Call to action

Vermonters heard a call to action on Friday, as Gov. Phil Scott declared June 19, 2020, "Juneteenth Recognition Day." For the first time, the state officially commemorated the day slavery ended in 1865 when the Union Army freed 250,000 enslaved African Americans in Texas, over two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. 

The announcement came as the nation confronts the impact of systemic racism amid continued protests, following the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer last month. At a press briefing on Friday, Scott said much work remains to be done, and the recognition of Juneteenth was an important step. 

"As we consider what we're seeing across the country right now, and the need to listen and learn about one another, and better understand the real legacy of racism in our country and institutions, I think it's fitting for us to celebrate this important event to better reflect on what it means to African Americans and to everyone who loves freedom and believes in the dignity of every life, and the American promise of equal rights and justice for all without exception," governor said.   

Xusana Davis, the state's executive director of racial equity, said it's especially important for white Vermonters to listen, learn and take action to help in this movement toward a more equitable society. 

"It is the moment of all white people in America and in Vermont, because it is your moment to act. It is perhaps more your moment than anyone else's," Davis said. “Because as people who wield outsized and often unearned power and privilege in our society, it’s especially important and necessary that you be the ones to exercise that privilege in a way that makes things more equitable for everyone.”  

She said turning self-education efforts into action is essential to changing the current situation.  

"It's important to listen and learn. ... And then , once you have listened, once you have learned, then you defer to the people who are impacted by this work, and then you act," Davis said. She noted there is an Action and Allyship Guide on the state's website, which offers ways to get involved in racial equity efforts.

State Rep. Kevin "Coach" Christie, chair of the Vermont Human Rights Commission, said as the state moves forward on efforts against racism, we must do the work  together. 

"Now is the time to reaffirm our commitment to the mitigation of systemic racism in Vermont," he said.

Christie said he knew it was difficult to understand how Vermonters of color are feeling on this day, and he offered an example from his own life. 

"I ask you to think about a fellow black or brown Vermonter, and I ask you to consider, when was the last time you were told, 'Go back to the jungle?' That's what my daughter was told at a school here in Vermont." 

Scott pointed out another act of racism, when someone vandalized a Black Lives Matter mural soon after its creation on State Street in Montpelier.

"We need to look no further than the vandalism on State Street last weekend, to remind us that racism and discrimination are still far too prevalent in America today and in Vermont," he said.  

Davis said moving toward action was the most important focus, not guilt for what you didn't know before. 

"It's not about the shame of not knowing, it's not about the hurt or discomfort from that history, it's about, 'What are we going to do with the knowledge today, so that we don't repeat that history?’" 

— Gareth Henderson

Outside and buying local

Colemann Colburn, of Fresh Roots Farm in Sharon, bags some vegetables for customers Karen Ferrante and Paul Disegna at the Market on the Green in Woodstock, Vermont, on Wednesday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

People love being outside and buying local food — two things summer is made for. That's why, on its second day of the season, the Woodstock Market on the Green in Woodstock, Vermont, had no trouble attracting customers for its local food producers, despite the fact that it looks a bit different this year. 

Hand sanitizing stations are on either end of the Green and social distancing is required during in-person shopping, in accordance with state regulations on farmers markets. Vendors are required to wear masks, and they are recommended for customers. 

Colemann Colburn, of Fresh Roots Farm in Sharon, is at the Market on the Green for the ninth straight year. The market is every Wednesday during the summer from 3 to 6 p.m., and it started the season last week. 

Spotting a few of his vegetable baskets which were near empty, he said on Wednesday that the market's second day of 2020 was a fruitful one. He said customers had no problem with the six feet of distancing. Colburn said he's glad to pick the food for customers, but if they want to pick up the food themselves, he asks that they wear gloves, which he supplies.

"People have been good about it," he said. 

Karen Ferrante and Paul Disegna, from Rhode Island, stopped by Colburn's stand for some veggies, donning their masks. They've enjoyed his farm's vegetables many times in the past two or three years when they've been visiting Woodstock, and they had no issues with the state rules. 

"It's weird but we believe it's keeping us and others safe, so it's just being respectful," Disegna said. 

Farther down the Green, Windsor-based SILO Distillery was offering their small-batch spirits, all made with Vermont-grown grain. Mary Shappell, field events manager for Silo, said people were thrilled to see the vendors. 

"I've heard so many customers say, 'We're so glad you're here,'" she said. "It's just a little touch of normal." 

Kathy Avellino, of the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce, which runs the market, said a "steady stream of people" during the first couple of hours on Wednesday. The state unveiled the rules for farmers markets last month, but some restrictions have been relaxed. Craft vendors are now allowed, and Avellino said the market hopes to have some crafters back in two weeks. 

The weather this Wednesday was a lot better than opening day last week, when it rained and poured. That was a welcome change, Avellino noted as the sunshine hung around through the late-afternoon hours.

"It's a beautiful day. Who wouldn't want to be out here?"

— Gareth Henderson

For a better world

It is quite a time to be a journalist. There is no shortage of stories to develop, no shortage of angles, and plenty of important things happening simultaneously. It’s a fruitful garden of ideas, with words as their seeds.

