GNAT-TV: Recent Episodes
GNAT-TV
We talked with with Randi Lowe about the future of the Taconic and Green for Elementary and Middle Schools.
Susan Clark is a writer, educator and the town moderator of Middlesex, Vt. She co-authored a book titled “Slow Democracy” which dives into the subject of what makes local democracy work.
Neighborhood Connections and the Stratton foundation are two local nonprofit organizations who’ve been working together to help those impacted by the flooding that occurred on July 10. We talk with Nicole Wengerd of Neighborhood connections, and Patti Komline of the […]
Michael Pieciak is Vermont’s state treasurer. We discuss a range of issues – the economic fallout of the recent flooding, Vermont’s financial condition, navigating the pandemic years, and more. Thank you to ORCA Media for sharing the Press Conference clip […]
Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas, State Senator Brian Campion and BBA student Chris Alfano discuss the need for civic education in schools and beyond.
Title: Story Time Returns to Dorset Story time returned to the Dorset Village Library with drag performers Anita Cocktail and Mama Dukes, who read and entertained a full house to visitors. Title: Vermont Exhibit Opens At SVAC “For The […]
Title: For The Love Of Vermont An art exhibit of works by Vermont-based artists from the collection of Lyman Orton will be on display at both the Bennington Museum and Southern Vermont Art Center starting in July. The works present iconic […]
We explore the latest news and stories out of Brattleboro and Windham county with these two experienced reporters.
Recent reports from the CDC and elsewhere suggest rising levels of anxiety and depression among teens and young adults. Our panel of three local mental health professionals explores the situation.
We unpack the term “artificial intelligence” and explore what it is, and then discuss some of the upsides and potential downsides of this technology.
State Representatives David Durfee and Mike Rice discuss the recent legislative session and an upcoming veto override session scheduled to start on June 20. They discuss several bills passed by the statehouse and others they will have to muster enough votes to […]
We discuss a range of topics and legislative actions the Vermont Legislature worked on during this past session, which isn’t over yet – a veto-override session is planned for later in June that will determine the fate of several policy […]
We explore the question of housing shortages and a piece of legislation passed during this year’s session that points towards alleviating the shortage of affordable and mid-range housing with a panel of three guests who have examined this question closely.
Community Conversation A second “Community Conversation” was held at the Bennington Museum, following up an earlier one held at the Manchester Community Library last February. The conversations are an opportunity for arts and nonprofits organizations to meet, discuss and trade […]
Scott Murphy became Manchester’s Town Manager shortly after town meeting this past March. We discuss issues and opportunities facing the town as he begins his tenure in office.
Food Cupboard Seeks Support The Community Food Cupboard in Manchester is struggling to offset rising food costs and a scaling back of other programs that were helping their customers. Even though the pandemic has eased considerably, demand for their services […]
Title: Cell Tower Proposal Gets Negative Reception
A proposal to build a 140-foot tall cell tower near downtown Manchester got a chilly reception at a public meeting held on May 2. But the concept may be modified, and the state’s Public Utility Commission will be the final determinant.
Title: Lincoln Hall LaunchedA ceremony marking the foundation of Lincoln Hall, which when finished in May, 2024, will be an event space for Hildene’s educational and special events, was held on Monday, May 8.Title: Cutting The ‘Flibbon’Vermont Flannel and Vermont Teddy Bear have opened a new store in Manchester to partner with selling their wares.Title: wilmington StrongWilmington was badly flooded by Tropical Storm Irene back in August 2011, but like other resilient communities, came back from the disaster. We continue our series on communities that bounce back from adversity, economic, natural disaster, or otherwise, and how that happens.
We talk with Ed Surjan, the Executive Director of the Manchester Community Library, about book titles that get challenged, the proposal to trim libraries at Vermont State University, and public libraries evolving into community centers.
Andrew McKeever discusses the debt ceiling standoff, political polarization and working across the aisle in Congress, and prospects for rural America with Sen. Peter Welch.
