Addison County Transit Resources and Champlain Valley Equipment are partnering again to provide “Fare-Free to the Fair,” a free shuttle to the Addison County Fair and Field Days in New Haven. Access is available from Middlebury, New Haven, Bristol and Vergennes. The Aug. 7 to 10 weekday shuttle arrives at Field Days in the late morning, with return service at 5:30 p.m. On Saturday, Aug. 11, a dedicated shuttle will make four loops between late morning and early evening. More “Fare-Free to the Fair” schedule info is available from ACTR driver, 388-2287, or actr-vt.org.
 
Speaking of Field Days, Bridge No. 8 on Route 17 in Weybridge is now open to two-way traffic, at least according to state officials. The bridge, which spans the Otter Creek at the Weybridge-New Haven line, has been closed the past few months for major repairs. Officials said it is now good to go with Field Days just around the corner.
 
Addison Central Teens, the organization that serves youths in the seven towns of the Addison Central School District, may be looking for your help soon. The organization applied for a $25,000 grant through State Farm’s Neighborhood Assist program to provide after-hours transportation for teens living in Ripton, Shoreham, Salisbury and Bridport. If chosen as a finalist, ACT supporters will get to vote for the organization through Facebook beginning on Aug. 15. Stay tuned: We’ll let you know if it comes to that.
 
Vermont Coffee Company was recently named one of five recipients of the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. The award recognizes the company’s sizable recent investment in renewable energy technology. The Middlebury company is now the first U.S. coffee roaster to use 100-percent renewable biogas to roast its coffee, through sourcing both thermal and electric energy from renewable methane. Vermont Coffee Company will host a related ceremony at its Exchange Street café on Aug. 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Refreshments will be served and there will be a facility tour as part of the event, in addition to the award presentation.
 
Local law enforcement agencies announced that they will host at least one sobriety checkpoint in Addison County during the next two weeks. This will be done to monitor traffic along Vermont’s highways to detect and arrest motorists under the influence of alcohol or any drug that has impaired their ability to drive.
 
The 4th Annual Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival kicks off on Thursday, Aug. 23, as it will welcome several Oscar-winning filmmakers, Emmy-winning producers, and more than 60 filmmakers from around the world. Those who would like to experience the festival from the inside, earn plenty of free tickets and meet new friends in the process, can consider joining the MNFF’s volunteer team. Folks are needed to serve as runners (filling in wherever needed), handle photography/videography, and deal with theater/event support. People can also help sell MNFF merchandise during the four-day event. Those interested in helping should email [email protected].
 
Gov. Phil Scott on Wednesday appointed 98 Vermonters to various state boards and commissions. The list includes one Addison County resident — Wendy Butler of New Haven, who’s been named to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board. State boards and commissions give Vermonters opportunities to serve their state and communities. Anyone interested in serving on a board or commission may visit the governor’s website at governor.vermont.gov/boards-commissions to apply.