The unexpected joy

A crescent moon lingers before sunrise on Saturday in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Artists thrive on the unexpected — those moments of sudden beauty, change or illumination of thought. You never know what will catch your eye.

This morning, the lingering crescent moon caught my eye while taking a walk. It’s a simple shape we’ve all seen before, not anything like the full moon, but unique in its grace. Its greeting came amid a frigid morning and brought a serenity to the cold, expressing the calm, certain persistence of nature.

In today’s world, that peaceful persistence is reassuring. It underscores the importance of seeking harmony within ourselves, even when we’re going through a struggle, or hearing news about the many challenges people are facing today.

A wonderful way to establish a sense of peace is by accepting each day as a new day, and living in, and honoring, the present moment with an openness to unexpected good. That openness today got me a chance to photograph the moon, and later on, to enjoy some cross-country skiing. I hadn’t planned on either one, but in many ways, the unexpected joy leads to the most fulfilling moments in life. Those moments lead to enriching possibilities, new connections, and new ways to experience the world. They can all bless us in beautiful ways, and it’s always worth keeping the door open to them.

— Gareth Henderson

Games to begin for all Vt. indoor sports

The Village Green and the Middle Bridge in Woodstock, Vermont, after Tuesday’s storm. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

After weeks of only practices and limited scrimmages, games will be allowed for all indoor winter sports in Vermont as of Feb. 12.

The announcement came on Friday, with state officials saying this step was merited after expanded practices went smoothly over the past couple of weeks. The state has been under pressure to fully restart games and competitions for indoor sports, but it has taken a cautious approach in order to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The gradual process of resuming competition began last month, when the state gave the green light for snow sports competitions and virtual meets for low- or no-contact sports. Friday's announcement opened up indoor sports competition for all school-based and recreational youth teams, but with restrictions.

At Friday's press conference, officials said there will be no fans allowed at games and competitions — only key personnel and credentialed media. Sports involving close proximity or moderate contact will be allowed no more than two games in any seven-day period, and must allow at least three days between competitions. The mask mandate for players and staff is now extended to all referees and officials.

Julie Moore, the state's secretary of natural resources, asked for continued compliance to all health guidance, to allow this process to proceed. This includes having an "arrive, play, leave mentality."

"In order for Vermont's return to play to continue to be successful, it is important that the collective commitment of players, coaches and parents to essential health and safety measures — masking, physical distancing and forgoing team-based social activities — remains steadfast," Moore said.

Noting the absence of fans will be a disappointment for some, Moore said teams are encouraged to explore virtual options to bring games to the public, such as live streaming. The updated sports guidance will be available on the state's website by the end of Monday.

At a Friday press conference, Gov. Phil Scott urged families to adhere to the state's ban on multi-household gatherings during Super Bowl Weekend, to prevent any sharp rise in cases as resulted from Halloween gatherings last year. Complying with public health rules helps avoid the need to reinstate stronger restrictions, Scott said.

"If you want to keep moving forward ... please follow the guidance, because the last thing we want to do is move backwards, but as I've shown, I'm willing to do whatever is necessary to keep people safe," Scott said.

In other news, as of Thursday, over 10% of eligible Vermonters have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the governor reported. The recently announced increase in Vermont's vaccine allocation over the next three weeks will accelerate its current effort to vaccinate those age 75 and older — which is the first part of Phase 2 in the state's vaccination plan. The increased allocation will allow Vermont to move to the next age group in Phase 2 — 70 and older — in the next few weeks.

As of Friday, Vermont's COVID-19 positivity rate remains at 1.9%, one of the lowest in the country.

— Gareth Henderson

The light of understanding

A view of Wyman Lane in Woodstock, Vermont, on Thursday afternoon. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Sunlight illuminating the path ahead is one of the more powerful images out in the countryside. It offers a calming, gentle presence, one of peace and vitality supplied for all, without limit.

Those last two words lay out the most comforting aspect of that image: abundance. That sunlight has no label, no price tag, no boundary — it just is. And no matter the weather which creeps in, or storms against it, those beams keep shining.

For me, it was a good time to be reminded of those more reassuring qualities. The news cycle remains heavy, and the political divide in the nation is still a daunting problem. It’s important to not only talk about the potential for unity — that potential should be demonstrated. To me, that's what happened during a recent discussion, “Hold America Together”, hosted online by the national nonprofit Braver Angels, which works to cultivate a greater understanding between those of different political persuasions.

The discussion I'm referring to took place a week after the U.S. Capitol siege, when tensions from that day remained quite raw. That's why it was particularly encouraging to hear this discussion, and one of the most heartfelt moments came during a conversation with U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips, a Minnesota Democrat, and former Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, a Republican. Phillips spoke about how, every day since the events of Jan. 6, he walks the halls of the Capitol thanking people for the work they do.

"There's something remarkable that happens when you express gratitude and that humility that goes with it, and that's how we experience repair and rehabilitation, and I think it's time that our country start expressing a little more gratitude for what we have, because it's precious, it's fragile, and it's in our hands," Phillips said.

That truly captured the spirit of the entire discussion, which also emphasized seeking out people of different views and talking to them, but also listening. As Gov. Herbert mentioned, "I think we need to seek first to understand, and then be understood."

Another encouraging aspect was that 4,000 people were listening in during this online event. True, that's not a huge part of the American population, but we have to begin somewhere when it comes to fixing the divide. Building new understanding between people is a good, strong foundation to start from, and it's uplifting to know there are groups taking the lead on this work and inviting others to help. Those genuine efforts, and the opportunities we each have to participate, are things to be grateful for, and they light the way to healing. But the work needs all of us to play a role and bear witness to each note of progress. There's no better time to live these words of the late civil rights champion, U.S. Rep. John Lewis: "Democracy is not a state. It is an act."