As I look out over that landscape, I’m awed by what the world faces today. I’m coming to terms with how this earth experience has morphed over the past few weeks, and what it means for mankind. Two months ago, the main focus was the height of the pandemic and our collective reaction to it. We saw countless examples of how people were loving and caring for one another, even as the health crisis loomed. 

Then, after some weeks of progress on the COVID-19 situation, the national spotlight shined on a virus of a different kind, but too often unseen: racism. The death of George Floyd under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer shook the nation’s consciousness, and, every moment, the issue demands resolution. It sparked proposals in Congress and also governmental action in some states, including New York and Vermont. The solution will take strong resolve in the coming weeks and months, to press on amid controversy and make sure local and regional systems continue the march toward justice. 

Even while this major issue persists, the impact of the pandemic remains an important factor well beyond the continuing public health precautions and forecasts. After complete shutdowns of states swept the country in March, the nation entered reset mode. People everywhere reassessed their lives on an unprecedented scale; they made necessary changes wondering if some of those changes should stay. At the same time, because so many needed the help of their neighbors, there was a wave of compassionate, graceful moments of kindness that uplifted us all, when we either experienced them, did them or heard about them. 

For the second time this year, our hearts and minds have been necessarily shaken, and our brothers and sisters need us. We are once again compelled to wake up to what has been, and what could be. I am convinced that the universal goodness we trusted and employed to uplift our neighbors is still here within all of us, no matter what the politics say or what tired cycles of thought would dictate. Something so strong doesn’t wash away, it only gets clouded over. And now, we have the opportunity to call on that power of love to confront racism, purge this world of hate, and embrace a renewed sense of unity for mankind. The lessons of the past few months have paved the way for good, and the people are demanding rightful change. Let’s combine the two, empower each other and make this a better place.

— Gareth Henderson 

Waiting for relief

More relief will soon be available for Vermont businesses after lawmakers recently passed a bill including $93 million in federal CARES Act money. That bill provides mostly grants to which business owners will have to apply, and lawmakers say more is on the way this week. 

That action comes after a $400 million business relief package proposed by Gov. Phil Scott last month, to help businesses during the pandemic. All funds would come from the $1.2 billion in federal aid Vermont received earlier in the spring. 

House Speaker Mitzi Johnson told Vermont Public Radio on Tuesday that more of the CARES Act money will be approved soon. 

"We'll have $1 billion dollars either allocated, already voted on, or on its way out the door in just a couple of days," Johnson said on VPR.

The Legislature's efforts are designed to get the funds out to the most severely impacted businesses first, while also fixing some issues with the governor's proposal. Lawmakers have said some of the proposed uses of the relief funds were not allowable under federal restrictions. 

Those words, however, may not be enough for a business owner who expected approval of the governor's full proposal far sooner than this. With businesses facing looming hurdles to survival, the pressure intensifies on policy-makers and calls for help increase. As the Legislature prepares to approve more funds, let's hope the collaborative approach to resolving these issues continues. Together is always the best way. 

— Gareth Henderson

Navigating the path forward

Flags fly in the breeze outside downtown businesses in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson File Photo)

The governor has extended Vermont's state of emergency order to July 15, on the same day as he allowed campgrounds to fully open and anticipated taking other steps soon. 

While Gov. Phil Scott noted Vermont has made great progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19, the emergency order gives him the ability to slow the reopening process during the pandemic if needed. So far, the prospects for continuing that process look good. At his Monday press briefing, Scott said he anticipates allowing people to visit nursing homes and assisted living facilities later this week.

The full reopening of campgrounds comes on the heels of the relaxing of quarantine requirements for travelers, the partial reopening of indoor dining, and allowing hair salons, barber shops and gyms to partially reopen. On Monday, Scott reminded Vermonters that the state "is not an island" and must remain cautious on next steps. 

"We still have 130,000 active cases within a five-hour drive of us," Scott said. 

Vermont Health Commissioner Mark Levine on Monday said the recent outbreak in Winooski and Burlington was not the result of the state's reopening efforts. Actually, he said health officials have seen indications that this outbreak, which stands at 83 cases today, can be contained. Contact tracing efforts are ongoing, Levine said.

It seems almost incredible that the pandemic reached Vermont three months ago, mainly because it feels like much longer — six months at least. But throughout those very difficult 90 days, Vermont's cautious and poised leadership has benefitted the state, and the progress has been steady, despite the recent situation in Winooski and Burlington. 

Today, we stand with numerous sectors partially open, and efforts continue to pave the way for broader reopenings for tourism-related businesses, many of which are struggling mightily to stay alive. Hopefully, state aid will be able to supplement local programs and community support to keep these small businesses going. This moment, throughout the state, the words "shop local" ring true. Let's each do all we can to support our local economies, and help pave the way for more progress in these coming weeks. Vermont needs it.

— Gareth Henderson

A desire for change

Community members gather for a recent rally in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson File Photo)

Yesterday I wrote about the power of younger voices demanding racial justice, and today, I’m encouraged Vermonters are strengthening that movement and momentum is building.

A week after the words “Black Lives Matter” were painted on the road leading to the White House, the street facing the Vermont State House now bears the same message. Over 100 people reportedly gathered on Saturday morning to paint the words. The 20-foot message in yellow paint is unavoidable when going to the State House or passing by, which means many people will see the words every day, including those running the government. 

