RUTLAND — The 53rd annual VFW Loyalty Day Parade is coming May 1, and they would like to remind entrants as such. Participants in past parades have included:  military units such as VFW Posts & American Legion Posts; VFW Post 648 Buddy Poppy Princess; American Legion Unit 31 Poppy Princess; high school bands; fire departments; Smokey…

RUTLAND — With the men’s and women’s basketball seasons coming to a close and spring sports just getting underway, it was a relatively slow week in sports for College of St. Joseph. However, the softball team was in action over the weekend in a double-header matchup against the Columbia Greene CC Twins. The Lady Saints…

Susan L. Donegan, commissioner of the Department of Financial Regulation (DFR), announced March 10 that Travelers Insurance Co. and Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. have paid Vermont $154,000 in fines and repaid consumers another $54,500. The two insurance companies this week paid fines totaling $154,000 for violating Vermont laws regarding the timing of policy cancellation and…

By Dom Cioffi I watched him drop an easy pop fly; I watched him muff a very field-able ground ball; I even watched him half-heartedly try to steal second base only to get thrown out by 10 feet. I watched all of this occur to my son this past Saturday as our Little League team…

Submitted Mopping after vacuuming can remove any lingering allergens and improve indoor air quality. (MS) As winter wears on, it’s not uncommon for people living in cold weather climates to experience some cabin fever. In addition to contributing to cabin fever, winter weather can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. While air pollution…

Submitted Trends suggest that homeowners are again investing in home improvement projects. The home improvement market, which includes both improvements and maintenance, has rebounded considerably from its most recent low point in 2011. The Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) of Harvard University indicated in early 2015 that the upcoming year would surpass the $324…

Submitted Many little improvements can provide savings for you, while protecting our environment for future generations. (MS) Thinking green throughout the year can offer some significant benefits. Here are some easy ways you can go green in your own home and lower your energy bills: Invest in a programmable thermostat. It will automatically adjust the…

Submitted Hanging laundry out on a clothes line is an easy way to save on energy costs, and reduce your carbon footprint. The fresh smell that accompanies is an added bonus. The arrival of warmer weather means different things to different people. Some anticipate opportunities for outdoor fun, while others may be considering redecorating or…

Submitted Unlike wood, which will absorb moisture and can warp, bamboo (actully a grass) repels water and can be used for flooring in areas where one wouldn’t think to put wood, such as in bathrooms, entryways or mudrooms. (MS) Kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects tend to make great investments, earning homeowners significant returns when they…

Submitted Homeowners should consider as many variables as possible, including foot traffic in a given room, before installing carpeting in their homes as many factors can influence the longevity of a given style or weave. (MS) Carpets provide both practical and aesthetic appeal inside a home. In winter, carpets help keep homes warm, and the…

Submitted Salvaged doors, fences, shutters, beams, and so much more can be put to new use. (MS) Repurposing salvaged wood is a popular trend in the home improvement industry. Not only can using salvaged wood give a home a one-of-a-kind look, but it’s a handy way to incorporate the three Rs of green living into…

(MS) — Excessive energy bills can be a concern in spring and summer, just as much as they are in the winter. So how can you save money while keeping your home cool? The solution is simple: Top up your attic insulation. A poorly insulated attic is a primary source of energy loss, forcing your…

Submitted Clover is is a lush alternative to grass that is easier to grow, lasts longer and requires less work. Who doesn’t love the look and feel of a lush, green lawn? Having your home surrounded by gorgeous green turf has forever been part of the American dream. But once reality sets in, maintaining and…

(MS) No matter the style of a homeowner’s kitchen, be it modern, traditional or farmhouse, stainless steel appliances can add a pop of shine and a touch of class. Proponents of stainless steel appliances note their easy maintenance, stylish look and durability. Plus, the neutral tone of stainless steel helps it blend in with just…

(MS) Few areas in a home can prove as perilous as bathrooms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says every year around 235,000 people over the age of 15 visit emergency rooms in the U.S. because of injuries suffered in bathrooms, the majority resulting from falls. Injuries sustained in bathrooms typically occur in and…