The state is inching closer to Phase 4 of its “Vermont Forward Plan,” representing a further loosening of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. As of this writing, Vermont was only around 12,000 citizen vaccinations short of achieving the 80% mark of the total population vaccinated that is needed to trigger Phase 4. Under Phase 4 vaccinated citizens can go about their business without masks. There will be ongoing restrictions for the unvaccinated — including a continued mask mandate and required social distancing of six feet. For full details, visit tinyurl.com/d3pcw5tn. So if you haven’t had your vaccination, look out for yourself and others and help close the gap to 80%.

Middlebury Union Middle School students are gearing up for a fun year-end event that was planned by a group of MUMS “student ambassadors.” This June 11 event (June 14 rain date) will feature a variety of games and competitions — such as egg on a spoon, capture the flag, charades, basketball knockout and trivia. Families are encouraged to volunteer by collecting supplies and awards that will add to the fun and excitement for all students. Volunteers will be needed 8-11:30 a.m. to help supervise students and oversee events alongside MUMS staff. Volunteers are asked to do a Vermont background check through the Agency of Human Services and the Vermont Crime Information Center. Gail Leach [email protected] will follow up with volunteers to arrange an appointment to sign a consent form to perform the check. There is no cost for this background check. Masks are also required.

The nonprofit, Middlebury Addison County Parent Child Center is seeking new board members who can bring dedication, commitment, and energy to make a difference in the community today and for the future. Specifically, the center is looking for board members who have a love of children, who understand and support the organization’s mission, who like to keep current on early childhood issues, and who are willing to play an active role in fundraising. If you’re ready to share your energy, expertise, and knowledge to help make an impact, please email Donna Bailey at [email protected] or call her at 802-989-6405. Visit the organization’s website at Visit our website at addisoncountypcc.org.

The Ripton Community Coffee House will present Karan Casey in a virtual concert this Saturday, June 5, at 7:30 p.m. Part of the proceeds of this show will benefit the Coffee House so it can continue to bring live and virtual concerts as it rolls into its 26th year. Karan Casey, formerly of the Irish super group Solas, has long been recognized as one of the most innovative, provocative and imitated voices in Irish traditional and folk music. Singing songs charged with a sense of social responsibility in a career spanning more than 25 years, she has released seven solo albums as well as an album for children, a duet album with John Doyle and many contributions to other artists’ projects. Watch the concert on the Coffee House’s YouTube Channel and Facebook page. Streaming links, music & concert details at rcch.org. Suggested donation is $10-$20-$25+. Donation links may be found at rcch.org/please-donate. For more information, artist videos and more see rcch.org.

Fighting food waste is one of the best ways to positively impact the environment, and the Addison County Solid Waste Management District is looking for volunteer “Waste Warriors” to help staff waste sorting stations at the Addison County Fair and Field Days this August. Waste Warriors will help educate fairgoers on proper disposal of food scraps, recyclables, and trash. They’ll also receive free admission to the fair on the day they volunteer, a “Warrior” t-shirt, plus the satisfaction of knowing they’ve made a difference. Training is required. Three training sessions have been scheduled for Monday, July 19, at 6 p.m.; Tuesday, July 27, at 10 a.m.; and Wednesday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m. Check out the district’s Warriors webpage to learn more and sign-up: tinyurl.com/2kfzs6cx. Once trained, there’s no obligation to volunteer. Trained Warriors will have an opportunity to volunteer at this year’s fair as well as future events in need of such help. Anticipate volunteer shifts of about four hours of standing on your feet.

Bristol CORE has reached its $5,000 fundraising goal for 2021. This money will be critical to Bristol CORE’s ability to undertake the community projects and events that keep Bristol buzzing. Money raised helps support community-building efforts like marketing and promotional campaigns for the downtown businesses, Main Street flower baskets and downtown plantings, and signature events like December’s Chocolate Walk, Cool Yule, and Lumen. For more information on Bristol CORE, go to bristolcore.org.