The federal government is offering nearly $600,000 in refunds to Vermonters who upgrade their household appliances to more energy efficient models.

The money is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The state is running a mail-in rebate program to help Vermonters replace older, inefficient appliances with new, high-efficiency Energy Star® qualified and ultra-efficient appliances.

WCAX-TV Channel 3 aired a piece a couple days ago about Brattleboro's First Baptist Church, which is selling its Tiffany stained glass window to help the needy.

Melinda Bussino of the Brattleboro Drop-in Center appears in the story.

The U.S. Census will be conducted this spring and summer.

Vermont will hold its annual homeless memorial vigil Jan. 13 at noon on the Statehouse steps in Montpelier.