This is important, because we need reminders large and small, so that the awareness of inequality and injustice stays at the forefront of our minds as a community. That’s the basic requirement to move toward the change many Americans are demanding. The vandalism of the new mural, reported on Sunday, is a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.

These issues are on the minds of lawmakers in our state, though it’s not yet clear what statewide proposals will come. Windsor County Sen. Alison Clarkson spoke at a recent rally in Woodstock. 

“We are all committed to changing our world one bill at a time, one life at a time,” she said, including her fellow legislators. 

In related news, the deadline passed on June 12 for applicants to the Racial Equity Task Force announced by Gov. Phil Scott this month following the national outcry about the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The panel will be chaired by Xusana Davis, the state’s executive director of racial equity. The state appears to be moving on this quickly, so hopefully an announcement will come soon once all the members are selected.

As the governor has said, the racial equity task force isn’t the whole solution for Vermont, but it’s a starting point. In response to a reporter’s question last week, he emphasized that we all have a role to play in addressing racism. Just declaring, “I’m not a racist,” is not sufficient, Scott said at the Wednesday briefing. 

“That’s not enough anymore,” he said. “What we need to do is be anti-racist, and we need to take action. It’s long overdue.” 

The unavoidable Black Lives Matter mural on the street in Montpelier shows a strong desire for meaningful change, and a desire to remind those in power, and those they represent, that this issue is not going away. By joining together in those calls for justice, we keep building the momentum this movement needs, toward the unity our future requires.

— Gareth Henderson

Following their lead

A few people gather on the Green ahead of the graduation parade in Woodstock, Vermont, on Friday. Young people have played a major role in protests for racial justice. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

“I follow his lead.” Those words were spoken by Rev. Leon Dunkley at the Black Lives Matter rally in Woodstock, Vermont, last Tuesday. And they are the words I remember most from that afternoon, because he was referring to Tripp Overbay, a third-grader who has rallied his community around stopping racism and taking action for justice.

It was an impactful recognition of the courage of the young people who have powered this new movement for justice, equality and unity after George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis. We need their voices, and we need them every day, in order to stay focused on participating in this national push for change. As Tripp and others have said, part of that push will be in smaller steps which lead to the larger goal. 

One of those steps — and a hugely important one — is education, learning about what led us here. It is essential for white people like myself to understand the problem, to understand why life in the U.S. is different for our brothers and sisters of color. That is foundational to national progress on this issue, because one must understand a problem, in order to help resolve it and inspire others to do the same. 

This week, I took great inspiration from PBS NewsHour’s Friday coverage of the Black Lives Matter movement through the eyes of young Americans. One segment featured video statements by teenagers about the racial justice movement, and one important theme was conversations. Talking with family and friends about the tough issues, though sometimes difficult, will be key as the country tries to move forward. It is part of the path toward real understanding. 

I’m proud to say, I think many Vermonters are heading down that path, but of course, there is a vast amount of work to be done, here and throughout the country. It includes addressing injustices in housing, education, government and a host of other parts of society. But I’m greatly encouraged by the younger generations who are propelling us forward, and I hope more and more Americans will follow their lead, with love and compassion underpinning the work. Change is putting down roots. It’s time to help them grow.

— Gareth Henderson

Graduate parade

The crowd congratulates the Class of 2020 as their car parade passes the Village Green in Woodstock, Vermont, on Friday evening. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

High school graduation was always going to be different this year. In Woodstock, Vermont, it sure was, but even with that difference, celebration and joy took the lead roles when all was said and done.

On Friday, Woodstock’s high school seniors got their diplomas, driving up to the high school and walking the stage one by one. And then — the community got a parade. 

In decked-out vehicles, Woodstock’s Class of 2020 paraded through the downtown as relatives and friends eagerly cheered them on from the Village Green.

It was the latest example of something hugely important which had to change because of the pandemic. No one knew what to expect, but in the end it was a festive time, and the graduating class enjoyed the moment. The crowd greeted them with colorful, congratulatory signs as graduates waved, smiled and shared a few light moments as they saw familiar faces along the route. 

For 2020 graduate Harrison Morse, it was still a special evening even though it didn’t have the traditional public ceremony at Woodstock Union High School. 

“My expectations were kind of low, having to be six feet apart and everything, but in the end it was great. A special twist on it.” 

There were more than just cars in Woodstock’s graduate parade on Friday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Morse liked the direct connection with the crowd.

“Having a parade was really cool,” he said. “Usually you’re just sitting, but everyone could cheer for you individually as you drove by, and people could make signs.” 

At a time when many community events are cancelled or postponed, the parade was refreshing in a way for many people. Pomfret resident Becky Fielder was there with her daughter, Molly, 9, who enthusiastically held up a sign congratulating the WUHS grads from Pomfret. 

“We have a lot of friends with kids who are graduating, so in lieu of being able to have parties, here we are,” she said. “It’s nice to have something to look forward to.” 

Burlington-based trio Pete’s Posse provided musical entertainment on the Green during the parade, organized by Pentangle Arts. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

All evening, it seemed people were reconnecting with friends they hadn’t seen in weeks amid the pandemic. That sentiment was no doubt felt by graduates, too, as their community embraced them with love and appreciation on Friday evening and their school careers came to a close.

