2020: the year of discovery
2020 made us into discoverers. As our struggles grew, our connections to one another were revealed and, in many cases, also reinvigorated.
Rev. Dr. Leon Dunkley of the North Universalist Chapel Society speaks alongside Woodstock Police Chief Robbie Blish at a Black Lives Matter rally in Woodstock, Vermont, on June 9. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
2020 was the year that turned us into discoverers. As our struggles grew, our connections to one another were revealed and, in many cases, also reinvigorated. We learned those connections underpinned one grand, shared existence, enriched by the diversity of individual experiences. And this year, more than ever, we felt the true weight of what we shared.
Throughout 2020, how often did we hear that major events, just a couple of months apart, seemed like they had happened "years ago"? That refrain underscored how unique the year was, and how we bore the multi-layered impact of converging challenges. But we didn't bear that heavy load alone. We volunteered, we donated, we checked on our neighbors — in all things, we persisted, and we discovered. We came to see ourselves and others in a whole new light, because we found out how much our expressions of love and kindness sustain us.
Still, that virtuous resolve was tested in ways it hadn't been in decades. As the pandemic impacted the world, so did cries for justice. The killing of George Floyd and the tensions that rose up in its aftermath caused us to look deeply inward. Multiple generations of multiple races protested, with young people in particular leading inspired calls for change. The younger generations remained determined, even in the face of rife criticism — some of it in person. That discovery, that courage, we bring with us into 2021.
We also bring politics forward, knowing that this contentious election season left us much to address. As the current Congress winds to a close, it's important to note it managed to do something rare in 2020: Congress managed to compromise. That compromise led to the new relief bill, and, though it wasn't a perfect deal, it's getting economic support to many who need it, and it showed genuine collaboration can still do some good on even the grandest scale. Not long before, many might have called such a compromise impossible.
That word may describe 2020 very well. It was a year of impossible challenges, that required impossible solutions. But we persevered as a people, and discovered those answers were possible. We greet 2021 with vaccine distribution happening, with a greater awareness of race issues, and with, perhaps, a chance to see more political compromise in the future. Through such sweeping change in 2020, we're still firmly rooted in our compassion for one another, although some national issues may make us think otherwise. We're stronger than we were, and more aware of each other's needs, how we live, and how we can express the love that supports the greater good. That's a reassuring way to move into the new year.
— Gareth Henderson
Resilience for the holidays
Though activity is limited, the holiday spirit is unlimited and still finds expression no matter what is happening in the world.
Holiday lights brighten the evening in downtown Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
When times are tough, our resilient spirit comes out, and that’s the kind of strength people have shown while facing the many obstacles of 2020. Even when the pandemic reached new heights, we still shared our humanity by helping one another and finding ways to uplift the community.
Of course, a good example of this has been the holidays, where old traditions have found new virtual homes to share the joy of the season. Case in point: the annual Wassail Parade in Woodstock, Vermont, has gone virtual, featuring festive photos and videos submitted by the community. It starts online Saturday at 10 a.m. at this link, the result of a partnership between the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce and the High Horses Therapeutic Riding Program. Many familiar faces and favorite costumes will be seen, bringing the fun of the parade into people’s homes.
Understandably, many are still getting used to this new holiday experience, amid the numerous restrictions on gatherings and other rules that are now commonplace. But people are finding ways to celebrate and share the holiday spirit, as seen in the numerous holiday lights set up throughout Vermont and many other regions. The message is clear: Though activity is limited, the holiday spirit is unlimited and still finds expression no matter what is happening in the world. As we prepare for the rest of the holiday season, it is indeed comforting to know that we can still find joy and peace during this time. The best qualities of our human experience are still intact and deeply held within us. On days when those qualities seem in short supply, we can pause and know they are still around, still being expressed — and sometimes, they are just around the corner, waiting for us to embrace them.
— Gareth Henderson
States close in on voter turnout records
With a week to go until Election Day, multiple states are on their way to shattering voter turnout records, and Vermont is no exception.
American flags are displayed on the Ora E. Paul memorial marker on the Woodstock Village Green. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
With a week to go until Election Day, multiple states are on their way to shattering voter turnout records, and Vermont is no exception.
As of Monday evening, more than 208,000 Vermonters had voted early, which accounts for two-thirds of the total votes in the 2016 general election, according to Secretary of State Jim Condos. Nationwide, early voting has already passed the early vote total for 2016, The Associated Press reported.
In a state press briefing on Tuesday, Condos thanked Vermonters "for overwhelmingly embracing the safe, secure voting options available to them during these challenging times." Those options have included early voting in person, mailing your ballot, or dropping off your ballot at your town clerk's office or into a local ballot drop-off box. Those options remain available, Condos said, along with bringing your ballot to drop off at your local polling place, up until 7 p.m. on Nov. 3. Many Vermonters are still expected to vote in-person on Election Day, he added, and each polling place will have precautions in place such as mask-wearing and social distancing.
Earlier this year, Vermont became one of the few states to decide to send ballots to all registered voters in 2020, joining California, Nevada, and New Jersey. Montana also allowed this, but left the final call on mail-in voting up to individual counties, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The states of Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah and Washington already had mail-in voting systems in place.
In all states, town and city clerks and election workers have done an incredible job under difficult circumstances. We've all seen the photos of long lines of early voters, especially in the largest states. The run-up to the election is indeed unprecedented, but the counting process will be as well, since the rules governing the process vary from state to state. It could be a matter of days until we know the winner of the presidential race.
That obviously doesn't help in this politically volatile environment, but we can take heart that many millions of Americans have made sure to cast their ballots already. Clearly, the vote, this crucial institution in our democracy, has many people who not only want to use it, but may well be interested in protecting it. One week away from this critical election, we can help the cause by making sure we vote, and making sure our family, friends and neighbors vote. Participation is the most important step to take now, and current voting numbers are encouraging signs that we’re taking an active role in our democracy.
— Gareth Henderson