AGP Executive Report

Community Health & Arts: Central Vermont’s first “Save a Life Day” is set for Sept. 24 in Barre, with free naloxone (Narcan) training and harm-reduction resources, plus a special showing of portraits from the Into Light Project’s “Drug Addiction: Real People, Real Stories” exhibit. Local Fundraising & Music: Central Vermont Council on Aging’s “Hit the Trail” fundraiser returns Sept. 27 at Oxbow Park, pairing a 5K run/walk/bike along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail with live music, local food, raffles, and an e-trike prize. Fall Foliage Science: UVM researchers break down why Vermont’s fall colors are hard to predict, tying leaf color to climate, water, and day length. Town Governance: Vershire has hired its first town administrator, a new role created to keep projects and day-to-day operations moving. Arts Spotlight: Kristin Link’s “Drawn in Place” exhibit highlights scientifically detailed nature sketching and field-inspired art. Vermont Culture & Outdoors: Stellafane returns as telescope-builders and stargazers show off homemade scopes at the classic Vermont sky event.

AI & Politics: Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei is pushing for an industry-wide AI slowdown and third-party safety checks, with support from Google DeepMind co-founder Demis Hassabis and renewed calls from lawmakers for federal oversight. Vermont Courts & Satire: A federal judge blocked Vermont AG Charity Clark from investigating “Planet Hank” over an AI-generated satirical video of Rep. Becca Balint, citing the satire exception. Arts & Music: The Vermont Symphony Orchestra launches its season Sept. 18 at the Flynn with “Charity, Sylvia & Cleopatra,” including a world premiere by Clarice Assad. Live Local Events: Rutland’s Whoopie Pie Fest returns downtown, while Burlington’s Art Hop and the STRUT Fashion Show add more weekend culture. Community & Health: Central Vermont’s first “Save a Life Day” in Barre (Sept. 24) will hand out naloxone and feature portraits from the Into Light Project. Fall Fun: Apple picking season is underway across Vermont orchards, and the Lake Paran Stone Skipping Festival returns Sept. 19 in North Bennington.

Vermont Arts & Music: The Vermont Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 2026-2027 season Sept. 18 at The Flynn with “Charity, Sylvia & Cleopatra,” including a world premiere by Clarice Assad about two 1800s Addison County seamstresses. Local Performances: Pianist Paul Orgel brings Debussy’s “Préludes, Book 1” to the Montpelier Performing Arts Hub Sept. 18, and the Bruce Klavier Duo returns Sept. 20 at the Barre Opera House. Community Events: Rutland’s Whoopie Pie Fest returns downtown with live music and samples, while Burlington’s Art Hop and STRUT Fashion Show add weekend buzz. Outdoor Fun: North Bennington’s Lake Paran Stone Skipping Festival returns Sept. 19 with a free-to-watch competition and live music. Food & Health: Vermont officials report Salmonella Enteritidis in eggs from a Windsor County farm, prompting a recall and disposal guidance. Policy & Culture: A federal judge blocked Vermont AG Charity Clark from investigating a satirical AI video creator (“Planet Hank”), citing the satire exception. Fall Vibes: UVM experts weigh in on how extreme weather could shift Vermont’s fall foliage timing and color.

VSO Season Opener: The Vermont Symphony Orchestra kicks off 2026-27 at The Flynn with “Charity, Sylvia & Cleopatra,” featuring the world premiere “Summerland” by Clarice Assad and a Vermont history tie-in to Charity Bryant and Sylvia Drake. Community Theater: Springfield Community Players stages “Zip Zap Zombies: Actors and the Apocalypse,” a dark comedy running Sept. 19-27 at the Community Players Studio. Local Arts & Makers: Milton Artists’ Guild adds four new members spanning pottery, photography, painting, and jewelry. Music Calendar: September brings major pop and piano highlights, including Mikaela Davis at Foam Brewers and recitals by Paul Orgel (Sept. 18) plus the Bruce Klavier Duo (Sept. 20). Farm Fun: Kimberly Farms’ third annual Vermont Farm & Foliage Festival returns Oct. 3 with live music, kids’ activities, and local food. Sports on the Links: Trinity Men’s Golf opens the 2026-27 season Sept. 12-13 at Middlebury. Health & Harm Reduction (Community Event): Barre hosts Central Vermont’s first Save a Life Day (Sept. 24) with free naloxone and overdose prevention resources, plus Into Light portraits.

