AGP Executive Report

Community Stories: Bess O’Brien’s documentary Every Day: Big and Small celebrates Vermonters helping neighbors through hard times. It screens Saturday at 7 p.m. at Rutland Free Library. Art & Ideas: UVM faculty artists explore new ways of seeing in “Catalyst: Art as Inquiry,” now on view at the Fleming Museum. Fall Outdoors: Middlebury-area orchards invite visitors to pick apples and sample cider treats, while nearby hikes offer a chance to take in peak-season scenery. Farmworker Advocacy: Migrant Justice marked nine years of Ben & Jerry’s participation in its Milk with Dignity program with a South Burlington picket urging Hannaford to address reported abuses in its dairy supply chain. Vermont Getaways: Stowe’s Lodge at Spruce Peak was named Condé Nast Traveler’s No. 3 U.S. resort in New England, recognized for its year-round mix of mountain recreation, dining, wellness and arts.

Heating Bills: Gov. Phil Scott plans to meet with lawmakers about added fuel aid as prices surge. Oil-heated households could pay about $875 more this winter, while federal assistance remains flat. Vermont Heritage: Stowe’s Trapp Family Lodge received a roadside historic marker honoring the family’s arrival and its role in Vermont tourism. The Lodge at Spruce Peak was also named New England’s No. 3 resort in Condé Nast Traveler’s readers’ awards. Fall Arts & Events: Calais’s Gospel Hollow Players stage a musical through Oct. 18; Waterbury Public Library hosts West African kora music Oct. 9, and Chimney Point offers cider pressing Oct. 11. Rock Point School’s Ooky Spooky 5K returns Oct. 24, with proceeds supporting COTS and neighbors experiencing homelessness. Education: Vermont’s $2.5 billion school costs are squeezing other programs, while recent test-score reports point to a widening achievement gap.

Governor’s Race: Bernie Sanders endorsed Amanda Janoo, saying her plans on health care, property taxes and rural communities make the case for new leadership in Montpelier. Community Giving: Burlington’s Rock Point School will host its Halloween-themed Ooky Spooky 5K on Oct. 24, with proceeds supporting COTS and neighbors experiencing homelessness. Arts & Culture: Bread and Puppet Theater’s history of protest takes center stage in a new documentary screening in Brattleboro on Oct. 11, followed by a conversation with filmmaker Robbie Leppzer and Vermonter Mohsen Mahdawi. Women in Sports: Vermont schools are considering athletic uniforms without white bottoms, after a survey found most female athletes would prefer another option. Housing: Putney celebrated the opening of 25 permanently affordable apartments, including five reserved for households facing homelessness. Fall in Vermont: Stowe’s Lodge at Spruce Peak was named New England’s No. 3 U.S. resort in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, while the Upper Green Mountains remain a draw for foliage, hiking and cideries. LGBTQ+ Life: A Vermont writer reflects on coming out 30 years ago, when queer community was built largely through bars, newspapers and community centers.

Housing & Homelessness: Putney celebrated a new 25-unit “permanently affordable” complex, with five apartments reserved for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and wraparound services from SEVCA. Courts & Education: The Vermont Supreme Court upheld the firing of former BUHS principal Steve Perrin, rejecting claims of due process and bias. Public Safety & Justice: Rutland City renewed its push to stop the state’s use of 43 Evergreen Ave. for housing inmates on supervised release, citing neighborhood safety concerns. Tech & Community: Vermont launched VT Speed Check, an online tool (with map results) to help residents test broadband speeds and troubleshoot slow service. Health & Food Security: Summer EBT benefits for Vermont families expire Oct. 10, with $120 per school-age child issued this year. Culture & Activism: Bread and Puppet’s roots—and its antiwar message—head to Brattleboro for a screening of “An Artist Responds to War,” followed by a conversation with a Palestinian human rights activist. Cybersecurity: A Vermont editorial warns that cyber extortion against public schools is more than disruption—it threatens privacy and everyday access.

