October library program highlights include Halloween, of course
October is one of the longest months of the year and the Waterbury Public Library is packing the calendar with free programs for all ages. Here are highlights mostly from adult programs, ending Oct. 30 with three Halloween-themed offerings.
Calling all fast dogs for the Fall FastCAT
In what’s become a twice-yearly gathering of fast dogs – or dogs who at least think they are fast – the Green Mountain Dog Club hosts its fall FastCAT Run at Dac Rowe Park in Waterbury next weekend, Oct. 4-5.
The Children’s Room is set to rock Beard’s Barn at Sunday’s Barn Dance
Families with children in the preschool set have a big event this weekend as The Children’s Room hosts its annual Barn Dance & Harvest Fest.
Hundreds of leaf peepers expected for half marathon, 5K on Oct. 5
It isn’t officially fall in Waterbury until the Leaf Peepers Half Marathon rolls through. The annual 13.1-mile race, along with its 5K option are set for Sunday, Oct. 5, rain or shine.
Vt. musician, teacher, author holds a musical book event
Berlin resident, award-winning author, and teaching cellist Melissa Perley has a new children’s book to share with young audiences and she plans a musical book launch in Montpelier on Saturday, Oct. 4.
In the (tiny) footsteps of a chipmunk
As autumn nears, I find myself returning to botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer’s line in her book, “Gathering Moss,” where she describes ecological succession as “a tale of the interwoven fates of mosses, fungi, and the footfall of chipmunks.”
Mad River Valley Dog Park throws a dog-a-palooza Rover Roundup Oct. 4
Two years after its grand opening, the Mad River Valley Dog Park will host its first community gathering celebration dubbed the Rover Roundup.
Erik Nielsen marks a birthday with TURNmusic in Waterbury and Burlington this weekend
Vermont composer Erik Nielsen is celebrating a birthday, and TURNmusic is throwing two parties this weekend – one each in Waterbury on Saturday, and in Burlington on Sunday.
Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program hosts open house at Sept. 30
The Vermont Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program will host its annual fall open house on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at Edward Knapp State Airport in Berlin.
Drag Story Hour returns to Waterbury… with brunch
Two local businesses are building upon a previous drag queen story event this weekend by adding a new element: mimosas. Stowe Street Cafe hosts a Drag Brunch followed by a Drag Story Hour at Bridgeside Books.
Sumac galls offer proof of an ancient association
With the onset of late summer’s cooler nighttime temperatures and shorter days, staghorn sumacs (Rhus typhina) are among the first leafy plants to lose chlorophyll from their cells. The breakdown of this pigment triggers the transition from green foliage to yellow, orange, and red, often starting as early as mid-August. After a striking autumnal display, their rich red to burgundy-colored fruit clusters remain all winter.
Vermont Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame inducts new class Oct. 18
Vermont Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame is preparing to honor its class of 2025 with an induction ceremony at Killington’s K1 Lodge on Oct. 18.
On your mark. Get set. Read: Waterbury’s silent reading parties catch on
On a recent Wednesday evening, the Waterbury dam attracted a small crowd of people scattered about in folding chairs, all silently reading as the sun set behind the mountains.
Exhibit by Central Vermont & NEK watercolor artists opens at Axel’s
Calling all lovers of watercolors, whether they be avid painters, hobbyists or just art enthusiasts: The Vermont Watercolor Society’s Central and Northeast Kingdom HUB brings its magic to Axel’s Gallery with a show running from Sept. 10 through Oct. 18.
Volunteers needed to plan local events marking the U.S. & Vermont’s 250th anniversaries
A new town committee is assembling to prepare for celebrations that will mark the 250th birthdays of the United States and Vermont and its first meeting is this Thursday.
Ripples from the Reservoir: Late summer edition
On the hot days that marked most of this summer, the Waterbury Reservoir was bustling with activity. Members of the Friends of Waterbury Reservoir share a late-summer update including news and photos of eaglets and more birds.
Unexpected find: The pink star caterpillar
Some exploring along the edges of a New Hampshire airport last year led to the discovery of an unknown caterpillar on an unlikely host plant. Introducing: the pink star moth.
Locals channel their inner artist at popular library class
On a recent Tuesday morning, some 15 artists were working on their latest watercolor pieces in the Steele Community Room at the Waterbury municipal building led by teacher and artist Pauline Chiew Nolte.
Fungus among us: Is Waterbury a hot spot for blastomycosis in dogs?
Local veterinarians are seeing a dramatic rise in the number of blastomycosis cases in our local pet population. This disease is a threat to many mammals, but the habits of dogs put them at higher risk. Humans also can develop this disease, even if they don’t have a dog.
Vermont National Guard hosts an Open House on Sept. 7
The Vermont National Guard will host an open house at the Vermont Air National Guard Base in South Burlington on Sunday, Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.