Vermont

Frank Hoffman: Happy 45th Birthday, Vermont Public Radio

Published

2 years ago

August 9, 2022

Frank Hoffman: Happy 45th Birthday, Vermont Public Radio

This commentary is by Frank Hoffman, who produces audio and video content material for varied channels and is a fundraising marketing consultant for nonprofits throughout the nation. He lives on the base of Mount Ascutney, the place he enjoys VPR’s sturdy HD sign from the mountaintop.

I do know, I do know, my favourite radio community is now referred to as Vermont Public. Whether or not you just like the branding change or not, we Vermonters have to really feel happy with the various achievements this small statewide community has achieved within the final 45 years.

It’s a time for celebration and private recollection for me. VPR signed on the air on Aug. 13, 1977. I used to be one of many unique staffers and loved each minute of my seven years there. Effectively, virtually each minute. What I bear in mind can actually be disputed, however although I could not make it to the 50-year get together, I can be pleased about my beginnings at VPR, which helped me all through my skilled life.

As I ponder my private celebration of this startup, I’ve excessive admiration for the individuals who noticed that the state wanted public radio and did one thing about it. Vermont Public TV had been on the air since 1967, and was already firmly established within the Vermont tapestry, although for many individuals in southern Vermont, choosing it up off air was a problem.

The plan was that VPR was not going to be affiliated with Vermont PBS (till now), or with the College of Vermont, or the state, like many public radio stations are on this nation. VPR was a “group licensee,” which carried with it the burden of elevating the cash wanted to pay the payments and adjust to FCC laws. Hats off to the founders who had the center and imaginative and prescient to carry VPR to the Inexperienced Mountains.

Qualifying for federal grant cash by way of the Company for Public Broadcasting was the one method to go, and the founders had been in a position to be a part of the CPB Enlargement Program. The NPR system was in a development spurt.

I admit that getting this place at VPR was sheer luck. I used to be residing in New York, working on the American Place Theater and workshopping a play of mine. Weekends I’d escape again to my dwelling in Tunbridge, normally by Amtrak. I needed to be in NYC, however I actually needed to have the ability to work and stay in Vermont.

My girlfriend on the time had clipped an advert from a newspaper that mentioned, “Radio Producers Wished.” I do not suppose I knew what a producer was however utilized anyway. I used to be registered with the Vermont Council on the Arts as a playwright, and the 2 marketed positions can be funded by way of the council and a Complete Employment and Coaching Act grant. There was a part of the act put aside for artists, and I believe that that is how the funding occurred to get producers for VPR. I will always remember Fonda Siegel on the council who was in a position to make this occur.

I utilized for the place of “spoken phrase producer,” however at my interview I used to be instructed that place had been stuffed, however did I understand how to learn music? requested Betty Smith, this system director, who interviewed me whereas Ray Dilley, one of many founders and the overall supervisor, sat again and listened. I instructed Betty that I learn music, had performed in my highschool orchestra, a rock band or two, and beloved music — every kind! She nodded. Ray had picked up a name, and I thanked them each and walked out from what was my very first interview for any form of job apart from restaurant work and carpentry.

The next week I received a name from Betty saying that I received the job. All I might say was, “You picked me?” I could not consider it. Afterward, I realized that I used to be the final one on the listing of interviewees of some 200 candidates for the 2 CETA positions. The spoken phrase producer employed was Frank Anthony, a poet and author who lived in Chelsea. We made plans to commute to Windsor in Frank’s VW on daily basis to start our new jobs.

We had voice coaching, respiratory workouts, and digital coaching on the best way to run the board, tape recorders, cartridge machines, and the best way to learn a log and take care of visitors: Tapes coming in and going out. I had one of the best coaching at VPR from Steve Robinson, the event director on the time, who had years of radio expertise. He additionally beloved pitching throughout the fundraising marathons and taught me an ideal deal that served me on the different stations the place I labored.

The primary present on the air I consider was the British import “The Goon Present,” adopted by “Saturday Afternoon on the Opera.” You’ll want to know that this was pre-satellite, so the packages had been both despatched by way of the mail on reel-to-reel tapes or had been being consumed telephone traces. “All Issues Thought of” and “Morning Version” got here to us that means till satellite tv for pc connections occurred in 1980.

