Reader Bulletins: May 31-June 6, 2024 (2024)

Do you have an item you would like to see in Community News? A milestone? A public announcement? A short news release about something entertaining going on in your town? Simply email the information to us at news@rutlandherald.com. Be sure to put For Community News in the subject line (Note: We do reserve the right to edit for length.)

Rokeby Museum

FERRISBURGH — Rokeby Museum announced its ongoing exhibition, Seeking Freedom: The Underground Railroad and the Legacy of an Abolitionist Family, now includes a children’s learning area. The exhibition shares the history of the Robinson family and their work as abolitionists in Vermont. It also features three organizations working towards equality today: ACLU of Vermont, Peace and Justice Center in Burlington, and Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The public can view the exhibition starting May 25, when the museum opens for the 2024 season. Rokeby Museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Oct. 13.

Arts grants

The National Endowment for the Arts announced seven grants totaling $1,113,735 to Vermont arts and cultural organizations, including the Vermont Arts Council, approved for an $973,735 NEA FY 2024 partnership agreement to deliver arts programs, services and activities statewide. The Vermont recipients are:

Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington, $25,000 to support artist fees for dance presentations.

Dorset Theatre Festival, $20,000 to support staff and artist salaries and fringe benefits for the production of “True Art” by Jessica Provenz.

Northern Stage, White River Junction, $30,000 to further development of “Shook” by Zoe Sarnak and Mike Lew.

Music to Life, Wilder, $20,000 to support the Musician Changemaker Accelerator Workshops.

Stowe Story Labs, $30,000 to support Stowe Launch, artist development program for emerging screenwriters and filmmakers.

Weston Playhouse Theatre, $15,000 to support the touring production of a musical for young audiences.

VTF&W — Bass fishing

Vermont’s catch-and-release bass fishing runs until June 8, when the regular bass season opens and harvesting of bass is allowed. Bass fishing regulations can be found in the 2024 Fishing Guide & Regulations, or by using the Online Fishing Regulations Tool found at www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

For catch-and-release bass fishing, all bass must be immediately released after being caught and only artificial lures may be used. The use of live bait is also prohibited during the catch-and-release season. Vermont Fish & Wildlife offers a couple basic tips: Let water temperatures dictate your tactics and lure choices. Look for rocky shorelines and marshy back bays.

Oliver Subaru

RUTLAND — Rutland Regional Medical Center has received a $31,000 donation from Oliver Subaru of Rutland, which was generated from the 2023 Subaru Share the Love event. This donation was in support of the new Infusion Services Center at the hospital.

Since being selected as a Subaru Share the Love beneficiary in 2017, Rutland Regional has received more than $122,000 from the annual Subaru Share the Love campaign that runs annually from mid-November through early January; with every new Subaru purchased or leased, Subaru donates $250 to select charities.

CEDRR/STC

RUTLAND — Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region has received a $66,524 grant in collaboration with Stafford Technical Center. This Work-Based Learning and Training Program Grant funding will support student stipends to work in career fields for which they have received training at STC and align with the needs of local businesses and industry. The opportunity began May 1 and extends to Dec. 31.

This internship opportunity is for Rutland County students between the ages of 16 and 19 who have been at a disadvantage to participate in workplace readiness due to transportation and employer financial burdens associated with hiring part-time new employees.

Delta Dental

RUTLAND — Community Health has received a $25,000 grant from the Northeast Delta Dental Foundation to support the purchase of state-of-the-art dental diagnostic and treatment technology. The new 3D X-ray technology serves various dental procedures, including dental implant placement, root canals, extractions, orthodontic planning, TMJ assessment and identifying the source of pain or infection.

Casella Waste

RUTLAND — Casella Waste Systems Inc. announced four drivers were recently honored by the National Waste & Recycling Association as part of its annual Drivers and Operators of the Year program.