The parade went by faster than a traditional ceremony, but the event still had a certain weight to it. Everyone was there to recognize and celebrate a special time in these young people’s lives, a unique culmination of years of accomplishment, leading into new chapters. In that spirit, the community connected with them, and the graduates shared their happiness and joy. It was a time of uplifting togetherness with a positive, common purpose, and that’s what community is all about. 

Congratulations, Class of 2020!

— Gareth Henderson 

New horizons

As many young Vermonters prepare to graduate from high school this week, the very schools they are leaving behind also face new horizons amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

That change starts with fall 2020, when in-person instruction will continue under state guidelines that will be released next week for the K-12 system. When Vermont schools open up, staff will be required to wear facial coverings, state officials announced Wednesday. All students and staff will undergo daily health checks upon arrival, which will include a series of questions and temperature checks. Students will be encouraged to wear facial coverings. 

The guidance will also outline procedures the state can take in case of an outbreak, including possible school closures. Officials are exploring ways to improve remote learning capabilities in case that is needed, state Secretary of Education Dan French said at the Wednesday briefing. 

“We see this guidance as foundational to the other planning we need to undertake to reopen schools,” French said. The next step will include engaging with students, parents and community members to gather feedback, he added. 

As the state continues down the road of reopening schools, there will be constant reminders that everything has been impacted by COVID-19. Every decision carries some extra weight for that reason. However, it’s interesting to ponder whether the last couple months yielded some new ideas about the internet and education delivery. Perhaps interactive online collaboration with outside experts will be a bigger part of the classroom, for example. Students working with their peers from other campuses via Zoom could have potential as well.

However, it’s clear the number-one task now is safely getting the doors open again, within a plan that provides the educational opportunities children need. To accomplish that all-important goal, constant collaboration between the state and education stakeholders will be crucial to resolving issues along the way. 

As Gov. Phil Scott said, “We need to get through these issues together, because we know how vital it is for our kids and their development to move forward and reopen.”

— Gareth Henderson

A time to grow

When the signs of spring revved up in April and May, I wrote about the intersection of the COVID-19 era and the ultimate time of growth: spring. It was a case of the familiar next to the unfamiliar, the expected next to the unexpected. 

Reflecting back on the earlier days of lockdown, it was hard to imagine what else could alter life so greatly. Then came May 25, when George Floyd died under the knee of a police officer during an arrest in Minneapolis. And the national conversation shifted overnight to one of racism and the movement for justice. In an instant, all eyes were on our very democracy. How would it respond?

The people took the lead through protests, although a number of state government leaders spoke out against hate and division. The Black Lives Matter movement was re-ignited and over 700 cities and towns across America saw protests, rallies and vigils. More communities add to that number every day, with demonstrations including a wide range of races and ages.

The nation faces an immense challenge: to come together for change, at a time when it is greatly needed. Though it may seem like the country is greatly divided, there are generations young and old uniting around this new call for justice and racial equality. It has momentum, and, so far, I sense a humble willingness in many good people to speak up and take action. There will be much learning, much connecting, much growth involved in these efforts, if they are to be successful.

As that work continues, it is imperative to remember the innate goodness and love that unite us. We turn to those qualities naturally, like a plant turns toward the sun. As Rev. Leon Dunkley, of the North Universalist Chapel Society in Woodstock, Vermont, put it recently: "We are not separate from each other."

— Gareth Henderson 

Standing for justice

Rev. Leon Dunkley of the North Universalist Chapel Society addresses the crowd with Woodstock Police Chief Robbie Blish at his side during a Black Lives Matter rally in Woodstock, Vermont, on Tuesday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

On the day of George Floyd’s funeral in Houston, the Woodstock, Vermont, community held a Black Lives Matter rally on Tuesday including multiple generations standing up for racial equality and justice. 

The national outcry against racism and calls for reform have continued ever since Floyd’s death two weeks ago, when a Minneapolis police officer arrested Floyd and put a knee on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds.

On Tuesday, dozens of cars lined Route 106 in Woodstock Village, minutes before they circled the green, many displaying signs, and headed to the high school to gather. At the head of the procession was Jane Curtis, 102, longtime Woodstock resident who has seen her share of protests over the decades, including for civil rights and during the Vietnam War. 

“I think it’s my duty to protest injustice,” she said, in the passenger seat next to her daughter, Katie Curtis Donahue, 75. “It may drag on, but it will be resolved. I think the U.S. can’t live with injustice.” 

Jane Curtis, 102, is shown leading the long line of cars at the start of Tuesday’s rally in Woodstock, Vermont, with her daughter, Katie Curtis Donahue, at right. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Curtis was encouraged to see the number of children, teenagers and families turning out for protests here and across the nation. 

“It’s the best thing I’ve seen in years, the young people,” she said. “They’re the future.” 

That trend continued when the rally reached the high school, with local third-grader Tripp Overbay addressing the crowd. He had organized a protest on Friday in the village, and encouraged others to help carry on the work. 

“We must be a part of the fight to stop racism,” Tripp said, adding, “We have to act now.” 

Tripp Overbay, a local third-grader, encourages his community to fight racism during the rally in Woodstock, Vermont, on Tuesday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Organizer Gina McAllister then introduced Woodstock Police Chief Robbie Blish, who helped with traffic control for the rally along with his officers. He said the department was “saddened and outraged” when they saw Floyd’s final moments on video. Blish said what happened in Minneapolis goes against everything his department stands for.

