Dining outside

People enjoy the outdoor dining experience on Saturday afternoon at The Prince & The Pauper in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Restaurants in Vermont have been able to offer outdoor dining, under restrictions, for just over a week, and those serving outside have found customers enthusiastic to enjoy a meal in the fresh spring air.

In Woodstock, the Prince and the Pauper was one of the first in this region to give it a try. The restaurant had its soft launch of patio outdoor dining on Friday, May 22, shortly after getting final requirements in order. The last time the P&P had outdoor dining was 15 years ago, said co-owner Liz Schwenk. Longtime bartender Clemens Steinrisser was serving customers outside at the time — and now he is again.

“We were joking, it’s really come full circle,” Schwenk said.

Seating times are available from 4 to 6:45 p.m. by reservations only. Customers are asked to wear masks as they are arriving or leaving, but can take them off when seated. The five tables are spaced apart at the required 10 feet. Most of the tables are for two, and seating times are staggered for safety and also for staff, Schwenk said. She said customers have been great about following the rules.

The big theme is, people are happy to see each other, especially after having to stay at home for so long. Some families have been eating at the P&P for two or three generations.

“We’re so lucky with the amazing customers we have,” Schwenk said, noting many have gotten take-out orders for weeks. “It’s so nice to see their faces again.”

That was also the common sentiment when some local retail shops reopened in mid-May, and people were thrilled to come in and talk with their local shop owners in person again.

“It really feels like the community has wrapped its arms around each other,” Schwenk said.

The Prince and The Pauper can be reached at 802-457-1818 and online at www.princeandpauper.com. The take-out option remains available.

— Gareth Henderson

Advancing into a new future

American flags wave in the breeze outside downtown shops in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Vermont remains under a state of emergency, but, as anticipated, Gov. Phil Scott announced more reopening plans on Friday.

As of June 1, fitness facilities and spas will be among several close-contact businesses allowed to reopen, though it will be under the 25-percent capacity limit that Vermont retail and lodging sectors are following. Also, the social gathering limit was moved from 10 to 25, effective immediately — which, Scott noted, does not tie into the interior capacity limits required at businesses.

Amid the rapid onslaught of summer, the governor also announced overnight summer camps will be allowed to operate as of June 7, though at a 75-percent bed capacity limit and under strict quarantine requirements. Scott called that provision a “pilot project” that will greatly inform the approach to reopening the travel and tourism industry, the backbone of the summer economy. 

The lack of spring tourism is weighing on businesses, and Vermont faces increasing pressure to more firmly hit the restart button for that reason. Particularly at issue is the 14-day quarantine requirement for anyone crossing into Vermont. The desire to visit the Green Mountains is there, as evidenced by 10,000 more motorists coming into Vermont the Friday before Memorial Day than the same day the previous week, as Scott said. 

The ecosystem that serves tourism traffic — including lodging, restaurants and retail — has been crucial to Vermont’s reopening efforts in the past two weeks. That said, not every business has been able to act on the loosened restrictions yet, and therefore, the broad economic impact of those reopenings is tough to measure. The next big step would be easing or lifting the 14-day quarantine requirement, but Vermont’s cautious approach will continue, with Scott saying Friday the state of emergency may be extended past June 15. 

Every passing week without a full reopening poses more challenges for already-strained budgets at businesses in Vermont and neighboring states. Nevertheless, we can all play a role in being supportive of our communities and guiding each other compassionately down the path of progress. As we wrap up another week, we can take solace in knowing that’s the path we’re on. 

— Gareth Henderson

Seeking relief

The next phase of business relief legislation from Washington has been in process for weeks now, and on Wednesday the House approved a bill resulting from those efforts. 

The legislation makes key changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP),  a $700 billion loan program which was part of the federal CARES ACT and helps small businesses continue to pay workers during the pandemic. Employers have long been asking for more flexibility in the program's requirements, and some said restrictions discouraged them from applying. U.S. Rep. Peter Welch, of Vermont, was a co-sponsor of Wednesday's bill. 

“The Payroll Protection Program has provided much-needed funds for thousands of Vermont businesses devastated by the pandemic, but the strict SBA loan forgiveness requirements make the program unworkable for many businesses,” Welch said.

According to Welch, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 (H.R. 7010) does the following:

• Allows forgiveness for expenses beyond the current 8-week covered period to 24 weeks and extends the rehiring deadline.

• Increases the limit for non-payroll expenses from 25 percent to 40 percent to better match business expenditures.

• Extends loan terms from 2 years to 5 years for new loans.

• Ensures full access to payroll tax deferment for recipients of PPP loans.

This legislation was another step forward in the recovery process for the business community. Now, all eyes will be on the U.S. Senate, which is considering a similar bill. 

