Route 4 night work to return; updates on state and school news

Traffic heads through Woodstock Village along Route 4. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The second round of paving in the ongoing Route 4 project in Woodstock Village will include some night work next week.

Work crews will begin the second layer of paving during the day on Thursday and Friday this week. Then, the night paving will commence on Sunday at 5 p.m. and continue through to morning, with that schedule in place until the morning of Thursday, June 17, as announced by Police Chief Robbie Blish at the Village Trustees meeting on Tuesday. 

The state project’s paving component is nearly two months ahead of schedule. Once the paving is done, crews will begin re-striping lines on Routes 4, 12 and 106 in the village limits, and re-creating the parking spaces downtown. 

Vermont edges closer to pivotal vaccine milestone

The state of Vermont is on the cusp of removing all its pandemic restrictions, with just over 3,100 people to go until it vaccinates 80% of its eligible population. 

When Vermont hits that 80% mark, the state will remove all remaining pandemic restrictions. As of Tuesday, 79.4% of eligible Vermonters have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Vermont still has dozens of free walk-in vaccination opportunities around the state every day, Gov. Phil Scott said at his Tuesday press briefing. He said those pop-up, walk-in clinics are now the leading method in Vermont’s vaccination strategy, as opposed to larger, mass vaccination sites that were the only option much earlier in the year.

“Over the weekend, I went to a few pop-up locations myself, including Thunder Road (in Barre) on Friday and the car show in St. Albans on Saturday,” he said. “So I want to, once again, thank our EMS teams, who have been doing an incredible job at all these locations, all these clinics. We wouldn’t be leading the nation in vaccinations, if not for them.” 

This week, Vermont saw its COVID cases fall to the lowest levels seen in eight months, and it still leads the nation in vaccine doses administered per 100,000 people (125,076).

Naming policy update: District board begins its review

A proposed facility naming policy got its first reading before the full board of the Windsor Central Unified Union School District on Monday night. 

Board members noted there are still opportunities for the public to weigh in on the policy before any final vote is taken. A Policy Committee meeting is coming up on June 21, and after that, the policy returns to the district board — likely in July — for a second reading and possible approval. 

Monday’s discussion on the policy was brief, and the meeting quiet, but this proposal sparked great concern among Woodstock Union High School & Middle School alumni over a month ago. The naming policy is one idea on the table connected to raising money for the proposed $73.3 million new WUHSMS building. But in early May, alumni circulated a petition online to preserve legacy names on fields and facilities, and ensure they aren’t re-named. 

In recent meetings, the Policy Committee has revised the proposed policy, and the current proposal contains an approval process for “re-naming of an existing dedication.” Among other elements, the process requires that the superintendent and the Fundraising Work Group submit a recommendation to the board; a public meeting be held with a 30-day warning; and 60% of the board members present must approve the proposal for it to pass. In the absence of a Fundraising Work Group, the superintendent will submit the recommendation. (The overall policy has a different section on honorary facility naming.)

At Monday’s meeting, which was held on Zoom, Louis Piconi, chair of the Policy Committee, said the policy sets “a pretty high bar” for renaming a facility.

“It’s going to be hard for somebody to do a renaming … but at the same time I think this offers significant protections that a lot of the alumni wanted, while being fair to all the different groups that might be at the table at some point,” Piconi said. 

Maura McLaughlin Tynes, a WUHS alum who has attended prior meetings, said she appreciated the board’s work on this issue, but still has concerns on how the proposal might play out. The high school football field carries the name of her father, James T. McLaughlin.

“The way the policy is written now, intertwining finances and contribution of your community members, essentially provides a roadmap and an explanation on how to re-name spaces now,” Tynes said. “And I think that’s something that people should be careful about.” 

Policy Committee member Sam DiNatale, also an alum of WUHS, reiterated that the renaming process in the proposal sets that high bar Piconi mentioned.

“This is on the same level as the process you’d have to go through to close a school,” she said.

In anticipation of the June 21 Policy Committee meeting, Piconi said any members of the public with questions are welcome to send them to him. Check out these links for committee and board contact information.

— Gareth Henderson

Virtual Covered Bridges Half Marathon gets underway Sunday

Team TuTu Much Fun walked the Covered Bridges Half Marathon race course on Friday, June 4, and is shown here at the Taftsville Covered Bridge at about mile 8. From left: CBHM Race Co-director Nancy Nutile-McMenemy, of Weathersfield; Gidget Lyman, of South Royalton; Trish Gallagher of Dorchester, Mass.; and CBHM Race Co-director Mike Silverman, of Hanover, NH. (Nancy Nutile-McMenemy Photo)

The first virtual race of the Covered Bridges Half Marathon is set to begin on Sunday, with over 1,300 participants running the 13.1 miles wherever they are in the world any time from June 6-13.

A number of people locally and outside of Vermont will be participating, according to Race Co-director Nancy Nutile-McMenemy, who said a total of 1,342 runners were signed up.

This nonprofit half marathon, one of the most-anticipated races of its kind, is usually held in the scenic Vermont area of Woodstock, Pomfret and Quechee, and includes several historic covered bridges along the way. After the race's first-ever cancellation in 2020 amid the pandemic, race organizers set up this virtual event to maintain everyone's health and safety, and also keep the race going for the long-term. Race co-directors Nutile-McMenemy and Mike Silverman noted the event’s major community impact over the years: It typically raises $50,000 to $60,000 for dozens of area school groups and nonprofits like libraries, community clubs and social service agencies.

“We want to make sure that we’re here and that we can support as many organizations as possible,” Silverman said in a prior interview.

Overall, the race usually has a $1.2 million economic impact in the region. On Sunday, of course, there will not be any official events or set-up at the usual start or finish locations. However, Nutile-McMenemy and Silverman will record a message for social media at 8 a.m. Sunday, when the race traditionally starts. Stay tuned for that via the CBHM Facebook page.

At the 2022 race, CBHM plans to celebrate its 30th anniversary — which is actually this year. Runners and organizers alike are looking forward to a return to the in-person experience they've all cherished for over three decades.

— Gareth Henderson

Business relief grants become available Monday

Echo Lake in Plymouth, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

A new program offering a total of $30 million in grants to struggling Vermont businesses is set to launch on Monday. The money, approved by the Legislature, comes from Vermont’s share of relief funding in the American Rescue Plan Act.

The Economic Recovery Bridge Program is the latest local effort to help businesses recover from the financial impact of the pandemic. The assistance is meant for businesses who have not received state and federal relief due to eligibility constraints, and who can show a continued loss of revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To the extent that funds remain available, the program can also help businesses that have suffered a net loss even after receiving state or federal aid.

Gov. Phil Scott said this funding is key to Vermont’s economic recovery, calling small businesses the “backbone of our economy.” 

“These grants will provide critical relief in the short term, allowing them to rebuild a stable foundation for their economic futures,” Scott said in a statement.  

