Leisure

Local libraries get grants for summer programming

The Vermont Department of Libraries has awarded 148 public libraries grants of $350 to support the 2026 Summer Program. Public libraries across Vermont offer a variety of summer programs for children and teens to help foster a love of reading and prevent the loss of reading skills during the...

Retreat Farm wants to get people to go outside

This summer and fall, five nature centers in southern Vermont are partnering up to present “Wild Wisdom: Walks & Talks to Get You Outdoors,” a series of events at Retreat Farm, 45 Farmhouse Square. The series is a collaborative effort between Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center (BEEC),...

Keeping a wild turtle is bad for the individual turtle and the general turtle population.

Turtles in the wild should stay in the wild

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VTFW) says keeping native turtles as pets is prohibited because it can harm the turtle and pose threats to wild turtle populations. In addition, moving turtles to a new area can spread disease and impact the genetics of the local population. According...

Forest service proposing updates to boating and camping fees

The Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests are proposing changes to recreation fees at various recreation sites on the forests. Not all recreation sites on the national forests require a fee. The Forest Service will continue to honor nationally recognized fee-free days at certain...

Friends of the Library garden party returns

The Brooks Library’s annual Friends of the Library garden party is back. Enjoy delicious refreshments in a spectacular garden with library friends. The ticket price includes an array of desserts, drinks, and best of all, goes to support all the great things the Friends of the Library provide....

UCS community field day happening July 11

United Counseling Service’s (UCS) Teens4Change (T4C) program will host a community field day fundraiser on Saturday, July 11, from 11 am to 3:30 pm, at the agency’s HOPE House location at 1128 Monument Avenue. The day will include carnival games, field day challenges like sack races and egg-and-...

Fireworks, cookouts risky business for pets

Fireworks and holiday gatherings can be enjoyable for people, but often create risks for pets. Loud noises can cause fear and panic, picnic foods may be unsafe, hot weather and travel can be stressful, and leftover debris can be harmful if animals eat or play with it. Whether celebrating at...

Sea lamprey are native to the Connecticut River basin and are a vital part of the ecosystem there.

VTFW urges anglers not to disturb spawning sea lampreys

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VTFW) is reminding anglers and the public to avoid disturbing spawning sea lamprey that may currently be found in the Connecticut River and several of its tributaries. There is a separate population of sea lamprey that are actively controlled as a...

Village Garage gin

Village Garage Distillery ranks top spirits competition

At the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), Village Garage Distillery was awarded a gold medal for its Village House Gin in the category of American Gin, and a silver medal for its Village Bourbon in the small-batch bourbon category. In addition to these accolades, Village Bonfire,...

OSEC announces summer programs

The middle school summer recreation program (summer rec), serving all area youth entering grades 6 through 8, will be held at the Old School Enrichment Center (OSEC) from Monday, June 29 through Friday, July 31, 9 am to 12 pm, with Friday field trips until 4 pm. The goals of the program are to...