Recently, unity of purpose has been a challenge for Congress. As states continue to move through reopening, a good portion of the business community will continue to need help for some time. Part of the solution will be federal money, and state budgets are facing the same picture. 

Throughout the U.S. over the past two months, many Americans have been using compassionate collaboration to get each other through the most difficult moments of this pandemic. That loving, caring attitude doesn't have to be separate from political discussions — rather, proofs of that love surround those discussions, in our very communities. Those heartfelt efforts to help one another will have lasting influence on these important solutions, whatever form the future may take, because our collective desire to be of service will not be moved. 

— Gareth Henderson

Hope for the summer

People enjoy the Ottauquechee River in Woodstock, Vermont, on a very humid Wednesday evening. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Further steps in reopening are on tap for Vermont later this week, including loosening the restriction on gatherings.

Citing favorable COVID-19 data in the state, Gov. Phil Scott on Wednesday said he will likely increase the gathering limit from 10 to 25 people by the weekend. He also aims to announce a time frame on Friday for reopening more close-contact businesses like cleaning services and fitness centers. 

As the governor noted, it's been a little over two weeks since the state took its first big step in reopening, when it allowed manufacturing and construction to fully get back to work. 

"It appears we continue to move in the right direction ... and as a result, we'll be able to put more Vermonters back to work, open up social activities and restart most parts of our economy in some capacity," Scott said. 

He added that Vermonters got us to this point, by adhering to important public-safety guidelines. 

"You put your family and neighbors' health first," Scott said. 

Going forward, the governor's team will identify the level of progress they need to see in neighboring states to completely reopen Vermont, which would involve easing or lifting the 14-day quarantine requirement for those crossing into the state. With multiple Vermont sectors at some level of operation now, the data from other New England states — which have more COVID-19 cases now — is more important than ever. 

It is also important for Vermont's economy. The farther we go into summer, the more the pressure rises on the state government to ease restrictions and fully reactivate the tourism economy. Many sectors depending on visitor traffic have been in rough shape now for weeks, and hopefully the $400 million state relief package — funded by federal relief dollars — will see passage in Montpelier soon. 

In the meanwhile, the continued downward trend in Vermont's numbers gives added hope that more reopenings are on the way. The measured approach appears to be working, and together, as a community, we can build more momentum with each step we take as a state. Progress is being made, and we head toward summer with hopeful indications that more progress is right around the corner.

— Gareth Henderson 

The push for recovery

A family bikes up River Road in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

After a beautiful Memorial Day Weekend, the nation rolled into another busy week as states continued to work on reopening their economies. 

The announcement of the day was the New York Stock Exchange reopening, a development highlighted by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Also announced: Long Island is expected to reopen on Wednesday. That falls in line with recent positive trends in New York, including the fact that, on Tuesday, the state saw its number of new COVID-19 cases fall to their lowest level since the pandemic took hold there in March.

Promising trends continued in the Green Mountains, where numbers kept heading downward. With campgrounds and marinas open in Vermont, much of the state’s outdoor recreation sector saw plenty of activity over the holiday weekend. A number of local people opted to have fun closer to home, while there were some visitors as well. In various locations, area restaurants could be seen offering outdoor seating, which the state allowed as of Friday. Though it’s not a moneymaker, it added some vitality to downtowns at a time when each community could use it.

Speaking of local businesses, Gov. Phil Scott said the state is moving ahead with a new marketing campaign to encourage Vermonters to buy locally. There has never been a more important time to support local businesses. 

“We can help each other out by just looking at the products we buy, and buy from each other,” the governor told Vermont Public Radio today. 

The state’s overall plan for reopening is moving forward. The next step: As of Friday, hair salons and barbershops can reopen under state-imposed limits and safety measures. Hopefully, those businesses and also restaurants — having been some of the first ordered to shut down in March — will be able to sustain operations over the long-term. Right now, the future of our downtowns is unclear, but we can all make an effort to buy local as much as possible. Our local businesses need us, and now is the time to unite, support them and rebuild that economic vitality our communities need. 

— Gareth Henderson

Honoring their service

Memorial Day 2020 comes amid a uniquely challenging time in our nation’s history, but, as Vermont Gov. Phil Scott expressed today, it could be a particularly fitting time to reflect on the example of those who served the country and made the ultimate sacrifice. 

And so, though many traditional events were not possible today, we persist in recognizing the heroes who fought for our people and our values, and never returned home. We join together in our current struggle, because they stood guard over the nation during the world’s most difficult days. 

“These men and women are the best example of what it means to be an American. Those who stood to fight so the rest of us can live in the safety and security of a free world. Those who sacrificed and died so others may live,” Scott said in his Memorial Day statement.