PJ Skehan, executive director of the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce, said Friday that a number of chamber members have already received some form of relief, but he thought this money could be a crucial resource for any businesses whose money is running out at this point.

“Vermont overall has done a great job getting these funds out to where they’re needed,” Skehan said.

Joan Goldstein, commissioner of the Department of Economic Development, emphasized the need to help businesses facing shortfalls as the state turns the corner.

“As we move past the pandemic, these funds are intended to bridge those final gaps, so that businesses can recover and thrive in the months and years ahead,” she said in the program’s announcement this week. 

Eligible businesses must have their primary place of business in Vermont and demonstrate that the business experienced a net tax loss in 2020, greater than any net loss reported in 2019 via submitted federal tax returns.

Grants will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis and priority will be given as follows:

• Priority for the first 30 days of the program will be given to businesses that have not received or do not have pending applications for any state or federal financial assistance in 2020 or 2021, including but not limited to:

  • Paycheck Protection Program Loans and Grants

  • Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Grants

  • Vermont Economic Recovery Grants

  • Sole Proprietor Stabilization Program Grants

  • Healthcare Provider Grants

  • Restaurant Revitalization Grants

  • Shuttered Venue Grants

  • Vermont Agricultural Grants

• After the initial 30-day window, second-tier priority will be given to businesses who suffered a 2020 net tax loss and can still demonstrate an adjusted net loss after adding back the amounts of non-taxable assistance received in 2020 and 2021.

Full program guidelines in several languages and frequently asked questions are online at the state’s COVID-19 Recovery Resource Center. The application portal is set to open on Monday, and there will be a support line available at 802-828-1200 once the portal opens.

A recording of Friday’s webinar about the program is available on the commerce agency's website.

— Gareth Henderson

Smoother sailing: Route 4 paving ahead of schedule

Traffic on Route 4 in Woodstock Village in late May. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

There’s more work to be done along Route 4 in Woodstock Village, but it’s smoother sailing than it used to be. In fact, the state’s paving project is going so well that the second layer of pavement might be done this month — about two months ahead of time — provided the weather cooperates, local officials say.

In a Thursday interview, Woodstock Village Trustees Chair Jeff Kahn couldn't confirm when the whole project would end, but he said this progress means the noisiest parts of the project would be done well ahead of schedule. The second layer of paving was originally scheduled for August, with the entire project to be completed in September. This month, some of the paving may be done at night, which was a helpful way to get the first round of paving done more quickly, Kahn noted.

"They'll be re-striping the roads after the paving is done," he said.

Speaking of re-striping, the Village Trustees and Municipal Manager William Kerbin have a request in to the state to reapply the yellow lines at the western end of the Rec Center bridge and at the hairpin turn by Maplefields. Earlier in the year, the village had expressed its concern about those two locations because oversized trucks often go over the curb while making those turns. That's more of a concern now, since the Route 4 oversized truck permit the state had allowed for years in Hartford, Woodstock and Bridgewater is going away as of July 2022, after opposition to it in the Senate was successful.

During the paving project, however, the Agency of Transportation opted to remove the yellow line at those two Woodstock Village locations, Kahn said. He worried that large trucks would go even farther into the opposing lane at those sharp turns without the yellow line there. There was no word Thursday on the village's request.

"Hopefully the AOT will comply, but we'll find out," Kahn said.

After the paving, crews will complete re-striping and also re-create the parking spaces throughout the village.

The project is currently ongoing from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting. This week, some parts of Route 4 in the village have seen one-way traffic, as have the village portions of Routes 12 and 106, which are also part of the project.

— Gareth Henderson

A season begins: Sunny skies, happy crowds greet Market on the Green

The Woodstock Market on the Green on Wednesday afternoon in Woodstock, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Warm-weather energy was in the air when the weekly Woodstock Market on the Green returned Wednesday, with over 30 vendors and a bustling crowd. 

There were a number of families dropping by, as well as motorists and cyclists coming through to check out the fresh food, produce and artisan goods. 

Some of that traffic was lining up for the wood-fired pizza made by Sara Bachman, Otto Pierce and Emma Labadie from Fat Dragon Farm in Stockbridge. They’re glad for the business, but it’s something special to be back in Woodstock, Bachman said.

“Last year, this market definitely kept me going a lot,” she said. “There’s so much community here.” 

And the community was meeting a new member of the family as well: Pierce and Bachman arrived with their new baby daughter, Mairi, born in March, who rested comfortably in the shade.

“It’s going well so far,” Bachman said of the baby’s first market. 

Kathy Avellino, of the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce, which runs the Market on the Green, said she knew from the first glimmer of sunlight on Wednesday, that it would be a perfect day for the event. 

“A lot of vendors have come back,” she said. 

The crowd grows at the Woodstock Market on the Green on Wednesday afternoon. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

One of them is also Jon Cohen, owner of Deep Meadow Farm in Ascutney, who sells his produce at farmers’ markets in Ludlow and Londonderry as well. He said the large number of people cooking at home last year definitely drove sales up. Hopefully, those numbers continue, Cohen added.

“Traffic is definitely a good thing for the market,” he said, noting the crowds in the village that afternoon. 

One of several new arrivals at the market this year is Nick Miller, of Lebanon, New Hampshire, who makes artisan woodcrafts for his business, MisfitStyls. Among his products were a number of wooden boards with intricate designs and inspiring messages on them. But they aren’t just for display — they can also be flipped over and used as cutting boards. Miller, who attends events throughout New England, enjoyed a steady run of sales Wednesday and lots of interest from shoppers.

“It’s been a good market,” he said. “I can’t complain one bit.” 

Colemann Colburn, of Fresh Roots Farm in Sharon, has been at the Market on the Green for 10 years. He said Wednesday was a good day, certainly helped by the fact that people were happy to be able to shop unmasked. 

“People were excited to be out,” Colburn said. “Hopefully it’ll be a good year.”

— Gareth Henderson

The Woodstock Market on the Green is every Wednesday during the summer from 3 to 6 p.m.

Traditions keep returning

People enjoy the Thompson Senior Center’s first in-person lunch in over a year on Tuesday. (Deanna Jones Photo)

A good meal and conversation is one of the favorite pastimes at the Thompson Senior Center in Woodstock, Vermont, and that tradition returned Tuesday after more than a year of no dining inside at the community hub. 

It was reopening day for the center, and the daily lunch in the dining room started up again, by reservation. Ten guests and four staff members enjoyed the meal together. 

"It was just nice to see people again," said Deanna Jones, the center's executive director. "They've been waiting. 'Finally, the day has come', is what I kept hearing." 

New tables and chairs graced the room, thanks to recent fundraising, and fresh paint and a new floor completed the dining room's new look. Through the month of June, lunch is Monday-Thursday 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Curbside lunch pick-up is still available this month.

