Today on the podcast we welcome Ben Doyle and Aly Richards, from The Commission for Recovery and Resilience.On July 11th, 2023, intense and widespread rainfall led to catastrophic flooding throughout the State, leaving the entire downtown of the capitol city, Montpelier, underwater.As the flood-waters resided, Paul Costello, the former executive director of the Vermont Council on Rural Development, worked with the City of Montpelier, The Montpelier Foundation and Montpelier Alive, to convene a series of community conversations about recovery and the future of Montpelier.The visioning process of those public forums resulted in roughly 20 priorities and the establishment of a new leadership structure to coordinate and advance strategies leading to recovery and resiliency in central Vermont. This is truly democracy in action…"If you want to go fast, go by yourself. If you want to go far, go with everyone". Says Ben Doyle, "We’re really committed to harnessing the intelligence, enthusiasm, commitment and love of this community". Bordertown is an ecomedia project coming to you from the Upper Winooski River Watershed of Central Vermont. Our goal is to serve as an instrument for relationship building and communication, and to encourage conversation around resiliency, equity, and justice. Our intention is to celebrate life and community - and to help create conditions for all life to thrive. Bordertown is hosted by Vic Guadagno.To learn more about The Commission or to make a donation to Central Vermont flood effort please visit Montpelier STRONG. And thanks to Todd Sheaffer and Railroad Earth for providing the music.

The Bordertown Flood series tells the stories of Central Vermonters experiencing the 2023 flood disaster.This episode features Beth Rusnock, president of the National Life Group Foundation and Daphne Larkin, Communications and Media Relations Director of the National Life Group.Beth Rusnock says that the National Life Group wants to make sure that "the communities that their campuses are a part of - that they are vibrant. That they are places where our employees want to live, want to be a part of... " Daphne Larkin adds that "this culture of volunteering and getting involved with our community is baked into everything that we do.  Everybody feels it, every body lives it, and we have people doing good in the name of National Life, all over the country". If you want to donate to the flood recovery effort in central Vermont flood please visit the Montpelier STRONG Recovery Foundation.Music for this Podcast – "The Good Life" by Railroad Earth. Bordertown is hosted by Vic Guadagno and recorded in Montpelier, Vermont – located in the Upper-Winooski Watershed. Our goal is to serve as an instrument for relationship building and communication, and to encourage the conversation around resiliency, equity and justice. Our intention is to celebrate life and community - and to help create conditions for all life to thrive. On July 11th A State of Disaster was declared for all 14 counties of the state of Vermont after extensive rain in two days triggered the worst flooding since Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. The National Weather Service reported unofficial rainfall observations for a 38-hour period with 6.82 inches at the Montpelier airport, 7.8 inches in Barre and up to 8.65 inches in Andover. The Winooski River at Montpelier, capital city of Vermont - jumped by over 14 feet in the space of 20 hours. The Winooski finally crested at 21.25 feet, well above Major Flood Stage of 17.5 feet

The Bordertown Flood series tells the stories of Central Vermonters experiencing the 2023 flood disaster.This episode feature Katie Trautz, the Executive Director of Montpelier Alive.Katie describes that Montpelier is not set-up as a resilient town in terms of systems,  however, the community is extremely song. And that community resilience is most important. Not every place has a community that is this strong.Katie says, "I really think that organizations like Montpelier Alive are there to support the downtown and support the city, no matter what the event is that is happening. A lot of downtown organization across the country do step in during these disasters. This is the true meaning of revitalization work".If you would like to donate to Montpelier Alive, please visit their website.If you want to donate the flood recover effort in central Vermont, please visit the Montpelier Strong Recovery Fund websiteMusic for this Podcast by From Good Homes Bordertown is hosted by Vic Guadagno and recorded in Montpelier, Vermont – located in the Upper-Winooski Watershed. Our goal is to serve as an instrument for relationship building and communication, and to encourage the conversation around resiliency, equity and justice. Our intention is to celebrate life and community - and to help create conditions for all life to thrive.  On July 11th A State of Disaster was declared for all 14 counties of the state of Vermont after extensive rain in two days triggered the worst flooding since Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. The National Weather Service reported unofficial rainfall observations for a 38-hour period with 6.82 inches at the Montpelier airport, 7.8 inches in Barre and up to 8.65 inches in Andover.The Winooski River at Montpelier, capital city of Vermont - jumped by over 14 feet in the space of 20 hours. The Winooski finally crested at 21.25 feet, well above Major Flood Stage of 17.5 feet.

