Happy Vermont

Ice Fishing in Vermont’s Champlain Islands

In Vermont's Champlain Islands, where the land is flat and surrounded by water, ice fishing is a big deal this time of year. For Vermonter Bruce Batchelder, ice fishing has been an important part of his life for as long as he can remember.

A former educator and school administrator, Bruce and his wife Joanne have owned Holiday Harbor Lodge in North Hero for the past 16 years.

On a recent mid-February weekend, Bruce was particularly busy hosting a group of ice fishing enthusiasts for the 42^nd annual Islands Ice Fishing Derby in northern Vermont.  

In this episode of Happy Vermont, Bruce talks about what he loves most about this traditional sport that has deep roots in Vermont.

www.happyvermont.com 

holidayharborlodge.com

The Tradition of Town Meeting: A Conversation with Former Governor Jim Douglas

Town meeting has been the basic system of governance for Vermont towns since the 1760s. But participation has been on the decline for several decades.

Former Governor Jim Douglas talks about the importance of town meeting, and shares why he is worried that this powerful local tradition might fade away.

www.happyvermont.com

Soaking Up the Outdoors with Forest Bathing Guide Duncan Murdoch

Duncan Murdoch, a former actor, is a certified nature and forest therapy guide. He started forest bathing workshops in Central Park before returning to his home state of Vermont in 2015.

Forest bathing, which first originated in Japan, is a research-based practice for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural areas.

In this episode, Duncan talks about leaving acting behind, the beauty of nature, and how being a forest therapy guide changed his life.

Learn more about Duncan: https://natureconnectionguide.com or visit www.happyvermont.com 

 

Selling Christmas Trees is a Family Affair at Russell Farm in Starksboro

Russell Farm in Starksboro has been in the Christmas tree business for 40 years. Located off Route 116 in Addison County, the family-owned former dairy farm is where locals and visitors flock to every November and December to cut their own Christmas trees.

A visit to Russell Farm includes a horse-drawn wagon ride, hot chocolate, homemade cookies, and lots of holiday cheer. 

Host Erica Houskeeper talks with Russell Farm owner Dave Russell and his grandson Brandon about Christmas trees, the importance of tradition, and the future of the farm.

Learn more at www.happyvermont.com 

15 Years Back in Vermont: Old Favorites and New (to me) Places

Host Erica Houskeeper returned to her home state of Vermont in November 2006. In this episode, she shares some of her favorite areas of Vermont and talks about a few places she's come across and fallen in love with in recent years. 

You can find more Vermont stories by Erica on www.happyvermont.com.

Stargazing at Vermont‘s Stellafane Convention of Amateur Telescope Makers

Host Erica Houskeeper attended the annual Stellafane Convention of Amateur Telescope Makers in Springfield to see telescope makers in action. She also picked up some stargazing tips along the way. 

 

 

Vermont Fall Foliage Outlook and Scenic State Lands to Explore

Host Erica Houskeeper meets up with Mike Snyder, Vermont's Commissioner of Forests, Parks, and Recreation to talk about how Vermont's fall foliage season is shaping up.  They also compare notes about scenic Vermont state lands to explore this season and why fall foliage in the Green Mountain State is better than the rest. 

Slowing Down and Finding Happiness in Woodstock

Patrick Fultz and Leslie Browne intended to buy a house in Woodstock, Vermont. Instead, they end up purchasing and renovating a motel outside the center of town. Host Erica Houskeeper interviews the couple about why they decided to move to Vermont and what advice they give to guests who are visiting the area. 

The Roots of the Gilfeather Turnip Run Deep in Tiny Wardsboro

The small town of Wardsboro is where you’ll find a country store, local library, post office, and town hall. High on a hill just outside of the center of town is the farm where John Gilfeather developed the Gilfeather turnip, which is now the official Vermont State Vegetable. 

In this episode, host Erica Houskeeper talks with Wardsboro residents about John Gilfeather, the tight-lipped farmer behind the turnip and why the this heirloom vegetable is important to the community. 

Update 8/30/2021 7 pm: I just received word that the 2021 Gilfeather Turnip Festival has been canceled. 

Dreams Do Come True for This Middlebury Small Business Owner

Not only is Susan Shashok an environmentally conscious entrepreneur, she’s also civic-minded. Susan served on the Middlebury selectboard for seven years and is the town moderator for Middlebury’s annual Town Meeting—a position vacated a few years ago by former Vermont Governor Jim Douglas.

In this episode, host Erica Houskeeper talks to Susan about Caroline's Dream, the skincare company she founded 20 years ago. Susan shares the challenges and rewards of running a small business, and what it means to be an introvert, a Vermonter, and a healer. 

Learn more about Susan at www.happyvermont.com.