Discover More from This Author: Polly

Scott vetoes payroll tax for paid leave program

February 5, 2020
Gov. Phil Scott announced he will move forward with his voluntary paid family and medical leave program, and vetoed H.107, a bill which levied a $29 million payroll tax on Vermont workers to fund a mandatory paid leave program. “I share the goal to provide a program that allows workers time to take care of…

Pittsford board takes a stand on gun rights

February 5, 2020
By Lee J. Kahrs/ The Reporter PITTSFORD – The Pittsford Select Board has unanimously supported a resolution making the Sunshine Village a gun owner sanctuary. The resolution claims the right to nullify, or invalidate, laws that infringe on what a gun rights organization calls “the lawful use of firearms.” The five-member board approved the move…

Design revealed for Julia Dorr sculpture as Rutland Sculpture Trail expands

February 5, 2020
The dress of Rutland poet and writer Julia Dorr, designed as part of a new sculpture planned for the growing Rutland Sculpture Trail, will feature imagery based on one of her nature-inspired poems. Artist Amanda Sisk has incorporated a butterfly, a bee and other plants and creatures featured in Dorr’s poem “Over the Wall,” a…

Town Meeting Day preview: Some area towns see contested seats

February 5, 2020
Staff report As Town Meeting Day approaches March 3, there are several locally contested races. Two are seeking a Select Board seat in Woodstock. Keri Cole is running for a three-year Select Board seat against incumbent Ray Bourgeois. Bourgeois, who was a grounds manager at Boston University until he retired and moved to Woodstock, has…

Schools take action after finding lead in water

February 5, 2020
By Katy Savage Multiple schools are replacing drinking water fountains and sinks after elevated lead was found in the water. So far, 79% of the schools tested for lead in the state have had at least one tap test positive. Tests are required on every tap at all schools and childcare centers under Act 66,…

What goes up, must come down

February 5, 2020
By Paul Holmes Smiles radiated as the sled picked up speed — and air — careening down a hill off Miller Brook Road in Killington. Maddie, age 6, and her dad Erik Holmes, from Medford, Massachussetts, took advantage of good sledding conditions after skiing this past Saturday and Sunday. Snow conditions have been variable this…

Reduced student count necessitates last minute cuts

February 5, 2020
By Curt Peterson Days after the Windsor Central Unified School District Board approved a FY2020 budget of $17 million on Monday, Jan. 27, the board had to make major revisions due to an incorrect student count. The proposed budget included per-pupil spending of $18,733—just $23 less than the state-mandated maximum of $18,756. The proposal was…

Dance your midwinter blues away

February 5, 2020
Saturday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m.—WOODSTOCK—Cure your winter blues with a healthy dose of red-hot funk. Mild side effects may include ringing ears, achy feet and a full body bass thump. PopUp Social Club’s inaugural event hosts Funktapuss, a six-piece Boston-based groove factory that churns out smooth n’ sweaty New England style funk. Enjoy creative…

Foley Taco and Bean to open on Park Street in Brandon

February 5, 2020
By Lee J. Kahrs/ The Reporter BRANDON – Pat and Dan Foley are coming to downtown Brandon. The brothers behind Foley Brothers Brewing received a $30,000 loan from the Brandon Revolving Loan Fund Monday night for a new business, Foley Taco and Bean. The business will be located in the former Inside Scoop ice cream…

Taste specialty foods at Killington and Pico

February 5, 2020
Saturday, Feb. 8 at 11 a.m.—KILLINGTON—The Ski Vermont Specialty Food Day tour visits Killington Resort with local Vermont food and beverage vendors. The tour showcases all the unique things that Vermont has to offer, right at the base of the mountains we love. Sample various sweets and treats and go home with some too! Ski Vermont welcomes…

Valentines dinner and dance in Brandon

February 5, 2020
Saturday, Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m.—BRANDON—The Brandon American Legion ladies auxiliary post #55 is hosting an evening of food and dancing this weekend in honor of St. Valentine. The meal begins at 6:30 and includes  stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes, vegetables, rolls, dessert and coffee. The dance party begins at 8 p.m. with the band…

Visit Bailey Library for winter fun

February 5, 2020
Snowshoes, books and videos are available at Bailey Library  for your entertainment during these winter days. Some fun outdoor snowshoeing along the trails or even in your own backyard, followed by reading or watching a movie with a cup of warm cocoa is a treat for anyone. Snowshoes are available in adult and children’s sizes and…

Chocolate Tasting at the VAULT

February 5, 2020
Saturday, Feb. 8 at 12 p.m.—SPRINGFIELD—All are invited to Gallery at the VAULT’s 10th Annual Chocolate Tasting on Feb.  8 from 12 until 4 p.m.. Visitors will be able to sample from a large assortment of fine chocolates and chocolate confection. Enjoy the beautiful and unique creations of Vermont artists and find the perfect gift for your…

Slate Valley Trails guides a full moon hike

February 5, 2020
Saturday, Feb. 8 at 5 p.m.—SVT has a full moon hike planned at the Fairgrounds Trailhead in East Poultney, located off Town Farm Road. Join SVT Events Committee member, Ted Barnett, and Program Manager, Silvia Cassano, on this casual-paced, no drop hike to catch a glimpse of the February Snow Moon as it rises, and…

Cattails restaurant to re-open with reduced menu, staff in Brandon

February 5, 2020
By Lee J. Kahrs BRANDON — Figuratively speaking, Lance Chicoine had a lot on his plate last May when he decided to close the venerable Cattails restaurant on Route 7 in Brandon. He also owns the Paddlers Pub on Lake Dunmore in Salisbury, and that same month took over operation of Tavern on the Tee…