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SeVWA’s 2016 E. coli Monitoring of Local River Sites Continued August 3rd

by sevwa.wqmp | Nature

The Southeastern Vermont Watershed Alliance (SeVWA) had the fourth day of our monitoring program for the summer of 2016 on Wednesday, August 3rd. Volunteers collected samples from 30 sites on eight rivers and streams and will continue to do so every other week through the end of August. This year, we have sites on the West River, Rock River, North Branch Ball Mountain Brook, Williams River (including South Branch and Middle Branch), Saxtons River, Sacketts Brook, and Whetstone Brook.

Vermont GMO Labeling Law Mooted as President Signs DARK Act Into Law

by Lise | Food

People generally decry Congress for the glacial rate at which it addresses the pressing issues of our time, but if so, we should be proud at the haste with which they acted to counter Vermont’s GMO-labeling law.  Vermont’s law only went into effect on July 1, requiring all purveyers of food products to disclose on their label if they contain genetically modified ingredients.  A mere 30 days later, a federal replacement was signed, sealed, and delivered:  Obama signed into law the so-called DARK Act, passed by both houses of Congress just this month, that supercedes and negates Vermont’s law, and according to critics, significantly waters down GMO labeling nationwide.  

Orchard Hill Pizza Night Benefits

by Brattleboro Time Trade | Food

Orchard Hill Breadworks is the region’s premier organic, wood-fired bakery.  As part of their social mission Orchard Hill hosts benefit make-your-own pizza events for non-profit organizations on Tuesday evenings during the summer at their outdoor bakery, often with live music and games. On August 23rd all proceeds will benefit Brattleboro Time Trade and music will be provided by the Jazz Kids. Admission is free. A pizza crust with sauce, and cheese will be available for purchase for $8 (or $10 for gluten-free crusts). 

 

This Bald Eagle Almost Put Me In The Drink

by reginaldwam3 | Recreation & Sports

I was kayaking just off the western shore of the Connecticut River, about half way between the Hinsdale bridge and the West River confluence, when I glanced up and saw this dude looking down at me. More than a little startled, I nearly fell in the drink.

He just sat there, maybe 15 feet up, sitting on the limb. He noticed, then quickly dismissed me as an object of interest. I, havening never before seen a Bald Eagle in the wild, was genuinly shocked. In the video you hear me mention the shakey video (I later used some software to stablize the image), which was a direct result of me being startled and excited to see this fellow.

Where’s The Rain? Moderate Drought in Southern Vermont

by cgrotke | Nature

I’ve been wondering where the rain is, and did a bit of research.

According to the United States Drought Monitor, Brattleboro and Windham County are officially considered to be in Moderate Drought, with about 85% of Vermont being categorized as Abnormally Dry.

The trend started in late June and has remained steady through July. The last time we were this dry in Vermont was June of 2015.

Brattleboro Senior Meals Breakfast Menu

by KathrynT | Food

AUGUST BREAKFAST MENUS

August 2nd – Bavarian Waffles w/Strawberries & Whipped Cream, Ham, Yogurt Parfait, Juice, Coffee.

August 5th – Eggs Benedict w/Ham on an English Muffin, Home Fries, Fruit, Yogurt, Juice, Coffee

August 9th  – Stuffed Egg w/Sausage Gravy, Scone, Potato Pancake, Fruit, Juice, Yogurt Parfait , Coffee

Missing Cat – Birdie

by cgrotke | Pets

Keep an eye out for an old, black cat in the Cedar Street, Forest Square, Chestnut Hill area.

Birdie wandered off a few days ago and hasn’t been seen since. She’s quite old, very quiet, and polite, and likes to sleep under bushes or in a warm sunny spot. Last seen in the Water Lane area.

If you have a garage, shed, or cellar door that you opened for a while this week, consider opening it back up and taking a look. She may have wandered in.

SeVWA’s 2016 E. coli Monitoring of Local River Sites Continued July 20th

by sevwa.wqmp | Nature

The Southeastern Vermont Watershed Alliance (SeVWA) had the third day of our monitoring program for the summer of 2016 on Wednesday, July 20th. Volunteers collected samples from 30 sites on eight rivers and streams and will continue to do so every other week through the end of August. This year, we have sites on the West River, Rock River, North Branch Ball Mountain Brook, Williams River (including South Branch and Middle Branch), Saxtons River, Sacketts Brook, and Whetstone Brook.

River users, whether they be swimming, boating, paddling, tubing, fishing, or even just hiking by, can help improve water quality by taking care of the rivers and their shores. The best way is to practice Leave No Trace principles ( for more info), especially disposing of waste, including pet waste, properly. This can keep whatever would have been left behind on the shoreline from washing into the river the next time it rains as well as keeping it aesthetically pleasing.

Why We Need Vacations

by Lise | Travel

For many years, I regarded a vacation as a necessity.  Like the two day weekend, I considered it vital to my health and well-being.  Then I stopped being able to afford the time or money to take a vacation, and next thing you know, a decade and a half had gone by.  Guess what? I lived.  But my body has taken a beating, because the continual ongoing activities of my job — typing, mousing, clicking — are gradually rendering my right arm useless.

Volunteers Needed for Upcoming Caribbean Food Festival!

by TheWilliamsAgency | Food

Greetings! We invite you to volunteer at Vermont JerkFest (www.vermontjerkfest.com).

We seek committed, enthusiastic and responsible people who would love to join in and contribute, meet new folks, and have a lot of fun! Volunteers get a cool t-shirt, a food voucher to redeem with one of our vendors, and a great time. Seeking volunteers for Friday set-up (10a-4pm); and Saturday – Zero Waste Champions, Set-up Crew, Parking Guides, Kids & Culture Zone, Registration, Vendor Coordination, Break-down, and Runners.

To volunteer, complete the Vermont JerkFest volunteer application here: http://bit.ly/VTJerkFestVolunteer

For more information or questions, contact us at info@vtjerkfest.com 

Behind the Break

by spinoza | Nature

It wasn’t until I was on a paddle-board at sea, standing-up and looking down at a series of waves, that I could truly see how their power gathers and disperses. While I’ve previously felt the curl’s whiplash on my surfboard and viscerally knew if I was in the right position to catch a ride, it took being both immersed and watching the pattern come and go from above to grok the groove that is wavelength’s expression.

Paddling with only your arms lying on your belly, trying to get up to speed, the wave will inevitably overtake you. Knowing exactly when by feel alone is a hard earned skill. From the line-up, you get an incomplete picture. It’s coming, it’s coming, then it’s past. An iconic example of ‘seize the moment’ if ever there was one. Fundamentally speaking, to surf a wave, you must put yourself in its unrelenting path. A sitting duck.

Speak Now – Vermont Health Plan Premiums Are Headed Up (Again)

by Lise | Health

As you probably already know, healthcare isn’t cheap in Vermont.  In recent years, our state’s healthcare has been among the costliest in the nation, mostly due to low population and little competition in the so-called marketplace.  This year, the state’s two health insurers — MVP and Blue Cross — have again sought rate increases, averaging over 8%.  If you’re already struggling to afford healthcare and haven’t seen an increase in your income in a while, such hefty increases in insurance premiums are going to take a toll.