AGP Executive Report

Vermont 250 History: A two-part look at how Vermont lived as an independent republic from 1777 to 1791—and how that shaped local patriotism—runs through the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum’s story and town-by-town early governance. Global Community Care: South Burlington’s Nina Meyerhof, who has delivered thousands of teddy bears to children in trauma zones worldwide, is spotlighted for decades of relief work. Public Safety & Health: Vermont State Police report multiple drowning incidents in the past day, including two bodies recovered from the Lamoille River, with reminders for holiday water safety. Local Arts & Belonging: The Carpenter-Carse Library in Hinesburg unveiled a community-made mosaic mural, “Who We Are,” built with residents and a glass artist for the America 250 moment. Culture in Motion: A live “eagle camera” from the Vermont Institute of Natural Science is drawing huge attention as viewers track a nest’s daily drama. Justice Watch: A Rutland man who previously avoided the sex offender registry via a plea deal now faces new felony charges involving two young girls. Environment & Energy: The EPA proposes changes to coal ash rules, drawing warnings from public interest groups about weakened protections for water sources.

America 250, Vermont history: A two-part look at how Vermont functioned as an independent republic from 1777 to 1791—plus local place stories from Burlington to Windsor—sets the stage for July 4 celebrations. Voting rights fight: Nevada and Wisconsin attorneys general joined multistate opposition to a proposed USPS rule that would centralize voter lists and restrict mail voting, arguing it unlawfully shifts election control away from states. Local politics & community life: Sen. Peter Welch held a Franklin County listening event in St. Albans, hearing concerns ranging from tariffs and farming to Supreme Court decisions. Campaign trail: Vermont’s Democratic governor primary is heating up as Aly Richards and Amanda Janoo report big fundraising hauls ahead of the Aug. 11 primary. Health care access: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital says it plans to close its birthing services within six to nine months, prompting a fast community backlash. Summer heat reality: With pools and cooling options strained, Bethel’s pool stays closed for repairs while nearby towns absorb the overflow. Culture & tradition: Norwich’s July 4 bell celebration gets a boost after a repaired Paul Revere & Sons clapper is reinstalled. Revolutionary War storytelling: Shaftsbury’s cemetery tour now uses QR codes and online profiles to bring local Revolutionary War soldiers to life.

Vermont Education & Community: A St. Albans teacher, Chris Moore of Bellows Free Academy, was selected for C-SPAN’s Teacher Fellowship, aiming to expand free classroom resources for AP U.S. Government and Politics. Health & Access: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital says it plans to close its birthing center and labor-and-delivery ward within a year, citing major losses and staffing strain—leaving southern Vermont families with fewer options. Culture & Learning: The Monadnock Summer Lyceum returns with free Sunday programs on foreign policy, history, and social issues, starting July 5. Lifestyle & Weather: Vermont faces extreme heat concerns, with reminders about cooling, conserving electricity, and never leaving kids or pets in cars. Sports & Pride: Vermont Green FC women qualified for Eastern Conference playoffs, with matches set at Virtue Field. Local Notes: Van Buren, Maine repurposed long-unused land into a community garden to fight food insecurity and build connections. Obituaries: Tributes were published for Max Peterson Quayle (Chelsea) and Bernard Joseph Roy Sr. (Hinesburg).

Early Childhood & Community Services: United Counseling Service has paused a planned Northshire expansion of its Head Start program while it completes an organizational assessment, putting the growth on hold. Family Fun & Arts Access: Sunrise Family Resource Center and the Vermont Arts Exchange drew nearly 400 kids and caregivers to Bennington’s Summer Jam 2026 at Willow Park, with games, music, and a petting zoo. Health & Safety in Heat: Barre opened a fire hydrant at Currier Park as part of “Operation Cooldown,” and the state is also pushing cooling-site resources as extreme heat and storms move through. Food Assistance: SNAP enrollment is down in Vermont, with advocates pointing to new work requirements as the biggest driver of a steep decline. Local Culture & Belonging: Montpelier’s Youth-Led Clubhouse Commons is set to open this summer, aiming to give young people a safe, hangout space. Mobility & Safety: A Vermont Local Motion commentary warns that “e-motos” (faster, more powerful devices than e-bikes) are driving new safety concerns and calls for clearer rules and enforcement. Sports & Pride: Vermont Green FC women clinched the USLW Northeast Division title and will host playoff matches at Virtue Field. Higher Ed Leadership: Dr. Sherry Kollmann began her tenure as Vermont State University president, emphasizing enrollment growth and flexible learning pathways.

