AGP Executive Report

Community Care Call: Neighbor to Neighbor says it’s “in the red” on volunteers for Northshire seniors, with more requests coming from Bennington as the region ages. Local Dining Nostalgia: Sweetwaters is back in Burlington, reviving the Church Street spot that closed in 2022—good news for comfort-food fans. Reproductive Health Watch: One year after Medicaid funding cuts, Planned Parenthood affiliates across the region are reshaping services to keep care available. Privacy & Public Benefits: Vermont and other states are suing over federal moves to access sensitive welfare data tied to TANF and SNAP—privacy and confidentiality are the fight. Culture & Books: Naima Coster’s “Take What You Can” lands as GMA Book Club’s August pick, while David Sedaris is touring New England with fresh laughs from “The Land and Its People.” Vermont Food Pride: Vermont cheesemakers swept the American Cheese Society competition with a record 54 awards. Historic Plans: Bennington Museum announced a 250th Half Marathon for May 15, 2027.

Public Safety & Community: Vermont State Police said a report of a suspicious rifle sighting at Farm and Wilderness Camp in Plymouth on Aug. 3 was unfounded, after troopers searched and found nothing. Substance Use & Downtown Life: A Burlington letter to the editor describes growing open-air drug use and suspected dealing around Church Street, saying parents and businesses feel leadership isn’t keeping order. Local Health & Recovery: Howard Center announced Burlington’s new Public Inebriate Program, offering a safe, supervised alternative to ER or jail for people intoxicated or under the influence, with short-term monitoring and referrals to services. Early Childhood & Schools: Stamford Community Library received an $8,000 Rural Library Grant for children’s books and literacy programming, partnering with Stamford Elementary for year-round activities. State Policy Watch: Vermont’s Act 170 education overhaul is moving forward with Cooperative Educational Service Areas (CESAs) starting early August, including a Southwest CESA meeting open to the public Aug. 6. Campaign Finance: Aly Richards leads Vermont’s Democratic governor field in fundraising ahead of the Aug. 11 primary, with new filings showing cash-on-hand and spending totals. Mental Health Event: The Brattleboro Retreat is launching a Move Forward Together 5K for Suicide Awareness on Sept. 12, with proceeds supporting mental health resources and stigma reduction. Sports & Community Pride: Vermont Green FC men won a second straight national championship, beating Flint City Bucks 2-1 in the USL2 final.

Public Health & Safety: Howard Center is bringing a Public Inebriate Program to Burlington, offering a voluntary, supervised alternative to ER or jail for people intoxicated or under the influence, with short stays and referrals to services. Child & Family Support: Vermont’s Department for Children and Families is marking Child Support Awareness Month, highlighting more than $41.5 million collected last fiscal year to help families cover essentials like housing, food, and healthcare. Mental Health in the Community: The Brattleboro Retreat is launching a Move Forward Together 5K for Suicide Awareness on Sept. 12, with proceeds supporting local mental health resources. Early Education: Head Start and Early Head Start of Bennington County are partnering with SVSU starting September 2026 to expand wraparound supports and move toward fuller-day, year-round childcare. Vermont Culture & Sports: Vermont Green FC keeps the momentum with a second straight undefeated championship season, and the St. Albans Sharks swim team placed third at the state meet. Tourism Branding: Vermont Tourism unveiled its first dedicated tourism brand, “State of Inspiration,” aiming to close a visibility gap and boost visitor intent. Local Politics & Community Trust: A Hinesburg National Night Out event invites residents to tour emergency vehicles and meet local responders.

Public Safety & Health: Howard Center is expanding Burlington’s Public Inebriate Program (PIP), offering a voluntary, supervised alternative to ER or jail for people who are intoxicated, with short stays and referrals to services. Community & Belonging: The Vermont Professionals of Color Network’s 6th annual August Kickback in South Burlington focused on building professional connections and “social anchors” for people of color in a state that can feel isolating. Arts & Culture: Akwesasne’s 2026 Art Market drew about 50 artists for contemporary and traditional work, live demonstrations, music, and food—highlighting Haudenosaunee pottery and beaded portrait art. Local Music Scene: Stage 33 Live’s final curator show on Aug. 9 features Chester’s Star Lane Sox and Scott Hsu, with indie-punk and cross-cultural, identity-rooted songwriting. Sports: Vermont Green FC won back-to-back USL League Two national championships, beating Flint City Bucks 2-1 for an undefeated title run. Civic Volunteers: Vermont’s Judiciary is urgently seeking Guardian ad Litem volunteers to support children in abuse/neglect cases, especially in underserved counties.