“If one of us disgraces our profession, all of us are disgraced,” Blish said. “We have, and we continue to, walk the walk.”

He said 25 percent of his police force are officers of color, and that they follow “fair and impartial policing” policies which prohibit the use of chokeholds. 

Rev. Leon Dunkley, of the North Universalist Chapel Society in Woodstock, urged the crowd to remember what unites us. 

“We are not separate from one another,” he said. 

Multiple generations showed up for the Black Lives Matter rally in Woodstock, Vermont, on Tuesday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Dunkley said we all have the opportunity to move change forward through our natural unity as people.

“This is a choice, to say ‘no’ to the violence we’ve seen on TV, to say ‘no’ to a casual brutality that happened over 8 minutes and 46 seconds, to say ‘no’ to the ongoing nature of this pain in our society,” he said. “Part of me resides in you, and part of you resides in me.” 

Dunkley also commended Tripp Overbay’s courage: “I follow his lead.” 

Also addressing the crowd was Bob Hager, former longtime NBC Nightly News correspondent and Woodstock resident. He recalled his time covering a Ku Klux Klan rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, and also the race riots and the Poor People’s March in Washington, D.C.

Hager spoke about a small minor league team in Lexington, North Carolina, that integrated its roster in 1960. The love of baseball was a unifying factor. He saw white people cheering on the black players, which was an immediate change — despite the fact that segregation was widespread at the time. 

“It was a small beginning and a humble beginning, but you’ve got to start somewhere,” Hager said. 

That sentiment has been reflected in the State House as well. Windsor County Sen. Alison Clarkson said lawmakers in Montpelier are united in addressing these issues, noting the outcry after the tragedy in Minneapolis. 

“It’s just torn the scab off the great national wound of racial inequity and subjugation,” she said. 

Clarkson noted Gov. Phil Scott last year appointed the state’s first racial equity director, Xusana Davis. She will chair the state’s new Racial Equity Task Force, as announced by the governor last week. 

“We are all committed to changing our world one bill at a time, one life at a time,” Clarkson said. 

That dedication to change is keenly felt among the younger generations, who were well represented at Tuesday’s rally. Ariel Brewer arrived at the rally with her three daughters, Adele, 11, Sage, 6, and Neva, 3. They all made signs, one a big red heart, the other stating “Black Lives Matter”, and the third insisting, “Our skin color should not define us.” Adele created the latter sign. 

“We look different on the outside, but we’re the same on the inside,” she said. 

Her mother senses a boldness in the younger generation, a quality she thinks should be harnessed for change. 

“I tell my daughters, ‘If there’s one thing you learn from me, it’s to speak for yourself,’” Brewer said. 

If the national discourse is any indication, they are being heard. 

— Gareth Henderson

Staying cautious

Matt Powers, executive director of the Woodstock History Center in Woodstock, Vermont, moves some items back into the center’s office on Friday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

As Vermont continues to gradually reopen, a number of organizations are cautiously navigating that road. Buildings with multiple uses can make it a tougher balancing act.  

That’s where the Woodstock History Center finds itself. Museums, galleries and libraries fall under the state’s retail protocol, and the History Center has each of those functions under its roof, as Executive Director Matt Powers noted.

The center does not have a firm reopening date yet, but just last Friday, it began a gradual effort to move staff back into the building.

“We’re going really slow and being very thoughtful about how we’re going to do it,” Powers said in a recent interview.

For example, the new work scheduling will include no more than three staff members in the facility at a time. New protocols will include temperature checks as well, as required by the state. The center has also bought masks and will have hand-sanitizing stations. Keeping historical items and spaces clean, in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines, is a whole other set of rules the organization is still figuring out, Powers said.

While it remains closed to the public, the organization will continue to do curbside donations of historical items, and by appointment only. Research requests are now only taken online. As for the back lawn area, signage is upcoming that encourages masks and social distancing. 

The center has started to feel the financial impact of the pandemic in recent weeks, with fewer parking space rentals and a decline in e-memberships, Powers said. The organization did not have its annual spring appeal this year.

“We’ve been financially okay up until fairly recently,” Powers said.

The History Center previously set up a cash reserve fund, which Powers said has been helpful.

“All of our staff is working right now, thankfully,” he said.

Like many workplaces, the History Center employees have been working remotely and meeting regularly on Zoom.

“The most important thing has been focusing on the health of the staff and trying to keep them busy,” said Powers, who has six employees there. “Everyone has been really pleasant and patient.”

Fortunately the work has been there. The center’s team has been working on installing four major exhibits, adding virtual tours to the website (which has already been in the works), and also considering changes to the scenic lawn area by the river, including adding more interpretive functions and wayfinding.

“If our doors are closed, we need to be doing things outside,” Powers said.

A big priority has been working out how to accommodate library rentals in order to keep that income, Powers said. Also, the organization is seeking grants to help keep things running.

He noted the importance of what Vermont’s museums offer visitors.

“We are cultural drivers of the economy,” Powers said. “People aren’t going halfway across the world to go to the best T-shirt shops.”

