Gone Guys exposes disengagement, isolation of Vermont boys

Green Mountain United Way will be co-hosting a screening of the documentary Gone Guys on Thursday, September 4 from 6pm-8pm at the Barre Opera House, in Barre. 

Gone Guys explores a “quiet crisis” in our communities, hidden in plain sight: the increasing disengagement and isolation of boys and young men. Set in rural Vermont, this documentary brings national data to life, highlighting the struggles faced by boys and young men, and sets the stage for a meaningful conversation. 

A panel discussion will follow the 45-minute Film, presented by The Richard E. & Deborah L. Tarrant Foundation and The Vermont Community Foundation. Co-hosted by Green Mountain United Way with special sponsorship from Central Vermont Prevention Coalition. 

Content advisory: This film includes references to substance use, suicide, and mental health struggles. More information www.goneguysfilm.com.

Wells River hauling water from New Hampshire after oil spill

Reported from the Journal-Opinion

While the village is bulk hauling water from New Hampshire in the short term to fill its reservoir atop Roystan Ridge Road in the wake of an oil spill earlier this year, state officials have said a short-term emergency back-up plan for the winter needs to be developed.

Winter weather will make it difficult for trucks to access the reservoir. While the search for a new long-term water source will continue, village officials want to install a treatment system on the existing well, which so far has shown no signs of contamination. 

But the state is concerned that the treatment system will not be installed before the winter. Further, they are concerned that upcoming plans to clear contaminated soil from the site could rupture or damage the existing well rendering the treatment system ineffective. 

During a meeting last week, state officials urged the village to consider a temporary connection with Woodsville for its water supply this winter. But they stopped short of ordering the village what to do. 

Wells River Village Trustees will meet tomorrow, Aug. 28 at 4 p.m. to review their options.

Old Growth Forest conference next month

The 2025 Northeastern Old Growth Forest Conference, Wildlands and Old-Growth Forests: A Vision for the Future, will take place September 17–20 at Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf Campus in Ripton. 

Co-hosted by the University of Vermont Extension and Middlebury College, this hybrid event will bring together scientists, conservationists, policymakers, health professionals, writers, and artists to explore the ecological, cultural, and human health value of old-growth forests. 

The conference aims to foster a unified vision for the conservation of old-growth ecosystems through knowledge-sharing, immersive field experiences, and interdisciplinary dialogue. Talks will be livestreamed and recorded for virtual attendees.