He continued, “I believe that today, as we navigate through this once-in-a-century crisis, the word sacrifice means a lot more as we unite to fight a new kind of enemy — one that threatens all of us.

“Perhaps there is no better time than now to reflect on the example of those who faced far darker days, but rose to the occasion, so that we might be here now to face our own challenge, together.”

Over the last two months, numerous others have joined our country’s long tradition of sacrifice amid adversity, and thousands have been lost to the pandemic. Many more are continuing to help the nation through this time, in ways big and small. Today, we are reminded how important it is to remember those who came before us and defended the country, so we could be here and proudly serve causes greater than ourselves. Going forward, we can honor them by working for the unity of this nation, even that seems so difficult. Together, is always stronger. 

— Gareth Henderson

Out into the open

Two bicyclists make their way down River Road in Woodstock on Sunday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Stellar spring weather greeted Memorial Day Weekend, and the crowds responded quickly.

Getting outside has been the theme. In Woodstock, Vermont, numerous bicyclists rolled through town on Sunday afternoon, many in groups, cars were spotted with kayaks on top, some kids enjoyed the river, friends picnicked on the Village Green, and families strolled through the village to hit a few shops and get ice cream. They were there, all the signs of a typical holiday weekend in a rural town. 

But obviously, it’s not typical, coming amid a pandemic. There is still much work to be done to face up to fear, overcome it, and reach lasting solutions for society. We may not know what “typical” is anymore. That said, it is a relief to take in familiar, joyful scenes this weekend. I think we all had greatly missed them, and are glad to step out into the sun and enjoy it, even if just for a short time. 

As we move through this time, there is a lot which can distress us, but it’s also important to look around and be mindful of what we do have. We have each other, and an opportunity to remake an economy that, perhaps, wasn’t serving society all that well. As I look outside and ponder this blessing of brilliant light and warm air, maybe it’s an invitation to get out and connect with other people, and kindly share what this experience has taught us, whether it be through word or deed. The great reset is shifting into the restart phase, and the most profound events begin with small, meaningful moments of connection. There’s no better time to continue that progress, than now.

— Gareth Henderson

Progress with caution

Stepping out my front door this morning, the air greeted me with that precious summer warmth. It’s a welcome feeling, especially here in the northeast, where that stubborn chill in the air had persisted for a bit too long. 

As nature turns the page to a new season, we, too, embrace progress, but it comes with a note of caution.

Memorial Day Weekend marks the first major holiday weekend during the reopening phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, state officials are asking people to stay vigilant and keep using the precautions that have allowed northeastern states to make progress against the virus, as crowds begin to swell in the region. The common phrase: We’re not out of the woods yet. 

On Friday, Vermont took further steps toward reopening its economy, as announced by Gov. Phil Scott. Bars and restaurants can reopen for outdoor seating under restrictions, effective on Friday. As of Saturday, churches are allowed to reopen under a limit of 25-percent capacity. And on May 29, hair salons and barbershops can reopen under state-imposed limits and safety measures. 

It wasn’t all good news, though. Scott announced that all traditional fairs and festivals are cancelled for the season. Fairgrounds can still be used for events that meet state requirements, the governor added.

“Even with the steps we’ve taken, the reality is, we’re still far from being back to normal,” Scott said. 

Friday was also a big day for the health sector, as certain medical procedures and health services were allowed to resume immediately. Those included inpatient surgeries and procedures; outpatient services, including clinic visits, diagnostic imaging and limited outpatient surgeries and procedures; and elective dental services. Full dental services were expected to resume by June 1, according to Health Commissioner Mark Levine.

Though we expect the best weekend weather we’ve seen all year, the public is urged to continue to follow precautions such as wearing a mask in public, frequent hand-washing and six feet of social distancing. Governors from the bordering states of New Hampshire, New York and Massachusetts also emphasized those points in their Friday press briefings. 

In the past several weeks, multiple Vermont sectors have been glad to get back to business, though under state restrictions. The holiday weekend will indeed be a test of our progress thus far, but not only from a data standpoint. It will begin to answer the question, “Will all that good will and kindness experienced during the pandemic stick around?”

On Monday, the first day of reopening retail stores, the hearts of shoppers and shopkeepers were lifted up as they saw each other in person again, though under social distancing. It was clear: We all want to see each other do well. We’re all thirsting for joy in our lives. So, as people try to navigate this situation, it’s an ideal time to share kindness and compassion. The beautiful thing is, even after these recent weeks, there still seems to be plenty of it to go around. 

