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Shopping small helps us all – VTDigger

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Shopping small helps us all – VTDigger


This holiday season, where will you shop? Vermont is fortunate in its diverse array of local businesses that bring gifting opportunities for the whole family. 

Coffee, beer, cheese, toys, clothing — the list goes on and on. 

So why should you opt for Vermont businesses versus the “big box” this season? 

Because when you buy from within the community, you know who makes the product. You know their names, their kids’ names, their dogs’ names. And you know they put their heart and soul into their businesses; you see it in their eyes. 

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The Vermont Economic Development Authority, now in its 50th year, sees their passion, too. Through VEDA’s range of financing programs, spanning from energy to agriculture, locals with a plan and a dream have the unique opportunity to work with loan officers who care — borrowers time and time again say that the relationship they have with the VEDA staff is what makes the experience special. 

This full-circle system allows you to feel good about supporting locals, and knowing that VEDA supports them, too. During the holidays this is especially important. 

Here are a few folks who just might top your gifting lists this year: 

The Apple Barn & Country Bake Shop 

For owner Sarah Albright, apples may be in the name, but they’re just the … core… of the business. And VEDA has helped plant the seeds to help her grow in Bennington. 

“Seeing the joy on people’s faces as they explore the shop and knowing that I am keeping a piece of local history alive is what keeps me going,” she said. “This place is not just about selling apples; it’s about fostering a sense of togetherness and supporting our community every step of the way.” 

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Country store interior with shelves displaying snacks, mugs, canned goods, and various products. Wooden barrels and rustic decor create a cozy atmosphere.

Old Brick Store 

From tinned fish to wine and spirits, books to snazzy olive oil, the Old Brick Store will have something for everyone on this year’s list. 

That was the point, for owner Jolene Kao. Growing up in her family’s restaurant, she says the personal connections and friendships made, inspiring her to grow the gathering space and bring about a comfortable, cozy and tasty spot for lunch and more — in a space that, through VEDA financing, she now owns.

Queen City Footwear 

Who doesn’t love a fresh pair of shoes? The care and attention that owner Matt Renna and his staff put into each pair is a testament to the quality of the end result. 

From the Vermont House Shoe to high-end, hand-made sneaker loved ones will be psyched to get a locally dreamed gift. 

Renna’s vision and VEDA’s place in the Vermont business community meshed well, he said, resulting in what can only be called a perfect pair. 

“I felt like VEDA’S mission and our mission were completely aligned,” he said. “We’re trying to build a manufacturing operation and keep it here in Vermont; we’re looking to create jobs and grow something that’s bigger than just our products. It’s something that is really rooted in the community.”

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Vermont

Here are five places to ice skate in Vermont this winter

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Here are five places to ice skate in Vermont this winter


How to see a reindeer in Vermont

Vermont Reindeer Farm in West Charleston is home to the only three reindeer, or caribou, living in the state. Here’s what it’s like to visit them.

Looking for ways to enjoy the rest of the cold New England winter?

While staying indoors often seems better than facing the cold, the region has lots of outdoor activities that brighten the winter season, including skiing, snow tubing and, of course, ice skating. From Burlington to Stratton, Vermont has plenty of indoor and outdoor ice rinks, many of which offer lessons, concessions and special events in addition to ice skating.

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Here are five places in Vermont where you can go ice skating this winter.

Spruce Peak Village Ice Rink

This outdoor ice rink is located in the heart of the village at Spruce Peak, a ski resort in Stowe formerly known as Stowe Mountain Lodge.

Guests can skate daily surrounded by the majestic ski slopes of the Green Mountains. On Friday nights, the Spruce Peak Village ice rink hosts glow skate parties with a light show, glow sticks and a live DJ. Skate rentals and lessons are also available for purchase.

When: Noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday or noon to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday

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Where: Spruce Peak, 7412 Mountain Road, Stowe

Ice Haus Arena

Located up at Jay Peak Resort near the Canadian border, Ice Haus Arena is the newest ice-skating arena in the state. The indoor rink is complete with bleacher seating, a rental and repair shop, four locker rooms, a pro shop, a snack bar and of course, an NHL-sized rink where guests can participate in public skating or skating with sticks and pucks.

General admission to the rink is $6, with skate rentals available for $6, skate sharpening available for $7 and helmets available for $3.

When: Online schedule updated daily

Where: Jay Peak Resort, 830 Jay Peak Road, Jay

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C. Douglas Cairns Recreation Arena

This indoor arena has not one, but two NHL-size ice rinks for hockey, public skating and stick and puck practices. Off the ice, Cairns Arena also offers a pro shop and a cafe with hot food, snacks and drinks.

Skating at Cairns costs $5 for adults or $3 for children and seniors, and skates are available to rent for an additional $5.

When: 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Thursday, with exceptions. Check the online schedule at cairnsarena.finnlyconnect.com..

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Where: 600 Swift St., South Burlington

Mill House at Stratton Mountain Resort

Surrounded by the scenic Stratton Mountain Resort, Mill House Pond is the perfect outdoor spot for public ice skating or skating lessons.

Public skating costs $20, and bookings can be made online.

When: Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday or noon to 6 p.m. Thursday-Friday and Sunday-Monday

Where: Stratton Mountain Resort, 5 Village Lodge Road, Stratton Mountain

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Riley Rink at Hunter Park

A large indoor sports facility, Northshore Civic Center has an Olympic-sized ice rink, along with a concession stand and retail shop. The rink offers public skating, stick and puck practice, hockey and skating lessons.

When: Check the online schedule for weekly updates

Where: 410 Hunter Park Road, Manchester Center



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Unemployment claims in Vermont increased last week

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Unemployment claims in Vermont increased last week


Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Vermont rose last week compared with the week prior, the U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday.

New jobless claims, a proxy for layoffs, increased to 375 in the week ending February 21, up from 357 the week before, the Labor Department said.

U.S. unemployment claims rose to 212,000 last week, up 4,000 claims from 208,000 the week prior on a seasonally adjusted basis.

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Rhode Island saw the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, with claims jumping by 132.0%. Michigan, meanwhile, saw the largest percentage drop in new claims, with claims dropping by 49.9%.

USA TODAY Co. is publishing localized versions of this story on its news sites across the country, generated with data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s weekly unemployment insurance claims report.



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Vermont high school sports scores, results, stats for Thursday, Feb. 26

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Vermont high school sports scores, results, stats for Thursday, Feb. 26


The 2025-2026 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.

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Contact Judith Altneu at JAltneu@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter: @Judith_Altneu.

THURSDAY’S H.S. GAMES (REGULAR SEASON)

Boys basketball

Games at 7 p.m. unless noted

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

Northfield at Stowe

Hazen at U-32

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Oxbow at BFA-Fairfax

Winooski at Middlebury

Watch Vermont high school games on NFHS Network

Mount Mansfield at South Burlington

Essex at St. Johnsbury

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BFA-St. Albans at Colchester

Lamoille at Spaulding

Lyndon at Harwood

Williamstown at Twinfield/Cabot

Rice at Champlain Valley

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Randolph at Montpelier

Lake Region at Thetford

(Subject to change)





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