Vermont Viewpoint

We find out what the problem is with Vermont’s derelict deadbeat dams and what’s being done to remove them. National correspondent Bob Ney updates us on the latest news of the world. Then, Derek Brouwer of Seven Days shares the story of Burlington’s Beta Technologies, which may be on the cusp of a breakthrough in electric aviation. And finally, we get the 4-1-1 on the Belarussian who’s buying up a lot of southern Vermont from two writers at The Commons.

For the first hour, we’ll take a trip around the state, visiting our country and general stores. We’ll hear about the challenges of running them and community efforts to support them. We’ll get an opportunity to learn how Green Mountain Solar has been meeting the needs of solar customers in Vermont and about the rapid growth of the company. And we finish the day by meeting Dr. Julia Bernard, Norwich University’s first Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. 

May is National Foster Care Month and we’ll spend the first hour learning about those who support children and youth in foster care and the need that state has for foster, kin and respite care families. We’ll hear about the Create VT Action Plan that provides a roadmap for investment in Vermont creative entrepreneurs, artists, businesses and facilities at the state and local levels. And we finish with VTDigger’s education reporter Lola Duffort on several school issues facing the state.

We’ll look at the state’s rising demand for clean water and erratic precipitation events. And how that can affect the supply of surface water and create the introduction of more invasive species. We’ll learn about Access CVU, a decades-old program that helps adults learn new things: anything from making gelato and sorbet to taking a beginning kickboxing class. We finish the show by visiting the Stern Center in Williston. The Center evaluates and teaches more than 900 children and adults each year, including those with learning disabilities, dyslexia, language disorders, autism, attention deficit disorders and learning style differences. 

We’ll learn about the Phoenix Rising Project planned by Waterbury Arts and other initiatives going on in the town this year. Next, Laurel Neme shares some of her stories about wildlife crime, forensics and animal intelligence, and her latest about one of the first animals to be fitted with a prosthetic. We’ll hear about the efforts by CVHHH to vaccinate homeless individuals in Central Vermont.

Ken, Jack, Brent, and Farmer Dave salute all mothers in Vermont and beyond with a great selection of music for moms. Thank you to the mothers that have helped raise and care for so many of us.

There is an important Revolutionary War historic site in Orwell that not many people know about. We’ll explore Mount Independence to start the show. Next, we’ll learn about the True North Wilderness Program, a Licensed Residential-Treatment and Wilderness-Therapy Program for adolescents and young adults. National correspondent Bob Ney checks in. Then we’ll hear from Colin Flanders of Seven Days on his story about municipalities trying to get some relief from Legislative oversight. And we finish speaking with Vermont Law School’s Jennifer Rushlow about President Joe Biden’s environmental pledge.

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.