Discover More from This Category: Columns
‘To everything there is a season’
March 17, 2021
I woke up this past Sunday morning at my usual time, took note of the lack of light streaming into my bedroom, glanced at the clock on my cellphone, and then lay back down to contemplate the obvious change at hand. Daylight Savings Time (DST) has officially begun with the clocks moving ahead one hour…
Your membership matters
March 17, 2021
By Elicia Pinsonault Rutland Young Professionals is an all-volunteer, all-inclusive organization that engages with our community, creating social and professional networking opportunities while building a Rutland region that attracts and retains young professionals. Despite our name, we welcome individuals of all ages and backgrounds to our events, both in-person and virtually. We strive to be…
Rockin’ the region with comedians Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood
March 17, 2021
By DJ Dave Hoffenberg With millions of people being forced to stay home to help stop the spread of Covid-19, Zoom became the go-to video conferencing app for surviving the pandemic. Schools, churches, office meetings, etc. You may dread having to “Zoom” again, but this time it’s worth it. Comedians Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood…
Bluebirds in Winter
March 17, 2021
By Lee Emmons On Valentine’s Day, as I sat down to write, I noticed a burst of blue outside my upstairs window. Looking out with my binoculars, I counted six eastern bluebirds. Clustered on and below my suet feeders, they were a wonderfully pleasant surprise on a chilly February morning. As I watched, the bluebirds…
Step back from society’s expectations and reflect
March 17, 2021
By Cassandra Tyndall It’s rarely an easy feeling when everything inside your soul tells you to pause, rest and reflect. That’s because way of the world these days wants you to push, achieve and attain. To go for anything less than that leads to feelings of guilt, failure or shame. To take a step back…
Rockin’ the Region with Sami Eldebs
March 10, 2021
By DJ Dave Hoffenberg In this pandemic world, you don’t get to see new music that often so I highly suggest going to see Sami Eldebs this weekend. You have four opportunities starting Thursday 6-10 p.m. at Jax, Friday and Saturday 6-10 p.m. at the Pickle Barrel and Sunday 5-9 p.m. at The Foundry. I…
Take me out to the ball game
March 10, 2021
By Merisa Sherman I’m not sure if I recognize the voices, but the words wash over me like an old, worn blanket. The patterns of phrasing, the flow of emotions, combined with just the right amount of grit, make the memories come floating back and I am transported. The imaginary smells of popcorn, hot dogs…
Feeling the pressure
March 10, 2021
My 16-year-old son has announced that his life is officially too complicated and, as such, things need to change. I chuckled when he brought this to my attention. My first instinct was to laugh hysterically, but I held back, knowing that would only alienate him and his feelings. Admittedly, we keep our son busy. This…
Drip, drip, drip
March 10, 2021
By Gary Salmon I have the luxury of having a window just above the sight line of my computer. It is my icicle monitor and I have been waiting for it to change structure now for about a month or more. I like icicles. They look nice in the cold reminding me when to turn…
The first flowers of spring
March 10, 2021
By Mary Ellen Shaw Well, it will soon be spring… at least that is what the calendar says! For me March is the month to change over the pine garlands on our cedar fence to something with a touch of spring. The weather tends to tease us at this time of year with an occasional…
Does your child have to file a tax return?
March 10, 2021
By Kevin Theissen Many parents encourage their children to work so they can learn the values about work and managing money. But do they need to file a tax return for the money they earn? The IRS does not exempt anyone from the requirement to file a tax return based on age, even if your…
Winter buds: Tiny packages of potential
March 10, 2021
By Susan Shea The bare branches of the trees outside my window seem lifeless in late winter. However, each twig holds many buds — small, wrapped packages of potential awaiting the spring. These buds formed last summer and are designed to withstand snow, ice, and subzero temperatures. By withdrawing water from them before winter, deciduous…
Entertaining what could be
March 10, 2021
By Cassandra Tyndall “What do you want to be when you grow up?” When you’re only 6 years old and you respond with something wild, crazy and impractical, you’re applauded and celebrated for your ambition and imagination. Then, somewhere along the line, the rings of reality close in on you and you decide to be…
Snow swimming, part 3: Shifting my relationship with fear
March 3, 2021
Is your relationship with fear contentious or friendly? By Sandra Dee Owens Throughout my life, I have thought of fear as something I should overcome, battle and conquer. But when I began snow swimming four years ago, I wanted a fresh perspective—so fear would not stop me from doing what I wanted to do. First,…
A face in the crowd
March 3, 2021
By Dom Cioffi I was out of town recently and had the opportunity to visit a mall that was open. I don’t think I’ve been to a mall since early 2020, so it felt a bit unusual. I put on my mask and wandered around, admiring the amount of people that seemed to be happily…