As Vermont's public health veterinarian, Natalie Kwit, DVM, leads the state's response to zoonotic and vector-borne illnesses, like those carried by ticks. She shares everything you need to know to protect yourself from Lyme disease and others in this week's Medical Matters Weekly.
Catherine, who attends the School of Sacred Heart in Bennington, is excited to have been among the first locals aged 12 - 15 to receive the Pfizer vaccine. The vaccine was authorized for the group this week.
Vermonters ages 12 and older are eligible to make an appointment for a high-capacity, family-friendly COVID-19 vaccine clinic scheduled for May 22. Read More.
Family Forum on COVID Vaccines and Adolescents
The Vermont Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics wants to answer your questions about vaccinating your child. Read More
Treating Arthritis of the Hands
Dr. David Veltre, hand and upper extremity specialist at SVMC Orthopedics, explains hand arthritis and potential treatments. Read More.
The Next Medical Matters Weekly
Dr. David Furman, of SVMC Gastroenterology, will share where he finds the greatest job satisfaction. Read More.
Vaccine Eligibility
Let's end mitigation measures safely by getting vaccinated! Everyone aged 12 and older is eligible to register for and schedule a vaccine. Get Yours.
Share Your Ideas
SVHC has launched a survey to gather public input. They want to know all of the ways you would like to see the former SVC campus put to use. Read More.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
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Protect Grassland Birds by Mowing Later
MONTPELIER, Vt. — Bobolinks, Savannah sparrows and eastern meadowlarks enrich our summers with their songs, but their populations continue to suffer long-term declines due to the loss in quantity and quality of their grassland habitat.
"These species continue to experience long-term population declines across the continent, and on Vermont's grasslands, especially in large fields and in open landscapes, there are opportunities to help," said Rosalind Renfrew, biologist for the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.
Landowners can make a difference by altering the times of year they mow fields. Fish and Wildlife is encouraging landowners to help these beloved species by waiting to mow fields used by grassland birds, giving them a chance to rear their young.
"People maintain open, grassy fields in Vermont for a variety of reasons, from producing hay to providing pasture for grazing, to simply maintaining scenic beauty," said Renfrew, "For those who can afford it, the timing of mowing or brush hogging can be adjusted to allow grassland birds to successfully raise young."
Bobolinks, Savannah sparrows, eastern meadowlarks and wild turkeys build nests right on the ground, among the grasses and wildflowers. Deer fawns and other animals take refuge in grass fields, and other birds such as bluebirds, kestrels, whip-poor-wills, and northern harriers rely on grass fields for food.
According to Renfrew, landowners who do not need to mow for animal forage can accommodate nesting birds by cutting late in the summer, preferably after Aug. 1.
People concerned about invasive plants may choose to sometimes mow a portion of their field more frequently, to keep invasive plants in check.
"The birds don't like fields dominated by invasives such as parsnip, bedstraw, chervil, and others any more than we do," says Renfrew. "Mowing earlier and more frequently to control and prevent those species from going to seed can mean temporarily sacrificing the needs of the birds," said Renfrew, "but when it helps maintain habitat quality over the long term, it's worth it."
The game-winning rally started when Pittsfield junior Jack Abel led off by crushing a 1-1 pitch to left-center and racing all the way to third base, sliding in just ahead of the tag to give the Generals a sterling scoring opportunity. click for more
The Pittsfield baseball team Saturday rallied for five runs in the top of the sixth inning to break a 5-5 tie and went on to a 12-5 win over Clinton in the quarter-finals of the Division 4 State Tournament. click for more
Amanda Pou was named the most valuable player of the regional final after striking out four and walking none in a complete-game effort in the circle. She also ripped a two-run double in Pittsfield’s four-run fourth-inning rally to break open a scoreless game. click for more