Vermont Heat & Power Watch: Vermonters are bracing for extreme heat and humidity, with officials warning about health risks and urging extra care for kids and seniors; the state also faces grid strain because its seven petroleum-based backup plants can be forced to run more often when demand spikes. Local Governance: Chester’s auditor told the select board the town’s tax base is “artificially low,” pushing for stronger reserves to avoid borrowing when storms and other surprises hit. Community Outdoors: Greenway Trail Day returns July 11 with a family-friendly route, story-walk style stops, and free kids’ bike helmets while supporting trail history and recreation. Public Safety: Massachusetts keeps fireworks tightly controlled—private possession and use are illegal without permits—while Vermont readers are reminded to plan for safer holiday celebrations. Culture & Learning: Kinhaven’s music-and-nature model highlights how unplugging and community can support young people’s attention and mental health. Health & Care: Dr. Lewis First retires after 32 years as chief of pediatrics at UVM Health’s Golisano Children’s Hospital, with community tributes marking his long impact. Politics & Rights: Vermont leaders reacted to the Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship ruling, calling it a win for constitutional protections.

Independence Day & Vermont 250: Vermont communities are gearing up for July 3-4 celebrations, with fireworks plans and local parades drawing crowds even as costs rise for pyrotechnics. Extreme Heat Safety: The region is bracing for dangerous heat and thunderstorms, with Vermont and Burlington urging residents to use cooling sites and cut electric use during the hottest stretch. Local Government & Courts: Bennington County Probate Judge Lon McClintock is seeking re-election, facing a Democratic primary challenger. Health & Community Care: Dr. Lewis First retired after 32 years as chief of pediatrics at UVM Health’s Golisano Children’s Hospital, marking a major milestone for Northern New York and Vermont families. Education & Opportunity: A Vermont teacher joins a national civic-education fellowship aimed at helping rural students connect with government and history. Corrections Education: CCV won a $2.9M grant to expand education and re-entry support for incarcerated students. Culture & Learning: Park-McCullough’s Music on the Veranda returns with folk performances from Tony and Judy Seeger. Food & Wine: Wine Spectator named multiple Vermont restaurants to its 2026 awards list, highlighting strong wine programs.

Vermont Health Access: Rutland Mental Health Services expanded its Open Access model, adding more same-day walk-in assessments for adult substance use and child/family mental health. Care Workforce: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice (CVHHH) is launching a paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training in August 2026, with certification support and a pathway to full-time jobs. Community Outdoors: Come Alive Outside and Rutland Free Library rolled out a Gear Library so residents can borrow outdoor equipment—free for cardholders—to lower the cost of getting outside. Health Policy & Privacy: Vermont’s new privacy law (effective 2028) puts extra focus on consumer health data beyond HIPAA. Local Culture & Pride: Bennington held its eight annual Pride celebration with a rainbow-filled parade and community block party. Sports & Pride Film: Jericho mountain biker Lea Davison’s Pride Month documentary, “It Will Be Different for You,” was released, spotlighting her advocacy as a gay athlete. Business/Local Retail: Burlington’s Nostalgia Toys & More on Church Street will close July 5 after seven months. Public Safety & Rights: A Vermont family filed a civil rights lawsuit after a fatal 2025 state trooper shooting during a mental health crisis.

Health Access in Rutland: Community Care Network–Rutland Mental Health Services is expanding its Open Access model, now letting people walk in for same-day assessments for adult mental health, substance use treatment, and child & family services five days a week. Public Safety & Accountability: The family of Scott Garvey, a mentally ill man shot and killed by a Vermont state trooper in Putney, filed a civil rights lawsuit, arguing the force used was excessive and avoidable. Privacy vs. Surveillance: Vermont police reportedly used a loophole to conduct more than 100 out-of-state license plate searches since 2023, raising fresh questions about privacy protections. Community & Culture: Come Alive Outside and Rutland Free Library launched a Gear Library so residents can borrow outdoor equipment for low cost or free with a library card. Local Pride: Bennington held its eight annual Pride celebration, with dozens of organizations marching and community music leading the way. Arts & Music: A Debussy vocal recital at the Unitarian Church of Montpelier highlighted the composer’s lush partnership with Paul Verlaine. Food & Main Street: Nostalgia Toys & More on Burlington’s Church Street will close July 5 after seven months, citing rent, staffing, and theft pressures. Transportation & Growth: Burlington officially opened the final stretch of the Champlain Parkway “Southern Connector,” a 2.8-mile project meant to ease congestion.

