Letter to the editor: Support the county’s migrant workers

Patty Lewis’s well-researched and forceful letter in the Independent of last week explains the grave dangers posed by a policy of wide-scale deportation. Many undocumented residents, without whom our dairy industry and other aspects of our local economy would be significantly weakened, are becoming terrified.

Ways of Seeing: AI bot proved not up to the task

This fall my sister drove up for a visit. The leaves were gorgeous. We took golden crisp walks in Lincoln and Bristol and ate heartily from our garden’s harvest.

Letter to the editor: Group opposes MAGA actions

Trump and his MAGA representatives have started implementing Project 2025. They are already suggesting wacky goals like taking over Canada and Greenland.

Ways of Seeing: Popular pet has big personality

I call Buster Rick’s therapy cat. At the end of a busy day or even a stressful election season, he’ll curl onto Rick’s lap and take a nap. It’s better than meditation or even a massage. Buster’s warm, purring body puts them both into a trance, and the pro … (read more)

Letter to the editor: Bray responsive to constituents, collaborative on job

I support Senator Chris Bray for reelection. Chris listens, researches and collaborates to find solutions to our most pressing issues. Former Republican Governor Jim Douglas confirmed that when he said of him, “Chris Bray is an honorable public servant wi … (read more)

Ways of Seeing: Don’t misjudge the power of words

Sometimes our good intentions have unfortunate consequences.

Ways of Seeing: Retiring LCS principal inspired all

In a field overlooking an iconic Green Mountain vista we gathered a few weeks ago to celebrate principal Tory Riley’s retirement.

Ways of Seeing: The look of love is in his eyes

Our cat Buster loves meat. Raw meat. We adopted him because he was cute and cuddly, and because my husband fell in love with him.

Ways of Seeing: The piano can be a refuge

I rarely play the piano anymore, but there are times it brings me home.

Fly fishing is therapy for some veterans

“Many veterans no longer refer to it as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder),” Bob Almeter points out. “They call it Post Traumatic Stress (PTS). It’s not a disorder. It’s part of who I am.”

Ways of Seeing: Understanding others’ narratives

I have bungled many situations in my life. Some stand out above others.

Ways of Seeing: Peace garden is a local treasure

At the southwest corner of the Bristol Green, facing West Street and adjacent to the playground, you’ll find the Bristol Peace Garden.

Ways of Seeing: Grandfather left enduring legacy

Grandpa was a small, serious man who stood straight and took pride in having become a modern American.

Ways of Seeing: The hidden problem all around us

Our neighbors’ challenges can be invisible. Like the folks who show up at Have-a-Heart Food Shelf each month.

Ways of Seeing: Community living is a blessing

My husband and I step out for a brisk winter stroll and immediately get drawn into a snowball fight — five energetic kids against three adults, but we three are up to the challenge.

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