Capstone Community Action Executive Director Sue Minter talks about the Fuel Your Neighbors campaign and Capstone’s work on this Giving Tuesday. Distiller Al Hilton of Mad River Distillers introduces us the spirits they’re creating, including their single-malt Mad River Hopscotch. CCV Associate Dean of Workforce Education Tiffany Walker discusses the free and very popular CARES Act job trainings that’s available to Vermonters. And Doug Morin gives us plenty of information on feeding birds this winter and avoid attracting bears.

We start by checking in with Randolph Center organic dairy farmer Chester Abbott on the current state of dairy farming. Zeb Norris, program director and morning show DJ of WCVT, talks about the exciting changes happening at the station. Health Care Today host Dr. Louis Meyers joins us to discusses his program and health care in the state of Vermont.  And Major General Gregory Knight, Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard, talks about education-related opportunities the Vermont National Guard provides to students. 

The day after the food holiday of the year brings the age-old question, “What do I do with the leftovers?” Two amazing cooks – Elizabeth Sengle and Luiza Bloomberg – offer some helpful hints and talking cooking with an always-hungry Ric. National correspondent Bob Ney lets us know what’s happening in the rest of the world. And then we meet the executive director of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, Elise Brunelle.   

We’ll hear about a coalition of cities and towns who want to keep our waterways clean by thinking about what is running off of your property. We give the little ball of flavor known as the Brussels sprout its due right before a bowl of them are passed your way on Thanksgiving. UVM Professor of Pediatrics Dr. Benjamin Lee discuss whether schools can safely remain open or reopen during periods of significant community spread of COVID-19. And we about local food options, from apples to wild game with Farm to Plate’s Shane Rogers.

While performing arts organizations are having to deal with having no or reduced audiences, we’ll speak with Northern Stage Producing Artistic Director Carol Dunne about the innovative ways they’re delivering their shows. Ken Picard of Seven Days takes us through the process of investigating reader questions for the WTF? Column. And he shares some of his favorites. And we’ll learn all about heating with wood! From a big-picture policy level to the science of a wood fire to how to use your woodstove like a pro. 

Lola Duffort of VTDigger provides an update on how Vermont schools are managing as we face the current surge of COVID-19 cases. Rob Meehan of Feeding Chittenden joins us to discuss the organization’s efforts to make sure 3,500 families in the County will have enough to eat during this holiday season. Dr. Daniel Weiss lets us know about an American Lung Association grant he’s received to study how COVID-19 damages the cells lining the lungs. And we’ll hear about what’s happening in downtown Montpelier from Dan Groberg of Montpelier Alive.

Oh, the places we will go today on Vermont Viewpoint. We’ll start by meeting a new Vermonter who was the first-ever World Palindrome Champion. But there’s so much more to Mark Saltveit. Then we talk to the moderator of a group whose goal is to create a safe space where people can have meaningful discussions across a political divide. In the second hour, we’ll meet two outstanding businesswomen – one who loves lavender and another who wants to light up your life with laughter. They’re the individual owners of Lavender Essentials of Vermont and Woodbury Mountain Toys in Montpelier.  

After winning her first election, we’ll hear from Lieutenant Governor-elect Molly Gray on her plans for this position. Deputy Health Commissioner Tracy Dolan discusses the surge of COVID-19 cases in the state and what Vermonters need to do to bring the numbers back down. Treasurer Beth Pearce discusses unclaimed property services and the financial literacy. And Seven Days reporter Kevin McCallum gives us a look at the new Climate Council forming in Vermont that will make recommendations to the state.

In the first hour, we’ll talk with Ryan Christiansen from Caledonia Spirits about their fine liquors and the incredible accolades that were just bestowed upon Barr Hill Gin. We’ll also learn about the opportunity to get your Christmas tree from the Green Mountain National Forest. In the second hour, VTDigger reporter Anne Wallace Allen gives us an update on the state’s business grant programs, the unemployment picture and the upcoming ski season. Then Ben Koenig gives us a tour of the many splendid treasures in The County Bookshop in Plainfield.

We’ll be covering a lot of varied ground on Vermont Viewpoint. From speaking to an East Montpelier farmer who raises burdock root, to the Abenaki chief who will be part of the COVID vaccine trial. We’ll also discuss the creation of the concept of time with a retired Marlboro College prof. And then learn about something called the Diverging Diamond Interchange, coming soon to Colchester.