— Gareth Henderson 

Arts centers look to the future

The marquee is shown outside Woodstock Town Hall Theater, which is operated by Pentangle Arts and currently closed due to the pandemic. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

When the state clamped down on public gatherings in late March, one of the hardest-hit sectors was the arts. Now, two months into the shutdown and with Vermont abuzz about reopening, arts centers are confronting survival in an economy that was leveled by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

On Tuesday, that conversation was brought to the masses as part of a series of online forums organized by the Montpelier-based Community Engagement Lab.

Six leaders of local arts centers joined the discussion, facilitated by engagement lab co-founder and arts educator Eric Booth. The panelists: Jody Fried, executive director of Catamount Arts in St. Johnsbury; Doreen Kraft, executive director of Burlington City Arts; Danny Lichtenfeld, executive director of the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center; Steve MacQueen, artistic director of the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in Burlington; Hope Sullivan, executive director of Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center in Stowe; and Alita Wilson, executive director of Pentangle Arts in Woodstock. 

From the start of the shutdown, these organizations have explored ways to engage with their communities and offer some entertainment through online platforms like Zoom, while keeping their doors closed. Now, as budgets grow tighter and summer looms, the question is how to do business with smaller gatherings, or none at all, when most revenue has stopped. Planning is also a hurdle, as arts centers weigh what to schedule, or not, with this year half-gone and all or most of 2021 booked out.

Alita Wilson, executive director of Pentangle Arts in Woodstock, noted the challenge of balancing the need to run programming with the ability to afford it. And of course, state restrictions are in play. 

“Are we safer staying dark? That’s what keeps me up at night,” Wilson said.

Each of these centers are weighing what can be done with smaller crowd sizes, which Fried said may be the reality for some time. Catamount Arts’ board is led by a doctor, Fried said, who has warned the pandemic’s impact will last beyond summer. 

“He’s saying we’re going to be limited to very small groups for the foreseeable future,” Fried said, adding that means until 2021.

Sullivan wondered about the public’s response once reopening is possible. 

“Even once things open up and are allowed to, what’s the public’s comfort level to gather?” she asked. 

All organizations are looking for solutions, and panelists agreed the key to future success, now more than ever, will be partnerships. 

“Our survival is really dependent upon all of us,” Kraft said. “One of the things I’m feeling is that the community has really re-valued the role of the arts.” 

Some have begun exploring that. 

“We started reaching out across sectors, for business leaders to start weighing in,” Sullivan said. 

Overall, any new partnerships with other sectors will need to be financially beneficial for arts centers, too, panelists noted. 

“I’m hoping the other sectors will work to find a way it can benefit both of us,” Wilson said.

Fried thought the creative sector could certainly complement education in the fall, with schools also facing a changed world. Some of that interaction has occurred at the student level, with local families taking part in online events from their homes. 

As the quarantine period took shape, online activities and events have enabled these centers to reach new and bigger audiences. MacQueen said that presents an opportunity for arts organizations to explore models beyond the longstanding donor-and-member system.

“How do we make the arts affordable and accessible to people, instead of doing these old paradigms?” he said. 

Coming out of the first two months of shutdown, people are thinking about events very differently. For example, Catamount Arts created an online film slam, in which families made and submitted their own content, and they ended up with 80 films and numerous interactions. Fried said this “hybrid” model, pairing online engagement with home-produced content, could be the wave of the future.

“I think that’s the balance we’re going to have to find,” he said. It could also cut through the “Zoom fatigue” many experience from just watching a screen, he added. 

Lichtenfeld said he is exploring the possibility of mixing local art with outdoor experiences, since it blends two aspects of the state locals and visitors enjoy. 

“I think there’s room for us all to get incredibly creative with programming we can do outdoors,” he said. 

Like many sectors, the arts face many challenges and are trying to quickly discover new possibilities for fulfilling their mission. Tuesday’s discussion was fruitful and gave hope. It also highlighted some of the biggest hurdles Vermont faces, such as the need for more access to broadband and the need for more federal aid. However, it also put the spotlight on how creative we are as a state. With collaborative energy, innovation and creative resources, our communities can make progress through this challenging time, with the arts being at the forefront.

— Gareth Henderson

All eyes on business

In a week that brings the reopening of several more sectors in Vermont, Gov. Phil Scott and his team unveiled a $400 million relief package on Wednesday to help businesses survive the pandemic.

The package is funded through the federal CARES Act and includes two phases: $310 million for immediate relief, and a $90 million investment to help the economy. The overall approach focuses on financial, technical and housing aid, combined with marketing and consumer spending assistance. Officials hope it will help employers and small businesses plug financial gaps and begin to stabilize their operations.

“The storm is not over, but this is our first collective step towards repairing economic bridges and ensuring the survival of our business community,” said Lindsay Kurrle, the secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. 