But fulfilling that cultural mission will look different this year. Powers has been talking with other historical societies and also regional and national groups to exchange ideas and gain advice. He said the Norwich Historical Society is another group which has a multi-use facility as well. 

“We’re all hoping to break even,” Powers said.  

Early on, he said, a lot of similar nonprofits struggled to know when to seek assistance, since the focus was understandably on more significant needs like food and unemployment. But Powers remembered a webinar in which an expert with a national organization encouraged historical societies and similar organizations to seek the help they needed. 

“She said, ‘You’re part of the local orchestra, just like everybody else.’”

— Gareth Henderson

'Learning to live together'

The crowd kneels for eight minutes at a vigil on Sunday in Woodstock, Vermont, in honor of George Floyd. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

“We’re learning to live together.” That message was sung and spoken during a vigil today in Woodstock, Vermont, where over 100 people, including religious leaders and local officials, gathered to remember George Floyd, oppose hate and look toward a united future. 

An inspiring scene took place near the end of the event, when the crowd took a knee for eight minutes in honor of Floyd, a black man who died under the knee of a white Minneapolis police officer who arrested him almost two weeks ago. Since his death, over 700 cities and towns across the U.S. have seen protests and vigils as millions speak out against racism and demand change.

The Woodstock event came one day after a rally drew hundreds of people to nearby South Royalton, Vermont, where attendees in unison spoke the names of 206 black people who have died at the hands of police in recent years. At Sunday’s vigil, the crowd together spoke the names of Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Nina Pop and Tony McDade — whose lives are honored with a memorial on the front lawn of the North Universalist Chapel Society in Woodstock, where people have been arriving to lay flowers all weekend. 

Leading Sunday’s vigil was the North Chapel’s pastor, Rev. Leon Dunkley, who encouraged the crowd to see the beauty within themselves and share it in others. Dunkley assured those present that working for equality doesn’t have to be done with anxiety. 

“If we can find a way to do this as joy-based work, we’re going to get through this just fine,” Dunkley said, adding the following quote: “Never be afraid to return the beauty to our world.”

The vigil also acknowledged the diversity central to that beauty. Dunkley pointed out Sunday’s event took place on Abenaki ground, noting that we are “part of a larger story.” He then welcomed Rachel and Jeffrey Kahn from Congregation Shir Shalom, who shared a Torah from Czechoslovakia that survived the Holocaust.

“This Torah today is here to bear witness to what happens when hate goes unchecked, but this Torah survived,” Rachel Kahn said.   

As the nation grapples with hate, the example of former NFL star Colin Kaepernick has re-emerged into the news. With that in mind, Dunkley, a black man who once lived in Minneapolis, pointed out the two meanings of “taking a knee.” He brought up Kaepernick, who knelt in protest during the National Anthem in 2016 and was essentially forced from the league when no team would sign him. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently released a statement saying the NFL was wrong and that they stand with the “Black Lives Matter” movement.

As Sunday’s crowd applauded that change, Dunkley called it “a beautiful arch of growth that’s possible for all of us.” He then acknowledged the second meaning. 

“Taking a knee in Minneapolis, where I used to live, meant taking the life of a man named George Floyd.” 

On Sunday, as people held a number of “Black Lives Matter” posters, Dunkley also noted that some were criticizing that name, saying it should be “All Lives Matter.” He said “Black Lives Matter” is not a means of affirming an identity, rather, it’s a form of resistance to what led to the deaths of those 206 individuals. 

As the protests continued this weekend throughout the country, young people have had a strong presence, and Woodstock’s event on Sunday was no exception. Trey Jones, a local high school freshman, who is white, said he’s always had cousins and an uncle in New Jersey who were bi-racial. He was at Sunday’s vigil to show his support. 

“Just to do something for my cousins, for their future, means a lot to me,” Jones said. 

As the people knelt silently, united, for those eight minutes, I was heartened to see three young boys, each looking younger than 12, side by side, each on one knee. They were there, too, listening to the qualities of joy, grace and beauty being mentioned as strong, positive forces we have within us. At this pivotal time for our state and nation, Dunkley asked the crowd to consider what message they would give the world. If we walk with those qualities, innocently welcoming them as a child would, we will each lovingly figure out what we can do to help, and walk with others in that direction.

— Gareth Henderson

Time of reflection

The deep, introspective thinking going on in the nation is palpable. Many have realized we are at a crucial moment in history, and with racial inequality rising to the forefront of the national discussion, we have an opportunity to look within ourselves and ask, "What can I do?"

It all starts with talking about the tough issues, asking the tough questions. I was encouraged this week at the many conversations which seemed to rise out of the national unrest after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Some of them took place when police showed solidarity with protesters, and they embraced that support from the officers. Moments like these are a starting point for dialogue, an important avenue for increasing people's understanding about the issues at hand. Only with true understanding and compassion for each other can a real difference be made.

In an unexpected way, the groundwork has been laid for that understanding. With many people at home for weeks due to the pandemic, there has been a firmer focus in many communities on neighbors and what they need. This shift to more unselfed thinking can help people rally around healing the wounds of racism and inequality.  To be sure, this is one in a veritable ocean of factors in this situation. But it could be helpful to spur change. 