Casella drivers swept the Regional Category, each named the top driver in their respective disciplines: Curtis Rhodes, of Brattleboro, Vermont (Commercial); Shawn Dutton, of Fredonia, New York (Residential); and John Michaud, of Potsdam, New York (Industrial); while Cesarin “Cesar” Guerrero, of Willimantic, Connecticut, earned honorable mention in the Industrial category.

TD Bank

Dismas of Vermont, serving former inmates, is the recipient of $250,000 from the TD Charitable Foundation through its 18th annual Housing for Everyone grant program. The grant will support Dismas’ step-down housing pilot in Burlington for those who are ready after transitional housing, but often screened out of affordable housing options due to their previous involvement in the criminal justice system.

Hannaford

Hannaford Supermarkets celebrates its Hannaford Helps reusable bag charitable program, delivering more than $3 million in total donations to community partners in New England and New York. The program invites shoppers to purchase Fight Hunger and Community reusable shopping bags at store registers and front ends. With each bag sold, Hannaford donates $1 to a local hunger relief agency or nonprofit organization in the store’s community.

Do you have an item you would like to see in Community News? A milestone? A public announcement? A short news release about something entertaining going on in your town? Simply email the information to us at news@rutlandherald.com. Be sure to put For Community News in the subject line. (Note: We do reserve the right to edit for length.)

Primary care awards

At Bi-State Primary Care Association’s annual Primary Care Conference May 21 at Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, three Vermonters were among the seven nominated by their peers and selected to receive recognition for improving access to primary and preventive health care services for underserved and rural populations in Vermont and New Hampshire.

The Outstanding Clinician Award honors Tiffany White, LICSW, LADC/behavioral health clinician and MAT program coordinator at Little Rivers Health Care serving Wells River and Bradford.

The Community Service Award honors June Onorato, MHA, director of quality at Battenkill Valley Health Center in Arlington.

The Hunt Blair Leadership Award honoree is Emilija Florance, M.D., family medicine physician at Gifford Health Care in Randolph.

The Public Service Award honors Northeast Delta Dental, led by Tom Raffio, serving northern New England.

Boat trips

Summer on the Lake excursions, offered by UVM Extension and the Lake Champlain Sea Grant Program, are educational boat trips aboard the R/V Marcelle Melosira, the university’s research vessel, and focus on one of two different themes, Lake Champlain Live or Stories of the Lake. All trips depart from the south side of the Rubenstein Lab/Echo Building, 3 College St., Burlington.

Lake Champlain Live trips will be offered June 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. and again on July 25 from 10 a.m. to noon. Stories of the Lake trip dates are July 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon. Plan to be at the boat at least 15 minutes before departure time.

The cost is $30 per person, with each trip limited to the first 20 people who sign up. Children must be at least age 8 to participate, and anyone under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For details or to register, go to go.uvm.edu/boat-trip. Trips fill up fast, so early registration is advised. Contact seagrant@uvm.edu about the limited number of scholarships are available for those with financial constraints.

For more information, email seagrant@uvm.edu or call 802-777-9130.

To request a disability-related accommodation to participate, please email or call at least three weeks prior to your trip.

Pride Weekend

WOODSTOCK — Pride of Woodstock is hosting a weekend-long celebration of Woodstock and the LGBTQ+ community, Thursday, May 30, through Sunday, June 2. Festivities include a High Heel Race, “Made with Pride” Arts & Crafts Fair, dance parties, trivia, comedy shows, and more. Billings Farm & Museum will offer a free film screening of “Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same” at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 30; to reserve tickets in advance, visit tinyurl.com/WoodstockPrideFilm2024. Visit prideofwoodstockvt.org for a full schedule of events.

Camp openings available

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department says it still has a few openings at its Green Mountain Conservation Camps this summer, especially in June and early July. The one-week, overnight, camp programs for youths 12- to 14-years-old are held at Lake Bomoseen in Castleton and Buck Lake in Woodbury.