Once the Legislature approves this funding, Kurrle said she hopes the funding can be turned around in less than a month, but there is no firm time frame. The largest portion of this package is $250 million in financial assistance in direct grants and loans to businesses. Of that total, $150 million will be used to provide grants to the hardest-hit sectors of food and accommodation services, retail and agriculture. The $150 million in funds will help with fixed-cost expenses such as rent, mortgage payments, utilities, inventory and other essential costs. 

Secretary Anson Tebbetts, of the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, described the deep losses experienced by Vermont farmers, and said five dairy farms closed in the first week of May. 

“Now is our time to support the backbone of Vermont, so it can heal and create a path forward that protects those who make a living off the land,” Tebbetts said.

Also from the $250 million, $80 million in grants and low- to no-interest loans will be available for other sectors; and $20 million in loans and grants are allocated for small businesses and nonprofits with less than $1 million in revenue and five or fewer employees. Other funding in the proposal supports landlords and tenants and will provide aid to homeless individuals.

On the cusp of summer, the state is also providing funds to businesses in the tourism sector and is planning a marketing effort to encourage Vermonters to explore the state and spend locally. 

Today’s announcement was welcome news for the many businesses experiencing extreme hardships. Though some sectors have reopened, business owners everywhere face the impact of big losses in the last two months. This financial package — sure to see quick action by lawmakers — is only a small part of the solution. As the governor said, more help from the federal government will be crucial. But the state’s $400 million proposal is at least a step toward stemming the economic tide of the COVID-19 crisis. This effort, combined with efforts to buy local and help our neighbors, can aid the economy at a time when we badly need progress. 

— Gareth Henderson 

A good start

Late-afternoon sun breaks through onto the Village Green in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Anyone who has read comment streams on any social media platform recently has seen diverse opinions on reopening the economy. Some say states should reopen more quickly, others say pull back. 

While Gov. Phil Scott has taken a gradual approach in Vermont, he has felt the push and pull of those diverging views. Still, the state has stuck with “opening the spigot a quarter turn at a time,” as the governor often says. 

Comparing what different governments are doing as far as reopening can descend into politics very quickly. Very local examples might be more useful, and, so far, local retail establishments have done well to follow safety precautions in Vermont. It’s true the stores are following state requirements when they reopen. But I think the spirit in which it’s done is important, and, visiting downtown Woodstock yesterday, stores who had reopened their doors clearly reflected a commitment to safety in their shops, and customers were very appreciative. Most people wore masks and used hand-sanitization areas where they were set up. Though the week is young, it seems we have the beginnings of a shopping environment where all can be comfortable during these times, and that’s the place to start.

As more stores seek to reopen, Vermont’s spirit of collaboration will almost certainly result in business owners sharing best practices with each other. People helping their neighbors through challenges has been a theme during quarantine, and it is not going away. Additionally, chambers of commerce and other local groups are providing useful information to businesses as they navigate these choppy waters.

That last sentence is important. There are still numerous challenges facing businesses, who are reeling from two months of no in-person commerce and a customer base crushed by unemployment pressures. However, we’re starting off on the right foot, by seeing our local shop owners and having the conversations we’ve missed so much. It reminds us about what is most important in life. Friendships and local connections are the bedrock of our community. If we keep in touch, stay helpful and kindly work together, that positive energy will demonstrate the strength we share as a community, and that gives us hope. 

— Gareth Henderson 

Reopening retail

Jeffrey Kahn, owner of the Unicorn in Woodstock, Vermont, talks about the store’s puzzles, which have been his number-one seller during quarantine. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Not every Vermont retail business reopened on Monday, the first day the state said they could, but those who did soon felt the love from eager shoppers ready to step out of the house and back into a store. 

In Woodstock, Vermont, downtown merchants reported fairly steady foot traffic on this momentous day during the pandemic. They mentioned that most customers came in wearing masks and gladly followed precautions the stores required. 

"People have been so appreciate we've been open," said Jeffrey Kahn, owner of the Unicorn, on Monday afternoon. "They've been very happy we have the station by the door with the antiseptic for people to sanitize their hands; no one's groused about that."

No more than four people were allowed into the store at a time, but that didn't limit the uplifting feeling of seeing others in person. Kahn greatly missed the interaction and conversation with customers in recent weeks, and on Monday, customers expressed that sentiment, too. 

"That really made my heart warm," Kahn said. 

Kim Smith, co-owner of 37 Central Clothiers in Woodstock, called it a busy Monday. 

"We haven't stopped all day," she said. "People are so excited to be out." 

Smith re-arranged her merchandise in the shop so people can easily browse while practicing social distancing of six feet. 

"We've seen a lot of moms and their daughters who are supposed to be in college but they're not," she said. "It's nice to see some locals, too. They've been very supportive through all this." 