— Gareth Henderson

Vt. public transit gets $26.7M in relief funding

Signage directs Route 4 traffic to the Park & Ride in Woodstock, Vermont. This week, the state is receiving some critical funding for public transit operations. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Public transit operations in Vermont are getting a $26.7 million boost from the federal COVID-19 relief bill signed into law in December. 

That brings critical aid at a time when ridership has steeply declined during the pandemic. The $26,772,119 award comes in addition to Vermont’s annual federal budget allocation for public transit, according to Vermont’s Congressional Delegation, Sen. Patrick Leahy, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Peter Welch.

“In a rural state like ours, Vermonters rely on public transit to get to work, buy groceries, see a doctor, and stay connected to their communities,” they said in a joint statement Wednesday. “Like so many aspects of daily life, the pandemic has upended transit ridership. Without congressional action, transit providers in Vermont and across the country would be facing the potential for steep cuts to transit routes and frequency.” 

Ross MacDonald, the state’s public transit manager, said the federal money will help with current and future needs. The funds will be used to address the significant vehicle and facility needs around the state, enabling the Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) to replace as many as 30 buses, fund energy-efficient projects, and construct office space in the Rutland region. Operations and payroll are top priorities, and the relief money will also be used to purchase PPE and sanitize buses.

“These funds arrive in time to help us address the additional costs and challenges of our transit service, and also enable us to invest in vehicles and rebuild an improved transit service as we move past this health and economic crisis,” MacDonald said in a news release.

Most federal funds for public transit have a 20% or 50% non-federal funds match requirement, which usually comes from state and local resources, according to state officials. They said the federal relief funding will allow AOT to temporarily reduce the state and local funds needed for statewide transit service, providing more flexibility and resources to respond to the economic hardships and rebuilding costs associated with the pandemic.

The news came as discussions continued on Capitol Hill over the Biden administration’s $1.9 trillion stimulus proposal. The plan includes a round of $1,400 direct payments to most Americans, funding for state and local governments, money for vaccine distribution, an extension of the eviction moratorium until the end of September, among other items.

— Gareth Henderson

Vaccination clinics continue through storm

A plow truck rolls through downtown Woodstock, Vermont, on Tuesday afternoon. (Gareth Henderson)

Parts of Vermont got up to a foot of snow on Tuesday, and though some roads became treacherous, the state's COVID-19 vaccination clinics remained open and just 21 appointments had been canceled due to weather as of 11 a.m. People who had to cancel due to the storm could either keep the same time for a different day this week, or set an entirely new appointment.

The state is currently vaccinating Vermonters age 75 and older, which is the first part of Phase 2 of its vaccination process. As of Tuesday morning, 87 appointments were available in Windsor County, according to Mike Smith, the state's secretary of human services. At a press briefing Tuesday, he said the state was looking at adding appointments at Mount Ascutney Hospital in Windsor starting next week, and allocating more vaccine doses to Springfield Hospital soon. The state is also adding appointment slots in Windham and Orange counties, as well as several locations in northern Vermont.

Along with the vaccination effort, the state has formed a working group which is discussing the best time to start opening up long-term care facilities to "congregate dining and other activities" once enough time has gone by for the vaccine to build up sufficient immunity for the residents, according to Smith. The residents and staff of those facilities were among the top-priority groups in the first phase of Vermont's vaccination process.

"Our seniors living in long-term care facilities have been isolated for far too long, and it is our hope to re-establish those social connections as soon as possible," Smith said.

All 37 skilled nursing facilities in Vermont have received their first and second doses of the vaccine, he added. Smith also said 87% of residential care facilities and 94% of assisted living facilities have received their first dose, with many of these individuals receiving their second dose as well.

Overall, state officials said the declining number of COVID-19 cases in long-term care facilities is a key reason why the state has seen a gradual decline in case growth and COVID-19 death rate. However, Bennington County has seen a recent spike in cases, which the state is closely monitoring. Vermont's positivity rate remains around 2%, and the Northeast region's positivity rate recently dropped below 5% for the first time since November.

— Gareth Henderson

Vt. recalls thousands of incorrect 1099-G tax forms

The state of Vermont is recalling tens of thousands of incorrect 1099-G tax forms issued to those who received unemployment benefits in 2020.

Due to a corrupted file, information from the Vermont Department of Labor's main frame resulted in errors in multiple 1099-G forms recently printed and mailed, according to Labor Commissioner Michael Harrington. Some included a name and social security number different from the recipient's. Out of the 80,000 forms mailed so far, about 55,000 were corrupted.

At Tuesday's press conference, Harrington explained that individuals began receiving 1099-G documents that either had the wrong name and address on the front of the envelope, or once opened, had the incorrect name and social security number on the document inside. The state is asking recipients to return all incorrect forms, and identity protection services are being offered for anyone whose information was compromised. Harrington also said the state is examining quality control measures for the short-term and long-term, including measures to ensure that forms being returned are reissued correctly.

"We're neck-deep in trying to move through this process as quickly as we can to get information to claimants and impacted individuals in an expedited manner," he said. According to Harrington, the labor department is sending out a follow-up communication which includes a pre-stamped envelope for returning incorrect forms.

This was the beginning of a process to issue a whopping 180,000 1099-G forms — an enormous increase due to the number of people who received unemployment benefits last year during the pandemic. On Tuesday, Harrington explained several factors add potential for error, including the fact that, due to the age of the main frame, many manual steps have to be taken during different processes. Additionally, benefits were released from multiple programs in 2020, and those programs reside on multiple computer systems.

The notification and outreach process about the incorrect forms should take place over the next two weeks, Harrington added.

— Gareth Henderson

Power pair: The impact of Bernie's mittens

A view of River Road in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Who would have thought a pair of mittens would raise money for charity, help businesses and put smiles on millions of faces?

