Features

This Week in History March 6 -13

10 years ago:
Readsboro Town Meeting voters struck down an article that would have abolished town zoning, with one resident calling it “the most ridiculous movement I’ve ever seen” in his 15 years living in town. But an organizer of the petitioned article said the...

Windham-2 Rep. Laura Sibilia

Concerned about impacts of federal actions

As we move through week seven of the 2025 legislative session, I want to take a moment to share updates from Montpelier, including the work we’re doing on key issues and changes in our state. This year, things feel a bit slower, especially as the Legislature works through education reform and the...

This Week in History February 27 - March 6

10 years ago: The Vermont Attorney General’s office filed a 29-page lawsuit against the developers of the Hermitage Inn and the Hermitage Club at Haystack alleging 21 violations of state land use laws. The state also sought fines of up to $85,000 per violation, or up to $1.75...

Claudette Hollenbeck

Aging in Place: For the dog’s sake, don’t scream, yell, and pound on the pillow

I once read somewhere that January is the armpit of the calendar year. That is certainly proving to be the case in 2025. Thank God it is over. I have been in a deep purple funk for weeks, unable to face the TV news or risk much outdoor activity on the icy surfaces.
I remember, back in...

This Week in History: February 20 - 27

10 years ago:
The Wilmington Selectboard axed plans for a public park and pavilion on the site of the former Sprague property, located adjacent to (then) Blue Mountain Produce (now Farmhouse Market), citing security issues and possible adverse effects on two local...

How much do you really know about apples?

University of Vermont Extension Master Gardener VERMONT - They’re the most familiar of fruits, but how much is really known about apples?
Apples (Malus domestica) are members of the rose family (Rosaceae). So are crabapples, pears, apricots, and cherries.
Vermonters looking for a...

Building a career by figuring out animals’ needs

Local woman communicates with animals
MARLBORO - It would be an understatement to say that Nicole Birkholzer, owner of Marlboro-based Mindful Connections, convenes with nature. Birkholzer, an animal behavior and communication specialist, converses with her clients. And by...

Local musicians reflect on power of storytelling, how music has changed

WILMINGTON - Peter Miles and Ian Campbell are two musicians who perform around The Deerfield Valley. Miles sings a mix of classic funk, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll while Campbell tells stories through his folk and rock tunes.
In late January, Campbell performed “The Art of Sound and Story” for...

Family-owned and-operated real estate company celebrates 60 years

DOVER - Berkley & Veller Greenwood Country Realtors is celebrating its 60th anniversary. For president Tami Purcell, the company has had a lifelong presence. Purcell’s father, Jack Berkley, founded the company alongside his then business partner, Jack Veller, in 1965.
Berkley...

This Week in History, February 13 - 20

10 years ago:
As many as 19 education bills were introduced in the Legislature, most of which addressed education costs or education funding. The House Education Committee was also drafting a bill that would incorporate several proposals made by Gov. Peter Shumlin. Shumlin...