Our friends at the ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center are asking members of the Lake Champlain and Vermont communities to take some time completing their new survey . This survey is an opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas about Lake Champlain and tell them a little about how you spend your time and how you use social media.

Burlington Boatyard is one many local lake stewards (LCI, LCSC, Outdoors Magazine to name a few) that understand the essential role social media plays in promoting environmental and ecological awareness in both our local lake community and other watersheds around the country. We ask that you take a moment to provide your insight, opinions, thoughts and concerns with ECHO via this survey, and appreciate your continued support for all of us who strive to make positive impacts on Lake Champlain and beyond.

Media Summary

“Will Fish For Fun” Kids Derby is an open fishing derby for kids up to the age of 14 from anywhere or from any means. Our goal is to give them a connection with nature. This is a free event with no restrictions. The grand price is a Lifetime Vermont State Fishing License (for the oldest age group only). It is held and headquartered at the Burlington boat house every year, the Saturday after Labor Day (September 12th this year). Fishing is limited to the Burlington Waterfront from shore. Only kids are allowed to fish, and parents are encouraged to coach by all means. There is a coaching crew but our coaches can get overwhelmed very quickly. People who are interested in becoming coaches can apply directly with the Event Organizer, Pete Thayer (send requests to “therocknvt@yahoo.com”).

The derby kicks off at 8am, rain or shine, and ends at 11:30am. We are happy and proud to have Charlie Papillo from WVMT Radio’s “The Charlie and Ernie Show” on AM620 weekdays early morning, not only hosting our derby, but also helping us promote the event and gain sponsorship, and in general keeping the kids smiling.

If you and your children would like to participate, go to the website www.willfishforfun.com, and click on the Contact Us page to fill out the information for each child (we need it for t-shirt and pole sizes). Once the information is submitted, you will receive an email containing your registration paperwork, which you will need to bring on the day of the Derby.

Last year we had a moving line with over 100 kids in it for over an hour. Need to get’em kids fishing. We have given away over 300 fishing poles since our start 2 yrs ago and we hope to be able to buy and give away that many this year alone. We are doubling the bait order, which is partly donated by Hog Island Bait in Alburg, so nobody will go wormless. Junior’s Italian, which has been supporting us since our 1^st derby, is also donating again this year.

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Located in Burlington, The HowardCenter “improves the well-being of children, adults, families, and communities.” as it reads in their mission statement. This holiday season, they have been truly living up to that commitment through their Holiday Giving Program, and are looking for a few more sponsors to ensure that all of their listed families benefit from this gracious endeavor to help others in the community.

The Holiday Giving Program, run by the Child, Youth & Family Services arm of HC, brings hope and happiness to those who are unable to afford Christmas gifts for their families by calling upon those who wish to sponsor a family. The involvement of these sponsors will aid in making sure each child has a gift, and each family member a smile, as the holidays approach.

There are 100 families being sponsored this year, and as of now there are 18 left who are in need of sponsorship. The families are broken down as such:

• 7 — one-child families
• 3 — 2-child families
• 5 — 3-child families
• 2 — 4-child families
• 1 — 7-child family

Burlington Boatyard, who has become familiar with HC through their friends at Lake Champlain International, Inc. (LCI), supports this program and encourages anyone who may be able to help to do so, no matter big or small. Please reach out to HC and offer your support at any level you can, as the gesture of giving a little, can resonate largely throughout the lives of others as they feel the support, care and understanding of others during this time of year.

If you have additional questions about the Holiday Giving Program, or wish to make a contribution, please contact Catherine Shahan at 802-488-6651or Kesta Perras, at 802-488-6913 or visit their website here.

Thank you for your consideration in the program and best wishes during the holiday season.

- The Burlington Boatyard Crew

Hey everyone- just a quick hello from the LCMF today here at the waterfront in Burlington. The weather is fantastic and the crowd is much larger than yesterday, so all is shaping up to be a great day.

Check out our video update below and stay tuned for more that will be coming out as the day goes on.

- The Burlington Boatyard Crew