Before the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration, it would have seemed a bit far-fetched, but Sen. Bernie Sanders' mittens have done all those things. The now-famous wool mittens made from recycled sweaters rode the wave of meme stardom straight into the economy, and they're having an impact at a very tough time for nonprofits and businesses.

Most recently, Jen Ellis, the teacher from Essex Junction, Vermont, who made the mittens Sanders wore Jan. 20, partnered with the Vermont Teddy Bear Company to create a new mitten line, according to NBC 10 Boston. Some of the proceeds are going to Make-A-Wish Vermont.

"I can't be more thrilled, because I personally can't make 18,000 pairs of mittens," Ellis told NBC 10, giving a rough estimate of how many inquiries she received.

Ellis has also partnered with Darn Tough Vermont to design wool socks that mimic the mittens — fittingly called JENerosity socks. They sold out in 24 hours, and 100% of those proceeds went to the Vermont Food Bank, as the Associated Press reported.

Shortly after the meme of the Vermont senator and his mittens went viral, he harnessed the image to raise over $1.8 million in merchandise for charity. In late January, Ellis put a couple of new pairs up for auction to help a couple of Vermont nonprofits. One pair benefited Passion 4 Paws, a foster-based dog rescue organization, and the other one helped Outright VT, a group promoting equity and providing support for LGBTQ+ youth.

The mitten craze has helped those making similar mittens as well. For example, the Woodstock, Vermont, store Encore Designer Consignment got a nice boost in their winter business when a flood of orders came in for their mittens, made of recycled wool and cashmere sweaters.

The impact of the Bernie mittens has warmed not only hands, but also hearts. Just think of how much those donations mean to local nonprofits trying to make it through the winter and help their communities. Unexpected fundraising efforts are always welcome, especially now.

We hope the mittens craze helps local groups and businesses as they try to find their way through these colder months. Meals on Wheels in Vermont was one of the recipients of the proceeds from the meme-themed T-shirts and sweatshirts sold from his website, as Sanders told CNN early last week. Though he, too, enjoyed the ocean of memes, the senator said, "It turns out to be actually a good thing, and not only a fun thing."

— Gareth Henderson

When gratitude shines

The rising sun tops the mountains in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

A familiar mix of national issues captured the spotlight in recent weeks, and sometimes it's challenging not to be swept up in the various concerns surrounding them. Sometimes, the pressures within our own lives, combined with larger issues in the world, are simply overwhelming.

But one important thing that often gets lost all in the noise, and can also help us, is gratitude. That concept is always important, and it is especially crucial during difficult times. Being consistently grateful for what we have helps us adjust our mental focus toward the good, which is a sure foundation for progress. We all have the ability to find points of gratitude in our lives; we just have to look for them, and value them for the blessings they are.

A song by the Vermont band Pete's Posse, called "A Grateful Place", captures that idea beautifully here:

I can be evermore grateful

Grateful for everyday grace

Whatever remains of this story of mine

Can be told from a grateful place

Even though the events in the nation and the world are daunting ones, we still have the power to build our own stories, and we don't have to let negative influences govern them. Frankly, gratitude can be a way to frame each of our days positively, by acknowledging the good in our lives, some of which we may have taken for granted. For example, we can daily take a few moments to consider what we're grateful for, whether it's something simple like a beautiful view out our window, someone being kind to us, or a major, positive development in our lives. It's a habit that unselfs our existence and adds more love and humility to how we live. And those are qualities we always need.

If we intentionally acknowledge the good in our experiences, we feel a stronger sense of hope, the energy in our day brightens, and we renew and increase our appreciation of life. Gratitude helps us do this. It can build paths to progress by changing our thinking for the better. Such an approach to life is much-needed today, and we don't have to wait for it to appear. The best part is, it can start with each one of us, right now.

— Gareth Henderson

Sharing light amid darkness

The setting sun brightens a snowy afternoon in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Today in Vermont, many of us woke up to zero degrees, or less. That crushing chill makes even the smallest outdoor task seem like an eternity. 

Many of us have also felt the chill of isolation and so many changes to our lives over the past 10 months during the pandemic. There is a thirst for what we used to call “normalcy”, especially when it comes to the activities of daily life. That came out as Vermont Gov. Phil Scott took questions at one of his two weekly press conferences on Friday. One reporter said he’d heard from several frustrated parents looking for answers on what was keeping the state from allowing winter sports teams to finally have games. In mid-January, winter sports were allowed to have expanded practices with limited-contact drills and team scrimmages, but as of Friday, games and competitions still remained off the table. 

Scott responded that the state is monitoring the impact of the expanded practices and scrimmages, and is also watching patterns experienced in collegiate sports, which have seen some COVID-19 transmission among players. He also said community spread of the virus is prevalent in some areas, which is also a factor prompting some caution. 

“I know people are anxious, I know people are frustrated, I know this is important to kids — it’s important to all of us to get back to normal,” Scott said. “But we just don’t want to make any missteps.”

All this reflects a difficult balance we’ve had to strike, in the interest of supporting the well-being of our communities. The experience is deeply shared among all of us, and, throughout these past months, we’ve all had triumphs and also obstacles in these unique times. The mix of experiences has been vast, but the light shone through the darkness has been reassuring. The spirit of helping each other has been particularly inspiring, including volunteers at food shelves, people checking on elderly neighbors, and businesses and community members helping each other, even amid their own struggles.

The kind of unselfish support of other people is still a positive factor among us, and it remains a force for the greater good. Light can appear to be overshadowed at certain points, but it can never be broken. Its nature is to shine as far and wide as possible, reaching into even the most shadowy locations — places where light may have once seemed impossible. The fact that our collective light has continued to shine in the service of our fellow human beings, shows there is still much good to be shared in the world. It’s well worth our effort to remember its impact, which has a ripple effect that can touch hearts around the globe. That much is still true.