Title: Booktopia Returns
Booktopia – the meetup of authors and readers – will be coming back to the Northshire Bookstore on May 5th and 6th.Title: Food Hub AdvancesA food hub or center may be coming soon to Bennington and Bennington County, where local farmers, food producers, and retailers can join forces to local consumers more choices.Title: Manchester Sewer Project AdvancesA contract was awarded to a construction firm that will build an extension of Manchester’s sewer system, considered a vital piece of infrastructure that town leaders hope will help more housing in Manchester.Title: Driving The BusSchool bus drivers are needed, and for those who have the flexibility of working split shifts, it can be an interesting job.
An Earth Day Fair will be held at Manchester’s Town Hall on April 22, with booths and exhibits about how to save on energy costs, and sponsored by local energy committees.
Carl Bucholt, Bekah KusterMAT Services Now Available – MAT – or medication assisted treatment – services will now be coming to the United Counseling Service in Bennington to help combat opioid use disorder.Never Too Late To Tech – A group of seniors are busting through the digital divide and learning how to use all those devices like phones and tablets that just seemed confusing before. A class being offered at the Manchester Community Library is helping them on the journey.From Sumatra To Vermont – From the far western tip of Sumatra, an island that’s part of Indonesia, an international student, Sheza, shares her home culture and takes in a new one while studying at Long Trail School in Dorset.
Education Secretary Daniel French and Board of Education Chairwoman Jennifer Samuelson discuss current issues in education in Vermont, including the question of tuition payments to independent schools.
Legislative Update At Chamber Breakfast: Members of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce gathered at the Dorset Inn on Feb. 27 to hear from several area legislators describe some of the bills they have been working on or following closely during the current legislative session.
Taconic & Green Holds Annual Meeting: The Taconic & Green Regional School District held its annual meeting on February 28, just prior to Town Meeting voting, with a question over how public tax dollars will be allowed in the future to fund tuition costs at independent schools.
Behind The Scenes At The Forum: Theater productions get a lift from their set designs. At Burr and Burton Academy, set construction and rehearsals are paving the way for opening night of their next show “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum,” which opens on March 14.
Manchester Town Meeting Returns: In-person town meeting returned to Manchester on Saturday, March 4, where more than 100 voters converged on the MEMS gym to discuss the proposed town budget and several other warned articles. On Tuesday, voters returned to the polls, re-electing Select Board chairman Ivan Beattie and supporting financial requests from the Manchester Community Library and the Northshire Day School.
Londonderry Town Meeting Returns: Voters in Londonderry approved a local option tax for rooms, agreed to take part in a five-town recreation consortium, approved purchasing a new firetruck and got back inside their historic town hall building for an old-fashioned town meeting on Town Meeting Day.
Heat Pumps 101: Heat pumps are getting a lot of attention as a climate-friendly way to heat and cool homes and buildings. We explain how they work and what they do.
Food Services Still Critical: The Covid pandemic may seem like its fading into history, but food insecurity is still an issue for many Vermonters. The Vermont Food Bank and the Manchester Food Cupboard are staying busy helping to meet those needs.
Towns Gear Up For Reappraisals: Towns are seeing a growing disparity between appraised and fair market values of property parcels, prompting a need to conduct reappraisals to town records. But there’s a hitch – there aren’t enough qualified appraisers.
Clickers, Makers, Robots: A tech challenge looms on Feb. 11 – to see who can make the best robot at picking up cups and lowering them onto poles. The Bennington area Cookie Clickers and the Manchester Machine Makers are two teams that will be taking part in an annual statewide “cooperatition” to find out.
Winhall Readies For Town Meeting: Winhall voters will return to The Mountain School for their traditional, in-person, vote-from-the-floor town meeting. School and town budgets, plus local elections, are on the docket.
Local Representatives Mike Rice, David Durfee, Kathleen James, and Seth Bongartz, join us to discuss issues and priorities for the upcoming legislative session.
Music For All Ages: Taconic Music not only performs concerts, but also has a wide ranging instructional program for young musicians who are on their way up.
Dorset Preps Town Meeting Budget: Town Meeting season is approaching, and select boards and town governments are putting the finishing touches on the budgets they will be submitting to voters. We look at what Dorset’s voters will be reviewing.
Budget Season Arrives At T&G: The Taconic & Green Regional School District got its first in-depth look at the proposed budget for the coming fiscal year. Further adjustments are possible over the next month as the board moves to finalize the budget proposal for voters to endorse.
