Mammals and birds are endotherms, which means they generate their own body heat through relatively high metabolic rates. That high metabolism requires energy, which these animals garner from food. We typically think of endotherms as warm-blooded; however, some of them are not warm all of the time. Most active birds and mammals maintain relatively high…

By Victoria Gaither How do you define a community? Webster’s Dictionary defines a community as a group with shared values, interests, and goals.  While that is true, the story of Arlo, the missing 1-year-old dog, and how the Killington community came together to bring him home to his owner, Joseph “Joe” Ceccacci, who was recovering…

By Susie Spikol A flash of orange streaks across the meadow— a red fox, like a starburst in the snow. Its fur shimmers in the early morning light, and I, bundled in my winter layers and still shivering cold, envy the fox’s luxurious coat.    At its simplest, hair—or fur – keeps mammals warm by…

By Merisa Sherman We all moved across the bridge together, probably over a thousand cars all creeping precariously across the Hudson or whereever. Sure, there were some moving in faster bursts in an attempt to get around and others just maintaining a constant speed, but we were indeed all moving together. An aerial photo would…

By Dom Cioffi Have you ever had one of those days at work when everything goes wrong? And then, when you finally head home to recover, you get an email about work that kicks things up another notch? I had one of those days recently. But then it got even worse. It was around 7…

By DJ Dave Hoffenberg Royals are bringing their pop masterpiece to the Pickle Barrel this Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 9 p.m. I saw them last winter for their first time in Killington and my first time seeing them. I’m really looking forward to seeing the show again. I highly recommend you go…

By DJ Dave Hoffenberg Brian “Bglow” Glowacki is bringing his stand-up comedy show to the Paramount Theatre in Rutland, Vermont on Saturday January 21st at 7:30 p.m.  It’s going to be a live comedy taping. I first met Brian in the summer of 1998 in Nantucket, my only season there. We’ve stayed friends but I’ve…

By Liz DiMarco Weinmann Tawdry treachery! Dastardly deeds! Sinful sex! Unrequited love between distraught divas and vain villains! More melodramatic mayhem than in whole seasons of Law & Order and Lifetime Movies! Yes, please! More to the point, “Bravo!” Growing up in an Italian household, I have been listening to opera since I was 5,…

By Rep. Jim Harrison The first week of a new legislative biennium is full of tradition, pomp and circumstance, along with a heavy dose of getting organized. And, unlike the U.S. Congress this past week, the Vermont House and Senate completed their organization within hours of their respective official roll calls. Once the House members…

By Sen. Alison Clarkson It is always exciting to begin a new biennium in the Vermont Statehouse. And, the 2023 launch of the first year of that two year legislative period was no exception.  Over one third of our legislators are newly elected. Of the 10 new senators, only three have served previously in the…

By Merisa Sherman I wiggle my legs back and forth underneath me, like a pendulum they swing as I meander along on the Great Eastern. Or what used to be called Great Eastern, I honestly cannot keep track of the name changes. Maybe it’s Bear Cub or something. Just the slightest bit of movement from…

By Anna Morris One January day, my husband and I set off on a walk around our neighborhood. The temperature was a bone-chilling negative 19 degrees, and although we worked to get our blood pumping, our fingers and toes eventually revolted. As we turned back toward the warmth of home, I spotted a flock of…

By Mary Ellen Shaw Once in awhile during the winter months I like to look forward instead of “back.” So this column will concentrate on flowers and veggies fresh from the garden. I don’t think that I am the only one who misses playing in the dirt this time of year.  Of course, if you…

By Dom Cioffi When I go out for a run, I follow a regular route. Some runners like to mix things up and head in a variety of directions, but I like my set, predictable loop. The meandering circle I run is almost exactly five miles long and encompasses a variety of hilly terrain. While…

By Gary Salmon Warm fires and cozy living rooms complete with a decorated Christmas tree are a part of many of our December lives. We look for just the right tree, not too dense to prevent ornament hanging, but just right to brighten up a late December of darkness.  It prepares us mentally for the…