— Gareth Henderson

State: Vaccination slots remain for 75+ age group

A scenic view from Cloudland Road in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Most Vermonters age 75 and older have signed up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, but state officials are urging those who haven’t done so to lock in their appointment. 

Online and phone registration opened up on Monday for the 75+ age group, and as of Thursday night, 32,556 of the 49,000 Vermonters in that group were registered, according to the state.

“I’m very satisfied, to date, with the number of people who’ve signed up,” said Gov. Phil Scott at a Friday press briefing. 

To register for a vaccine appointment, Vermonters can go online at healthvermont.gov/myvaccine or call 855-722-7878. Officials emphasized there were still plenty of appointment slots available across the state for those age 75 and up.

That group is the first “age band” in Phase 2 of Vermont’s vaccination rollout. This phase includes three age bands: 75+, 70+ and 65+. The state expects that entire group — age 65 or older — to receive the first dose of the vaccine by mid-to-late March. Many in this group will have received the second and final dose by that time as well, according to Human Services Secretary Mike Smith. 

That time frame will move up if the state receives more vaccine doses from the federal government, Smith said at Friday’s briefing. It turns out that the state received an additional 1,350 doses this week, over and above its regular weekly allotment. The top priority for those additional doses will be to increase appointments for counties with limited appointments for ages 75 and above, which includes Bennington, Lamoille and Orange counties.

So far, Smith said, the state was pleased with how the rollout was going overall.

“We hope to receive 10,375 doses for the next two weeks,” Smith said. “We will work to add vaccination sites to areas where there are longer drive times.”

Also on Friday, he said the “primary objective” of the state’s vaccination program is to prevent wasted doses. 

“If, as a last resort, a vaccine has to be administered to a person not eligible in order to prevent waste, local health clinics have been given the permission to use Vermont common sense and fairness in not wasting doses,” Smith said.  

An issue arose earlier in the week at Springfield Hospital, where hospital officials reported to the state that 860 vaccine doses had been refrigerated at a “slightly higher” temperature than recommended, according to Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine. The hospital initially feared the doses may have to be discarded, but after an extensive review of the situation, Levine said, Moderna determined that all the doses could be used.

“I’d like to emphasize that the conclusion was based on a deeper review of all of the facts,” Levine said. “We want the public to know they can have confidence in the vaccine and in Springfield Hospital.” 

Levine said the state’s immunization program continues to work with the hospital to investigate vaccine storage issues. He also noted that vaccine wastage has been very rare in Vermont.

Since the COVID-19 vaccination process began, over 48,000 Vermonters have received vaccines, according to the state. A total of 32,952 have received their first dose, and 15,400 received their second dose.

For Phase 2, more vaccination appointments have been added in Bennington, Orange and Lamoille counties. Though availability varies, state officials said there are still openings in counties across Vermont. 

Levine urged everyone to keep following public health guidance after their appointment, including wearing a mask and social distancing. 

“Just because you got a vaccine, does not make you invincible. .... You might not be protected by the vaccine until a few weeks after your second dose,” Levine said, emphasizing, “Second dose.” 

For those with upcoming appointments, Levine asked Vermonters to: arrive no earlier than 15 minutes ahead of your appointment; bring only one person if you need someone with you; dress warmly for the weather; and remember your mask. 

In his remarks on Friday, the governor sympathized with Vermonters and said he knew many were anxious to get the vaccine. But he reiterated that the “age band” approach was focused on protecting those most vulnerable to the virus, who have also sacrificed a great deal. The current vaccination plan, he said, means a quicker path toward economic recovery.

“Masks and distancing will still be with us for a while,” Scott said. “But with a strategy focused on limiting hospitalization and death, we can both open up (the economy) more and keep people safe.” 

As of Friday, Vermont was tied with Wyoming for the lowest COVID-19 infection rate in the country: 2%. 

— Gareth Henderson

The beauty of contrasts

Pico Mountain in Killington, Vermont, last weekend. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Driving home from my daughter’s cross-country skiing race last Sunday, the sun kept illuminating the landscape everywhere we looked. It was one of the more stunning drives we’ve taken. Quite honestly, there was a beautiful photo opportunity every 15 minutes. But we couldn’t have stopped that often — it wouldn’t have been a popular idea after a long day. 

But we did manage to stop a couple of times, and one of the results was a photo of Pico Mountain, gleaming under the sharp, winter sunlight, mingling with the colors of nature. To me, such contrasts are like gold. Old man winter is a master of contrasts, and the snow is his medium. Very few things are more beautiful than the frozen, snow-filled land nestled beneath a blue sky. The trees enhance that contrast, with their pine-greens and stick-brown hues adding variation. The dark purple colors you sometimes get in the distance are a particular treat. 

The best part of this work is, there’s no telling what contrast you’ll see next. No matter how many times you capture nature through photos, it always seems ready to show you something new. It could be a slight variation on a scene you’ve witnessed before, or it may be a new, awe-inspiring landscape of light and shadow.

This shows that, around every corner, life could be holding something special that will inspire you to keep working at your craft and striving to be your best. It behooves us to keep our minds open to those moments, and to keep the lens of our creativity ready, so we don’t miss out on the good that awaits us. Approaching life with a calm but focused awareness helps us recognize such opportunities and embrace them. That’s how we welcome progress into our lives, even if the opportunity is unexpected. While staying practical, we should also allow room for spontaneity in our thinking, and let new ideas rise to the surface of our minds. With that approach, we free ourselves to welcome new possibilities, and we inspire others to do the same.

— Gareth Henderson

Listening to harmony

The Ottauquechee River on a calm late afternoon in Woodstock, Vermont, as seen from the Ottauquechee River Trail. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Writing has the power to transport you to another place. Indeed, the best books we’ve read have done exactly that. 