The Bordertown Flood series tells the stories of Central Vermonters experiencing the 2023 flood disaster. Jaquelyn Rieke is the owner/operator of the Onion River Campground, the founder of Nutty Steph’s and a co-founder of the Rabble-Rouser Chocolate & Craft Co. in Montpelier. Jaquelyn speaks of the lessons she learned from the river as it rose around her home, stranding her and several other residents of the Onion River Campground. If you would like to donate to the Onion River Campground, please their websiteIf you want to donate the flood recover effort in central Vermont, please visit the Montpelier Strong Recovery Fund websiteSpecial Thanks for Ward Joyce for his generous support of this podcast Music for this Podcast by Railroad Earth Bordertown is hosted by Vic Guadagno and recorded in Montpelier, Vermont – located in the Upper-Winooski Watershed. Our goal is to serve as an instrument for relationship building and communication, and to encourage the conversation around resiliency, equity and justice. Our intention is to celebrate life and community - and to help create conditions for all life to thrive.  On July 11th A State of Disaster was declared for all 14 counties of the state of Vermont after extensive rain in two days triggered the worst flooding since Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. The National Weather Service reported unofficial rainfall observations for a 38-hour period with 6.82 inches at the Montpelier airport, 7.8 inches in Barre and up to 8.65 inches in Andover.Winooski River at Montpelier, capital city of Vermont - jumped by over 14 feet in the space of 20 hours. The Winooski finally crested at 21.25 feet, well above Major Flood Stage of 17.5 feet.

The Bordertown Flood series tells the stories of Central Vermonters experiencing the 2023 flood disaster. Bill Fraser is the City Manager for Montpelier, Vermont, and has been in this role since 1995. The city manager is Appointed by the City Council, the City Manager is responsible for day-to-day operations of the city, advising the Council on public policy, and ensuring that their policies are carried out in a professional manner.   If you would like to donate to flood recover effort in central Vermont, please visit montpelierstorng.orgSpecial Thanks for Ward Joyce for his generous support of this podcast Music for this Podcast – “Long Way to Go’” by Railroad Earth Bordertown is hosted by Vic Guadagno and recorded in Montpelier, Vermont – located in the Upper-Winooski Watershed. Our goal is to serve as an instrument for relationship building and communication, and to encourage the conversation around resiliency, equity and justice. Our intention is to celebrate life and community - and to help create conditions for all life to thrive.  On July 11th A State of Disaster was declared for all 14 counties of the state of Vermont after extensive rain in two days triggered the worst flooding since Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. The National Weather Service reported unofficial rainfall observations for a 38-hour period with 6.82 inches at the Montpelier airport, 7.8 inches in Barre and up to 8.65 inches in AndoverWinooski River at Montpelier, capital city of Vermont - jumped by over 14 feet in the space of 20 hours. The Winooski finally crested at 21.25 feet, well above Major Flood Stage of 17.5 feet

The Bordertown Flood series tells the stories of Central Vermonters experiencing the 2023 flood disaster. The Lost Nation Theater has been called “One of the Best Regional Theaters in America” — NYC Drama League. Incorporated in 1977 in Bristol Vermont, Lost Nation Theater moved to it’s home in Vermont in 1986 and has been a critical center-piece of the theater scene in Central Vermont ever since. Lost Nation Theater dedicates itself to staging stories about the hopeful possibilities of human interaction; to education; and to realizing the powerful potential of theater to transform people and communities.If you would like to donate to Lost Nation Theater, please their website.If you want to donate the flood recover effort in central Vermont, please visit the Montpelier Strong Recovery Fund.Special Thanks for Ward Joyce for his generous support of this podcast Music for this Podcast – “Take a Bow’” by Railroad EarthBordertown is hosted by Vic Guadagno and recorded in Montpelier, Vermont – located in the Upper-Winooski Watershed. Our goal is to serve as an instrument for relationship building and communication, and to encourage the conversation around resiliency, equity and justice. Our intention is to celebrate life and community - and to help create conditions for all life to thrive.  On July 11th A State of Disaster was declared for all 14 counties of the state of Vermont after extensive rain in two days triggered the worst flooding since Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. The National Weather Service reported unofficial rainfall observations for a 38-hour period with 6.82 inches at the Montpelier airport, 7.8 inches in Barre and up to 8.65 inches in Andover.Winooski River at Montpelier, capital city of Vermont - jumped by over 14 feet in the space of 20 hours. The Winooski finally crested at 21.25 feet, well above Major Flood Stage of 17.5 feet.

