Vermont Viewpoint

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. 

Secretary of State Jim Condos will give us an update on Vermont’s election day turnout and a review of how polling places fared. Anne Sosin of Dartmouth College shares research on how COVID-19 has affected New England, specifically Vermont and New Hampshire. National correspondent Bob Ney lets us know what’s going on around the country. Dan Bolles of Seven Days looks at how Vermont’s ski resorts are preparing for the season. And then we’ll talk to Bolton Valley Resort and Sugarbush Resort about their plans.

Back to the Kingdom we go. This time to learn how the arts are helping to revitalize downtown Lyndon. Then we hear from Calais author Howard Norman. After a number of novels and a memoir, he has now released a graphic novel called “Detective Levy Detects.” And knowing how much Vermonters love the weather, the 10 o’clock hour will belong to our weather-reporting friends. Radio Vermont Forecaster Roger Hill and NVU-Lyndon professor of Atmospheric Sciences Jay Shafer will tell you how they figure out the weather and answer your questions about what’s happening out there.

Two years ago, Christine Hallquist was trying to become Vermont’s governor. Now she’s trying to get broadband to the Northeast Kingdom as the administrator of NEK Community Broadband, a communications union district. Vermont’s regular rifle deer hunting season gets started Saturday. We’ll make sure everyone is up to speed on the new regulations and gets a last-minute reminder of hunter (and hiking) safety. On Veterans Day, we speak with Norwich University history professor Rowly Brucken about the Vietnam War to get a better understanding of that conflict and those who fought in it. Colin Flanders of Seven Days takes us deeper into the cyberattack of the UVM Health Network.

Peter Burke, host of WDEV’s “In the Garden,” helps you get your garden prepped for the long Vermont Winter and to provide tips on how to raise veggies indoors this winter. Major Zach Fike created an organization that reunites Purple Hearts with the families of those who were awarded them. He’ll tell us about the work of Purple Hearts Reunited based in Vermont. And the Josh Palotta Fund is creating a space at Fort Ethan Allen called Josh’s House where veterans can reintegrate into the community after returning from military service.