Public Safety & Health: Howard Center is bringing a Public Inebriate Program (PIP) to Burlington, offering a voluntary, supervised alternative to ER or jail for people intoxicated or under the influence, with staff able to connect clients to services. Mental Health in the Community: The Brattleboro Retreat is launching its inaugural Move Forward Together 5K for Suicide Awareness on Sept. 12, with Brattleboro Subaru as lead sponsor and proceeds aimed at connecting people to mental health resources. Culture & Community: Burlington’s Festival of Fools returns to full format on Church Street with 70+ free performances, while the Vermont Psychic Expo brings free workshops and readings to Essex Junction this weekend. Sports: Vermont Green FC men won back-to-back USL League Two national championships, beating Flint City Bucks 2-1. Local Land & Belonging: A Barre tea farmer’s use of a small city-owned plot has sparked neighbor disputes over who gets a say after flood buyouts. Civic Oversight: Vermont clerks were asked to share lists of large events with the state’s Homeland Security Unit, raising concerns about monitoring and transparency. Education-to-Workforce: A Vermont Chamber summit spotlights strengthening education-to-workforce pathways.

Public Health & Safety: Howard Center is bringing its Public Inebriate Program (PIP) to Burlington, offering a voluntary, supervised alternative to ER or jail for people intoxicated or under the influence, with short stays and referrals to services. Mental Health: The Brattleboro Retreat is launching its inaugural Move Forward Together 5K for Suicide Awareness on Sept. 12, with Brattleboro Subaru as lead sponsor and a focus on stigma-free support. Community & Culture: The fourth annual Vermont Psychic Expo returns to Essex Junction this weekend with free workshops, plus tarot, palm readings, and psychic-medium sessions. Shared Living Experiment: A 1907 Montpelier mansion is being transformed into Threshold Village, a shared-living community with common spaces and an intentional, sociocracy-based approach. Sports & Local Pride: Vermont beat New Hampshire 42-12 in the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl, extending its winning streak to four straight. Arts & Tradition: Vermont Covered Bridge Week runs Aug. 1-8, with tours and events aimed at preserving the state’s historic bridges. Reproductive Rights Watch: New York’s assisted suicide law is set to take effect Aug. 5, drawing renewed criticism from end-of-life advocacy groups. Education-to-Workforce: The Vermont Chamber’s Sept. 10 summit spotlights strengthening education-to-workforce pathways amid ongoing workforce shortages.

Public Safety & Health: Howard Center is launching a Public Inebriate Program (PIP) in Burlington, offering a voluntary, supervised alternative to ER or jail for people intoxicated or under the influence, with staff screening and short-term support plus referrals. Mental Health: The Brattleboro Retreat will host its inaugural Move Forward Together 5K for Suicide Awareness on Sept. 12, with proceeds supporting mental health resources and stigma reduction. Community & Culture: Rockport Opera House’s Flying Shoes dance returns every second Sunday, Aug. 9, with live music from Molly & Pepin and a family-friendly community dance. Heritage & Tourism: Vermont Covered Bridge Week is back Aug. 1–8, with statewide events and a guided tour in Rockingham on Aug. 8. Local Lifestyle: The historic JJ Hapgood General Store in Peru—featured in “Baby Boom”—has reopened after a revival and is now listed for sale. Education & Youth: A new Lake Champlain Sea Grant program is placing Vermont high school students aboard UVM’s research vessel for hands-on rotifer study this summer. Arts & Music: Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival marks its 34th season with concerts Aug. 3–15 in Randolph, including a live radio chat with Walter Parker. State Snapshot: U.S. News ranks Vermont No. 10 overall in its 2026 Best States list, with top marks for opportunity and crime/corrections.

Public Health & Safety: Howard Center is launching a Burlington Public Inebriate Program (PIP), offering a short, voluntary, supervised alternative to ER or jail for people intoxicated or under the influence, with staff support and referrals to services. Mental Health: The Brattleboro Retreat will host its inaugural Move Forward Together 5K for Suicide Awareness on Sept. 12, with proceeds aimed at connecting people to mental health resources and reducing stigma. Local Politics (Vermont): At forums ahead of the Aug. 11 primary, Democratic candidates for Montpelier-area House seats and Washington County Senate seats focused on affordability and climate goals, with voters choosing two House nominees and three Senate nominees. Education & Workforce: A Workforce in Motion Summit is set for Sept. 29 at the Champlain Valley Expo, pairing students with hands-on career exploration and a public career fair. Community & Culture: Vermont Green FC’s men’s team returns to the national championship Saturday after a high-scoring run, following the women’s team’s recent title-game appearance. Data Privacy: Vermont’s new Data Privacy and Online Surveillance Act (VDPOSA) takes effect Jan. 1, 2028, with added emphasis on sensitive data and AI-driven decisions. Sports & Outdoors: TriQuest Triathlon returns Sept. 12 in Ludlow with a gravel-and-unpaved course at Camp Plymouth State Park.

