🌱 VT's Oldest Veteran Dies At 107 + COVID Vs. NYE Celebrations

Good morning, Burlington! Like many of you, the Patch team is taking some time off to celebrate the New Year, so there will not be a newsletter in your inbox tomorrow. We appreciate your understanding of this slight pause in our schedule, and I will be back on Monday with the next edition of the Burlington Daily! Now, here's everything happening around town today.

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First, today's weather:

A passing afternoon shower. High: 39 Low: 36.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Burlington today:

1. Lenny Roberge, Vermont's oldest veteran, has died at the age of 107. Roberge's daughter reported that the veteran, who served in the Navy, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day. He was also known as the "Pie Man" in his South Burlington senior home, where he baked desserts every day for his fellow residents. (WCAX)
2. With the countdown to 2022 just days away, will the surge in COVID cases put a damper on New Year's Eve celebrations at Burlington bars? Three Needs has opted to close its doors for the evening; they will instead have an employee party to minimize risk and exposure. T. Rugg's Tavern, meanwhile, is only welcoming vaccinated customers for their celebration; the bar also closed for the two days ahead of New Year's to "make sure everyone's safe for it." (WCAX)
3. Burlington residents can prepare for precipitation this New Year's weekend. A passing afternoon shower is expected this afternoon, with clouds and occasional rain slated for the first day of the new year. Sunday's forecast calls for colder temperatures and a 91% chance of snow showers. (Burlington Patch)

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Today in Burlington:

• Ring In the New Year With 15 Percent Off Beautiful Blooms From FTD! - FTD Flowers (9:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• As take-home tests for COVID-19 have been in high demand around the state, the Vermont Language Justice Project created a series of videos to help folks understand the instructions. (Facebook)
• Get the perfect gift for your favorite pet parent (even if that's yourself.) If you commission a pet portrait by Michelle Nettleton Fine Art, 20% of the sale will go to Burlington Humane Society. (Instagram)
• They say no two snowflakes are the same — and now you can prove it. Learn about snowflake photography and a recipe to create your own snowflake "fossil." (Instagram)

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Events:

• Ring In the New Year With 15 Percent Off Beautiful Blooms From FTD! (December 31)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I hope you all have a happy New Year, and I'll see you all Monday for another update!

— Danielle Fallon

About me: Danielle Fallon is a writer who loves using her creativity to fuel her passion for communication. She is an employee of content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.