VERGENNES — Had it not been canceled because of COVID-19, this year’s Vergennes Memorial Day Parade would have been Susan O’Daniel’s 41st — and because the Vergennes Union High School Band Director is retiring in June — her last. “It was a hard day when they canceled the parade,” she told the Independent by phone. “I feel empty — it’s really difficult right now.” When Gov. Phil Scott closed Vermont school buildings in mid-March, O’Daniel and many others had hoped that the emergency would pass quickly. Schoo … (read more)
