Bennington middle school kids are getting a chance to learn new skills, thanks to 22 different five-week programs funded by the Mosaic Grant. The Bennington Banner reports the programs focus on a variety of subject areas, including career development, arts, and health and wellness and are taught by a mix of teachers, paraprofessionals, and community residents. Students can attend one or multiple weeks and can choose a different program each of those weeks. "There really is something here for every kid," said Chris Maguire, coordinator of the programs. No child is turned away because of an inability to pay. Several programs run each week, such as gardening techniques, humane education for house pets and farm animals, how to create "funky" clothes, play rock instruments, and how to make stained glass. Participant Erika Burgess had this to say about the gardening program: "It's my first day and I already learned a lot about plants and vegetables." We bet they're having fun too.

The Bristol Band opened its 140th outdoor summer season recently. It plays every Wednesday night at 7 throughout the summer. Approximately 55 members, ranging in age from fifth graders to 80-something-year-old seasoned musicians, played a 1.5 hour outdoor concert in the Roy J. Clark Memorial Bandstand on the town green, said the Addison Independent. While not Vermont’s oldest band, the members think it has the distinction of having the state’s longest continually running streak, playing since its start in 1870. The band’s repertoire ranges from polkas to John Philip Sousa marches to Broadway show tunes and jazz classics. There’s even the occasional rendition of YMCA. “…People from all different backgrounds, all different musical abilities. We come together, and somehow every Wednesday it works,” said lead trumpeter Michele McHugh. The band has developed a very loyal following over the years, from youngsters to seniors, playing in rain and sunshine. “It’s very Vermont,” concluded 16-year-old Bridport clarinetist Addison Tate.

OK, so maybe Sherlock and Watson couldn't attend the conference at Bennington College in June, but their fans were there to pay tribute and learn. Billed as "Sherlock Holmes: The Man And His Worlds," it was the second conference in 16 years organized by the Baker Street Breakfast Club, a local Sherlock society in honor of its 20th anniversary. The 90 or so attendees came from near and as far away as Ireland and Louisiana to experience speakers, exhibits, films, music, and mysteries, according to The Bennington Banner. "The committee wanted the conference to be variety of things, not just papers," said Sally Sugarman, principal organizer of the conference and founding Bakers Street Breakfast Club member. Associated events took place around town to give the participants a chance to explore the surrounding Bennington area. Sherlock is most popular with fans of mystery and, according to Baker Street Irregular Michael Whelan, while he didn't create the detective story, "he made it what it is today."

"Class night" at Leland & Gray high school in Brattleboro honored Brian Urato, graduate of the class of 2010, for not missing a day of school in 12 years. The acknowledgement was reminiscent of the same honor that went to his sister, Rachel, in 2007. The family tradition began when Rachel overheard her parents discussing a newspaper article about a valedictorian who had perfect attendance throughout her school years. "We never imagined Rachel was listening," said Jake Urato, Rachel's father. That is until the first time she refused to stay home because she wasn't feeling well. "I won't get the award," Rachel told her dad. Luckily both siblings can attribute their attendance record to great health. Sports played an important role in helping to keep them healthy and provided the incentive to come to school to practice - Rachel as captain of her softball team, and Brian as head of the cross-country team. Brian said the feat was no big deal - he just never got sick, at least on school time. Neither did Rachel.

High school graduations now are pretty much over in Vermont, but North Clarendon's Mill River Union High School made sure their special day was memorable. What was so special about this class? "Their heart," according to school employee Mary Bridge, who bases her opinion on more than 20 years of watching Mill River's graduating classes. Some of the 102 class members did deliver the traditional graduation day speeches, but many more sang about what the school meant to them. Ryan Rich, for example, said his original song, "Helping Hand," was inspired by the question: "What are you doing after school?" His lyrics reflected the comfort generated by the community to current, future and past grads. "It's not a night for tears but for celebration and community," said Wyll Everett, another graduate. "We're all a community and will always feel like we belong somewhere," he added. Good luck to all the grads of the class of 2010.