Of course, the same is true about music and its innate ability to embrace us in harmony, humility and love. I felt that great calm while listening to “Rain Falling From Roof”, a song performed by famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma and his good friend, musician Wu Tong. The video was released in August as part of Yo-Yo Ma’s #SongsOfComfort project, which he launched at the beginning of the pandemic. 

This tune provides comfort in abundance, and beautifully illustrates the sound its title refers to, and the serene stillness those little raindrops inspire. This song, like so many others, shows that music is a warm blanket for the soul. The most inspiring masterpieces never leave you where they found you. They bring peace and imbue moments with a joyful stillness that’s familiar to each of us. It’s fertile soil for inspiration, and impacts our lives for the better. 

Though that stillness can be overshadowed by the busy-ness of life, it’s so worth resisting that pattern. I strive to remember what we’ve learned in recent months, about how the quiet moment is to be welcomed, and most of all cherished. The embrace of the song I’ve mentioned here, was a beautiful series of notes, some of them so simple in their brilliance. But as a whole, they wove a tapestry of sound that couldn’t be ignored. Their presence draws you in, offering the gift of harmony. 

It’s my hope that in the coming months and years, people can increasingly find more such harmony among each other. If we allow for moments and opportunities of discovery, and embrace them, we’ll be welcoming such progress into our lives. And, far above the noise of dissonance or discord, harmony will ring out louder, and allow us to witness our collective goodness more readily.

As Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote, “Music is the universal language of mankind.” Music helps us recognize our shared humanity, and doing that will allow us to make meaningful collective progress as a society. If we strive for that outcome, and cultivate more awareness of the good we share, the results will bless every one of us.

— Gareth Henderson

Vt. governor eyes economic recovery in budget plan

A scenic view from Mount Tom in Woodstock, Vermont. (Meg Henderson Photo)

With higher-than-expected revenue providing a boost, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott is proposing a range of investments to fuel the state's recovery from the pandemic and sustain the economy.

In his address to the Legislature on Tuesday, Scott pitched a $6.8 billion state budget, including $210 million in one-time investments in the state, including more funding for the Vermont State Colleges System, broadband, weatherization efforts and brownfield rehabilitation. The $210 million is fueled by federal aid, and Scott emphasized using one-time funds in a way that has long-term benefits.

"How we choose to proceed, the priorities we choose to set and how we spend one-time money will have a lasting impact on Vermont," Scott said. "If we're cautious, we can solve problems and fund projects that have been stalled for years, improving communities, services, outcomes and state government itself, and lay the foundation for an economic resurgence around the state, without having to ask more from taxpayers to do so."

The governor's proposal also included $680 million for roads, bridges, and other transportation projects and $1.89 billion for preK-12 education. Scott is also looking to exempt child care organizations from property taxes.

On Tuesday, Scott also repeated his call for taking a hard look at the preK-12 education system and its funding, to give "every student the same chance to succeed."

"This year, that has to include tackling the impact of remote learning on our kids," he said. "So, the Agency of Education and Department of Health are working with school leaders on how to measure, and then address, the developmental gaps students might have."

As for the Vermont State Colleges System, the governor called his current proposal a "one-year bridge, with one-time money." Last year, a proposal by then-Chancellor Jeb Spaulding to shudder several campuses sparked an outcry. Long-held financial issues in the system had greatly deepened during the pandemic.

"My budget proposes $20 million in addition to (the college system's) $30-million base appropriation, giving Vermont State Colleges a total of $139 million in state and federal funds in two years," Scott said. "We do, however, have to be realistic. Like our pension system, our state colleges need restructuring as well. It’s my hope the State College Board, in partnership with the Legislature, will continue working to address the underlying structural issues we face."

The budget proposal also includes more funding for the state's Downtown and Village Center Tax Credit program and the Vermont Housing Investment Program — parts of an effort to boost local economic development. 

Additionally, the $20 million broadband package in Scott's budget plan anticipates additional relief money from Congress. The $20 million in broadband funding includes $2.5 million to extend internet to more Vermont homes; $1.5 million to help our local utility and communications districts plan for broadband buildout; and a nearly $16 million dollar fund for grants and loans to expand broadband in the areas that need it.

"Broadband is an area we know will grow the economy, increase equity and quality in education and expand our workforce," the governor said. 

Click here for the governor’s full budget address provided by Vermont Public Radio.

— Gareth Henderson

Start to finish

The finish during the 5K race on Sunday at Prospect Mountain in Woodford, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

When we hit the mountain, it was 4 degrees. That's the coldest race day I could ever imagine, but if it's your first race of the season, you go for it.

That was the case for my daughter on Sunday at Prospect Mountain, a scenic area tucked into the southwest corner of the state in the small town of Woodford. It’s a nostalgic, old ski area that ran as a rope tow and a J-bar in its early days — and it’s still going, now as a cross-country skiing venue. This past weekend, it hosted part of the NENSA Vermont Cup series, including 5K and 10K courses — my daughter took part in the 5K.

COVID-19 protocols were strictly followed, as dozens of cross-country skiers from all over Vermont competed. Usually, my daughter would have skied in at least five races by now — but indeed, the pandemic has impacted all sports. On Sunday, the sun was gleaming in no small way, and the brilliant, snowy landscape gave us the gift of beautiful surroundings as everyone prepared to race. All of nature’s elements had something of light to them.

That day also gave me the gift of a parenting experience I hadn’t had very often. I had been to my daughter’s races before, but this one was different for me, and not just because of the arctic cold. It was the first time I got to see the process leading up to the starting line, beginning with seeing her wax her skis in the living room the night before, along with all the packing and preparations that go into a two-hour family drive. I saw her perseverance and dedication to her sport, from start to finish. It's a complete experience I didn't have when I was leading a newsroom in my former job, when family time was always short. I’d been to these races before, but I hadn’t fully appreciated how much work went into preparing for them. It was good to be present, even with the challenge of rising before 6 a.m. I was ready.

