By Mary Ellen Shaw When the pandemic hit back in March I think we will all agree that it changed our lives in a “New York minute.” Fortunately for us, spring was right around the corner and we could focus on spending time in the garden. When you grow flowers or veggies you always have…

The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) is hosting its 24th annual Source to Sea Cleanup throughout the month of September. This year, CRC is asking cleanup participants and all who enjoy our rivers to join them in demanding an end to trashed rivers. “After cleaning up 1,167 tons of trash over the past 23 years it’s clear that repeated cleaning is not the solution…

When our parents retired, living to 75 amounted to a nice long life, and Social Security was often supplemented by a pension. The Social Security Administration (SSA) estimates that today’s average 65-year-old woman will live to age 86½. Given these projections, it appears that a retirement of 20 years or longer might be in your…

By Declan McCabe Some of my favorite children’s books describe life cycles as heroic tales of persistence and redemption. From “The Ugly Duckling” to “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” to “A Seed is Sleeping,” these stories have brought the miracles of growth and maturation to life for generations of readers. I can’t say, however, that I…

On Sept. 1, Dr. Etan Nasreddin-Longo, chair of the Racial Disparities in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice System Advisory Panel along with panel members, Executive Director of Racial Equity Xusana Davis, and Attorney General T.J. Donovan urged the Legislature to take further action to address racial disparities and systemic bias in Vermont. The coalition specifically…

QUECHEE— As families seek new approaches to education in the wake of Covid-19, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is excited to announce expanded homeschool programs for this fall. Programs will be available to families with children in pre-K through fifth grade, and will include both at-home portions and activities to take place at…

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is providing a list of certified leashed tracking dog owners who volunteer during the hunting seasons to help hunters locate deer or bear that have been shot during hunting season but not yet recovered. The leashed tracking dog owners, who provide their services free of charge, must pass an extensive exam…

Vermont Actors’ Repertory Theatre presents a virtual short play festival via Zoom on Friday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. The festival is free of charge and open to the public. Talk backs with playwrights, performers and directors will follow the Saturday and Sunday performances. The…

Vermont utilities are warning customers of a phone scam. In a sudden surge of calls, the scammers claim to be from a Vermont utility, including Green Mountain Power (GMP), Burlington Electric Department (BED), Vermont Gas, (VGS), Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC), Vermont Public Power Supply Authority (VPPSA), and Washington Electric Cooperative (WEC), and then demand immediate payment and…

158th Fighter Wing will return by summer of 2021 National Guard will deploy starting in September 2020 for up to six months to multiple locations. Airmen will deploy in small groups throughout the fall in support of U.S. Air Force Central Command (AFCENT), U.S. Air Force Africa Command (AFRICOM) and U.S. Air Force European Command…

Sunday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m.—WHITE RIVER JUNCTION—JAG Productions and Pride Center of Vermont will close out Vermont’s Pride Week with Out Here, a live-stream showcase of regional BIPOC LGBTQ+ artists on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. Suggested donation is $10 and all proceeds raised will go to G.L.I.T.S. (Gays and Lesbians Living In…

After much deliberation, CRAG Vermont is pleased to announce that they will be hosting the 2020 Vermont Climbing Festival! Of course, safety and the health of the community during these uncertain times is their top concern, so like a good trad climber they’ve taken stock of the situation, assessed what gear they have left and have committed to remaining flexible…

Sept. 12-19 is EAB awareness week In keeping with the flight habits of the emerald ash borer (EAB), the ash tree predator that has destroyed millions of ash trees in the country, Bob Brandt is pictured as he removes one of the “purple traps” used to capture adult EAB beetles.  EAB was first located in…

MIDDLEBURY— Since 1966 the garden at Middlebury’s Sheldon Museum has served as a relaxing, quiet escape for visitors to enjoy the colorful, period flowers and plants. Volunteer members of the Middlebury Garden Club have designed, planted, and cared for the garden for decades. The garden is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset. Five new…

RUTLAND—Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum, Rutland’s very own children’s museum located in the heart of downtown, has hosted the Lip Sync Battle at the Paramount Theatre for the past three years as its largest annual fundraiser. With coronavirus cancelling events all over the country, the team at Wonderfeet has gotten creative about how to continue the tradition…