Mental Health Access: CCN-Rutland Mental Health Services expands its Open Access model, letting people walk in for same-day assessments for adult mental health, substance use treatment, and now child and family services. Workforce & Caregiving: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is accepting applications for its first paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training, starting in August 2026, with certification support and a path to employment. Education & Opportunity: Twin Valley Middle High School plans new high school programs, including an Academy of Arts, Communication & Entrepreneurship, plus more dual enrollment options. Community & Culture: Hinesburg Resists and Central Vermont Solidarity Singers team up for Fourth of July parade songs focused on celebrating immigrants. Local Politics: Vermont’s primary is Aug. 11, with a quick guide to registration and how voting works without party registration. Health Policy & Privacy: VTDigger reports Vermont police used out-of-state license-plate camera networks despite limits on in-state plate surveillance. Reproductive Rights & Mobility: A new look at how transportation and employer power shape migrant farmworkers’ access to care in rural Vermont. Arts & History: Vermont Humanities and the 250th Anniversary Commission award $79,025 in new grants to 36 community projects.

Mental Health Access: CCN-RMHS in Rutland is expanding its Open Access model so people can walk in for same-day assessments—now including Child and Family Mental Health Services and running five days a week. Workforce & Training: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is accepting applications for its first paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training program, launching in August 2026 in Barre with certification support and a path to employment. Local Economy in Transition: Rutland’s business and housing landscape is shifting as Walmart prepares to relocate to the former Diamond Run Mall area and Killington’s Village development ramps up, with new leadership at the chamber and economic development. Upper Valley Learning Legacy: Inge Brown, a German-born engineer and lifelong educator who taught at Dartmouth’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and led Green Mountain Club hikes, is remembered for sparking curiosity until the end. Culture & Community: Weathersfield, the Vermont Arts Council, and Vermont Humanities are funding 36 America 250 projects statewide, including history, poetry, music, and theater. Privacy vs. Safety: Vermont lawmakers tried to curb license plate surveillance, but reporting says police used an out-of-state camera network via a loophole. Arts on the Calendar: Brattleboro Music Center and Retreat Farm continue Music Under the Stars with a Vermont Jazz Center Big Band performance featuring Peter Eldridge. Civic Life: Royalton’s selectboard is weighing whether to put retail cannabis sales to voters, following neighboring towns opting in.

Mental Health Access: Community Care Network – Rutland Mental Health Services (CCN-RMHS) is expanding its Open Access model so people can walk in for same-day assessments, now including Child and Family Mental Health Services and running five days a week. Workforce & Caregiving: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice (CVHHH) is launching its first paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training program in August 2026, covering fees and offering a path to full-time jobs. Privacy vs. Policing: VTDigger reports Vermont police used a loophole to conduct 100+ out-of-state license plate searches since 2023, despite lawmakers’ efforts to curb plate surveillance. Community Food Help: Hunger Free Vermont rolled out a new map tool to help families find free summer meals for kids statewide. Culture & Place: Waterbury’s second annual Train Day celebrated Vermont rail heritage and the restored Victorian station. Local Business & Heritage: Village Garage Distillery unveiled Vermont Republic Rye, a 127-proof rye made from local grains to mark the Vermont Republic’s legacy. Sports: Vermont Green FC women won the USLW Northeast Division title with a 3-0 victory, clinching a playoff home game July 3.

Health Access: Vermont ranks among the best states for new parents, with a study placing it near the top for maternal health care access, childbirth costs, and postpartum support. Food Security: Hunger Free Vermont rolled out an easier map tool to help families find free summer meals for kids statewide, with no sign-up needed. Mental Health & Recovery: CCN-Rutland Mental Health Services expanded its Open Access model, now letting more people walk in for same-day assessments across adult services and child and family mental health. Workforce & Caregiving: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is accepting applications for its first paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training, starting August 2026, with certification support and a path to employment. Community & Culture: The Vermont Symphony Orchestra launches its “America 250” summer festival tour with outdoor concerts and fireworks across multiple towns. Local Flavor: Village Garage Distillery unveiled Vermont Republic Rye, a 127-proof spirit made from local grains. Public Safety: Quebec’s fast-spreading raccoon rabies outbreak is pushing into more urban areas near Vermont, prompting residents to stay alert.