Also through June, people will be asked to wear masks into the senior center, which they can then remove once they sit down to their meal or activity. There's a hand sanitizing station at the door, and health-screening questions will be asked via computer. 

Some people, especially if they live far away, may continue to take part in bingo or other events by phone — and that option will be there in a hybrid model.

"We'll still keep these things virtual so that people are engaged," Jones said. 

In Woodstock, this reopening was further proof of a state's progress toward normalcy. At nearly 78% of eligible Vermonters vaccinated against COVID-19, the state is that much closer to meeting its goal of 80%, at which time the state will lift all pandemic restrictions. Gov. Phil Scott said Vermont is “days away” from hitting that mark. 

Also at Tuesday’s press conference, Scott noted the many positive impacts of the vaccine, including the fact that Vermont is the only state with no COVID-related deaths reported in the past two weeks. Also, the state had three hospitalizations due to the virus as of Tuesday morning — a six-month low for Vermont. 

But the governor emphasized “we’re not resting on our laurels,” saying the state continues to make efforts to get the vaccine to as many people as possible. This week, there are over 100 walk-in vaccine clinics statewide, one of them taking place in Woodstock this Thursday, June 3. That clinic, which offers the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, is at the Woodstock Inn’s administrative building parking lot, located at 9 Cross Street from 1 to 3 p.m. 

On Tuesday, Courtney Lowe, vice president of marketing and business development at the Woodstock Inn & Resort, said the inn hosted a clinic on May 14 and asked for — and received — this chance to hold another one. Walk-in opportunities have been a key part of improving access to the vaccine, officials have said. 

“The convenience factor has proven effective in the state, so we are delighted to make it easier for our employees and community to be able to access the vaccine right here in the Village,” Lowe said. 

Check out this link for the latest on Vermont’s vaccination progress.

— Gareth Henderson

Joyful reopening: Teago store begins new chapter

At far left, Bob Crean chats with Teago General Store employees Randi Harron and Sue Cole, far right, at the store’s reopening on Saturday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

On Saturday, a lot of people in Pomfret, Vermont, had the same plan: Head over to the Teago General Store, which just opened up again after a year of renovations.

“We’ve had this on our agenda ever since they posted the day they’re reopening,” said Kate Overbay, who was enjoying breakfast with her family. Her 9-year-old son, Tripp, chimed in, “I’m just glad Teago’s open again.” 

Among the early arrivals were Teago’s former owner Chuck Gundersen, and his wife, Alice, who live just up the road. Chuck owned the store for over 30 years before selling it to Kathleen Dolan in 2018, and he called the year-long revamp a “beautiful job,” adding that it’s still got that local charm.

“They managed to do it in a way that it still has some individual character,” he said. “Alice and I are going to be here a lot.”

At 7 a.m., the iconic Vermont store, which generations of local people and visitors have enjoyed, reopened to streams of eager customers who greeted the staff with beaming smiles and breakfast orders. Right in the door, a greatly expanded kitchen and plenty of additional square-footage are the first things noticed, along with the new deck offering outdoor seating by the brook. There’s now an ice cream window, and a new indoor seating area is near the back of the store. Breakfast, lunch and the Friday take-and-bake pizzas are still there — as are the Post Office and the newspapers.

Chuck Gundersen, left, catches up with Dick Beattie at Teago General Store on Saturday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

In a quick interview on a busy reopening day, store manager Christine Cole said the pent-up demand from customers was clear for a long time. When making preparations out front, they were putting new sod down and had sprinklers going.

“We had people walking through the sprinklers and asking, ‘Are you open?’” she recalled. Not surprisingly, some were waiting outside for the doors to open at 7 a.m. Saturday. 

“Someone knocked on the door at five-of, and we had to say, ‘Just a few more minutes,’” said Amy Stone, also part of the Teago team. Along with Cole, the rest of the staff are Randi Harron and Sue Cole, Christine’s sister-in-law. 

Christine Cole, who has worked at the store since the early 1990s, highlighted the added capabilities of the expanded kitchen and new systems throughout the store, right down to the new coolers. And she expected the deck would be a popular place for customers — several of whom took a seat there in between raindrops Saturday morning. 

Cole also said she appreciated Dolan’s leadership and vision on the project.

“It’s great to have somebody like Kathleen bringing her thoughts and ideas to help with this new chapter,” Cole said. 

The new deck at Teago General Store. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Dolan said seeing the store reopen was “enormously satisfying.” She thanked the store staff for their many hours of work in getting Teago ready. 

“I have been in awe of Christine and Amy and the other Teago’s store crew as they worked steadily this past year, and particularly these past few months, putting the interior back together and getting the operation of the store up and running,” Dolan said. She also thanked Steve Horton and the entire DEW Construction team for bringing the project to fruition, and was grateful to town officials for their support.

“A general store, as a place for practical resources and community relating, is so vitally important to the life and heartbeat of a small town,” Dolan said. “I have Chuck Gundersen to thank for keeping Teago alive and well and in a way a general store needs to be for over 30 years before this time — and for the opportunity he gave me to carry the torch of a business that helps keep a community thriving, gathering and accommodated.”

As the community gathered to share smiles and friendly chats over coffee, part of the Saturday-morning buzz was, of course, cherished routines starting up again. Local resident Lisa Parsons was looking forward to walking down to the store with her dogs each day to grab her morning paper, just like she used to do. 

“I can do my walk again now,” she said. 

While departing the new Teago after his visit, Bob Crean expressed what many felt: “There’s nothing like having your own small-town store.”

— Gareth Henderson

Teago General Store’s hours are Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The deli closes a half hour before the store. The phone number is 802-457-1626, and follow the Facebook page for daily specials.

Teago General Store on reopening day. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Congress acts to counter anti-Asian hate crimes

(Gareth Henderson Photo)

Congress has taken action to counter the wave of anti-Asian hate and violence during the pandemic, and advocates say the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act is an important step toward that goal. 

The House approved the bill on Tuesday, 364-62, sending it to President Joe Biden for his expected signature. The Senate previously passed the legislation 94-1. 

This Congressional action comes after multiple incidents of violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in the U.S., including the recent shooting in Atlanta in which six of the victims were women of Asian descent. Other incidents elsewhere have included elderly Asian Americans being beaten, and many Asian Americans are now afraid to leave their homes. 

The legislation condemns the hate and violence directed against Asian Americans, and takes multiple steps to improve tracking, reporting and investigation of reported hate crimes. Notably, it establishes a position in the U.S. Department of Justice to expedite the investigation of hate crimes and add more ways to report them. Furthermore, that position would have a role in helping interested states set up hotlines for reporting hate crimes. There are also grants available to help local law enforcement in these efforts, and the bill recognizes the role of community organizers in helping with data collection. 