I used to be on the air weekdays from 7 till 10 p.m., taking part in the few classical music recordings within the library. Oh, how I butchered the classical names of the composers and the European conductors. I did not know sufficient to be embarrassed. Steve can be listening at dwelling and in his light means would educate me on the right pronunciations. Studying by doing appeared to be how this coaching was going to develop.

What actually sounded one of the best was stay programming from Windsor Studios. This was probably not like group radio, the place producers carry to the air what they like — people, blues, jazz, classical, poetry. We had been educated to comply with format, and VPR was a classical station. LPs sounded nice by way of the brand new system on radios at dwelling and in automobiles.

To me, this was one of the best job going, although the annual wage was about $8,000. There was earned trip time, however no retirement packages. Ah, sure, the great ole days in broadcasting. It was a good time to be at VPR as a result of there was some freedom. Freedom of concepts, or creating ideas, or taking a threat or two.

The primary collaboration with NPR introduced producers to Windsor to assist prepare us in the best way to inform a narrative in audio phrases. “Maple Syrup” was the primary half-hour particular that “All Issues Thought of” ran. However there have been others.

I produced “Portrait of a Rural Symphony” with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra performing Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Widespread Man” with Gov. Richard Snelling narrating. This was at Hopkins Middle in Hanover, New Hampshire, and Maestro Copland was in attendance. Deborah Amos and Fred Calland labored with me to get this 15-minute piece on the community.

I additionally produced a two-hour particular for Folks Competition USA on Canadian conventional music, and there have been quite a few collaborations with WGBH in Boston producing music from the White Mountains Music Competition with Gerard Schwarz and Gunther Schuller.

I additionally produced quick options on the Jose Orozco Murals at Dartmouth and contributed efficiency recordings of Vermonters and visiting musicians to the long-defunct program “The Sunday Present.” And let’s not overlook Midsummer, Vermont’s first statewide people pageant at Shelburne Farms.

This was simply a number of the work that was completed within the early years that led to seven grants from the Nationwide Endowment for the Arts for my audio productions. I additionally served on the evaluate panel for radio manufacturing.

After 45 years, I believe it’s acceptable to recollect how small beginnings develop into bigger alternatives. I do know this was the case for me. After VPR, I went on to boost $250,000 to provide, market and host a weekly program referred to as “U.S. Ear: The New Music Overview.” This journal program dropped at the air digital music, efficiency artwork, found-sound, criticism and commentary utilizing a bunch of impartial producers throughout the nation. It gained a Company for Public Broadcasting award for programming “innovation and audio excellence.” I met my co-producer, David Moss, a vocalist/percussionist from Marlboro who performed within the VPR studios in Windsor.

There have been many firsts in that studio, together with the primary stay broadcast of the Synclavier, an digital keyboard instrument developed by composer and digital music pioneer Jon Appleton. I am unable to overlook to say a efficiency on my Friday afternoon program, “Audio Recordsdata for the Compleat Eclectic,” by Allen Ginsberg and Peter Orlovsky. They sang tunes from Ginsberg’s “Birdbrain” album, learn some poems, and took calls from the viewers.

I used to be an impartial producer for 3 years after which went on to affix my previous good friend and mentor, Steve Robinson, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to be the assistant community supervisor of Nebraska Public Radio. The community was just some years previous and did some native programming, together with a nightly information program. I used to be in a position to be a supervisor however saved my hand in producing. I gained three Related Press awards, a Gabriel Award for a sequence of options on little one abuse and incest, and created a 12-part sequence of Willa Cather’s “My Antonia.”

I pitched Steve on breaking format and taking part in the packages back-to-back with just a few musical interludes and station breaks, after all. He mentioned sure and we had a memorable Dec. 7, 1994, radio occasion. Steve went on to do many of those specials on the Nebraska Public Radio Community.

I went on to be basic supervisor of the statewide radio community in West Virginia, producers of the nationally syndicated “Mountain Stage.” Steve went on to have a stellar profession because the CEO and president of WFMT in Chicago. The irony is that Ray Dilley, our previous boss at Vermont Public Radio, finally took Steve’s place on the Nebraska Public Radio Community. He handed away in Lincoln.

The second irony is that Scott Finn, the present CEO of Vermont Public (VPR and Vermont PBS), was the CEO and govt director of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, the place I used to be the overall supervisor of radio for 5 years.

I’m comfortable that VPR has thrived for the final 45 years. In my time with public radio, creativity was key, and it was not at all times straightforward to be heard. Sound high quality was additionally important.