The Bordertown Flood series tells the stories of Central Vermonters experiencing the 2023 flood disaster. Jaime Bedard. Jamie is the Executive Director of Just Basics, whose mission is to confront cycles of injustice by providing programs that increase awareness and access to basic resources needed for a resilient and vibrant community.Their main program is the Montpelier Food Pantry which had been located at the Trinity Church on Main Street. The Food Pantry was completely flooded as was their brand-new Resource Center which had just opened across the street at 136 Main StreetVisit the Food Pantry at their new location in the City Center at 89 Main StreetIf you would like to donate to the Food Pantry, please Just Basics.If you want to donate the flood recover effort in central Vermont, please visit Montpelier Strong Recovery Fund.Special Thanks to Ward Joyce for his generous support of this podcast Music for this Podcast – “Hard Livin’” by Railroad Earth Bordertown is hosted by Vic Guadagno and recorded in Montpelier, Vermont – located in the Upper-Winooski Watershed. Our goal is to serve as an instrument for relationship building and communication, and to encourage the conversation around resiliency, equity and justice. Our intention is to celebrate life and community - and to help create conditions for all life to thrive. On July 11th A State of Disaster was declared for all 14 counties of the state of Vermont after extensive rain in two days triggered the worst flooding since Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. The National Weather Service reported unofficial rainfall observations for a 38-hour period with 6.82 inches at the Montpelier airport, 7.8 inches in Barre and up to 8.65 inches in AndoverWinooski River at Montpelier, capital city of Vermont - jumped by over 14 feet in the space of 20 hours. The Winooski finally crested at 21.25 feet, well above Major Flood Stage of 17.5 feet

The Bordertown Flood series tells the stories of Central Vermonters experiencing the 2023 flood disaster. Marek Zajac is the Farm & Forest Community Coordinator for the Montpelier Parks Department. He found himself at the center of volunteer activity as the City shifted the duties of the Parks Department to managing the volunteer HUB, the main focal point of disaster-response. If you need flood-related help, or if you are willing to volunteer, please visit Montpelierhub.com You can also call 802-828-7108.Make a donation to the broader Vermont flood effort through the Vermont Community Foundation. Special Thanks for Ward Joyce for his generous support of this podcast Music for this Podcast - "Chasing A Rainbow" by Railroad Earth  Bordertown is an ecomedia project coming to you from the Upper-Winooski watershed in central Vermont. Our goal is to serve as an instrument for relationship building and communication, and to encourage the conversation around resiliency, equity and justice. Our intention is to celebrate life and community - and to help create conditions for all life to thrive.  On July 11th A State of Disaster was declared for all 14 counties of the state of Vermont after extensive rain in two days triggered the worst flooding since Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. The National Weather Service reported unofficial rainfall observations for a 38-hour period with 6.82 inches at the Montpelier airport, 7.8 inches in Barre and up to 8.65 inches in AndoverWinooski River at Montpelier, capital city of Vermont - jumped by over 14 feet in the space of 20 hours. The Winooski finally crested at 21.25 feet, well above Major Flood Stage of 17.5 feet

The Bordertown Flood series tells the stories of Central Vermonters experiencing the 2023 flood disaster. Today we welcome Dan Groberg, who started his new job as Executive Director of the Kellogg Hubbard Library just 13 days before the flood. In the past Dan has also served as Executive Director of Montpelier Alive, the organization at the center of flood recovery and rebuilding.If you would like to donate to the Kellogg-Hubbard Library directly visit their websiteYou can make a donation to the broader Vermont flood effort through the Montpelier STRONG Recovery Foundation Special thanks to Ward Joyce for his generous support of this podcast Music for this Podcast - "Long Walk Home" by Railroad Earth  Bordertown DescriptionBordertown is an ecomedia project coming to you from the Upper-Winooski watershed in central Vermont. Our goal is to serve as an instrument for relationship building and communication, and to encourage the conversation around resiliency, equity and justice. Our intention is to celebrate life and community - and to help create conditions for all life to thrive.  Flood DescriptionOn July 11th A State of Disaster was declared for all 14 counties of the state of Vermont after extensive rain in two days triggered the worst flooding since Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. The National Weather Service reported unofficial rainfall observations for a 38-hour period with 6.82 inches at the Montpelier airport, 7.8 inches in Barre and up to 8.65 inches in AndoverWinooski River at Montpelier, capital city of Vermont - jumped by over 14 feet in the space of 20 hours. The Winooski finally crested at 21.25 feet, well above Major Flood Stage of 17.5 feet

