Friday, Dec. 28, 3 p.m.—QUECHEE— Cheetahs live in landscapes quite different from those that surround the VINS Nature Center, but on Friday, Dec. 28, the lives and future of cheetahs will be taking center stage among VINS’ birds. Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies Master student Sarah Omusula will be discussing her work with…

Saturday, Dec. 29 —RUTLAND— Rutland County Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Count and potluck will take place this year on Saturday, Dec. 29. Birds spotted within a 7.5 mile radius of Meads Falls in Center Rutland will be counted by teams of birders and feeder-watchers in this count circle. Counters may participate from dawn to dusk,…

Thursday, Dec. 27, 8 p.m.—KILLINGTON— Bow Thayer kicks off the first night of his Wobbly Barn winter residency with a very special guest: the indomitable Val McCallum, Thursday, Dec. 27. Even those that may not know him by name, have probably heard his music. McCallum has played with Jackson Browne, Lucinda Williams, Randy Newman, and…

Monday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. —RUTLAND— If ever there was a year that needed to end with a laugh, it’s this year. Say “goodbye” to 2018 with a hilarious night of laughter that everyone will enjoy, but that won’t break the bank. Paramount Theatre hosts the “First Night of Funny” on New Year’s Eve, Dec.…

By Robin Alberti Killington Elementary School held a concert Tuesday, Dec. 11, to usher in the holiday season. Students in the fourth, fifth and sixth grade sung an upbeat song called "Hot Chocolate." Leland Montag, Pippa Scott, and Kaitlyn Burres (pictured left to right) helped to lead the song on stage.

Dec. 19-21—RUTLAND—The 2018 annual Gift-of-Life Marathon blood drive continues for three days this week, Dec. 19, 20 and 21. The American Red Cross urgently needs blood donors to give now to ensure that blood is available for medical treatments and emergencies during the holiday season. Make an appointment or drop-in at the following locations: Wednesday,…

Thursday, Dec. 20, 6 p.m.—RUTLAND—The Rutland Young Professionals will hold their monthly mixer Thursday, Dec. 20, 6-8 p.m. at College of St. Joseph, 71 Clement Road, Rutland. December is the time of year when individuals give back to the community. This monthly mixer will take place in part with the Gift of Life Marathon blood…

Dec. 21, 11 a.m.—QUECHEE—This December and January children and their families are encouraged to join VINS for a read-aloud story series. They will be reading four captivating children’s books: “Kate Who Tamed the Wind” by Liz Garton Scanlon, “Extra Yarn” by Mac Barnett, “Stranger in the Woods” by Carl Sams, and “Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner. Programs will feature a…

Monday, Dec. 24, 10 a.m.—RUTLAND—Ever wish you saw “The Polar Express” in theaters? Here’s a chance to see it for free on Christmas Eve, in Rutland. Head to Flagship Cinemas in the Rutland Shopping Plaza on Monday, Dec. 24 for a free showing of the holiday classic. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for the 10…

Dec. 21-23—MIDDLEBURY—The night fires will be lit once more on Dec. 21, 22 and 23 at Town Hall Theater in Middlebury. Theatre Group, Ltd’s annual winter solstice pageant or mystery play for our times will this year, as in many performances past, be a song of celebration for the earth and all who live upon…

Thursday, Dec. 20—RUTLAND—The Downtown Rutland Partnership has organized a late night shopping evening on Thursday, Dec. 20, when participating locations will be open later than usual, offering discounts, refreshments, free gift wrapping, and more. Get your last-minute purchases locally. Many shops will be open until 8 p.m. Enjoy the holiday-decorated windows while strolling. For a…

Monday, Dec. 24, 4:30 p.m.—KILLINGTON—Celebrate the season with scripture and carols on Monday, Dec. 24 at 4:30 p.m. at the Little White Church on Route 4 in Killington. The community is welcomed to join us for this special service planned early in the afternoon so that people can enjoy the evening at home with family…

RUTLAND—Eight fun and funny couples are lined up and tickets are on sale now for February’s Pack The Paramount “Newly”wed Game to benefit the Rutland Community Cupboard, BROC’s Community Food Shelf, and the Salvation Army.  The Feb. 9 event, presented by WJJR and Green Mountain Power, will feature couples Joel and Bernadette Robin, Eliza and Jarod Wilcox, Liam…

WOODSTOCK—Discover the traditions of a late 19th century Vermont Christmas with a visit to the Billings Farm & Museum this holiday season. Christmas at the Billings Farm will be featured on weekends in December and Dec. 22-Jan. 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (excluding Christmas Day). Tour the authentically decorated farmhouse, visit the dairy farm for interactive programs including “An Introduction to…

Sunday, Dec. 23, 1 p.m. & 6 p.m.—RUTLAND—A holiday classic is made even more special with the likes of area children performing it. Sunday, Dec. 23, Miss Lorraine’s School of Dance presents “The Nutcracker” at the Paramount Theatre for two performances: 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Experience the magic as dozens of area dance students…