Mieko Ozeki, co-founder of Vermont Womenpreneurs and a fourth-generation Chinese-Japanese American, spoke at a press conference in Burlington this week about the bill. She joined U.S. Rep. Peter Welch, of Vermont, and Paul Suk-Hyun Yoon, senior advisor for strategic diversity, assessment and research at the University of Vermont.

In a Tuesday interview, Ozeki said the legislation is essential for addressing anti-Asian hate crimes, because a number of them aren’t reported. 

“(The victims) feel like maybe it's a disgrace, or they're fearful for their lives,” she said. 

Ozeki said she and her family haven’t experienced violence, but she said a friend of her mother’s in New York City doesn’t feel safe going to the park in her neighborhood, because an individual last week hurled anti-Asian epithets toward her and spat at her when she was out on a walk. On social media, Ozeki has experienced reaction from people downplaying the situation. 

“We need to train ourselves to stop digesting information passively, and engage with people and ask about their culture with sincerity," she said.  

Ozeki feared for her Chinese American mother in New York and her 100-year-old Japanese American grandmother in Los Angeles, after the first COVID-19 case was reported out of Wuhan, China. 

“Though we were vigilant on keeping ourselves safe from the virus, the vitriol of the previous administration triggered fear of violence directed toward my family and I,” Ozeki said at the Monday press conference. “At present, with close to 4,000 reported hate crimes (and many unreported), the violence we see towards our elders, parents, workers of Asian descent are horrific and traumatizing.”

Welch noted that anti-Asian hate crimes reported to the police in the 16 largest U.S. cities rose 164% in the first quarter of 2021 — a pattern that must be stopped. 

“The attack on Asian Americans, who are absolutely blameless for COVID, has escalated into scenes that are horrifying for all of us to watch,” Welch said. He has worked closely with U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, of New York, who led the effort to pass the bill in the House. Welch added, “All of us owe each other respect and civility, and when disrespect is based on a person’s ethnicity and national origin, it’s all the more appalling, and it eats away at that fabric that’s so essential for democracy, which is respect and mutual effort.” 

Yoon, a second-generation Korean American with family in New York City, said the legislation won’t eradicate racism or stop the attacks on its own. 

“However, I believe it centers AAPI experiences and voices, and it will do more to address anti-Asian hate than any legislation we’ve seen to date,” he said at Monday’s event. “I, too, believe everyone in our country deserves to feel safe, and I hope this legislation brings us one step closer to that reality.” 

Yoon emphasized that he and Ozeki are members of the group VT APIDA (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American) for Black Lives, and he encouraged all Vermonters to be “active anti-racists and to fight systemic racism wherever it manifests.” 

Beyond the recent legislation, Ozeki said Tuesday it’s important to let Vermonters know that racism also happens here, and if unchecked, it can have more severe results like in Atlanta. She said the seeds of hate can begin with a comment some might think of as innocent — like asking “Where are you from? No really, where are you from?” — but it reinforces racial bias. She also said part of the solution is acknowledging history — her late father was born in one of the U.S. internment camps for Japanese-Americans during World War II.

While the anti-Asian hate crimes bill is a good step forward, she said, education and better understanding of each other is key to addressing racism. 

“Essentially, it comes down to having a real dialogue, and seeing the people who are in our communities and the diversity, and not making assumptions,” Ozeki said. 

— Gareth Henderson

Vt. to remove residency requirement for vaccination

The Ottauquechee River in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Later this week, non-residents visiting Vermont will be able to sign up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the state.

Vermont will remove its residency requirement for the vaccine on Thursday, which was announced at Tuesday's state press briefing. The state is taking appointments for those 12 and older, though the 12-15 age group can have only the Pfizer doses. Individuals ages 12-17 must have parental consent, officials emphasized Tuesday. If coming to a walk-in vaccination site, those individuals must arrive at their appointments with a parent or guardian, and with the necessary forms completed and signed. If a child at a school-based clinic forgets their consent forms, the school will often reach out to the parent or guardian by phone to obtain consent, officials noted.

As of Tuesday morning, more than 9,000 Vermonters ages 12-15 had signed up for vaccination, after that age group became eligible last Thursday. The state continues to add clinics, and this week, there are over 31 vaccination sites at local emergency services buildings around Vermont. That's in recognition of Emergency Medical Services Week, which Gov. Phil Scott declared to honor the emergency services personnel that serve communities in the Green Mountains.

At Tuesday's press conference, Human Services Secretary Mike Smith said emergency services personnel have been an "exceptional partner" throughout the pandemic, including helping homebound Vermonters get vaccinated, setting up mobile clinics, and helping with COVID-19 testing sites.

"They play a critical role in our communities every day, and their response in this pandemic has been remarkable," Smith said.

Gov. Phil Scott also thanked emergency services crews in the state, and said one of the best ways to show gratitude to them is to get vaccinated.

"Their commitment to our communities and their willingness to serve represents the best of Vermont," Scott said.

Also this week, school-based vaccination clinics began around Vermont, and over 100 of these are scheduled. These clinics are open to any eligible students, their family members and also the wider public.

— Gareth Henderson

Check out healthvermont.gov/myvaccine to make an appointment or learn more, or call 855-722-7878.

Woodstock Village mask ordinance amended to align with state

The Village Green in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

In the Village of Woodstock, people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer have to wear masks indoors or outdoors, or stay socially distanced from others. 

At a special meeting held on Zoom, the Woodstock Village Trustees unanimously voted Monday evening to make this change, in accordance with the state of Vermont’s amendment to its mask mandate last Friday. “Fully vaccinated” means that two weeks have passed since a person’s final vaccine dose. 

Those who are not fully vaccinated must still follow the village mask ordinance — which allows people to un-mask outdoors as long as they can maintain a social distance of six feet. This also matches the state’s policy. People who aren’t fully vaccinated must still wear masks at all indoor spaces serving the public. Businesses are allowed to have stricter rules if they so choose.  

Businesses and events operating outdoors must still adhere to mask requirements under the Vermont Forward reopening plan. See more details here. The state aims to remove its mask rule and all pandemic restrictions by July 4, and the Village Trustees expect to suspend their ordinance when that happens.

At Monday’s meeting, there was no discussion of the mask ordinance after a motion was made and seconded, and Trustees quickly got to the 5-0 vote. The Woodstock Town Select Board, which has a resolution in line with the village ordinance, had previously voted to support the trustees in their mask ordinance changes and keep the resolution aligned with state guidance. The Select Board’s next meeting is Tuesday at 6 p.m. on Zoom.

— Gareth Henderson

Village Butcher’s new owners energized by community

Alex and Cristy Beram, new owners of The Village Butcher in Woodstock, Vt., are reopening the shop later this month. They are pictured here, at center, with their children, Beau, 7, and Rosie, 9, and Cristy’s mother, Bebe Stoddard. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

More than once, Alex and Cristy Beram had thought about moving full-time to Vermont — maybe when their kids were grown. But the plan unfolded a bit quicker than that.

