By Ginger Nickerson, Forest Pest Education Coordinator, University of Vermont As you hit the trails this winter, take a close look at Vermont’s forests. Some trees are threatened by invasive forest insects, and in some places, you might be the only one to spot them! The three pests to be on the lookout for when exploring our…

Vermont Studio Center (VSC) has been approved for a $25,000 Grants for Arts Projects award to support the continuation and expansion of VSC’s online programming. Vermont Studio Center’s Virtual Program is among 1,073 projects across America totaling nearly $25 million that were selected during this first round of fiscal year 2021 funding in the Grants…

by Melinda Myers You created your wish list, ordered some or all of the seeds you will need, and they are beginning to arrive.  Make the most of your investment with a bit of planning. Starting seeds at the proper time, indoors or directly in the garden, ensures a good start to the growing season.…

Home is where the heart is, and it’s also where homeowners express their style. Though interior design may come naturally to some homeowners, many more can benefit from a little help defining their style and translating that style into a beautiful home. In such instances, interior designers can be the most valuable investments homeowners make…

Camp Sangamon Pittsford Boys, ages 9-16 Overnight 2, 3, 4 and 5 week sessions campsangamon.com The Camp with the Pioneer Spirit!  An independent overnight camp for boys located in Pittsford. Operating since 1922, this is a boys’ overnight summer camp focused on true freedom of choice. Arts, crafts, sports, outdoor pursuits, and other traditional camping…

By Brooke Geery Like many ski bums over the years, 25-year-old Austin Oesterle’s dream of moving up to Killington from Long Island, New York to snowboard hit a speed bump when he tore his ACL. Down but not out, he headed back to Long Island and shifted his creative efforts into learning to blow and…

How to enjoy yourself and stay safe on the ice this winter As winter sets in, many Vermonters are preparing for one of the most popular cold weather pastimes in the state – ice fishing.  Anglers spend more than 400,000 days each winter ice fishing in Vermont, and the state’s Fish & Wildlife Dept. is…

Despite the challenges facing students and teachers this year, the Brandon Artists Guild (BAG) proudly announces its annual show of new artwork by local students from grades K to 12. The exhibit runs from Feb. 5 through Feb. 28. The exhibit includes work from students from Otter Valley UHS, Barstow Memorial,  Neshobe Elementary, and Lothrop,…

By Melinda Myers The beginning of a new year finds many gardeners preparing for the growing season ahead. Clearing space to start seeds indoors, inventorying seeds and supplies, and ordering seeds, plants, and more are usually part of the process. While organizing, you may uncover seeds from past seasons. Do not discard these just yet.…

SVAC is proud to announce a new program that brings customized art lessons with professional artists and art supplies to schools struggling to provide quality art education through its art backpack and virtual classroom project. The program will launch with 11 local schools—Currier Memorial School, The Dorset School, Long Trail School, Manchester Elementary Middle School,…

Elected to three-year terms beginning in January 2021 were Emily Bernard (South Burlington); Will Kasso Condry (Burlington); Sharon Fantl (Brattleboro); and Holly Groschner (Corinth). Elected for a three-year term beginning June 2021 was Mark Foley (Rutland). “We are fortunate to be welcoming these five exceptional Vermonters to our board,” said Board Chair Gail Nunziata. “They…

The Castleton Community Center offers a new Great Courses class on Mondays at 1 p.m. entitled “England, the 60s, and the Triumph of the Beatles.” The course begins with a 30-minute video by instructor Michael Sheldon of Indiana State University. He will talk about how the Beatles began their musical careers in a northern English…

Simpler fishing rules designed to protect fish and encourage fishing The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept. wants to make it easier for people to go fishing by simplifying its fishing regulations. Fishing regulations have become increasingly complex over time as amendments were added, making the rules more difficult for anglers to understand and challenging for…

Feel the chill this winter with a visit to see A Winter of Hope ice sculpture exhibition created by “The Ice Man,” Charles Jones. The exhibition will feature three new art inspired sculptures each week for two weeks — Feb. 12 through Feb. 26 and will be located on the front lawn of The Hyde. The sculptures are in honor…

They are the purr that heals, the curtain ninja that entertains, the in-house Zen master. They are the cats we invite into our homes and in February the spotlight is on their well-being during National Cat Health Month. Pet cats are varied and complex creatures, whether they are devoted couch surfers, or indoor/outdoor cats that…