Arts & Craft in Manchester: Southern Vermont Arts Center’s “Active Objects: Art, Craft, and Design” blurs the line between art, craft, and design by spotlighting furniture, textiles, sculpture, and everyday objects—then challenges how display changes what we think we’re seeing. Health & Community Access: Brattleboro Memorial Hospital reversed its plan to close its birthing center, keeping local obstetric and labor-and-delivery services available for Windham and Windsor counties. Vermont Culture on Air: Vermont Public’s monthly poetry series returns with Vermont Poet Laureate Bianca Stone discussing “Wild Asters,” paired with classical listening. Local Arts Spotlight: Rita Malone talks about her Chris Nordin Gallery show, including “Fragments of a Riverbed” and “Winter Symphony,” mixing abstraction with personal and musical inspiration. Workplace Policy Watch: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Mark Takano’s new federal push for a 32-hour workweek would gradually lower the overtime threshold. Sports & Community Pride: Essex field hockey’s Sadie Lizotte wins All-USA Vermont Athlete of the Week after a strong start, including a hat trick and an overtime winner. Save-a-Life Day: Central Vermont’s first “Save a Life Day” in Barre will offer naloxone and harm-reduction resources, plus Into Light Project portraits. Fall Foliage Science: UVM researchers explain how extreme weather and climate change could shift Vermont’s fall color timing and intensity.

AI & Politics: Lawmakers are pressing OpenAI after concerns about “rogue” behavior, including a Senate probe tied to the Hugging Face incident and calls for federal cybersecurity access. Local Arts & Schools: Rutland students unveiled a new collaborative mural with artist Erika McCormick, while a French troupe brought giant sea-creature puppets to Rutland schools for “Sea Fantasy — the Pearl.” Theater in Vermont: Trinity Rep’s “The Getaway Driver” brings a Vietnam-era true-crime story to the stage, part of a multi-stop premiere that includes a later Vermont run. Community Culture: The Town Common Committee thanked Aubuchon/Ace Hardware for a nearly $3,000 donation, and Hinesburg hosted comedy and music nights that packed local libraries and beer venues. Vermont Outdoors & Science: UVM researchers weigh in on how extreme weather may shape this year’s fall foliage. Health & Harm Reduction: Central Vermont’s first “Save a Life Day” in Barre will hand out naloxone and feature Into Light portraits from Vermonters lost to overdose. Sports: Week 2 Vermont high school football kicks off with live score updates and a full slate of games.

AI Safety Alarm: Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon resigned, warning AI labs are “gambling with our lives” and could reach extinction-level risk by the end of the decade, sparking fresh calls for regulation from lawmakers and Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Tech Oversight Push: Sen. Josh Hawley pressed OpenAI over “reckless” rogue AI agent behavior after the Hugging Face hack, while lawmakers demand answers on containment and accountability. Local Arts Calendar: Burlington’s South End Art Hop and Pride Vermont hit the same weekend, with Shelburne Museum’s Concerts on the Green bringing Lukas Nelson and Molly Tuttle, plus Mike Gordon’s Phish-related festival stop at Middlebury’s Snow Bowl. Vermont Culture & Community: Manchester’s InterFaith Council plans the Oct. 10 “Breaking Bread” Heritage Festival with food, music, storytelling, and kids’ activities. Burton at 50: Burton Snowboards named Denny Bruce as CEO ahead of its 50th anniversary, spotlighting Vermont’s snowboarding legacy. Outdoor Season Watch: UVM experts weigh in on how extreme weather could shift Vermont’s fall foliage timing and color.

Vermont AI & Elections: A federal judge blocked Vermont AG Charity Clark from enforcing parts of the state’s new AI-media law against “Planet Hank,” ruling a satirical “Planet Hank” video is protected speech and raising fresh questions about regulating synthetic political content. Vermont Data Centers: Vermont’s secretary of natural resources backed a federal push to make data-center owners help pay for water infrastructure impacts, after Gov. Scott vetoed similar state regulation. Guard Families: Vermont National Guard leaders broke ground on a new Family Readiness and Support Center at Camp Johnson to consolidate legal, financial, retirement and suicide-prevention services for service members and families. Arts & Community: Radio Bean in Burlington closed after 26 years, ending a long run as a home for music and creative acts. Local Fest: Rutland’s Whoopie Pie Fest returns Saturday with dozens of bakeries, live music, food trucks and street entertainment. Vermont Outdoors: UVM experts weigh in on how extreme weather and climate change could affect fall foliage timing and color. AI Alarm (National): An Anthropic researcher’s resignation and warnings about AI “killing us all” by 2030 sparked fresh lawmakers’ calls for regulation.