Conservation Camps open June 16 and continue until Aug. 16. Tuition is $250 for the week, including food, lodging and equipment, and financial assistance is available.

Information and registration are available at www.vtfishandwildlife.com online. For more information, email FWGMCC@vermont.gov or call 802-522-2925.

Ninety Nine

As Memorial Day approaches, Ninety Nine Restaurants announced support of The Folded Flag Foundation, a nonprofit that provides support grants and educational scholarships to the families of Gold Star veterans who gave their lives in service to our nation.

From now to May 27, guests will be able to “Give $5, Get $5.” For every $5 donated to Folded Flag, guests will receive a $5 off $25 coupon that can be used for a future dine-in visit or online order through June 14. Guests may donate whatever amount they chose, e.g., a $5 donation gets one coupon; a $25 donation gets five coupons, etc.

Online guests can support The Folded Flag Foundation by adding a $5 donation to their online order at 99restaurants.com and getting $5 off immediately at checkout.

The Nines are also selling new patriotic 99-branded gear, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to Gold Star Families.

Do you have an item you would like to see in Community News? A milestone? A public announcement? A short news release about something entertaining going on in your town? Simply email the information to us at news@rutlandherald.com. Be sure to put For Community News in the subject line. (Note: We do reserve the right to edit for length.)

Submarine memorial

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — At the Veteran Affairs in White River Junction, there is a memorial dedicated to the Submarine USS Flier (SS 250) lost during World War II. The United States Submarine Veterans Inc. (USSVI) had assigned each state one of those 52 lost submarines; Vermont was assigned the USS Flier (SS 250). The Green Mountain Base Chapter of USSVI advises this memorial is in the park where the flag is flown along with several other memorials dedicated to our veterans. The submariners in Vermont remember the USS Flier (SS-250) and the men lost and on Eternal Patrol this Memorial Day 2024.

Military Appreciation Month

The American Red Cross provides support to the U.S. military community from the time a service member takes their oath, to navigating life as a veteran, and each event in-between. Visit redcross.org/saf for more information about programs that support military communities.

One such program is Red Cross Hero Care Network, a free 24/7 support system for military and veteran families when they are facing life-changing events like the birth of a child, the death of a loved one, a medical emergency, or even a financial crisis. The Red Cross is the only organization to provide this emergency messaging service to separated and active-duty military families. Red Cross volunteers help each day by answering calls, delivering messages and opening cases to support connections to additional resources.

To show appreciation of our military community, as a Red Cross volunteer, visit redcross.org/volunteer or contact your local Red Cross chapter to learn about open positions.

Pandemic impact

Research from Veterans Affairs Disrupted Care National Project (DCNP) reveal the number of surgical procedures fell more during later waves of the COVID-19 pandemic than they had during the early waves, leading researchers to believe that, instead of health systems learning to manage surgical needs over the course of the pandemic, they increasingly struggled to support patients’ surgical needs as the pandemic progressed. A multi-institutional team of researchers led by the White River Junction VA, and including the West Haven and Palo Alto VA, analyzed over 1.8 million surgical procedures using Medicare claims activity from 2016 to 2021.

Lyman Orton Collection

MONTPELIER — The Vermont Historical Society will present an exhibition of paintings, prints and drawings titled “For the Love of Vermont: The Lyman Orton Collection.” It is a selection from the largest private collection of 20th-century artwork by Vermont artists, collected over the past 45 years by Lyman Orton, best known as the proprietor of The Vermont Country Store. The artwork will be displayed from July 3 through the end of this year, at Vermont History Museum, Pavilion Building, 109 State St. in Montpelier, where a pre-opening reception for Vermont Historical Society members on June 27.

Co-curated by Vermont Historical Society, Lyman Orton, and Donnel Barnum, the exhibition features more than 80 works of Vermont scenes created between 1910 and 1970. Among the 50 artists in the exhibition are Luigi Lucioni, Walton Blodgett, Francis Colburn, Cecil Bell, Rockwell Kent, Emile Gruppe, Ruth Mould, Mitzi Goward, and Paul Sample.