A House Grows In Londonderry: Affordable and workforce housing is in short supply in Londonderry and the mountain towns, as it is elsewhere in Vermont, but a small group of volunteers is hoping to chip away at that problem, one home at a time.
State Officials Make ARPA Visit: State officials converged on the Manchester Community Library for a well-attended discussion with local residents and officials about the federal revenues that are available to spend on local projects that are deemed priorities.
Remember The Flu?: Flu season has arrived, and flu shots are available. After a couple of years of Covid, it’s a good idea to get one, says Dr. Anje Van Berckelaer of the Battenkill Valley Health Center.
Garden Club Gets The Spirit Going: The Manchester Garden Club held its annual work party to make wreaths and other decorations to help ready the community for the holiday season.
Holiday Inn Tour Returns: The annual holiday inn tour of local lodging establishments is returning on Dec. and Dec. 10, part of the “Manchester Merriment” celebration of the holidays.
Cordwood And Clean Heat: Cordwood gasification is another avenue to clean heating that lowers carbon emissions – one area business in Dorset has just installed one of these systems.
Red Fox Makes Tracks: The Red Fox Community School has moved to a new home by the Rail Trail in Manchester, and emphasizes a different kind of learning. Cordwood And Clean Heat: Cordwood gasification is another avenue to clean heating […]
Jim Sullivan and Bill Colvin, of the Bennington County Regional Commission (BCRC), join us to discuss the BCRC’s purview and transfer of leadership.
Election Day 2022: Election Day arrived, and voters headed to the polls, or mailed in ballots. Local and statewide races were decided.
Making Resilient Communities: Why do some towns thrive while others merely survive. We hear from two top planning and development leaders to learn more about that. Guests: Ted Brady, Executive Director, Vermont League of Cities and Towns, and Lee Krohn, […]
Housing Forum Held In Manchester: A housing forum held in Manchester brought state and local officials together – along with a large crowd of local residents – to discuss how to create more housing in town. Artificial Intelligence – From […]
Climate Conversation: A gathering of climate and energy activists was held at the Manchester Community Library on October 18, to learn about what local energy committees are doing as well as the bigger statewide picture. Londonderry To Launch housing Survey: […]
Four area members of the millennial generation talk about their hopes, concerns, and finding their way forward.
An advocate for the passage of Article 22, which would enshrine reproductive liberties into the state constitution if passed by voters during the November election, and an opponent of the proposed amendment, discuss what’s at stake.
New Leadership Arrives At Bookstore: The Northshire Bookstore has a new group of owners and managers – three sisters from Danby. They talk about what drew them to acquiring it and the road ahead.
Time For A Boost: A new booster for the Covid-19 vaccine is here and available. We talk with Health Commissioner Mark Levine to get the update on how things are going. Barn Sale Returns: The Barn Sale is back, with […]
Voting Made Easy: Getting registered to vote, or voting by mail or absentee, is easier than some may think. Dorset Town Clerk Sandra Pinsonault walks us through the process. Radically Rural: “Radically Rural,” a conference held for the past five […]
We speak with Rep. Jill Krowinski, the Speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives, about the major issues she sees facing the state going forward. Podcast Produced By GNAT-TV
Susan Allen, Managing Editor, Bennington Banner, and Greg Sukiennik, Reporter, Vermont News & Media, join us to discuss a range of local issues and recent stories as well as politics and upcoming political races both local and statewide. Podcast Produced […]
Lola Duffort, a political reporter for VTDigger, joins us to discuss the recent primary election results and analyze what went on in the voting as the focus now shifts to the general election in November. Podcast Produced By GNAT-TV
We discuss what makes some communities thrive and how post-World War II development patterns didn’t work out as well as hoped in some places, with Daniel Herriges of Strong Towns. Podcast Produced by GNAT-TV
Act 250 – Next Steps An attempt to revise the Act 250 land use and permitting process didn’t make it to the finish line during the past legislative session. A conversation with two state representatives from the Natural Resources Committee […]
Dr. William Mathis is a former superintendent of schools for the Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union, in Brandon, Vermont. He was a National Superintendent of the Year finalist and a Vermont Superintendent of the Year. He also served as Vice-Chair of […]
