Good morning, Burlington.

Vermont apple orchards have joined forces to raise money for Jamaican seasonal workers whose families have suffered damage from Hurricane Melissa & need help.

The fundraiser runs through Nov. 12 and will allocate funds based on each orchard’s count of verified visa workers with a goal of raising at least $150,000.

On Friday, the Boys & Girls Club of Burlington gave out $150 gift cards to 600 families that rely on SNAP benefits and improved dinner meals with more protein and good food.

The nonprofit is worried about the wait for state funding between Nov. 1 and Nov. 7 and says families feel unsure about what comes next.

Between October 5 and October 22, more than 3,000 passengers were screened daily at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, setting an 18-day record that surpassed a previous six-day mark — this milestone was reached during a federal government shutdown when TSA workers continued without pay.

A Pownal historian shares the tale of Widow Krieger (an 18th-century resident subjected to a witch test) to shed light on Vermont's only recorded witch trial.

Vermont’s school redistricting task force is developing three map proposals that may merge districts to lower public school costs while preserving school choice.

The group will meet again on Nov 10 to vote on recommendations for the legislature—details remain under debate.

Despite the government shutdown, Social Security payments will follow the usual schedule; retirement checks will be paid electronically on November 12, 19, and 26 while Supplemental Security Income checks were sent on Oct.

31. Limited services remain at local offices for urgent assistance.

Federal judges ruled Friday that it was illegal to withhold SNAP benefits, and Vermont officials said they will learn more Monday about when federal funds may be released.

State lawmakers set aside $6 million for two weeks of payments—while also allocating $250,000 to food banks—to help low-income Vermonters.

Open enrollment on Vermont Health Connect starts today, and experts urge Vermonters to compare plans because extra help with insurance costs will expire at the end of the year (families earning above 400% of the federal poverty level risk steep cost increases).

The American Red Cross urged Burlington residents to test their smoke alarms when turning clocks back on Sunday, November 2 to help cut the risk of home fire deaths in half.

Residents who need help may call for a free installation if their alarms are over 10 years old or not working.

Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act starts today and many Vermont families fear their premiums will double as subsidies expire — some report a 147% jump that could make insurance unaffordable.

Sen. Peter Welch visited Berlin Friday and said he is working with colleagues to fix the rising costs so that patients can keep their coverage next year.

Neil Hamburger Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets required — Enjoy laughs with America’s Funnyman Neil Hamburger in an evening of unique comedy.

Heather Maloney & Dan Rodriguez Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Higher Ground — All Ages — Experience an evening of reflective music from Massachusetts-based songwriter Heather Maloney.

The Barr Brothers Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages — Experience the unique sound of Montreal's The Barr Brothers with captivating melodies and rhythms.

The Lone Bellow Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages — Experience the harmonious sounds and heartfelt stories of The Lone Bellow's latest musical journey.

GZA Live in Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Higher Ground — Very limited M&G availability — Experience a legendary performance from one of Wu-Tang's most notable names.

Start Making Sense

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — All Ages — Experience a tribute to the genius of David Byrne with a 7-10 piece Talking Heads tribute band.

Carbon Leaf Concert

8-10 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages — Experience Carbon Leaf's nostalgic indie rock as they celebrate their new album.

Hannah Frances Concert

7-9 p.m. — Higher Ground — Check for ticket prices — Experience the monumental and mythic music of stunning vocalist and songwriter Hannah Frances.

Nick Shoulders Live Concert

8-10 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages — Experience the captivating sounds of Nick Shoulders' latest album, All Bad.

Comedy Night with Casey Balsham

7-8:30 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of laughs with Casey Balsham, reminiscent of Sarah Silverman and Beth Stelling.