The past two months have indeed been rough on merchants, but having people in the store was progress. 

"We're not looking to catch up," Smith said. "We're looking to survive right now." 

Some new additions to the local shopping experience might stick around. For example, over the past two months, Kahn has been using Facetime to remotely show products to customers with his iPhone, and plans to keep using that tool going forward. He said curbside pick-up is also continuing.

Some local shops, however, opted to remain closed to in-person shopping for safety reasons. The Yankee Bookshop's owners, Kari Meutsch and Kristian Preylowski, sent out an email to customers on Sunday saying they would not open their doors on Monday, but are taking steps toward reopening safely.

"We are getting our safety equipment in line, and reorganizing our workflow to be compliant with social distancing," they wrote. "There is a lot to figure out even in a small bookshop, but we are working on it." 

Meanwhile, the bookshop is still taking online and phone orders and will continue to offer curbside pickup.

In nearby Hartford, it was the same look during a beautiful sunny Monday: some shops opened up, others were in preparation mode. 

“It’s a mixed bag for sure,” said PJ Skehan, executive director of the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce. He noted there were a lot of regulations involved for the stores. “Overall, they’re eager to get going, but there’s a lot of concern over doing it right."

Some of that concern included having enough protective masks and gloves to operate, and others were working on signage. Skehan added that, for some of the larger retailers, opening with the required 25-percent limit on occupancy did not make financial sense. 

"There's definitely excitement in the air, but there's also apprehension," he said. "It's a whole new ballgame." 

Skehan encouraged customers to be patient, and he saw that in action during a recent trip to buy garden supplies.

"People were being respectful, which is great," he said. 

If Monday's visits to local stores were any indication, there is a lot of hopeful energy in the air, maybe even momentum toward better days. The progress made thus far is encouraging. Vermont’s progress, however, took weeks to secure, and each safety precaution is a step in the right direction. Let's work together to carry the state and the nation forward. 

— Gareth Henderson

Getting back to it

After two months of staying at home, we've all felt the urge to get out of the house, even if it's just a simple errand or needed task.

For me, that has usually meant either taking the dog for a walk, or occasionally going to the mail or the shopping market. But in the past two days, I ran three errands, including a quick shop for food. It seems mundane, but when it comes to daily-life errands outside of the house, that's a quarantine record for me. Not every weekend will require that of course, but I took it as a note of progress, that I felt comfortable with doing that level of activity outside the home if needed — while taking along my mask and following other precautions. Most places I went to had signage at least encouraging six feet of social distancing, a term we’re all familiar with now.

That said, comfort level will vary among shoppers and businesses during this reopening phase. This week in Vermont, that situation will be put to the test, as retail businesses open up under state restrictions. Not all retail shops will reopen on Monday, but some will, and others will take days until they are ready to open up safely. This will be gauged in several other sectors on Friday, when hotels, marinas and campgrounds will get the green light to reopen in Vermont.

The takeaway is that reopening the economy is unpredictable; we have never been here before. But if precautions are still followed by the public, and we continue to help one another in our communities, the way forward is lighted with progress. Even the smallest act of kindness carries great meaning for people, and Vermonters know how powerful we are together. We are likely headed into a different kind of future, but together, we are poised to rebuild this economy. 

— Gareth Henderson 

Important week ahead

Vermonters are about to head into a big week, with Monday being the first day in-person retail businesses can open their doors to the public again.

Though that reopening comes with restrictions, it is a day many businesses have eagerly anticipated after two months of shutdown. Lost income from having no foot traffic has put a deep strain on many budgets, and store owners are eager to get some traffic moving, especially with Memorial Day weekend coming up. Even with the 25-percent occupancy limit, any additional business will help these shops make progress.

There is also the social side of the equation. Here in Vermont, local shop owners are also our friends and neighbors. It will be joyful and reassuring for customers to visit with the store owners they haven’t seen in person for weeks, even while social distancing.

For the most part, it appears Vermonters have been following the precautions the state recommends. If that weren’t true, Vermont wouldn’t have the lowest coronavirus growth rate in the U.S. So, let’s pave the way for more reopenings and continue to follow those precautions. Different sectors are gradually getting back to work, and we will stay on that path by being united for the greater good.

— Gareth Henderson

Another milestone

The big news on Friday was that Vermont now has the lowest corona virus growth rate in the country.

That progress spurred Gov. Phil Scott to announce he will allow hotels, campgrounds and marinas to open next week, though with some restrictions. For example, hotels will be asked to limit gatherings to 10 people, and they can’t book more than 25 percent of their capacity.