Jim Kaat was recently inducted into the Baseball Hall Of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, and has written a book, “Good As Gold: My Eight Decades In Baseball.” We talk about all of that and more. Podcast Produced by GNAT-TV
Deeper Into Glastonbury Glastonbury, an “unorganized” town in Bennington County, has its own fascinating history, of ghost towns, a once thriving timber industry, and mysterious disappearances, as well as a great place for a hike to get away from it […]
Sarah Copeland Hanzas is a state representative (Orange-2) who is running in the Democratic Party primary for Secretary of State. Early voting in the primary is now underway — the primary election date is Aug. 9. Podcast produced by GNAT-TV
John Odum is the City Clerk of Montpelier. He is running in the Democratic Party’s primary for Secretary of State, hoping to replace outgoing Secretary James Condos following the November general election. Podcast produced by GNAT-TV
David Zuckerman, the former Lt. Governor and Democratic Party nominee in 2020 for Governor, is a candidate for the Vermont Lt. Governor post in 2022. Podcast Produced by GNAT-TV
Chris Winters is the current Vermont Deputy Secretary of State, and running in the Democratic Party’s primary for its nomination to be its candidate for Secretary of State. We discuss the role of the Secretary of State and his ideas […]
Charity Clark, the Assistant Attorney General for the past seven years, is currently seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination to run for Vermont’s Attorney General during the November elections.
“Marching For Our Lives” In Manchester “Marching For Our Lives” – a movement born out of the Parkland, Fla., shootings in 2018, staged a series of nationwide demonstrations on June 11 to push for gun safety reform in the wake […]
Gawlik Awards Showcase Local Talent: The annual Gawlik Awards showcase the cinematography and video efforts of local students at Burr and Burton Academy while honoring the memory of a former teacher, Brian Gawlik. Pollinate Your Garden: Pollinators like bees and […]
Vision 2020 Advances At SVMC: A multi-million dollar expansion project is underway at the southwestern Vermont Medical Center to enlarge its emergency room and cancer center – and more. VSP Recruitment Tries Something New: The Vermont State Police are trying […]
Cultivating Change At Economic Summit: The annual Southern Vermont Economic Conference at Mt. Snow explored welcoming new Vermonters and embracing change, along with housing shortages during its day-long gathering. Women In Leadership Honored At Luncheon: A luncheon organized by the […]
Past To Present In Arlington: Arlington has a long and interesting history, from Revolutionary times to Norman Rockwell to the present, plus a lot in between. Historian Bill Budde, of the Canfield Memorial Library, explains. Career Possibilities Explored: Dozens of […]
Greg Sukiennik, political reporter for Vermont News and Media, joins us to discuss local and regional headlines. Podcast produced by GNAT-TV Seven (mkmA7) by Mark Moffett (c) copyright 2016.
Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale is a state senator and one of the candidates running for the U.S. Congress in the Democrat Party primary. We discuss several issues central to her candidacy. Podcast produced by Mark Moffett. Seven (mkmA7) by Mark Moffett […]
We have a conversation with Kitty Toll, a former state representative who is running in the Democratic Party's primary for Lt. Governor. Podcast produced by Mark Moffett. Seven (mkmA7) by Mark Moffett (c) copyright 2016.
Water Infrastructure Explored In Arlington: A special town subcommittee has been formed in Arlington to study how to upgrade the handling of wastewater. Londonderry Tables Decision On Dam: Voters in Londonderry tabled a decision on removing the Williams Dam at […]
Londonderry To Consider Dam Removal Londonderry will consider the options around the Williams Dam – whether to remove or repair it – during their Town Meeting on April 30. Dorset EVs Electric vehicles and other devices were on display at […]
Dr. Louis Meyers, a physician at the Rutland Regional Medical Center, has announced he too will be a candidate in the Democratic Party primary, joining four other candidates already in the running to succeed Rep. Peter Welch, who is running […]
We discuss ways of attracting more younger Vermonters to serve on their local town select boards, planning commissions, and other town offices, with Martha Cornwell, recently elected to the Shaftsbury Select Board, and John O’Keefe, town manager of Manchester, joined later […]
Emma Cotton and Anne Wallace Allen, reporters for VTDigger and Seven Days, respectively, join us to discuss local and regional headlines. Podcast produced by GNAT-TV Seven (mkmA7) by Mark Moffett (c) copyright 2016.
