Close your eyes and try to picture the Vermont flag…

If you’re drawing a blank — you're not alone.

Our flag defies almost all the flag design rules set out by the North American Vexillological Association.

That’s part of the reason why Brian Sewell, of Burlington, thinks Vermont should consider an upgrade. He asked:

“Other states are undergoing redesigns of their state flags. How much do Vermonters know about our flag? And is it time to update ours too?”

Have an idea for a new Vermont flag design? Check out our web post for a template and instructions to submit it to the show — we’ll post our favorites! We’ve also included question-asker Brian’s proposed redesign as inspiration.

For more on flag design, check out this TED Talk from Roman Mars: “Why city flags may be the worst-designed thing you've never noticed”

This episode was reported by Mikaela Lefrak. Editing and production from the BLS team: Sabine Poux, Burgess Brown and Josh Crane. Our intern is Lucia McCallum. Angela Evancie is our Executive Producer. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.

Special thanks to Zoe McDonald, Amanda Gustin, Ted Kaye and Katie Grant.

As always, our journalism is better when you’re a part of it:

• Ask a question about Vermont
• Sign up for the BLS newsletter
• Say hi onInstagram and Reddit @bravestatevt
• Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org
• Make a gift to support people-powered journalism
• Tell your friends about the show!

Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Not being able to drive in this state can be isolating — especially for older Vermonters navigating the challenges of aging.

Ninety-two-year-old Gerry Quinlan has found a way, with a network of friends that can drive her to their weekly coffee dates in Essex.

But she’s wondering how others do it, so she came to us with this question:

"How do you maintain a social life in Vermont once you can no longer drive?"

Join us as we ride along with Gerry and others who have given up their keys, but not their communities and friendships.

For a full transcript of this episode and photos from our reporting, check out our web post.

This episode was reported by Burgess Brown. Editing and production from the rest of the BLS team: Sabine Poux and Josh Crane. Additional editing from Erica Heilman. Our intern is Lucia McCallum. Angela Evancie is our Executive Producer. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.

Special thanks to Lilias Ide, Andrea Stauffeneker, Laura Brooke, Martina Anderson and Andrew Bernstein.

As always, our journalism is better when you’re a part of it:

• Ask a question about Vermont
• Sign up for the BLS newsletter
• Say hi onInstagram and Reddit @bravestatevt
• Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org
• Make a gift to support people-powered journalism
• Tell your friends about the show!

Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Wanting children, and not being able to have them, is an experience people rarely discuss publicly. But it’s one that cuts close to the bone for many — like Gina Accorsi, of Milton.

Gina is grieving the loss of a path she can’t take, and she’s looking for support as she charts a new one. She reached out to us with some questions:

“How common is childlessness in Vermont today? Is there a support system or community acceptance here for childless people?”

If you’re looking for more support, check out AllPath Family Building. We also posted a callout seeking advice from Redditors.

For a full transcript of this episode and photos from our reporting, check out our web post.

This episode was reported by Nina Keck. Editing and production from the rest of the BLS team: Sabine Poux, Burgess Brown and Josh Crane. Our intern is Lucia McCallum. Angela Evancie is our Executive Producer. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.

Special thanks to Kim Butterfield, Felicia Kornbluh and Ananda Boyer.

As always, our journalism is better when you’re a part of it:

• Ask a question about Vermont
• Sign up for the BLS newsletter
• Say hi onInstagram and Reddit @bravestatevt
• Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org
• Make a gift to support people-powered journalism
• Tell your friends about the show!

Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.