Now it appears anybody who can communicate can have a podcast. Supply of content material has modified within the final 4 and one-half many years, and that could be a good factor. I consider it is also good to have a good time the previous when acceptable and study from one’s errors.

VPR gave me a lot. I do know the community continues and can proceed to provide and ship many inventive, distinctive, tales. Radio succeeds in giving the listener a method to join personally to points and to different folks. Concepts are within the air and it’s as much as us to achieve out and seize them and make them into radio packages, what else?

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Vermont

7 Best Lakeside Towns in Vermont

Published

4 hours ago

January 11, 2025

Press Room

Vermont, the Green Mountain State, is known for its mountain ranges, which tourists can appreciate at popular parks, such as Smuggler’s Notch State Park. However, with over 800 lakes in the state, you can’t discount the plentiful water bodies available for recreation. Vermont is a haven of nature with lakes such as Arrowhead Mountain Lake, Lake Memphremagog, and Lake Champlain, which are tourist and resident favorites due to their historical legends and thrilling water activities. This state is filled with more beautiful lakes and communities by the water than you can imagine, from the shire town of Newport to the historic terrains of Whitingham. Discover the best lakeside towns to visit in Vermont on your next vacation.

Shelburne

Ticonderoga was a steamboat served on Lake Champlain in 19th century in Shelburne, Vermont. Image credit Wangkun Jia via Shutterstock

Shelburne is one of Vermont’s most visited locations, just seven miles to the south of Burlington. It is set along the shores of Lake Champlain and got its name as a form of tribute to a great British Parliamentarian and Prime Minister, William Petty, 2nd Earl of Shelburne. The community is known for its early agricultural enterprise before diversifying into shipping following the War of 1812. The Shelburne Museum documents the events of the war and other happenings that shaped the area’s development. It also houses thousands of decorative items, steamboats, and carriages that paint a vivid picture of its past.

Stroll in the cool of the day to Shelburne Farms, where you can find much more information about the storied agricultural essence that formed Shelburne. The Farmer’s Market is just a short walk away, and the same goes for Shelburne Vineyards and Orchards, which supply the Farmer’s Market. To get close views of Lake Champlain, take a trip to Shelburne Town Beach, where you can enjoy evening strolls and picnics. Hike across the Shelburne Bay Park hiking area to get more scenic views of the creek.

Whitingham

Whitingham outwits you with all its charm, from its lakeside views to its serene outdoors. It is known as the birthplace of Brigham Young, the second president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, who was born in 1801. The community has a monument erected to this effect, the Brigham Young Monument.

The atmosphere that envelopes Whitingham is truly lovely, and there are opportunities to get a whiff of the natural environment. Take the historic tour for an eye-opening experience. What is even more interesting about the historic tour is that you can take it by car or bike. Learn more about Whitingham at the Whitingham Historical Society before taking a hike at the Catamount Trail.

Fairfield

Fairfield is a brimming lakeside community on Fairfield Pond lake with a rich heritage. It is a 446-acre body of water on the northwest of Fairfield. The Fairfield area is known as the birthplace of Chester A. Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, Fairfield celebrates its presidential legacy at the Chester A. Arthur Historic Site. This preserved homestead offers visitors insight into the life of one of America’s lesser-known leaders and the region’s history during the mid-19th century.

The Fairfield Community Center, housed in a 19th-century school building, is another noteworthy site. It reflects the town’s enduring dedication to community engagement and historic preservation. For those interested in Vermont’s rural heritage, Fairfield Pond provides a serene escape, surrounded by open fields that are reminiscent of the city’s agricultural roots. Apart from the ancient landmarks, you can also explore natural settings that make the community more fun. These include the Metcalf Pond and the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail.

Charlotte

Along the eastern shores of Lake Champlain, one of Vermont’s picturesque lakeside towns, seizes the attention of many. Charlotte is a quaint Vermont settlement that is rich in historical significance and natural allure. It is perhaps best known for the Charlotte-Essex Ferry, which has connected Vermont to New York since the early 19th century, with breathtaking views of the water and the Adirondack Mountains. Charlotte’s history is documented at the Old Brick Store, a famed general store that has served as a community hub since 1853 and continues to provide locally crafted goods and treats.