Part of being ready was turning the RAV4 into a ski lodge of sorts, because with the pandemic, there was no lodge available. We arrived at about 9 a.m., and my daughter went straight from the car into her course preview run, the sunlight beckoning, the cool, windy trail waiting. My wife and I went over to the start, to check out the angles for taking pictures and generally take a look around. A gentle slope would take the racers up into the 5K course, where some windy spots in the woods awaited them. Another slope on the opposite side would bring them down to the finish.

Cheering for our daughter as she double-poled her way out of the start, I felt proud to be there, witnessing the result of her months of work — after her first summer/fall stretch of nonstop training. Her passion for the sport showed then, and it glowed now, even amid such a challenging onslaught of cold. Her plan for pacing herself at different points of the course, was being put into practice, and years of learning put into action with each stride.

As the race ended, my daughter powered through the finish, making it a strong day of racing that was very much worth the wait. Make no mistake, she was very ready to throw on some layers not chilled by the air. One of them was her toasty, insulated reindeer onesie; it's a standby for races. As she headed off to "warm down", I put her cold jacket into one of our bags, as I had dozens of times. But this time, it was with a bit more focus, a bit more attention. I had gone through the whole process of a race day, during one of my daughter’s most challenging competitions. Start-to-finish is a concept in and of itself, and one that’s exemplified in a race. It’s a matter of starting strong, using your power wisely, and persevering through the elements, until the very end.

The power of perseverance enabled my daughter and her fellow racers to finish their course in single-digit temps, with wind. Such an accomplishment is its own reward, a harmonious blend of hard work and dedication yielding progress, something I was proud to witness. It showed me that the true power of any experience is seeing progress right before your eyes, and sharing the good it brings. Sunday was that kind of day, and I'm looking forward to more days like it — even if I have to bring my heaviest jacket along.

— Gareth Henderson

Back in Vermont, Bernie’s mittens good for business

Jayne Webb, owner of Encore Designer Consignment, sews a mitten with a style similar to the pair U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, of Vermont, wore at the presidential inauguration last week. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Bernie mittens. Those two words took the internet by storm when U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders was seen at the presidential inauguration donning his Vermont-made mittens crafted from recycled sweaters.

Jen Ellis, the school teacher in Essex, Vermont, who made Sanders’ mittens, got a series of media interviews, and people have churned out hilarious memes right through the weekend. But it hasn’t only been good for a laugh; it’s also been good for business, and Jayne Webb knows that all too well.

Webb, the owner and curator of Encore Designer Consignment, runs the downtown Woodstock shop with her husband, Dan. She sews mittens using recycled wool and cashmere sweaters and a pattern similar to the one the famous Vermont senator wore, and customers have noticed. Starting on Thursday, orders for mittens flooded her website, even causing her site’s purchasing software to crash at one point (it was back up in 10 minutes). 

That was a first. Here’s another one Webb shared on Saturday. 

“I woke up this morning and sold all the pairs I had just made yesterday,” Webb said. “That’s never happened.” 

She’s thrilled that it did, too. Before last week, Webb was in the midst of a tough January, following a holiday season that brought fewer out-of-state shoppers into the store. A number of the people who have come in are second-home owners who have been living here since March due to the pandemic. Overall, Webb found a lot of people were just browsing to get out of the house, not necessarily to shop. After New Year’s weekend, visitor traffic disappeared within days — more quickly than usual. With all that, the sudden surge of sales for her Tweed River Farm Mittens brand has been a life-saver. 

“It couldn’t have come at a better time,” Webb said. 

On Saturday, Webb had a bunch of mitten palms pre-cut for sewing and some brand-new fleece ready for the inside liners. She sometimes sews in the store when traffic is slow, using a Singer Featherweight made in 1949. 

“The original Singer Featherweight my grandmother had in 1937 is what I use at home, day in and day out,” she said. 

Webb said “the older the better” when it comes to sewing machines, adding older models are more durable and more convenient. 

“I can take it apart and clean it and put it back together,” she said. “There’s no computer, like some of the new ones today.” 

Webb, who lives in Pittsfield, Vermont, has owned the Encore shop since 2012, and started making mittens a couple of years ago. Making mittens was the plan for Sunday, as the orders have just kept coming. At this point, the Bernie mittens craze is showing no sign of stopping. 

— Gareth Henderson

Encore Designer Consignment is open Sunday and Monday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 1 to 5 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Wednesday. For more information, visit encoredesignerconsignment.com or email info@encoredesignerconsignment.com .

Jayne Webb displays one of the mitten pairs in her shop, Encore Designer Consignment, in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Cafe reopens after brief closure

Mon Vert Cafe in Woodstock, Vermont, on Saturday morning. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

For over a decade, Mon Vert Cafe has been a popular spot in downtown Woodstock, Vermont, for a coffee, or a meal, or both. As with many businesses, customers have been loyal through even the toughest parts of the past year. 

On Saturday, the cafe reopened after a week-long closure, and even after just a week, Facebook posts made it clear the day before people were highly anticipating the reopening. 

“It’s very nice how many positive things we’ve heard from the community,” said owner Sam DiNatale.

The closure came when an employee was exposed to COVID-19 and then, the business took the precaution of closing, according to DiNatale. She said all state requirements were followed, and one week after exposure all who worked with that employee were tested. All the tests came back negative. 

DiNatale was grateful to customers for all the supportive comments in recent days, and she felt the community appreciated the business being proactive and abundantly cautious. 

“If anything, it just cements people’s trust in us,” she said on a frigid Saturday morning, which saw more customers than usual in the day’s early hours.

The business will continue to be take-out only until the spring, DiNatale said, when they plan to have outdoor seating. Even at that point, there still may not be any indoor dining at the cafe, she added. 

“An abundance of caution is always important,” she said. 

