By Kathy Romans Hall, Rutland Chapter UVM Extension Master Gardeners The Rutland Chapter of UVM Extension Master Gardeners would like to share some information about a common ornamental plant that you may have on your property. We have concerns about the Japanese barberry, a spiny shrub that in the past 30 years became a popular…

By Gary Salmon The problem with this article occurred earlier when my mind went searching for a photo of an ornamental hemlock tree growing in someone’s yard. I have a large collection of tree photos filed away in both my mind and computer available for a wide range of needs which requires that I only…

By Merisa Sherman It was the responsibility of the fifth grade and we took it very seriously. Instead of participating in the chaos of homeroom each morning, the designated group would get the flag from its place of honor in our classroom and slowly descend the main stairs. We would be the only ones in…

By Dom Cioffi My son and I have reached an interesting crossroads: we both wear the exact same size in our clothing, shoes, and headwear. I imagine this happens to many parents, but I wasn’t prepared for the repercussions of this convergence. It started with the shoes. About six months ago we wandered into a…

Beginning on Friday, July 3, Killington plans to operate the bike park seven days a week, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with both the Ramshead Express and Snowshed Express Quads. The K-1 Express Gondola will also operate Friday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. for scenic rides, and the Adventure Center will also begin operation on July 3.…

By Susie Spikol Each fall, thousands of broad-winged hawks soar across the New England sky in flocks known as kettles, on their way to wintering grounds in South and Central America. The sky swirls with hawks bubbling up on thermals of hot air and then streaming southward. It is enough to take your breath away…

By Cassandra Tyndall In order to fully let something go, it’s normal to have one final long gaze at it. Like those times you break up with a lover, knowing it won’t develop into anything more. Or those times you move, taking one last look at the house that stands before you. As you close…

Sunday, July 5 at 1 p.m.—You are invited to join Rhonda Lenair, known as “The Healer of addictions,” renowned medical intuitive, and founder of the Self(s) Healing Experience (SHE) for a conference call to learn more about what SHE offers. SHE is a transformational life-changing encounter renown for producing predictable miracles. Through SHE,  privately self-destructive…

BURLINGTON—Interest in gardening has surged this summer with more people staying closer to home and looking for fun, healthy family activities. To encourage kids and their families to grow food and eat together, University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H has developed “Eating What We Grow,” an online bi-weekly gardening series that will run throughout the…

WEST WINDSOR—Even without public gatherings, there will be an Independence Day celebration in West Windsor (Brownsville) this Covid year… with the participation of the whole town.  The Brownsville Independence Day committee has some updates on this 3-day holiday weekend coming up. To date the plan is to celebrate the full weekend, from Friday, July 3…

Thursday, July 2 at 10 a.m.—ROCHESTER—Great Decisions foreign policy discussion series, an online program from the Rochester Library, starts Thursday, July 2 at 10 a.m. and runs for eight weeks. This year, three foreign policy experts will lead the discussions: Mike Van Dusen worked on the Foreign Affairs Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives…

Sweetened with blueberry syrup and garnished with blueberries, this gin cocktail is a seasonal play on the classic Clover Club. Summer in a (coupe) glass. Ingredients: 1.5 oz gin 0.75 oz Fino Sherry 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice 0.75 oz blueberry syrup 1 egg white fresh skewered blueberries for garnish Preparation: Combine ingredients into a…

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept. is again urging Vermonters to leave wildlife in the wild where they belong.  The department is receiving calls and emails from individuals who are temporarily caring for wildlife, mostly young skunks, woodchucks, raccoons, foxes and other mammals, only to find wildlife rehabilitation facilities are full and not accepting additional…

Thursday, July 2 at 7 p.m.—WEST HAVEN—Devil’s Bowl Speedway will host its own Independence Day fire cracker spectacular on July 2, beginning at 7 p.m. The night will start off with a Firecracker 50 modified race featuring all five regular divisions, as well as a sprint car race. Drive-in viewing will be available for the…

By Bonnie Kirn Donahue, extension master gardener, University of Vermont If you’re inspired to have a garden this year, but don’t have a lot of space, consider container gardening. These are easy to maintain, can be large or small to fit your needs and are a satisfying alternative to traditional in-ground vegetable gardening. If you are…