In Vermont, 59% of adults don’t meet the state health department’s physical activity guidelines, which recommend two-and-a-half hours of moderate aerobic activity each week. Moderate activity includes walking fast, bicycling, dancing, hiking, paddling and swimming. Children and adolescents should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, including walking to school, playing in a yard or playground, climbing trees, riding bikes and participating in sports, according to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, a physical activity promotion and advocacy group comprised of volunteers appointed by the governor and representing a broad spectrum of Vermonters. At the request of the council, Gov. Phil Scott has declared May 2022 “Physical Fitness and Sports Month” in Vermont.

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum opened for its 2022 season this past Saturday with free admission for all visitors. Indoor and outdoor exhibits will be open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some highlights for the museum’s 2022 season include: The Clean Water Act, a new exhibit marking the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Clean Water Act and its impact on the Champlain Valley; and Abenaki Heritage Weekend, (June 18–19), a free weekend event in partnership with the Vermont Abenaki Artists Association that offers a chance for the public to explore and learn about the Abenaki perspective on life in the Champlain Valley. Replica boats open for tours (conditions permitting) include the canal schooner Lois McClure and the Revolutionary War gunboat Philadelphia II. There will also be a Museum After Hours Summer Party on July 8 featuring live music, pizza, ice cream, cocktails, and exhibits in support of the museum. Find out more about all things LCMM by logging on to lcmm.org. The museum’s 2022 season and free admission are made possible with support from the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership, Lake Champlain Basin Program and the museum’s members, donors, and corporate sponsors.

The Bristol Fire Department is actively recruiting prospective new members for the next Vermont Fire Academy class. Volunteer firefighting is about neighbors helping neighbors and making a public safety commitment to your community. It’s a way to pass on one’s good fortune by helping others. When you become a volunteer firefighter, you immediately feel empowered. You receive the training — and then the responsibility — to help others in emergencies. If you live in Bristol and want to learn more about what’s involved, contact Bristol Fire Chief Brett LaRose at [email protected], or call 802-453-3201. If you live in another Vermont town, contact your local fire chief.

Turning Point Center of Addison County (TPC) has been selected as a finalist in the 8th Annual Red Sox Impact Grant. This year’s Impact Awards will continue to focus on organizations that have demonstrated deep impact in raising awareness and improving the mental health outcomes in their community. The Impact Awards provide Red Sox fans in the six New England states with the chance to nominate their favorite local nonprofit organization for their opportunity to win a grant from the Red Sox Foundation. Supporters are allowed to vote to once a day, every day, from May 2 to May 31. Vote for TPC here: tinyurl.com/ab6ps9fv. The three organizations with the most votes in each state will win a grant: $10,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place and $2,000 for third place. Located at 54 A Creek Road in Middlebury, the TPC is one of 12 peer recovery centers in Vermont that focus on support for individuals and their families seeking recovery from substance use disorder and other addictions. To learn more about TPC log on to turningpointaddisonvt.org.

The Lincoln Historical Society will hold its annual town-wide yard sale on May 28. The tents have been ordered and organizers are hoping to be able to offer buyers a great selection of wonderful items, but that depends on the generosity of those able to donate wares to be sold. Yard sale organizers are looking for donations of good, clean usable kitchenware, household items, linens, gardening items and sports equipment, among other things. Please only donate items that you would buy. Call Eleanor Menzer at 802-453-2807 for more information.

Gov. Phil Scott this week announced that he had appointed Robert Patterson of Lincoln to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board. At the same time he appointed Nicholas Burnham of Hartland and Neal Hogan of Bennington to the board. The announcement said Patterson and the others are passionate about Vermont’s outdoors, participating in activities ranging from backcountry skiing to mentoring new hunters, and all three cited their love of hunting that began during childhood as a driver of their commitment to conservation. Fish and Wildlife Board members serve six-year terms, with one board member appointed from each of Vermont’s 14 counties. The board is a citizen panel that sets the rules regulating hunting, fishing and trapping.