Now, the Berams are Vermont business owners, and they’re set to reopen The Village Butcher in Woodstock later this month. They purchased it earlier this year from George and Linda Racicot, who had owned the community’s sole butcher shop for close to 50 years. Josh Coyle, who has worked there for over 20 years, is staying on as head butcher. 

It didn’t take the Berams long to find out how much the community cherishes this place and its longtime owners. In fact, it’s given them great motivation as they work toward the reopening. 

“The support from the community has been a huge source of energy for us,” Alex said. “We feel a huge sense of purpose in what we’re doing.” 

Cristy remembered many warm welcomes inside and outside the shop, when they were learning about the business and first getting to know customers.

“It couldn’t have made us more excited to come,” she said. “Once we made the decision, so many things started falling into place that made us feel comfortable this was the right choice.” 

“Things really clicked,” Alex said, noting some great discussions with the building’s owners, Jireh and Frank Billings.

Moving forward, the core elements of the Racicots’ longtime business — butcher, deli and marketplace — will still be there.

“It felt more right to build upon the foundation that’s here,” Alex said. 

The Berams’ path to living full-time in Quechee began in spring 2020. At the time, both of their young children — now 9 and 7 — were attending school remotely, and springtime in Vermont was beckoning. So, they left Boston in May to finish out the school year at their second home in Quechee, and stay there for the summer as usual. They stayed past summer, as they weren’t comfortable returning to the city amid the pandemic. Then, in October, Alex was laid off from his job in international professional services, and the couple began looking around and weighing their options. 

Not long after that, an online advertisement for a “butcher-deli” in a great Vermont location caught Alex’s attention. For him, that would be a return to the food industry. He worked in various settings in the food service industry throughout his teens and 20s in Boston, where he grew up. 

“I love the interaction with the community, being around people, and the camaraderie with the team,” Alex said. 

He also spent a number of years in the music industry, touring and playing trombone full-time, as well as working in artist management. Cristy has an MBA and a background in financial services, and previously worked for Fidelity Investments.

Over the past two months, interior work has been ongoing at the Village Butcher. Upland Construction, of Woodstock, was the general contractor for the project, and the Middlebury firm IMHOTEP was also involved. 

The main additions include a full kitchen on the bottom floor. That helps facilitate two key parts of the plan: adding more prepared foods and baked goods to the shop’s offerings. The bakery operation will be run by Cristy’s mother, Bebe Stoddard.

Additionally, there’s been a reconfiguration upstairs, which moved the butcher-deli station.

“The butcher when you walk in is straight ahead,” Alex said. “We really wanted to feature that.” 

The shop will also offer a wider variety of local meats, and Alex and Josh have been visiting local farmers to make those arrangements. 

Along with those changes, the shop will have its own blend of coffee for the first time. One of the employees, Vicky Cook, will provide a special “Butcher’s Blend” through her business, Rooftop Roasters, for the shop to pour and sell.

The Village Butcher’s new owners can’t wait to get the doors open again, and carry forward what the Racicots have built over the years.

“We're really excited for people to see what we’ve done,” Cristy said.

— Gareth Henderson

Vermont eases mask rule again; speeds up reopening

A mountain view from Cox District Road in Bridgewater, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Vermont is no longer requiring fully vaccinated people to wear masks or adhere to social distancing, following a Thursday update to CDC guidance. This applies to indoor and outdoor spaces.

A second change also took effect Friday: Vermont moved up its statewide reopening schedule, as the state is hitting its COVID-19 vaccination targets over two weeks early. That means further relaxing capacity limits for gatherings and events, and there is now no COVID test required due to any travel.

For indoor gatherings and events, capacity limits were lowered to 1 unvaccinated person per 50 square feet or up to 300 people (whichever is lower), plus any number of vaccinated people. Outdoors, the limit is 900 people, plus any number of vaccinated individuals. For more details, check out the state's Vermont Forward web page.

Announcing the big news, Gov. Phil Scott thanked Vermonters for aiding this important progress.

"Because of you stepping up for the greater good, doing your part in getting vaccinated, we're able to do this," he said at Friday's press briefing.

Those who are not fully vaccinated must still follow the state's mask rule — which allows people to un-mask outdoors as long as they can maintain a social distance of six feet. Masks are still required in indoor public spaces. "Fully vaccinated" means that two weeks have passed since your final vaccine dose, the governor emphasized. Several settings will still require masking and social distancing, such as schools, public transportation, healthcare settings, long-term care facilities, and prisons.

Some Vermont municipalities still have their own mask policies. Earlier this week, prompted by the state’s May 1 update, Woodstock Village altered its mask ordinance and no longer requires face coverings to be worn outdoors in the village limits, as long as six feet of social distance can be maintained. The local ordinance still requires masking for indoor public spaces and businesses. There is no mention of vaccination status. On Friday, Woodstock Village Trustees Chair Jeff Kahn said the board will discuss the state's latest update. This will take place at a special meeting Monday, May 17, at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Connection information is on the town’s website.

At the state press conference, officials acknowledged that some vaccinated individuals might still choose to mask up, even after this latest change.

"Now, I understand there might be some who are still uncomfortable, a little hesitant, and that's OK. That's their choice, and I sincerely hope Vermonters can show understanding," Scott said. "But the fact is, if you're fully vaccinated, the health experts at the CDC have determined there is very little risk, and it's time to reward all the hard work you've done over the past 14 months to help make Vermont's pandemic response the best in the country."

State Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine said it may feel weird for some people to not wear a mask, even after being immunized.

"But know that when you do feel ready, vaccines work, and you are protected," he said.

Vermont still leads the nation in per-capita administration of the COVID vaccine, and over 61% of Vermonters have received at least one dose. On Thursday, for the first time since November, the University of Vermont Medical Center had no COVID in-patients.

The vaccination numbers continue to rise, as more than 7,300 Vermonters ages 12-15 had signed up for vaccine appointments as of Friday morning, after their age group became eligible on Thursday. Only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for 12-15-year-olds, who must have the consent of their parents or guardians to be immunized. To accelerate these vaccinations, Vermont will receive 5,000 additional Pfizer doses next week, as part of a federal program allowing states to request more than their usual weekly allotment.

In his remarks Friday, Human Services Secretary Mike Smith announced that the Vermont chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics is holding a series of online forums in the coming weeks about the COVID vaccine and adolescents. The list of forums is available at aapvt.org.

Smith encouraged parents to reach out to their pediatricians with any specific questions.

"Pediatricians are thrilled that more of their patients and family members are ready to be vaccinated, and they are willing to help in any way that they can," he said.

The state continues to add vaccination clinics, including walk-in opportunities. Visit healthvermont.gov/myvaccine for more information or call 855-722-7878.

