Ways of seeing: Time is right for big policy strides

Like so many of us, I am grateful that the school districts have decided to delay irreparable decisions until the end of the summer. There are many people now working hard to craft a path through the huge challenges. Just as we are beginning to see light at the end of the COVID tunnel, so win-win solutions are beginning to emerge for our children and schools. The shifting Federal landscape means that these four easy changes could be implemented simultaneously: •  Remove the burden of health care from employ … (read more)

It’s Thursday morning on the farm. As I write this, the children at Wren’s Nest Preschool are singing and laughing as they slide down the snow covered hills. A spirit of hopefulness fills the air and my heart once again. And so we turn now to the gift of … (read more)

These last few months of responding to the coronavirus have shown how resilient Vermonters are and how able to react quickly in an emergency. We have come together across parties and sectors to take care of one another. We have assured that people have fo … (read more)

Editor’s note: The writers sent this letter to the Mount Abraham Unified School District board and cc’d the Independent. Dear MAUSD School Board Members, It has become painfully clear that our district schools are in a tough place financially. We hear you … (read more)

People recently gathered to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of David Tier, the now departed Eco-Spirit, whose commitments and practices linger among us. I would like to add one story about this gruff and gentle man, which took place on a freezing da … (read more)

“This is so boring, Gaga!” Our three year old granddaughter looked at me with delight in her eyes. She was busily engaged rolling out dough and using her favorite cookie cutters.  I was taken aback and was about to correct her by saying something like “Bu … (read more)

A few weeks ago, our daughter’s show “Hadestown” won 8 Tony Awards, including best musical. In her acceptance speech she called out the huge number of people who have been involved over the years and shared a closing thought that creating a great musical … (read more)