The governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” addendum to the emergency declaration still allows us to enjoy Vermont’s outdoors while staying close to home. We thank the public for their cooperation and understanding during the Covid-19 public health emergency. Keeping trails, parks, and other public outdoor spaces open for appropriate public use is challenging with limited…

By Gordon Clark, UVM Extension master gardener As we endure the current coronavirus pandemic, precautions need to be taken in all activities outside our homes. But during such a difficult time, we also should be aware of the singularly profound health benefits of gardening. Many people work in community gardens, where new rules of operation…

By Duncan McDougall, executive director, Children’s Literacy Foundation As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, schools, after-school programs, and most public libraries are closed, and millions of U.S. children are now sheltering at home. A significant portion of these kids, particularly those from low-income homes where books are more likely to be scarce, suddenly find…

By Brooke Geery Peter Hogenkamp’s first officially published novel, “The Intern,” hit shelves on Tuesday, April 13, an accomplishment nearly 20 years in the making. The Rutland-based physician actually began the project as a sort of promotional tool for another book he’d written called “Absolution,” on the story-sharing site Wattpadd. “The idea of writing about an…

Come Alive Outside has created a new 5x5 Challenge for people to complete five  healthy outdoor activities a week for five weeks while we are all social distancing! Participants can download an activity guide and tracking sheet at comealiveoutside.com/5x5. The challenge encourages everyone to get active outside, grow something edible, learn with their hands in…

Rutland County Humane Society RCHS and COVID-19: In light of the recent and ongoing concerns about COVID-19, the Rutland County Humane Society (RCHS) will implement new procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff, volunteers, adopters, supporters and the public. Beginning immediately new policies are in place.  Appointments will need to be made…

RANDOLPH—Chandler Center for the Arts in Randolph is pleased to announce its fourth “Issues Playwriting Contest.” With the renewed support of the Walter Cerf Fund of the Vermont Community Foundation, Chandler will again be using the contest to promote excellent writing for the stage, giving particular focus to plays that address social issues. “Social issue” plays are, for…

RUTLAND—The Chaffee Art Center is proud to again showcase young artists in the annual student exhibit.  This year’s theme, The Arts Light Up The World, expresses how art gives light to people in difficult times, such as now, as we cope with the current health crisis. This year, the annual student exhibit will be structured…

QUEECHEE—With thousands losing jobs across Vermont, and state food shelves inundated with people to feed, ShiftMeals provides nourishing meals for those in need. The Skinny Pancake will serve anyone and everyone who needs a meal: laid-off restaurant workers, musicians, artists, gig workers, farmers, anyone affected by this crisis. For those that might not have the cash or…

By Kevin O’Connor/VTDigger Brattleboro Retreat psychologist Dr. Jilisa Snyder is used to counseling Vermonters on how to cope with personal upheaval ranging from anxiety and depression to illness and death. She has been surprised to see the coronavirus squeeze all those challenges together into a particularly dizzying punch. “We’re living in the midst of an unprecedented…

Tuesday, April 22 at 1 p.m.—WOODSTOCK—Billings Farm and Museum will join in the celebration of Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary with a week of special activities beginning April 20. Visit us online at billingsfarm.org/billings-farm-at-home, where you will find a series of presentations with informative ideas and suggestions on what we can do to help protect our earth, along with children’s…

Tuesday, April 21 at 3 pm.—RUTLAND— Rutland-area residents are invited to attend a basic everyday bicycling workshop provided by Local Motion and hosted by the Rutland Recreation Department and the Rutland Regional Planning Commission. This online workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21 at 3 p.m., and the recording of the live workshop will be…

HARTLAND – The Hammond Cove Shooting Range in Hartland will have a delayed tentative opening of Saturday, May 16 at 10 a.m. The delay is due to Governor Scott’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Order placed on the state of Vermont to lessen the spread of Covid-19, which was extended through May 15 on Friday, April…

Wednesday, April 22 at 8 p.m.— On Earth Day, PBS will premiere a compelling new documentary, “Climate Change—The Facts,” presenting scientific evidence of the impact of global warming. The program also examines possible solutions to the crisis, including the latest innovations, technology and actions individuals can take to prevent further damage. The one-hour special, hosted by…

Curious about how scientists study fish populations or climate change? Or how drones are used to map streams and lakes? Then check out Zoom a Scientist, an interactive, virtual webinar series focused on watershed and aquatic science. It’s hosted by the University of Vermont (UVM) Extension Lake Champlain Sea Grant Education Team every Tuesday and…