YOUTH NEWS
Fifth-graders free
Ski Vermont announced the return of its Fifth Grade Passport Program for the 2023-2024 ski season. The program provides participating fifth graders access to 20 alpine ski areas and 24 cross-country areas with more than 90 days of skiing — with three vouchers to each participating alpine ski area and up to three vouchers to participating cross-country ski areas — for a $30 administration fee. The program is open to any current fifth-grade student, regardless of state or country of residence. Some holiday restrictions apply, and students must be accompanied by an adult with a valid lift ticket, trail pass or season pass. For more information, visit skivermont.com/fifth-grade-passport.
COLLEGE NEWS
Norwich University
Norwich University announced a $487,000 award in federal appropriations funding to support the university’s commitment to helping Vermont be at the forefront of modern nursing education and propel workforce development efforts in this sector.
On Wednesday, Nov. 8, Norwich University became the first-ever university to sign an Educational Partnership Agreement with U.S. Cyber Command. The partnership is recognition of the importance of education to the future and economic well-being of the nation, as well as the importance of CYBERCOM to the educational institutions of the United States.
The Veterans Day observance keynote speaker was U.S. Navy RADM Gumbleton. During his address, the Norwich University ’89 graduate reminded the crowd why it was important for him to be back on campus for the observance and why we must continue to have such observances. A representative from Senator Sanders’ office read a letter on his behalf. Knowing Sanders’ love for good mittens and hats, Norwich University President Mark Anarumo passed along a handmade pair of Norwich University mittens and a winter hat, knit by Cadet Makayla Marrs, the regimental Command Sergeant Major in the Norwich University Corps of Cadets.
AROUND TOWN
Flannel Friday
MONTPELIER — Montpelier’s annual Flannel Friday begins the holiday season on Nov. 24, the day after Thanksgiving. Shopping at Montpelier’s locally-owned businesses is especially welcome as they work to recover from the flood. During Flannel Friday, shoppers that come downtown in their flannel attire can win prizes and gift cards from local businesses. Find a full list of business specials at montpelieralive.com/flannel-friday.
Small Business Saturday, held the following day on Nov. 25, is a day to support downtown businesses and part of a national program in which all 50 states participate. A free, horse-drawn wagon ride, sponsored by Hunger Mountain Coop, happens from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wagon rides leave from State Street, outside of the new Filibuster Café.
ARCC reopens
BARRE — The Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District’s Additional Recyclables Collection Center reopens its doors to the public Monday, Nov. 27. As a reminder, the ARCC located at 540 North Main St. in Barre will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (closed from 1 to 2 p.m. for lunch) and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every third Saturday of the month.
The list of items it will be accepting has changed. For a complete guide, visit Discontinued ARCC Items Disposal Guide at www.cvswmd.org or call 802-229-9383.
CVSWMD member towns include: Barre City, Barre Town, Berlin, Bradford, Calais, Chelsea, Duxbury, East Montpelier, Fairlee, Hardwick, Middlesex, Montpelier, Orange, Plainfield, Tunbridge, Walden, Washington, Williamstown and Woodbury.
Messiah concerts
BARRE — Due to mold issues at the original venue for Dec. 1, the Vermont Philharmonic has had to move from Bethany Church to the Barre Opera House. Conductor Lisa Jablow, the Vermont Philharmonic and Chorus will present two performances of Handel’s Messiah, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, both held at the Barre Opera House. Tickets are $20/adults, $15/seniors, and $5/students. Space is limited; advanced ticket purchases are recommended and available online at vermontphilharmonic.com.
Walking plans
AARP Vermont announced that 13 local advocates have completed six-month fellowships with the 2023 Vermont State Walking College, prepared their Walk Action Plans for their communities, and were recognized in a graduation ceremony.
Gigi Beach, in Johnson; Christopher Beebe, in Guilford; Marcey Carver, in Brandon; Sabina Ernst, in Jericho; Deirdre Holmes, in Charlotte; Alyssa Jette, in North Thetford; Barbara Johnson, in Shelburne; Joel Kolata, in Burlington’s Old East End; Colin Larsen, in Burlington’s New North End; Robert Leidy, in downtown Burlington; Beth Anne Royer, in Hinesburg; Lyrica Stelle, in White River Junction and Hartford; Maryann Zavez, in Randolph.
AROUND VT
Union contract
One year after they requested voluntary recognition of their union, the workers at the Vermont Historical Society have ratified their first union contract. The Vermont Historical Society joins libraries in Burlington, Essex, Kellogg-Hubbard, Middlebury, Rutland and Springfield as those whose workers formed unions through AFSCME Council 93.
While raises for the Vermont Historical Society are set by state law to mirror those received by other state employees, there were still a number of issues to be bargained over in achieving a first contract. Top among them were health care affordability and implementing a fair pay grade reclassification system. The members achieved these goals and more in their first contract, which they ratified on Oct. 31. Through its Cultural Workers United campaign, AFSCME represents more than 35,000 workers at cultural institutions like museums, libraries and zoos across the country.
BUSINESS
Grant funding
DoorDash, together with its partners Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network, announced $440,000 in grant funding through the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund in 2023. This initiative provides $10,000 relief grants to restaurants impacted by natural disasters or emergencies. Four Vermont restaurants were included in the announcement: Blue Duck Deli (Ludlow), Langdon Street Tavern (Montpelier), Capitol Grounds (Montpelier), The Hub (Weston).
The fund’s relief grants can be used to cover operating expenses, including rent or mortgage payments, replenishing food or beverage supplies, or paying bills and other costs. Restaurant owners have until Dec. 31 to apply for the current round of funding. The next and final funding round opens Jan. 2, 2024, and closes on March 29. Restaurant owners are eligible to apply up to one year after a qualifying disaster occurs. To apply, visit get.doordash.com/en-us/about/disaster-relief-fund.
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