Radio Bean Farewell: Burlington’s beloved 26-year music venue Radio Bean has closed, with owner Lee Anderson citing financial strain and a final run of performances marking the end of a major creative hub. AI Alarm: Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon says AI could “kill us all” by decade’s end, sparking fresh calls for regulation as lawmakers weigh what to do next. First Amendment Fight: A federal judge blocked Vermont AG Charity Clark’s effort to stop Brattleboro’s “Planet Hank” political satire videos, ruling the case can’t proceed without protecting free speech. 9/11 Remembrance: Vermont Veterans Home and partners will host a public 25th anniversary ceremony Sept. 11 with music, speakers, color guards, and a wreath-laying tribute. Suicide Care Expansion: UVM Health’s new Asha Clinic in Burlington opens as a specialized outpatient program focused on suicide-focused treatment. Adaptive Sports: Vermont Adaptive opened the Taff Adaptive Yurt at Bolton Valley, adding year-round space for athletes with disabilities and veterans. Arts & Community: South End Art Hop returns to Burlington Sept. 11–13, featuring studio openings and pop-up exhibitions, including a fashion collaboration at Karma Bird House. Local Governance: Morristown residents voted to block data centers for two years, joining other Vermont towns pushing back on server-farm growth. Sports & Culture: Big Pond Improv Festival brings unscripted comedy to Vermont Comedy Club Sept. 10–13, with headliners Ify Nwadiwe and Erika Ishii.

Local Arts & Culture: Sandglass Theater’s Puppets in the Green Mountains festival returns Sept. 16–20 in Brattleboro and Putney, with shows, workshops, a film screening, and a theme of “Endings, Beginnings and the Humanity in Between.” Music for a Cause: Trey Anastasio and Billy Strings team up for two Divided Sky Foundation benefit shows Nov. 20–21 at the DCU Center in Worcester. Community Events: Rutland’s Whoopie Pie Fest comes to downtown Sept. 12 with 14 bakers, family entertainment, and nonprofit booths. Arts Spotlight: Brattleboro’s ByWay Books & More hosts “Sunshine and Shadows” on Sept. 19, pairing seasonal nature photos with poems. Mental Health Access: UVM Health opens the Asha clinic for specialized adult suicide care, with therapy focused on triggers and crisis planning. Food Security: SNAP cuts could ripple into school meal programs, putting free breakfast and lunch at risk for millions of children. Sports: Vermont men’s soccer plays to a scoreless draw vs. No. 13 Vermont’s opponent in Boston, while local high school football and soccer results keep rolling in.

Local Sports Spotlight: Burr & Burton opened strong with a dominant Week 1 win over Middlebury, with touchdowns from a whole lineup of “Sams” setting the tone. Community & Arts: Barre’s “Wednesdays in Currier Park” keeps the summer momentum going with weekly vendors, food trucks, and free concerts through September. Motorsports: Brian Calabrese cruised to victory in the Fabian Earth Moving Vermont 200 at Devil’s Bowl Speedway. Festival Fun: Bennington’s Garlic Town, USA drew thousands for live music, demos, and a big downtown celebration. Education & Youth: Oxbow High senior Nettie Morse was named VSAC’s GEAR UP Student Leader of the Year, earning a $2,500 scholarship. Ski Season Buzz: Smugglers’ Notch Resort joined the Indy Pass for 2026–27 with no blackout dates. Burlington Arts District: The new SEABA Center is emerging as a South End hub, with free gallery access, porch music, markets, and more. Music Fundraiser: A Grafton concert on Sept. 26 will benefit a new Community Nurse program. Dot Day: South Londonderry Free Library hosts International Dot Day on Sept. 19 with dot-themed art for all ages.

Mental Health Access: Burlington’s new Asha Clinic opens as a specialized outpatient suicide-care program led by researcher Dr. Craig Bryan, expanding local access to proven therapies. Hospital Accountability: A study ranks Wisconsin highest for patient experience while Vermont appears in the broader national conversation about how hospitals are rated by patients. Equal Rights Amendment: Vermont lawmakers have advanced the Equal Rights Amendment to the ballot, with the proposed Article 23 spelling out equal protection across race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, and more. Arts as Civic Life: An editorial argues Vermont needs cultural “distraction” because arts are where community understanding and civic life actually happen. Sports Spotlight: Vermont men’s soccer heads into a key matchup at No. 11 Vermont, while local coverage also highlights the state’s boys soccer ranking chase. Community Calendar: “Magnificent 7” rounds up must-see Vermont events for Sept. 9-16, including music, festivals, and family-friendly happenings. Local Leadership & Education: Gov. Phil Scott urges districts to “do not slow down” on education reform and mergers, even as leaders warn about cost and staffing pressures.