The Bordertown Flood series tells the stories of Central Vermonters experiencing the 2023 flood disaster. Today we welcome Julia Watson the owner of Capital Grounds. Julia took over ownership of Capitol Grounds in January of 2020 from her father Bob, who started the business with Bob Plante in 1998. Julia returned to Vermont with her husband and two kids, anxious to take over the family business. Since opening she has endured a global pandemic and now a devastating flood…but she is committed to keeping the business going. Support Capital Grounds by direct donations and purchasing products at Capitol GroundsYou can also donate to the broader flood effort at Montpelier Alive and the Montpelier Foundation.Special Thanks for Ward Joyce for his generous support of this podcast Music for this Podcast - "Been Down This Road" by Railroad EarthBordertown is an ecomedia project coming to you from the Upper-Winooski watershed in central Vermont. Our goal is to serve as an instrument for relationship building and communication, and to encourage the conversation around resiliency, equity and justice. Our intention is to celebrate life and community - and to help create conditions for all life to thrive. On July 11th A State of Disaster was declared for all 14 counties of the state of Vermont after extensive rain in two days triggered the worst flooding since Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. The National Weather Service reported unofficial rainfall observations for a 38-hour period with 6.82 inches at the Montpelier airport, 7.8 inches in Barre and up to 8.65 inches in AndoverWinooski River at Montpelier, capital city of Vermont - jumped by over 14 feet in the space of 20 hours. The Winooski finally crested at 21.25 feet, well above Major Flood Stage of 17.5 feet

The Bordertown Flood series tells the stories of Central Vermonters experiencing the 2023 flood disaster. Today we welcome Lalitha Mailwaganam. Lalitha moved to Vermont from Malaysia in 2002. She is a single mom to two teens, a dog, two cats and a couple of chickens. She is an avid gardener,  enjoys cooking, dancing and music as well as getting outside and appreciating the natural beauty of Vermont. You can donate to the Montpelier Food Pantry at Just Basics. You can also donate to the broader flood effort at Montpelier Alive.Special thanks to Ward Joyce for his generous support of this podcast Music for this Podcast - "Right In Tune" by Railroad EarthBordertown is an ecomedia project coming to you from the Upper-Winooski watershed in central Vermont. Our goal is to serve as an instrument for relationship building and communication, and to encourage the conversation around resiliency, equity and justice. Our intention is to celebrate life and community - and to help create conditions for all life to thrive.The Floods in Vermont:  On July 11th A State of Disaster was declared for all 14 counties of the state of Vermont after extensive rain in two days triggered the worst flooding since Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. The National Weather Service reported unofficial rainfall observations for a 38-hour period with 6.82 inches at the Montpelier airport, 7.8 inches in Barre and up to 8.65 inches in AndoverWinooski River at Montpelier, capital city of Vermont - jumped by over 14 feet in the space of 20 hours. The Winooski finally crested at 21.25 feet, well above Major Flood Stage of 17.5 feet

The Bordertown Flood series tells the stories of Central Vermonters experiencing the 2023 flood disaster. Today we welcome Alec Long. Alec and his wife Amanda purchased Chill Gelato last year and had reopened it in March. Chill has been a Montpelier staple since 2012 and Alec is enjoying his new career as a purveyor of fine Gelato. He also loves being part of the Montpelier business community and hopes to bring Chill back for all to enjoy. Chill was a Seven Days ‘Daysies’ finalist in 2018 and 2019 for the best gelatos in Vermont and in 2016 and 2017 a finalist for the best homemade ice cream. Make a donation to Chill through their gofundme campaign Make a donation to the Montpelier Flood Relief at Montpelier Alive Make a donation to the broader Vermont flood effort through the Vermont Community Foundation. Special Thanks for Ward Joyce for his generous support of this podcast Music for this Podcast - "Lordy Lordy" by Railroad EarthBordertown is an ecomedia project coming to you from the Upper-Winooski watershed in central Vermont. Our goal is to serve as an instrument for relationship building and communication, and to encourage the conversation around resiliency, equity and justice. Our intention is to celebrate life and community - and to help create conditions for all life to thrive. On July 11th A State of Disaster was declared for all 14 counties of the state of Vermont after extensive rain in two days triggered the worst flooding since Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. The National Weather Service reported unofficial rainfall observations for a 38-hour period with 6.82 inches at the Montpelier airport, 7.8 inches in Barre and up to 8.65 inches in AndoverWinooski River at Montpelier, capital city of Vermont - jumped by over 14 feet in the space of 20 hours. The Winooski finally crested at 21.25 feet, well above Major Flood Stage of 17.5 feet

