Discover More from This Category: Columns

Super heroes who answered the call

September 4, 2024
By Bruce Bouchard and John Turchiano Editor’s note: Bruce Bouchard is former executive director of The Paramount Theatre. John Turchiano, his friend for 52 years, was formerly the editor of Hotel Voice, a weekly newspaper on the New York Hotel Trades Council. They are co-authoring this column to tell short stories on a wide range…

Change at the mountain: choosing better over bitter

August 28, 2024
When the news came out on Thursday, I went numb, which took me completely by surprise. I mean, rumors had been flying for months, we all knew that the president of Powdr has been struggling with his health and I had been privy to some interesting conversations. We all knew this was coming, but what we…

Liar, Liar…

August 28, 2024
I just returned from a conference, and to get back quicker, I decided to take the redeye. Every time I do this, I regret it because of the disrupted sleep, but there’s something about getting home sooner rather than later.  I was hoping for a whole row to myself but that wasn’t the case. As…

Tarping, solarization and occultation

August 28, 2024
By Deborah J. Benoit Editor’s note: Deborah J. Benoit is a UVM Extension master gardener from North Adams, Massachusetts, who is part of the Bennington County Chapter. Are you looking for a low-labor, chemical-free method to help eradicate weeds and soil-residing pests in the garden? Solarization and occultation, often referred to as “tarping,” may be…

The eye-opening realm of avian sleep

August 28, 2024
Birds exist in a fluid and unpredictable world. Survival depends on remaining constantly alert, adapting and responding to encounters with predators and environmental conditions that change with the seasons, weather, and geography. But sleep is also essential, providing rest, rejuvenation, and healing. Normally, day-active (diurnal) animals sleep at night, and night-active (nocturnal) species sleep by…

Dream in Color: The flood

August 28, 2024
My first spring in Killington, 2023, I started dating a friend who lived locally. They had introduced me to the community a few years earlier and helped me connect with so many awesome folks, opening the door to a lot of opportunities for me. I felt so welcomed by her energy. As a local for…

You can’t put out my flame

August 28, 2024
Editor’s note: The following is the first poem that Bree Sarandrea ever had published. It was in the Rutland Herald when she was 10. Look into the flames, Glowing so brightly. They make you feel so happy, Free of all cares and warm inside. Spread your wings and take flight to the air. Now free…

Proceed with caution

August 28, 2024
All the things that have been slow to gain momentum over the past few weeks look set to get back on track. The thoughts, the ideas and the logistics and plans that have been on the back burner are now back on the table. Reason being is that Mercury hits the brakes and starts to…

Europe or bust!

August 28, 2024
Building our Killington Dream Lodge part 26 in a series on the Dye family adventure By Marguerite Jill Dye We’re headed for Europe as this column comes out to visit with friends and see old and new sites where I’ll paint en plein air like French “artistes.” I’ll take a break from my series of…

53 Building our Killington Dream Lodge

August 22, 2024
Part 26 in a series on the Dye Family Adventure by Marguerite Jill Dye A child’s awe Some of the stress and pressure in our lives was lifted once I quit my job to care for Danny, cook, keep house, and recover from months of sleep loss. My pay was low and child care high,…

52 Building our Killington Dream Lodge

August 22, 2024
Part 25 in a series on the Dye Family Adventure by Marguerite Jill Dye Motherhood, the next frontier We were awe-struck when our son was born. Duane cut the cord and bathed Danny in warm water. I held him on my chest as we fell in love with the sweet little fellow, all rosy red…

Preventing erosion at home

August 21, 2024
By Bonnie Kirn Donahue Editor’s note:  Bonnie Kirn Donahue is a UVM Extension master gardener and landscape architect in central Vermont. Did you know that the condition of your yard can have an impact on regional water quality? Areas where soil is left open and unvegetated are spots that are susceptible to erosion. Erosion happens…

Big Bear takes stuffies on an adventure

August 21, 2024
Every year, just before school starts, the Sherburne Memorial Library hosts its annual stuffed animal sleepover. But this isn’t just any sleepover. In fact, it doesn’t even have any human people actually sleeping over! Instead, the local kids (and even a few grownups) drop their stuffed animals off at the library for a unique toys-come-to-life experience…

Service with a smile

August 21, 2024
 My son just started a job waitering at a local Mexican restaurant. He also works at a grocery store, but he hadn’t been getting enough hours, and since he needs money for his planned trip abroad next month, he knew he had to find additional employment. The restaurant serves authentic Mexican fare and is decorated…

Rural animals visit Rutland City

August 21, 2024
When you live in Rutland City with houses very close to one another you don’t expect to see animals and critters that are prevalent in rural areas. But that hasn’t stopped these “visitors” from checking out our urban setting. Back in the ‘50s when I was a small child I remember playing in the sandbox…