By Mary Ellen Shaw I don’t know about you but I find that decorating for autumn can be just as much fun as decorating for Christmas! The yellow, orange and red colors that are prevalent this time of year brighten the days that are getting dark so early. Decorations outside bring cheer not only to…

I often listen to podcasts when I run. I find that the conversations help me detach when things get difficult – like when I’m headed up a long hill or struggling through the last mile. I also know that running puts me in a state of mind where I’m able to be truly present as…

By Dr. Glen Mollette Much has been written about political polarization in the U.S. and how a heated political climate has drawn a line in the sand between voters. But heading into the 2020 presidential election, self-censorship also is on the rise – including at the workplace, where some people fear sharing their political views. Nearly a third of employed…

New England is home to dozens of species of mammals, hundreds of varieties of birds, and tens of thousands of different insects, but only one lizard: the five-lined skink. Though I am fond of reptiles and often seek them out, I have never seen a skink. Unless you’re lucky, determined, or a rock climber –…

By Merisa Sherman As we topped out, I could see the mountains spread majestically before me, layers of ridge lines fading to an almost blueish gray in the distance. The once green landscape was now filled with a myriad of colors, vibrant reds, stunning yellows, contrasting browns and the always present sections of dark pine…

WOODSTOCK—Capture the brilliant colors of a Vermont autumn with a visit to Billings Farm & Museum in October.  See their farm animals in the pastures with the colorful foliage as a backdrop, enjoy a walk along the Ottauquechee River Trail, visit the apple orchard and see the many different apple varieties, and learn about 19th century harvest activities on the farm.…

Sunday, Oct. 4 at 1 —BRANDON—This year’s annual Brandon fall family HarvestFest will be held just north of town in Estabrook Park. Participants can make Harvest People (a.k.a stick figures, scarecrows, leaf people) for  $50 each. (Please note: due to significant lumber and materials price increases they have had to start charging for leaf people…

The Friends of the Fair Haven Free Library would like to thank the community for taking part in their grab-and-go bookcase project over the course of the past five months. During that time 7,321 books were wrapped and given away. The project could not have taken place without the generosity of so many. They want…

Friday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.— RUTLAND—Join for a virtual toast as Phoenix Books Rutland celebrates its 5th anniversary. The celebration includes a discussion of “Distilled in Vermont” with author Chris Maggiolo and Erin Bell, head distiller at SILO Distillery. Bring your drink of choice, or for those who would like to mix along during the event, Chris will…

Oct.3-4— The Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival celebrates small farms and natural fiber. The  2020 “in-person” festival is canceled due to Covid-19, so they  will be hosting a virtual Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival instead, featuring over 70 vendors offering fleece and yarn; fiber animals, fiber crafting equipment and supplies; handcrafted items including wool garments…

MANCHESTER—A horse-themed 60-inch square quilt, handmade by Ann M. Ashcroft of Bellows Falls, is being raffled off in support of the 2020 Komen Vermont Virtual Ride for the Cure® and the winner will be drawn, “live” online, on Monday, Oct. 12. Ashcroft has donated her quilt-making skills to the Ride for the Cure in Vermont. Over…

Fair Haven’s park is looking lovely with the addition of some new visitors. The creative talents of the citizens are really on display with this project to decorate the park for the fall season. Local artists, businesses, and organizations are taking part in this project designed to celebrate autumn, leaf peeping season, and to put…

DORSET—Though the Dorset Players 17th annual One Act Festival was cancelled in April of 2020, the Players are presenting two of the original One Acts along with a third for a virtual staged reading. Exploring the prevalent theme of connection, familiar faces and new came together to create this onscreen event. Actors include: Mary Jo Grego, Leslie Bremner,…

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION— At the start of September, JAG Productions, write-director Stevie Walker-Webb, 11 actors, two documentarians, a producer, and a chef set out on a month-long retreat to explore the question, “Can a play be created outside the power structures and without reference to whiteness, in a pure expression of Black Joy?” Or as…

Pico Ski Club Oct. 2-5 —KILLINGTON—The 2020 Pico Ski Club’s annual ski & snowboard swap and sale will be held virtually this year, from Oct. 2-5. To receive an email notification when the online swap andsale goes live and to shop Oct 2-5, visit picoskiclub.myshopify.com. The decision was made to shift from in-person to online,…