The Bordertown Flood series will introduce you to some of Vermont’s small businesses, community members, government officials anyone in the community that is collectively experiencing the 2023 flood disaster in Vermont. On July 11th A State of Disaster was declared for all 14 counties of the state of Vermont after extensive rain in two days triggered the worst flooding since Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. The National Weather Service reported unofficial rainfall observations for a 38-hour period with 6.82 inches at the Montpelier airport, 7.8 inches in Barre and up to 8.65 inches in AndoverWinooski River at Montpelier, capital city of Vermont - jumped by over 14 feet in the space of 20 hours. The Winooski finally crested at 21.25 feet, well above Major Flood Stage of 17.5 feetBordertown is an ecomedia project coming to you from the Upper-Winooski watershed in central Vermont. Our goal is to serve as an instrument for relationship building and communication, and to encourage the conversation around resiliency, equity and justice. Our intention is to celebrate life and community - and to help create conditions for all life to thrive.Katie Swick is a long-time friend of the Bordertown Podcast (listen to Episode #44 to hear a conversation with her daughter and my daughter Elena from our days at Rabble Rouser). Katie is school teacher and a single-mom of two. She is current struggling with what to do next, after her house was severely damaged in the Vermont Floods of 2023!To offer financial assistance to Katie and her family, please visit their gofundme page.Make a donation to the Montpelier Flood Relief at Montpelier AliveMake a donation to the broader Vermont flood effort through the Vermont Community Foundation.Special Thanks for Ward Joyce for his generous support of this podcastMusic for this Podcast - "Like a Buddha" by Railroad Earth

The Bordertown Flood series will introduce you to some of Vermont’s small businesses, community members, government officials anyone in the community that is collectively experiencing the 2023 flood disaster in Vermont. On July 11th A State of Disaster was declared for all 14 counties of the state of Vermont after extensive rain in two days triggered the worst flooding since Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. The National Weather Service reported unofficial rainfall observations for a 38-hour period with 6.82 inches at the Montpelier airport, 7.8 inches in Barre and up to 8.65 inches in AndoverWinooski River at Montpelier, capital city of Vermont - jumped by over 14 feet in the space of 20 hours. The Winooski finally crested at 21.25 feet, well above Major Flood Stage of 17.5 feet This episode features Tim Heney, principal broker at Heney Realtors. Heney Realtors has been an independent brokerage firm in central Vermont since 1956.Over the years, Tim has participated as a member of various City committees, ranging from a Downtown Parking Study Committee, a Review of Fire and Ambulance Services, and the City Audit Committee. He is currently participating in the Montpelier Energy Advisory Committee looking into a district heating plant for downtown Montpelier. Time recalls his nine-year tenure on the Montpelier School Board as one of the most rewarding experience he's had and he continues to have great pride in our community schools.Growing up in Montpelier with five brothers and four sisters, Tim's family made a bit of their own history in Montpelier. He graduated from Montpelier schools and the University of Vermont. In 1981, he joined my father and uncle at their family firm. In addition to residential and commercial brokerage, he assisted in the creation and development of neighborhoods including Montpelier’s first condominium neighborhood at Independence Green and Freedom Drive, and later, North Park and Essex Way in Montpelier and Mansfield Lane in Berlin.Tim and his wife Donna live in Montpelier. Their two daughters attended Montpelier schools and both pursued graduate studies and careers. Tims is an avid runner and runs a marathon or two a year, along with a couple of half marathons for training. Downhill and cross country skiing and biking are all activities he loves.Bordertown is an ecomedia project coming to you from the Upper-Winooski watershed in central Vermont. Our goal is to serve as an instrument for relationship building and communication, and to encourage the conversation around resiliency, equity and justice. Our intention is to celebrate life and community - and to help create conditions for all life to thrive.For more info about Tim visit Heney RealtorsMake a donation to the Montpelier Flood Relief at Montpelier AliveMake a donation to the broader Vermont flood effort through the Vermont Community Foundation.Special Thanks for Ward Joyce for his generous support of this podcastMusic for this Podcast - Storms by Railroad Earth

