with basketball since grade school, so I…

The shift begins around the time we turn the clocks ahead, a gradual transition from winter’s steady chorus of chickadees, squawking jays, and crows cawing over the compost pile to — well, more.  On an afternoon walk along back roads, I’ll hear an avian uprising and look up to find a large flock of red-winged…

Building our Killington Dream dream lodge, Part 11 We began to build our ski lodge in 1958, the same year the Killington Access Road was built and the mountain opened for its first ski season. Preston Smith who began it all lived at the end of Roaring Brook Road, about a mile past the land…

I look into the sky as the rain slips off my face. The pond ripples. The water puddles in the street. Rivers rush and ducks quack in the distance, barely audible. A slightly wet bunny frolics through the puddles. A robin pulls a worm from the mud. Spring is coming, and with it new beginnings.

Expo hopes to attract high school and college-age students  Wednesday, May 8 at 3 p.m.—RUTLAND— A Health Careers Expo will be on Wednesday, May 8, from 3-7 p.m. at the Rutland Recreation and Community Center, 134 Community Drive, in Rutland. The event is being put on by Southern Vermont Area Health Education Center (AHEC) in…

By Curt Peterson Saturday, May 4 at 7 p.m.—HARTLAND—The Moonlighters Big Band and Hartland Council of the Arts will host a dance party at Damon Hall, 1 Quechee Road, Hartland. Amy and Jamie Orr, professional dance instructors, are providing an hour of dance lessons beginning at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m. The instruction is…

By Adam Davis Saturday, May 4 from 8:30 a.m.— RUTLAND—The annual Free Fishing Derby will be held at Combination Pond located at 9 Sharon Drive in Rutland on Saturday, May 4 from 8:30 a.m. until 11a.m. Registration for the event will be held at 8 a.m. The fishing derby is for children up to 13…

Saturday, May 4 at 12 p.m.—ORWELL—Enjoy a spring guided history walk to learn about and see remains of the Revolutionary War defenses at the Mount Independence State Historic Site, 472 Mt. Independence Road, Orwell. This is the perfect time of year to go off trail and explore before all the leaves come out. Revolutionary War…

Saturday, May 4—KILLINGTON—The Town of Killington invites residents, businesses, and volunteers to participate in Green-Up Day on May 4th. Killington’s participation in this annual statewide event is a testament to our community's dedication to environmental stewardship and preserving the natural beauty of Killington. Residents are encouraged to pick up Green-Up bags from the Town Office,…

Saturday, May 4 at 1 p.m.—RUTLAND—Come Alive Outside's calendar offers a diverse range of activities throughout the spring, summer, and fall, providing family-friendly fun for all. Among these are the Jedi Trails event featuring Star Wars themed activities and free hotdogs, the Green Street festival at the Rutland Whoopie Pie Festival, and the Urban Legend…

BARNARD—BarnArts is seeking volunteers for our 11th annual Race Around the Lake fundraiser for youth programming. Registration/check-in opens at 9 a.m., and races begin at 10:30 a.m. Volunteers are needed before, during, and after the race, with roles including registration support, trail marking, course-side support, food serving, and clean-up. For more information, email us directly…

May 1-31—WOODSTOCK—The spring plant sale at the Woodstock Union HS/MS, 100 Amsden Way, Woodstock Greenhouse, will be open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on school days, with extended hours until 6 p.m. on Monday, May 6. Changes this year include sourcing all plants from a neonicotinoid-free nursery and featuring many native plants available this spring,…

Saturday, May 4  at 10 a.m.—RUTLAND—Spring Sprockets & Walk-Its, a scavenger hunt scramble event for bikers and walkers of all ages and levels in Pine Hill Park, 2 Oak St Ext. in Rutland. The family-friendly event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and benefits the Homeless Prevention Center. Participants will enjoy music, snacks, prizes,…