Education Equity: Vermont’s latest standardized test review shows a widening achievement gap, with “marginalized students” lagging peers by 30 to 38 percentage points in proficiency—an increase from last year’s 26 to 36, as the state pushes major school consolidation and funding changes. Healthcare & Community Support: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice received a $7,200 grant from NorthCountry Federal Credit Union to help sustain Adult Home Healthcare for more than 1,700 people each year. Local Environment & Learning: The Lewis Creek Association’s “Mountains to Mouth” event in Ferrisburgh pairs field trips, creek walks, and community music to explore the watershed’s natural and cultural history. Arts & Family Fun: Chester’s WoodLife Carving Festival returns Oct. 10–12 with chainsaw carving, quick-carve competitions, food, and family activities. Sports & Recovery: Float Away Wellness Spa is partnering with UVM Athletics to bring floatation and vibroacoustic therapy to student-athletes for training and recovery. Politics & Values: A Vermont-linked lawsuit challenges HHS’s move to stop recommending seven childhood vaccines universally, arguing the change bypassed expert review and public input.

Health & Community: UVM Athletics is partnering with Float Away Wellness Spa to bring floatation and vibroacoustic therapy to Catamount student-athletes—an early step toward broader local sports collaborations. Education & Equity: Vermont’s latest standardized test review shows progress but a widening achievement gap, with marginalized students lagging by 30–38 percentage points. Youth Justice: A new Vermont report finds “raise the age” reforms are linked to lower reconviction rates for 18-year-olds handled in Family Court. State Funding: Vermont Treasury awarded $3.4 million in higher education funding and scholarships, with many recipients being first-generation students. Cybersecurity: A cyber extortion group identified itself as the culprit behind the Slate Valley School District ransomware attack, threatening to leak personal data. Local Culture: The Lawrence Public Library’s fall book sale returns with low-cost browsing and proceeds supporting library programs. Business & Care: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice received a $7,200 grant to support adult home healthcare for more than 1,700 people a year.

Health & Wellness Partnerships: Float Away Wellness Spa is partnering with UVM Athletics to bring floatation and vibroacoustic therapy to Catamount student-athletes—an unusual first for UVM recovery routines. Aging & Care at Home: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice received a $7,200 grant from NorthCountry Federal Credit Union to support Adult Home Healthcare for more than 1,700 Central Vermonters each year. Community Health Fundraising: Market 32 and Price Chopper, with Freihofer’s, raised $19,079 for the Alzheimer’s Association through a two-month in-store campaign. Local Culture & History: A YouTube series is spotlighting Vermont’s covered bridges, with Franklin County stops and plans to visit all 203 bridges statewide. Arts & Entertainment: NPR marks Arthur Read’s 30th TV debut anniversary, while “Verity” gets mixed reviews for leaning into twists without delivering the psychological punch promised. Sports & Community: Vermont Motorsports Hall of Fame announces its 2026 class, and local cross country coverage highlights standout performances at the Woods Trail Invitational. Parenting & Opportunity: A report looks at families paying thousands for farm schools to boost college odds—phone-free, hands-on learning as a competitive edge. Civic Life: Hinesburg’s selectboard schedules an Oct. 7 informational meeting on a local option tax after voters rejected it in 2024.

UVM Athletics Partnership: Float Away Wellness Spa is now partnering with UVM Athletics, bringing floatation and vibroacoustic therapy to Catamount student-athletes for recovery and mental focus. Health & Community Care: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice received a $7,200 grant from NorthCountry Federal Credit Union to support its Adult Home Healthcare program, serving more than 1,700 Central Vermonters yearly. Veterans Wellness: Cannatrol’s Cool Cure Limited Edition program added Operation Green Healing as its exclusive nonprofit partner, aiming to expand support for veterans and military families. Local Food & Memory Care: Market 32 and Price Chopper raised $19,079 for the Alzheimer’s Association through a two-month in-store campaign with Freihofer’s products. Education & Money Skills: BDCC’s Pipelines and Pathways program is holding its 5th Annual Reality Fair at Leland & Gray High School, using hands-on financial literacy experiences for Windham County students. Public Safety Drill Scrutiny: A new investigation highlights gaps in lockdown-drill compliance, raising questions about how well schools prepare students for active-shooter scenarios. Sports: UVM women’s hockey split with Minnesota Duluth, falling 3-2 in overtime after a 3-2 Friday upset. Culture & History: The African American Civil War Museum reopened in Washington, D.C., with expanded spaces and new artifacts, spotlighting Black soldiers’ stories.