The agricultural economy that once shaped Charlotte is still very much alive. Philo Ridge Farm and Adam’s Berry Farm are two of the most popular, and they serve local produce to the market. The farms are quite serene and are maintained by very hospitable families who are willing to indulge in conversations about Charlotte’s early days. While you are out, be sure to check out Mount Philo State Park. The park has a reputation that speaks for itself. It is Vermont’s oldest state park, and you can also enjoy stunning views of the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain. The spaces are equipped with benches and rails where you can just unwind and take pictures while enjoying the view.

Newport

Newport is a unique settlement in Vermont. Although it is located on the shores of Lake Memphremagog, Newport is the shire town of Orleans County with the second largest population in the county with just over 4,000 people and also has the smallest geographical area in the county (19.68 square kilometers).

The community’s crown jewel, the Goodrich Memorial Library, is a stunning example of Victorian Gothic architecture and a repository of ancient information. Visitors can explore its intricate design and learn about Newport’s cultural heritage through its archives.

Lake Memphremagog itself is steeped in legend, with tales of Memphré, the creek’s mythical creature, adding an air of mystery. Waterfront attractions like the Gateway Center celebrate the river’s significance, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the scenic vistas and hiking trails along the Beebe Spur Rail Trail and the Prouty Beach and Campground.

Addison

If you are wondering what early New England life felt like, then you need to add Addison to your list of lakeside Vermont places to visit. Addison greets you with New England charm and a whole lot of options on where to tour. The city’s crown jewel is the Chimney Point State Historic Site, located where Lake Champlain narrows at the Crown Point Bridge. This site highlights the area’s significance during the French and Indian War and its role in early European settlement.

Snake Mountain Trail is always a point of interest for travelers because of its picturesque setting and location, and it is easily accessible to all. The trail is flanked by trees that cover hikers from the sun and form a beautiful picture backdrop of leaf canopies. It is good for evening strolls and hangouts. Additionally, the D.A.R. State Park is a great spot for wildlife and nature lovers. The park has open spaces for picnics and extensive hiking trails, and its proximity to the lake makes it ideal for water and winter sports. The reflection of trees on the waters creates a picture-perfect view and allows for a connection to Vermont’s natural heritage.

Ferrisburgh

Ferrisburgh is near Lake Champlain, Little Otter Creek, and Kingsland Bay, which makes a no-brainer when mentioning the best lakeside town in Vermont. Founded in 1762, Ferrisburgh is steeped in history and complemented by commercial landmarks.

Rokeby Museum, the most documented underground railroad and also a National Historic Landmark, stands as a poignant reminder of Vermont’s abolitionist movement and its role in the Underground Railroad. The museum’s preserved buildings and exhibits give an intimate look at the lives of the Robinson family, who championed social justice causes. Dakin Farm is another attraction with cultural significance. It is a family-owned, multi-generational business that has been running since 1792. Visitors will enjoy a trip to Kingsland Bay State Park, where they can spend the afternoons just chilling or having great conversations in a nice and cozy environment.

Whether you are visiting to learn more about the famed stories of Shelburne or exploring history at Fairfield, Vermont is replete with attractions that can help you declutter and feel at ease. Each area has its own heritage, creating diversity at every turn, from the pristine waters of its lakes to the picturesque backdrop of its parks. Vermont caters to the feelings of every traveler and creates a wonderful experience for anyone looking to relish the charm of a lakeside town.

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Vermont

Vermont H.S. sports scores for Saturday, Jan. 11: See how your favorite team fared

Published

13 hours ago

January 11, 2025

Press Room

Vermont H.S. sports scores for Saturday, Jan. 11: See how your favorite team fared

The 2024-2025 Vermont high school winter season has begun. See below for scores, schedules and game details (statistical leaders, game notes) from basketball, hockey, gymnastics, wrestling, Nordic/Alpine skiing and other winter sports.

TO REPORT SCORES

Coaches or team representatives are asked to report results ASAP after games by emailing sports@burlingtonfreepress.com. Please submit with a name/contact number.

►Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter:@aabrami5.

►Contact Judith Altneu at jaltneu@gannett.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter: @Judith_Altneu.

SATURDAY, JAN. 11

Boys basketball

Games at 2:30 p.m. unless noted

Hartford at Middlebury, 12:30 p.m.

Missisquoi at Lake Region, 1:30 p.m.

Milton at BFA-St. Albans

Williamstown at Northfield, 6:30 p.m.

Girls basketball

Games at 2:30 p.m. unless noted

Danville at Winooski, 11 a.m.