Transportation grants

The Vermont Agency of Transportation is now accepting grant applications for the FY 2025 Mobility and Transportation Innovation Grant Program. The program is designed to support strategies and projects that improve mobility and access to services for transit-dependent Vermonters, reduce the use of single-occupancy vehicles, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The grant applications are open to municipalities, local or regional planning agencies, transit agencies, school districts or schools, nonprofit organizations, and citizen groups focused on providing public transportation resources. Private-sector organizations, individuals, and state and federal agencies are not eligible to receive funds directly but may be partners of a project.

The deadline for filing applications is Monday, Sept. 16, at 4:30 p.m. Visit vtrans.vermont.gov/public-transit/mti or call 802-595-9138, or email Stephanie.Reilly@vermont.gov for more information and to apply.

{span style=”font-size: 12px;”}Town-wide sales{/span}POULTNEY — The Poultney Town-Wide Yard Sale will be held Saturday, June 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, email PoultneyVTChamber@gmail.com.

CASTLETON — Friends of Castleton Parks and Recreation Inc. will host the Castleton Town-Wide Yard Sale on Saturday, June 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the former Castleton Village School, 47 Mechanic St. This event seeks to raise money for recreational opportunities in Castleton. Individuals or small groups can reserve $25 vendor spaces; apply by June 15 to email campsue1035@gmail.com, visit friendscastletonre.wixsite.com/friends-of-castleton or call 802-273-3969.

Do you have an item you would like to see in Community News? A milestone? A public announcement? A short news release about something entertaining going on in your town? Simply email the information to us at news@rutlandherald.com. Be sure to put For Community News in the subject line. (Note: We do reserve the right to edit for length.)

Medicaid grants

Utilizing funding made available through Section 9817 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the Agency of Human Services awarded over $17.6 million in 45 grants to support Vermont’s system of care for individuals and families who use Medicaid home and community-based services. Visit humanservices.vermont.gov/HCBSGrantOpportunities for more information.

Co-op Insurance

MIDDLEBURY — Co-operative Insurance Cos. announced the promotion of Gina Larrow from senior vice president of Human Resources and Project Management to chief operating officer. With 24 years of experience in the insurance industry, she has demonstrated leadership, strategic vision for, and understanding of company values and goals. Larrow is a graduate of Rutland High School and holds two degrees from Champlain College.

Co-operative Insurance Cos. has headquarters in Middlebury, with regional claims offices and more than 100 agency locations across Vermont and New Hampshire.

VCLF

In first quarter 2024, Vermont Community Loan Fund nonprofit loaned $3.6 million to Vermont small businesses, early care and learning programs, nonprofits and affordable housing developers, Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity, Randolph; Crust & Cork, Charlotte; Hootie Hoo, Burlington; Intervale Center, Burlington; Little Ones University, Williston; Mighty Mudita, Burlington; Route 4 Bikes, Woodstock; Sawyer Made, Woodbury; Shires Housing/Arlington Village Center Housing Limited Partnership, Arlington; The New School, Montpelier.

AGC/VT

Associated General Contractors of Vermont (AGC/VT) was honored with the national AGC In The Community Chapter Award for leadership and dedication in combatting substance use disorders and promoting mental health awareness in Vermont’s construction sector. AGC/VT initiative has saved five lives, distributed more than 50,000 Narcan doses, and 12,000 harm reduction kits to contractors, organizations and businesses in Vermont.

Golden Cane

POULTNEY — The Poultney Historical Society announced it will begin again its “Golden Cane Award” to honor the oldest person living in Poultney currently. Applications will be taken until June 10 and may be made by email info@poultneyhistoricalsociety.org or call 802-287-5252. An awards ceremony will be at the Poultney Historical Society at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 23, to honor this year’s recipient, who will also ride in this year’s Fourth of July Parade.