— Gareth Henderson

Legislature looks to wrap up broadband bill

The sun breaks through on Gabert Road in Woodstock, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

A Vermont bill meant to pave the way for broadband expansion is in the final stages of legislative approval.

The state Senate on Tuesday unanimously approved its version of the bill H. 360, which sets a framework for building out Vermont’s broadband network, with a focus on reaching the most remote parts of the state through local efforts. The funding comes from recent relief money in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). As of Thursday night, this legislation remained in conference committee, where the House and Senate versions of the bill are being reconciled. Once that’s done, the bill goes to the governor’s desk for possible signing. 

The broadband proposal adds support for Communications Union Districts, local municipally-approved entities which have facilitated more broadband connections in several regions. The legislation also allows small local telecom providers to benefit from the proposal, but they must support universal broadband access to do so, the Brattleboro Reformer reported.

The Senate version of the bill totals $100 million, down from the $150 million proposal the House approved in March. Gov. Phil Scott has expressed disappointment in both amounts, as his administration originally proposed spending $250 million of the ARPA funds on broadband. In a Thursday interview on Vermont Public Radio, Senate President Pro Tempore Becca Balint, of Brattleboro, said “additional monies can and will be appropriated as it becomes clear what investments are needed.” She also noted that the Legislature has 3 ½ years to spend the ARPA money, giving ample time to consider further investments in broadband.

“We have time to figure this out, and I think Vermonters want us to do that,” Balint said. 

At Tuesday’s Senate proceedings, which are still being held on Zoom, Senate Majority Leader Alison Clarkson, of Woodstock, said broadband access has been a top priority during all her 16 years in the Legislature. Now, these federal funds are making significant progress possible, she said. 

“It’s a very exciting moment, and this is something that the pandemic of course has illustrated: the essentialness of this work … for education, health and our economy,” Clarkson said. 

For the entire past year, lawmakers in Vermont and elsewhere have emphasized the great need to increase broadband access, since gaps in that access put many adults and students at a disadvantage during the pandemic. Remote learning and telehealth services became critical in early 2020, as COVID-19 infections rose and millions had to remain home. There are also long-term limitations to business growth without more high-speed broadband connections, lawmakers said. Lack of broadband access has disproportionately impacted low-income Americans, multiple studies have shown.

At the federal level, the U.S. government is now offering some emergency discounts on internet services. Under the Emergency Broadband Benefit program, eligible households can receive a discount of up to $50 per month on their internet bills, and households on qualifying Tribal lands can receive up to $75 per month. Additionally, the program offers low-income families a one-time discount of up to $100 toward the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer, or a tablet. 

— Gareth Henderson

Village mask ordinance amended; Vt. prepares to vaccinate ages 12-15

The Village Green in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

A mask is no longer required to be worn outdoors within the Village of Woodstock, after a decision by the Woodstock Village Trustees on Tuesday night. 

Trustees voted 3-1 to suspend the portion of the local mask ordinance which required a face covering to be worn outside. However, state guidelines will be followed, including wearing a mask when six feet of social distancing is not possible. Masks must still be worn inside all public buildings and businesses. 

Tuesday’s discussion was prompted by a recent change to Vermont’s statewide mask mandate, which was made in accordance with CDC guidance. The state no longer requires mask-wearing outside, except when six-foot social distancing can’t be maintained. The CDC recently announced that less than 1% of COVID-19 transmission occurs outdoors.

Businesses and events operating outdoors must still adhere to mask requirements under the Vermont Forward reopening plan. See more details here.

Woodstock Village expects to suspend its entire mask ordinance once the state ends its mask mandate. On Tuesday, Gov. Phil Scott said the state may lift the mandate ahead of schedule in June, as the state is hitting its vaccination goals faster than expected. Over 61% of all Vermonters have had at least one dose of the COVID vaccine. 

The governor expects to share more details on Friday about the state potentially speeding up its reopening plans.

State preparing to expand vaccination to ages 12-15

Vermont is preparing to add another age group to the COVID-19 vaccination effort this week. 

The FDA announced Monday it has approved use of Pfizer vaccine doses for children ages 12-15, and with final approval, state officials say vaccine registration for that group could begin immediately. If the final decision comes in the evening, registration for this age group will open at 8:15 a.m. the next morning, Vermont officials confirmed.  

That final approval rests with the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which meets to vote on Wednesday. In a weekly call between governors and White House and CDC leaders Tuesday, that final stage of approval was not in doubt, according to Vermont Gov. Phil Scott.

“They sounded optimistic that full approval would be coming very, very soon,” Scott said at a Tuesday press conference. 

In preparing for this change, the state has ordered a total of 4,480 extra Pfizer doses, through a new federal program allowing states to request doses above their weekly allocation. Pending federal approval of the request, those extra doses could arrive as soon as next week. 

Additionally, the state and school districts are planning over 40 school-based vaccination sites to accommodate the 12-15 age group. Those new sites will be open to the public as well. The recently unveiled walk-in clinics around the state will also be available to this new group, however, once eligible, officials are encouraging this group to sign up for their doses online. That’s because they can only have the Pfizer vaccine, noted Human Services Secretary Mike Smith. If they do visit a walk-in clinic, a parent will need to be with them to give permission.

Also on Tuesday, Vermont Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine said parents of children ages 16 and 17 (ages which are already eligible) and of children ages 12-15 should speak to their child’s pediatrician if they have questions or concerns regarding vaccinating their children. 

“They are there for you and your child, and many (pediatricians) are making appearances in your region of the state to emphasize the importance of vaccine for children in the age groups we’ve just discussed,” Levine said. 

He also said people are welcome to view information on the state’s vaccine website, healthvermont.gov/myvaccine, notably the “Frequently Asked Questions” section. 

As the state’s COVID cases keep trending downward, there has been a marked improvement in the rate of vaccination among those 30 years old and younger, according to Michael Pieciak, the financial regulation commissioner, who spoke about state trends on Tuesday. 

“Last week, those age bands sat just below the national average, and this week, they’re sitting comfortably above the national average,” Pieciak said. “So certainly, there’s more work to be done, but progress is being made.” 

— Gareth Henderson

5/12/2021 Update: On Wednesday afternoon, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to approve the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 12-15.

State: In-person learning on the rise in Vt. schools

The American flag flies at Woodstock Union High School & Middle School last summer. (Gareth Henderson File Photo)

Citing another positive impact from declining COVID-19 case totals in Vermont, state officials are seeing more and more schools getting back to in-person instruction.

Last month, Woodstock Union High School increased its in-person instruction to four days a week, and this trend has continued statewide, according to Education Secretary Dan French. He hears “almost daily” from schools moving in that direction, the secretary said at a Friday press briefing. 

“I’m very pleased with the results we’ve seen so far, and now with the case counts coming down, I expect even more districts will be expanding their in-person opportunities,” French said. “I’m confident that we’ll end the year with more in-person than when we started.” 

