RUTLAND—The Paramount Theatre in Rutland will feature three events this week sure to keep audiences swooning. On Saturday, Jan. 27, patrons can screen “Tosca - Puccini” Live from the Metropolitan Opera, at 12:55 p.m. Sir David McVicar’s ravishing new production offers a splendid backdrop for two extraordinary sopranos sharing the title role of the jealous…

Jan. 28, 30—RUTLAND—All interested families are welcome to visit Mount Saint Joseph Academy and Christ the King School during the schools’ upcoming winter open houses. Mount Saint Joseph Academy, which is located on Convent Ave., Rutland, will hold its open house on Sunday, Jan. 28, from 1-3 p.m. MSJ welcomes new students and transfer students to apply for…

Saturday, Jan. 27, 2 p.m.—GRANVILLE, N.Y.—The Slate Valley Museum will host a lecture titled “A Spirit of Sacrifice: New York State in the First World War” by New York State Museum’s Senior Historian Aaron Noble on Saturday, Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. The lecture will discuss the Empire State’s pivotal role in the American war effort. To study the history…

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 1:15 p.m.—CASTLETON—As we get older our needs change and we are faced with making some difficult decisions for ourselves or for our loved ones. For most of us, we are not fully aware of what is available to help with those ever-changing needs. On Jan. 31 at 1:15 p.m. the Castleton Community Center will…

RUTLAND—Join Pam Beidler, director of programs and outreach for the Alzheimer’s Association, Vermont Chapter, on Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for a fun and interactive training on Alzheimer’s Association education programs. The class will be held at the CVPS/Leahy Community Health Education Center at Rutland Regional, 160 Allen St., Rutland. Following a demo and practice session…

RUTLAND—Don’t let the cold keep you in — get out for a night of fun and support a good cause. Join Mount Saint Joseph Academy and Christ the King School on Saturday, Feb. 10 for the MSJ/CKS St. Valentine Soiree. This is an adult-only, fun-filled evening at the Southside Steakhouse in Rutland. The evening will…

By Dom Cioffi The cold weather gripping the country has put a damper on a lot of people’s fun – including my son. Because of this, we allowed him to have a couple of friends visit this past weekend to hang out and have a sleepover. I’ve decided I hate sleepovers because the boys have reached…

portal Once considered out-of-sight, the state’s environmental permitting system just got a massive makeover that’s turning heads. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently launched the Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB). Now, for the first time ever, there is an online hub that gives anyone the ability to easily track permit applications and add public comments.…

RUTLAND—Based on an increase in numbers, Mount Saint Joseph Academy has decided to reinstate varsity football, as the two-year cooperative agreement with Poultney has now expired. The Vermont Principals’ Association has officially granted MSJ release from the cooperative. MSJ now awaits a Division III football schedule from the Vermont Interscholastic Football League. Coach Tucker Peterson…

H.624 was introduced on Jan. 16, proposing increased protections for Vermonters’ sensitive and personal data contained in the statewide voter checklist. H.624 is sponsored by Rep. Dylan Giambatista of Essex Junction, Secretary of State Jim Condos and Attorney General TJ Donovan have underscored the importance to legislators of ensuring that Vermonters’ most sensitive personal data…

The Vermont House unanimously approved H.593, the consumer protection bill, on Jan. 17. This legislation addresses automatic contract renewals, retainage for construction materials, credit protection for vulnerable persons and use of credit info for personal insurance. House Speaker Mitzi Johnson supported the legislation, stating that “one important feature of this bill is the provision that…

By Julia Purdy ROCHESTER—The Rochester Public Library hosted its first Vermont Humanities Council-sponsored book discussion in at least a decade Thursday morning, Jan. 18, with Nancy Gallagher’s eye-opening contribution to modern Vermont history, “Breeding Better Vermonters,” a thought-provoking look at the notorious eugenics movement in Vermont, which was housed at UVM in the 1920s and…

RUTLAND TOWN—The Rutland Town Select Board has voted 4-1 to hire William Sweet to fill the vacant position of administrative assistant to the board. The sole dissenting vote came from board member Chris Kiefer-Cioffi. Mr. Bill Sweet is a lifelong Rutland Town resident who has served 24 years on the Rutland Fire Department. Sweet has…

By Marji Graf LUDLOW—The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce had a strong start to 2018. Marji Graf spoke to the Chester Select Board on Jan. 3 regarding Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce accomplishments in 2017 and goals for 2018. On Jan. 10, the chamber held a free education seminar on cybersecurity and protecting…

By Mike Dougherty Gov. Phil Scott signed into law a bill legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, making Vermont the first state to pass a legalization measure through legislation rather than a voter initiative. In a letter notifying the Legislature, Scott expressed “mixed emotions” about signing the bill, which allows possession of specific amounts of marijuana by…