Rotary Club raffle

RUTLAND — Rutland South Rotary Club is holding its 2024 fundraising raffle event Friday, May 31, 7 p.m. at Spartan Arena in Rutland Town. Tickets are on sale now for $125 each. The ticket admits two people and includes drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets can be purchased at rutlandsouthrotary.org or by calling 802-558-2180.

Grand prize is $10,000; Second Prize $2,000; Third Prize $1,000; Fourth Prize, $500; 26 prizes of $125; Door Prize giveaways. All proceeds benefit the greater Rutland community.

Arts funding

The Vermont Community Foundation has new funding available for projects and events in the visual, performing, musical and literary arts that create opportunities for social interaction and collaboration. The Foundation invites Letters of Interest (LOI) from nonprofits, schools and other community organizations. Grants are expected to average $7,500 but will be awarded up to $10,000 and fund a range of project types and sizes statewide.

Letters of Interest will be accepted between now and 5 p.m. June 11. Following a review of all LOIs, select organizations will be invited to submit a full application for funding consideration. Organizations will be notified regarding the status of their LOI by July 2. For more information, and to submit LOI, visit vermontcf.org/arts-and-social-cohesion.

BIPOC survey

The Vermont Professionals of Color Network (VT PoC) announced its BIPOC Community Survey to gather insights and experiences from Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) living in Vermont. The survey offers BIPOC individuals an opportunity to share their perspectives to enhance economic opportunities and community building across the state.

The BIPOC Community Survey will accept responses until July 31. Access the survey at bit.ly/vtpocsurvey. For more information, email TheFam@vtpoc.net.

UVMMC

Inclusive health care practices have earned UVM Medical Center national recognition for its commitment to advancing health equity in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) community. The Human Rights Campaign named UVM Medical Center a health care equality high performer in its 2024 HealthCare Equality Index annual survey.

Protect shorelands

The Vermont Lakes and Ponds Program is offering guidance to help property owners protect and restore their lakeside properties.

The Shoreland Protection Act regulates new activities in protected shoreland areas that are within 250 feet of the shoreline of lakes and ponds 10 acres in size or greater. Property owners need a Shoreland Protection Permit for activities in protected shoreland areas that create cleared areas (removing vegetation like trees or shrubs or disturbing the natural ground cover) or impervious surfaces (any hard or solid surfaces like roofs, roads, and parking lots where water runs off instead of soaks in).

Shoreland property owners can use the Sharing the Edge booklet to learn more about regulations, can each out to their regional lake and shoreland permit analyst, also visit the online Permit Navigator.

Stormwater course

Stormwater education helps promote community awareness about the importance of minimizing stormwater impacts, as well as ways individuals can do their part.

To help teachers and others who provide stormwater-focused educational programming to youth, the Lake Champlain Sea Grant Program and UVM Extension will offer a free, two-day course at UVM this summer. The course also may be taken for one graduate credit with the cost of tuition at the participant’s expense.

In-person workshops for the Stormwater Education Methods course will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 20 and 21. Optional webinars will be offered from 4 to 5 p.m. online June 25 and July 11. Participation in the webinars and additional coursework is required for anyone enrolled in the course for credit.

The registration deadline is May 31. Go to go.uvm.edu/2024stormwater to register as a noncredit or credit participant. If requiring a disability-related accommodation to participate, call 802-391-4410 or email akeaton@uvm.edu by May 31.

Summer pass

RUTLAND CITY — The Rutland Recreation & Parks Department will offer its Middle School Maverick Summer Pass, providing free access to the Rutland Community Center and White Memorial Park pool from June through August for all sixth- to eighth-grade Rutland City residents. Visit rutlandrec.com or contact 802-773-1822 for more information about the Middle School Maverick Summer Pass and other Rutland Recreation & Parks Department programs.