Also this week, the Agency of Education clarified its spring sports guidance regarding masks being worn outside. For sports with low- to no-contact, such as tennis, track and field, baseball and softball, masks do not have to be worn outside if six-foot distancing can be maintained. For moderate- to close-contact sports, like lacrosse and ultimate frisbee, players must continue to wear masks at all times during practice and games.

As for the state’s vaccination efforts, nearly two-thirds of Vermonters over age 16 have now received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine. Next week, the state hopes the CDC will grant emergency use approval for Pfizer doses to be given to children ages 12-15. Once approved, Vermonters in this age group will be able to go to any Pfizer vaccination site, and school-based sites will be set up for students. All those sites will also be open to the wider public.

On Friday, Gov. Phil Scott urged anyone who hasn’t signed up for vaccination, to do so — most notably those ages 18-30. If the state continues to hit its vaccination targets in the coming weeks, the goal of lifting all statewide restrictions by July 4 remains within reach, according to officials.

“Vaccines are our ticket out of this pandemic, but it’s going to take everyone’s buy-in, especially younger Vermonters,” Scott said. 

Vermont’s COVID caseload is still trending well under 100 cases per day, and its 7-day case rate remains lower than the national average. The statewide positivity rate is 1.2%.

— Gareth Henderson

To view the status of public school reopenings statewide, check out this map.

Unexpected recycling, for an old problem

The evening sky as seen from Mountain Avenue in Woodstock, Vermont (Gareth Henderson Photo)

One of the thrills of being a journalist is learning interesting facts that have a broad impact, and then sharing them.

The following was news to me: It can take four centuries for a tennis ball to naturally break down in the environment. Well, that's why a Vermont nonprofit is working to keep this popular athletic item out of the landfills.

In fact, RecycleBalls, in South Burlington, Vermont, has found some success in putting this material back to use, when many serious players would discard the balls after one tennis match. The key: founder Derrick Senior invented a machine that separates the fuzz from the tennis ball rubber, NECN's Jack Thurston recently reported. The fuzzy material has been used as footing for horse arenas, and the chips of rubber have even been used to help construct new tennis courts. Other balls are punctured, to use as floor protectors on the legs of tables and chairs, Thurston reported.

Senior and his son, Ryan, are continuing to expand their efforts, distributing their collection boxes to gyms, parks and other tennis facilities across the country. Part of that is getting people used to the idea that you can recycle old tennis balls. "We are changing habits in this country," Derrick Senior told NECN.

A few hundred million tennis balls head to U.S. landfills annually, estimates the renowned tennis brand Wilson, a major supporter of RecycleBalls. That number equates to 20,000 tons of waste that doesn't break down. This Vermont nonprofit has kept about 6 million balls out of the waste stream over the past four years, the NECN report states. "We're definitely making an impact," Ryan Senior said during his interview.

Though the issues of waste in this country are vast, a number of compelling efforts have come to light in recent years — this being one of them. It's encouraging to hear about this effort happening right here in the Green Mountains, and even more so to hear about this nonprofit's work across the country. Learning about this solution, one wonders what other non-decomposing materials could also be diverted to new uses that keep them out of the waste stream. With recent innovations and the drive to protect the planet, we can expect other fresh ideas down the road. There's no better time than now, for this type of new thinking to resolve old problems. We have a shared responsibility to encourage and create such solutions, so we can all thrive in a stronger future.

— Gareth Henderson

Vt. reinstating work search requirement for jobless claims

Clouds sweep the sky at sunset in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Starting May 9, Vermonters on unemployment insurance will once again be required to look for work each week, as the state reinstates its work search requirement.

Since early last year, Vermont’s work search requirement was suspended due to public health concerns during the pandemic. At a Tuesday press briefing, Labor Commissioner Michael Harrington noted the situation had changed, with vaccinations going well and state restrictions gradually loosening. 

“This means more opportunities for Vermonters to return to work or seek new opportunities safely, and we know employers are actively seeking people to fill open jobs,” he said. In Vermont, COVID-19 cases continue to decline across all age groups, officials said Tuesday. 

Under the standard work search rule, those receiving jobless benefits must make three formal job inquiries per week, consisting of submitting a job application or a request for an interview. They must submit proof of those inquiries the following week when they file for benefits through the labor department’s online portal. Because of COVID-19, business outreach can be done by email or phone, and applications or interviews can be done virtually or by phone, Harrington said. 

“However, claimants must be able to provide proof of outreach upon request by the department,” he said. 

That weekly job search is required, unless the claimant has a COVID-qualifying reason preventing them from looking for work. Proof of that reason must also be furnished when filing for benefits, and be available upon request. 

Harrington also provided guidance for those in the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. He said anyone in the PUA program who isn’t self-employed, and isn’t an independent contractor or sole proprietor, must also perform a weekly work search. Others in the PUA program may face additional requirements down the road and should be ready, he added.

“Self-employed individuals, independent contractors or sole proprietors, should be prepared to report business engagement efforts or activities should the federal government require it at a future time,” Harrington said.  

About 30,000 Vermonters are currently collecting unemployment, and a number of vacant positions have been reported in multiple sectors in the state. 

“Research shows that the longer an individual is removed from the labor force, the harder it is for them to return, and the business community across Vermont continues to report labor shortages across all sectors and industries, so we are hopeful that claimants will be able to find safe and meaningful work relatively easily,” Harrington said. 

He added that state health experts have worked with businesses to minimize risk and ensure people can return to the workplace safely. Those wishing to learn more about the work-search requirement can visit the labor department’s website. Upcoming virtual town halls and other department programs will be available to help claimants during this process.

— Gareth Henderson

Funny side up: Cooking ‘From the Mixing Bowl’

Chef and comedian Vicki Ferentinos has built up a strong Facebook Live following over the past year, and has begun to teach cooking classes online. Above, she is shown at a catering job several years ago before she moved to Vermont. (Photo Provided)

In March 2020, the whole world went from busy, to nothing, when the pandemic hit. For Vicki Ferentinos, her natural pivot was to “keep things light” as she puts it, especially at a time when the world needed some uplift. 

The comedian and professional chef launched weekly trivia nights on Facebook Live, then bingo, and most recently a series of virtual cooking classes, “From the Mixing Bowl”. Recently added to the class list are: Mother’s Day Brunch, It’s Greek to Me, Eclairs, and a grill class. Somewhere between trivia and bingo, there was dancing and what Ferentinos playfully calls “some bad crafting.” Trivia and bingo winners would get random prizes mailed to them — many times odd little trinkets she unearthed at home.

“That’s what happens when you’re locked in a kitchen for 3 years, and then you’re locked in a house,” Ferentinos said. 

She’s referring to when she and her wife, Shannon, sold their Woodstock cafe, Soulfully Good, before the pandemic hit. In late March 2020, Vicki had been to New York to perform a few stand-up comedy gigs, the weekend before statewide restrictions quickly went into place.

