Civil Rights leader and Rutland native was nation’s first black college president  By Victoria Gaither The sculpture honoring Rutland native and leading abolitionist Martin Henry Freeman will be formally dedicated May 13 at noon in the Center Street Marketplace – 195 years after his birth. The Martin Henry Freeman sculpture took its place on the…

In a post-pandemic world, sustainability and respect will be more important than ever By Brooke Geery Morel mushrooms are popping up everywhere right now (if you know where to look). With an increased interest in self-sustainable living as we come out of a global pandemic, it’s a great time to dip your toes in the…

The Killington Pico Area Association recently announced its plans for this summer’s Killington wine festival. This year’s celebration will once again not be the full large outdoor festival under the tents, but instead include a month-long celebration of wine with wine tastings at participating restaurants, a wine trail, the Wine & Nine golf tournament hosted…

Wednesday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m. — VIRTUAL — Marv Elliott, treasurer of Rutland County Audubon, will present a free Zoom birding program on May 12 at 6:30 p.m. This photo talk will follow a camping trip by Marv and his wife, Sue, from their home in Vermont to Alaska. Their photos will show the…

Wednesday, May 12 at 11 a.m. —VIRTUAL— Southwestern Vermont Health Care’s (SVHC) Medical Matters Weekly with Dr. Trey Dobson, a weekly interactive, multi-platform medical-themed talk show, will feature Natalie Kwit, public health veterinarian with the Vermont Dept. of Health, as a guest on its May 12 show. The show will air at 11 a.m. and will cover everything…

Friday, May 14 9 a.m. -3 p.m.—RUTLAND — On May 14th, Stockton Security, Rutland City Police Dept. and Project Vision will be holding the second annual Stuff-A-Cruiser to benefit BROC Community Action and, this year at the suggestion of Becky Stockton, the Rutland County Humane Society will also be a beneficiary. Donations of nonperishable foods,…

Saturday, May 15 at 10 a.m. —WOODSTOCK/VIRTUAL — The next program in the Billings Backyard Series presents Beekeeping and Pollinators with Troy Hall of Hall Apiaries, Plainfield, NH. Curious about keeping bees? Passionate about pollinators? Troy will discuss the basic concepts of beekeeping and caring for hives as well as the joys one can discover keeping…

Locals celebrate ‘surviving’ the pandemic hospitality season  Sunday, May 16 at 11 a.m. —KILLINGTON — Dream Maker Bakers and Killington Boot Camp Wellness Center have teamed up to create a fun day of games, music, food and drinks! Join in for a classic Killington event that is sure to be one for the books. The…

Vermont’s catch-and-release bass fishing is underway with some of the hottest bass fishing action in the region happening right now, according to Vermont Fish & Wildlife (VTF&W), May 10.  “Spring catch-and-release bass fishing is a really special time to be on the water in Vermont, and the fishing can be truly spectacular,” said Bernie Pientka,…

Tuesday, May 18 at 7:30 a.m. — POULTNEY — Beginning birders welcome! There will be friendly birders in the group who will happily share their knowledge with you. Bring water and a snack, insect repellent, binoculars, cameras, and field guides. There is usually an opportunity to leave early. We walk at a slow pace with…

RUTLAND — The Rutland Free Library is open with our regular hours. Masks are required. We continue to suggest patrons use curbside/concierge service, where users can call or email ahead and have their materials ready to pick up at the front desk, as recommended by VT Dept. of Libraries. We welcome browsing and computer use. No…

Saturday, May 15 at 9 a.m — VIRTUAL — Curious if that insect in your garden is friend or foe? Or what disease may be affecting the leaves of your favorite landscape plant?  On May 15, Ann Hazelrigg, Ph.D., will share information on beneficial insects, pests and plant diseases commonly found in gardens and landscapes…

May 15-22 —  VIRTUAL — Several activities are planned in Vermont for Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week, May 15-22, to help increase public understanding of an invasive forest pest that has destroyed millions of acres of ash trees in the country. “Across the Fence,” the University of Vermont (UVM) Extension farm, home and community show…

By Ron Krupp Editor’s note: Ron Krupp, author of “The Woodchuck’s Guide to Gardening,” “The Woodchuck Returns to Gardening” and “Lifting the Yoke,” is working on his third garden book, “The Woodchuck’s Guide to Landscape Plants and Ornamentals.” When we plant a seed, we create a direct link between our ancestral past and our potential future.…

For more information visit: vermontfarmersfoodcenter.org/everyone_eats Rutland County Vermont Farmers Food Center 251 West Street, Rutland Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 4 p.m.-6 p.m. (Drive-thru; first-come, first-served)   Rutland Veggie Van Go Diamond Run Mall Thu 4/22, 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/vdhrutland   Barstow Memorial School 223 Chittenden Rd, Chittenden Wednesday 5  p.m. -…