Presidential Scholars

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields. The Vermont scholars include Hannah Noelle Cunningham, of Burlington, student at Rice Memorial High School in South Burlington; and Matthew Henry Califano, of Craftsbury Common, student at Craftsbury Academy in Craftsbury Common.

MENTOR Vermont

MENTOR Vermont’s DEI Committee has released a Statement of Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the mentoring field in Vermont. This commitment is joined by 19 mentoring program signatories from across the state that have pledged to lead by example in their dedication and promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion through collective action.

Turtles in the road

Vermont’s turtles are on the move, and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is asking for the public’s help in keeping them safe. Turtle nesting activity peaks between late May and mid-June, and drivers are urged to keep an eye out for turtles on the road – especially when driving near ponds, rivers and wetlands. Turtles often lay eggs in gravel parking lots and driveways and along road shoulders.

Most turtles can be picked up and carried across the road. However, snapping turtles have long necks and a powerful bite, so people should be alert and know what the species looks like. If the turtle is large or if it lacks colorful lines, spots or other markings, then it may be a snapper. Instead of picking up snappers with your hands, try lifting them with a shovel or pulling them across the road on cardboard or a car floor mat.

Book awards

Vermont Humanities announced the winners of the Vermont Book Awards for outstanding literature in 2023 at a celebration in Montpelier. The winners in each of their respective categories were Mary Reufle for “The Book” (Creative Nonfiction), Sandra Simonds for “Assia” (Fiction), Vievee Francis for “The Shared World” (Poetry), and Dan Nott for “Hidden Systems” (Children’s Literature).

Workforce grants

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced two funding opportunities: $7 million to support women in the workforce under the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations Grant Program and $1 million to protect women from gender-based harassment and violence at work, under the Fostering Access, Rights, and Equity Grant Program.

The deadlines to apply are May 28 for FARE and June 10 for WANTO. Businesses and organizations considering submission of a proposal are encouraged to request a letter of support from Vermont Department of Labor’s Workforce Development Division by emailing labor.grants@vermont.gov.

ALS Month

May is ALS Awareness Month and commemorates the 10th Anniversary of the Ice Bucket Challenge impacting people living with ALS. There are over 30,000 Americans living with ALS, which is always fatal, usually within two to five years. To participate:

— Fill a bucket with ice-cold water or alternatives like confetti.

— Record yourself dumping the bucket over your head.

— Share your video or photo on social media using the hashtag #IceBucket10.

— Nominate friends, family and colleagues to join the challenge and spread awareness.

— Consider making a donation to ALS organizations.

For more information, email candyl.eyster@als.org.

Volunteers needed

This summer, the Vermont Lakes and Ponds Program is seeking volunteers to help monitor and collect information about lakes and ponds in the state. Volunteers to get involved with lay monitoring, invasive patrolling, public access greeter, cyanobacteria monitoring. For more information, call 802-490-6130 or email Peter.Isles@Vermont.gov, 802-490-6126 or Mark.Mitchell@Partner.Vermont.gov.

Price Chopper/Market 32

Price Chopper/Market 32 has begun its “Fill A Glass with Hope/Fill a Plate with Promise” campaign in partnership with Northeast American Dairy Association, Garelick Farms, and local food banks. From now to June 30, customers may choose to round up their totals at the register to help local food banks purchase milk and other nutritious foods for the families they serve.

Women’s conference

RANDOLPH CENTER — U.S. Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., announced registration is open for the Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference June 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Vermont State University-Randolph. Vermonters interested in attending this free event can visit welch.senate.gov/weoc to learn more and sign up by. Email weoc@welch.senate.gov or call 802-863-2525 with any questions.

Rural entrepreneurs

BURLINGTON — The University of Vermont Grossman School of Business will host the inaugural Rural Entrepreneurship Symposium June 19 to 21. This conference will kick off a series of annual community-building events country-wide, including Iowa in 2025, Colorado in 2026, and Texas in 2027.

