I’m a recent Vermonter myself. I got into some extracurricular sports (kickball,hockey) and went to some Trivia nights around town (I know you said no bars but it IS fun) there’s also hiking and running/biking clubs that I know are around. It’s tough first getting out, stay strong and don’t become a statistic! Reach out if you feel yourself start going down that road. 22 a day.

Climbing gyms are a great non alcoholic way of meeting people, people are usually pretty chatty, open to meeting people, good way to stay in shape too.

Unfortunately I have severe knee issues and ongoing dislocation issues with it, so most sports type stuff isn't really much of an option for me, aside from fishing or maybe hiking type stuff that's lower impact and I have more control.

Thanks for the suggestion though!

Hiking, (whitewater)kayaking, hunting, fishing, archery, shooting, (mountain)biking and climbing groups are a good place to meet new people., depending on your interest.

Also, jointing a BJJ gym is a great way to meet new people. I have found most folks that train are super friendly.

You could also try volunteering somewhere.

I know when I transitioned out of the military, working on a farm was great way to transition.

I was going to also recommend snow shoeing and other snow related activities but I just saw your response to another reply re sports.

Vermont Adaptive Sports has a group specifically for veterans looking for outdoor activity. https://www.vermontadaptive.org/veterans/

Dad Guild

Your local volunteer fire department is probably in need of some help. Great way to help, be directly involved in something and meet a bunch of your neighbors.

Have you found Josh's House yet? It is a kind of community space for vets and SMs. The crowd trends older, but more than a few younger folks cycle through there too. Even if you do not find it a good place to land, it can still be a good place to connect.

I actually just messaged them to see if it's the kind of thing I'm looking for! I actually got medically separated and they seemed to have a lot going on for disabled vets. Definetly a big thanks for the recommendation!

I can't say enough good about that place. They do a lot of cool stuff and never let it get in the way of being super chill. I've seen everyone from new enlisted to WWII vets (seriously, WWII). It borders Camp Johnson, so family programs and similar is around the corner. Plus, free food always.

Im definetly going to take a look at it, thank you for the recommendation.

Essex Junction Fire Dept and Essex Town Fire Dept could always use new members. They both have tightly knit communities within themselves of friends in service.

You might see if Outdoor Gear Exchange has any groups for some of those lower impact group sport activities. Group hikes and kayak rentals come to mind as possibilities!

Another thought is to check out art, craft, and/or maker spaces or music dojo if you have an urge to be creative in any way. Pottery, painting, sewing, building stuff, cooking classes, jamming with others if you play any instruments, maybe?

And then I also hear there are local DND groups, the Board Room (board game place), and Meetup.org events happening from time to time. Good luck in your search!

I am unsure if I would be able to, I have some debilitating knee issues that basically exclude me from doing anything that involves running and things like that unfortunately.

That said, if there's other volunteer opportunities I get a week of volunteer time per year I could use to help out in ways that I potentially can

Inquire about being station personell, perhaps. No physical firefighting, more geared towards running that station.

One struggle I might have with that is I already work 50 hrs a week, and have a 9mo daughter, I'll take a look, definetly thanks for the rec

If you enjoy reading at all check your library to see if they have an adult book group! I won't lie, the members of my local one are almost all on the older side but they've all been friendly and welcoming!

If you are near Colchester and still able to be around other former soldiers you might check out Josh's House on google and see if it might be a good place to meet some people.

There's a Hiking it Easy group on Facebook if you're on there. Great group of people.

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I have a friend looking for more DnD players, if you're into that kind of thing!

I might be interested, I'm a bit of a rookie player though, only played 5e generic campaigns a few times

Seven Days personals.

I was diagnosed with MS 3 years ago. When it really had me down and I couldn't do anything, I picked up Elder Scrolls Online. Made a lot of gamer friends who helped me get through the worst of it while I got myself back together. Online gaming is a great outlet. Side note, I'm definitely more of an introvert.

Green Mountain Gamers might be a place to start if you appreciate board and tabletop games.