Also at Friday’s press briefing, Scott extended to June 15 the state’s emergency order, now called “Be smart, stay safe.” By June 1, he said, Vermont is likely to open up outdoor seating at restaurants and close-contact businesses like hair salons, as well as increase the gathering limit to 25 people.

The governor noted the state’s emergency order still encourages Vermonters to wear masks and practice social distancing.

“While our trends remain promising, we know we’re not out of the woods yet,” Scott cautioned.

Today’s announcement about Vermont progress against COVID-19 was encouraging. It was proof that many Vermonters have taken recommended precautions seriously, and that makes a difference.

But, as we go into another weekend in which small outdoor gatherings are permitted, and the economy is gradually opening up again, we should remember the importance of community-mindedness. That means not only adhering to state guidelines, but also welcoming, helping and appreciating others — wherever they may be from. We are truly one people, here and across the country, with a deep, innate desire to help one another. That state of being is so natural for us, and there’s no better time to let that shine.

— Gareth Henderson

Message of strength

A message that rings true for Vermont came from one of our neighboring states today as it grapples with COVID-19.
Mayor Bill De Blasio of New York City spoke of NYC’s resilience after 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy as proof that it will come back from the pandemic “as a stronger and better city.” He noted their strength has been tested many times, and the city has persevered.
“What has been clear throughout is that what we have here is eternal,” De Blasio said. “What we have built in this city over generations is much bigger and much stronger than has ever been realized.”
Vermont is built with that same kind of fortitude and unshakable, enduring resolve. We have seen kindness shine through and sustain us, even in the darkest hours. The love and compassion that has steadied us through the COVID-19 crisis has been seen before — the response to Tropical Storm being the most recent example — and with our lasting strength as a people, we again rise to the challenge.
To be clear, this crisis is unmatched in its breadth and impact. No state has ever seen its equal. However, Vermont will also emerge “stronger and better” from the pandemic. The indomitable strength of our communities requires it, and we will persevere once again.

— Gareth Henderson

Pressing on

Though many thousands of unemployment claims have cleared the pipeline in Vermont, some applicants have yet to see that much-needed check during the pandemic. 

Lawmakers continue to hear from, and follow up with, constituents whose claims haven't been processed. As of Tuesday morning, there were at least 10,000 Vermonters in that category, according to Rep. Charlie Kimbell, who represents Woodstock, Reading and Plymouth. Many of these applicants have more complicated claims, Kimbell explained, such as those who were employed part-time but also had their own business. Others applied to the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for self-employed individuals, rolled out three weeks ago in Vermont, and haven't received benefits. Most haven't seen income in two months. 

"If they haven't gotten a check by now, they're desperate," Kimbell said. "Most people don't have more than 30 days in the bank." 

Some are contending with technological hurdles, said Windsor County Sen. Alice Nitka of Ludlow. She knew of one man who relied on the local library for his internet connection when he had to file for unemployment in the past, but, of course, the library is closed. The only technology he has is a flip phone. Overall, many are filing for the first time.

"It's just incredible frustration, sadness and worry," Nitka said. 

As these claims remain, there is a group of lawmakers trying to help directly, according to Kimbell. About 25 lawmakers have formed a legislative action team, which is working with the Department of Labor to get answers for claimants and find solutions. Kimbell, who is not with the group, said the action team took about 2,000 referrals from constituents and, as of Tuesday, had managed to resolve about half of those claims. 

Despite these difficult situations, it is reassuring to learn about the lawmakers who are taking a more direct role in helping with questions about applications. Hopefully, their efforts will help resolve even more claims in the coming days. The Department of Labor is continuing to add call center workers as they try to address claims more quickly. 

Within our systems of government and without, it is comforting to know there are still Vermonters out there trying to help people make it through these difficult times. Our communities have answered the call, and they continue to do so. The efforts of tireless volunteers with food shelves, senior centers and other organizations all over the state have been inspiring. Kind people are there to help their neighbors, including those still awaiting the assistance they urgently need. We'll press on as a community — no one has to go it alone. 

— Gareth Henderson

Thriving creatively

Morgan Hill creates paper-mache vases in Woodstock, Vermont. (Courtesy Photo)

Visions of vases had crossed Morgan Hill's mind before, but had never materialized — until now.

Hill, a New York-based designer, is back in her hometown of Woodstock, Vermont, working on a creative venture that took off during the current shutdown: large, paper-mache vases, with bright colors and an eye-catching design.

Until now, her creative life has been in New York City, where she has lived for the past five years. But in mid-March she opted to leave NYC, which was quickly becoming the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak. Hill remembers wearing a bandana for a face-covering as an Uber driver, donning a mask, took her to Penn Station. There had been no government orders there at the time, but the city's mood was changing.

“It felt like I was escaping,” she said.