The symposium invites university teachers, researchers and promoters of entrepreneurship, innovation and small businesses to explore why the rural and small-town landscape of Vermont and other rural states produce many innovative organizations that thrive because of their rural character.

To register, visit usasbelaunch.org/2024rural or email erik.monsen@uvm.edu. View the full agenda at usasbelaunch.org/2024rural/agenda online.

GMP

COLCHESTER — Green Mountain Power was honored for resiliency work to benefit customers, earning Power Player of the Year for Resiliency by the Smart Electric Power Alliance, a nonprofit focused on electric power industry’s transformation to a clean energy future.

VTF&W — Free fishing

Vermont’s annual, statewide Summer Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 8, also opening day of the state’s regular bass fishing season.

It will be highlighted by the free “Grand Isle Family Fishing Festival” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ed Weed Fish Culture Station, 14 Bell Hill Road in Grand Isle. This event offers basic fishing instruction and the chance for kids to catch big trout in a hatchery pond. No prior fishing experience is needed, and Vermont Fish & Wildlife will be supplying fishing rods, reels and bait for use by participants.

For more information or to purchase a fishing license, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

Silent films

BRANDON — Silent film classics with live music return to the big screen at Brandon Town Hall and Community Center, Route 7. Admission is free; donations are welcome to help support ongoing Town Hall renovation efforts. Screenings are held 7 p.m. generally on Saturday nights once a month starting in May and running through November.

June 8, “The Thief of Bagdad” (1924), starring Douglas Fairbanks Sr. as an Arabian adventurer who must complete a series of epic tasks to save his beloved.

July 20, “The Cameraman” (1928), starring Buster Keaton trying to impress the gal of his dreams by working as a newsreel photographer.

Aug. 10, “Four Horsem*n of the Apocalypse” (1921), starring Rudolph Valentino, drama of a divided family with members caught up on opposites sides during World War I.

Sept. 21, “Speedy” (1928), starring Harold Lloyd, a tribute to New York City, baseball, and the idea that nice guys can indeed finish first.

Oct. 19, “Phantom of the Opera” (1925), starring Lon Chaney, pantheon of horror and romance.

Nov. 16, “Barbed Wire” (1927), starring Pola Negri, Clive Brook, French government commandeers a family farm for use as a WWI camp for German POWs.

Gun safety

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont hosted a press conference to highlight the efforts of the GunSafeVT initiative. The initiative’s accomplishments include launch of the gunsafevt.org website, promotion of Vermont State Police’s program to have Federal Firearms Licensees serve as secure gun storage locations, and the distribution of over 4,000 free cable gun locks around the state.

Food systems resiliency

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets is releasing grant details for a new USDA initiative to build resilience in the food supply chain, provide more and better markets to farms and food businesses, support the development of value-added products, and promote equitable and safe jobs. This grant program supports products such as specialty crops, dairy, grains for human consumption, aquaculture, and value-added products. Per USDA requirements, meat and poultry are excluded from this opportunity.

Vermont is awarding over $3.2 million in grants, broken into two rounds, to Vermont businesses and organizations that strengthen local and regional food systems. There is approximately $2 million available for this round. Grants will range from $100,000 to $500,000 with a 50% match (25% reduced match available). Projects will run from fall 2024 to early 2027. Applications are due via WebGrants by June 5 at 1:59 p.m.

For more information, visit agriculture.vermont.gov/grants/resilient-food-systems-infrastructure, email Julia.Scheier@vermont.gov or call 802-522-7042.

Price Chopper/Market 32

Price Chopper/Market 32, in collaboration with trade partner Freihofer’s Baking Co., has launched a campaign to help raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. From now to June 30, for every purchase of select Freihofer products marked with specially designed shelf tags, Price Chopper/Market 32 and Freihofer’s will each donate 5 cents to the Alzheimer’s Association.