Tinmouth elementary students had a chance to walk in the shoes of townspeople for one day...a day in 1861. The students portrayed and dressed the part of farmers, cooks, and schoolteachers who lived during that time. It was a very busy day, with kids tilling a garden, putting up tents, manning a military outpost to enlist men for the American Civil War, making wooden toys, and preparing food for a community lunch in the old schoolhouse. This was the second year of the school's Living History Day and is a culmination of the school's nine-week curriculum. "We're taking the social science concepts of schooling and identity and comparing it to the present," said teacher Stuart Gerrol, "how time and place define who we are, help them understand humanity and how we work together as a society and as groups." Rachel Baker, 11 years old, summed up the event: "It was hard work, but it was kind of fun. You couldn't go to the store and get an iPod." I hope Apple was listening.

Robert Crandall, a paper "boy" for The Times Argus in Montpelier, decided it was time to move on. Not exactly headline news, but then 90-year-old Crandall is no ordinary delivery person. This was his second career, having been a dentist for 50 years. Idling was not a situation he enjoyed, so when his wife, Elfriede, saw an ad in the paper for someone to deliver the paper, she suggested he call and apply for the job. He did. "It was not work," Crandall said. "It was pleasure." Crandall delivered about 20 newspapers on a daily basis, and some he sold along the way, in all kinds of weather. "He was out there every day, "said Melody Hudson, The Times Argus circulation director. "...He was certainly one of our best carriers." But a tumble down a flight of stairs and a broken finger and scalp cuts as a result, was enough to convince Elfriede it was time for Robert to retire for the second time. People took note of his retirement, with the newspaper staff "vetoing" his retirement. He keeps busy these days keeping track of eight children and 11 grandchildren and - what else? - reading the newspaper.

Essex High School's annual world ruler tournament showcased Joseph Stalin, Otto van Bismarck, Peter the Great and, Augustus Caesar, said the Burlington Free Press. Students in the four Advanced Placement history classes took on the roles of historical world leaders. Classes voted for the leader they preferred to lead the world. To get ready for their roles, the "leaders" studied their personae, argued their merits and weaknesses, trying to impress their fellow students as well as their teachers. The students donned physical attributes like winner Scott Mechler who wore a tunic and helmet to reflect Caesar; sported a mustache emulating Otto van Bismarck; and spoke with Garibaldi's Italian accent. Jake "Joseph Stalin" McGinnis said, "it's all about spinning it in a positive way." He argued the millions of Russians who died under his leadership did so that their country could achieve superpower status. There was no word on Caesar's prize.

Maggie Burke, 24, of Montpelier, was invited to the White House for her work with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, said the Times Argus. Maggie is a program coordinator with the statewide organization that helps people with physical, cognitive or emotional disabilities ski, hike, swim, and engage in other year-round sporting activities. She began her involvement as an intern at Green Mountain College five years ago. The organization was formed 21 years ago and is run mostly by volunteers, currently around 200 throughout the state. Maggie recently was selected as one of six coaches to attend the U.S. Paralympic Games in Vancouver. What would Maggie like the President to know about the program? "...how much it means to people to get out there and be active. This can really change lives."

Topper, a Tennessee Walking Horse, and Vietnam Vet David Chase, have connected with each other through the Horses for Heroes program. The program offers therapies tailored specifically to the needs of service personnel and ex-military men and women, said the Times Argus. The program, coordinated through four certified stables and the Veterans Administration, includes High Horses in Wilder, Dream On Curls in Springfield, CHAMP (Champlain Adaptive Mounted Program) in So. Hero, and Water Tower Farm in Marshfield where David and Topper met. The sessions involve not only the horse and rider, but a leader for the horse and one or more side-walkers for support, if needed. Chase is luckier than most, as he is physically capable. Not only has David made a horse friend, but a human friend with volunteer Ernie Penley. The two Marines discovered they served in the same regiment, but different battalion, during their overlapping tours of duty in Vietnam. It took a horse, of course, to bring everyone together.