Quaint storefronts along Main streets, covered bridges and dairy cows are the iconic images of Vermont. But Vermonters prides themselves on their independent spirits and their passion to rebuild is a force of nature, stronger than Tropical Storm Irene.

State symbols are the subject of grade school projects, tourism marketing and a bit of cynical derision. But dig into the stories behind official symbols, and they reveal our history, culture and economic values.

Walter Parker talks with cellist Yo-Yo Ma and conductor Jaime Laredo.

Visit Milton Elementary School where teachers use proverbs to teach 4th graders values. And in a time when health care is unaffordable, learn how providers can accept minimal fees and even barter services. Wisdom and Proverbs and Bartering for Family Health Care

Welcome, James Beard Award-winning author, Rowan Jacobsen to the VPR Table and say "Cheers" to Vermont wine.

Small communities can be particularly vulnerable to embezzlement.  We find out how the theft of public funds is prevented and detected.  Also, a Vermont organization that helps Iraqi victims of domestic violence.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont has agreed to refund $3 million to its subscribers. The state says the company paid excessive retirement compensation to a former CEO in 2008.

Vermont's two largest utilities have won approval to buy power from a wind project in northern New Hampshire. They've been under pressure to line up new power sources as current contracts expire - including those with Vermont Yankee.

VPR's Jane Lindholm speaks with Colonel Will Roy of Jericho, commander of the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Afghanistan about some of the challenges for the Guard's current mission.

We'll talk about life in towns on the Vermont-Quebec border and the issues that concern people whose work and social lives straddle two different countries and cultures. 

VPR's Jane Lindholm talks with reporter Bob Kinzel about the week ahead in the Vermont Legislature as the budget and other key bills advance.

UVM's Dr. Cindy Forehand discusses the similarities and differences between men's and women's brains.  Also, a look at the changing role of the Vermont National Guard, and we hear the sounds of Snocross.

VPR's Jane Lindholm discusses what the Senate's action means for the long-term future of Vermont Yankee with reporter John Dillon and Michael Dworkin, a former chair of the Public Service Board.

Entergy Vermont Yankee has discovered radioactive tritium in a second monitoring well near the Vernon reactor. Yankee says the finding will help engineers pinpoint the source of the contaminated water that appears to be moving toward the Connecticut River.

VPR's Jane Lindholm talks with Brent Bjorkman of the Folklife Center and painter Kathleen Kolb about the traveling exhibit, Art of Action.

The Vermont Health Department says swine flu is now "widespread" across the state.

The Vermont Symphony Orchestra begins its 75th anniversary season this year.  VPR's Jane Lindholm talks with Executive Director, Alan Jordan.

Television news anchor Marselis Parsons retires this week from WCAX-TV. He discusses the changes in jurnalism over his 42 years on the air. Also, Sen. Patrick Leahy talks with VPR's Bob Kinzel about the role of anti-trust laws in the health insurance industry.

Photographer David Middleton joins VPR's Jane Lindholm to talk about taking photographs in Vermont.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court justices heard a case that involved whether Entergy Vermont Yankee should be allowed to release warmer water into the Connecticut River.