Obituary: Richard S. “Strummer” Hallstrom
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard S. Hallstrom, 77, lovingly known as “Strummer,” who departed peacefully at home on December 27, 2024.
Used Christmas trees to fuel annual bonfire Jan. 18 at Anderson Field
The annual Christmas tree bonfire will take place at Anderson Field in downtown Waterbury on Saturday, Jan. 18, starting at 6 p.m.
Exercise, paint, learn a new game at the library in January
New programming at the Waterbury Public Library begins soon after the New Year rings in this week. Below are highlights of the library’s adult programs for the month.
White-footed mice seek a cozy, warm home
During winter, I often hear gnawing and the scurrying of little feet inside the walls of our house. Mice have taken shelter in our old farmhouse again.
Chabad hosts Chanukah party Dec. 29 at Rusty Parker and Black Cap
For the third year, members of the local Chabad of Stowe and Waterbury Jewish community will host a giant menorah in downtown Waterbury to mark the eight days of Chanukah’s Festival of Lights.
Horned larks enliven sleeping fields
Halloween is long past, but you may notice devilish figures hanging out in scrubby fields and open areas this winter: horned larks.
River of Light 2024
For the 15th consecutive year, Waterbury stopped in its tracks for a glowing, waving, stomping procession through the downtown known as the River of Light lantern parade.
Hunger Mountain Winter Bird Count happens Dec. 27
Each winter, birdwatchers across the Americas don their binoculars to scour their hometowns, documenting and enjoying resident winter birds. This annual tradition, over a century old, has become a powerful tool for understanding the rise and fall of bird populations over time.
The evergreen Christmas fern
An easy fern to identify grows in fountain-like clumps and has glossy, dark green leaflets, or pinnae. This is Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), named for its evergreen habit and the shape of its leaflets.
Skatepark dream moves closer to reality
After five years of planning, the new Waterbury skatepark for Hope Davey Park is nearing the final phase of its $250,000 fundraising campaign.
The winter lives of salamanders
Salamanders are most conspicuous in early spring, when a number of terrestrial species migrate en masse on rainy nights, moving through the forest and, all too often, crossing roads to access breeding pools. Yet terrestrial salamanders have other, less spectacular seasonal movements, including summer and fall migrations, and those that are vertical, up and down in the earth.
Obituary: Kevin J. Gorham
Kevin J. Gorham, 76, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2024, at his home in Waterbury Center, surrounded by his beloved wife and daughter.
Obituary: Brian Thomas Sweet
Brian Thomas Sweet, known as Tom, died in the comfort of his own home on December 8, 2024, with his family by his side.
Keeping winter coats clean
American beavers (Castor canadensis) and North American river otters (Lontra canadensis) both remain active through winter and have evolved many physiological and behavioral adaptions to live through freezing weather.
Holiday happenings for kids (& kids at heart)
In the weeks ahead of Christmas, multiple events and projects unfold in Waterbury to spread the holiday spirit. Many are kid-focused or kid-friendly. Santa Claus and Christmas trees are popular themes. Check out the list here.
Obituary: Mark Edward Swahn
Mark Edward Swahn, 58, of Jericho, Vermont, passed away on November 21, 2024.
Obituary: Dale Leland Kellogg Smeltzer
Dale Leland Kellogg Smeltzer died unexpectedly in Waterbury on December 1, 2024 at the age of 69.
Fallen logs invigorate stream life
Why document logs in streams? Because the presence of wood in the water is a key indicator of stream health.
Winter Solstice Meditation at the library
Waterbury Public Library’s regular ongoing programs continue through December with one special event scheduled to mark the Winter Solstice on Dec. 20.
Obituary: Ned L. Davis, AIFD, CFD, CMLFD
Ned Leslie Davis, 75, of Waterbury Center, passed away on Thanksgiving, November 28, 2024, with family by his side.