Spaulding at Milton, 11:30 a.m.

Mount Mansfield at Colchester, 12:30 p.m.

Otter Valley at Mount Abraham, 12:30 p.m.

Montpelier at Stowe, 1 p.m.

Richford at Enosburg

Peoples at Twinfield/Cabot

Brattleboro at South Burlington

Burr and Burton at Champlain Valley

Rutland at St. Johnsbury

Williamstown at BFA-Fairfax, 3:30 p.m.

Boys hockey

Essex at Hartford, 2 p.m.

Burlington at U-32, 2:30 p.m.

Mount Mansfield at St. Johnsbury, 3 p.m.

Milton vs North Country at Jay Peak, 4 p.m.

Harwood at Stowe, 4:15 p.m.

South Burlington at Champlain Valley, 4:45 p.m.

Brattleboro at Woodstock, 6:45 p.m.

Rice at Burr and Burton, 7 p.m.

Spaulding at Middlebury, 7 p.m.

Rutland at Colchester, 7:30 p.m.

Girls hockey

Spaulding at Rutland, 11 a.m.

Woodstock at Brattleboro, 4:45 p.m.

Harwood at Burr and Burton, 5 p.m.

Rice at Burlington/Colchester, 5 p.m.

Stowe at Middlebury, 5 p.m.

Essex at BFA-St. Albans, 7 p.m.

U-32 at Kingdom Blades, 7 p.m.

Gymnastics

Harwood at Burlington, 2 p.m.

Montpelier, St. Johnsbury at South Burlington, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling

Michael J. Baker Classic at Essex

MONDAY, JAN. 13

Boys basketball

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

Randolph at North Country, 6:30 p.m.

Harwood at U-32

Winooski at Twinfield/Cabot

Northfield at Milton

Brattleboro at Champlain Valley

Thetford at Williamstown

Oxbow at Hazen

Girls basketball

Vergennes at BFA-Fairfax, 7 p.m.

Essex at Burlington, 7:30 p.m.

(Subject to change)

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Vermont

Scott’s plan to cut school spending worries some educators

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2025

Press Room

Scott’s plan to cut school spending worries some educators

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont educators are leery of plans from Gov. Phil Scott to control costs in Vermont’s education system. In Thursday’s inaugural address, Scott pitched sweeping plans to rein in spending which has led to skyrocketing property tax rates.

Last year, one-third of Vemont’s school budgets failed and voters sent more Republicans to Montpelier in years in what some dubbed a tax revolt.

Democrats say everything should be on the table to fix the tax troubles, but some in the education community remain wary.

In his address, the governor outlined a multiyear plan to overhaul how we fund public schools and rein in the cost of spending which has skyrocketed to $2.3 billion.

“In too many districts, teachers aren’t paid enough, administrators are tied up in bureaucracy, schools have too much empty space and many are in disrepair,” said Scott, R-Vermont.

He proposes consolidating dozens of school districts and supervisory unions, putting guardrails on local school spending and completely rewriting the school funding formula with the aim of cutting back on staff and the 80% of school costs that go to wages and benefits.

But some in Vermont’s education community see it another way.

“We have to be clear what is the problem we’re trying to solve. We’re not spending too much money in public education; we’re having a difficult time funding it,” said Don Tinney the executive director of the Vermont NEA.

The Vermont teachers union contends the state has enough taxing capacity to fund schools and students’ complex needs. But they say the state should instead fund schools through state and income tax instead of a property tax.

“We believe the income tax is the fairest way of doing that because people are paying what they can afford to pay,” Tinney said.

As for the funding formula, Scott argues more affluent towns that can afford higher property taxes spend more and approve their local budgets, which drives up costs in the statewide education fund.

“Those higher spenders can actually increase the rates of those districts whose kids and teachers are getting less,” Scott said.

The governor is expected to introduce a formula where districts are paid a flat rate and any additional spending would have to be raised locally.

But some worry that will lead to inequitable opportunities for kids.

“There are states that use foundation formulas to keep poor people poor and drive down public education costs and allow for more opportunities for private schools and school choice schemes. I can’t see Vermont allowing that to happen,” said Jay Nichols of the Vermont Principals’ Association.

Vermonters are still staring down a 6% property tax increase if school budgets as drafted pass on Town Meeting Day.

Scott says in the weeks ahead, he will unveil ideas to hold taxpayers harmless and keep taxes flat.

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