We’ll learn about Writers for Recovery, a project that runs writing workshops for recovering addicts. The group hosts public readings, trainings and presentations at recovery centers and correctional facilities all across Vermont. Next, we stop in at the Mill Market & Deli in South Burlington to see how the old Chittenden Cider Mill has been reinvented to include Pizza Nights, Sunday BBQ events and more. And we finish the show learning all about how your dog can give blood. To a Doggie Blood Bank!

We begin the program by hearing Franklin County Senator Randy Brock outline his plan for broadband buildout in Vermont. We’ll learn about mentoring opportunities in Vermont from MENTOR Vermont, and hear how mentees and mentors stayed connected throughout the pandemic.  Then Congressman Peter Welch joins us for the final half hour of the program to discuss the American Families Plan and other federal programs.

In Ric’s quest for a design of the 51-star United States flag, he found a WDEV listener with an interesting past -- which might or might not include writing the lyrics to several songs recorded by giants of the industry. Next, we’ll learn about the vital role Vermont’s senior centers have played in supporting older Vermonters throughout the pandemic. We talk to two of the principals from Vermont’s Rootstock Publishing. It’s a hybrid press for writers without an agent or the knowledge to navigate the self-publishing maze.

Office sharing or co-working spaces had become a trend before the pandemic. We’ll hear from owners of two of these companies on how they’re filling needs for companies during the pandemic. We then learn about the work of the Vermont Land Trust and the impact it has had on land conservation and beyond. Addison Independent sports columnist Karl Lindholm discusses his recent three-part series on women in baseball.

In Middlebury, there’s a company that’s been making organic, natural, sustainable soaps for 40 years. We’ll meet the founder of Vermont Soap. Next, we hear how Vermont’s farmers markets navigated the winter and what plans they have for this summer season. National correspondent Bob Ney joins us with the week’s news. We then talk with Kevin McCallum of Seven Days about Global Foundries’ plan to set up its own power company. And then we check in with the Nerd in Chief of Dear Pandemic to get the latest on the COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination efforts.  

Author Joseph Covais has written a three-part series of books called “Psychotherapy with Ghosts.” We’ll explore his first book, “Quiet Room,” that takes place in an isolated estate on the shores of Lake Champlain. Then we’ll learn about Good Beginnings, which has been helping families in Central Vermont navigate family life for 30 years. We hear all about the Eastern Rat Snake and the research one herpetology-loving Vermonter is doing to learn more about them.

Ten years ago, before Tropical Storm Irene hit Vermont in august, we had a Spring of severe flooding and record high lake levels. We’ll take a look back at that water-logged time and get an update on the health of our lakes. We’ll hear from the Small Business Administration, which is rolling out a grant program to revitalize restaurants, bars and other food establishments. Wild turkey hunting season starts on Saturday. We’ll get some pointers on how to make it a safe season.

We’ll start the show meeting someone who wants you to replace that old bottle of vermouth sitting in your home bar with a new version made right here in Vermont. We head to the Tunbridge Library to learn about a reading program called Generation Connect that is bringing together family members from ages 8 to 80. Historian and author Bruce Levine tells the tale of Vermont-born Thaddeus Stevens, who moved to Pennsylvania and became one of the staunchest opponents of slavery and the Confederacy as a member of Congress.  

How is pesticide spraying effecting Vermont’s endangered bats? We’ll hear about the recommendations made by the state’s Endangered Species Committee to the Agency of Natural Resources on the subject. Then we’ll get you prepped for Saturday’s Vermont Green Up Day. And then Seven Days food writer Melissa Pasanen joins us to talk about her new cookbook - “The Little Local Vermont Cookbook” - and to share a few recipes!

We begin the show by hearing about what UVM researchers have learned from studying treatments to help reduce illicit opioid use. Next, we meet the co-creator of Front Porch Forum and learn about its incredible growth throughout Vermont and beyond. National correspondent Bob Ney brings us up to date on all the biggest news developments of the week. And we finish the program learning about the Weybridge Haiku Contest, when one of its founders – acclaimed poet and novelist Julia Alvarez – joins us.