Remember Baker was a member of the Green Mountain Boys who was kidnapped from his Arlington home in 1772 by officials from New York over conflicting property claims in pre-Revolutionary War America, but rescued by friends and neighbors. The event […]
A panel discusses the need for a re-skilled and retrained workforce to fill the employment ranks of the emerging “green” – or renewable energy driven – economy that’s coming into view. Panel Guests: Joann Coons, Josh Robin, and Bill Laberge. […]
State Senator Brian Campion, and Representative Kathleen James, join us to discuss the moves being made to safeguard public dollars and improve education in Vermont. Podcast produced by Mark Moffett. Seven (mkmA7) by Mark Moffett (c) copyright 2016.
To Mask Or Not To Mask Under new guidance from the state's Health Department and Agency of Education, facemasks are now optional inside school buildings. Guests: Daniel French, Education Secretary, and Randi Lowe, BRSU Superintendent ‘Intrepreneur’ Challenge Held Held Friday, […]
U.S. Congressman Peter Welch joins us to discuss current events and his run for Senate. Podcast produced by Mark Moffett. Seven (mkmA7) by Mark Moffett (c) copyright 2016.
Dasha Mosley, a Ukrainian and local resident, joins us to offer insights into the conflict afflicting her country. Podcast produced by Mark Moffett. Seven (mkmA7) by Mark Moffett (c) copyright 2016.
Jim Condos, the Vermont Secretary of State, and Chris Winters, the Vermont Deputy Secretary of State, join us for Sunshine Week to discuss the importance of transparency in government.
Podcast produced by Mark Moffett.
Seven (mkmA7) by Mark Moffett (c) copyright 2016.
Town Meeting 2022:
Town Meetings were held across the Northshire this past week, as towns voted on budgets, candidates and special articles.
Afghan Refugees Arrive:
Refugees from Afghanistan have begun arriving in Bennington and we met up with one of the first as he and his family build new lives in an unfamiliar place.
Pop Up University Returns In Weston:
A “pop up university” is back for a third year, offering classes online to help tide over the end of winter doldrums with instruction on cooking, drawing, wine tasting, dance and more.
Susan Allen, Managing Editor of the Bennington Banner, and Michael Albans, Reporter for Bennington Banner, join us to discuss regional headlines and the state of local journalism.
Podcast produced by GNAT-TV
Seven (mkmA7) by Mark Moffett (c) copyright 2016.
``` Treatment Courts, Roots & Wings Treatment courts may be one answer to helping those struggling with addiction and legal issues, but it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution for every county in Vermont. Guests: Fawn Montayne, Mickey Wiles, Erica Marthage, Cara Behm, Richard Sears. Podcast produced by GNAT-TV.
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Senator Patrick Leahy joins us to discuss his service in the U.S. Senate spanning 48 years.
Podcast produced by Mark Moffett.
Seven (mkmA7) by Mark Moffett (c) copyright 2016.
``` Qualified Immunity Explored Qualified immunity is a legal doctrine used to protect government officials from personal lawsuits from actions stemming from their official positions. A proposed bill in the state legislature would remove it for police officers, but there's some pushback from the law enforcement community to that. Guests: Sen. Richard Sears, Col. James Baker
Manchester Town Meeting Preview Manchester will hold an online informational meeting on Feb. 26 followed by Australian ballot voting on March 1, Town Meeting Day. Issues on the warning include buying the Rail Trail, allowing for retailers to sell cannabis, a sewr line project and the advisory vote on a proposed field house. Guest: John O'Keefe, Manchester Town Manager
Arlington Voters to Decide Climate Articles Arlington voters will decide if they want to set up a climate mitigation fund to reduce local carbon emissions during town meeting. Guest: Mardi Crane-Godreau
Dorset Set For Town Meeting Dorset will be holding an informational meeting by Zoom on Feb. 28 to discuss its proposed budget warned articles, which include the field house advisory vote and money to launch its new town hall project. Guest: Rob Gaiotti, Dorset Town Manager ```
Jenifer Prouty Hoffman, principal broker, owner – Hoffman Real Estate, Steve Stettler, Realtor, Four Seasons Sotheby’s and Greg Cutler, Realtor, TPW Real Estate, join us to talk about real estate.