— Gareth Henderson 

Mon Vert Cafe’s hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., every day except Thursday. For more information, go to monvertcafe.com, call 802-457-7143 or email monvertcafe@gmail.com .

Above, Mon Vert Cafe owner Sam DiNatale is shown at her business on Saturday morning. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Vt. vaccination sign-ups begin Monday for Phase 2

The Kedron Brook in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Starting Monday, Vermonters age 75 and older can sign up online or by phone to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The state will unveil a registration website on Monday morning, and the plan is to start vaccinations on Wednesday at sites around the state. There will be 54 vaccine sites in 39 towns, officials confirmed. Appointments are required and can only be made through the state. At the first appointment, another one will be scheduled for the second and final dose. A map showing vaccination site locations will soon be available on the health department's vaccine page, according to the state. No exact time was given for when registration would open.

The Scott administration spoke about the process on Friday during its first online-only press briefing. The event went virtual because Gov. Phil Scott and members of his cabinet recently had a possible exposure to COVID-19 and were each in quarantine. All tested negative earlier this week and, as of Friday, were showing no symptoms. Late Friday, the state announced that Human Services Secretary Mike Smith and Public Safety Commissioner Mike Schirling had again tested negative for COVID-19, and therefore no longer had to quarantine.

At the briefing, Smith urged Vermonters to be patient during the vaccination sign-up process, as tens of thousands of people will be trying to register all at once early next week. Everyone will get an appointment slot, he emphasized.

"Please continue to be patient, and be kind to those working on this effort," Smith said. "They are putting in long days and long weeks, and some are even volunteers helping us manage this unprecedented global crisis."

Next week marks the beginning of Phase 2 in Vermont's vaccination rollout, which will be done by age groups. Phase 2 includes those age 65 and older, and this will be done in three parts. Monday's registration is only for those age 75 and older, followed by the 70+ and 65+ groups. The 75+ range includes about 49,000 Vermonters, and that group should be vaccinated after five weeks, officials project. In total, the state plans to have all 120,000 people from Phase 2 vaccinated by spring.

This development comes as the federal government is implementing a wide-ranging plan to address the pandemic, with the goal of getting 100 million Americans vaccinated in 100 days. On his first full day in office Thursday, President Joe Biden signed 10 executive orders, including establishing federal vaccination centers, a program to help pharmacies administer vaccines and a nationwide push to add more personnel who can administer vaccine shots. FEMA aims to set up 100 federal vaccination centers across the country in the next month.

When asked about the COVID-19 response so far under the Biden administration, Scott said the communication has been more clear and transparent from the White House. He noted chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci's statement yesterday that he's able to speak his mind more often than he was under the Trump administration.

But Scott also said the prior administration was a key partner at different points. When facing some early hurdles on COVID-19 testing, Scott said he and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu were able to call then-Vice President Mike Pence directly, and he helped alleviate the problem.

"We had contacts in the White House that were helpful to us, so we hope to establish relationships (in the new administration) as well, but I'd say the Biden administration is off to a very good start," Scott said.

— Gareth Henderson

A new dawn

The rising sun casts an arc of light into the sky on Wednesday in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The radiant moments just before and after sunrise may not get all the attention they deserve. We rush here and there, we don't look up. That's certainly true on days that begin with some clouds, or a bit of haze on a slightly warmer morning, when a less spectacular display of light is expected.

And yet, even when the sky isn't entirely blue, the sun rises, and with its power, tested over the ages, it sends forth a powerful light, a herald of illuminating grace.

While driving through Woodstock, Vermont, in the early hours of Wednesday, the rising sun had a majestic glow, projecting a silvery hue onto nature's winter glory. Down the mountains, over the Ottauquechee River and to the village street where I pointed my camera, came the brilliant light — an unexpected moment, captured and cherished, its own reward.

It was the dawning of a new day, a new beginning for the country on an historic Inauguration Day, welcoming a new president, and the first woman, African American and Asian American to hold the vice presidency. Adversity tried to delay this new dawn, even stop it entirely. But democracy could only keep shining, so very brightly, with a steadfast, rock-solid resolve emanating from its sturdy foundation. Its light wasn't hidden, diminished, or broken. It increased, propelled by a flood of hope from the millions of Americans watching special moments unfold, one after the other.

Still, for others in our great country, this light was darkness. The calls for unity rang hollow on their ears, perhaps stirred anger in their hearts. At this moment, the grace of compassion and the soft voice of love, is the only answer for discontent, frustration, anger or hate. It doesn't matter where on the political spectrum those negative qualities appear — we must always counteract them with goodness, with love, meekness and compassion. To secure a better future for all, our best qualities must direct our progress and be our stalwart guides in the darkness.

This clouded night of obstacles lines the path toward eventual unity, because there will always be challenges to overcome. Along the way, they will demand more of our collective strength as we press on toward the brighter dawn. As William Shakespeare said, "Sweet are the uses of adversity which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, wears yet a precious jewel in his head."

Today, the jewel we seek is a stronger, more unified, and more just society, operating genuinely for the greater good. The most powerful aspect of sunlight, is that it shines equally for all. Whatever your background, whatever your politics, this new dawn offers the opportunity to repair the fabric of a divided country, step by step. With love, empathy and compassion driving it, the work of unity can be uplifting for everyone, just as the light of dawn shares its brilliance with all people.

— Gareth Henderson

Biden: ‘This is democracy’s day’

An American flag in Woodstock, Vermont, during the Fourth of July. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Before a silent National Mall but with a message of hope, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in as the new president and vice president of the United States on Wednesday. With that accomplished, history was made: Harris officially became the first African American, the first Asian American and the first woman to hold the country's second-highest public office.

The historic moment gave joy to millions, but it was not before the usual inauguration crowd of thousands. Amid heightened security and the pandemic, the National Mall was instead filled with a majestic public art display of nearly 200,000 flags — including American flags, and flags from every state and territory — representing the many people who couldn’t be there to share the moment. With applause from the smaller, distanced gathering assembled, Biden took to the podium to address the nation for the first time as its 46th president.

