The Outside Story: Otters among us
In winter, river otters head upstream into the uplands, seeking areas of fast-moving water that remain open – at least open enough for an otter to slip into a stream in pursuit of fish.
River of Light’s toys & games brighten Waterbury
The 14th annual River of Light lantern parade lit up downtown Waterbury on Saturday as hundreds of people of all ages gathered to walk in and along the colorful, glowing procession bookended by marching bands. Photo gallery here along with a message from parade organizers.
Obituary: James A. Harvey
James A. Harvey, 93, a lifelong resident of Duxbury, Vermont, died at home on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
Bear-stories contest seeks entries including kids’ tales
The Mad River Valley Bear Initiative is on the prowl again for local bear stories with a Jan. 31 deadline for entries in its Great Amazing Bear Story Contest.
Registration fills for Camel’s Hump Challenge Alzheimer’s Association 2024 fundraiser
The Camel’s Hump Challenge planning committee, in conjunction with the Vermont Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, announced that it recently opened and filled the registration for the February event within a matter of hours.
Gov. Scott puts out a call for ‘Rays of Kindness’ nominations
Gov. Phil Scott this week highlighted the Vermont Lights the Way: Rays of Kindness initiative, which recognizes Vermonters for everyday acts of goodwill and kindness.
Ambulance service to host free vaccine clinics in Waterbury, Dec. 12, 20, 23
Waterbury Ambulance Service announced this week that it will hold three free flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics in town in the next two weeks.
The Outside Story: Bundle and look up for the Geminid meteor shower
Peaking from December 13 to 14, this year’s Geminid meteor shower coincides with the dark sky of a new moon, which should make for great viewing – assuming the night is clear, of course.
December holiday events abound in and near Waterbury
Dive into a round up of upcoming local events.
Toys and Games will float through town in Saturday’s River of Light lantern parade
The first Saturday in December brings one of Waterbury’s favorite community events: the River of Light lantern parade.
December library programs lean into winter
The Waterbury Public Library hosts a variety of regular and special programs and events each month. Here are a few highlights for December adult programs. Be sure to check the complete listings for adults and children at WaterburyPublicLibrary.com.
December marks the start of bird-feeding season
December 1 marks the start of wild bird-feeding season, the time of year when bears are likely to no longer be on the move and attracted to feeders near human homes.
The Outside Story: The Canada yew is a scarce but native evergreen
For thousands of years, people have decorated their homes with evergreen boughs – a symbol of eternal life – during the darkest time of the year around the winter solstice and Christmas.
Dec. 19 deadline to send local letters to Santa
Letters to Santa can be mailed or dropped off at the Waterbury downtown (05676) and Waterbury Center post offices (05677) by Dec. 19. The national USPS Operation Santa continues this year as well.
Fish & Wildlife Board holds special meeting Thursday on regs for trapping, & hunting coyotes with dogs
MONTPELIER – The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board will hold a special meeting to review recommendations from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department on trapping and on hunting coyotes with the aid of dogs. The virtual meeting will take place at 12 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 30.
Obituary: Kenley Dean Squier
Kenley Dean Squier of Waterbury, Vermont, died from a sudden illness after several years of health struggles, on November 15, 2023. He was 88.
Obituary: Emily Hallett Higgins (Parker)
Emily Hallett Higgins died on November 10, 2023, at her home in Waterbury Center, Vermont. She was 47. It’s impossible to capture here the beauty and force of her spirit, the restless power of her creativity, her profound commitment to justice, and the joyous passion she had for family, friendship, exploration, and reinvention.
Marking 20 years, Vermont Fiddle Orchestra to honor current, past directors
Music by and with past and present directors will feature prominently in the Vermont Fiddle Orchestra’s winter concert marking its 20th anniversary on Dec. 2 at the Barre Opera House.
Axel’s Gallery announces 2023 Photo Shoot-Out Winners
Axel’s Gallery and Frame shop revealed the winners to their annual Shoot-Out contest at a reception on Wednesday. The theme of this year’s competition was “texture.”
The Outside Story: Pine siskins inbound
If you are prone to looking up as you walk (or pedal or drive) among trees, you may have noticed a bumper crop of cones clinging to the highest branches of white pine trees this summer and fall.