Phoenix Books funds sculpture, honoring Vt. author Rudyard Kipling RUTLAND—Work on the first carving announced in a planned series of historical stone sculptures in downtown Rutland will begin in August—but organizers say the “second” sculpture will be completed before the first. The second planned project, a tribute to “The Jungle Book” and famed Vermont author…

By Elizabeth Hewitt, VTDigger Gov. Phil Scott became the first governor in the country to veto a bill that would legalize marijuana. Scott announced Wednesday, May 24, he will send the bill, S.22, back to the Legislature. However, the governor said he is “offering a path forward.” If lawmakers make certain changes to the legislation,…

By Erin Mansfield, VTDigger RUTLAND—Sen. Kevin Mullin, R-Rutland, is stepping down from his position as state senator to become the top health care regulator in the state. Mullin, 58, of Rutland Town, will be the chair of the Green Mountain Care Board, which regulates health insurance prices and hospital budgets, among other things. The chair…

By Alan Sculley  The Paramount Theatre will welcome the 12-musician group Pink Martini to the stage Sunday, June 4 for a 7 p.m. show. Columnist Alan Sculley gives some insight as to the group, its frontman, and the latest album: As his group, Pink Martini, continues to tour behind its latest album, “Je dis oui!”…

Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m.—WOODSTOCK—What do farm fresh food, hiking, arts and crafts, fiddle music, yoga in nature, ice cream, and wood-fired pizza all have in common? They are all part of the ninth annual Trek to Taste to be held on National Trails Day, Saturday, June 3,10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park…

Saturday, June 3, 7:30 p.m.—BRANDON—Deb Brisson and the Hay Burners are a group of veteran Addison County performers, led by Brisson’s powerful, expressive vocals, who make their Brandon Music debut Saturday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. Their songs are real and heartfelt, ranging from soulful and bluesy to rocking alt-country. With an album of original…

Saturday, June 3, 2 p.m.—ORWELL—To celebrate National Trails Day Saturday, June 3, the Mount Independence State Historic Site in Orwell is hosting a Hike into History. The walk, from 2-3:30 p.m., is led by Mark Brownell, a retired history teacher and board member of the Mount Independence Coalition, the friends group for the historic site.…

Saturday & Sunday, June 3-4—PLYMOUTH NOTCH—The President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site celebrates National Trails Day on Saturday, June 3. Organized by the American Hiking Society, National Trails Day invites outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities to find their own adventure at thousands of events throughout the country. The Coolidge Site joins this national…

By Dom Cioffi I returned to Jacksonville, Florida, this past week for my first three-month, post-cancer check-up. In February, after several months of radiation and chemotherapy treatments, I received the “cancer free” label. However, I will still need to visit the Mayo Clinic every three months for the next three years and then every six…

Friday, June 2, 7 p.m.—GRANVILLE, N.Y.—Granville, N.Y., has been called “The Colored Slate Capital of the World.” Ever wondered why? During First Friday, June 2, 7-9 p.m., Slate Valley Museum will be offering free walking tours of the village that will highlight buildings that are connected to slate’s story in the area. Back at the…

Friday, June 2, 7:30 p.m.—TINMOUTH—The Sky Blue Boys, long-time favorites of the crowds at Tinmouth’s Old Firehouse, will be the final concert in the spring series held June 2 at 7:30 p.m. Brothers Willy and Dan revived the tradition of brother duets — two fellows with a mandolin and guitar, a musical teamwork built of…

Wednesday, May 31, 7 p.m.—MIDDLETOWN SPRINGS—His Little Feet International Children’s Choir is presenting at Middletown Springs Community Church Wednesday, May 31 at 7 p.m. The choir presentation will be on the town green. A free, authentic curry chicken dinner will be served before the presentation, also on the town green. Doors open at 6 p.m. The…

By Cal Garrison This week’s Horoscopes are coming out on the cusp of the Moon’s passage from Cancer to Leo. I see good things holding sway over the next few days. This is a blessing for all of us, given the state of the world and the warlike energy that gets stirred up here in…

Cal Garrison (a.k.a Mother of the Skye) writes weekly horoscopes for The Mountain Times. If you would like an emailed notification sent to you weekly, sign up for the newsletter, below. Want to hear more from Mother of the Skye? Check out Mother's Celestial Inspirations for a deeper look into this weeks horoscopes Mother of the Skye…