EAST HARDWICK— Many areas are still experiencing snow-covered ground as several rounds of light snow mixed with breaks of sun over the weekend. More sunshine appeared earlier last week, and we ended up with some sun again yesterday. Snowpack depth ranges from six inches in Greensboro to two and a[Read More…]
Columns
Why they always hang up
EAST MONTPELIER – I haven’t conducted anything like a scientific survey of the subject, but I think I’d be willing to bet even money that each time I randomly turn on the little television set in my kitchen, tuned to MSNBC (now MS NOW) or CNN), I’m more likely to[Read More…]
Hardwick neighbors gather, share food, purpose
HARDWICK – The Jeudevine Memorial Library was filled to capacity with conversation and the smell of tacos on a recent Wednesday evening as residents gathered for the “Forward Together” community meal hosted by Hardwick Neighbor to Neighbor. The event brought together volunteers, families and town staff to talk about community[Read More…]
Timely gifts from Vermont Department of Libraries
HARDWICK – Among the many timely gifts that contributed to the successful completion of the new Jeudevine addition was a grant of $725,000 from the Vermont Department of Libraries (DOL). That money was a portion of almost sixteen million dollars that the U.S. Treasury distributed to the DOL from the[Read More…]
Jesus is inviting you to supper
EAST CRAFTSBURY – At a recent discussion group, someone told a story about a car their father left when he passed away. It was a Dodge Omni that hadn’t been driven in decades, as it had been sitting in the garage. When he passed, there was suddenly a passionate fight[Read More…]
Burgeoning black bear populations
READING – A few nights ago, I heard a crash on the front porch and flicked on the light to reveal a black bear’s reflective eyes. It lorded over the contents spilling out of our overturned floor freezer. I opened the door, prompting it to tear back through the screen[Read More…]
Now is the time to rejuvenate houseplants
CABOT – After a long season of tending flower beds and veggie gardens, how are houseplants looking? If you’re like me, it’s been all too easy to ignore the indoor denizens, and they are looking . . . um, not the best. But never fear! Here are some ways to[Read More…]
Some sun to start; rain returns by Friday
EAST HARDWICK – Precipitation fell mostly as snow during the past week, with light snow showers occurring through Friday. Precipitation started again late Saturday night as a mix of everything, briefly turning to rain, and then back to a light-to-moderate snow. The highest accumulations were clustered near Vermont’s summits, with[Read More…]
I travel in silence
EAST MONTPELIER – Another interesting weekend in Massachusetts. This time it included the wedding of the son of a pair of old friends of Bea’s in Cambridge. Accustomed as I am to the haute couture of Vermont, my Sunday-go-to-meetin’ duds are a pair of chino work pants that look pretty[Read More…]
The full meaning of “bless you”
WOLCOTT – Many of us say “bless you,” when someone sneezes, whether we know them or not. Although perhaps primarily a cultural habit, it can also be a warm wish for the person’s good health (and by fearing contagion, our own). A blessing extended between strangers and family members alike.[Read More…]
Porcupettes No More
BURLINGTON – Last week, during a walk in the woods, I turned towards soft sounds in the understory and saw a small porcupine waddling through fallen oak and maple leaves. Porcupines have terrible eyesight and can’t see more than several feet in front of them, so I was able to[Read More…]
Cranberries are more than a side dish
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – Thanksgiving is just around the corner, with cranberry sauce playing a supporting role in traditional holiday feasts. Native to the northern United States and Canada, cranberries grow in rich, moist soil in boggy areas near rivers and lakes. The most familiar cranberry is the American cranberry[Read More…]