Betsy Bishop, Executive Director, Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Matt Harrington, Executive Director, Southwestern Vermont Chamber Of Commerce, join us to talk about what’s ahead for Vermont with the pandemic, housing, tourism, and money investment.
At a public forum on January 31, 2022, the Northshire Rescue Squad responded to concerns raised in a recent analysis that faulted the squad on service and costs.
Brian Lowe is the new executive director of the Vermont Council On Rural Development. He replaced the long-serving Paul Costello in that role last September, and talks about the future projects the council is undertaking, such as the follow up to the Vermont Proposition Series.
Podcast produced by Mark Moffett.
Seven (mkmA7) by Mark Moffett (c) copyright 2016.
Derry Rink Opens – The Derry Skating Rink has opened in Londonderry – it’s free and open daily – Beat the winter blahs.
Weston Library Plans Expansion – The Wilder Memorial Library in Weston is looking forward to an expansion of its building following the acquisition of a neighboring property.
Testing At Home – Schools are shifting from the “test to stay” strategy to one that has parents administering rapid antigen covid tests at home. Guests: Randi Lowe, BRSU School Superintendent, Mark Tashjian, Headmaster, Burr and Burton Academy.
A consultant’s analysis of the Northshire Rescue Squad found issues of concern for the town of Manchester around costs and service quality. Options for the future are under review.
Greg Sukiennik, reporter for the Vermont News & Media, joins us to discuss local and regional headlines.
“Welcoming New Neighbors”
Bennington County Open Arms and the Ethiopian Community Development Center are helping train volunteers who are signing up to assist Afghan refugees who are anticipated to be arriving soon.
Guests: Anandaroopa, Coordinator, Bennington County Open Arms; Thomas Huddleston, Co-Sponsorship Manager, ECDC; Grace Winslow, Coordinator, Bennington County Open Arms
“Lt. Gov. Molly Gray Visits Manchester”
Lt. Gov. Molly Gray made a visit to Manchester on January 10, meeting students at Burr and Burton Academy and other community leaders to promote her candidacy for a seat in the U.S. Congress.
Reps. Kathleen James, Seth Bongartz, and David Durfee, discuss upcoming priority issues facing the Vermont Legislature as the new session opens.
Podcast produced by Mark Moffett.
Seven (mkmA7) by Mark Moffett (c) copyright 2016.
The Northshire Day School is reaching out to four local communities for financial assistance during March Town Meeting to offset a financial deficit.
Podcast produced by Mark Moffett.
Seven (mkmA7) by Mark Moffett (c) copyright 2016.
A group of five people explore the housing crunch in Vermont, possible solutions, and its short-and-long range implications if not addressed.
Guests: Sarah Lang, Southern Vermont Economy Project; Jen Stromsten, of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corp.; Gordon Black, Assessor and Economic Development Coordinator of the Town of Manchester; John Dunbar, of the Rockingham Planning Commission; Gretchen Havreluk, an Economic Development Consultant in Wilmington.
Podcast produced by Mark Moffett.
Seven (mkmA7) by Mark Moffett (c) copyright 2016.
Sen. Becca Balint To Run For U.S. Congress
Sen. Beeca Balint is running for the U.S. Congressional seat being vacated by Peter Welch as he launches a bid for the Us. Senate. Balint, a state senator from Windham county, tells us why she’s hoping to replace Welch in Washington.
Community Clubs Today
Community Clubs once played a significant role in their local communities, and still do, but differently.
Podcast produced by GNAT-TV.
Ben Smith, the “Media Equation” columnist for the New York Times, joins us to discuss the current state of news gathering.
Santa and Mrs. Claus Help Light The Town Tree.
Test To Stay Underway.
Staying Safe Over The Holidays.
Towns Wrestle With Face Mask Rules.