By Barrie Dunsmore This will be my last column of 2017. Traditionally, this has been an opportunity for reflection on important events of the past year, usually with a look ahead – and if possible – a positive spin that the glass is half full rather than half empty. As human beings I believe most…

Monday, Jan. 8, 12:45 p.m.—WOODSTOCK—NWPL Director of Technology Meg Brazill is offering individual help to people desiring assistance with their laptops, tablets, and mobile devices on Monday, Jan. 8 from 12:45-3:45 p.m. at the Norman Williams Public Library, on The Green in Woodstock. Contact the Thompson Senior Center at 802-457-3277 to sign up for a 45-minute slot…

Saturday, Jan. 6 —LUDLOW— “Grommet” is a widely accepted term for a young person who participates in extreme sports such as surfing, skateboarding, skiing or snowboarding. At Okemo’s Grommet Throwdown, Jan. 6, kids 13 and younger can spend the morning with Okemo Park rangers and Ski + Ride School instructors learning park etiquette, safety and some…

Sunday, Jan. 7 at 4 p.m. —FAIR HAVEN—Not so long ago, wetlands were known as marshes or swamps, and landowners rushed to drain and fill them. Then we learned that wetlands are good – for animals and humans too, especially in this age of changing climate. Come learn about wetlands restoration science and how it’s…

By Meghan McCarthy McPhaul Near the house where I lived during my Colorado years, there was a trail that wove through a sprawling grove of perfect quaking aspen trees. In spring, the soft green of emerging leaves was one of the first signs of warming weather. Come fall, their gilded leaves, fluttering in the breeze,…

Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum in Rutland has announced the appointment of Kheya Ganguly as the executive director of the museum. Ganguly is a grant writer and qualitative researcher with over 15 years of experience. She has successfully written private, state, and federal grants. She has worked in educational, and non-profit settings for much of her career. She is…

Monday, Jan. 8, 6:30 p.m.—NORTH CLARENDON— Starting Jan. 8 the Green Mountain Wireless Society, Rutland County’s amateur radio club, will offer introductory licensing classes. The 11 weekly Monday sessions are open to any interested citizen. Classes will be held at the Civil Air Patrol Building - Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport, Airport Road, in North Clarendon. Class…

RUTLAND—In July, Neighbor Works of Western Vermont piloted a novel educational offering: a home maintenance course for women, designed and taught by a woman. Within 48 hours of posting the course, We Can Fix It, on social media, it was full. By the end of the week, there was a waiting list over 30 individuals…

Sunday, Jan. 7, 6 p.m.—RUTLAND—Looking for a way to warm up? Come play on the ice! Rutland Rocks Curling Club will be hosting an open house at Giorgetti Arena from 6-7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 7. Talk with club members about strategy, safety, and the history of curling before getting on the ice and throwing a stone or two.…

Sunday, Jan. 7, 3 p.m.—RUTLAND—Grace Congregational Church will host a celebration of the life of Robert De Cormier (1922-2017) Sunday from 3-5 p.m. De Cormier passed away in November, bequeathing an indelible legacy of music and engaging performance to Vermont, to the world of choral singing, and to all of humanity. At 3 p.m. on Sunday, the two local…

Saturday, Jan. 6, 3 & 5 p.m.—WOODSTOCK—The 8th Annual Woodstock Vermont Film Series at the Billings Farm & Museum will feature the award-winning documentary, “Obit,” on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. in HD projection and surround sound, with complimentary refreshments. All films are open to the public and accessible to people with disabilities. Reservations are…

Sunday, Jan. 7, 2 p.m.—RUTLAND—The Paramount Theatre continues its screenings of Live in HD from the National Theatre with an encore broadcast of “Obsession” on Sunday, Jan. 7 at 2 p.m. This unique collaboration brings together three of Europe’s most celebrated producing organizations: The National Theatre of Great Britain, Barbican Theatre Productions Limited, London and Toneelgroep…

By Evan Johnson Linda and Ted Fondulas, former owners of Hemingway’s, the once celebrated restaurant in Killington, are reviving their Food Odysseys for Vermont. The couple’s concept of a “food odyssey” encompasses a variety of food and beverage related activities, including cooking classes, visits to farmsteads, vineyards, orchards, and artisan food or beverage producers, as…

By Elizabeth Hewitt, VTDigger The state has investigated 52 claims of sexual harassment reported by state employees since 2014, according to the Vermont Department of Human Resources. Disciplinary action was taken in two cases in 2016 and two cases in 2017. (Penalties can range from a reprimand to dismissal.) The number of complaints spiked in…

By Alan J. Keays, VT Digger A panel charged with coming up with ways to combat the opioid crisis in Vermont has developed recommendations it will now work with others to help turn into reality. The Governor’s Opioid Coordination Council has compiled a draft document which is expected in the next couple of weeks, with some…