A glorious welcome to the very first week of the Sizzlin’ Summer Challenge. We are anticipating a countless slew of fabulous photos over the next 10 weeks while you are out and about in Vermont, other states or in other countries. Yes, we recognize thus far it has been a rather soaking summer but the good news is that means there’s plenty of water to take advantage of should you want to swim, try yoga on a stand up paddle board, take a boat for a spin around a lake, fish in your favorite stream or paddle your kayak up a river.
Your first weekly goal is to organize a neighborhood gathering. This challenge might be a windfall given the 4th of July is Tuesday. It’s the perfect time to invite folks over to celebrate our country’s annual recognition of independence, dress in your best red, white and blue, challenge each other to a variety of lawn games such as bocce, badminton, corn hole or croquet and dine on a marvelous menu of all of your summer favorites. 
Neighborhood gatherings have the power to bring you joy and cement your connections. What a great way to catch up on the news, tell fun stories, belly laugh and put your best foot forward. This is the community of people you may rely upon to help you out during one of our famous winter blizzards, feed a pet when you are away from home or to borrow a cup of sugar from when a recipe requires it and your cupboard is bare. 
Our neighbors are most definitely a part of our greater support system. We can help them and in return they may lend a hand our way. This season, why not consider sharing some sparklers or a red, white and blue Jell-O parfait?
Please have a Happy Fourth and happy festivities.
See you on the PATH Ahead,
Gillian, Shevonne, Amy and the VEHI PATH Team.
P.S. LOGISTICAL NOTE: Remember to post your photos of your weekly escapades on our PATH Facebook page — there is beauty in sharing. (Be sure to title your post and say the week you’re referring to. Also write that title on your game card so we can match your card to your posts when you mail it in at the end of the 10 weeks.)