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.

We’re going to get fired up for the local baseball season by checking in with Vermont Mountaineers’ president and general manager Brian Gallagher. Then Meg Malone preps us for this Sunday’s Academy Awards presentations with an Oscars preview. We keep the film theme going and learn about what’s happening with the Vermont International Film Festival. And we finish the show by celebrating National Volunteer Week by learning about volunteer opportunities at Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice. 

There’s nothing like getting a new, furry friend in the household. But pet adoption is not all play and snuggles. We’ll learn the do’s and don’ts of pet ownership. We meet the couple who have been providing Central Vermont with outstanding live performances as part of Lost Nation Theater. And we finish the morning by going from farm to barn to bottle with Windsor’s SILO Distillery.