Public Safety & Health: Howard Center is launching a Public Inebriate Program (PIP) in Burlington, offering a voluntary, supervised alternative to ERs or jail for people intoxicated or under the influence, with trained staff and short-term stays that can connect people to services. Community & Culture: SoulFest returns to the Franklin County Fairgrounds with a “connections first” focus—music as the “frosting,” plus camping and activities aimed at welcoming the spiritually curious. Faith & Politics: In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign highlights how his Muslim faith shapes his progressive politics, with interfaith leaders framing inequality and accountability through religious values. Vermont Civic Life: Vermont’s healthcare debate stays hot as leaders and clinicians push back on ongoing access problems, including the fight around Brattleboro Memorial Hospital’s planned birthing center closure. Local Events: Colchester and Milton calendars are packed with summer happenings, from walking clubs and community meals to concerts and family-friendly library programs. National Context: US News’ 2026 “best states” rankings keep driving conversation, with Utah No. 1 and Vermont appearing in the mid-pack.

Public Safety & Health Care: Howard Center is rolling out a Public Inebriate Program (PIP) in Burlington, offering a voluntary, supervised alternative to ERs or jail for people intoxicated or under the influence, with staff able to connect clients to services. Community & Belonging: Camp Farnsworth, a Girl Scouts sleepaway camp, is tackling loneliness head-on by giving girls in grades K–12 a supportive place to make friends and build confidence. Local Politics: Burlington City Council Democrats are pushing forward a public safety resolution despite Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak urging delay, setting up another round of city hall friction. Education Under Pressure: Saint Michael’s College faces an accreditation risk tied to declining enrollment and shrinking financial runway, while accreditors flag the school’s finances. Maternal Care: Vermont clinicians are calling for statewide fixes to maternal care funding, urging Medicaid reimbursement changes to keep obstetric services viable. Culture & Food: Vermont cheese makers racked up a record 54 awards at the American Cheese Society, and the Apple Barn’s Blueberry Festival in Pownal drew big crowds with vendors, music, and a bake-off. Legal & Civil Liberties: A dispute is heating up over preserving cellphones and devices used by officers in a northern Vermont border agent killing case.

Public Health & Politics: The U.S. Senate Health committee advanced Dr. Erica Schwartz’s nomination to lead the CDC, despite earlier concerns about whether she’d resist political pressure from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders opposed, saying he wasn’t confident she’d stand up to meddling. Immigration & Legal Rights: A California Democrat reintroduced a bill to create a pathway to lawful permanent residency for millions, including Dreamers and H-1B holders, as deportations and raids intensify. Civil Liberties in Vermont: The ACLU of Vermont filed federal claims against ICE over a March 11 South Burlington raid, alleging excessive force and unlawful detention. Community & Culture: Weston’s Wilder Memorial Library is holding a grand opening Aug. 8 after major renovations and expansion, with tours and family activities. Local Arts & Makers: JAYS—Bennington Artisan Market is reshaping a long-running art supply shop into a creative hub for makers, framing, and Vermont-made goods. Health & Education: A literacy bill, the READ Act, would fund evidence-based reading instruction and require early screening before third grade, with Vermont fourth- and eighth-grade reading proficiency still low. Sports for a Cause: Rotary District 7850 raised polio-eradication funds at the Lake Monsters game, boosted by a Gates matching program.

Education & Governance: Vermont’s education slide is getting fresh scrutiny as federal disability-support concerns and years of school-governance reshuffling raise the question of whether the state is fixing the right problem. Workforce & Community: A Vermont Chamber summit is set to spotlight education-to-workforce pathways, while Southern Vermont Young Professionals launches a new events calendar through January 2027. Arts & Culture: Brattleboro’s Nu Mu Festival of Music and Art opens Aug. 7, and a new artist retreat/intentional community, WildHeart, is building an artist village in Plattekill. Women & Philanthropy: The Vermont Women’s Fund awarded $411,650 to 46 nonprofits to expand childcare, pay equity, and health for women and gender-diverse Vermonters. ICE & Civil Rights: Two South Burlington residents filed federal claims after a March 11 ICE raid, and a new study links aggressive ICE activity to job losses. Local Notes: Tunbridge reappointed a forest fire warden after a month without burn permits.

