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Country stores work to stay open

As some general stores struggle to stay open, communities are finding creative ways to keep them operating. Bob Kinzel provides an update on what the federal stimulus package could mean for Vermont. And Middlebury College student Alexander Manshel reports on Al Sharpton’s recent visit to campus.
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Rain, rain, rain

Record rains and storm damage have been THE story of this summer’s weather. We talk with weather watchers about the storms and rainfall we’ve experienced, and the impact of that rain on farms and crops.

Preview of Town Meeting Day and the Vermont Primary

Town Meeting is just three weeks away, and we talk with with Secretary of State Deb Markowitz about the local balloting and the Vermont primary. Also, New York’s north country may be seeing an infusion of economic development aid, and we check in with people ice fishing on Lake Champlain.

Inclusion: students with disabilities in the classroom

We talk with filmmaker Dan Habib and University of Vermont education professor Michael Giangreco about the concept of inclusion for students with disabilities, and how it plays out in the classroom. Also, reporter Erin Demuth Judd of the Glens Falls Post-Star tells us whether the north country will see an infusion of economic development aid from New York state. And we ring in the Chinese New Year with celebrants as they prepare banners for New Year’s Day on Thursday.

Interview: Don Metz, “Confessions of a Country Architect.”

Don Metz is an architect with a view. After graduating from the Yale School of Architecture, when many students gravitate to lucrative commercial firms, Metz opted instead to open a small country practice in the Upper Valley. He has built his reputation as a maverick architect and a pioneer in sustainable housing, and is a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. Metz recounts his experiences in his new memoir, "Confessions of a Country Architect." The book contrasts the sometimes loopy requests of wealthy clients with the earthy wisdom of native contractors, and provides insight into a career devoted to building dreams. Don Metz lives in Lyme, New Hampshire. He spoke with VPR’s Neal Charnoff.