VTF&W
Wild turkeys
North America’s native wild turkeys were the ancestors of the turkey on Thanksgiving holiday dinner tables. Originally found only in the wild, turkeys now exist as meat-producing domesticated derivatives — the broad-breasted white, broad-breasted bronze, white Holland, bourbon red, and a host of other breeds — all of them descended from our native wild turkey.
More than 140,000 servings of Vermont wild turkeys are harvested each year — that’s 140,000 servings of free-ranging, wild and sustainably harvested protein.
Wild turkeys exist throughout Vermont today, but that was not always the case. Wild turkeys disappeared from Vermont in the mid- to late-1800s due to habitat destruction when land was cleared for farming and only 25% of the state was covered by forest.
The wild turkeys we see in Vermont today originated from just 31 wild turkeys stocked in southwestern Vermont by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department in 1969 and 1970. Vermont’s forest habitat was once again capable of supporting turkeys. State wildlife biologists moved groups of these birds northward, and today, Vermont’s population of turkeys is estimated at close to 50,000. Funding for Vermont’s wild turkey restoration was derived from the sale of hunting licenses and a federal tax on hunting equipment.
AROUND TOWN
Frozen pipes
MONTPELIER — Did you raise your furnace after the July flooding? The city of Montpelier wants to remind residents to make sure their basement is adequately heated to prevent frozen pipes. Now that many city buildings have their furnaces up out of the basement, basements may no longer be heated to the temperature they were before, potentially leaving plumbing exposed to colder temperatures. With cold weather on the way, remember to keep an eye on the temperature in your basement and make sure pipes and other utilities are protected this winter.
One way to protect pipes from the cold is to install a section of electric baseboard. This is an inexpensive way to protect your home and your belongings from water damage caused by burst frozen pipes. Electric baseboards can also easily be replaced should another flood occur. Contact Montpelier’s Planning & Community Development department to secure a building permit for an electric baseboard ahead of installation. Residents should check with their contractor about other possible heating options to prevent frozen pipes that fit their home’s needs.
For more information, visit www.Montpelier-VT.org or email msavary@montpelier-vt.org. For building permits and other questions, email abrown@montpelier-vt.org or call 802-223-9506.
Health care
MONTPELIER — All Brains Belong expands efforts to meet the needs of Vermonters with disabilities who may feel left out by the health care system. Made possible by Vermont Center for Independent Living’s new statewide Accessible Vaccine Services, in collaboration with Waterbury Ambulance Service and with additional support from the American Academy of Pediatrics Vermont Chapter, All Brains Belong held a drive-up, vaccine clinic in order to provide neurodivergent and immunocompromised patients with access to health care resources. Also, the organization began its “Did You Know This Could Be Health Care?” campaign to spread awareness about neurodiversity and COVID-safe health care access, as well as to raise funds to serve 1,000 additional Vermonters.
AROUND VT
Respiratory virus
Fall and winter are the seasons when respiratory viruses spread more easily, and that means now is the best time to protect yourself and loved ones from serious illness and hospitalization. The Health Department is urging everyone 6 months and older to get this year’s COVID-19 and flu vaccines. People can also talk to their doctor about new RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) immunization options for babies, people who are pregnant and adults ages 60 and older.
With the end of the pandemic emergency, people will get their COVID-19 vaccinations in the same locations where they receive their other routine vaccinations, such as for the flu. It’s also OK for people to get flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at the same time. These vaccines take up to two weeks to be fully effective.
Vaccinations are available by appointment at doctors’ offices, pharmacies, community health centers and clinics across the state. Adults ages 65 and older should contact their local pharmacies to schedule their COVID-19 vaccine appointments or check with their health care provider. Community and partner organizations also offer clinics to help reach people who are homebound and others.
Health insurance will cover the cost for most people to get vaccinated. Adults without health insurance, or whose insurance does not include immunizations, can get COVID-19 vaccine at no cost through the Bridge Access Program. To find a participating location, visit Vaccines.gov or reach out to your local Health Office.
Everyday things you can do to avoid germs and stay healthy: Wash your hands often with soap and water. Avoid contact with others if you or they are sick. Cover up coughs and sneezes. Consider wearing a mask, especially if you or the people you are around are at higher risk of getting very sick. Take antiviral medications if your doctor prescribes them .
YOUTH NEWS
Unicorn party
MONTPELIER — Girls in grades K-3 and a caregiver are invited to a unicorn party from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, at Montpelier High School, 5 High School Drive, to learn about Girl Scouts opportunities. Walk-ins are welcome.
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@timesargus.com. Be sure to put For Community News in the subject line. (Note: We do reserve the right to edit for length.)