Public Banking in Vermont: A two-day Vermont Public Banking event (Aug. 4–5) will feature Don Morgan, president of the Bank of North Dakota, exploring how public banking can finance farms, disaster recovery, housing, infrastructure, and local economic development. Consumer & Data Privacy: Vermont’s push for stronger data privacy rules continues, with fresh guidance on compliance and online surveillance. Bear Safety Reality Check: Fish & Wildlife is urging Vermonters to report bear activity sooner, warning that fear of “bear-killing” can delay help and make situations worse. Politics & Money in Montpelier: A Chittenden-Central Senate race is drawing scrutiny after candidate Nikhil Goyal raised a record-shattering amount, fueling concerns about money’s role in Vermont politics. Local Culture & Community: Akwesasne’s Art Market brings Indigenous artists, music, food, and community together, while Williston’s Wild Meadows Books & Café opens as a new gathering spot for readers. Education & Affordability: Vermont’s school merger process moves forward with lead facilitator finalists named, as districts and families brace for major changes.

Vermont Economy Watch: State economists say Vermont’s finances are steady, but warn the AI boom is a high-stakes bet that could wobble if the market turns. Education & Community Impact: A new look at Vermont schools shows a slide in performance, with critics pointing to falling outcomes even as spending stays high. Public Safety & Civic Life: In Williston, anti-ICE protesters trespassed at an ICE-affiliated site; some left when ordered, but 13 were arrested. Arts & Culture: South Burlington animator Travis Van Alstyne won the Vermont Prize for animated storytelling rooted in Vermont history. Local Sports: The Vermont Voyagers box lacrosse team closed its first season back since 2016 with growth, even after falling short in the league tournament. Revolutionary Commemoration: Rockingham’s Meeting House hosts a pilgrimage marking Aug. 2, 1776—the day delegates began signing the Declaration of Independence. Food & Community Building: A BF food co-op in Bellows Falls is moving toward a major milestone, with USDA support helping shape the plan. Health Story: A St. Albans woman’s ALS diagnosis journey highlights gaps in how the disease is identified and supported.

Community Health: NCSS in St. Albans earned Certified Community-Based Integrated Health Center status, aiming to make mental health, substance use care, crisis support, peer help, and basic physical screening easier to access and better coordinated. Workforce & Youth: DREAM Program, Inc. won $375,000 in AmeriCorps funding to add 70 members supporting 600 underserved Vermont youth across 38 low-income and rural communities. Local Business & Skills: The 131° School of Composting is offering a 2026 Vermont Compost Operator Certification Training in Williston on Sept. 28, with hands-on instruction and ANR-aligned certification. Public Life & Culture: The Queer Arts Fest returns to Barre for Aug. 15–16, expanding its mix of queer makers and performers after drawing thousands in recent years. Politics & Voting: Vermont’s Aug. 11 primary guide urges turnout, with a reminder of how and why the date moved to fit absentee ballot rules. Health Policy Commentary: Gov. Phil Scott argues Vermont should bring health care policy “back into the mainstream” and judge changes by affordability results. Community Events: Bennington’s ninth annual Backpack Giveaway and Bennington Night Out is Aug. 4 at Lower Willow Park, with free supplies plus food and family activities.

Workforce & youth support: DREAM Program, Inc. won $375,000 from AmeriCorps to expand mentoring and summer enrichment for 600 Vermont youth, with 70 AmeriCorps members serving 38 low-income and rural communities. Aging & caregiving: New research from EBRI/Greenwald finds unpaid caregivers report more financial strain and lower retirement confidence than non-caregivers. Senior health access: Community Health rolled out a new geriatric program for adults 60+ with complex medical, memory, mobility, and medication-safety needs, aiming to prevent crises and unnecessary ER visits. Community building: Southern Vermont Young Professionals announced a free, Wilmington-based Summer Mixer (Aug. 15) plus a calendar of networking, recreation, skills, and volunteering through Jan. 2027. Local life & culture: Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity finished a St. Albans duplex, and the Children’s Literacy Foundation delivered hundreds of free books at a Laconia school event. Civic & policy pressure: Vermont residents face major uncertainty as a federal immigration program ends, forcing many to choose between staying illegally or returning to dangerous conditions.