The Bordertown Flood Series! The Bordertown Flood series will introduce you to some of Vermont’s small businesses, community members, government officials anyone in the community that is collectively experiencing the 2023 flood disaster in Vermont. On July 11th A State of Disaster was declared for all 14 counties of the state of Vermont after extensive rain in two days triggered the worst flooding since Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. The National Weather Service reported unofficial rainfall observations for a 38-hour period with 6.82 inches at the Montpelier airport, 7.8 inches in Barre and up to 8.65 inches in AndoverWinooski River at Montpelier, capital city of Vermont - jumped by over 14 feet in the space of 20 hours. The Winooski finally crested at 21.25 feet, well above Major Flood Stage of 17.5 feet  If you’ve been to Montpelier, you know that this is one of the best small towns in America. Ask most people why they live here and they will talk about the community and the small-town feel. We hope that listeners will learn a bit more about our town, get connected or stay connected…and if you can, make a donation to help with flood relief. I ask you to please visit Montpelieralive.com and see how you can help. Today on the podcast we welcome Cindra Conison, owner of the Quirky Pet. The Quirky Pet is an independent pet store located at 5 State Street in downtown Montpelier and has become a tourist destination from folks traveling from all over the world. The store opened exactly 12 years ago today! Bordertown is an ecomedia project coming to you from the Upper-Winooski watershed in central Vermont. Our goal is to serve as an instrument for relationship building and communication, and to encourage the conversation around resiliency, equity and justice. Our intention is to celebrate life and community - and to help create conditions for all life to thrive.Visit the Quirky Pet websiteMake a donation to the Montpelier Flood Relief at Montpelier AliveMake a donation to the broader Vermont flood effort through the Vermont Community Foundation.Special Thanks for Ward Joyce for his generous support of this podcastMusic for this Podcast - Mighty River by Railroad Earth

This episode features my daughter Elena, and her friend Juniper! Recorded on Dec. 16th, 2019 this is a fun conversation we had at the Rabble Rouser Chocolate Factory! A fun chat with two 9-10 year-olds...pre-pandemic!

Cara Robechek is the Executive Director of the Vermont Energy Education Program, whose mission is to build a deep understanding of energy through education, encouraging choices that result in sustainability in our communities, economy and environment. Cara has been with VEEP since 2014. Cara has worked in nonprofit development and managemen at the Center for While Communities in Waitsfield, served on the board of Planting Hope, as an elected Parks Commissioner for the City of Montpelier, and as a member of the Montpelier Energy Advisory Committee. She has a BA in Environmental Studies from Dartmouth College, and an MS in Renewable Natural Resources and Development form the University of East Anglia. She lives in Montpelier with her husband and two children.

Skyler currently worksin Washington DC as Project Manager for the Center for the Advancement of a Steady State Economy. He joined that organization in June, 2018, following his completion of his Masters program in Community Development and Applied Economics from the University of Vermont. Skyler also received a certificate in Ecological Economics from the Gund Institute at UVM. Skyler’s research focused on ecological economics and sustainable food systems.

Libby Bonesteel is the Montpelier/Roxbury School District Superintendent. Prior to that she was the director of communication and instruction at Franklin Northwest Supervisory Union. She also has experience as a consultant, adjunct professor, teacher, co-principal, principal and teacher. Libby holds master’s degrees from Michigan State University and Teachers College-Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree from Hobart and William Smith colleges.She resides in Jericho with her family

In this episode we welcome Michele Braun, the Executive Director of the Friends of the Winooski River.Michele took the helm at the Friends of the Winooski in 2018. She was the founding president of the watershed organization twenty years earlier. In her prior role as the planner for the Town of Northfield, Michele was responsible for the acquisition and demolition of 18 homes damaged in Tropical Storm Irene. Following that buyout, she coordinated a multidisciplinary project team focused on restoring the floodplain to reduce flood risk and enhance downtown recreation opportunities.Previously, she worked as an environmental policy analyst, responsible for managing projects, designing and facilitating multi-stakeholder meetings and workshops for city and state governments, US EPA, watershed organizations, environmental health associations, and multi-partner collaborative environmental planning projects. Michele has a Master of Science in Natural Resources Planning from the University of Vermont, and she earned her bachelor of arts degree in Government & Legal Studies and Romance Languages from Bowdoin College. She has served on the Board of the Montpelier Roxbury Public Schools since 2013, and enjoys a busy life in Montpelier with her husband and children.Music for this episode: "The Good Life" by Railroad Earth.This episode is sponsored by the Cosmic Cotton Tie Dye Studio. (enter "Bordertown" at checkout to receive 20% off your purchase)Download mp.3 -- Listen on ITunes