As I reflect on these momentous couple of weeks — ones I will never forget — I'm in awe at what a profound opportunity awaits each community in this country. Literally every person has the ability to take steps in favor of love, compassion and inclusion. Those three qualities set us on the path to unite for meaningful change. It is a steep path, but one we have to take, and the time is now.

— Gareth Henderson 

Rules loosen for dining, travel

Scenic vistas like this one along High Pastures Road in Pomfret draw visitors to Vermont every summer. The state is loosening travel restrictions. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

It's been a long way up the coronavirus mountain, and Vermont continues to make progress on reopening while heading down the other side of it.

Starting Monday, restaurants get the go-ahead for indoor dining with restrictions, Gov. Phil Scott announced at a press briefing. The rules install a 25-percent capacity limit and six-foot distancing between tables. Bars will remain closed, reservations are required, and cleaning protocols are outlined in the governor’s order.

Despite this expected good news, many restaurants remain in dire financial straits amid the pandemic. 

"I know we've still got a long way to go to get our restaurants back on their feet, and I know they can't make it on 25-percent capacity, but we've got to start somewhere, and we'll be able to build on this if the numbers move in the right direction," Scott said. 

Along with the dining announcement, the state also said travel restrictions will be eased as of Monday. The state will allow people living in counties in New England and upstate New York, that have 400 or fewer active COVID-19 cases per one million residents, to come to Vermont without a quarantine requirement. Vermonters will also be able to travel to those places without a quarantine. That said, Vermonters must still follow the rules of other states when traveling to those areas. Also in Friday’s update, the capacity limit on lodging establishments and campgrounds was raised from 25 to 50 percent.

The governor also said health officials are confident that, with the state's solid testing capacity, they can contain a recent outbreak in Winooski and stop it from spreading to the rest of the city or state. Vermont on Thursday confirmed 34 new COVID-19 cases in that city after weeks of seeing few new cases. Outside of Winooski, the same day saw a total of two other confirmed cases statewide. 

Scott acknowledged that some will be worried about loosening these restrictions at the same time as the situation in Winooski.

“I recognize this is a lot to absorb ... but I want to be clear, each of these steps is done working with the guidance of our health experts,” Scott said. He noted that firmer restrictions earlier in the spring gave the state time to build up its testing capacity, which it did. 

Indeed, it was a difficult time to take in the news of a spike in cases, but it appears cautious leadership is paying off for Vermont, not only health-wise but also in downtowns. With the beautiful weather and the gradual loosening of restrictions, for example, Woodstock Village was busier on Friday than I’ve seen it in some time. As more retail shops and restaurants open, we will see that activity increase statewide as customers see the economic ecosystem beginning to revive. Tourism will gradually trickle in as word gets out about the relaxed restrictions. As economic activity increases, positive signs of community and solidarity around progress will have the opportunity to flourish. Let’s take those steps together while being kind, compassionate and loving — in other words, while being Vermont Strong. 

— Gareth Henderson

A step toward change

When you think of press conferences, the Bible doesn’t usually come to mind. But this quote, recently mentioned at a press briefing in New York, particularly resonated with me amid today’s environment: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)

Let the good in us, overcome the bad in us. Let good take the upper hand and lead us forward. That message is very needed today, as the nation faces racial tensions in the wake of George Floyd’s death. In the aftermath of this tragedy, we all have a role to play for the betterment of society, which includes efforts around equality, inclusion, and constructive community-building. I believe those concepts are all part of creating true justice across the country, and some are beginning to envision what that would take. 

For starters, many are talking about communication. To be part of meaningful change, we have to communicate and connect with others to address racism and other forms of exclusion. Here in Vermont, we’re blessed with close-knit communities where it is easy to talk to one another and have real discussions. With that as a starting point, we can reach out to one another and include those who we may never have spoken with before, those who may be different from us, those we have disagreed with. 

This may seem like a small step to take, when one observes the news coverage of protests, commentators and rife politics. But as some have said in recent days, we all want to live good and peaceful lives. All people have that right. I believe that if we humbly and compassionately connect with each other to begin constructive dialogue, we lay the groundwork for understanding, and healing. We see each other. We build up. We let goodness lead. 

— Gareth Henderson

Saving summer tourism

The summer tourism season was a key topic at Vermont Gov. Phil Scott’s press briefing on Wednesday, as the state faces mounting pressure to reopen related sectors as they struggle to survive.

Restaurants were front and center, and Scott aims to unveil a plan on Friday to restart indoor dining as pandemic recovery efforts continue. Key COVID-19 metrics continue to show good signs for Vermont, almost two weeks after the governor gave the green light to outdoor dining. He cautioned that the indoor-dining plan would be gradual, starting with restrictions like social distancing. 

At the same time, the state is working on a plan to allow out-of-state visitors without a quarantine - something businesses badly need to make money in these warmer months. Officials are also looking at ways to increase capacity at lodging establishments and campgrounds, Scott said, adding he knows many businesses are barely making it by. Hotels, motels, inns and bed-and-breakfasts remain under a 25-percent occupancy limit and tight restrictions.

“We’re doing all we can to open up as much as we can, as safely as we can,” Scott said. 

A $400 million relief package announced in mid-May by the governor, and funded by federal CARES Act money, remains under discussion by the Legislature, who also face pressure to act quickly.