UVM & Sports Wellness: Float Away Wellness Spa is partnering with UVM Athletics, bringing floatation and vibroacoustic therapy to Catamount student-athletes for recovery and mental performance. Health & Care Access: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice received a $7,200 grant from NorthCountry Federal Credit Union to support adult home healthcare for more than 1,700 Central Vermonters, as Medicare reimbursement pressures widen. Veterans Support: Cannatrol’s Cool Cure Limited Edition program added Operation Green Healing as its exclusive nonprofit partner, funding veterans’ wellness and education. Youth Justice in Vermont: A new study finds 18-year-olds handled in Vermont’s family court are less likely to reoffend than those processed in adult criminal court, bolstering the push to extend “raise the age” to 19-year-olds in 2027. Winter Preparedness: Wood banks across Lamoille County are gearing up to deliver free firewood as more households rely on cordwood and face rising sourcing costs. Privacy & Borders: A federal appeals ruling says border agents can search travelers’ phones without suspicion, a decision that’s raising alarms in Vermont and beyond. Fall in Vermont: Leaf peepers keep flocking to Stowe as peak colors draw visitors and boost local businesses.

UVM Sports: The UVM women’s hockey team dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to No. 7 Minnesota Duluth, with Vermont scoring twice (including Hilary Wilkin’s first career goal) before falling in OT. Public Health & Equity: A landmark Medicaid study finds kids’ access to sleep testing varies wildly across the U.S.—some states see rates up to four times higher, with racial and neighborhood factors playing a major role. Privacy & Courts: A federal judge ruled a Tulsa deputy violated a woman’s Fourth Amendment rights by using Flock Safety to search her license plate without a warrant, calling it “indiscriminate mass surveillance.” Vermont Community & Care: Community College of Vermont received a $790,000 grant to launch a statewide Licensed Nursing Assistant Training Hub, aiming to close workforce gaps. Culture & Tourism: Leaf peepers are flocking to Stowe as fall colors hit peak season, boosting local businesses. Arts & History: The Vermont Historical Society acquired Big Heavy World’s Vermont music archive, preserving decades of recordings, posters, and interviews. Business & Wellness: Float Away Wellness Spa partnered with UVM Athletics to offer floatation and vibroacoustic therapy for student-athletes.

UVM Athletics Partnership: Float Away Wellness Spa says it’s the first to offer floatation therapy to UVM student-athletes, pairing recovery and mental focus with on-site outreach at hockey and basketball games. Healthcare & Workforce: Community College of Vermont landed a $790,000 grant to build a statewide Licensed Nursing Assistant Training Hub, working with UVM Health and Dartmouth Health to close gaps and expand instructor support. Local Arts & Culture: Pianist Diane Huling returns for her first major solo recital since COVID, pairing Bach with her own long mural-inspired visuals at the Barre Opera House. Vermont History: The Vermont Historical Society acquired Big Heavy World’s music collection, preserving decades of Vermont recordings, interviews, and performances for scholars and fans. Community & Money Skills: Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation’s Pipelines and Pathways Reality Fair brings hands-on financial literacy to hundreds of students at Leland & Gray High School. Politics & Privacy: Bernie Sanders and AOC back the “Ban Flock Act,” targeting federal use of automatic license plate readers and AI surveillance.

UVM Athletics Hall of Fame: UVM inducted seven honorees Friday night, including women’s hockey’s Roxanne Douville and field hockey/lacrosse standout Barbara Poulin Lavoie, as part of UVM Weekend. Sports & community: Vermont opened its women’s hockey season by blanking No. 7 Minnesota Duluth 3-0, with Tara Bach making 36 saves, and Harwood edged U-32 and Stowe by a single stroke to earn state golf qualifying tickets. Arts & culture: Pianist Diane Huling returns for her first major solo recital since COVID at the Barre Opera House, pairing Bach with her own Fibonacci-themed paintings; Bread and Puppet’s Peter Schumann brings “We Who Are Not Dead Yet: Isenheim Studies” to Catamount Arts through Nov. 1. Local life & travel: Burlington tourism experts expect fewer Canadian leaf peepers this year amid tariff-related tensions. Health & safety: A USDA complaint alleges repeated animal-welfare violations at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary. Tech & schools: Slate Valley Unified is dealing with a ransomware attack that exposed teachers’ personal data. Politics: Gov. Phil Scott and challenger Amanda Janoo keep trading fundraising momentum as the governor’s race tightens.

