"Our Great War"

Residents at the Wake Robin Retirement Community in Shelburne all experienced World War II differently-as soldiers at the Battle of the Bulge, children in Europe, or fighting in the Pacific Theater.  And they've just created a compilation of their stories called "Our Great War."  We hear from three of those residents:  Renate Wilkins, Dick Austin, and James McKay. (Listen)

Also, since 1997 students at North Country Union High School in Newport haven't been allowed to bring cell phones into the school.  However, that policy isn't strictly enforced.  We talk with Superintendent Bob Kern about how administrators, teachers, and parents are discussing ways to craft a new policy. (Listen)

And we bring you a holiday performance by the Rose Ensemble.  The Minnesota based group of 15 singers and instrumentalists recently performed live on VPR Classical with Walter Parker.  We bring you a selection of Mexican Baroque and early American music.

Click here to listen to the live performance of the Rose Ensemble and see photos.

Email from Antje Mann in South Burlington--
I was born in Chemnitz/Germany 5 days after Hitler invaded Poland.  My very first memory of life was in a bomb shelter packed with panic-stricken adults and other children during a heavy Allied bombing raid. The most appreciated gift I have ever received was 1/2 loaf of coarse bread on my 7th birthday.  As a result I take nothing for granted and am thankful for everything.