With each passing week, that pressure builds throughout the state and the New England region as businesses and nonprofits look to survive, with limited options to do so. The situation is different in each state, but in this region most pandemic-related metrics are pointed in the right direction, and hopefully Friday arrives with more good news. That said, the time of need is still with us, and anything we can do to help our neighbors, businesses and communities is a step we need to take. 

— Gareth Henderson

Opportunity for good

As I looked at the posters of the Class of 2020 surrounding the Village Green in Woodstock, Vermont, today, I was reminded of how much good there still is in the world, despite current crises.

The nationwide outrage after George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are the greatest challenges we face today, and they both demand that extremely important work be done. But first, it is important not to lose sight of how much propensity for love and kindness our people have. They’ve shown it many times over the past two months, and couldn’t that spirit of compassion be deployed, still, to help this country start to address this racial tension? 

That is possible, and necessary, and furthermore, it is the only way forward. From neighbors bringing each other groceries, to donations for relief funds and checking on someone’s well being, it’s important to remember that is who we really are. The greatest news is, we have an innate desire to help one another, and we’re very good at it. The examples mentioned above are just a few of the various ways people have stepped up for their communities, and they still inspire. 

It is tempting to think of the recent unrest as overcoming good, as cancelling out all the heart-felt good deeds of the past two months. Indeed, the tension is deeply troubling, and this moment, effective solutions seem very far away. But the beating heart of Americans’ love and compassion is still there. Cast in point: Volunteers are busy supporting traumatized communities who were already struggling amid the pandemic. While those who spread good may not have made every newscast, they’re still out there. And today, this country needs them more than ever, as we push toward progress together.

— Gareth Henderson

Seeking real change

A couple crosses Elm Street in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

As the U.S. looks to find its way through the aftermath of the tragic death of George Floyd, Vermont’s leadership offered a statewide perspective today and announced steps forward.

Gov. Phil Scott’s press conference came after Sunday night’s protests, riots and looting throughout U.S. cities, including nearby Boston. It came a week after Scott and the Vermont State Police condemned the actions of police in Minneapolis that caused Floyd’s death.

On Monday, Scott called on all Vermonters to consider what they can do to address the issue of racial inequality.

“We must all make clear, enough is enough,” he said. 

Scott also urged people to understand the history that led up to this point. 

“While we’re watching the response across the country, it’s important to reflect on a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, who said, ‘A riot is the language of the unheard.’ They simply don’t know what else to do,” he said. “And for those who see the national protests and feel disdain instead of sympathy, just know, the reactions we’re seeing in cities around the country are the results of decades, actually centuries, of calls for help that went unheard.” 

The governor called Floyd’s death at the hands of police “barbaric and totally inexcusable,” saying the officers involved should be charged and tried for murder (one officer is facing a murder charge; three others were fired). Scott also mentioned the recent, and peaceful, protests which occurred in Vermont. 

“I assure you, we’re listening. We hear what you have to say,” he said, asking that future protests also be done “peacefully and safely,” especially amid the pandemic. 

Scott said we all should remember this about Floyd’s death: “It’s not an isolated incident.” Therefore, he added, just listening is not enough — action needs to be taken. 

On Monday, Scott announced the launch of a statewide Racial Equity Task Force, which had already been in the works for several months. He said the task force will: 

• Look at the disparities among COVID-19 infection and death rates and examine how to close those gaps. 

• Evaluate available supports for racially diverse populations. 

• Review current state and federal law on hate speech.

• Contemplate ways to encourage Vermonters from a range of racial and ethnic groups to run and serve in public office at all levels. 

The governor acknowledged the task force, the members of which will be announced next week, is not the whole solution. 

“It’s going to take some soul-searching and real change, individually, to make a difference,” Scott said. “We should take this time to reflect on what role each of us can play to end hate, racism and bigotry. And for those of us who are white, and not typically the victim of it, we have to take a very close look, because the reality is, it’s everywhere, even here.” 

Scott said hate and inequality pose a bigger long-term risk to the nation than even COVID-19. But we have the opportunity to address it, together.

“It just takes us, united, to make this a better country for everyone,” he said.

— Gareth Henderson

Love is the always answer

Outrage, anger, frustration — those are the raw feelings pervading the U.S. today. As I view the scenes of protests on the news, I’m struck by how much love the nation needs right now. Then, I remind myself that we already have that love, in abundance. 

The past two months have brought countless acts of love and compassion throughout the U.S., as people stepped up to keep family, friends and neighbors safe through the ongoing pandemic. Now, that outpouring is needed more than ever as the country responds to the tragic impacts of racism. Many times in recent weeks, that love has shone through moments of increased understanding of others, with most people having a bit more time to learn and connect. Perhaps that will help lay the groundwork for larger solutions that are needed. 

In this life, sometimes problems come our way because we are ready to solve them. The U.S. could be facing such a moment now. We don’t know what the solution looks like or whether official institutions will change, but we know what won’t work. Today at his daily press briefing, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo quoted Maya Angelou’s words: “Hate has caused a lot of problems in the world, but it has not solved one yet.” 

That perfectly makes the case for using love to make progress. We all have more similarities than differences, and going forward, it will be so important to use the good that unites us to take steps forward, together. Loving our neighbor is the key to solving any divides, including racial. And we can start doing so right here, right now. 

— Gareth Henderson