More than 400 highly-trained volunteer instructors and guides make Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports’ mission of empowering individuals with disabilities possible. Out of a dedicated pool of volunteers, the Vermont Adaptive staff recognized one outstanding volunteer at the organization’s winter orientation sessions last month. Program Coordinator Kelly Walsh presented Maggie Holt of Burlington with the…

By Evan Johnson Backcountry skiers and split-boarders ascend into the Brandon Gap on Dec. 31 to take advantage of plentiful snow in freezing temperatures.

KILLINGTON—Killington Resort just became the only Vermont ski resort to offer ski biking, for experts and beginners alike. Also referred to as snow-bikes, ski bike rentals are available at the Killington Snowshed base area. “Killington partnered with the legendary and locally-based Alpine Bike Works to bring this thrilling combination of skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking…

Monday, Jan. 1—VERMONT—Start the new year on the right foot with a hike in a Vermont state park. On Jan. 1, everyone is invited to join a free, guided, family-friendly hike taking place at many state parks and forests across Vermont. Hikes will be led by professional guides and outdoor educators eager to share their knowledge…

Sunday, Dec. 31, 5 p.m.—LUDLOW—Okemo Mountain Resort turns New Year’s Eve into a family celebration by moving midnight forward, allowing families with young children to ring in the New Year with events, activities and fireworks — and still get a full night’s sleep. Okemo’s Family New Year’s Eve Party is scheduled from 5-9 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31. Following early…

Saturday, Dec. 30—PROCTOR—The annual Rutland County Audubon Society (RCAS) Christmas Bird Count will take place on Saturday, Dec. 30. This has been an RCAS tradition for over 40 years. Field team participants and feeder watchers within each count circle have been recruited, and are always needed. The countdown and potluck following the day’s count will…

Dec. 28-Jan. 2—KILLINGTON—Killington Art Garage is offering daily craft and art workshops for kids and adults during the holiday week. On Thursday, Dec. 28, join Kids Winter Friends Sock Workshop from 3-4:30 p.m. Create winter friends out of socks with this no-sew craft. Cost is $27 per child; all materials and instructions are provided to…

  Friday & Saturday, Dec. 22-23—RUTLAND—Rutland Youth Theatre presents “Mary Poppins, the Broadway Musical” (with live orchestra) to celebrate the holidays, Dec. 22-23 at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland. Produced by Saskia Hagen Groom, directed and choreographed by Tegan Waite, and musical directed by Benjamin Green, “Mary Poppins, the Broadway Musical” captures audiences with a…

Premiere touring production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” comes to Rutland Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.—RUTLAND—’Tis the season to celebrate as “A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage” brings holiday cheer to Rutland at the Paramount Theatre on Wednesday, Dec. 27 for two family-friendly shows: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. This brand new touring production of “A…

The Rutland Economic Development Corporation (REDC) 2017 Young Entrepreneurs of the Year, the Robo-Rattlers, won their second State Championship Title. The team’s win secures its invitation to the World Finals. The Rutland Robo-Rattlers, a FIRST Lego League (FLL) robotics team featuring area students from ages 9 to 14, competed in the Vermont State FLL Championships…

RUTLAND—Through a combination of state grants and federal loans, Rutland Economic Development Corporation (REDC) has secured $500,000 this year to be made available to Rutland County businesses. REDC is a non-profit, community-based organization whose mission is to encourage and enhance business success in Rutland County. By means of a nationally competitive application process, USDA Rural…

Saturday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m.—RUTLAND—Begin your holiday season with Shakespeare on Main Street (SoMS) as they present this timeless holiday classic in intimate chamber style on Saturday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m., at the Brick Box/Paramount Theatre, 30 Center St., Rutland. In “A Christmas Carol,” Dickens explores the morality of the love of money over the love…

By Alan J. Keays BRANDON – With the help of a federal mediator and after a six hours of talks Saturday, Dec. 2, bus drivers and paraeducators of the Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union have reached a tentative contract with negotiators for the school boards. The deal comes two days after the union voted to strike unless there was…

By Julia Purdy The fourth of five public forums on water quality in Moon Brook took place at the Rutland High School Thursday, Nov. 30. The meeting was conducted by Roy Schiff and Jessica Louisos of Milone & MacBroom, water quality consultants. Public Works Commissioner Jeff Wennberg and Ethan Swift of the state Department of…

By Evan Johnson Skiers and snowboarders from around the country gathered under the evening lights at Killington Resort for the annual Rails 2 Riches competition. In the men’s snowboard division, California’s Nate Haust took first, followed by Storm Rowe and Max Lyons of Vermont. Lyons also won for best trick. In the women’s snowboard division,…