Vigil to prevent homelessness Friday, Dec. 20 at 5 p.m.—RUTLAND—The Homeless Prevention Center is hosting Rutland County’s 20th annual candlelight vigil in Depot Park. This event brings attention to the tragedy of homelessness many Vermont families and individuals endure. It’s also an opportunity to hear about successes and learn what’s being done in our community…

Wednesday-Saturday, Dec. 18-20—RUTLAND—The Gift-of-Life Marathon Blood Drive is coming soon — and they need your help! Blood supplies typically fall to critically low levels around the holidays, and all blood types are needed. The Gift-of-Life blood drive has taken place every year since 2003, and in 2013 set the national one-day blood drive record of 2,350 pints!…

By Brooke Geery At Grace Congregational Church in Rutland, music is an important part of the program, but it’s not just church hymns that echo through the tabernacle. The music ministry includes jazz, gospel, folk, music theatre and classical, and at the helm of it all is Alastair Stout. Born and bred in Scotland’s Shetland…

Claremont McDonald’s restaurant manager Roy Thomas won the distinguished Ray Kroc Award for the third time. The awards are an annual performance-based honor that recognize the top performing McDonald’s restaurant managers globally.  The announcement was made at the Coughlin Inc. office in Rutland Tuesday, Dec. 3. Roy Thomas was one of 365 McDonald’s Restaurant Managers…

By Karen D. Lorentz There’s nothing like enjoying a good meal after a day of skiing or riding. When gathered round a table with family or friends, there’s a sense of cordiality that comes from sharing stories and an elevation of spirits that mirrors the good times experienced on the slopes. Sharing a meal together…

Sunday, Dec. 15 —RUTLAND—Spreading the spirit of the winter season to the community of  Rutland, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra (VSO) returns for its annual Holiday Pops performances on  Dec. 15. The VSO will be joined onstage by featured guests: the award-winning student bell-ringers from the United Christian Academy in Newport — the Bronze Ambassadors —…

Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m.—PAWLET—The Pawlet Public Library in hosting a holiday tea on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Library staff and board members will spread their best tablecloths and collect their teapots for this time of gratitude and cheer. Take a break from frenzied activities, slow down and enjoy Sunday afternoon tea. Tea will…

Tuesday, Dec. 17—PITTSFIELD—The Roger Clark Memorial Library is celebrating the arrival of winter.  Using traditional icing and an exciting selection of candy, kids are invited to decorate an individual, pre-made gingerbread house made of graham crackers. Children of all ages are welcome to attend this free program. However, children 2nd grade and younger require a guardian…

Saturday, Dec. 14 at 9 —RUTLAND— Come support Vermont high school bowling at the Rutland Bowlerama on Saturday for the Kick-Off Classic event. Witness teamwork, sportsmanship, respect and dedication. Teams include  the local high school team from Fair Haven Union High School. Other schools participating include Randolph, Essex, Burlington, South Burlington, White River Valley, Windsor,…

Saturday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m.—BROWNSVILLE—The community will have three opportunities to enjoy a narration of the Christmas story complete with Mary, Joseph, angels, wise men, shepherds and their sheep acting in and around the manger.  Choose from three pageant times — 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. in Tribute Park, adjacent to the…

Saturday, Dec.14 at 2:30-4:30 p.m.—RUTLAND—Julia Purdy will host a reading and discussion on her new book, “The Sky Is Red” (Xlibris 2019), a novel about four teenagers struggling to come of age in the midst of their devastated town. The setting is a small city in southern Italy in 1944 as the Allies mount an…

Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15—KILLINGTON—Pico will once again be partnering with the BROC Community Food Action to support a food raiser December 14 and 15.  Donate three non-perishable food items and receive a $45 all-ages lift ticket. All lift tickets must be loaded onto a reloadable one pass, our RFID card, and can be purchased for $5 each…

Saturday, Dec. 14 at 9 a.m.—SHREWSBURY—The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife is planning to conserve a 500+ acre property in Shrewsbury as a new wildlife management area. The Green Mountain Club is hosting a hike to explore the area. To join the hike, meet at Main Street Park in Rutland at 9 a.m. or…

Saturday, Dec. 14 at 12 p.m.—FAIR HAVEN— For the past few years, the Parke Family has welcomed the community to tour the Marble Mansion Inn. This year tours will be offered on Saturday from 12-3 p.m. There is no charge for the tour, but free will offerings will be accepted. All proceeds benefit the Fair…

Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.—Chittenden— The Rutland Young Professionals (RYP) are holding their December mixer on Wednesday with a cause. This holiday season, the RYP has partnered with the Rutland Regional Medical Center to adopt a family. They are asking members to donate items to make a single mother, two 10-year-old boys, and a…