RUTLAND — Vermont Farmers Food Center (VFFC) has appointed Heidi Lynch as interim executive director, as it enters its second decade as an agricultural food and education hub for Rutland County. Lynch moves into the leadership role after 10 years with the organization, where she began as a volunteer in 2012, and most recently served…

The 2022 tax season officially opened Monday, Jan. 24 at both the federal and state levels. This is the date that the IRS and Vermont begin accepting and processing personal income tax returns for tax year 2021. The Vermont Dept. of Taxes offers the following tips to make filing and getting your refund easier and…

Do you know an individual or community group that has demonstrated a strong commitment to conserving, restoring or celebrating Vermont’s forests and trees? If so, consider nominating them for a 2022 Vermont Tree Steward Award. The awards are presented annually by the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Program (VT UCF) to promote the importance of…

On a recent weekend with threatening storms and frigid temperatures, Ludlow Rotarian Kim Benson Lampert and her husband, Jon headed south to Elizabethtown, Kentucky to deliver a truck and trailer loaded with goods for storm-ravaged Kentuckians who had lost everything. Lampert said, “I am overwhelmed by the support of our club and community members as…

If approved, 2.34% increase becomes effective Sept. 30, 2023 Green Mountain Power (GMP) filed is seeking a 2.34% increase in base rates starting Oct. 1, 2022. If approved by the Vermont Public Utility Commission (PUC), the new rates would be in effect until Sept. 30, 2023. “This allows us to invest in our people and…

Chris Ettori has been named regional director of Vermont Adult Learning’s Rutland office. He previously worked as assistant director at CCV for over twelve years as well as a faculty member teaching classes in foundational math, computer applications, customer service, and effective workplace communications. Ettori is very active in the Rutland community, having served on…

By Angelo Lynn Mei Mei Brown, one of Brandon’s best known and prolific volunteers needs a kidney, but the message she wants to convey is to broaden the awareness of the process around organ transplants and the vital importance it has to those in need. “It’s very touching and humbling” to be in the position…

By Virginia Dean The Shire Woodstock opened its doors to guests last Thursday, Jan. 13 under new ownership at 46 Pleasant Street in Woodstock. The 50-room hotel has been sold to Turnstone Ventures, a Boston-based real estate investment firm led by developer Jeff Glew. In a move that is growing increasingly common in the hospitality…

More than 400 highly-trained volunteer instructors make Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports’ mission of empowering individuals with disabilities possible. Out of a dedicated pool of volunteers, Vermont Adaptive program coordinators recognized this year’s three Volunteers of the Year at off-snow training this fall, which were held virtually due to the pandemic. Julie Kaye, of Hinesburg,…

JAG Productions, formerly of Barnard and now located in White River Junction, will join New York Theatre Workshop’s (NYTW) Companies-in-Residence program for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons as the first non-New York City based company. As part of the residency, NYTW will provide artistic and institutional support and act as a second home to JAG…

With need skyrocketing due to rising food prices and the Covid-19 pandemic, the Rutland Community Cupboard and Green Mountain Power kicked off the 2022 GMP Food Challenge Jan. 13 with what would be a record-breaking goal: $35,000. “We are seeing record numbers of people seeking help, dozens every week for the first time,” said Rebekah…

Wintersteiger announced Jan. 3 the signing of two U.S. Ski Team athletes with ties to Vermont — Paula Moltzan and Ryan Cochran-Siegle, to their roster of brand ambassadors and pros. Both alpine ski racers were a natural fit for a Wintersteiger Group partnership. Growing up under the tutelage of Buck Hill Ski Club legend, Erich…

Planning ahead can help make adverse situations more manageable. Such is the case when storms strike and the power goes out. Extended power outages may not be pleasant, but some proactive planning can make it easier to withstand blackouts. Establish a local support network. Support can be just as valuable as supplies when confronting power…

Krista Neary has recently joined Killington Pico Realty as a member of its ever-growing sales team. Neary is a life-long Vermonter, originally from Colchester. She moved to Killington after graduating from the University of Vermont and has lived here fulltime ever since. Neary has been immersed in the Killington community working in local restaurants, ski…

While the official number of deer taken in Vermont’s 2021 hunting seasons will not be available for a few more weeks, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept. reported the final tally was around 15,600 deer, according to a preliminary report released Dec. 29. Those deer will provide approximately 3.1 million servings of local, nutritious venison.…