VPR Named One Of The "Best Places To Work In Vermont"

Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce have named VPR one of the 21 Best Places to Work in Vermont 2013!

And we can't for the life of us figure out why.

Just kidding! And thank you! All of us here at VPR feel so very lucky to be part of this team, and that we get to make public radio happen in Vermont every day. 

Congratulations to all the companies who were selected. You can find the full list here.

Support VPR And Win

With so many choices, why do you listen to and support Vermont Public Radio?

Because it gives you topics for dinner conversation?

Because Walter Parker’s voice soothes your young children?

Because you’re convinced Terry Gross is a mind reader by always asking just the right question?

Because you could win lots of prizes?

Okay, that last one is more of a bonus. VPR's membership drive begins next week, and whatever your reason for listening, we hope you will make a pledge today to support this essential service. Plus, when you make a pledge now you’ll be entered to win:

• Two pairs of round-trip airline tickets to anywhere in the continental U.S. from Milne Travel 
• A $1,000 gift certificate to Small Dog Electronics
• $1,500 in gift cards to Phoenix Books
• A trip for two to see Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me in Chicago
• A $2,000 gift card to Onion River Sports
• A $2,000 gift card to Gardener's Supply 

The sooner you pledge, the more chances you have to win – a no-brainer, right?

Thanks in advance for your support. And remember, if you’re a sustaining member, you’re already entered in all of the drawings. Good luck!

Contest Rules

Bob Kinzel Reviews Legislative News On Saturday Mornings

We're only a few weeks into the new legislative session, but lawmakers in Montpelier are already generating headlines. Governor Peter Shumlin has been sworn in for a second term, and his inaugural address focused on Vermont's education system. In his budget address, he outlined spending priorities for the state. Senator Philip Baruth submitted and then withdrew gun control legislation. And we're just now getting into the debate about transportation funding and new taxes on break open tickets.

The goings-on in Montpelier can get pretty complicated. That's why I'm pleased to be speaking with VPR's Bob Kinzel every Saturday morning for insight on the week's legislative news. Bob's many years of experience as a reporter in Montpelier will inform his comments and provide us with the context we need to understand what's going on. It's a perfect fit for Weekend Edition Saturday.

Join us for these conversations Saturdays at 9:35, and listen to the conversations we've had so far.

Get Your New VPR Euro Sticker

We've updated our Euro sticker with a fresh new green! All you have to do to get yours is become a sustaining member or make a pledge in any amount to VPR today!

Show everyone on the road that you're a proud VPR listener - and supporter. You'll help VPR meet its goal for the upcoming membership drive and keep the news, music, and conversation you love going strong. Thanks!

Healing The Brokenhearted

Last weekend, on the one month anniversary of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, five of the nation's leading children's choirs joined their voices in song at St. James Cathedral in Chicago.

The purpose of the performance was to offer comfort and solace to the families of children lost to gun violence.  VPR Classical will carry this hour-long concert on Sunday, January 20th at noon.

The performance will premiere American composer Lita Grier's "Missa Brevis for the Children," conducted by Doreen Rao.

The young choirs will be joined by members of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, St. James Cathedral Choir, the William Ferris Chorale and organist Bruce Barber II.

The radio host is 11 year-old Masha Lakisova, a talented violinist, and an interfaith roster of spiritual leaders will offer words and prayer throughout the performance.

Tune in at noon on Sunday and let us know your thoughts at vpr.net/classical.

VPR's Expanded Legislative Coverage

The Legislature convenes this week, and VPR News will bring you broader and deeper coverage throughout the 2013 session.

The session begins on Wednesday, and Vermont Edition will broadcast live from the Statehouse at noon. Jane Lindholm will speak with House and Senate leaders about the goals and priorities for the session.

On Thursday, January 10, VPR News will carry live coverage of Gov. Peter Shumlin’s inaugural address at 1:30 p.m., hosted by Jane Lindholm and Bob Kinzel.

VPR’s audio stream from the Vermont House and Senate goes live beginning a 10 a.m. on Wednesday. The stream can be heard online at VPR.net or via VPR’s iPhone and Android apps, allowing listeners to tune in to proceedings anytime, anywhere.

Listen throughout the session for expanded legislative coverage. Reporters Bob Kinzel and John Dillon will continue their in-depth coverage of day-to-day developments, trends, and features, with a greater concentration on breaking news.

On Saturdays at 9:30 a.m., host Peter Biello will interview Bob Kinzel about the developments of the past week and a preview of the coming week.

In addition, reporter Kirk Carapezza will spend several days a week in Montpelier covering the Legislature for VPR’s digital reports. He’ll keep a legislative blog, post photos from the Statehouse, and update followers via Twitter (@KirkCarapezza) and VPR’s Facebook page.

You can keep up with all of VPR’s Legislative coverage at VPR.net.