Suicide Care in Burlington: The Asha Clinic opened in Burlington with a specialized outpatient team led by suicide care researcher Dr. Craig Bryan, aiming to expand access to therapies proven to reduce suicide attempts and improve quality of life. Arts & Community Fundraising: Plattsburgh’s Strand Center for the Arts launched an urgent drive to keep its doors open, reaching $10,000 in one day after announcing a $50,000 need. Student Creativity, Liberty Theme: Middlebury hosts a free Constitution Day celebration Sept. 17 at Town Hall Theater, featuring student poetry and art winners from “America 250: Expressions of Liberty,” plus readings and performances. Music in Chester: Jazz returns to Chester Town Hall Sept. 26 with pianist Eugene Uman and the “Family Band,” with free admission and donations supporting Upstairs at Town Hall. Local Sports Spotlight: UVM men’s soccer extended its unbeaten streak to five with a 2-0 win over Sacred Heart, while St. Johnsbury Academy’s mountain bike club earned varsity recognition to broaden access for riders. Adaptive & Outdoor Interest: Vermont’s Zach Larose reflects on adaptive golf after joining the USGA U.S. Adaptive Open, and Vermont Adaptive celebrates new adaptive yurt programming at Bolton Valley.

Suicide Care in Burlington: The Asha Clinic opened at 1 South Prospect Street, offering specialized outpatient suicide care led by researcher Dr. Craig Bryan and supported by the Four Pines Fund, with therapies aimed at reducing attempts and improving quality of life. Local Arts Call: Gallery at the Vault in Springfield is seeking workshop leaders for Saturday sessions this fall, winter, and spring, with the gallery promoting the events. Community Beer for a Cause: 14th Star Brewery is continuing its partnership with the Afterglow Foundation via a limited release of Afterglow Ale, supporting suicide prevention awareness and conversation. Fall Fun by Rail: Okemo Valley’s new Okemo Valley Fall Foliage Train & Pop‑Up Fall Festival runs Oct. 3–4, pairing scenic vintage rail rides with local food and artisan pop-ups. Adaptive Mountain Biking: VMBA Days brought downhill clinics and guided rides to Bolton Valley, partnering with Vermont Adaptive and Unlikely Riders to lower barriers for riders of all abilities. Vermont Sports Spotlight: Burr and Burton Academy opened the season with a 49–0 win over Middlebury, while Spaulding girls soccer started strong with a 4–1 victory over Thetford. Arts & Nature: A guide to northern New England’s native sunflower species highlights Vermont’s pale-leaved sunflower as rare to uncommon.

Mental Health Care: Burlington’s new Asha Clinic opened as a specialized outpatient program focused exclusively on suicide care, led by researcher Dr. Craig Bryan and backed by the Four Pines Fund. Faith & Protest: Seven Vermont clergy were arrested in Williston while blockading an ICE-targeting center, singing, praying, and reading names of people killed or who died in detention. Arts & Community Events: Plymouth’s 21st Folk and Blues Festival kicked off at the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site, with music continuing Sunday; and Bolton Valley hosted VMBA Days, bringing downhill mountain biking to more riders through clinics and adaptive partnerships. Fall Tourism: Okemo Valley announced a new Oct. 3–4 Fall Foliage Train & Pop-Up Fall Festival in Ludlow, adding a second seasonal rail experience alongside the Holiday Express. Sports Spotlight: Burr & Burton Academy opened its season with a 49-0 win over Middlebury, while Spaulding girls soccer rolled to a 4-1 victory over Thetford. Local Tech Policy: USCIS said Vermont identified H-1B petitions from an IT consulting firm that allegedly underpaid relative to job duties, denying and revoking multiple cases.

Suicide Care in Burlington: UVM Health Network and the Four Pines Fund opened the Asha Clinic, a specialized outpatient program focused exclusively on suicide care, led by researcher Dr. Craig Bryan, aiming to expand access to proven therapies. Downhill Biking for Everyone: VMBA Days returned to Bolton Valley with downhill clinics, guided rides, and accessibility-focused partnerships with Vermont Adaptive and Unlikely Riders. Fall Fun by Rail: The Okemo Valley Fall Foliage Train & Pop‑Up Fall Festival launches Oct. 3–4 in Ludlow, pairing scenic vintage railcar rides with local food and artisan stops. Local Arts Calendar Picks: Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival kicked off its 21st year at the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site, with free music continuing Sunday. Classical Music Leadership Shift: Capital City Concerts announced a new 2026–27 season leadership handoff to Jillian Reed and Tyler Emerson while keeping mentorship at the core. High School Sports Spotlight: Burr & Burton Academy opened the season with a 49-0 win over Middlebury, while Spaulding girls soccer rolled to a 4-1 victory over Thetford. Community Process in Wardsboro: Wardsboro Turns Up launches Sept. 17 with a free community dinner and a townwide, three-month planning process.