Courtesy of Barn Opera A performance of "Amahl and the Night Visitors."    By Julia Purdy Sometimes inspiration strikes in a flash and a story almost writes itself. That seems to be the case with composer and librettist Gian Carlo Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” commissioned by NBC and premiering in 1951 with the…

Courtesy of VINS VINS Forest of Lights transforms the forest into an enchanted realm. New additions this year include a twinkling Snowflake Tunnel, the Blue & White Icicle Tower and the Fairy Lighting Hideaway.   Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the forest like never before. A Forest of Lights – new and expanded, with…

  There is no greater joy than a child receiving a Christmas gift on Christmas Day!  Drop off unwrapped items to us at Benson’s Chevrolet, Inc., 25 Pond St. in Ludlow.  They will be collecting toys for children in need in our area until Dec. 22. Donated items can be children’s clothing, toys, books, bikes,…

  The Ludlow Recreation committee and dept. has extended its hours. The new hours will be weekdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The recreation department is planning to add dedicated volunteers for weekend hours as well, once all the required documentation is finalized. The Ludlow Rec Center is located between the Black River Good Neighbor…

By Dave Decrescente Mihali Savoulidis   Alexander Graham Bell once said, “When one door closes, another door opens.” That quote rings true for Mihali Savoulidis, whose band Twiddle just ended 18 years of touring with their three-night Frendsgiving celebration at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York, last month Nov. 24-26.  Mihali is now…

Submitted Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” provides a glimpse into the understanding that Scrooge’s redemption will lie in regaining his soul. The story is probably the best known story of Christmas in the English language.    By Julia Purdy After the Gospel, Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is probably the best known story of Christmas…

  Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 4-7 p.m.—KILLINGTON—Mogul's Sports Pub on 2630 Killington Road in Killington will hold a registration party this Wednesday for the Michelob Ultra Ski Bum Race Series, coming to Killington Ski Resort.  Every Wednesday from Jan.3 to March 13 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. skiers, snowboarders, and Telemark skiers from the local area…

Stroll through downtown Rutland and enjoy beautiful holiday decor in downtown shops and restaurants. Three guest judges will choose their favorites in various holiday-themed categories. The public will have a chance to decide the People's Choice award. Winners will be announced on a sponsored Facebook post on Dec. 28. One vote per person. Vote below…

  By Carrie Phillips  Silas Hamilton , local Shrewsbury singer/songwriter, has just released his first album, “All The Ways," in which he plays every instrument on the album and sings all the lyrics.    Local Shrewsbury singer/songwriter Silas Hamilton just released his first album, “All The Ways”. I had the pleasure of interviewing Silas to…

   Vermont’s biggest blood drive is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year — with a Rutland resident’s story of survival highlighting the need for blood. The Gift-of-Life Marathon Blood Drive (GOLM), which began in 2003, will cover four days — Dec. 5, 7, 13, and 15 — and Rutland resident Alex Adams is serving as…

Sunday, Dec. 10 at 4 p.m.—WOODSTOCK—Our Lady of the Snows Church, on 7 South St., Woodstock, holds its long standing Wassail tradition of the annual "Messiah" Sing.  The world-class ensemble and four featured soloists will perform a stirring rendition of the Christmas portions of Handel’s "Messiah." Free with suggested $10 donation.  For more information, visit:…

By Albo Südekum Bald Mountain Theater will present “Krampusnacht” for the Winter Solstice at the outdoor amphitheater in Rochester on Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m.   Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8-9 at 7:30 p.m.—ROCHESTER—Bald Mountain Theater will once again present “Krampusnacht” for the Winter Solstice at the outdoor amphitheater in…

  Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m.—WOODSTOCK—Woodstock Town Hall Theatre will be visited by puppeteers Dan Baginski and Barbara Paulson’s traveling stage, which transforms any space into an intimate theater. Experience the seamless blend of movement, music and masterful manipulation captivates young and old alike. With puppeteers in full view, the audience sees how the…

Courtesy Pentangle Arts     Saturday, Dec. 9, 7:30-9:30 p.m.—WOODSTOCK—The Yale Alley Cats will perform at Woodstock Town Hall Theatre, located at 31 The Green, in Woodstock this Saturday.  Don't miss this world-renowned a cappella group from Yale University. They have been making music around the world since their founding back in 1943. The Cats…

  Sunday, Dec. 10 at 12:30 p.m.­—WOODSTOCK—Santa will visit Woodstock Town Hall Theatre with holiday cookies and treats on Sunday of Wassail Weekend.  This holiday tradition is filled with fun and a wonderful chance to see your little ones make magic with Santa on stage. Parents will have a chance to take a photo with…