Mental Health Access: CCN-Rutland Mental Health Services expands its Open Access model, now letting people walk in for same-day adult, substance use, and child & family mental health assessments. Workforce & Caregiving: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice launches its first paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training, starting August 2026, with certification support and a path to employment. Community Food Security: Hunger Free Vermont highlights free summer meals for kids statewide, with a new map tool to find nearby sites. Local Economy & Culture: Rutland’s region is in transition, with major retail and housing shifts plus new leadership at the Chamber and Economic Development of the Rutland Region. Public Health Law: Vermont’s new tobacco law raises retailer fees, tightens youth protections, and bans kid-appealing nicotine products. Water Watch: St. Albans residents get clarity after a drinking-water notice tied to a filing error, not contamination. Arts & Heritage: Shelburne Museum’s “Norman Rockwell: At Home in Vermont” spotlights how the artist embedded himself in Arlington community life. Local Events: Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s America 250 Summer Festival Tour brings outdoor concerts across the state.

Adult mental health access: Rutland Mental Health Services (CCN-RMHS) is expanding its Open Access model so people can walk in for same-day assessments—now including Child and Family Mental Health Services and running five days a week. Care workforce: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is launching its first paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training in August 2026, with classroom and clinical prep and a path to full-time work. Food security: Hunger Free Vermont rolled out an updated map tool to help families find free summer meals statewide for kids ages 0–18. Local culture & community: Bennington’s Park-McCullough and partners kick off a free monthly reading series, while the Vermont Suitcase Company returns to Park-McCullough with outdoor theater. Public health & safety: The Vermont Heart Walk raised $40,000+ and trained residents in Hands-Only CPR to boost survival odds from cardiac arrest. State policy: Gov. Phil Scott signed a new Vermont tobacco law raising retailer licensing fees, tightening youth protections, and banning kid-appealing nicotine products. Arts & identity: Tillie Walden’s “Charity & Sylvia” spotlights queer history in rural Vermont through a 19th-century lens.

Health Access in Rutland: CCN-RMHS is expanding its Open Access model so people can walk in for same-day assessments, now including Child and Family Mental Health Services and adding more days each week. Workforce for Home Care: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is accepting applications for its first paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training program launching in August 2026 in Barre. Local Culture & 250th: Bennington’s Village Garage Distillery unveiled “Vermont Republic Rye,” a 127-proof barrel-strength malted rye made from local grains to mark the Vermont Republic era. Community Safety: Vermont’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force case led to a Bennington man pleading guilty to felony possession of child sexual abuse materials, with a 50-month to 15-year sentence. Schools & Future Planning: Harwood Unified’s board committee is moving toward a major restructuring plan—potentially shrinking from seven schools to three over five years. Independence Day Events: Montpelier Alive is planning “250 Together!” with a parade, Montpelier Mile road race, live music, and fireworks on July 3. Arts for Kids: Essex area listings highlight family-friendly events like the Vermont Renaissance Faire and a substance use addiction summit.

Mental Health Access: CCN-RMHS in Rutland is expanding its Open Access model so people can walk in for same-day assessments, now including Child and Family Mental Health Services and running five days a week. Workforce & Care: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice is taking applications for its first paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training, starting August 2026, with classroom and clinical prep and a path to full-time jobs. Primary Care Pressure: A new look at Vermont primary care highlights burnout and staffing gaps as practices struggle to replace retiring doctors, pushing patients toward costlier urgent and emergency care. Education Reform on the Ground: Fairfax school leaders shared STAR-based academic growth and early literacy gains, while Vermont’s broader school finance and district-merger changes move from law into implementation. Child Safety Case: Vermont’s Internet Crimes Against Children task force work is tied to a Bennington man’s guilty plea in a child sexual abuse materials case. Community & Culture: Bennington attorney Jim Dingley launches a bid for probate judge; plus Vermont’s summer calendar keeps rolling with festivals, art, and local events.