It’s that time of year again when many of us start making New Year’s resolutions. After a tumultuous 2020, it may be more imperative than ever to strive for physical, mental, and emotional balance. The good news is that there is someone who might be able to help you reach those goals who’s closer than you think: your dog or cat. That’s right, Fido…

  Thursday, Dec. 31 at 6 p.m.—PUTNEY— Next Stage Arts Project invites the community to a free, virtual New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31, 6 – 9 p.m. featuring performances from a variety of local musicians, puppeteers, poets, storytellers, business owners, and visual artists. Dinner will also be available for takeout, cooked in the…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ePMrNhKZVQ&feature=emb_title Vermont Dept. of Tourism & Marketing presents a new music series to keep visitors and residents connected with live music and arts in the state. The Vermont Dept. of Tourism & Marketing (VDTM) is proud to present a five-part virtual concert series featuring local Vermont musicians, as well as regional and national acts who…

Mountain Top Resort in the town of Chittenden is now open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. You can also join them for a sleigh ride or enjoy a sleigh and dinner package. Their cross-country and snowshoe trails are pet-friendly, so the entire family  can enjoy the wintery experience! Complete your active day by visiting the…

Ingredients: 6lb Long Island duckling Salt and pepper 1 Tb butter 1 shallot, diced ¼ cup Runamok ginger infused maple syrup ¼ cup white wine vinegar 1 cup chicken broth ¼ cup orange juice 4 strips orange zest 1 tsp chopped rosemary Directions: Preheat the oven to 475. Check the duck for any innards or…

A fascinating tale of science, gender and giraffe conservation Dec. 31 - Jan. 3—WOODSTOCK—Billings Farm & Museum’s 11th annual Woodstock Vermont film series features “The Woman Who Loves Giraffes,” a fascinating tale of science, gender and giraffe conservation. In 1956, four years before Jane Goodall ventured into the world of chimpanzees and seven years before Dian Fossey left to…

By Brooke Geery Rutland-based author Peter Hogankamp announced the cover art for his latest book, “The Vatican Secret” as well as offering pre-orders of the title on his website. “The original title of the book was ‘Doubt,’ but the publisher decided to change it to match ‘The Vatican Conspiracy,’ he said. “I am still not sure…

By Brooke Geery Sometime during the middle of December, a large metal monolith appeared on top of a mountain in Pittsfield. Like the other monoliths that have showed up in Utah, Romania and California recently, its appearance was a mystery. Then, late in the day on Wednesday, Dec. 23, it disappeared. Not, however, before some…

By Brooke Geery If ever there was a year we were ready to have in the rearview it’s 2020. Thank goodness 2021 is almost here. While like most other things this year, celebrations will look different than ever before, that doesn’t mean you can’t eat, drink and be merry from a safe social distance. Sure,…

Start the new year on the right foot with a hike in a Vermont state park. On Jan. 1, 2021, Vermont State Parks is inviting everyone to celebrate the New Year by heading out on the trails at one of Vermont’s 55 state parks. Park entry is free on New Year’s Day (and all winter…

By Brooke Geery KILLINGTON— Pre-Covid, The Backroom was a “dinner party style” venue in Pittsfield, an intimate experience created by Chef Kevin Lasko and his wife Katie Stiles. However, in today’s socially-distant climate, the space became unsafe for guests. So for this winter, the couple pivoted, moving operations into a truck and offering a to-go…

By Brooke Geery For local fried chicken fans, there is a bright side to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Rollin’ Rooster food trucks have pumped out so much food for hungry Vermonters since the pandemic began in March, that owners Nicole and Scott Bower have expanded to multiple trucks, and now, a brick and mortar location…

  Always at the forefront of ensuring Vermont’s great outdoors is accessible for all, Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, the nationally recognized non-profit that provides sports and recreation year-round for people with disabilities, continues to work closely with multiple organizations and groups in the state to build inclusive and to adapt existing mountain bike trails…

You keep meaning to buy one... Now’s the time!  The Rutland Jewish center’s Kosher Yankee Cookbook boasts nearly 600 of its members’ best recipes in a beautiful three-ring binder— grab one or a few for holiday gifts! Cookbooks are $22 each, and all proceeds support the RJC. Shipping is $5 per book, and you can…

2021 hunting, fishing, trapping licenses are available online Vermont hunting, fishing and trapping licenses for 2021 and license gift certificates are available at vtfishandwildlife.com. Proceeds go to manage wildlife and conserve habitat. “Our licenses for the New Year will be popular based on the increased interest we are seeing from people who want to enjoy…