The nonprofit projects it will reach more than 5,000 children at 81 sites The Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF) is increasing its efforts to prevent “summer slide” among New Hampshire and Vermont children. Its popular Summer Readers program will reach more than 5,000 children at risk of growing up with low literacy skills and donate more…

RUPERT — On July 10 at 2:48 p.m. a call was made in reference to a deceased bicyclist on Vermont Route 315 in the town of Rupert. The cyclist, later identified as Michael Munson age 51 from Peru, Vt., had been riding his bicycle and had stopped to rest at the top of a long, steep…

By Bill Mathis Few education policy proposals have been adopted as widely and enthusiastically as preschool education. With near universal agreement, early education has been embraced across the political spectrum. This consensus was forged from “gold standard” research, conducted over decades, which almost universally found both academic and social benefits. One of the most attractive…

By Brad Ferland I read with interest a recent media report about Vermont being on the verge of a big increase in the use of fracked gas from Canada, and how our utilities plan to buy even more power from Seabrook, the nearest nuclear power plant to Vermont now that Vermont Yankee has closed. Several years ago…

As we work to make sure Vermont’s economy works for every Vermonter, our focus has to be on growing jobs and opportunity statewide, especially in more rural parts of the state that were hit hardest by the Great Recession. That’s why I was so proud this week to stand with the leadership of Vermed, a…

By Erin Mansfield, VTDigger.org An oversupply of milk is bringing down prices in the Northeast and driving large dairy cooperatives to dump their product in manure pits, experts say. Although low prices for milk products can be a short-term positive for consumers, the low prices are causing a hard time for farmers who otherwise enjoyed…

Dear Editor, I have a serious question for the town on an issue that has been left out of the Town Report — in fact it never made it into the financials of the 2014 Town Report, but is clearly stated in the Auditor’s Report. On page 9 of the Audior’s Report it states that…

By Dom Cioffi When I moved my family into a new neighborhood a few years ago, one of my biggest concerns was for the safety of my son. I obviously wanted him to have a healthy environment in which to roam, but I also hoped there would be other children around to help occupy his…

Submitted Alcohol-based inks will be used to create abstract coasters in a workshop on Sunday. Friday, July 17 — KILLINGTON — Killington ART Garage is excited to kick off the 2015 Killington’s Wine Festival Weekend with artist Peter Huntoon. On Friday, July 17, Huntoon will share his unique painting techniques and various creative concepts while producing a…

Friday, July 17 at 6 p.m. — MENDON — On Friday July 17 at 6 p.m., the Red Clover Inn will be hosting a special fundraiser to benefit Killington Music Festival. Join them for a delicious dinner by chefs Jake Hurm and Mike Ryan while enjoying music by the Killington Music Festival’s Young Artists. Chef Hurm will…

By Polly Lynn This sculpture by Patrick Farrow is an iconic piece in Downtown Rutland’s Depot Park. Friday, July 17 at 5 p.m. — RUTLAND — The Chaffee Art Center introduces “Metamorphosis: Love of Change” on exhibit from July 10 to Aug. 29. An artists reception will take place on Friday, July 17 from 5 to 7…

Submitted Lightweight, breathable wedding attire can tame the heat of summer weddings. May, June and July consistently rank among the most popular months to get married. These months typically provide pleasant weather, and if it does rain, it’s often in the form of a brief thunderstorm. But summer weather can be extremely hot, and while…

KILLINGTON — The 9th Annual Rutland Summer Evening Bridal Show will be at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel on Thursday evening July 16. Join in the celebration with the best wedding professionals in the area! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Prizes are at drawn at 9 p.m. and include an overnight stay for two at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel,…

Submitted In Sweden, a bride puts a silver coin from her father and a gold coin from her mother in each shoe so she will never have to go without. Couples on the verge of tying the knot spend lots of time hoping their wedding days go off without a hitch. The threat of raindrops…

By Polly Lynn Wedding size determines a lot: the location, the venue, food and drink choices, and (of course) the budget. Given that, it seems that knowing approximately how large your wedding is going to be must be among the first decisions a bride- and groom-to-be must make. Is it to be an intimate affair…