Good morning, Burlington.

Nora Rogers launched the Stowe Petal Project over the summer to turn leftover wedding flowers into new arrangements for local nursing homes, libraries and a daycare in Stowe.

With school resuming, she will soon hand the project to her sister (ensuring kindness in the community).

Ben & Jerry’s in Burlington announced three new Independent Directors joining its board as of this month.

Nora Benavidez, Michael McAfee, and Eva Schulte bring decades of experience in civil rights, economic, and environmental justice — a move that strengthens the company’s social mission.

Smugglers' Notch Resort in Jeffersonville will add 100 new snowmaking guns this season as part of upgrades by Bear Den Partners.

The improvements aim to boost efficiency at both Smugglers' Notch and Burke Mountain.

The 104th Champlain Valley Fair will run from Friday, Aug.

28 to Sunday, Sept. 6 in Essex Junction, offering varied admission rates, discount days, and $10 parking per vehicle (free for handicapped vehicles). Transportation and food deals are available across 130 acres.

Rik Palieri, an author and multi-instrumentalist now living in Vermont, joined Kate McNally on The Folk Show on Aug.

26 to share songs and stories — he has performed with folk icons and is working on an audiobook to complement his Banjo Man book.

Today, Burlington hosts a range of arts events with Nataly Aukar performing at the Vermont Comedy Club and Champlain Valley Fair starting in Essex Junction—more shows including Bread & Puppet and a Dog Day festival follow over the weekend in nearby towns—ensuring lively entertainment for all.

KeyBank Foundation announced a $100,000 investment on Wednesday to expand the Boys and Girls Club STEM initiative in Burlington, adding a full time STEM coordinator plus programs for about 150 youth through its academic enrichment events.

UVM President Marlene Tromp announced the university expanded its Promise program (tuition and fees covered) for admitted students from Vermont households earning up to $125,000 starting Fall 2027.

She also introduced Vermont Listens events in Bennington and Burlington this fall, aiming to boost civic dialogue and address local challenges.

UVM and partner universities received $5.9M from NSF to study snow and improve winter recreation with new sensors and models.

The Snow STORE project will add equipment in Vermont, New Hampshire & Maine to give local decision-makers better weather data.

Rowan Hawthorne was named Interim Director of the Office of Workforce Strategy and Development (effective Aug.

24) at the Department of Labor. She previously served as Policy & Legislative Affairs Director and is set to strengthen workforce coordination for Vermonters.

The Vermont Department of Mental Health provides tips to ease back-to-school anxiety for students and parents as school begins Wednesday.

Laurel Omland (director of the child, adolescent, and family unit) recommends talking about worries and reviewing daily schedules to help manage stress.

State lawmakers approved base funding of $4 million for the Vermont Housing Improvement Program, which has funded repair and construction of 1,229 housing units including a Bradford fourplex renovated with a $180,000 grant + energy efficiency funds.

The program is set to keep rents stable for local workers.