Top Stories for Tuesday August 29, 2017

Vergennes Day Celebrates Life In Small Town Vermont
By Cookie Steponaitis
As the largest maple tree on Main Street begins to sport a tint of red and hints that fall is not far off, the Little City prepares to welcome locals and visitors alike by showcasing life in rural Vermont. Vergennes Day was the creation of the Vergennes Recreation Committee in 1980 with Chris Pettibon as the chair and was started to celebrate people who work tirelessly to make the city a special place to live. Thirty-six years later the local tradition is sponsored by the Addison County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with just about every civic organization in the area. Two days are set aside bringing together residents and visitors to celebrate summer, family, food, fun and all things Addison County.
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When Dreams Take Flight Miss Vermont Flies Herself To Miss America
By Cookie Steponaitis
Erin Marie Connor was born the youngest of seven on a family farm in Bridport, Vermont and spent her youth trying to do everything her older siblings did. Whether it was hockey, softball, football, basketball, or driving the farm equipment, Erin would not be left behind. She could climb the silo faster and was tractor safe at the youngest age. She followed her sisters into national speech/oratorical contests and spoke to a crowd of 5,000 when she was eight years old. Undaunted by the size of the crowd, Erin grabbed the microphone and spoke about her family, her farm, and lessons about life she had learned there. When she turned ten she sat squeezed between siblings on the couch when two future dreams emerged.  [ more ]

Lessons Learned In Clay Meet Bristol Artist Matlakwauhtli “Matlak" Mayforth
By Cookie Steponaitis
Raised by parents who encouraged creative thought and resourcefulness, Matlak grew up in Burlington, Vermont and made her first piece of pottery in 1976. A production potter for many years, Matlak sought the balance that most artists do between following passion for creating and earning a living. While she has continued to produce her own pieces;  her works sell in galleries including Frog Hollow in Burlington and Art on Main in Bristol, providence intervened eighteen years ago when a unique job opportunity opened up through the Bristol Recreation Department.  [ more ]