The Stories That Stuck With Us in 2025
Kate’s Pick:
Campers vs. Counselors: Mac & Cheese Cook-Off
Campers and counselors go head-to-head in a Mac & Cheese Cook-Off, using surprise pantry ingredients and serious kitchen skills. With roux on the line, the competition turns fun, creative, and a little intense. Who comes out on top? Watch to find out.
Kate Says:
“This video perfectly captures what GNAT-TV camps are really about. It’s playful, collaborative, and puts kids behind the camera learning by doing.
You can see confidence building in real time and, honestly, the campers might have out-cooked the counselors.”
Amber’s Pick:
Nothing’s New Podcast: Episode 4 – Witchcraft
Nothing’s New is a GNAT-TV podcast that explores history through fresh, thoughtful conversations. Hosted by Andrew McKeever, Paige Vignola, and Shawn Harrington, each episode connects the past to the present in ways that feel relevant, curious, and surprisingly timely.This episode dived deep into the history of witchcraft — tracing how fear, folklore, and power have shaped its story over time. The series explores history through fresh, thought-provoking conversations.
Amber Says:
“Great storytelling with a conversational tone that makes history genuinely fun to listen to!”
Owen’s Pick:
The News Project – Battenkill Fly Fishing Festival
The Arlington Common hosted its fourth annual Fly Fishing Festival, bringing together anglers, conservationists, and community members to support and protect the Battenkill River. Over four days, the festival blended education, hands-on activities, and community connection around a shared love for this vital local waterway.
Owen Says:
“So much care went into this story. The cinematography, music, and interviews are all thoughtfully done, and it captures the energy of a four-day festival in just six minutes.
It’s a great example of strong visual storytelling.”
Becki’s Pick:
Video Announcement – A Place of Inclusion 2025
In this video announcement, Maria shares details about her monthly A Place of Inclusion gathering, which she hosts for families and individuals with special needs or disabilities. She explains when and where the group will meet, with last month’s gathering taking place at Hildene.
Becki Says:
“Maria has been coming into the GNAT-TV studio with her family for as long as I’ve been here, and their announcements are always so fun to watch. Their warmth, inclusivity, and ongoing commitment to community are felt through every announcement, and it’s meaningful to help share that with others.
It’s exactly the kind of connection community media exists to support.”
Ari’s Pick:
The News Project – “Save Democracy” Protest Held in Manchester
On March 22, residents from across Southwestern Vermont gathered in Manchester for a “Save Democracy” protest. In this video, participants share what brought them out, the issues they’re focused on, and why they’re encouraging others to join the nationwide protests.
Ari Says:
“This stood out to me because it’s important to cover protests like this and help raise awareness around the issues people are showing up for.”
Keegan’s Pick:
The Lincolns and Manchester: Shawn Harrington Commemorates Hildene’s 120th Anniversary
Recorded during Hildene’s 120th anniversary celebration, this lecture by local historian Shawn Harrington traces how the Lincoln family came to Manchester and why Robert Todd Lincoln chose to build Hildene here. The talk connects personal family history to the broader story of the region, showing how one estate helped shape the cultural life of Manchester over time.
Keegan Says:
“Well produced and genuinely informative. I learned quite a bit from it.“
Mark’s Pick:
Press Pass: The Ice Story
In this episode of Press Pass, GNAT-TV speaks with Cherise Forbes, regional editor of the Bennington Banner and Manchester Journal, and journalist Michael Albans about their reporting on the detention of a Manchester resident by ICE agents. The conversation walks through how the story was reported, how information was verified, and what it means to cover sensitive issues in a small community.
Mark Says:
“I chose this episode because it gives viewers insight into how local journalism works when the stakes are high. Hearing directly from the reporter adds important context to a story that affected the community.”
Tammie’s Pick:
GMALL & So VT Book Talk: Author Talk – Meg Waite Clayton
Host Caren McVicker sits down with author Meg Waite Clayton to discuss her latest work, her process as a writer, and what inspires her storytelling.
Tammie Says:
“I’ve really valued our long-standing relationship with GMALL and being able to consistently give their programs a platform over the years. Bringing that together with a community-produced show like So VT Booktalk adds another layer of collaboration, and it shows how community media can support local organizations by giving them space to share stories, ideas, and voices that might not otherwise be heard.”
Marc’s Pick:
Dinner Party – From Seeds to Skin, a Pumpkin Feast With Chef Jon Gatewood
Tatyanna Wright and Chef Jon Gatewood prepare a pumpkin-themed dinner that highlights seasonal flavors and creative cooking. From technique to tasting, the meal unfolds alongside meaningful conversation, giving viewers a close look at how good food brings people together.
Dinner Party brings together food, community, and conversation in an intimate studio setting, where guests aren’t just watching the show, they’re part of it.
Marc Says:
“This episode really captures what community media can do. It brings people together through food and conversation, turning the studio into a shared space rather than a set.”