All Entries in the "Community and Arts Life" Category

Monkey jam is the bread spread for banana lovers
By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com Monkey butter should be the appropriate name for this delicious spread but somehow that name denotes something really fatty. Besides, this “jam” is the end-all, beat-all of fruit spreads, especially for those of you who love the taste of peanut butter and bananas together. Use it in place of other types […]

Annual rummage sale seeks donations; fabric artist featured at River Artisans Cooperative
Black River Good Neighbor Services will hold its Annual Fall Rummage Sale at Fletcher Farm, 611 Route 103 S. in Ludlow on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19 and 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The organization is now accepting donations of clothing, housewares, linens […]
Springfield Med offers portal for patients to connect with personal health services
SPRINGFIELD Springfield Medical Care Systems has instituted its physician practice patient portal, with new and improved features that include the ability to request and view appointments, refill prescriptions, and message clinicians and nurses. The service is free, and makes information readily available via any computer or smartphone including: Request and view appointments; Refill prescriptions, 24/7; […]

Vermonters present state in fiction, travel, mystery and history
By John Hoover ©The Chester Telegraph – 2014 One of the things that has so impressed me about Vermont, my adopted state, is the wonderful variety of cultural activities that one finds so readily here. For the person who desires to hear music, there are concerts that range from bluegrass to classical. There are so […]

Deep-fried ice cream takes time, but is well-worth the effort
By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com Don’t let the thought of frying ice cream scare you. It’s easy and by deep frying, a sweet ‘glaze’ is formed as a shell on the outside and will be your favorite way to enjoy ice cream from this point on. Vary it by using any flavored ice cream you desire […]

Weston’s updated ‘Uncle Vanya’ is fresh though uneven
By David Lampe-Wilson ©The Chester Telegraph – 2014 Weston Playhouse’s current production of Uncle Vanya is a decidedly mixed bag, and it takes a dedicated theatergoer to patiently separate the gold from the dross and find the rich nuggets that lie within. Americans’ exposure to classic theater is often limited, and Chekhov has not fared […]

Annual Chester Fireworks in need of more donations
Organizers for the annual Chester Fireworks and Old Home Day, which will be held on Saturday, Aug. 30 at the American Legion Post 67 in Chester, are in need of more donations to pay for the much-loved fireworks. The cost of the fireworks alone runs between $5,500 and $7,000 annually and is paid for entirely […]
Bonnie Book doll to be raffled for Whiting Library
Whiting Library is raffling a Bonnie Book doll. The doll, created and donated by Chester doll maker Bonnie Watters, is Watter’s way of giving back to the Chester’s town library, located at 117 Main St. The Bonnie Book doll is a motif doll; her eyes are books. The inspiration for the doll came from Watters’s […]
Annual Vermont Writers’ Prize seeks submissions
COLCHESTER Entries are now being accepted for the Vermont Writers’ Prize, an annual competition sponsored by Green Mountain Power and Vermont Magazine that provides an opportunity for Vermont writers to showcase their talent. “This is a wonderful contest that highlights Vermont talent and why we all love Vermont,” said Dorothy Schnure, spokeswoman for Green Mountain […]
Grant applications open for Cavendish Community Fund awards
Cavendish The Cavendish Community Fund is accepting grant applications for fall 2014 awards. The deadline for applying is Oct. 1, 2014. Applications are available at the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association’s website www.CavendishCCCA.org and include instructions on how and where to apply. The fund began in 2007 giving cash grants to organizations for educational, artistic […]

A taste of the sea with grilled mussels
By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com Sure, I love clams but when it comes to mussels … fahget ’bout it! I adore these succulent, sweet mollusks, especially when they are combined with smoky ham, salty cheese and a spicy … well, spice! These are great for a picnic or any formal gathering. They crisp up beautifully while […]
Irene’s Legacy a new, permanent BRAM exhibit
The Black River Academy Museum has opened a new permanent exhibit, Irene’s Legacy, on the second floor of the museum on 14 High St. in Ludlow. It is the result of a collaboration of BRAM, the sixth grade class at Ludlow Elementary School and LPCTV, and made possible by a grant from the Okemo Community […]

Teriyaki chicken gets a Yankee twist
By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com How daring are you when it comes to heat? The fire you desire is totally up to you. I give you three choices of jellies to choose from, with heat from the jalapeno jelly for those who want “heat and sweet,” peach for that ultra sweet flavor and apple for the […]
Redeemable bottles, cans sought to aid area family
The Chester Andover Elementary School is seeking donations of redeemable bottles and cans to help a local family in need. The drive will continue until Wednesday, Aug. 27. Redeemable bottles and cans can be dropped off at the school, 72 Main St. in Chester, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you’d like […]

Family Center to raffle off hand-braided rug
The Chester-Andover Family Center Thrift Shop is raffling off a 3 foot by 4 foot hand-braided wool rug. The rug will be on display during September and October at People’s United Bank, 57 S. Main St., Chester. The rug will also be on display during the CAFC Election Bake Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 […]
Story Time to start at Wilder Library in September
The Wilder Memorial Library 24 Lawrence Hill Road in Weston, will be offering weekly Story Time programming starting in September beginning 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, downstairs in the Jeremy R. Orton Memorial Children’s Room. Story Time is free of charge and open to preschool through elementary school aged children. After the storybooks are read, […]
Free August Community Meal canceled; September date set
There will be no Chester-Andover Free Community Meal in August. The next free meal is scheduled for noon on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Andover Town Hall, 953 Weston-Andover Road in Andover. Invite a friend for a great meal and an opportunity to see old friends and make new ones. For information: call 802-875-3236; email […]

Get your taste buds ready for bold clams on the half shell
By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com Look at this simple list of ingredients and preparation. Now you have no reason not to incorporate something great tasting into your summer gathering year after year. When you are ready to remove the black “sleeve” that is found over the siphon of the clam, all you need to do is […]
Red Cross seeks volunteers, donations
The American Red Cross is seeking new volunteers, an effort that helps the organization maintain its ability to provide timely and compassionate assistance to people across our region that have been impacted by disaster. To be a part of the group of dedicated volunteers, no prior experience is necessary and all the training you will […]

Smokiness carries a simple oyster bisque
By Jim Bailey theyankeechef.blogspot.com Not a true bisque, not a true chowder and yet, not a true stew. But it does have all the taste and consistency of all three. The smokiness of both the cheddar and oysters make this summertime treat perfectly balanced without the additional salt and pepper. For those who like a […]