Homeward Bound, the Humane Society of Addison County, is creating its own “Little Pet Food Pantry,” stocked with donated food that can be used by folks without enough resources to adequately feed their beloved four-legged companions. With that in mind, Homeward Bound is seeking donation of a sturdy glass-front hutch to use for its pantry. The nonprofit will replace the glass with plexiglass, so it’s OK if the glass is damaged. If you have one to sell or donate, please email pictures and info to [email protected].
 
Have you seen online posts about the need for caring homes for children in foster care? Maybe you’ve been thinking, “I’d really like to help, but just can’t commit to doing foster care right now.” There are some other ways that you can help, according to the Vermont Department For Children & Families. For example, when you’re back-to-school shopping with your children or grandchildren, pick up an extra backpack and fill it with supplies such as pens, pencils, erasers, notebooks, three-ring binders and post-it notes. Drop them off at the local DCF Family Services office at 156 South Village Green, Suite 202, in Middlebury. Another great way to help is by providing respite care for foster children. This can include giving them regular, approved rides to and from school and to and from afterschool activities. It’s a great way to support local foster parents who may need a helping hand to get everyone in their care where they need to be. Call the Middlebury DCF office at 388-4660 for more information.
 
The Bristol “Hub” center for afterschool teen activities is celebrating its 20th birthday with a celebration this Friday, Aug. 17, from 3 to 9 p.m. The event will take place at the Hub property off Airport Road and will include a bunch of fun activities, including lawn games, free food and of course the popular skate park. Artist William Kasso will be there to paint a brand new mural for the front of the Hub building. Come help the town celebrate what has been a great service to keep youngsters happy and busy.
 
Folks at the Middlebury Farmers’ Market let us know that the produce has finally arrived. One market organizer said, “The major of questions we received this year was, ‘Where are all the veggies?’” Turns out that many of the market’s growers experienced climate-related delays this year (long winter, too much rain at the wrong time, etc.) so they didn’t have the biggest part of their crops ready until recently. But now there are almost 40 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, greens etc. on offer at the VFW on Exchange Street on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., through October. Rain or shine.
 
Attention area seniors: You should be receiving your new Medicare card by mail by the end of this month, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Anyone who hasn’t received a new card should visit www.medicare.gov/newcard, or call 1-800-MEDICARE to check and see when cards will be mailed to your area. People with Medicare can also log in to MyMedicare.gov and check a more specific timing of when their card will arrive. Once you receive your New Medicare card, you should destroy your old one, officials said.