Vermont Health & Community Care: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice received a $7,200 grant from NorthCountry Federal Credit Union to support its Adult Home Healthcare program, serving 1,700 Central Vermonters yearly with short-term, at-home medical care and therapy—especially as Medicare reimbursement continues to shrink. Local Education & Youth Financial Literacy: Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation’s Pipelines and Pathways Reality Fair returns Oct. 6 at Leland & Gray High School, giving 250+ students hands-on lessons in budgeting, career “pay,” and real-life money tradeoffs. Health Equity in Vermont: UVM Health’s Fifth Annual Health Equity Summit drew 500+ in person and 400+ online, with sessions spanning maternal health, menstrual justice, homelessness, sex trafficking, and LGBTQ inclusion. Faith & Legal Fight: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington asked a U.S. bankruptcy court to dismiss its Chapter 11 case, arguing it risks exposing parishes and schools to liability amid clergy abuse claims. Vermont Politics & Public Opinion: A Vermont Public poll finds 64% of Vermonters support a statewide ban on large data centers, with Democrats especially supportive. Immigration Enforcement Protest: Vermont activists face criminal trespassing charges tied to protests at a Williston ICE surveillance facility, as a majority of Vermonters disapprove of ICE enforcement actions.

Vermont Politics: The race for lieutenant governor is heating up as Republican John Rodgers and Democrat Molly Gray trade sharp critiques on costs, healthcare, housing, and property taxes, with recent polling showing Gray leading but both campaigns pressing to the finish. Immigration & Civil Rights: Federal charges were filed against five activists accused of blocking entrances to an ICE facility in Williston, after Vermont’s state process and attorney general actions left some defendants facing federal court instead. Local Justice: In Rutland County, Doreen Forauer’s lawyers argued there isn’t enough support for a disorderly conduct charge with a hate-crime enhancement, as the judge heard a motion to dismiss. Community & Culture: Rutland’s sister-city relationship with Hanamaki, Japan marks 40 years with a student exchange and public events, including a community night and Japanese tea ceremony. Health & Care: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice received a $7,200 grant to help sustain adult home healthcare amid Medicare reimbursement cuts. Education & Lifestyle: A new “hidden gems” ranking spotlights New England colleges, while a Vermont children’s book event celebrates fall farm life with “Lilly’s Surprise Pumpkins.”

Health & Community Funding: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice received a $7,200 grant from NorthCountry Federal Credit Union to support Adult Home Healthcare, helping more than 1,700 people each year stay independent at home. Veterans & Wellness: Cannatrol partnered with Operation Green Healing as the exclusive nonprofit for its Cool Cure Limited Edition program, with proceeds supporting veterans and military families. Youth Financial Literacy: Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation’s Pipelines and Pathways Reality Fair returns Oct. 6 at Leland & Gray High School, giving students hands-on lessons in budgeting and real-world money skills. Arts & Education: The Mockingbird Foundation launched a Vermont music scholarship in partnership with VSAC, funded in perpetuity for students pursuing music or music education. Public Safety: Federal prosecutors charged protesters for blocking doors at an ICE surveillance facility in Williston, escalating the response to anti-ICE activism. Local Color: St. Albans unveiled a new downtown mural, funded by a Vermont Downtown Vibrancy Grant, with a planned nighttime reveal. School Costs: A new report highlights how expensive childcare remains nationwide, with Louisiana families spending a large share of income.

Healthcare & Community Support: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice (CVHHH) received a $7,200 grant from NorthCountry Federal Credit Union to expand its Adult Home Healthcare program, serving 1,700 Central Vermonters yearly with in-home nursing and therapy. Nonprofit & Veterans Wellness: Cannatrol’s Cool Cure Limited Edition added Operation Green Healing as its exclusive veterans nonprofit partner, funding programs through sales. Education & Money Skills: Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation’s Pipelines and Pathways Reality Fair returns Oct. 6 at Leland & Gray High School, giving 250+ students hands-on financial literacy practice. State Leadership Moves: Gov. Phil Scott announced appointments including Nick Kramer as deputy commissioner of Human Resources and Shabnam Nolan as deputy secretary of the Agency of Human Services. Public Health: Vermont’s Department of Health released 2026-27 flu, COVID, and RSV vaccine recommendations, urging shots for eligible ages starting this fall. Online Safety for Minors: Vermont’s proposed AADC rules would restrict how online services present content to minors, with a comment period closing Oct. 2. Campus Safety: UVM police are investigating reports of alleged “date rape” drug incidents in the Burlington area. Culture & Arts: The T. W. Wood Museum hosts “Rain Enters My Diary” and a Vermont Pastel Society show through Nov. 21, with an Oct. 2 reception and artist talk.