Hill, who formerly worked for Diane von Furstenberg, was most recently working for Circus by Sam Edelman — a younger, edgier spin-off of the well-known shoe brand. Soon after she got back to Vermont and started her two-week quarantine, she was furloughed. Hill had planned to have a couple hobbies on the side.

“I decided to make the hobbies a full-time gig,” she said.

Her parents' house became her new studio — sparking creative thought with paint and supplies collected from years of artistic experiments. That led to a new claim to fame: large, 24-inch paper-mache vases. Hill began making them in mid-March, posted them to Instagram, and sales soon followed. She is now taking commissions.

“In the first wave I sent out, a lot of people said, ‘I know you sold this vase to this person I know. How do I get one?”

For a brief time, Hill pivoted back to making jewelry, a longtime passion of hers. But the Instagram feedback was clear: The people wanted more vases.

Now without the daily grind of city life, Hill finds herself with more time to test the bounds of the artist's palette. The last time she had a chance to explore a new artistic medium, she was in college.

“I’d been building up all these ideas I’d never been able to execute,” Hill said.

Aside from vases, she has also been creating purses with the same technique, but is working out some technicalities on those. She's not stopping there.

“I’ve been wanting to do a lot more home objects, lamps and bowls, maybe side tables,” she said. “Actual furniture would be great. We’ll see how long this quarantine lasts.”

Find out more about Hill's work at her website, www.morganfhill.com, or look for @morganfhill on Instagram.

— Gareth Henderson

The next big step

Downtown White River Junction, Vermont, is shown in early April. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

After nearly two months of no foot traffic, Vermont retail businesses got some good news on Monday.

Gov. Phil Scott announced that in-person retail would be allowed to reopen in Vermont on May 18, though initially with restrictions. All employees must wear a facial covering and use social distancing of six feet. Stores also may not have more than 25 percent of their legal occupancy. COVID-19 safety training is also required for workers.

Scott said even though the data shows the state is making headway, Vermonters should still keep up recommended precautions, especially as neighboring states grapple with far more cases.

“Even as we continue to reopen, I urge Vermonters not to let up on physical distancing, washing your hands, staying home when ill, limiting travel, wearing masks when around others, because it’s due to those types of precautions and the sacrifices Vermonters have made ... that we can continue to slowly reopen,” Scott said at a press conference Monday.

The pace of reopening is too fast for some, too slow for others, as the governor has often repeated. But nearly two months after the initial stay-at-home order, shop owners are hugely feeling the financial pinch of the shutdown, and officials are feeling an urgency to revive the economy. Today’s announcement was a logical next step in that direction.

Those stores that have done curb-side pick up already have sanitizing protocols in place, and other shops will make those arrangements in time. Though the comfort level among consumers may vary, most Vermonters will want to get out and support those able to reopen. This will be the next phase of the continued community effort to emerge from this crisis successfully. Let’s be there for our neighbors, as we’ve always been. Together, we can’t be overtaken. Our determination will lead us forward.

— Gareth Henderson

Paths converge

Different paths brought us all to where we are now, quite literally. For me, the shutdown has meant staying right here at home in Vermont, where I had already been in the run-up to the state’s stay-at-home order in late March. Many of us saw it coming. 

But for others, it meant staying here indefinitely, postponing that return to home in New York, Boston or points beyond — after extending their weekend stay in Vermont became the safer option. Some ventured north shortly after the state order came down; others are heading this way for the summer, soon. 

It’s important to note: Vermont has seen visitors from out of state for decades. Some have become full-timers, while others have kept a second home here for many years and have also contributed greatly to the community. Obviously what’s new in this situation is, we have a pandemic. That has produced a fear of those coming in from the cities, often the hardest-hit areas. Some feel this more strongly than others, but everyone has seen this expressed. 

Now, the root of that feeling is understandable, given the news reports from other parts of the country. But that is not what matters most. What really counts, is what we do after we feel that first tinge of fear. In that situation, I would appeal to our natural inclination as a community, to treat everyone with love and humanity no matter where they’re from. That kindness has spread through every city and town, through neighbors helping neighbors, and all can be embraced by it. 

To be clear: Everyone should follow the rules the state has laid out. Anyone crossing into Vermont must self-quarantine for 14 days, regardless of their license plate color. That reinforces the idea that to make progress as a community, we all must stick together. It is up to all of us to meet this challenge, as one.

As we move forward, the state keeps reporting progress against COVID-19, and so far this spring, the restrictions have been loosened a little more every week. The most important driver of continued progress, is how we respond as a community — specifically, how we help one another. We can extend that feeling of inclusion to all of our neighbors. We’re here in the same community, and we should take the path ahead together.

— Gareth Henderson