Many times these days, the one thing that's familiar about this spring is that, it's spring. The weather is warming, the rain comes and goes, and wildlife is out, but our lives are changed.

People throughout the U.S. have opened their hearts to their neighbors through volunteering and other support during the last few weeks, leading to numerous inspiring accounts of compassion and generosity.

That spirit will be needed more than ever, as three Vermont communities will be facing some significant challenges ahead, if proposed changes in higher education take place in the coming days.

A theme throughout this time of isolation has been appreciation of the simple things, which are heavily juxtaposed with the challenges we face, but nonetheless important.

It's fascinating that a time of such profound change in the world is also happening at a time of annual change for the earth.