"This is America's day, this is democracy's day, a day of history and hope, a day of renewal and resolve," Biden said.

That resolve was severely tested in recent months, during an election fraught with unproven allegations of election fraud and swirling conspiracy theories. Rage about the election result fueled the mob attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, in which supporters of former president Donald Trump tried to derail the Congressional process to complete the certification of the presidential election. That attempt failed, as Biden noted, but he put it in a larger context, about the power of the country's foundation.

"Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause: the cause of democracy," Biden declared. "The will of the people has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded. We've learned again that democracy is precious, democracy is fragile, and at this hour my friends, democracy has prevailed."

Unity was the main theme, and a quality Biden said the country greatly needs. He acknowledged there are Americans who are not pleased that he was in office, and calls for unity often ring hollow today.

"I know speaking of unity can sound to some like a foolish fantasy these days. I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real, but I also know they are not new," Biden said.

He noted that through the Civil War, the Great Depression, World Wars, 9/11 and other dark times, we've overcome challenges together.

"Through struggle, sacrifices and setbacks, our better angels have always prevailed," Biden pointed out.

Going forward, he said Americans must guard against "lies told for power and profit" and speak up for truth.

"We must stop the culture in which facts themselves are manipulated and even manufactured," Biden insisted.

The president also spoke directly to those who voted against him.

"Hear me out, as we move forward. Take a measure of me and my heart, and if you still disagree, so be it. That's democracy. That's America," Biden said. "The right to dissent peaceably within the guardrails of our republic is perhaps this nation's greatest strength. Yet hear me clearly, disagreement must not lead to disunion, and I pledge this to you: I will be a president for all Americans."

All Americans, in one way or another, have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Biden led a brief moment of silence for those who lost their lives, their families and the country. As he did several times, the president pointed out the simultaneous challenges we face, including threats to democracy and truth, the pandemic, systemic racism, growing inequity and climate change.

"Any one of these would be enough to challenge us in profound ways, but the fact is, we face them all at once, presenting this nation with one of the gravest responsibilities we've had," Biden said.

He urged people to set aside politics and forge a united front against the coronavirus.

"In the work ahead of us, we're going to need each other, need all our strength to persevere through this dark winter," he cautioned.

Biden also recalled a different January, in 1863, that also saw rife division throughout the land. It was the month that President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Upon doing so, he said, "If my name ever goes down into history, it will be for this act, and my whole soul is in it."

"Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this: bringing America together, uniting our people, uniting our nation," he said. "And I ask every American to join me in this cause."

Biden also pledged to put the people first in his work as president.

"I'll keep everything I do in your service, thinking not of power but of possibilities, not personal interest but the public good, and together, we shall write an American story of hope not fear, of unity not division, of light not darkness, a story of decency and dignity, love and healing, greatness and goodness,” the president said. “May this be the story that guides us, the story that inspires us, and the story that tells ages yet to come that we answered the call of history."

Powerful moments of reflection surfaced when National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman shared her stunning poem, "The Hill We Climb", becoming the youngest inaugural poet in the nation's history at 22. Gorman recalled the events of Jan. 6 and the resiliency that followed, saying "while democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated."

Her message was poignant, created for the nation, the world, and this era, as it looked also to the future:

"Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true: That even as we grieved we grew, that even as we hurt we hoped, that even as we tired we tried, that we'll forever be tied together, victorious. Not because we will never again know defeat, but because we will never again sow division."

— Gareth Henderson

Love is still the answer

A snow-topped tree overlooks the water along the Ottauquechee River Trail in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

This week, for the first time, the presidential inauguration will be guarded by 25,000 troops in the nation's capital, with National Guard soldiers there from all 50 states. Also, government buildings are heavily guarded throughout the nation.

That's the current security posture following the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, and U.S. Rep. Peter Welch, of Vermont, gave a first-hand account of what it's like in Washington D.C. right now, during a phone-in Town Hall with Vermonters on Tuesday.

"If you were in the area, you couldn't get within eight or 10 blocks of the Capitol, the Mall, the Lincoln Memorial or the White House," Welch said. He was sad it had to be that way, because Jan. 20 is supposed to be a day of "public and civic celebration," the congressman said.

But the good news is that the inauguration will go forward, Welch said Tuesday.

"That's going to happen tomorrow, and we're going to get Joe Biden working on COVID and on some economic relief," he said.

On Tuesday night, President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris hosted a memorial in Washington, D.C., to honor victims of COVID-19, as the nation passed a total of 400,000 deaths from the virus. It was a powerful image of national mourning, and also an acknowledgement of the tumult of the past year, which has impacted the entire country.

Looking at the image of the 400 lights around the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool was sobering, but also incredibly inspiring. It was a national moment, at a time in our history where we haven’t had many invitations to jointly reflect as a nation, together. Such a moment is beautifully normal, and something we must do, especially after such a challenging time when we need each other.

Tonight, the country is poised to enter a new time of leadership. It begins with much work to do as a nation. Whatever your political view is, it's clear this will be a time of change during an especially difficult part of our history. But instead of retreating to the comfort of tired political arguments, or sinking into fear, we should look forward more simply: Just start this new chapter with love. That is this country's most powerful protector, which will also serve to strengthen the fabric of our society and unveil new ways we can bridge our differences and work together.

We've felt the sharp edge of political division. Now, we have a great mountain to climb, and many hard steps line the path forward. But only one thing leads up to a better future by fostering genuine collaboration for the greater good. Love breaks patterns of distrust and leavens thought, leaving room for compassion to encourage more constructive, more understanding connections. That is the solution to guide the moment. Love has been the answer before, and still is.

— Gareth Henderson