Castleton University and Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region announced a new partnership with an eye toward enhancing internship and career opportunities and an increased focus on community engagement. Kimberley Rupe, business development and community engagement manager of Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region, will work alongside Castleton’s Pathway to Graduation…

Grants doled out to local schools By Polly Mikula After the $6.5 million that was initially allocated by the state to improve air quality in schools throughout Vermont was quickly claimed, Vermont House approved an increase to $11.5 million then the Senate proposed a further increase to $13.5 million. The program was created to improve…

Rutland family moves into new Habitat for Humanity house By Katy Savage After 9 years of shuffling between different housing situations since fleeing their home country during the Syrian Civil War, Hassam Alhallak and his wife Hazar Mansour finally have a place to call home again. With the help of about 200 volunteers, the family…

The eighth annual Vermont’s Greenest Building awards has recognized a home in Benson for achieving the highest standard of demonstrated building energy performance for residential buildings and documentation of green building strategies including health, transportation, water and affordability. “It is wonderful to recognize the innovation, talent and creativity building professionals are bringing to their projects,”…

National Garden Club (NGC) awards are established to recognize the efforts of its members and associates who contribute to the enhancement of our world. From funding the construction of a children’s garden to forming programs to battle invasive plants, National Garden Club is full of leaders with a desire to improve our world. To acknowledge those…

By Brooke Geery High in the hills above Ludlow, after the paved road turns to dirt, sits Barker Farm, a massive 155-acre property dotted with giant maple trees and buildings in various states of disrepair. On the right  side of the street is a reminder that it’s 2020—the Coolidge Solar Project, with rows of massive…

By Bonnie Kirn Donahue Do your future self a favor, and plant spring-blooming bulbs this fall. Depending on where you live, there can be a month or more after the snow recedes in spring until we see flowers. Planting spring-flowering bulbs shortens this window and packs a ton of color, contrast and liveliness against a…

Can’t find your pet?  Did you find a pet that’s not yours?  Make sure you contact the Rutland County Humane Society (RCHS) and let them know.  In many cases, stray animals are brought to RCHS.  Additionally, citizens who find stray animals will contact RCHS with the hopes of reuniting them with their owners.  RCHS also…

By Cassandra Tyndall One of the most difficult alignments of 2020, the square between Mars and Saturn, happens again this week. A return of theme, particularly from late August, may be back on the agenda for you to deal with. While going over old territory can be frustrating, it does provide you the opportunity to…

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.…