From her home in Barnard, Vermont, she eventually went online to just “talk to the people,” and started up fun activities like trivia, interspersed with some hilarity. The emails and Facebook messages kept coming in from appreciative friends, some of whom Ferentinos hadn’t seen since high school.

“It was an outlet, and people were responsive,” She said. “It was purely just to amuse people, to amuse myself, and it was therapeutic in a way. It was like, ‘Ok, let’s laugh a little bit, and be silly.’” 

Vicki Ferentinos dressed up for one of her Facebook Live shows. (Photo Provided)

Comedy and cooking are deep in Vicki Ferentinos’ background. That said, she went to college for art, and opened up an art gallery in her native New Jersey in her 20s. Ferentinos moved to New York City in the early 2000s, and ended up doing improv for a year. Stand-up comedy came knocking when she was invited to do a show every Saturday at the Time Out New York Lounge.

The journey of comedy would take her to the Edinburgh Fringe, the international arts festival where she did 30 shows — including a one-person show called “Ladybug Warrior”. She would later land a gig at Comedy Central.

“I just kept going and saying ‘yes’ to things,” Ferentinos said. 

But all the while, her culinary talents were there, and she eventually went into catering full-time. As one success led to another, she got significant catering work, including jobs with Julianne Moore and Michael Bloomberg. That led to an 18-year career in cooking. 

“I had a lot of great catering jobs because of people I knew in comedy,” she said. 

Throughout her life, though it’s been busy, Ferentinos has kept the focus on having fun, and accepting opportunities that bring you joy. 

“If you say ‘yes’ to something fun and light, it leads you to something else good,” she said.  

That’s been the case here in Vermont, too, because her popular Facebook Live events over the past year led to an invite to do a locally televised show. “The Vicki Show” aired on WCTV, the local cable access channel in Woodstock. 

More recently, a friend suggested that she teach a few cooking classes on Facebook Live as well. That’s no problem for Ferentinos, because she used to teach some classes in New York and New Jersey years ago. So far, sign-ups are going well for the current series. Ferentinos enjoys the process of teaching and breaking down the steps for people; there are classes for culinarily-inclined children as well. Some folks get a bit serious when learning something they don’t know, but Ferentinos encourages, “It’s just food, it’s ok.” 

— Gareth Henderson

The classes will be limited to 10 people. Sign up at www.fromthemixingbowl.com

Route 4 project to start Sunday in Woodstock

Part of Route 4 in the village of Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The state's Route 4 paving project in Woodstock Village will be starting up this weekend.

Beginning Sunday evening and most of the week, the contractor will start grinding pavement during nighttime hours from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. The full project involves Route 4 in the village limits and also the village portions of Route 12 and Route 106, and it is scheduled to be completed in September.

A state update about this coming week said "motorists should expect intermittent lane closures and alternate one-way traffic controlled by flaggers on VT Routes 4 and 106 in Woodstock as crews mill pavement during nighttime hours." Starting Sunday, milling in that area is expected to take five nights, the state said, and crews will begin at the east end of Route 4 in the village, working their way west.

The announcement also noted this night work will require light towers: "The contractor will make every effort to mitigate light impacts on residents and businesses along the route by placing the towers to face away from windows to the extent possible."

On Friday, Village Trustees Chair Jeff Kahn acknowledged the night work would be tough on people.

"On the other hand, it's going to be faster to get the work done that way," Kahn said, noting that crews won't have to deal with traffic and parked cars. This also means the project may have a chance to wrap up ahead of schedule, he added. "We are very pleased it's getting underway at the end of April."

It wasn't immediately clear how much night work would be involved in the project after the first week. More details weren't available from the state as of late afternoon Friday.

— Gareth Henderson

Editor’s Note: This post will be updated as more information becomes available.

Stocked fish on the move; planning on tap to help reservoir, wildlife

This photo was taken during a drawdown of Sugar Hill Reservoir in Goshen, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Local anglers will find more trout in Chittenden and Pittsford ponds this year, part of a re-stocking effort due to work being done at a dam in central Vermont. 

After work at Goshen Dam is complete, planning will commence for a restoration project to preserve the reservoir and help sustain its aquatic communities for the long-term. All in all, it was a fitting announcement for the week of Earth Day.  

On Wednesday, the state announced that 1,800 trout originally planned for the 2021 stocking season at Sugar Hill Reservoir, also known as Goshen Dam in Goshen, Addison County, will be stocked at other waterways for anglers. These fish are being reallocated to four locations in south and central Vermont: Lefferts Pond in Chittenden, Smith Pond in Pittsford, Silver Lake in Leicester, and Prentiss Pond in Dorset.

The shift is being made to ensure there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy Vermont’s waterways, while on-going safety enhancements are made to the Goshen Dam, wildlife officials said in a statement.

“Goshen Dam has always been a popular place for anglers. The yearling and trophy-sized brook trout we stock there attract anglers from all over the area,” said Shawn Good, fisheries biologist with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. “It’s in a beautiful setting in the Green Mountain National Forest, and the fishing platform and access facilities Green Mountain Power and the National Forest provide and maintain make it a great fishing destination.”

The reservoir was slated to receive an April stocking of 1,350 yearling brook trout averaging nine inches and 450 two-year old “Trophy Brook Trout” averaging 13 inches in length, according to Good. 

A drawdown for dam enhancements on the 58-acre waterbody began last year and the need for additional work was identified over the winter.  New plans call for water levels in the reservoir to be drawn down further in the early spring, reducing the maximum depth to about 1 foot with a surface area of approximately 1.5 acres.

“Obviously, this is important work to enhance safety, and it will make it impossible for normal trout stocking there and will also eliminate fishing opportunities at the work site," Good said. "In the meantime, trout normally destined for Goshen Dam will provide anglers with increased opportunities at other area waterways.” 

State and federal agencies will be working with Green Mountain Power to develop a plan to restore Sugar Hill Reservoir and its aquatic and fish communities for 2022 and beyond, once dam work is completed and the reservoir is refilled.

Most facilities at Sugar Hill Reservoir will be inaccessible this season for safety while work is continuing. Those facilities include the roundabout at the reservoir, the access road across the dam, and the road to the plunge pool area due to contractor parking, vehicle traffic, and equipment operation.

In a statement, U.S. Forest Service biologist Jeremy Mears says plenty of fishing opportunities remain available on the area’s federal forest land.

“There are still many places for anglers to enjoy fishing on the National Forest," he said. "Stream fishing for native brook trout is abundant throughout the area, and there also are opportunities for shore fishing at Chittenden Reservoir, Blueberry Lake, or Silver Lake.  Please be sure to check the Green Mountain National Forest website for updates before you go.”

— Gareth Henderson

To find Vermont fishing locations near you, visit the department’s access area and family fishing pages.